Life Skills program brings dynamic atmosphere to Mt. Pleasant Area

The Life Skills program at Mt. Pleasant Area School District has made a dramatic difference in the life of Acme's Colin Russel, according to his parents, Kim and Kirk Russel.

“We are very thrilled, to say the least,” Kim Russel said.

It is the first year Colin, a 16-year-old student who has autism, has not received his daily lessons in an autistic support classroom.

He has blossomed under the tutelage of Jennifer Bradley and Linda Hickman, district instructors for the program, which focuses on teaching participating pupils functional reading, math, science and social studies as well as daily living and social skills.

“Mrs. Bradley tries to find the strengths of each of her students, and lets them excel at their strengths while learning life skills,” Russel said.

The program represents the latest step in the district's efforts to determine better ways to serve its students, according to Kenneth Williams, principal of the junior-senior high school.

Four students are enrolled in the senior high school Life Skills program, while the junior high school classroom has eight students.

The program uses student mentors in addition to in-house instructors such as Bradley and Hickman, who are employed by the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, Bradley said.

The program benefits not only the students it is designed to educate, but the entire student body, as well, Williams said.

“These students are a huge part of the Viking family. This has been an amazing experience for everyone involved,” Williams said. “They have been embraced by their fellow students, and they add a tremendous, positive dynamic to our environment.”

Program trains for independence

The Life Skills curriculum provides differentiated instructing for each student, focusing on improving students' academic and vocational capabilities, Bradley said.

Students involved with the program have the right to choose regular education elective courses, she said.

They can also participate in regular or adaptive physical education and various school-sponsored sports or clubs, she said, and they can also attend annual class trips and after-school activities, Bradley said.

“Life Skills classes train students for independence,” she said.

Life Skills students at the district recently made scented soaps that they sold at the recent “Night of the Arts” event held at the high school, she said.

Students have a home in the district

Prior to the program's installation in the district, students previously attended Clairview School in Greensburg, along with other specialized schools in the area that have since been closed, she said.

The savings generated by those students staying in the district are put back into the program, Williams said.

As for Russel, she was reluctant about the program at first, especially since it was new, she said.

But her fears were quickly eliminated when she saw the helpfulness of the administration is and Colin's happiness, she said.

“He has been able to participate in numerous activities he would not have had the opportunity otherwise,” Russel said.

Colin is a member of the Mt. Pleasant Area Unified Track Team.

Through the Life Skills program, he has discovered a love of acting, recently performing in the Mt. Pleasant Township Lions Club talent show.

He also loves participating in the work discovery program offered by the intermediate unit, working at Excela Health Frick Hospital and Shop Demo Depot.

Mentors fill a vital role

Bradley said there is so much interaction with the Life Skills students and the rest of the student body.

The school's French 4 students will be working with her students to make crepes for the upcoming “Beauty and the Beast” spring musical April 17-18, she said.

On a regular basis. the program's students also interact with classmates participating in its mentoring initiative, Bradley said.

Student mentors, including seniors Kasey Brown, Matt Johnson and Isabella Riordan, come into her classroom and help students with some of their schoolwork, Bradley said.

Johnson said it has been a very humbling experience for him.

“Seeing how excited these students get to see me has made this experience worth while,” he said.

Brown enjoys mentoring the Life Skills students both in the classroom and during events with the Unified track team, she said.

“It's an amazing opportunity to spend time and help the kids that look up to you,” Riordan added. “I made friendships that will last.”

Effective transitions are ensured

Junior high program instructor Megan Gillespie said her students have worked with Bradley's classroom, which will aid two of her students in making the transition to the high school level next year.

Some of the activities Gillespie's students have participated in include making grilled cheese, soup and cookies, Gillespie said.

“They also learned how to sew buttons on clothing and how to get stains out,” she added. “The administration has been wonderful and supportive of our program.”

Williams said the Life Skills students have integrated themselves into the fiber of the school, helping to make it a very special place.

“Professionally, it has done wonders for the staff and administration,” he said. “These students are enthusiastic, kind, supportive and motivated to do great things. I am thrilled to have this program here at the junior-senior high.”

Kelly Vernon is a staff writer with Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-547-5722 or kvernon@tribweb.com.