Students, Employers Thanked for Jobs Program?
Posted on: Thursday, 15 May 2008, 21:00 CDT
By Mark Brackenbury
By Patricia Villers Register Staff
SHELTON -- The achievements of 13 special education students at Shelton High School who participated in a work experience program were recognized Tuesday at an annual ceremony in the media center.
Special education teacher Ed Kacey said the program's goal is "to develop skill, attitudes and habits necessary to obtain and maintain employment." He expressed pride in each of the students' accomplishments and presented them with certificates of recognition.
Superintendent of Schools Robin Willink referred to the recent deaths of two educators from Shelton High School, baseball coach Ed Marocco and housemaster Thomas Gersz, Jr.
"With such huge losses this weekend and last week we realize how important community is," Willink said. "Without the love and nurturing that exists we could not do this (work experience program). It's so important in our society to have opportunities and this is a public celebration of all that is being accomplished by these fine students. "
Director of Special Education Valentina Parchin said, "This is really a celebration today. My joy is in watching the incredible growth in our students."
She thanked employers in attendance for their help in providing students places to work and learn in the community.
One of the students, John Turbeville, 19, said he had enjoyed working at the Board of Education offices for the second year in a row. "I did shredding and office work," he said. "Sometimes I worked outside, landscaping. I learned so much."
Turbeville also assists with a kindergarten class at Long Hill School, and Kacey thanked Long Hill School Principal Susan Arpin for giving Turbeville the opportunity to work there. Turbeville also does maintenance work at the offices of Valley Regional Planning Agency and Valley Transit District, both in Derby.
Fellow honorees included Ryan Bagley, Brittany Forlenzo, Francisco Delgado-Santiago, Philip Cavalro, Meghan McCormack, Amber Ulatowski, Matt Casiglio, Callie Lasser, Jenna Servedio, Jeff Prushko, Lauren Young and Brian Lundberg.
The students took part in job shadowing experiences at the following city departments and businesses: Smeraglino's Catering, Shelton town clerk's office, Shelton Police Department, Sikorsky Aircraft, Shelton post office, Jones Family Farms, Griffin Hospital and Beta Shim.
Job coaches were Lou Dagostine, Jen Mengold, Shani Puglese and Jess Lussier.
Patricia Villers can be reached at pvillers@nhregister.com.
(c) 2008 New Haven Register. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: New Haven Register
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