Thirteen Post Secondary Transition and Education Program (P-STEP) students spent their summer sharpening their life skills and helping out District 202.
The students spent time preparing clothing in their Extended School Year classes for the district’s inaugural free shopping event in August.
P-STEP students range in age from 18 to 22. They learn vocational/work training, employment, and daily living skills.
The clothing was collected from every school’s unclaimed lost and found bins.
P-STEP students washed, folded, and sorted the clothing to prepare for the event on August 3.
They also helped set up the event at Ira Jones Middle School by sorting school supplies and hanging clothes.
Heidi Beiler, Transition Coordinator at Plainfield Academy and ESY teacher, helped the students complete the task.
The work offered students the opportunity to hone their independent living skills such as doing laundry but also allowed them to work on other skills such as time management, organization, and work ethic, Beiler said.
"This project was important for the P-STEP students because it gives them an opportunity to participate in helping their community,” she said.
The collaboration also showed Beiler a different way District 202 can offer students job training.
"As an educator, it has allowed me to see all the possibilities that can be available for our P-STEP students to grow and learn important life skills that will increase their chances of becoming part of a future inclusive workforce by working within the Plainfield School District,” Beiler said.
District 202 plans to host another free shopping event later this year.