SEEKONK — Superintendent Rich Drolet and Director of Student Services George Kelleher are pleased to announce a video has been released promoting the Seekonk Public Schools’ new Transitions Academy.
The academy, which is set to open on July 1, will give Seekonk students aged 18-22 in the special education program special services to better prepare them for their futures.
“The creation of this academy has been a goal of ours for years, and we are looking forward to opening the facility this summer to better meet the needs of our 18-22 student population,” Superintendent Drolet said.
Through the Transitions Academy, students will gain knowledge and skills to make a successful transition into independent adulthood.
The space, which is located at Seekonk High School at 261 Arcade Ave., has a dedicated entrance for students accessing the program. The interior is set up like an apartment, giving students the opportunity to practice adult daily living skills such as meal prep and cooking, household chores and more.
Students will have access to a full kitchen, a washing machine and dryer, bathroom and living room spaces, and a model bedroom area.
“The Transitions Academy will give students the opportunity to develop independent daily living skills, career exploration and job training skills,” Director Kelleher said. “This will help keep some of our students with specialized services here in Seekonk and it will also provide them a great space to learn from their teachers and community coaches.”
As students progress through the program they will spend more of their time engaged in experiences outside of the school building. They will gain career readiness and independent living skills in a variety of ways.
“As part of this program, we look forward for our students to continue to build relationships within town and to explore more community resources, job opportunities and events so they can be fully engaged members of their community,” Superintendent Drolet said. “An added bonus is that over time we expect to save money on transportation, expand the program, and ultimately send fewer students out of Seekonk to other, more costly placements.”
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