This school year, the district is proud to launch intra-district field trips to its state-of-the-art Daily Living Skills Center, located at John Street School.
The Daily Living Skills Center offers a warm, welcoming environment where students strengthen essential life skills, participate in meaningful group socialization and build important social-emotional competencies. Thoughtfully designed to resemble a home, the space features a bedroom, playroom, living room, kitchen and dining area, complete with sensory-friendly furniture and materials that support comfort and engagement. The center is also decorated seasonally, creating an atmosphere that feels fresh and inviting throughout the year.
To broaden access and foster inclusivity, the district now welcomes all third graders to participate in this unique experience. During their visit, students receive a “passport” to track their progress as they rotate through interactive stations. In the bedroom, they practice everyday tasks such as making a bed, folding socks and sorting laundry. In the living room, they enjoy a read-aloud of “I Am Yoga” by Susan Verde and participate in guided yoga exercises. In the kitchen and dining area, students prepare a rice cake dessert and then learn how to properly set a table and engage in polite mealtime conversation. In the playroom, they build connections through a lively game of Jenga featuring getting-to-know-you questions about family, academics, hobbies and emotions.
Each field trip is facilitated by the district’s three dedicated social workers: John Street School’s Amanda Scarpinito, Polk Street School’s Christina Pino and Washington Street School’s Rosie Carino. Their guidance ensures a supportive, enriching and memorable experience for every student.
“We love opening the doors of the Daily Living Skills Center to classes from across the district,” Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Pamela Taylor said. “Our intra-district field trips are truly meaningful experiences. Welcoming students from different buildings into this shared space, supported by our incredible social workers, is a celebration of community. It fosters connection, understanding and a sense of family that extends far beyond any single school. These moments remind us that we are one district, one family, learning and growing together.
