Archive: Around Town

Students in the STEPS program at Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES recently learned just how rewarding hard work can be.

In an effort to enhance teamwork and social skills, students in the STEPS program recently helped prepare a Thanksgiving meal. The students not only shopped for the ingredients necessary to prepare meal, but also helped bake several items, including pies and bread.

"The students went to the grocery store earlier in the week to shop for needed items. With assistance, they were also in charge of baking the pies and bread," teacher Paul Hertzog said. "The students also helped to make the table decorations, set up the chairs and tables and with the take down."



Hertzog said he and fellow staff members are extremely proud of the hard work the students put into preparing for the meal, noting that the students showed great patience, teamwork and social skills. Herzog also said the meal served as an important social interaction for the students.

"Our main focus is functional life skills and the ability to socially interact in an appropriate manner with the wider community," Hertzog said. 'I only wish we had more opportunities but we do our best to find as many as possible.

"It is important for all students, no matter their developmental level, to be provided with the opportunity to not only be a part of the wider community, but to be given the chance to give back to their community."

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