River Street School Vocational Department News

An interesting article from Science News for Kids

2012-02-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2012/02/a-ghost-lake/

Check out National Geographic

2012-01-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

We've also added the site to our "Important Links" list (right hand side of our home page).

Check out National Geographic for Kids

2012-01-31T14:50:00.001-05:00

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

We've also added the site to our "Important Links" list (right hand side of our home page).

Team work: a great way to stay focused

2012-01-25T10:07:00.001-05:00

New from Science News for Kids

2012-01-23T09:16:00.001-05:00

FOR KIDS: Electronic skin
Tiny, nearly invisible devices stick to skin, ‘talk’ to computers
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/337743/title/FOR_KIDS_Electronic_skin

FOR KIDS: The brain behind the game
Top athletes watch and learn from their teams, coaches and opponents
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/337716/title/FOR_KIDS_The_brain_behind_the_game

New community assignment cycle coming up soon

2012-01-09T14:10:00.003-05:00

The next cycle of community worksite assignments will begin on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Notices to parents should be on their way by Friday, January 13.

Our current enrollment and particpation

2012-01-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

We currently have 56 students participating in Vocational Department programming.

54 students participate daily in bench/production activities in the Campus Work Center.

25 students participate weekly in 9 campus-based mobile assignments: restocking the Front Office drinks coolers, delivering the campus mail, light maintenance in the Vocational Building, delivering/picking up magazines from classrooms, checking ADL suites for problems, collecting white paper from office areas for recycling/shredding, watering plants, light maintenance and re-shelving materials in the Campus Work Center, and creating and delivering silk flower arrangements to sites throughout the Campus.

27 students participate weekly at 19 community based worksites/assignments.

3 students participate weekly in Community Experience trips to a variety of sites (resource, recreation, consumer and restaurant related).

Our new look

2012-01-09T13:17:00.001-05:00

Hope you like the new look. Let us know

New from Science News for Kids

2012-01-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/337381/title/FOR_KIDS_Fins_as_early_legs__

Student of the Month

2011-12-13T10:06:00.004-05:00

3rd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: Club Fitness (formerly Gold's Gym)

I'm really good at: always being on time.

I've made a lot of progress in: mopping.

Something new I'm doing: working Harvey & Lewis Opticians in Glastonbury

Something interesting about me: I like to play video games on my Playstation 3.

Other: Best dressed even when dressed for working off campus

Student work assignments

2011-11-08T13:27:00.005-05:00

The 2nd cycle of campus mobile and community worksite assignments begins Thursday, November 17th, delayed a week because of the storm, and runs through Wednesday, January 20th. Notices of continuing and new assignments should be going out to parents by Monday, 11/15.

Open House success

2011-11-08T13:16:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all the families that were able to attend the recent Open House. New families had an opportunity to visit the Campus Work Center, and the Vocational Department's media display of movies and photographs of students working got lots of nice attention.

Recent additions to training equipment

2011-11-08T11:10:00.006-05:00

The Department's complement of business machines was recently expanded with the purchase of 3 electric paper folding machines for students to use in the Campus Work Center and at Faith Lutheran Church.

We have 2 Martin Yale P6200 Desktop Folders which will produce tri-fold business letters.

We also have 1 Martin Yale P7200 RapidFold which will produce both business and half folds.

New Community worksites

2011-11-08T10:57:00.003-05:00

McCarthy Concrete in South Windsor has offered our students a site for document shredding since the 2010-2011 school year. Beginning in summer 2011, at the company's request, our student services and opportunities expanded to include maintenance work. Thank you, McCarthy Concrete !

We added TJ Max in the Windsor Shopping Center in September to our array of work sites. Thank you,TJ Maxx!

35th Annual All-School Thanksgiving, Tuesday, November 15, 2011

2011-11-08T10:16:00.013-05:00

Students and staff alike are eagerly anticipating this year's Annual All-School Thanksgiving Lunch, our 35th, which will be shared on Tuesday, November 15, with a menu that has something for everyone: turkey & gravy, mashed potatoes, cornbread, stuffing, a green vegetable, cranberry sauce, and apple & pumpkin pies.

