Preparing students for real life

Imagine your middle school/junior high student being able to cook you dinner or do a load of wash.

That’s what students in Homer 33C’s Specialized Instruction Program are learning to do thanks to a partnership with St. Coletta’s of Illinois.

Once a month, a dozen Hadley Middle School and Homer Junior High School students visit St. Coletta’s Transition Town in Tinley Park where they learn how to measure ingredients and work small appliances in corner bakery; sort clothes and treat stains in a laundromat; and address real-life issues that occur in a work environment.

“It’s all about life skills and preparing students for high school and beyond,” said Becky Cortesi-Caruso, Homer 33C’s Director of Special Services.

“Our goal is to have students train on real equipment doing real life job tasks that can be learned in a safe and comfortable environment,” she added.

Homer 33C is the first elementary school district to utilize the job-skills training program, which simulates a real-world working environment.

St. Coletta’s students have gone on to work in integrated community settings, such as bakeries, laundromats, restaurants, hotels and retail stores.

While it may be some time before Homer 33C students are old enough to enter the job force, they are learning some valuable life skills, such as how to cook and do their own laundry.

“We are very excited about our partnership and our ability to be so progressive in meeting the needs of children,” said Cortesi-Caruso.

So far, students have learned how to make pizza dough. In the spring, they will invite their families to Transition Town where they will prepare an entire meal for them.

“We’re looking forward to showing parents what we’ve learned,” said Cortesi-Caruso.

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