A new chapter in vocational education has begun at PS 37R, the David Marquis School of the Arts, with the opening of a unique life skills apartment designed to help students with disabilities. On March 5, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the debut of Apt. 207, a fully furnished studio apartment intended for students to practice essential independent living and job skills.
Located on Staten Island’s Great Kills campus, Apt. 207 serves as a hands-on learning environment. This innovative space allows students to engage in daily tasks that mirror real-life scenarios, helping them gain confidence and independence. According to Principal Cori Regan, the purpose of this initiative is clear: “What are we doing to set our students up for success when they leave us and go on to that next step?”
Functional Learning Environment
Inside Apt. 207, students participate in various activities that promote daily living skills. The bedroom area teaches students to make a bed and set an alarm, while the dining space focuses on table-setting techniques. In the kitchen, students wash dishes, store items in cabinets, and stock the refrigerator.
Additionally, a dresser and desk area provide opportunities for students to fold clothes, hang them in the closet, and learn how to manage digital tasks, such as checking emails and conducting online searches. The apartment is equipped with a couch and television, allowing students to practice relaxation techniques in a common living space.
Furthermore, students are also learning to grow herbs like kale and romaine lettuce in a hydroponic unit within the apartment. The school’s culinary chef incorporates these fresh ingredients into the meals prepared in its kitchen, enhancing the connection between classroom learning and practical application.
Innovative Teaching Methods
To support varied learning needs, Apt. 207 includes instructional materials at each station and video modeling techniques. Students can scan QR codes to access step-by-step demonstrations, a method that has shown to be effective in teaching skills, particularly for those with autism. Regan highlighted the importance of using “evidence-based practices” to facilitate learning.
Despite spatial limitations, the school community rallied to transform this vision into reality. Regan noted that furniture from her late aunt, along with donations from staff and students, contributed to the apartment’s creation. “We want them to go into a setting and be able to do things as independently as possible,” she stated.
PS 37R offers a range of vocational programs, including the adaptive room, pastry parlor, and Studio 216, which further prepare students for real-world experiences. During a guided tour, students showcased their skills in the adaptive room, where they learn woodworking techniques and complete projects using various tools.
In the pastry parlor, students develop culinary skills by preparing dishes and managing front-of-shop responsibilities, including operating the cash register. Studio 216 provides another avenue for skill-building, allowing students to create customized items and gain experience in managing orders through a catalog of student-made products.
The David Marquis School of the Arts serves a diverse student body with disabilities, including those with hearing and vision impairments, as well as other special needs. Through its unique learning environments, the school emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education, focusing on language, literacy, communication, and vocational skills.
“The ultimate goal for all of our kids is for them to either be hired in some type of employment program, whether it’s independent or supportive,” said Assistant Principal Denis Kogan. With initiatives like Apt. 207, PS 37R is paving the way for students to transition successfully into adulthood and the workforce.
