LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ โ A classroom filled with textbooks and lectures can only take students so farโbut at Linden High Schoolโs Life Skills Program, learning is hands-on, real-world, and life-changing.
This innovative program, which empowers students with practical skills for independence, career readiness, and social integration, was celebrated at the January 30 Board of Education meeting with the prestigious "It Takes a Village" Award.
Representing the program with pride were students Jalon and Jarius Hanna, accompanied by their dedicated support teamโteacher Robert Cushing and paraprofessionals Cristina Couto and Mary Ann Polini. Their presence underscored the dedication, teamwork, and immersive learning experiences that set Room 107A apart as a model of excellence.
๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ฒ
Far more than just an academic experience, the Life Skills Program at Linden High School blends hands-on learning with real-world application. One of its standout initiatives is the student-run school store, where students prepare and sell homemade empanadas, brownies, and other treatsโgaining invaluable experience in business operations, customer service, and financial literacy.
โThe Life Skills class offers students a unique blend of academic learning and practical skills, fostering personal growth and self-sufficiency,โ said Christopher Kolibas, Supervisor of Special Education, Secondary. โThis program is truly a cornerstone of our educational community, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.โ
๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐
The program has garnered widespread recognition, drawing educators from across New Jersey to Linden to observe and learn from its forward-thinking approach. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) recently praised Lindenโs Life Skills Program as a pillar of the district, commending its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation.
๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ
The Life Skills Program thrives because of its strong sense of communityโa collaboration between teachers, paraprofessionals, school administrators, the Board of Education, parents, and, most importantly, the students themselves.
โThis award is a reflection of so many peopleโs dedication to our studentsโ potential,โ said Kolibas. โIt truly takes a village to create a program this impactful, and Linden has built something truly extraordinary.โ
Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative impact the program has on students and its growing reputation as a model for other school districts.
As Linden High School continues to expand its Life Skills Program, its commitment to inclusivity, student empowerment, and innovative education remains stronger than ever. With the unwavering support of the school community, the program will continue to inspire, equip, and prepare students for lifelong success.