Transition TIMES

The

Winter 2014—2015

C hanges are on the horizon, but Transition is

proving to be just as important as ever.

For anyone who is familiar with education in Florida,

there are new laws and senate bills that are striving to

ensure students are receiving the best education ever! With

these new rules, the emphasis is on the results and not the

procedures, which means we are focused on providing the

best education for our Manatee County students from

pre-school to post-school. Throughout this journey, career

programs will remain an integral part of our students’

educational path. There are many parallels to being

successful in an academic setting and being successful in

the world of work:

Academically successful students show up to school

and class on time; successful career program students

show up to work and from breaks on time.

Academically successful students must learn to navi-

gate their schoolwork and complete assignments;

successful career program students must learn to

perform their job tasks and complete their work.

Academically successful students must be able to get

along with their classmates, work independently, and

work collaboratively; successful career program

students must get along with coworkers, work

independently, and work collaboratively

Academically successful students follow directions

given to them by their teachers and school admini-

stration; successful career program students follow

directions given to them by their supervisors and

managers.

We know that Career Education is only one part of

the success equation, but the Career Education opportunity

will provide skill building that students will be able to use

continually. We look forward to moving forward with our

Career Education programs and seeing our students

continue to succeed!

Sara Gaines

FDLRS HR Development/ Transition Specialist

Roy Nelles

Option 2 Coordinator

Success, Results, and Career Education

Adu lt , Caree r & Techn ica l Educa tion

Except iona l S tuden t Educa tion T ransi t ion

Manatee High School career program students and staff at Blake Hospital,

just one example of the many relevant, rigorous, and successful Transitions

Career Experience programs throughout Manatee County.

Page 2

Lakewood Ranch High School

Lakewood Ranch articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Candace Carlucci

Lupe: Safety First

T here are so many things to learn about the world of work. For

example, employers have to be concerned about safety at all times.

For Lupe Flores, it was not just another day at work at Lakewood Ranch

Medical Center. Lupe typically spends most of her week in Same Day

Surgery, but on this specific day just before Thanksgiving break, employees

and volunteers alike were encouraged to learn all about using a fire extin-

guisher. Lupe practiced a technique called PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim,

Squeeze, and Sweep. She learned this sequence of steps to use with a fire

extinguisher if a fire should break out and you’re in the middle of it. Lupe got

a chance to develop her safety skills, and we’re thankful for the opportunity.

Lupe Flores learns fire safety

Will: A New Publix Partnership

W e would like to welcome Publix at the northwest corner of State

Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to our treasured list of

business partners. Lakewood Ranch High School student Will Clayton re-

ceived his shirt, badge, and apron so he could begin work in early November.

Will bags groceries, sweeps, cleans, and occasionally brings in carts as he

learns all about customer service in the grocery world. Publix and Will are a

good match and Lakewood Ranch High School is happy to be able to offer

this kind of quality work experience

to their students. Welcome aboard,

Publix!

Will Clayton on the job at Publix

Elizabeth: A Shout Out for Success

E lizabeth Lingle, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, is new to

the Career Experience Program this year. Elizabeth began in the

program working at Braden River Elementary as a teacher’s aide. Her duties

include preparing teaching materials for students, grading papers, organizing

the classroom and occasionally working one-on-one with students who may

need a little extra attention. First grade teacher, Mrs. King, really appreciates

the help. Elizabeth maintains a professional, pleasant attitude and shows up regularly ready to work and learn. She is a

pleasure to have in the classroom, whether as a student or an aide. Thanks Elizabeth, for modeling successful behavior

and being such a positive force in school!

Elizabeth Lingle in the classroom

Page 3

Bayshore High School

Tabitha: Caring and Responsible

B ayshore High School senior Tabitha Jongsma participates in the Career

Experience program in Activities at the Westminster Manor site. While

working directly with the residents in a variety of daily activities, she gains high

school credit and necessary employability skills. These activities help the residents

exercise physically and mentally which is good for their wellbeing. Tabitha

engages residents in activities such as trivia, bingo, bean bag toss, singing, current

events, and hang man. Her supervisor, the Activities Director, is very pleased with

Tabitha’s performance. She has a strong connection with the residents and her

supervisor. The residents enjoy having her there and have made comments on a

job well done.

