Moscow-Pullman Daily News Article - Way to go MHS students! When businesses become classrooms For some, high school is the end of education, and not always the beginning to employment; Moscow High wants to change that High school isnt a real-life environment, says Andy Scheef. Everything practiced in the classroom is simulated, the Moscow School District transition coordinator said. This doesnt pose much of a problem for students who go on to college, but for students who dont, or those with disabilities, Scheef said learning workplace skills during high school is crucial - and may be their only chance to do so. Thats why Scheef oversees a work-training program for Moscow High School students with a wide variety of disabilities and severities, who are placed in 13 Moscow businesses, where the workplace becomes the classroom. For most students, the end goal is independence and the utilization of natural supports in the business, Scheef said. The Kessler Foundation and the National Organization on Disability found that being employed has a positive impact on the level to which people with disabilities are satisfied with their lives. Unfortunately, of those surveyed by the two groups in 2010, only 21 percent of those with disabilities are employed, compared to 59 percent without disabilities. Paraprofessional Jeanette Humphreys said Moscows program helps students learn about the public transit system, hygiene practices and how to present themselves in the workplace. Josh, an 11th-grader, works at Bloom, Palouse Bike Cooperative, Habitat for Humanity and One World Cafe as part of the work-training program. I make food, Josh said about his work at Bloom, with a proud smile spreading across his face. Today, I made French toast batter. Other days, Josh weighs 6 ounces of fries on a scale, or even smoked salmon. At One World - his favorite place to work because of his close relationships to the baristas - Josh washes windows. All he needs is a bucket, rag and a squeegee, he said. Josh has already been offered employment at both Bloom and One World, which he said he would love to accept once he graduates. Mary, on the other hand, works at Salvation Army, the Moscow Food Co-op, Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society of the Palouse. The Co-op is my favorite, Mary said. I love the produce, apples, bananas ... Its cool, its awesome. A peer tutor, named Maddie, accompanies Mary on the bus to her work sites. I arrange all the toys and find (empty) hangers at the Salvation Army, Mary added. Since the recent renovation at Moscow High School, the classroom was able to add a kitchen. While not industrial, it still allows the students to practice cooking, cleaning, weighing and other activities that are useful to them at local business. And Humphreys noticed the Moscow program has an impact on more than just the students. The employees work ethic is higher, she said. (They see the) kids so ready and happy to work and learn things. Its a domino effect. Scheef said they are always looking for more business partners to participate, as students often leave mid-semester, and businesses come and go just as quick. Humphreys said new businesses, such as Last Frontier Pizza, which opened this week, have been open to the idea of divvying out some work. When the students show up to work, people change gears a little, Humphreys said. They bring in this energy. Theyre excited to clean tables or stock sugars. I love it, Josh said. Lindsey Treffry can be reached at (208) 883-4640 or by email to ltreffry@dnews. Follow her on Twitter @LindseyTreffry. Posted: Saturday, December 20, 2014 12:00 am | Updated: 7:57 am, Sat Dec 20, 2014. By Lindsey Treffry, Daily News business editor | 0 comments MPDN subscribers can access the article at dnews/business/when-businesses-become-classrooms/article_928680a6-b60c-5520-83a7-27302bcf01a7.html
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 18:06:01 +0000
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