Vocational staff look forward every year to participating in the planning, preparation and serving of our holiday meal, and are looking forward to sharing another great Thanksgiving with the River Street Community! We are grateful to be able to return to a largely undamaged River Street Campus after our recent October snow storm.

Student of the Month

2011-10-18T09:43:00.004-04:00

Keith R

2nd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: Faith Lutheran Church: assembling notebooks, especially placing the CD's into the plastic sleeves

I'm really good at: learning the new mechanical paper shredder.

I've made a lot of progress in: staying focused on jobs at hand.

Something new I'm doing: Faith Lutheran Church Mobile Worksite

Something interesting about me: I am friendly. I like to work. I love Sponge Bob Square Pants!

Interesting Science News for Kids articles

2011-10-13T10:10:00.001-04:00

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/335151/title/FOR_KIDS_Breaking_the_universal_speed_limit

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/335154/title/FOR_KIDS_DEET_confuses_mosquitoes

Interesting Science News articles

2011-10-06T09:56:00.004-04:00

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334955/title/FOR_KIDS_Cleaning_clothes_dirties_oceans

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334958/title/FOR_KIDS_Cars_of_the_future

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334951/title/FOR_KIDS_Double_sunsets_on_a_distant_world

Interesting Science News article

2011-09-29T14:49:00.001-04:00

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334790/title/FOR_KIDS_Glow_kitties

Hard worker!

2011-09-28T13:33:00.001-04:00

Hard worker!

2011-09-28T13:26:00.001-04:00

Hard worker!

2011-09-28T13:21:00.001-04:00

Memorable Quote

2011-09-26T11:34:00.001-04:00

from Artie J: when asked why he wanted to work, "because work is part of life".

New at the Job on Campus

2011-09-16T11:28:00.017-04:00

Spotlight on who's doing new work since June:

Jordan C, DJ, Maggie W and Frankie R have all helped drain and restock the roll out drinks coolers with ice and assorted beverages for the front office.

Fumi F, Zac W, and Ian M have helped deliver the RSS mail to teachers and clinicians.

Michael C and Fumi F have helped straighten up and organize materials in the workroom after the morning sessions.

DJ is the Campus Florist, helping to beautify the school by designing and placing silk flower arrangements around the campus.

Check out our new link for Science News for Kids

2011-09-16T11:20:00.002-04:00

See below and also added to our Important Links section, top right on our Home Page

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

Campus Student of the Summer

2011-09-16T10:56:00.004-04:00

Rachel D

new to the Campus-based program as a 2nd month evaluation period Voc. Dept. student

I've made a lot of progress in: working quietly and increasing my work time from 15 minutes to 45 minutes

Community Work Student of the Summer

2011-09-16T10:48:00.004-04:00

Maggie W

4th year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: Big Y Supermarket in Enfield, Foodshare in Bloomfield

I'm really good at: bagging groceries

I've made a lot of progress in: helping others, learning the job

Something new I'm doing: front end bagging at Big Y

Something interesting about me: I love fashion and dance

Interesting Science News articles

2011-09-16T10:36:00.009-04:00

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334047/title/If_that’s_a_TV%2C_this_must_be_the_den

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334128/title/News_in_Brief_Body_%2B_Brai n

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/334035/title/_FOR_KIDS_An_elephants_aha%21_moment

Promotion to increased work hours

2011-07-07T12:24:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to the following students who will have increased vocational hours in the Fall:

Rachael C: increased to 10 hours/wk
Melinda S: increased to 15 hours/wk
Fumi F: increased to 15 hours/wk
Chris C: increased to 10 hours/wk
Jeremy R: increased to 15 hours/wk
Adam P: increased to 10 hours/wk
Max B: increased to 10 hours/wk
Artie J: increased to 15 hours/wk

Special Summer Opportunities

2011-07-07T11:44:00.004-04:00

, a 5th year student in the RSS Vocational Program, will be attending, in addition to the RSS summer program, two exciting programs this summer: LEEP, a summer program through Oak Hill, and The Massachusetts Youth Leadership Forum, sponsored by Easter Seals Boston and hosted this year by Bridgewater State University. For the YLF, an interview with the Board members was required and only 35 delegates out of 130 applicants across the state of Massachusetts were accepted.

