Students at Questar III’s Sackett Educational Center held a school dance in May, but it was far more than just music and dancing.
Earlier this year, the student council requested to have a dance for students. They decided to hold the dance during the school day because students attend Sackett from several districts, and transportation could be a challenge if it was scheduled in the evening.
The clinical team at Sackett had been working with staff at Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center (REC) about the possibility of rewards from CTE students (like baked goods or haircuts) as part of Sackett’s behavior management plan. When the student council asked to hold a dance, staff at Sackett immediately thought of REC cosmetology students.
“It was a natural progression to request that CTE cosmetology students be invited to help students prepare for the dance by offering hair and makeup services,” Sackett Social Worker Jane Govola said.
“I am very proud of the collaboration that we initiated this year between our REC cosmetology students and the Sackett Center. Our cosmetology students were very excited to travel to a different Questar III building, showcase their skills, and help the Sackett students feel pampered and special for their big dance,” REC Psychologist Allison Janis said.
When the cosmetology students arrived, they set up in a classroom and treated the
Sackett students who wanted hair or makeup done like customer in a salon or barbershop. Govola said all the students involved had just as good a time preparing for the dance as they did actually dancing!
It’s not just Sackett who reaps the benefits of this collaboration. CTE students can receive internship/service credit for providing service to Sackett students.
“This is a win-win situation,” said Govola. “The CTE students were very enthusiastic, friendly, and skilled.”
As for moving forward? Janis hopes this is just the beginning.
“I think all of the students really enjoyed this experience, and the feedback that they received was wonderful. I hope that we can continue this collaboration in the future.”
