The Patchogue-Medford School District held a ribbon cutting to inaugurate its new Academic and Career Explorers (ACES) life skills classroom at Patchogue-Medford High School. The double-classroom will include a commercial kitchen to help ACES special education students learn crucial skills and gain valuable experience that will enhance their future employment opportunities.

“We are steadfast in our goal to continue expanding vocational and life skills classroom opportunities in our schools,” said Patchogue-Medford School District superintendent Dr. Donna Jones. “We are eager for our students to engage with this groundbreaking learning space as we continue to support their growth and achievements.”

With the pandemic preventing students from working in community restaurants to obtain experience, the Patchogue-Medford School District was inspired to produce an in-district classroom that allows students to actively engage in training, learning, and building life skills. The classroom was built at no cost to taxpayers, instead using a federal grant, while district grounds and custodial teams did nearly all the work on the project.

“We are beyond excited to bring this classroom to our high school,” said Patchogue-Medford School District assistant superintendent for special education and pupil services Dr. Jessica Lukas. “We are affording our students a smaller nurturing environment that will allow them to hone their daily living skills and activities and prepare for vocational opportunities.”

The ACES students have already begun to gain commercial experience through their successful Raider Bean business. Students make cookies and coffee, which is available for purchase by Patchogue-Medford students, faculty, and staff. The money raised goes towards field trips, student activities, and scholarships for ACES students. So far in the 2023–2024 school year, the Raider Bean business has already brought in over $40,000. The new classroom and commercial kitchen will further enhance this impactful endeavor as well. The classroom will also prepare students for the opportunity to work in the high school’s kitchen for pay if they would like.

Patchogue-Medford students, Board of Education members, administrators, faculty, and staff excitedly gathered to cut the ribbon and commence learning in the new classroom. They were joined by the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the importance of this new instructional space and the opportunities it will provide. ACES students also put together a balloon arch to decorate the joyful ceremony.

The Patchogue-Medford School District is committed to continuing the expansion of vocational experiences to assist life skills students at all grade levels. The district plans on creating a mini apartment at the elementary level to enhance residential skills and extending commercial and residential features at the middle school level.

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/.