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04/04/2023 06:30 AMA new public school for young neurodiverse adults has joined the ranks of Guilford Public Schools (GPS). The district celebrated a grand opening on March 29. The Guilford Transition Academy (GTA) is a public school program that serves students ages 18 to 22 who have diverse learning needs and require additional transition services.
According to Pupil Services director Jason Sconziano, students in the program participate in functional academics, including independent living skills, employment opportunities, and community engagement activities. The program is structured to provide support and services to students through their Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and the staff includes one special education teacher and three para-educators.
According to the Superintendent of Schools office, GTA began in the 2022-’23 school year in response to student need.
“The focus: provide transition-aged students opportunities within their home community of Guilford. Students are employed in local businesses and participate in community-sponsored activities along the shoreline,” the statement read.
BOE Chair Kathleen Balestracci said GTA and its programs are a critical link to the chain of services that Guilford provides its diverse student body.
“We are just so pleased to be able to provide services for our students in our community. And we are thrilled to support our Director Jason Sconziano and his staff in making this a reality,” Balestracci said. “All school districts are responsible for our students through age 22 that require these kinds of services, so it is an integral part of Guilford Public Schools.”
According to Sconziano, a program that keeps these Guilford students in Guilford is integral to the program’s success. The Academy not only provides this critical phase for these transitioners and their families, but residents also benefit directly via student employment at town businesses and student involvement in community projects, said Sconziano.
“This is so important to us because we are able to provide students who typically would be receiving support in other communities, the ability to receive support and services within their home community,” Sconziano said. “To be able to do that and build these connections and relationships for their lives within their own communities is just extremely important to us. Previously these students would’ve gone to other communities, and now that we’ve launched this, we can keep them here with us. Keeping these neuro-diverse students in Guilford is a win for everybody.”
Among the benefits GTA offers, a certified speech and language pathologist will provide weekly language services, and a certified social worker will provide weekly social skill instruction. Students will also shop and prepare both breakfast and lunch daily. Additionally, GTA students will gain employment at local businesses for 10-15 hours per week. Students earn monthly paychecks, which are then deposited and included in functional academic skill development.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Freeman said the entire Guilford community will benefit from the program.
“I am proud of our decade-long commitment to expanding programs and services in-district to support students now ranging from preschool age to 22. Providing these opportunities for our students to remain in their hometown benefits not only the students but also families, our dedicated staff, and the greater Guilford community,” said Freeman.