Big Announcement

by Kay Heitsch

Our grandson, 8-year-old Eli, attends an academy for gifted children. They do things a little bit differently than he was used to at his old school. To have a job at the academy, you must write a resume and have an interview.

I'm here to announce that Eli received the job he interviewed for at school. He is now the Official Messenger for his class. He told us the first thing he needed to do was to have a Staff Meeting.

Eli! I know you'll do a great job!

LifeTown

by Kay Heitsch

I think it's terrific that schools provide for our children with special needs. Our grandson, Noah, is one of these special children. I'd like to share one way Columbus provides a fun activity for these precious children.

Several times a year, Noah and other students go to "LifeTown." Their first stop is at the bank, where they fill out a withdrawal slip and are given a certain amount of money. With this money, they can spend it at various locations. There's a doctor, dentist, pet shop, art store where they can make a project, movie ticket with popcorn, tricycles where they follow the red and green lights, a hair and nail salon, library, Deli, and Market Place.

At the end of their visit to "LifeTown," they can stop at the gift shop and buy something if they have any money left over.

Going to LifeTown has taught Noah life skills and the value of a dollar. I am thankful for this realistic outdoor city and the people who take their time to help our special needs children learn life skills.

Eli's Classroom Jobs

.by Kay Heitsch

Our 8-year-old grandson Eli started attending a new school this year. I am delighted with the way his new teacher teaches life skills, and I would like to share.

As we all know, most classrooms have jobs that need to be done. In Eli's classroom, these jobs are applied for. The student applies for the job, and they write a resume. After the teacher has read the synopsis, she gives them a time and date to come in for an interview. To have an interview, you must be dressed according.

I am impressed by how the children are being taught a job is something to be proud of. Eli's teacher teaches them at an early age how to apply for a job and what steps they take to acquire one.

I have no doubt that most of these children will feel comfortable when they are actually old enough to apply for a job.