Transition to Adult Living
One of PUHSD’s programs that many are unaware of is our Transition to Adult Living (TAL) Program for students needing additional support following receipt of their Certificate of Accomplishment from high school. These students, ages 17 through 22, attend TAL at our Placer School for Adults campus in Auburn.
Dr. Carrie Warda (who is also our Director of Pupil Services) serves as the Principal for TAL. Two teachers, Aliasha Ruland and Christian Anderson, along with a wonderful team of support staff - Aides Lotte O’Neil, Brittany Martell, Mikki Yamamoto, Sylvia Dahl and Theresa Bashim; LVN Cheryll McGaugh; Psychologist Laura Owens; Workability Coordinator Rebecca Brandon; and Speech Pathologists Hannah Robbins and Karen Fullerton - share their gifts of teaching, compassion and guidance with these students every day. The days are filled with learning how to manage
personal/social/emotional care of oneself, completing classroom contributions, gaining independent living skills, working on communication and language, understanding community mobility, taking time for recreation and leisure by taking daily walks around the beautiful park pond (we do this year-round because life doesn’t stop when it’s raining) . TAL has chickens and ducks that are cared for by the students; their fresh eggs are used to make gourmet dog bones. Many students participate in making the gourmet dog bones that they sell as a fundraiser to provide funds for community-based outings, field trips, parties and yearbooks. Many of the students are also employed at community businesses (Grocery Outlet, Mel’s Diner, Mission Coffee and Tractor Supply) during the week. Our staff accompanies them to the business to ensure their safety, confidence and success. From interviewing, working, to an exit interview, these opportunities provide valuable life experience for our incredible students. We are PUHSD proud of all!
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker