The Community Skills Program began in the

district in 1987 when Project Homecoming was

initiated state-wide. This project brought students

with disabilities back from segregated regional pro-

grams to their home communities to learn. It was a

time of great awakening and immense action. Dis-

trict-wide, schools opened their gates and worked

hard to develop program services that would meet

all students needs. That year, Community Skills

served seven students with a staff of one.

In the next few years changes came rapidly.

Ideas for program development came quickly and

the district administration stood by the program in

spirit and in funding. The program soon mush-

roomed to serving 40-50 students annually. We

developed off-campus learning programs, swim and

recreation programs, and Independent Living Skills

Classes. Middle school programs were offered.

Career Clubs and Partners Club was started (1991).

New classes were designed and instructed. Part-

nerships with non-profits and businesses started

solidifying into real relationships.

Many services that were initiated by Commu-

nity Skills were later adopted as “standards” in pro-

gram services to be instructed by school based

educators. Summer Services, under Community

Skills program coordination for it’s first decade, was

shifted to CVU in the mid- 90’s and now is a com-

plex array of services with several educators staff-

ing services.

At the federal level, IDEA was implemented in

law and then revised twice; the program adapted

and learned. We’ve moved seven times! Over the

years, Community Skills has built a reputation of

being available, creative and flexible. For a system

that changes rapidly, and with the complexity of

students needs, we work with teams to find solu-

tions within our school and community resources.

We can look all around and outside the box for con-

nections and ideas.

Our staff is now about 3.5 fulltime workers.

Collectively, we’ve worked for CSSU 46 years! We

work in five schools with about 35 youth during the

school year and 15 during the summer.

The best part: it’s great work for all of us. We

laugh, we connect with great educators and busi-

ness people, we build new options, we teach, we

adapt, we learn and mostly work hard to assist a

student make their hopes and dreams a reality.

This newsletter is a glimpse into that experience.

21 Years of Community Connections:

A Program Overview

Community Skills Program

NEWSLETTER

Fall 2008

Summer Adventure Group 2008: Lake Learning on the go! It was a great summer for community-based learning and adventures.

Twelve CVU students and several staff were Wednesday regulars on

the shores of Lake Champlain. Rain seemed to gravitate to the week-

end leaving the group with some fine weather days to explore.

Students from CVU spent five Wednesdays learning about all the

different ways you can explore and experience Lake Champlain.

Here’s how they did it!

1. They crossed the lake on the ferry (Burlington to Fort Kent).

Students ate lunch on the upper deck and experienced how wonder-

fully big the lake is! 2. They swam in it at North Beach. On a hot day in July

it felt wonderful! 3. They paddled it in kayaks. From Oakledge Park, students

learned how to paddle about in safe shallows. 4. They walked along it’s

trails and then escaped a rainstorm at a local movie theater. The lake isn’t

always in the same place, sometimes it falls! 5. And finally...They had a

cookout at Sandbar State Park and played sports next to the lake. They

learned about the vulnerability of the lake on our final day, no access due to

bacteria!

What else? See photos of our summer adventures on the next page>>>

Chittenden South Supervisory Union

Summer 2008 2

Partners and Award 3

CVU Transition

Night Nov 11th

4

Work Crew checks

in

5

The Big Picture 6

Our Partners in

Business

7

Some articles

Inside this issue:

“Charting a new course for youth”

Andrew Kelly at work.

Community Skills Program Page 2

Page 3

Business Position Business Position

Bike Recycle Vernont Mechanics Training (paid/DOL grant) Shelburne School Library Library Worker

Healthy Living Grocery Store Internship Kovals Coffee Shop Intern

Passport Video Video Store Trainee Showtime Video Store Intern

Hannafords, Williston Front End Worker (paid) Annettes Daycare Child Care Worker

Shelburne Supermarket Stocking Position (paid) Hinesburg EEE Program Child Care Worker

Shelburne Museum Crew Helper Victor Chaput Farming Skills

Shelburne Farms Dairy Farm Worker (paid) St. Michaels College Sports Mailroom Intern

Flatlander Farm Horse Barn Intern Recycle North 2 paid Internships

Carpenter Carse Library Library Worker FYE Store, U Mall Store Intern

Nordic Farm Dairy Farm Internship Shelburne Preschool Childcare Helper

Shelburne Farms Store Store Intern SCHIPS Treasure Resale Shop Store Helper

City Market Prep Cook and Cafe

CVU Library Library Worker

Businesses and Partners this year: A huge thank you to all!

Department of Labor and Linking Learning to Life

CVU Summer Collaborative with Lake Monsters Baseball

“They learned to work as a team and learned the

elements of ballpark maintenance.”

