LITTLETON — Superintendent Kelly Clenchy would like to share that Littleton students in the District’s Personalized Academic and Comprehensive Education (PACE) program have been participating in many vocational opportunities this year, including expanding their skill set in the restaurant industry.
Students volunteer weekly at the Portuguese Club in Hudson, helping to set up the function hall for events including concerts and weddings.
When arriving at the Club, students greet Special Events Coordinator Maria Chaves and other staff members, then receive their assignments for the day. Tasks can include vacuuming, wiping tables, facility cleanup, moving tables, and setting chairs.
After their shift ends, students may enjoy a beverage at the Portuguese Club’s on-site restaurant, Riverview Restaurant.
“Littleton’s transition students have been a tremendous help to us in setting up our halls for events. I look forward to Wednesdays when I can once again see their smiling faces,” said Chaves. “They tackle any task with a smile and cheer, and often a song, but always efficiently. I am going to miss Kyle’s bright smile.”
Students in the transition program have also volunteered at Paul’s Diner in Westford, helping with sorting and rolling silverware, filling sugar packets, and restocking creamers.
One student, Andre McQuade, works a paid position at the Diner as a busser. The restaurant employees are very welcoming and supportive of him, have helped build his confidence at his job, and are a great community connection for him. McQuade often asks to stay for lunch after his morning shift to enjoy the Diner’s amazing food. He plans to continue this job after he ages out of the program.
On Wednesday, April 10, the PACE Program celebrated the graduation of Kyle Musomba.
At a ceremony, LHS Principal John Harrington presented Musomba with a certificate of completion, and Transition Coordinator Catherine Johnson presented him with his official transition portfolio.
Every student in the transition program leaves with an official resume listing all volunteer and work sites and demonstrating the wide range of vocational skills they have developed. They also receive a list of references that includes key mentors from their worksites, teachers, and job coaches.
“Our program provides students with essential documents and materials that demonstrate their hard work and dedication, which will allow job searching to be much easier for them in the future. That’s why these community partnerships are so important to our students! The connections they make in the community are essential for our students’ success,” said Transition Coordinator Johnson. “We are immensely proud of Kyle and his accomplishments, and we wish him the best as he moves on from our program!”
The PACE Partnerships series features stories surrounding the community partnerships of Littleton’s Transition Program, in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.
Kyle Musomba sets tables during a volunteer shift at the Portuguese Club in Hudson. (Photo Courtesy Littleton Public Schools) 
Andre McQuade currently serves as a busser at Paul’s Diner in Westford. He plans to continue his work there after he ages out of the transition program. (Photo Courtesy Littleton Public Schools) 
From left, Littleton’s ABA Therapist Kevin Cabral, Kyle Musomba, and Transition Coordinator Catherine Johnson at Musomba’s graduation ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Littleton Public Schools)