The Ferndale Special Education Department, including the Middle School, High School, and Adult Transition Program (ATP), came together to host their annual Thanksgiving meal, a beloved tradition spanning over 15 years. This event was a true community effort, with ingredients provided through a mix of donations from local community members and funds raised by ATP students. The students collected pop cans and used the returns to help cover costs while practicing essential life skills like budgeting and teamwork. During a Community-Based Instruction outing to Kroger, ATP students learned to navigate grocery aisles, select ingredients, and make their own purchases at the self-checkout, an empowering experience that reinforced independence and real-world skills.
Each classroom played a unique role in preparing the feast. Middle school students made desserts and brought beverages, while the high school MoCI class peeled, boiled, and mashed potatoes. The high school ASD class prepared stovetop stuffing, and the ATP students crafted salads, sweet potato casseroles, and green bean casseroles. Every student contributed by designing their own placemats, while the high school MoCI class created festive decorations, and ATP students set up the dining area in the Nest. Staff added to the celebration by bringing mac and cheese, pies, meatballs, cranberry sauce, and rolls. This collaborative event not only brought delicious food to the table but also showcased the incredible teamwork, skills, and spirit of Ferndale's Special Education community.