Batter Up! Trevor Mobbs, Steven Gabaree and Gaven Prytherch

all spent six weeks (12 hours week) of their summer on Centennial

Field in a special collaborative work crew hosted by Linking Learn-

ing to Life. CVU students worked with students from Burlington,

Winooski and St. Albans. Students were sponsored by the Vermont

Department of Labor, who monitored students progress towards

work goals and provided the attendees with wages.

Students used bucket loads of green and gold paint to spruce up

the bleachers; they maintained the indoor facilities; cleaned equip-

ment and helped take care of the field. Dayna Collette (AmeriCorp

Vista), Jim O’Brien (Park Manager) and Jake Rutter (Stepping

Stones School staff) supervised and instructed the awesome crew.

Participants learned to work as a team and learned the elements of

ballpark maintenance.

A special feature of the Lake Monsters Crew is great benefits!

The crew members were treated to great lunches, ball game tick-

ets, learning adventures in town and an evening ball game. They

also participated in a 3 session training in personal budgeting by

the New England Federal Credit Union staff.

Students finished their work experience by proudly hosting a

luncheon and giving a tour of all the work they accomplished to

their sponsoring school staff. It was a Big Hit!

...and many more community partners

who have helped us along the way and

have hosted our visits and students over

Luncheon and Student led tour of ballpark. 2008

Community Skills Program Page 4

Ryan Martel, a Sophomore at CVU, is causing a stir in

the art community in Chittenden County. His recent color-

ing book was featured at the Burlington South End Art

Hop. His design was selected for a hooked rug to be cre-

ated by CVU’s Diane Burgess. whichwill be on display at

the Shelburne Museum this Fall (November 8-16). Soon,

Flying Pig book store will display his book. Note cards

featuring his designs sold out quickly at a CVU Fundrais-

ing Event.

What makes his work unique? Ryan can work at light-

ning speed, exploring the complex twists and quirky ex-

pressions of students eating lunch in the cafeteria. He

can draw Disney characters to exact precision. Returning

from a field trip where he saw a black bear while hiking,

his pencil quickly translates the casual lumber of a happy

bear in a field. The detail is astounding, with small birds

peeking behind trees or cats bounding off pages. A small

penguin may be surveying a Vermont farm scene from the

corner adding a touch of humor to the pastoral scene.

It’s not only the art, it’s the artist that dazzles. Ryan

has spent much of his life learning ways to communicate

his feelings and thoughts with limited access to speech.

His gentle mannerism, quiet study of the world and buoy-

ant exuberance upon discovering something new makes

him a joyful companion. But even more so, Ryan’s art is

a wonderful snapshot into a type of intellectual brilliance

many people envy.

The Community Skills Program is helping Ryan de-

velop his artistic skills and creating avenues for his entre-

preneurial spirit. Since his start in the vocational program

in the 7th grade, Ryan’s art and love of nature has stood

out. Once a week, staff host an observation adven-

ture...heading to farms, the Echo Center or woods to

study the intricate and beautiful natural world that Ryan

gravitates to. Embedded in these experiences are oppor-

tunities to navigate and learn about the larger world be-

yond school. Another morning each week is devoted to

interpreting those observations to paper through a proc-

ess involving image study and companion drawing.

Although Community Skills typically looks to busi-

nesses to provide the structure for skills instruction, for

Ryan it has always been simply opening doors to the hid-

den talents and skills he already possesses.

His Coloring Book is sold at the CVU Store as a bene-

fit to Access Scholarship Fund and Partners Club. A sec-

ond edition is in the works! The limited printings is bound

to sell out.

Student Artist Work Celebrated

sentatives from various organizations to explain services

and eligibility. There will be plenty of time for questions so

that each family can get the answers they are looking for.

Please come!

Contact Jenna Kapschull for more

information: 482-7191

The Special Education Department of CVU is de-

veloping a Transition Night on November 11 at 6:30 p.m.

for parents, students and family. The night will bring to-

gether teachers and representatives from adult agencies

to share information about “Life After High School”. Par-

ents of students who are within 1-2 years from graduation

are especially encouraged to attend.

The evening will include presentations by repre-

CVU Transition Night on November 11

Page 7 Page 5

We do not know what the magic force was behind our

success. Front Porch Forum, a neighborhood e-mail fo-

rum connecting us to great customers? Our own zealous

community of supportive educators who have asked for a

helping hand? The excellent deal of $30 for a boat load of

yard work? Or simply the stellar reputation our crew has

gained for itself each year? What we know, we are out

straight with work orders, and the crew is learning skills

every minute of their afternoon.