In addition to leading and participating in activities, Tabitha serves coffee and

other beverages and transports residents in wheelchairs to and from activities, their

rooms, and the dining room. Along with positive evaluations from her supervisor,

Tabitha’s Career Experience teacher, Mrs. Bonnie Condor, has observed her many

positive work qualities.

Working in Activities at the Manor is a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of

responsibility as the residents require attention and care. Tabitha displays a gentle,

kind, and caring attitude while working with the residents. As she continues to

learn necessary job skills, Tabitha is building a portfolio of abilities and soft skills

to work towards a bright future of employment. Way to go Tabitha!

B ayshore High School senior Ismeal Colon participates in the Career

Experience Program at Westminster Manor’s maintenance department

for about two and a half hours each day. Westminster Manor has many different

properties including the Manor itself, the Health Center, the Villas (homes on the

property), and the Trailer Park. His tasks are varied as he works both inside and

outside, and include lawn work, pruning trees, changing light bulbs, moving furni-

ture, checking and adjusting thermostats, replacing air conditioning filters, chang-

ing batteries in the thermostats, checking and fixing sprinklers, and oiling door

hinges. He is also learning preventative maintenance, changing each room’s air

conditioner filters every month and thermostat batteries every six months. Preven-

tative maintenance for all the living quarters is quite a large task.

Ismeal is valued so much by several maintenance personnel that they have

requested that their supervisor consider hiring him for part time employment. He

has many outstanding employability skills including a willingness to work hard,

respectfulness, and a pleasant personality. He enjoys his work in maintenance and

would definitely like to work part time at the Manor.

This Career Experience program has given Ismeal the opportunity to work

while earning high school credit and acquire necessary job skills that will benefit

him in the future. Bonnie Condor, OJT Coordinator, is working with the Manor on

a plan to transition Ismeal into a paid part time job and possibly into Career Place-

ment. Hats off to Ismeal for a job well done!

Ismeal: In Demand at the Manor

Bayshore articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Bonnie Condor

Tabitha Jongsma at Westminster Manor

Ismeal Colon at Westminster Manor

Page 4

Braden River High School

Braden River articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Brian Pettis

Tylar: Dependable and Reliable

T ylar McNeal has been an outstanding Braden River High School

Career Experience student at the Publix supermarket on SR64 and

Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Tylar started in early October and has quickly adapted

to her workplace environment. She had previously worked at the BRHS

Coffee Shop, taking orders, making coffee, and delivering coffee. Tylar was

an asset to the Coffee Shop as she performed flawlessly.

Now Tylar works as a bagger at one of the busiest Publix stores in the

area. Her duties include bagging groceries, assisting customers, bringing in

shopping carts from the parking lot, returning “go back” items to their proper

place on the shelves, and cleaning her work area. Tylar will soon train in

stocking shelves and rotating stock because she has quickly learned the bag-

ging position. She is well liked by the management team and the Publix staff,

and her kind and polite demeanor makes her a natural for quality customer

service. She is very dedicated and determined, not giving up until the job is

done right. As a quick learner, she adapts well to any work environment.

Ashley: Quick Leaner, Hard Worker

A shley O’neill is a model career experience student! She has exempli-

fied what it takes to succeed in the world of work. At the beginning of

this school year, Ashley worked as a teacher’s aide in Mrs. Thompson’s first

grade class at Bashaw Elementary. She worked hard helping Mrs. Thompson’s

students read, write, and get ready for their “specials” or elective classes. Mrs.

Thompson said Ashley did a great job and was able to bond with the students.

When Ashley learned that the Career Experience class was opening up a job

site at Publix, she decided that a change of work sites would be beneficial. She

has been looking for a paid position and she thought working at Publix in the

Career Experience class might open the door—a very mature decision. She was

sad to leave the students in Mrs. Thompson’s class but did not want to miss the

great opportunity at Publix.

Ashley knew that working at Publix meant she needed black shoes, a black

belt, and black pants. The night she learned she had the position, she went out

and bought all the necessary items! She came to school the next day ready to

work at Publix, and has not looked back. She jumped right in and learned the

bagging position quickly.

