Life Skills is a program for children with special needs and learning disabilities.

ai???The purpose of the Life Skills program is to get students functioning as independently as possible,ai??? said Life Skills teacher Mr. Mason Messinger.

In order to achieve this goal, the instructors must work closely with students who face significant challenges on a daily basis.

ai???We see a wide spectrum of disabilities,ai??? said Life Skills teacher Ms. Maura Tweedie. ai???We place capable kids into the general population, but others need a more sheltered, safe classroom.ai??? There are a variety of IEPs that have to be considered.

The instructors teach a wide variety of skills such as riding the public bus, doing laundry, budgeting, check writing, time management, manners, answering interview questions, pre-location training, and humor. These are lessons that could probably be helpful to everyone. The goal is for the students to make a smooth transition into the world after graduation.

They gain experience for life after high school by providing services to the school such as working at Common Grounds, grocery shopping for cooking classes, and delivering newspapers and copies to teachers. The Clothing Closet will soon be open and will also be managed by Life Skills students.

Aside from stopping by Common Grounds or Clothing Closet, Best Buddies is a great way to meet and befriend fellow classmates from the Life Skills program. They meet the first and third Thursday of every month 2:30 to 4:00.

ai???The students I’ve had throughout the years are the most kind hearted, hard working individuals that have needs, wants, desires and dreams just like everyone else,ai??? Messinger said.