One of teacher Jess Vogan’s goals is to introduce the junior and senior students in her learning support program at Rocky Grove High School to outside agencies that will continue to help the students after they graduate from high school.
“I can contact outside agencies when they turn 14,” Vogan said. “It is crucial to have them get used to self-advocacy skills and what questions to ask when they go to these agencies. We have to help the kids who need it to get what they need. To fill in the gaps.”
Vogan makes connections with the state’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, which works with setting up the students in work-based learning experiences, job training and job shadows.
In addition, Vogan brings many other instructors from outside businesses and organization to teach nutrition, setting up bank accounts, paying bills, cleaning, cooking and other living skills.
Rocky Grove High School holds an annual “search and work” day for all students, where, said Vogan, students “learn about the hiring process” and participate in things such as mock interview with local businesses.
“During these school visits I only take six students at a time because I want them to be focused. It is about them and their future.”
“It is easier for me because I am in a smaller school,” Vogan said as she stands under a ceiling tile hand-painted by one of the students in the gifted class at the school. The tile says “Embrace the Amazing.”
“I love what that tile says,” Vogan said. “I want to make my students productive citizens and to appreciate other people. I want them to have a game plan after school. My goal is to make them better human beings with compassion, respect, a drive to be better and self-worth. I hope they try to help others.”