CONGRATULATIONS!

ASCONN Conference

2011-07-07T11:09:00.003-04:00

RSS had a table at the recent, April 30, ASCONN Conference. Anne Cuvellier, School Social Worker, was nice enough to ask if the Vocational Department would like to have a display. We said yes! The Department's Photo Frame on display with a selection of 17 of our students shown working was a nice addition to the school's presentation. Thanks to parents who gave permission for photos to be used.

Parents who have not given permission for expanded use of photos via the annual notice sent home by the office please consider giving permission so that a picture can be added when we post news of your child's success. When a picture is used, no name is attached.

New Community Worksites Added

2011-07-07T10:16:00.004-04:00

We have been fortunate in adding a new site during the 2010-2011 school year, McCarthy Concrete in South Windsor as a site for document shredding. At the company's request, our services and opportunities will expand this summer to include maintenance work. Thank you, McCarthy Concrete !

Through the efforts of Vocational staff member Tammy H, we have secured space at Faith Lutheran Church in East Hartford for a new work site designed as a satellite work center providing expanded opportunities for our students to do clerical and bench work in the community. thank you, Faith Lutheran!

June 2011 Graduates

2011-07-07T10:01:00.005-04:00

June 23rd saw a 2011 River Street School Graduating Class of 9, all participants in formal programming through the Vocational Department. We wish the best in the future to Tyler A, Tommy G, Matt G, Chantel B, Antwan N-P, Shaine W, Ethan G, Jon T and Brian W.

Congratulations: 2011 Voc Student Awards

2011-07-07T09:37:00.006-04:00

Each year in June, the Department recognizes students who have shown significant improvement, or shown high levels of sustained performance, or successfully met new challenges. This year awards went to:

Antwan N-P, for Increased Attendance and Participation

Jon L, new to the Campus program this year, for Most Increased Attention to Task

Anna P, for Increased Task Ability in campus Bench Assignments

Artie J, for Most Organized Work Space

Melinda S, for Most Steady Worker

Rachael C, for Most Consistent Campus Worker

Mallory T, for Most Increased Independence and Maturity

Robert P, for Most Increased Independence in Campus Bench Work

DJ, for Most Increased Independence in Campus Mobile Work

Fumi F, for Most Increased Independence in Campus Mobile Work

Jean-Luc S, for Most Increased Independence in a Community Work Assignment

Obi E, for Most Improved Community Worker

Michael R, for Most Flexible Community Worker

Nathaniel A, for Most Improved Campus Worker

Maggie W, for Most Improved Community Worker

Chris C, for Most Motivated community Worker

Jeremy R, for Strongest Work Focuys in Campus Bench Work

Fumi F, for Best All-Around Campus Worker

Ethan G, for Most Professional Community Worker

Jon T, for Successful Transition to Increased Community Work Schedule

Anna P, for Greatest Increase in Bench Work Productivity ($5 Prize)

Gerardo O, for Greatest Increase in Bench Work Productivity ($5 Prize)

Scott P, for Highest Sustained Bench Work Prodcutivity ($10 Prize)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

We're growing

2011-03-09T10:28:00.005-05:00

Student of the Week

2011-03-09T09:51:00.006-05:00

1st year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: disassembling yellow and black paint pour spouts

I'm really good at: disassembling and sorting materials.

I've made a lot of progress in: assembly jobs.

Something new I'm doing: learning many new jobs since starting in the Campus Work Center in December

Other: Please watch me work.

