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UHS PRE-VOCATIONAL LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

View the Pre-Vocational Class Monthly Newsletter, CLICK HERE >>

Teacher: Leslie Lesperance
Classroom Paraprofessional: Laura Burgess
1:1 Paraprofessionals: Pamela Allen and Marilyn Jones-Barbosa
Room 125 - UHS
Telephone:  (508) 278-8634 ext. 7125

The Pre-Vocational Life Skills Program is a special education program at Uxbridge High School which is designed to meet the academic and vocational needs of students who possess significant special needs. A major focus of the program is to help our students attain academic, daily living, and employment skills. Course offerings and materials are geared to students’ individual instructional levels, unique learning styles and interests while following the course requirements for graduation from Uxbridge High School. Where possible, students are mainstreamed into regular education courses and given academic support. MCAS assessment is conducted alternatively through a portfolio.

As part of the pre-vocational element of the program, students participate in simulated work experiences. Students may work in the Spartan Café. The café serves snacks and beverages to faculty and staff. Here, students learn about cooking, kitchen safety, cleaning, money use, and interpersonal relations. Students also work elsewhere at UHS in such positions as library aides, office workers, or guidance office assistants, cafeteria helpers, and maintenance workers. These simulated work experiences usually begin during students Freshmen and Sophomore years.

Prior to exiting the program, students are gradually transitioned from school to the world of work. Students participate in vocational placements in Uxbridge and in surrounding communities, where they gain actual job experience in order to explore areas of interest and potential employment. During this time, students undergo both formal and informal vocational assessments.

A partial list of courses taken by pre-vocational students would include English, Mathematics, Daily Living Skills, Pre-vocational Social Studies, Science, Health, PE, US History, and Government. When students are transitioning to the work world, adjustments are made to accommodate students’ work schedules (example: ½ day in school - ½ day at work ).

In addition to the courses students take within the program and in the mainstream, students may receive services from specialists in the areas of speech and language, physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision, and adaptive physical education.


Course Descriptions

PRE-VOCATIONAL ENGLISH
TEACHER: Mrs. Lesperance ROOM: 125
TEXTBOOKS: Picture Words by PCI, Starting Comprehension by EPS, Reading Comprehension in Varied Subject Material by PCI, and Explode the Code. Other materials will be utilized as needed.

COURSE GOAL: Students will increase their understanding of English language arts and improve their written language skills through the use of a practical English text. Vocabulary development and improvement of reading skills will be stressed.
HOMEWORK: Students will complete any homework or assigned projects. Homework is typically assigned three to four nights each week.
EXTRA HELP DAY: Wednesday
PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE: Telephone UHS (278-8634 ext.7125) or send a written note with student if conference is desired.

PRE-VOCATIONAL MATHEMATICS
TEACHER: Mrs. Lesperance ROOM: 125
TEXTBOOKS: Spectrum Math, Life Skills Picture Math, and Meaningful Math will be the main texts used. Numerous other texts, math games, and teacher-made materials will also be utilized to address the various needs of individual students.

COURSE GOAL: Students will increase their basic and functional mathematics skills.
HOMEWORK: Students will complete any homework or assigned projects. Homework is typically assigned three to four nights each week.
EXTRA HELP DAY: Wednesday
PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE: Telephone UHS (278-8634 ext.7125) or send a written note with student if conference is desired.

PRE-VOCATIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES
TEACHER: Mrs. Lesperance ROOM: 125
TEXTBOOKS: A variety of texts and materials are used including PCI's United States Government and Lifeschool 2000's Community Resource Binder. Newspapers, magazines and other media sources such as the internet and United Streaming are also used to supplement lessons.

COURSE GOAL: Students will gain a better understanding of their country and the world. They will become aware of their country’s history as well as happenings around the world and in their community.
HOMEWORK: Students will complete any homework or assigned projects. Homework is typically assigned three to four nights each week.
EXTRA HELP DAY: Wednesday
PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE: Telephone UHS (278-8634 ext.7125) or send a written note with student if conference is desired.

PRE-VOCATIONAL SCIENCE
TEACHER: Mrs. Lesperance ROOM: 125
TEXTBOOK: Health by Lifeschool 2000, General Science and Looking Good from Attainment's Life Skills Development series as well as other Science and Health related materials will be used.

COURSE GOAL: Students will increase their self-help skills as well as basic science skills.
HOMEWORK: Students will complete any homework or assigned projects. Homework is typically assigned three to four nights each week.
EXTRA HELP DAY: Wednesday
PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE: Telephone UHS (278-8634 ext.7125) or send a written note with student if conference is desired.

DAILY LIVING SKILLS
TEACHER: Mrs. Lesperance ROOM: 125
TEXTBOOKS: Life Skill Readers as well as Culinary Essentials will be the main texts used.

COURSE GOAL: Students will increase their skills of daily living. They will also become more aware of the career interests and aptitudes. They will gain pre-employment skills.
HOMEWORK: Students will complete any homework or assigned projects.
EXTRA HELP DAY: Wednesday
PROCEDURE FOR CONFERENCE: Telephone UHS (278-8634 ext.7125) or send a written note with student if conference is desired.

 

The Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides assistance and guidance to students needing additional services at Uxbridge High School. The ASC is staffed with two full-time special education teachers and four paraprofessionals who provide support services. With the implementation of inclusive practices at Uxbridge high School, students are able to receive many of their services and necessary accommodations directly in the classroom. Entrance criteria and exit criteria exist for student show receive services within the ASC. In addition, self-monitoring processes are in place as a means to connect how students meet standards and expectations as stated in the Uxbridge high School Mission Statement.

Other services offered through the Academic Support Center include but are not limited to: individual and group guidance counseling services, vocational/job placement skill development, organizational skill and study skill development - in an inclusive classroom setting.

For additional information regarding the Academic Support Center, please contact Uxbridge High School’s Main Office at 508-278-8634.

For additional information on detail course description, course selection, graduation requirements, grade computations and more, CLICK HERE >> to review and print the Uxbridge High School PROGRAM OF STUDIES GUIDE

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62 Capron Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569
Phone: 508-278-8634 / Fax:  508-278-8627