This school year marks the first time Forest Rose’s Senior Room has been able to explore the community every day. Senior Room instructor, Donna Goehring, says the visits have been great for the students to get out and create community connections.
Donna also expressed how important it has been for the community to see that the students are just like everyone else.
The senior room has visited a range of businesses and departments in the community. Some of the students' favorites have been exploring the Lancaster Police Department, enjoying a tour of The Wagnalls Memorial Library, and learning how maple syrup is made at Warner's Maple Syrup.
When asked what the student’s favorite part of the visits was, Donna said it was the hands-on experiences.
“The engagement is a huge part, and it has made them more outgoing. One student’s social skills have seen leaps and bounds,” Donna said. “They have accomplished their academic goals, so this is a chance for them to gain more independence and not stay at their desk all day. The more they go out, the more they will be prepared for after they graduate to be in the community.”
Each day, Donna will explore businesses in the community, looking for people who will be engaging and provide the opportunity for the students to get involved. During a trip to the Lancaster Police Department, students were introduced to all the departments, given the chance to sit in the back seat of a police cruiser with the lights on, and even had the opportunity to speak with the Chief of Police.
Other staff members at Forest Rose have seen the positive impact the trips have had on the students. Assistant Director of Children’s Programs Jenna Trager and Student Services Supervisor Jennifer Arbuckle both described seeing students who had several behavioral issues now smiling more and being more independent at school. They believe the students have become more adaptable to different places and schedules. In some instances, they have even noticed students are better able to communicate their problems or express what is causing them discomfort.
Donna also highlighted how important it is to have good staff who are adaptable and more than happy to attend the trips. She says the staff does a fantastic job of modeling for the community.