Community Classroom
Stonington Public Schools
A Transitional High School Program
What is a Community Classroom?
A Community Classroom is a classroom that is housed outside of the school building at a local business or organization. Students access this classroom as part of connecting their learning from job related experiences to life skills and/ or academics. Community Classrooms allow students to learn and work with non-disabled peers in inclusive settings and provide students with transitional supports for the student's future life plans. A mutually beneficial relationship for both the schools and the local community businesses is forged. The purpose of the Community Classroom is:
♦ To provide students with authentic, meaningful life and work skills in their own community.
♦ To establish a transitional program for our students that meets their needs and is provided in-district.
♦ To create partnerships between local organizations and businesses that are designed for mutual benefit.
Community Classroom Mission Statement
To provide Stonington high-school/post-high school students with disabilities vocational training in their own community setting. Independent living skills, social integration activities, and lifelong learning would be elements of the “Community Classroom" curriculum as students make the transition from high-school to community life.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
♦ Avalon Health Center at Stoneridge
♦ Mystic Aquarium
♦ Mystic Chamber of Commerce
♦ McDonald's - Pawcatuck
♦ Human Services (Life Skills Program)
♦ Westerly Hospital
Benefits of the Community Classroom:
♦ Pursuit of Life Skills and Job Training in Student's Community
♦ Possibility of Future Employment in Community
♦ Inclusive Settings
♦ Increased Morale for Staff at Community Businesses
Who Will Be Eligible?
♦ Stonington Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
♦ Between the Ages of 15-21
♦ Appropriate Social Behaviors
♦ Successful Participation in the T.L.C Work Study Program
The establishment of the Community Classrooms in our town, gives us the ability to have our students working and learning in their own community.