Warwick highlights rebranded transition program, citing student‑led job training and community partnerships

Samantha “Sammie” Davey, the presenter for the district’s Special Services transition program, told the Warwick School Committee on May 13 that staff and families have rebranded the program to BRIDAL — Building Resources, Independence, Determination, Growth, and Empowerment — to reflect a renewed, student‑driven approach to job skills and community integration. “We are now going to be called the bridal program,” Davey said, describing student‑led job exploration at local sites and entrepreneurship projects.

Davey said the program serves about 20 students and has expanded community connections to Job Lot, Brentwood Nursing Home, Clouds Hill and small businesses that host job‑site experiences. She described classroom activities, grocery‑store budgeting and a student‑run entrepreneurship practice that has produced loom bracelets and woodworking. Anthony Hogan, who introduced himself as an emotional‑support parent accompanying the presenters, stood with staff while Davey reviewed photos and a new program website linked to Warwick Public Schools.

Bethany (speaker who addressed the committee as a parent/advocate) and other family members praised the program turnaround. “The transition program at that time was weak to say the very least … Most significantly, new leadership has prioritized the needs of our students,” one parent said, describing improvements since January and the creation of an advisory network for parents and students.

Committee members and the interim superintendent applauded the changes. A committee member said that what the team achieved between January and May was “incredible,” and another member welcomed the focus on student independence and expanded job sites. Public commenters during the later general comment period reiterated praise: a parent said the program “did a great job … there's more jobs, more opportunities” and thanked staff for listening and acting.

What’s next: presenters said they are increasing small‑group job exploration, expanding partnerships with adult agencies (ORS, MBH, DDH), and maintaining the new program website and community partner portal. Committee members asked staff to continue reporting back as the advisory network and job placements scale up.

Why it matters: the program aims to transition students into community employment and independent living skills after high school, and parents and staff told the committee they have already seen tangible outcomes—student job placements, entrepreneurship activities and rising family confidence.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 753, topfinish SEG 1049.