Alumni News

2011-03-04T15:24:00.002-05:00

Robert G, one of our 2008 graduates continues to excel in his job at Work Opportunities in Massachusetts, and was chosen as their first "Employee of the Month". Congratulations!

Student of the Week

2011-03-04T15:17:00.002-05:00

Jean-Luc S

3rd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: playing piano for the residents at St. Joseph

I'm really good at: cleaning and playing piano

I've made a lot of progress in: learning new songs to play

Something new I'm doing: setting tables in the dining room at St. Joseph

Something interesting about me: I'm funny

Other:

Student of the Week

2011-01-26T14:25:00.003-05:00

4th year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: working at Harvey & Lewis Opticians

I'm really good at: working at the Children's Museum: I clean the turtle cages without assistance from staff.

I've made a lot of progress in: telling staff what I would like to do after finishing working at my community work site.

Something new I'm doing: cleaning the bathrooms in the Voc. Building when I am working on campus

Something interesting about me: I like to watch Harry Potter.

Other: I always dress nicely and am always ready to go to work.

Student of the Week

2010-12-06T10:17:00.006-05:00

Scott P

2nd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: assembling and sorting nuts & bolts (six piece)

I'm really good at: putting things together

I've made a lot of progress in: giving finished work to staff or students

Something new I'm doing: new assemble project ("copper bells") that I use an electric screwdriver to do

Something interesting about me: I pay attention to details.

Other: I like the computer.

December Newsletter

2010-11-23T14:32:00.006-05:00

Our 34th Annual All-School Thanksgiving Lunch was greatly enjoyed by all and now everyone is looking forward to our Annual Holiday Lunch on Tuesday, December 21st.

The Students and Staff of the Vocational Department would like to thank Don Clark of Clark Shredders, LLC for his recent donation of the repair costs for our table-top shredder, as well as his donation of a mail sorter. Mr. Clark’s generosity has also allowed us over the last several years to purchase our large floor model shredders at substantially reduced cost. The larger shredders allow us to process the large volume of paper that the RSS generates into animal bedding which is delivered twice weekly to the West Hartford Puppy Center.
Information for Mr. Clark’s services and products can be found at: http://www.shredders-r-us.com/.

Ethan G, June 2011 graduate, has begun an internship/exploration in the Cafeteria at the John J. Allison, Jr. Polaris Center, a sister CREC program in East Harford, where he is learning to run the register during the 3 lunch waves with support from his Job Coach, Diane Provenzano.

Jon T, June 2011 graduate, has begun an internship/exploration at the East Windsor Big Y and is off to a great start. Jon had a positive attitude throughout and reported that the best thing about his first day was “working with those nice people and the ease of the job”. Congratulations, Jon!

Billy McCabe and his mother, MaryElllen joined us for our Thanksgiving Lunch. It was great to see Billy and his Mom, and to hear how well he is doing.

We hear that Eric O, one of our 2007 Graduates, is doing well and working full time at the Walgreen’s Distribution Center in Windsor Locks.

Alumni News

2010-11-23T12:35:00.011-05:00

On Tuesday, November 23, staff from Allied Community Services in Enfield, CT visited to showcase the jewelry made by employees that is for sale at Allied's Attic as well as marketed on-line. A number of former students and RSS graduates work at Allied. Paul C (Class of 1999), DJ (Class of 2009), and Mike S (Class 0f 2009) have worked on the jewelry making project. It's reported that Mike is also busy helping with other assignments that support the efforts of the thrift shop. For more information about Allied Community Services, go to http://www.alliedgroup.org/

Student of the Week

2010-11-15T13:49:00.003-05:00

Gerardo O

2nd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: disassembling and sorting nuts & bolts (three piece)

I'm really good at: keeping my workspace clean and neat

I've made a lot of progress in: getting my own materials

Something new I'm doing: working off-grounds at the CT Fire Academy

Something interesting about me: I am always dressed to impress!

Other: I love Hot Fries.

Check it out!