Whenever the BRHS Career Experience teacher, Mr. Brian Pettis, goes to

the Publix where Ashley works, she looks as though she is moving a hundred

miles an hour! Her customer service skills are second to none. Mr. Pettis has

spoken with her managers and co-workers, hearing rave reviews about how hard

she works and how dependable she is! One Publix manger says that she wants

Ashley to apply a.s.a.p.! The manager said that she “could use a lot more work-

ers like Ashley.” We are very proud of Ashley and hope that she gets hired soon.

Tylar McNeal at Publix

Ashley O’neill on the job at Publix

Page 5

Palmetto High School

Mario: On the Right Path

M ario Mendez, a Palmetto High

School senior, has been work-

ing in Career Experience since his junior

year. He experienced a life-changing turning

point when he decided to participate in

Career Experience, and has been a shining

star at Palmetto Elementary School ever

since. Palmetto Elementary School’s cafete-

ria manager Elaine Wells states, “He is here

every day, he is smiling, and a pleasure to

work with.” His duties include prep, dish

washing, garbage detail, and cleaning.

When Mario came to PHS, he lacked

direction. He fit in with peers but was not as

successful with the faculty and staff. Mario

will admit he was not the easiest to get along

with but Mr. Bryan Wilkes, Mario’s Career

Experience teacher, was able to see his

potential.

“One day I realized I need to straighten

up in class, I have to get ready for my life,”

Mario said. He approached Ms. Stevens, the

Department Chair at PHS, and asked to

participate in Career Experience. Mr. Wilkes

worked with Mario on a few personal goals

to ensure he would be successful in the

course. The beginning of his junior year, he

was ready!

Mario’s maturity level did a complete

180° turn just in time to benefit from all that

high school has to offer. His reading skills,

math skills, and social skills have continued

to rise since the day he chose the right path.

Southeast articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Irene Bowles

Mario Mendez, PHS senior

T his is Brandon Beauregard's first

year in the Career Experience

Program. Brandon is in eleventh grader at

Southeast High School who spent the first

quarter of this school year in the Endocrinol-

ogy Department at Manatee Memoria l

Hospital. This quarter he is working in the

Groveside Café, located at Mixon Fruit

Farms, where he is responsible for many

things including getting tables ready for

customers on the veranda and inside the fa-

cility, preparing the foods by weighing out

portions to be used in the items sold at the

café, and keeping the food prep areas neat

and clean.

Brandon shows up every day ready to

work and he promptly completes the tasks on

his routine with competence. The staff

appreciates his work ethic and his contribu-

tion to the team in the café.

Southeast High School

P aige Hendershot is a junior partici-

pating in the Career Experience

Program at Southeast High School. Paige

gains experience at Wakeland Elementary

School for International Studies, assisting

Ms. Angela Artman in the art room. Paige

helps Ms. Artman prepare materials needed

for the various classes, files students’

artwork when they have completed each

assignment, and keeps the room tidy. She

interacts with the students when they need

assistance and provides one-on-one help.

When they have completed all of their work

and there is still class time left, Paige often

reads to the students.

Paige has learned to use the laminator

to preserve student projects and was even

able to fix the machine when it recently

broke down.

Ms. Artman states that Paige is a

valued assistant who has increased her

productivity as a teacher with her classes and

has helped to keep her organized. Next

semester Paige will learn about clay and how

to load the kiln for the proper firing of

projects.

Paige: A Valued Assistant

From top: Mario Mendez at Palmetto Elemen-

tary, Brandon Beauregard at the Groveside

Café , and Paige Hendershot in the art class-

room at Wakeland Elementary School.

Palmetto High article by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Bryan Wilkes

Brandon: A Positive Contribution

Page 6

Manatee High School

Manatee articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Peter Egyed

Dayvon: “110%”

L ike many seniors, Dayvon Heaven has a part time job.

He began participating in the Manatee High School

Career Experience Program this fall at Publix. Before the end of

his first month, Mr. Kyle Stewart, Assistant Store Manager, asked

how soon he could hire Dayvon. MHS has never had a student get

hired so quickly at a Career Experience site. Publix wanted

Dayvon due to his professionalism and the 110% he has put forth

every day.

Dayvon is now employed as a Courtesy Clerk at the Publix

on Manatee Ave. and 39th St. W. His tasks include bagging

groceries, assisting customers to their vehicles, retrieving carts

from the parking lot, helping customers find items, and assisting

supervisors. On his On Site Evaluation, Dayvon received the high-

est marks in all areas and Mr. Stewart commented, “Dayvon’s

excitement for being here is apparent; he is very respectful, helpful

and eager to perform.” In addition to his paycheck, Dayvon often

receives 3–5 free subs each week due to customers completing

comment cards. Dayvon was selected as “Employee of the Month”

for his department, and did so in his first month as an employee.

