A pleasant aroma was in the air on Valentine’s Day at
Nathan B. Forrest High School. The Communications Social Skills (CSS) unit celebrated by sending love to the universe and throughout the school. With the support of Principal Alvin Brennan, site coach Patrina Freeman and district job coach Lennie Green, students established a temporary school-based enterprise - a florist shop - for the holiday.
In the weeks prior to Valentine’s Day, the CSS students studied and were introduced to all aspects of the floral industry by their vocational teacher Chris Solomon and Ms. O’Grady of the Independent Living Resource Center. Students were vocationally trained in order taking, customer service, floral designing, loading/unloading, delivery and how to maintain flower health.
During the pre-sell period with the assistance of their campus job coach, Dwight Follins, cooperative parents, willing staff and the Best Buddies Club, the CSS students advertised and took orders from students and staff at Forrest, as well as from members of the surrounding community.
Upon arrival of the flowers and materials, students processed, prepared and packaged beautiful red, pink and white flowers that made up the “Love Bouquets,” which also included a sweet treat. The students then successfully delivered hundreds of bouquets throughout Forrest High and the community.
In addition to the invaluable vocational experience gained, the CSS students were able to market and sell hundreds of flowers to raise additional funds for their department.
“Laurels to the site coach, the students, school staff and district support staff of the Communication Social Skills program at Nathan B. Forrest for promoting good will, friendship and love,” said Green. “Their school-based Enterprise/Community Based Instruction Project was a shining example of what can be done when educators, students, support staff and the community all work toward a common goal for success. In essence, ‘Working Together’ means ‘Winning Together’.”
Article submitted by District Job Coach Lennie Green.
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