CVU Work Crew starts each year with 4-6 students

interested in learning basic landscaping and maintenance

skills. Students work 1/2 day on White Days all school

year under the supervision and guidance of two Commu-

nity Skill staff members. The first 12 weeks of “Crew”,

students work for local community members on a dona-

tion basis. This year they have stacked wood, cut trees

and brush, scraped and primed a garage, turned soil for

new gardens, moved furniture and raked.

The Work Crew is serious business for the students

who participate. The students fill out weekly time sheets

that establish goals for the group. Students are evaluated

and given performance feedback weekly. Customer dona-

tions are converted to incentive gift certificates, and fund

snacks, water and occasional field trip fees.

When colder weather starts biting through work

gloves, Crew members are shifted into more individual-

ized Occupational Training. Students spend five or six

months in their internships.

Each year, half the crew advance to the Training

Programs at Recycle North. Students train in Appliance

Repair (Large or Small), Retail, Computers, Building Ma-

terials and Deconstruction, or Office Work. This year,

David Hebert was selected for the Computer Repair Pro-

gram and Tim Provost was chosen for Large Appliances.

Recycle North keeps the bar high and require that interns

make a serious commitment to the work training program.

Students receive stipends at Recycle North, raising the

stakes and sweetening the deal for participants.

For students who do not attend training programs at

Recycle North, individualized internships are developed.

Trevor Mobbs will work for the Grounds Crew at the

Shelburne Museum and Eric Chandler will work for a lo-

cal farmer.

Tim, a sophomore at CVU says he wishes Crew hap-

pened all day, every day. “It’s my best class, I love school

on Crew days.”

Crew Pride is a big factor each year, participants often

develop nick names based on their skills. Each participant

is required to wear a Crew T-shirt and ready to work each

day. There’s no excuses, no waiting.

Work Crew is a significant stepping stone for students

interested in trade occupations. Students learn work eth-

ics, job skills and problem-solving within the safety of a

school-instructed program. Community members are con-

tinually impressed by what the students accomplish. The

crew model is being explored for teaching students human

and social service skills in the future.

CVU Work Crew...back on the road! Year 3!

Work Crew 2008-2009

Front: Peggy MacDonald and Trevor Mobbs

Back: David Hebert, Tim Provost, Eric Chandler, Sharon Ogden

Preparing Students for the World of Work: From Middle School to Graduation

Ryan Mallette at City Market

Pancakes! Ryan uses his cooking skills

during a Partners Camping Trip with

the help of his friend, Bryant Grey.

His community experiences are a part

of his Graduation Challenge.

A typical Community Skills participant starts services in the 8th grade (but can start anytime

in high school too) and stays on board until graduation. As graduation dates may vary, we can

sometimes be an advocate and coach for a student up to nine years! (But six years is about aver-

age.) What do we do with all those years? How do we move a student from an uncertain 12 year old

to a confident and skilled 19 or 21 year old? Here’s a snapshot of the steps we take!

1. We get the heads up! A phone call, e-mail or referral form lets us know that there is a case

manager interested in discussing a new student referral. We call back and have a general conversa-

tion with the referring case manager. Most referrals start in the 8th grade to help facilitate transition.

2. We meet with the case manager. We explore eligibility, family and student

goals/values/concerns, we talk about the students challenges and best learning environments. If it

looks like a good match to our program services…

3. Peggy or Sharon attend the student IEP Meeting. We have a chance to meet the family

and hopefully the student. We decide as a team what the goals of Community Skills will be. Goals

are individualized based on the students strengths and needs! We consider all potential individual-

ized community and transition activities. A schedule for services is established.

4. The case manager sends us student records with goals; forms are mailed to the fam-

ily...They come back and we’re ready to roll!

5. We assign a staff person to the student. The staff person reviews the students records

and sets up scheduled dates of service.

6. Finally, Services begin! A middle school student begins with interviews, discussions and activi-

ties to help them understand their personal interests. Some students have individualized services,

other are in a small group. Middle school students meet with staff weekly for 1-2 hours.

7. We’re off to community-based learning! It’s our time to get to know a student and for them to

gain confidence in their direction. We visit jobs, work for a couple of months for a business, help in a

community service project, we visit the high school several times, we collect all work in a mini-

portfolio. Thanks to our long-time partnership with many local businesses, we can design some inter-

esting learning options for students.

8. We attend the 8th Grade Transition Meeting. We make recommendations for a student’s

Freshman year and possible summer services. At this point we have a good idea of what the stu-

dents strengths are and can help the team craft some good options for future learning.

9. It’s summer and the student may attend our weekly community adventure program based at

the high school. Some students continue work experiences during summer months.

10. Freshman Year... the student may take our Career Class at CVU, or they may continue with

a work-based internship. A student Transition Portfolio is introduced,,,we use it to collect arti-

facts for all the experiences to come. Several assessments are done to help a student identify

their interests and strengths. Typically, services are one class block or 10 hours a month.

