Frontier High School

      The Erie 1 BOCES class located at Frontier High School is a 6-1+A grouping from the Functional Strand.  The goal for students is that they will graduate with a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential.  The focus of the program is to prepare students for post-graduation environments. The major emphasis is on transitioning to work environments. However, future residential preparation is also considered for students. 

     The learning content selected is based on the needs of students and their current IEP goals (to be sure student’s individual needs are being met).  Student’s goals are aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards (to be sure they have access to the general education curriculum).  Concentration is on English/language arts (communicating, listening, reading, and writing), vocational skills, math (especially functional math skills), domestic skills and social skills.  Instruction also occurs in the subjects of Social Studies and Science.

     The program has a variety of settings students may participate in for their vocational preparation.  Students are involved in all options that are deemed appropriate after considering student and parent preferences, requirements of post-graduation aspirations, behavior, and skill levels.

The options may include:

1.  In-class job training - simulated and actual tasks, clerical assignments, cleaning jobs and functional word instruction of job related vocabulary.

2.  In-class cleaning activities – some of the tasks students participate in are:  washing tables, watering plants, sweeping floors, clearing tables, washing and drying dishes, etc.

3.  Small group enclave in various locations in the school building -  These may include the kitchen, bookstore, printshop, and library Cafe.      

4.  The Maryvale WBL (Work Based Learning) Program - Students are transported with an aide to the Maryvale Learning Center and participate in a variety of authentic jobs under the direction and guidance of a special education teacher.  

5.  Internships in the community - small group enclaves of two or three students in area businesses or organizations are available for students to utilize job skills learned in the school setting.  These are intended to prepare them for post-graduation employment.  Students would be accompanied by a TA  job coach in these situations.  This option is reserved for older students who have demonstrated appropriate behavior, dedication to assignments, and cooperation during in-school vocational instruction.  

     Communication is integrated into all settings during the school day from therapies, classroom, cafeteria, community instruction opportunities and vocational placement. Communication is a vital component of success in any avenue pursued after graduation. Therefore, it must be functional for the individual and the setting and must be integrated into all activities all day long.   Opportunities for community instruction in the areas of purchasing goods and services are utilized throughout the school year. Students are instructed in the classroom in the areas of communicating with employees, money usage and budgeting, safety precaution and appropriate behavior.  These lessons are then carried over into purchasing situations in the cafeteria, school book store and vending machines.  Academics for most students focus on functional topics such as community sight words, money skills, time telling, etc.  The use of learned skills in real situations is a main focus.  Also, rudimentary literary and math skills are addressed. 

     The class is situated in a typical high school.  This affords many daily opportunities for interaction with non-disabled peers.  This occurs in the cafeteria at breakfast and lunch, while working in the school bookstore, in the halls, during Phys. Ed. and specials, etc.

     Students may participate in after-school activities, assemblies, special breakfasts/lunches for their grade level and other activities offered at the school.  These are contingent upon appropriate behavior and the desires of students and parents.  Students may also participate in unified sports but must do so with their home school/district.  The teacher or counselor can assist by obtaining information if so desired.  The Frontier High School class of Erie 1 BOCES offers many other activities.  Those outlined above are the main focus on a daily basis.  Questions can be referred to the teacher:  Alma Marranca-Ceccarelli at (716) 926-1720 ext. 2130, aceccarelli@frontiercsd.org or amarranca-ceccarelli@e1b.org .