District honors transition-to-work programs and Valley View yearbook award

The Simi Valley Unified board spent part of its meeting recognizing work-based learning successes and student achievements. Barbara Stewart, the TPP (Transition Partnership Program) employment specialist, and Tammy White, the district’s Workability specialist, thanked local businesses and agency partners for providing job training, mock interviews and other supports for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

Stewart described the TPP as a federal grant partnership with the Department of Rehabilitation and acknowledged many local partners who hosted students for real-world work experience, from Lucky Dog Café to Santa Susana Fiber Art Studio and the Simi Valley Public Library. She and White highlighted specific student success stories: one TPP participant has been hired by the business that provided his work experience, and staff said the program serves students 16–21 as they transition from school to work.

Mrs. Paige and the Valley View yearbook team were also honored after the publication won a Jostens recognition for excellence. Mrs. Paige described the book’s theme, ‘‘Out of the Blue,’’ and noted the yearbook’s emphasis on inclusivity; trustees praised the students for their teamwork and creativity.

Barbara Stewart said the district’s transition programs reach a large group of students: ‘‘With the help of these businesses and agencies here tonight I was able to serve 166 students in my Workability program this year,’’ a figure presented during the meeting.

What’s next: The board offered congratulations and asked district staff to continue supporting employer partnerships that provide work experience for students across the district.