As part of the Adult Transition Program, which serves students ages 18 to 22 with moderate to severe disabilities, students are now able to participate in a Media Organization that operates similarly to a school club. The program provides students with opportunities to collaborate on a monthly newsletter and yearbook while developing communication, teamwork and job-readiness skills.
The Media Organization is led by teachers and instructional aides Breanne Reyes, Jessica Lopez, Sara Salazar, Cindy Rios and Selena Galvan and currently includes 15 student participants. Students take part in writing articles, designing layouts, creating games and puzzles, and contributing informational sections that reflect their interests and everyday experiences.
Click here to read the latest newsletters: https://www.bpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=831555&type=d&pREC_ID=2723082
“Not only are they learning and working to do something together, but they’re also learning real job skills along the way,” Reyes said.
Media instruction is one of several essential skill-building opportunities available to ATP students. The campus also features simulation classrooms designed to mirror real-life environments, including a kitchen, studio bedroom and workspaces where students practice everyday tasks such as cooking, washing dishes, organizing personal spaces and preparing for employment in retail and other fields. Students also gain hands-on experience through a student-run café and thrift store, where they build customer service, teamwork and workplace skills.
Looking ahead, staff hope to expand the Media Organization to include video production, digital news content and podcasts, offering students additional pathways to explore creative expression and career-related skills.
Through these real-world learning experiences, the Adult Transition Program continues to support students as they develop confidence, independence and practical skills for life beyond school.
Photos
Senior student Fatima Cazares serves as editor in chief.
Group photo of the Media Organization at ATP
ATP Student Cafe Worker
ATP Home Studio Simulation Learning Room