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SCHOOLS
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Inclusive Education Green Local Schools and the Portage Lakes Career Center strive to provide all students with opportunities to succeed. Parent Mentor Project
Portage Lakes Career Center
Portage Lakes Career Center
» GREEN LOCAL SCHOOLS (GLS) and Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC) strive to provide educational opportunities for each and every student. Krista Haubert, marketing and public relations coordinator at PLCC, Rebecca Anstine, parent mentor for GLS, and Julie McMahan, coordinator of communications, community outreach and student wellness at GLS, explain how.
Hands-on Learning
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“Taking a career tech program helps them discover their passion and gives them a more focused direction after high school.” — Krista Haubert
PLCC also offers adult education courses, accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and taught by certified instructors with real-life experience. Those interested may visit plcc.edu for a list of all available programs or follow PLCC on Facebook or Instagram for more information.
The Parent Mentor Project in Green secured a grant to create an inclusive cheer team. The Mighty Dawgs empowers students to create a school-based cheerleading program to bring together students with and without disabilities.
COURTESY GREEN LOCAL SCHOOLS / PORTAGE LAKES CAREER CENTER
At PLCC, courses center around hands-on learning that’s relevant to students’ future career goals, Haubert says. “Too many high school students graduate without knowing what they want to do,” Haubert says. “Taking a career tech program helps them discover their passion and gives them a more focused direction after high school.” Haubert adds that students can also earn industry-recognized certifications and licensures, giving them an advantage with prospective employers. PLCC opened its doors in 1977 and currently offers programs in automotive technology, cosmetology, en-
gineering and manufacturing, law and criminal justice, plumbing and pipefitting, prenursing, culinary arts and much more. “Career tech education creates an engaging school environment where students can link traditional lessons to real-life applications that apply directly to students’ future careers, helping them feel more invested and see the value in their learning and education,” Haubert says.
The Parent Mentor Project within GLS began in 1991, and yet, McMahan refers to it as one of Green’s “hidden gems.” Green has two parent mentors: Rebecca Anstine and Kevin Groen. The program provides resources and support to families who have students with disabilities. “I’m hoping as we continue to move forward, that program becomes widely exposed,” McMahan says. “Many times, people don’t think about those with disabilities as minorities, and we want to make sure the inclusion is from top to bottom, from child to adult.” Parent mentors point families in the direction of tutors, doctors and other support services, in addition to holding support groups. Parent mentors also educate school staff members with guideline updates and training. “We help parents be more connected because a student with a family that’s involved tends to be more successful,” Anstine says. McMahan adds that the parent mentors act as liaisons between families and the school district. “Often, when parents have children with a disability, they are fearful of their student going to school for the first time,” McMahan says. “Rebecca and Kevin work closely with the families and schools to make sure all questions are addressed in ways the parents can understand.” — SW
