October 2018 - Transition Program at Perrysburg High School

By Andrea Glesser, Director of Special Education, Perrysburg Schools

Three years ago, Perrysburg Schools began a partnership with Venture Bound to implement a systematic transition program at Perrysburg High School. The goal of the partnership was to provide direct instruction and experiential learning opportunities to students with barriers to independent competitive employment. The implementation of this program was viewed as a necessary step in assuring that all Perrysburg students are prepared for a successful and sustainable future in the workforce.

Transition services have always been a focus for students with special needs and are provided through coordinated activities and experiences outlined in individualized plans. However, the school district felt a structured program with clear objectives should be available to any student who may have obstacles to independent and ongoing employment. This need was addressed via the partnership that began in the fall of 2016. Through this relationship with Venture Bound, students were able to access curriculum resources, lessons and consultation services coordinated and initially implemented by Mrs. Kelly Elton, a co-founder of the Venture Bound program. The initial program included four students and was implemented by Venture Bound staff directly. For the 2018-2019 school year, Perrysburg Schools has hired vocational instructor, Analisa Turnow, to oversee and customize the program, and who will serve Perrysburg students moving forward.  The program has now grown to serve 19 students in the current semester. Additionally, Mrs. Jill Morse, transition paraprofessional, has been employed to support students in this program since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

Through explicit instruction, community experiences and employment opportunities, the program aspires to provide students with the skills, confidence and supports needed to obtain meaningful and gratifying employment now and into the future. The program consists of three general education courses: VB Introduction / Basics, VB Supported Exploratory and VB Independent Employment. Enrollment is determined by assessing student needs to identify individuals with specific barriers to competitive employment through referral by the student’s classroom teacher(s) or school counselor.

During the Introduction / Basics course, students learn about self-advocacy, personal finance, interviewing skills and unwritten expectations or the “hidden curriculum” of the workplace. Students enrolled in the Supported Exploratory course spend time volunteering, participating in job training activities in the community and developing independent living skills by visiting the District’s Living Classroom, which is located at the Perrysburg Heights Community Center. There, students are able to learn and practice skills for independent living and host community events and activities. In the final Venture Bound Course, Independent Employment, students are able to participate in independent competitive employment opportunities they secure and will work with program staff to maintain. Students obtain a work release for a portion of their school day and have the periodic support of a job coach and feedback from the school district’s vocational instructor.

This year, there is a large group in the Supported Exploratory course and Ms. Turnow has worked diligently to expand community partnerships for student volunteer work. Through the work of Ms. Turnow and Venture Bound, the school district has developed strong partnerships with:
• Cintas Uniform Services
• Costco Wholesale
• Genoa Bank
• Hannah’s Socks
• Lowe’s Home Improvement
• Mercy Health – Perrysburg Medical Center
• TJ Maxx
• Toledo Area Humane Society
• Wood County Parks Department
Our school district and students are grateful to these community partners and are always in search of additional partnerships to expand opportunities for students.

In the three short years since the program’s inception, Perrysburg Schools has already seen remarkable growth as students prepare to transition into adulthood. It is inspiring to see students refine their areas of interest, develop employability skills and show increased confidence throughout their participation in the courses. Additionally, students are able to progress through the courses based, to an extent, on individual strengths and level of readiness – transitioning to independent employment as they demonstrate the skills to undertake that next step. By providing expanded learning opportunities for students at our high school campus and out into our community, we have been able to supplement the many transition programs and services that exist within our region. The partnership with Venture Bound has created the vehicle for the school district to positively impact the outcomes of our students, allowing them to achieve their greatest potential.