Dayvon enjoys basketball, the movies, anime, and reading.

He is an avid “Hot Wheels” car collector and has amassed a large

collection dating from 1952–2012. After high school, Dayvon

plans to join the Marines or attend MTI to become an electrician.

Meanwhile, he plans to continue his job at Publix and has indi-

cated an interest in working in the bakery. His managers know

what matters to customers, as the Publix catch phrase states

“Where shopping is a pleasure.” Dayvon’s positive attitude, 110%

work ethic, and charismatic smile will continue to ensure that

shoppers return to this Publix.

Dayvon Heaven at Publix

Wesley: Dependable, Reliable, and Conscientious

M anatee High School (MHS) senior Wesley Morey

returned to the Career Experience Program at Blake

Medical Center (BMC) after gaining job experience in both the

Receiving Department and Plant Operations Department last year.

Wesley is now assisting Russell Ware, an electrician in Plant

Operations at Blake Medical Center. Wesley puts forth his best

effort and can be depended on to complete tasks, stays in assigned

locations, and call in if he is going to be out sick. Three words to

describe Wesley are dependable, reliable, and conscientious. What

a great combination!

Wesley is assigned many tasks, so he has to get right to

work! Some of these tasks include changing fixtures and bulbs,

assisting in replacing sensors in motion detector flood lights,

replacing flood light fixtures, replacing ceiling tiles, cleaning AC

vents, organizing equipment, moving furniture, replacing and

installing new television mounts and televisions, clearing debris,

and delivering holiday decorations throughout the hospital.

Wesley gains experience in multiple areas and is regarded as

a wonderful addition to his department. Pairing Wesley with

Russell is a perfect match, since Wesley is interested in the electri-

cal trade. Russell recently provided Wesley with an electrician’s

starter tool belt and tools so he can teach Wesley when and how to

use the tools safely and properly.

Bob Roehl, Plant Operations Supervisor, is thrilled with the

MHS and BMC partnership and hopes that the Career Experience

Program can continue for many years. BMC values their employ-

ees being involved in helping others, so Russell and Wesley are

being featured in a BMC article.

Wesley enjoys reading, video games, puzzle games, animals,

and movies with friends and family. He hopes to get a part time

job assisting an electrician at Feld Entertainment in Ellenton. After

high school, Wesley plans to attend MTI to become an electrician.

The positive career influence Russell Ware, Bob Roehl, and others

in the Plant Operation Department have had on Wesley is testa-

ment to the value of this wonderful Career Experience Program.

MHS will miss Wesley, as he will be graduating this year. He has

been a positive influence to others and has encouraged other

students to make good decisions. Wesley Morey (center) with Russell Ware and Bob Roehl

Page 7 Southeast articles by Career Experience/Career Placement teacher and Job Coach Irene Bowles

Academy Farms: Growing Students’ Abilities

Easter Seals

A cademy Farms was the vision of the Director of

the VIP Academy, Don Herndon. Mr. Herndon

wanted to create an opportunity for students to engage in

meaningful activities that challenge them and encourage

them to take ownership of something and nurture it. The idea

was to create a sustainable, certified organic farm; generate a

substantial revenue stream; provide additional and enhanced

learning/training opportunities to students; and provide

employment opportunities.

The VIP Academy at Easter Seals Southwest Florida

applied for a grant with the Eluned and Edward Russell

Charitable Foundation in December, 2013 for two 14’ x 45’

greenhouses, irrigation for the two greenhouses, soil, fertil-

izer, seeds, plantings, tools, and staff trainings. VIP received

the grant in February, 2014 and immediately erected two

hoop houses. They were immediately able to plant organic

basil, dill, fennel, mint, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and

chives. Through an agreement with three restaurants in the

Village of the Arts in Bradenton and by word of mouth, VIP

Academy now has both individual chefs and restaurants

purchasing these herbs. The organic herbs were even used in

preparing food for the retirement party of the former CEO of

Easter Seals.

