Hands-on holiday project helps students connect over festive Christmas decorations

By Ava Corliss

SANFORD– Students from the Pathway to Independence Programs and an outside agency, Great Bay Services, worked alongside the SRTC Agriculture Program to make decorative swag. There was laughing and hard work side by side as students turned pine branches, wire, and ornaments into handmade Christmas decorations, combining new skills to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. 

Miss Cooperdale, the Agriculture SRTC teacher, stated that she “hopes students really enjoy making something with their hands. I think that’s a really important part of a school day, and I hope that they enjoy creating something and getting out with each other.” This tradition is part of the transition for planning for SHS students. The collaboration of different stakeholders showed a great community effort for a fun experience by all.

Great Bay Services is a nonprofit organization that provides innovative program enrichment, case management, independent living support, and employment empowerment to adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism. According to their website, ​​​”Great Bay Services empowers adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism ​to fulfill their lives’ potential as valued members of the communities we serve.”​​​