2010-11-15T13:47:00.002-05:00

New page " Even More Community Work Sites" features information on these additional sites:

Connecticut Chapter, American Red Cross
Capitol Region Council of Churches

Check it out!

2010-11-04T15:18:00.006-04:00

New page " More Community Work Sites" features information on these additional sites:

Shell Gas Station/Convenience Store
Shepherd Park Elder Housing
Children's Museum of West Hartford
St. Joseph Residence
Giovanni's Pizza Restaurant
Enfield Big Y
East Windsor Big Y

Student of the Week

2010-11-01T14:54:00.006-04:00

Jean-Luc S

3rd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: playing piano for the residents at St. Joseph Residence

I'm really good at: cleaning tables and playing piano

I've made a lot of progress in: learning new songs to play

Something new I'm doing: setting tables in the dining room at St. Joseph

Something interesting about me: I'm funny

The 34th Annual All-School Thanksgiving Lunch

2010-11-01T12:18:00.015-04:00

On Thursday, November 18th, the 34th Annual All-School Thanksgiving Lunch will be shared by 225 students and staff at River Street School. The first? Back in November 1977, at what was then Day Treatment Service in the little Beach Park Elementary School, the 4 staff and 12 students of John Tyner's and Pat M's classes enjoyed a Thanksgiving celebration. As the center piece of the menu: two frozen turkey rolls!

Calling all Graduates!

2010-11-01T12:01:00.005-04:00

We would love to hear news of and from any of our Alumni. Please let us know how you and your family are doing.

November Newsletter

2010-11-01T11:55:00.003-04:00

Another school year is successfully well under way in the Voc. Department.

Thanks to all of our parents who were able to visit with Voc. staff in the Campus Work Center at the recent Open House.

Welcome to our newest student from Debbie Lanzl’s classroom, Steven P, who is off to a great start.

Obi E. from Helen’s room will be starting his first community based work experience delivering shredded paper from our recycling program to the West Hartford Puppy Center for animal bedding in early November.

Ethan G, one of this year’s June 2011 graduates, has been working at the Shell Gas Station/Convenience Store on Kennedy Road independently on Wednesday mornings and is becoming more independent in bagging groceries at the Enfield Big Y on Fridays.

Jon T, another one of this year’s June 2011 graduates, has also been working independently 3 mornings a week at the Shell Gas Station/Convenience Store on Kennedy Road, and will begin an internship/exploration at the East Windsor Big Y in early November.

In addition to our new work site at the East Windsor Big Y, our students recently began working at the Capitol Region Council of Churches’ offices in Hartford doing light custodial tasks. The Council has also provided clerical work for our students in the Campus Work Center.

News from our June 2010 graduates:

Billy McCabe is doing very well. His program is an all-work model enclave arranged through LARC where he is doing lots of piecework. All are well in the family and they are very pleased with his new program.

We home to add an “Alumni Corner” soon as well.

Student of the Week:

2010-10-14T11:43:00.003-04:00

2nd year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: disassemble copper bells in the Campus Work Center

I'm really good at: clerical type jobs: sorting, stuffing envelopes

I've made a lot of progress in: using my counter to keep track of my production

Something new I'm doing: using an electric screwdriver

Check it out!

2010-10-06T13:09:00.000-04:00

new page featuring the Vocational Outreach Program

Student of the Week:

2010-10-05T12:03:00.014-04:00

Michael C

4th year Voc. Dept. student

Favorite job: West Hartford Puppy Center

I'm really good at: the finer details, time, work is put together correctly, everyone gets their mail

I've made a lot of progress in: staying in workshop and completing my work

Something new I'm doing: going off-grounds to deliver shredding to the Puppy Center

Something interesting about me: I like to watch the 1933 version of King Kong

The Campus Work Center: videos of the day

2010-09-30T11:55:00.007-04:00

Today's video post

The Campus Work Center: videos of the day

2010-09-24T10:21:00.002-04:00

Today's video post