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Ray-Pec Community,
At last Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, I had the opportunity to share information about two exciting new programs that are currently under development. I want to share that information with you today.
Special Education Futures House
The first opportunity is something we are calling the Special Education Futures House. This would be an actual house designed for students with special needs to practice the skills needed to live on their own. It could include:
- A family style kitchen and dining area
- A living room
- A bedroom with closet and bathroom
- Fully equipped laundry area
- An outdoor area for gardening and entertainment
Students would not live in the house, but would use the house as a classroom to learn:
- Basic meal preparation and clean-up
- How to set a table, serve a meal, and clear a table
- Skills to clean and maintain an actual living space
- Basics of home repair
- Basics of home design and decor
- Cost of living and working within a budget
- How to create dishes from items grown in a garden
There are several examples of cooperation and partnership of many regular education and special education programs needed to make the Special Education Futures House a reality. For example, students in the LEAD Center trade programs could partner with a construction company to build the house.
We are currently finalizing a timeline and budget, with the goal of opening the house in fall 2025. We plan to seek partnerships for all phases of the project.
Heavy Equipment Operating Engineering
The second opportunity is a Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer program that is projected to begin in fall 2024. This will be a half-day, two-year, pre-apprenticeship program for high school students in grades 11-12. The program will be taught in person by a current Heavy Equipment Operator Engineer.
While learning to operate heavy equipment, students would earn multiple certifications and accrue time toward an apprenticeship. There also would be the opportunities for internships. There is a high need in the area for the union and construction industry. This could be one of the first programs of its kind in the state, and among a handful in the country, for high school age students.
We are very excited about these two new opportunities.
As we move into February, there are many exciting things ahead of us. A very important celebration is that of Black History Month. Acknowledging the contributions of all Americans is a fundamental part of our community and our national heritage. I look forward every year to seeing the range of activities used by our building leadership teams to actively involve and educate our students about this important aspect of American history.
This is an outstanding community doing great things for all of our students.
Thank you for entrusting your children to the Ray-Pec School District.
Mike
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