Teacher: Jan Fabian
Paraprofessionals: Mr. Luke, Miss Jessica, Miss Anne and
Mr. Ure
On a typical school day, students in Polaris work on a range of vocational tasks such as dust mopping the gym floor, shredding documents, and delivering memos to other classrooms. While students in Polaris may need physical assistance with certain tasks, we encourage them to complete tasks independently.
Communication, fine motor skills and daily living tasks are other areas where Polaris students are encouraged to work towards independence. Students in Polaris communicate their wants and needs primarily through the use of pictures. During a mid-morning snack, for instance, students tell us which item they want by selecting a picture card and taking it to the food table.
Students in Polaris are also given opportunities for independence outside the walls of the school. For example, three students recently helped deliver a local newsletter to area businesses. We are continually searching for employment experiences that immerse our students in the community.
The environment in Polaris is rich with rewards for appropriate behavior. Additionally, students are able to request items they find reinforcing. If a student likes music, for instance, they can select the “music” picture card and deliver it to a member of the Polaris staff. It is our goal to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to express their wants and needs.