Students in the Klamath Falls City Schools Vocational Independence Program (VIP) took a special trip just before winter break, celebrating hard work and teamwork.
Throughout the school year, VIP students have been busy supporting school sites across the district. Their work includes cleaning and disinfecting cafeteria tables, setting up chairs, sweeping floors, taking out trash, and breaking down cardboard after lunches at both Ponderosa Middle School and Klamath Union High School.
The VIP students lend a helping hand to Ponderosa head custodian Tyven Snook and Klamath Union head custodian Kyle Baird.
Students also assist with bottle and can collection at KU, helping support Klamath Union instructor Johanna Morris’ GOALS class while learning valuable job skills along the way.
In addition to on-campus job sites, VIP students are working toward a shared fundraising goal: purchasing a gaming console for the VIP house. As part of the effort, students help collect bottles and cans throughout KU’s main building and outbuildings one to two times each month.
“At Ponderosa, students clean and disinfect tables, sweep, take out trash, and help break down cardboard for the custodial staff,” VIP instructor Stephanie Mattingly said. “At KU, they help clean and set up the cafeteria so staff can sweep and mop. But we also help the head custodian at KU, Kyle, do the bottles and cans for Johanna's Goals class so he and his staff don't have to.”
To recognize their effort, Mattingly and her students participate in what they call “VIP Fun Friday,” a weekly reward that allows students to relax, connect with peers, and practice social skills in the community. Past activities have included bowling at the Epicenter, and this week, a visit to the Rogue Valley Mall.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the group set aside Thursday, December 18, for an all-day outing. Students spent time shopping, socializing, and enjoying the festive atmosphere, with a few even stopping to take photos with Santa.
“These experiences are about more than just having fun,” Mattingly said. “They give students a chance to build independence, confidence, and connections outside the classroom.”
Pictured are VIP students Caleb, Mimi, and Khalil, along with volunteer Joseph, who helped support the group during their work and activities.
VIP selling scented pinecones
The group has also taken on a seasonal fundraising project, creating and selling scented pinecones to support the VIP program.
Each bag of pinecones is $5, with all proceeds going toward the class fundraiser. Students collected, washed, dried, scented, and bagged each pinecone themselves.
The pinecones are available in cedarwood, cinnamon, and spearmint, with each bag either decorated by the students or prepared using pre-decorated bags.
The bags of pinecones can be purchased by emailing Mattingly at mattinglys@kfalls.k12.or.us, and pinecones can still be purchased after winter break.
