Meet Joe Karel

Joe is in his first year at the transition program. He has joined the SKILLS USA Stillwater chapter and is assisting with the Candyland popcorn drive to raise money for the club.  He is enjoying his time at transition learning different topics of interest to him.  Joe loves to draw in his spare time especially designing and creating comics.  He currently works at Pizza Ranch and has been an employee there for over a year.  The staff truly enjoys having Joe in the program as he is a respectful and thoughtful young man. Great year Joe!

Emma's Day In Transition

Emma is in her first year at the Transition Program for 18-21 year old students.  She is 19 years old and has recently moved from South Carolina to the winter wonderland of Minnesota. Emma enjoys music such as Shania Twaine, and Carrie Underwood.  She also likes to dance and different social activities like bowling and attending Valley Friendship Hub Center.

During the school day Emma works 3 days a week at Special Products LLC her main project is the deconstruction of recycled bags for creating the tote bags.  She also folds the T-shirts that are printed and sold by Special Products.   Emma also enjoys Yoga and Art class.  She shops at Wal-Mart on Wednesdays to purchase ECFC products that are needed by pre-school students.  She has two brothers Andrew and Harrison. The staff truly enjoys Emma's positive attitude and her ability to encourage others.  Great work Emma!

T-Shirt Design at Special Products

Cooking Class Holiday Appetizers

Stuffed Peppers

In cooking class we made a variety of appetizers 

for the upcoming holiday season.  All students 

researched recipes and prepared them in groups 

of two or individually for the class.

This was good practice for preparing these at

home for their family and friends. 

CeCe & Kaitlyn -Stuffed Peppers

Christian & Karen -Hotdog Blanket Wraps

Joe & Nick-Dill Pickle & Ham Wraps

Isaac & Mitchel-Sweet Chicken & Bacon Wraps

Fun was had by all~

Hotdog Blanket Wraps

Zach's First Year At Transition

Shopping

Zach Majkowski is participating in his first year

at the Transition Program for 18-21 year old

students.  Zach is volunteering at Special

Products LLC. He is very good at assembling

small piece building projects.  Zach also

participates in cooking in which, he goes

shopping at the local Cub Foods and assists

preparing lunch and snacks.  During the

afternoon Zach has an exercise class and art class.

Zach has impressed the staff with his strong work ethic.

He likes to see a project through to the very end and

will work hard until it is completed.

State Delegates Meeting

Mackenzie Hietala

SKILLS USA held the annual state delegates meeting on November 20th at Saint Paul Technical College.  Guest speakers included US Senator Amy Klobuchar and Melvin Carter current St Paul Mayor. Our program had three students at the meeting representing the Stillwater Transition Chapter.  Mackenzie Hietala, Isaac Harrington, and Christian Finn.  Also representing our program was Mike Albers current Work Coordinator and SKILLS USA advisor.

Congratulations goes out to Isaac Harrington who was running for state officer at the conference and won!!!
We at the Transition program are very proud of your achievement and hard work Isaac! 

Christian Finn

Isaac Harrington State Officer

US Senator Amy Klobuchar

Hello my name is Karen Alfaro. This is my first year in the Transition Program. I work at SuperAmerica as a Cashier and I volunteer at Gillette Children’s Hospital in my spare time. As well as volunteering as a preschool teacher at a local church in my neighborhood. I enjoy working with kids. Last year, I was a Student Assistant at the High School. And I completed the 916 Education and Human Services class to prepare me for working with young students. In this class, I passed my CPR training and received a card that verifies my training.

I would like to get my drivers permit and license this year.  I also want to secure a job working with kids and training so that I can become a para-professional in the future. I recently secured a job at Adventure Club as Aide at Lake Elmo Elementary.

Career Fair Experience

Friday, November 16th students from the Stillwater Transition Program participated at a local Career Fair for employment.  Students created individual video resumes that potential employers can view at their booth at the  Career Fair. 
To learn more about Minnesota Career Fairs that are free and open to the public click on the following link:
 https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/find-a-job/job-career-fair/

Sam, Tyson, Jerred & Hanna

Special Products Pop Up Sale

Country Sun Farms Donation

 We would like to take this opportunity to THANK Country Sun Farms of Lake Elmo for the generous donation of pumpkins for our craft activity in Art class.  Fun was had by all and we appreciate your community support of our program! Thank you Country Sun Farms. 

If you would like to know more or visit Country Sun Farms
(located on Hwy 36) please check out their website at https://www.countrysunfarm.com/


~From the Transition Students & Staff

Bailee's First Year In Transition

Hi my name is Bailee Shanahan and I am excited to meet new friends at Transition.  This is my first year so I am working in the PAES lab learning new job skills. I also have cooking, art and yoga classes durning my school day.  I have started working for Liftbridge Industries LLC.  As an employee we make birdseed, cleaning products and building benches for sale in the community.

In my spare time I like listening to music and watching TV shows such as America's Got Talent and The Voice.  I have a sister named Katie and a brother named Grant. 

Meet Chazz Massey

Hi my name is Chazz Massey. This is my second and last year at the Stillwater Transition Program. I was currently working at River Market Coop over the summer as a dishwasher. I had left River Market in July because the job didn’t feel right for me and I am looking into other jobs that would fit me better. Last school year I went to River Market Coop and Pony Activity Center as job training sites. I am a Chapter Officer of the Stillwater Transition Program SkillsUSA Chapter. My role in SkillsUSA is the Parliamentarian. I currently applied to Lowe’s and have my interview with them on September 24, 2018.

In my spare time I like to watch WWE, play my guitar, be on my phone, and spend time with my family.

Senior Year For Andrew

Hi my name is Andrew Schneider and this is my last year in the Stillwater Transition program.  I am currently attending classes, volunteering, and training at worksites in Stillwater. I volunteer at the Stillwater and Bayport library 2 days a week.  As well as working at the ECFC I have had various work experiences through Transition.  I have worked at Boutwells Landing, Lowell Inn, River Market Coop, Valley OutReach, TJ Maxx, The Warden's House Museum, and Special Products LLC.

In my spare time I enjoy science fi films and anime.  I live in Woodbury and look forward to finding employment in the community for my future.

2017-18 Graduation Luncheon

On Wed. May 30th students and staff celebrated the Transition graduation at The Lowell Inn.  We all had a wonderful year together accomplishing a lot of goals.  The staff wishes graduates the best of luck with their future!!

Graduates listed below

See you next year!!!

Northeast Metro 916 Awards

Stephen Thomson Construction

 Two Transition students earned Outstanding Student Awards for the 2017-18 school year at Northeast Metro Career & Technical Center.  Stephen Thomson completed his 2nd year in the Construction & Trades class.  He is continuing in the construction field as a career with plans to attend Saint Paul Technical Center next year and even earned a scholarship. We at Transition program will miss Stephen but wish him luck on the next chapter of his life.  Congrats Stephen!

Victoria Brekke is in her first year at the Education & Human Services class and Transition program.  She plans to attend 916 again next year and continue to build on her skills as a child development specialist.  Victoria has also completed an internship working with kindergarten students and learning from the instructor at the ECFC this school year.  In her spare time Victoria works part time a Culvers in Stillwater.  Congratulations Victoria we are proud of your achievements this year! 

Victoria Brekke Ed. & Human Services

Transition cooking class

Alex & Christian 

 Students that enroll in cooking class learn how to make basic meals independently and semi-independently.  They plan and purchase food at the local Cub foods. Curriculum is student designed by individual skills and ability.  We also use the online curriculum which has step by step instructions and video to assist students. It is called Look, Cook, and Eat.  Click on the following link to learn more about this wonderful cooking site for young adults
https://www.lookcookandeat.com/

Tyson & Hanna making smoothies

Tony scrambling eggs

Charlie "Chuck" Bristow

Golf Special Olympics Champion

Chuck Bristow has been in the Transition program for two years.  In that time, Chuck has worked hard to make his dreams come true. Chuck has a special love for the game of golf and he wanted to make it a career he could continue to enjoy.  Therefore, he obtained a job at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale where he has worked his way up to Golf Cart staff by obtaining his driver license to operate the carts for the course.  Chuck also is in charge of maintaining the driving range area and operating the ball retriever cart.  Another goal that Chuck worked on to achieve was to handle his own work transportation schedule calling weekly with Transit Link to schedule drop off and pick up times between home, transitions and work independently.  Chuck now has the freedom to travel alone in the community to and from his home, job sites, and appointments.   He also knew that during the winter months he needed to find another job to supplement his income since he couldn't work at the golf course in January.  So Chuck completed a job training program through Transition with a job coach at the Lowell Inn.  He was hired as an independent worker shortly after the training program was complete.  Currently, Chuck works part time at both jobs.  He also raises money in his spare time for 2 charities through his love for golf.  Please check out his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CharliesGolfingClub/

Charlies Golfing Club 

The Lowell Inn Community Partner

Kyle Flicker 

The Lowell Inn is a new community partner this year that has chosen to hire three of our Transition students so far.  Transitions has also used the Lowell Inn as an employment training site where students learn how to wash dishes for a fine dining restaurant as well as light custodial responsibilities. 

