Reading, writing and arithmetic - and now add in doing laundry, preparing meals, and learning the conversational skills needed for everyday life - and you have some of what makes up the unique school day of the students in Stimson Middle School’s Life Skills Vocational Program. And now they have a brand-new and very different type of classroom to learn all of it in that looks and feels more like your first apartment!
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide special education services to eligible students. The children who are learning in this classroom are children with intellectual and cognitive disabilities such as Autism or Down Syndrome, multiple disabilities, and other health impairments as outlined in the IDEA. The South Huntington District determined there was a need to provide assistance and support for life skills students in middle school before they transition to high school, learning further vocational skills to be self-sufficient. Construction on the new space began in the fall of 2021.
This classroom, which is beautifully equipped with a full working kitchen, dining area, laundry area, living room, and classroom area with a smart board, lets teachers Jaime Kurnicki and Justin Gravina work seamlessly through the day teaching math, english, and social studies lessons, plus functional life skills such as addressing an envelope, writing a signature, counting money, preparing meals, and how to wash, dry and fold laundry.
The new classroom welcomed students in September. Said Ms. Kurnicki, “In the past two months, our students have demonstrated how amazing they truly are, and how necessary the program is for boosting their confidence, dignity, and pride.”
Stimson Middle School Principal, Mr. Mike Duggan, made introductions at the November ribbon cutting ceremony.
South Huntington Board of Education members and Assemblyman Steve Stern came together with Stimson's Life Skills students to officially unveil the beautiful new classroom.
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Ms. April Poprilo, got cozy with students in the apartment-style classroom.
It was a wonderful occassion to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who made this classroom transformation possible for our district students!