transition 

MIDDLE SCHOOL through HIGH SCHOOL and 12+

Transition goals are deliberate and are built into our curriculum at every grade level. Transition skills are developed throughout the high school curriculum and ultimately progress toward a skill set that helps students navigate independent life. The school utilizes, NeXT Up, an all-inclusive curriculum resource, to help provide our students with the tools they need to build a cohesive portfolio of skills. With each passing year, students can add to their portfolios as they develop their plans for the future.

Transition starts in middle school where students begin to create their person centered plans, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for the upcoming academic expectations of high school.  Students also begin to practice basic independent living skills and work to develop age appropriate social skills.

Our high school students progressively move towards post high school plans that are realistic and practical according to their individual needs and situations. Here, emphasis is placed on helping students develop their self-advocacy skills, explore their learning styles, examine their I.E.P.s, and explore their college and/or work plans.

Students in eleventh and twelfth grades have the opportunity to participate in our student internship program which pairs students with local community businesses to help them explore the world of work in a supported environment. Through the internship program, students earn internship credits, gain valuable workplace skills, receive feedback from their employers, and gain confidence in their ability to become a valued employee.

Our 12+ program is where our students’ goals become a reality as they leave the structure of 40 minute class periods behind. With the support of HPS staff and through individual case management, 12+ students work, perform community service, go to college, explore adult leisure time activities, and enter into independent adult life.