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!