Community Classroom
Stonington Public Schools
2011-2012
A Transitional High School Program

What is a Community Classroom?

A Community Classroom is a classroom that is housed outside of the school building at a local business or organization. Students access this classroom as part of connecting their learning from job related experiences to life skills and/ or academics. Community Classrooms allow students to learn and work with non-disabled peers in inclusive settings and provide students with transitional supports for the student’s future life plans. A mutually beneficial relationship for both the schools and the local community businesses is forged. The purpose of the Community Classroom is:

        ♦   To provide students with authentic, meaningful life and work skills in their own community.

        ♦   To establish a transitional program for our students that meets their needs and is provided in-district.

        ♦   To create partnerships between local organizations and businesses that are designed for mutual benefit.

Community Classroom Mission Statement

To provide Stonington high-school/post-high school students with intellectual disabilities vocational training in their own community setting. Independent living skills, social integration activities, and lifelong learning would be elements of the “Community Classroom” curriculum as students make the transition from high-school to community life.

Partnerships and Collaborations

        ♦   Avalon Health Center at Stoneridge (Physical Classroom Space) 

        ♦   Mystic Aquarium (Physical Classroom Space)

        ♦   Mystic Chamber of Commerce

        ♦   Westerly Hospital

 Benefits of the Community Classroom

        ♦   Pursuit of Life Skills and Job Training in Student’s Community

        ♦   Possibility of Future Employment in Community

        ♦   Inclusive Settings

        ♦   Increased Morale for Staff at Community Businesses

 Who Will Be Eligible?

        ♦   Stonington Student

        ♦   Between the Ages of 15-21

        ♦   Primarily for Students Identified as Intellectual Disabled

        ♦   Appropriate Social Behaviors

        ♦   Successful Participation in the T.L.C Work Study Program

The establishment of the Community Classrooms in our town, we give us the ability to bring our students back to Stonington to work and learn in their own community, instead of being transported to organizations such as SHARPE Training, ARC and Puffins. This will realize a cost savings for the district of $163,588 which will be reallocated to support students more effectively in a variety of ways.

Community Classroom Powerpoint Presentation