11. Sophomore Year...this is a big year for the Transition Plan. Students work on their own

Transition Plans and get ready for their Transition Meeting. Goals and a hoped-for Graduation

date are discussed. Students continue to participate in varied work-based and community learn-

ing. Work Crews, Career and Transition Classes, Summer Experiences?

12. Junior to Senior (+) Year….there’s increasing focus on skill development towards employ-

ability skills. Most students head to individualized internships! Ideally, a students own Transition

Plan guides these years. Student community hours increase as independence is gained. Most

students have community-based learning 2 hrs. day.

Graduation… Students have had several years of excellent work-based learning, they have worked on developing goals and

advocating for their future, adult services are on board or identified for future assistance, they have worked on skills to be success-

ful in post-secondary schools, and they can move into adulthood more confident and with a clearer direction!

Page 7

Let the Good Times roll! Partners Club is off to a great start.

The bi-weekly friendship and recreation club meets after school

on Thursdays (white) in the CVU Learning Center. Partners Club

brings students of all abilities together. Almost all students from

last year have returned, and several new students have joined

us. About 16 students regularly attend Partners Club this year.

Students have been in the gym playing kickball, basketball

and floor hockey. November and December are bowling

months; Champlain Lanes will be hosting the group on Novem-

ber 6 and 20th. Our winter plans will include a party, movies,

sledding and more. This promises to be a great year with stu-

dents already planning for our annual camping trip and adven-

ture next Spring.

New members and volunteers are always welcome.

Join Us!

Many thanks to the folks who help us keep this

Club going! Sharon Ogden for 15 years of

coaching and enthusiasm! Mary Stearns who

substitutes for staff and entertains us too.

Joe Shook for making snacks for the club.

Mary Ann Gatos who lends us the DUO Van.

Sean McMannon for helping us fund the pro

gram. Ryan Martel for creating a beautiful col

oring book and cards for our Partners Club fund

raiser. Eddie Krasnow for helping us find new

ways to do practically everything and who al

ways gives us a warm welcome and a big “Yes”.

Deb Higgins for giving us gym space and

encouraging all the students. All the parents

who pick students up on time and provide behind

-the-scenes support!

adventure during a picnic lunch and then rode on amusement park

rides. A hike on the boardwalks brought us to families of monkeys and

glass covered sidewalks with lions draped over our heads.

Most students returned to Grand Isle State

Park for a second night of camping. They had pizza at

a local restaurant and returned to a campfire, s’mores

and more than creepy Joe Citro ghost stories.

All participants were excited and grateful for the

funds that brought us on this spectacular adventure.

Hemmingford, Quebec—- Fearless zebras, charging os-

trich and playful bears amazed everyone in Partners Club last June.

Club members were treated to an international adventure to Parc Sa-

fari after we were awarded $500 through the Valerie

Gardner Trust Fund. With van doors open for the slow

drive through, several students cowered in the back

seat to avoid curious tongues. A few visitors were a

little shy of being licked, but everyone was closing

doors and windows as fast as they could when the

assertive ostrich popped through the window like a

java-jolted Cuckoo bird. Students laughed over their

Valerie Gardner Trust Grant Award takes Partners to Canada!

PARTNERS CLUB 2008-09

Partners Club students on Grand Isle

Camping Trip and Parc Safari Day.

June 2008

From left to right: Crystal Bluto, John Paul Feldman, David Hebert, Andrew Kelly, Joanna Hart, Ryan Mallette, Bryant Grey, Steven

Gabaree, Trevor Mobbs, Timmy Provost + John Hall (hiding), Andrew Baldwin, Joe Shook, Suzanne Tetreault, Eric Chandler.

Yo

Community Skills Staff 2008-2009

The Community Skills Program is sponsored by Chittenden

South Supervisory Union. It provides:

Community Access and Training

Assessment

Transition Planning and Adult Services Links

Community-based Vocational Skills Training

Social-recreational programming

Career and Transition Skills Classes

…for students receiving support services in grades

7-12 district wide.

Alicia Kroll, Program Assistant

Schedule: Wed., Thu., Fri.

alicia@cvuhs.org

Or call at the office number and leave a message for

any of us. .

Peggy MacDonald, Program Coordinator

Schedule: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.

peggy@cvuhs.org

Sharon Ogden, Assistant Program Coordinator

Schedule: Mon., Tues., Wed,. Thu.

sharon@cvuhs.org

Denise Myers, Program Assistant

Schedule: M-F

dmyers@cvuhs.org

“A program that’s

working!”

c/o Champlain Valley Union High School

363 CVU Road

Hinesburg, Vermont 05461

1-802-482-7196

Community Skills Program

Time to Get Back to Work!