Riverhead Students Participate in Internship Program at Goodale Farm

Basic Life Skills students from Riverhead school teachers Jill Tapper’s and Tim Paige’s class began a student internship program at Goodale Farm in Riverhead during the week of March 16.

The students worked at the farm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

They fed the newborn calf and baby goats and two girls helped sterilize bottles and prepare the goat cheese to sell at an upcoming Farmer’s Market.

“Hal Goodale has given my students an opportunity to gain some valuable employment skills through an internship on his farm,” Tapper said. “Riverhead employers have many life skills to offer students with developmental disabilities.”

According to Tapper, students like hers and Paige’s have fewer places to find jobs upon transition from high school since sheltered workshops are being phased out.

“My students are dependable, come with support, and truly can master the kind of jobs they require on our local farms, so I am very grateful and excited about the unique opportunity they have been given by Mr. Goodale,” she said. “We want to thank him very much for his participation in this program.”

The New York State Education Department no longer awards Individualized Education Program (IEP) diplomas, but instead award a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential or SACC.

According to the NYSED website, “The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential will provide this group of students who are exiting school after attending at least 12 years, excluding kindergarten, with a commencement certificate similar in form to the diploma issued by the school district. The Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential must be accompanied by documentation of the student’s skills and strengths and levels of independence in academic, career development and foundation skills needed for post-school living, learning and working.”

Before, when students with an IEP diploma (prior to the SACC) would apply for a job they would check off “yes” to having a high school diploma, but now because of the wording on applications, students can no longer do this, which means they will appear not to be eligible for jobs they apply to after they graduate, according to Tapper.

She believes it’s essential employers are updated on this change.

Photos courtesy of Riverhead Central School District

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