Students that have trained at the Lowell Inn include:

• Mark Paulson
• Chuck Bristow
• Christian Finn
• Cece Raleigh
• Andrew Schneider
• Kyle Flicker
• Kristen Andersen

Student Training Work Site

St Paul Saints vs Lincoln Saltdogs

The crew at the ballpark

 On Tuesday May 15th the Transition program attended the St Paul Saints baseball game at CHS field.  Students purchased their own seat tickets and paid for food purchases as well.  It was an excellent day for baseball sunny and 77 degrees at the park.  We had front row outfield seats for $6.00 due to the fact it was an exhibition game for students in Minnesota. The Saints went on to defeat the Saltdogs 6 to 1. It was an great day in St Paul for our students community event. 

Andrew with a foul ball

Natasha & Kritsten

Lift Bridge Industries

Toby & Kyle outdoor bench project

 Lift Bridge Industries is a student business that makes products to sell in the community. Students  make birdseed, non-toxic cleaner, benches and other products. Students with a wide range of abilities participate.  
If you would like to purchase any items please contact Jon Matel at 651-351-8476.

Tony & Bella painting project

Sam the bench project

Congratulations Lizzy Backlund

Lizzy Backlund has completed her Century College PSEO classes for the 2017-18 year with a GPA of 4.0 and earned her Stillwater diploma.  Lizzy will be continuing her degree in Education & Human Services at Century College.  She would like to work with elementary students as a para professional for her future career.  Lizzy completed her college classes and worked at Stillwater Adventure Club for the school year.  Lizzy also participated in SKILLS USA organization and competed in the national competition in Nashville, Tennessee. 
Congratulations Lizzy!!  The Transition staff is very proud of your individual accomplishments and we all wish you the best! 

SkillsUSA State Competition

Students competed in the 51st State SkillsUSA and Leadership Championship Conference on March 27-28th in Bloomington.

In the Employment Application Process event, Kaitlyn Mathaus earned gold, Nick Carlson captured silver and Alex Volmer took bronze. In the Action Skills category, Lizzi O'Malley won gold and Alli Kazmierczak earned silver. Congratulations students!

Congratulations Mr Albers!!!

Our 18-21 Transitions Program Advisor, Mike Albers was named the SkillsUSA High School Advisor of the Year. Mike was nominated by his students for this award. Congratulations Mr. Albers!

Tyson's Truffles for Autism Awareness at Candyland

Tyson Kerr has been a student at the Stillwater Transition program and has worked at Candyland for the past 2 years. Tyson has a strong desire to help customers & share his knowledge of the candy industry. Tyson and his manager Brandon have created a special event to celebrate Autism Awareness month.  Monday, April 30th from 12 pm to 2pm, Tyson will be on site selling his favorite, S'more Truffles! Marshmallow Creme & Crushed Gram Crackers rolled in dipped decadent Milk Chocolate for only $1.00 each. Every penny from Tyson's S'more Truffle sales will be donated to The Autism Society of Minnesota.

Career Skills Day

On February 15th, 2018, nine students from the Stillwater Transition program attended the annual East Metro Career Skills Day at Guardian Angels Church in Oak Park Heights, MN. The competitions that were being competed in were job application,
general knowledge, and job interview.  There were many different east metro schools represented at the event as well as vendors from the community.
When we first arrived our group checked in and registered to compete in events. We had several staff members from the Transition program attending with us.  To answer questions and help guide us if needed.  We them reviewed the scheduled times for competitions and which events we were participating in. After the competitions were complete we did something called networking.  We got to intermingle with all the different students from all the various schools. After networking was finished, we had lunch which was served from Subway. Then we had a guest speaker whose name was YoDerrick.  He spoke to us about what it takes to be successful with having a job. He also spoke about having goals and continuing to work toward those goals even if you have obstacles to overcome in life. Overall, the day was a success and the majority of us definitely enjoyed ourselves. ~By Kaitlyn Mathaus

Award winners David Edwards & Kaitlyn Mathaus