Some of the students have shown a real aptitude and

love of working in the horticulture field. Academy Farms

inspires creativity, hard work, patience, and good nutrition.

It also serves as therapy for students with occupational

therapy and physical therapy needs.

Academy Farms currently offers fresh basil, chives,

cilantro, dill, bulb fennel, mint, and tarragon. They are

lovingly grown in two airy greenhouses on the Easter Seals

six-acre property in southern Manatee County. Growing

these herbs not only provides meaningful occupational train-

ing for VIP Academy students but it also enables them to

learn vocational skills, better nutritional habits, and a deeper

appreciation for nature, biology, and ecology.

As Academy Farms moves forward, they will be adding

additional hoop houses to meet the needs of the restaurants

they serve. Additionally, they plan to begin incorporating

organic vegetables in their growing cycle.

Academy Farms is interested in expanding the herbal

offerings, so ideas and requests are appreciated! Also, Acad-

emy Farms would love to host culinary teams for a tour of

their beautiful organic farm. If you are interested in purchas-

ing fresh organic herbs or scheduling a tour, please contact

Carma Pulawski at 941.355.7637 ext. 424.

Views from outside Academy Farms two greenhouses, and a view inside where students grow their skills in a rewarding experience.

Page 8

School D is tr ic t o f Manatee County

Adu lt , Caree r & Techn ica l Educa tion

2501 63 rd Avenue Eas t

B radenton , F lo r ida 34203

www .Mana teeACT.com

Sa ra Ga ines

FDLRS HR Deve lopmen t Spec ia l is t

ga iness@manateeschoo ls .ne t

(941) 751 -6550 ext . 2179

Fax (941 ) 751 -7377

Around the Dis t r ic t Watch for all of the publications keeping you informed about what’s happening around the District in the Adult, Career & Tech nical

Education department.

Diploma Option 2

T ordijah Bonner is a 17-year-old student enrolled in the

Option 2 program. She had to “restart” the program

after circumstances made work difficult for awhile and she was

without employment. After being away from the program for a few

months, Tordijah began working in August at the Heron House

senior living community in Sarasota. The following is an interview

with Tordijah by the Option 2 Coordinator, Mr. Roy Nelles.

Option 2 Coordinator (O2C): What circumstances brought you to

the Option 2 program? Tordijah: I was in 10th grade when I

first started the program but I was behind in my classes. I also

have a son and I needed to work and take care of him.

O2C How were your grades? Tordijah: I was a “C” student but I

really struggled in math. My strong subject is English.

O2C: Would you have come back to school without Option 2?

Tordijah: No, it was too overwhelming to get through school,

while working and taking care of my son.

O2C: So if there was no Option 2 you would have dropped out?

Tordijah: Probably yes – I have the motivation to work but to

be in school so much was difficult.

O2C: The LIFE program allows you to go part-time to school.

Would that have been a good option? Tordijah: No, I still

needed to make money and I wanted to be able to see my

child. It would still have taken too long for me to get my

diploma and I probably may not have been able to pass some

of the classes anyway.

O2C: How is work going for you at Heron House? What do you

like the most? Tordijah: I am soon going to be offered more

weekly hours. I enjoy the residents in the Memory Care unit. I

assist them with their food, activities, and many other things.

Every night one woman asked for my help. She will ask for

“Missy” (that is what she calls me) even when I am not on

duty.

O2C: What are your plans for the future? Tordijah: I want to

work in this job at least a full year, attend MTI for either

Practical Nursing or Dental Assistant, and own a house by the

time I reach 25 years old. I have never been out of Florida

and someday I would like to travel cross-country from New

York to California.

O2C: Anything else you want to say? Tordijah: Yes—“Although

things started out really tough and I continuously felt

defeated, I feel that from this point on things can only get

greater for me. This is only the beginning!”

Students such as Tordijah who succeed in Option 2 feel a

well-deserved sense of accomplishment. Not all students that enter

the program succeed to consistently remain employed over time.

Even a student who succeeds in rigorous academic tasks at school

may not succeed in a paid employment. Learning through working

in the Option 2 program keeps the door open for many students to

succeed in high school.

Tordijah: Options for Success

Option 2 article by Option 2 Coordinator Roy Nelles

MTI Career Paths MTI Steps to Success Career Pathways ManateeTech.edu Transition Times ACT Update Spotlight on Success. ManateeACT.com