The Old Saybrook High School “SAIL” and “Compass” groups (SAIL – Students Assisted In Learning, Compass – Medically Fragile Classroom), consisting of many OSHS students and staff members, has been very busy this holiday season.
Just before the week of winter break, the groups went on a field trip to the Westfarms Mall, just on the border of West Hartford and Farmington. The goal of this trip was simple: to shop for Christmas gifts, and more importantly, to have a fun learning experience at the mall. With over 140 shops and restaurants, the students had many opportunities to buy gifts for family and friends. This trip provided the students with opportunity for the students to get closer with each other and their teachers, as well as learning real-world things such as making real purchases, with the trip being run by Mrs. Pantagas and Mrs. Colella.
After their time at the Westfarms Mall was over, the students delivered their Holiday Cheer Project donations. This project helps bring “Holiday Cheer” to children for the holidays and the money donated goes to an extremely good cause, funding gifts for many different children (according to holidaycheer.org).
Another program for the students was running the Rams Cafe, where students practice real jobs that would take place in a restaurant. Using the culinary room at OSHS, the students, along with the help from Chef Santoro, are able to make lunches, which they then deliver to and collect payment from staff around the school. This allows the students to experience real-world jobs, as the entire Rams Cafe program simulates a restaurant, offering useful experience for the students. The money collected is then saved to fund other activities or trips for the group. One example of this was last year, when the students went to Parkville Market in Hartford, a huge market with many restaurants and food choices. Educator Mrs. Pantages states, “I think students in SAIL and Compass gain real life experience out in our community that contributes to their future success living a fulfilled social life. Saybrook is a very supportive and close community that definitely helps our students.”
