Success Stories from District 2

Davidson County Schools

Fall 2025 End of Semester Celebration

East Davidson High School

Ledford High School

West Davidson High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We were proud to recognize and celebrate students who successfully participated in

and completed a full semester of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program.

Their dedication, growth, and commitment to learning new skills truly deserve to be acknowledged.

Throughout the semester, these students worked hard to build career readiness, strengthen

independent living skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. To honor their achievements,

we held a special celebration to highlight their efforts and progress.

It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how far they have come and to remind them;

and ourselves how very proud we are of their accomplishments and continued success.

Congratulations Davidson County students!!



Eastern Randolph High School

Business Plan Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Having students create and present their own business plans provides a powerful, real-world connection

to financial literacy and the goals of the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program.

Through this activity, students learn how income is generated, how expenses and profits are

calculated, and why budgeting and planning are essential for success.

Presenting their business ideas to classmates also strengthens communication,

self-advocacy, and confidence—skills that are critical in both educational and workplace

settings. By thinking through costs, pricing, and how their business would operate,

students practice responsible decision-making and problem-solving.

This hands-on experience helps students understand the relationship between work,

money, and planning, while reinforcing Pre-ETS skills that support career readiness,

independence, and future employment success.



Pre-ETS Career Exploration & Skills Workshop

Job Club-November 2025

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

On 11/21/2025, RCSC-District 2 held it's third Job Club of this school year at Randolph Community College.

Schools in attendance were:

Eastern Randolph HS

Providence Grove HS

Randleman HS

Southwestern Randolph HS

Trinity HS

Uwharrie Charter Academy

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Wheatmore HS

Students from all OCS gathered to further explore Pre-Employment Transition Services and

build on the skills they have been developing throughout the year. The session began with a

brief overview of previous lessons, followed by an outline of the day's planned activities.

To get started, students participated in a mini financial job fair. During the event, students had

the opportunity to explore a variety of financial careers and resources, gaining hands-on

exposure to workplace interactions and financial literacy. Students were encouraged to visit

at least three presentation areas and at least one bank presentation, introducing

themselves to representatives, asking thoughtful questions, and collecting handouts

or other informational materials. This experience allowed students to practice

communication, self-advocacy, and professional etiquette, while learning about

different career paths, workplace expectations, and financial concepts.

Activities like this directly support Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by

helping students build career readiness skills, explore industries of interest,

and develop confidence navigating professional environments.

Next, students engaged in a variety of financial literacy activities designed to build

practical skills and support career readiness. They explored spending choices, distinguishing

between wants and needs using worksheets and guided discussions, and examined how

their career and lifestyle goals influence personal finance through activities like Life Without

a Budget and If I Were a Millionaire. Students also practiced budgeting skills by using

Chromebooks to access the Reality Check website, completing the NC Career Budget

Reality Check worksheet, and discussing strategies for managing income and expenses.

Banking concepts were reinforced through a combination of videos, handouts, and activities,

including Banking Basics and Money Apps 101: Teen Edition, helping students understand how banks function and how to manage money responsibly. These hands-on lessons also align directly

with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by helping students develop

independent living skills, financial responsibility, and career readiness competencies.

Through these activities, students not only learn how to manage money effectively but

also gain confidence in making informed decisions, planning for the future, and connecting financial

skills to their career and lifestyle goals—preparing them for success in both work and everyday life.

We would like to thank the following organizations and representatives for showing up and sharing your expertise, knowledge and guiding our students to make informed decisions about their financial future!

Asheboro Animal Hospital

Davidson-Davie Community College, Mr. Pass

Emergency Medical Services

Liberty Trailers, Ms. Rashelle Flores

Moran Automotive, Mr. Hunter Routh

State Employees' Credit Union

Our students enjoyed a full day of hands-on activities and exciting learning experiences!

Stay tuned for updates on what's planned for January's session...

Elijah Wright

Davidson County

West Davidson High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Elijah is currently a sophomore at West Davidson HS. He has high interest in working on

computers and has shared his passion for pursing a career where he can help others

use computers, along with designing details and software.

During Elijah's time enrolled in the Pre-ETS program, he has shown huge growth in his participation,

focus, and coping mechanisms. Elijah struggles with various triggers that can affect his learning

within the classroom. One of these triggers includes being asked a lot of questions in a short period

of time. This typically will cause Elijah to become anxious and may lead to a breakdown during class.

This semester, Elijah participated in a mock interview activity that significantly highlighted his improvement. He communicated clearly to his Career Advisor that he was feeling very anxious

and almost did not participate in the mock interview. However, he decided to talk through

his emotions, and completed some breathing exercises that calmed his nerves. After bringing

awareness to how he was feeling and effectively coping with these emotions, he was able to

complete the mock interview with great, detailed answers. Upon finishing this activity, Elijah

vocalized how he was proud of himself for pushing through and completing the task he was given. 

Elijah has used these skills throughout the semester and continues to show improvement.

The mock interview activity was specifically a big test for him, and he did a great job! 

Ledford High School

Independent Living Skills

GPS Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Participating in a blindfolded GPS activity gave students a fun, hands-on way to strengthen

several key Pre-ETS skills. With one partner blindfolded and the other giving directions,

students had to rely on clear communication, active listening, and trust to successfully navigate the course.

The experience required them to break down instructions, stay focused, and respond calmly

when challenges arose—much like real-life situations they may encounter in the community.

By practicing safe navigation, spatial awareness, and teamwork, students built essential independent living skills that support greater confidence and readiness for future school, work, and daily life responsibilities.

This activity directly supports Pre-Employment Transition Services by giving students

practical experience in several core competency areas. The need for clear verbal instructions

and careful listening mirrors the communication expectations in any workplace setting.

Navigating while blindfolded encourages problem-solving, adaptability, and self-advocacy;

skills that help students handle unfamiliar environments with confidence. Additionally,

practicing safe movement, understanding directions, and following multi-step guidance

aligns with the independent living and workplace readiness components of Pre-ETS.

Through this single activity, students strengthened abilities that will help them succeed in future employment, travel within the community, and manage daily tasks more independently.



Eastern Randolph High School

Classroom Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Working with students through hands-on activities, interactive exercises, and

educational videos provides an engaging and practical way to teach essential

life skills such as financial literacy, independent living, and career readiness.

Hands-on experiences, like budgeting simulations or managing “real-life” scenarios,

allow students to apply concepts in a tangible way, giving them a clearer understanding

of how to make informed financial and life decisions. Interactive activities

encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping students

practice skills they will need in both school and future workplaces.

Using videos and multimedia resources complements these activities by showing

real-world examples of financial planning, responsible decision-making, and

independent living strategies. Students gain insight into topics like budgeting,

saving, banking, and managing personal responsibilities, and they see how these

skills are applied in everyday adult life. These visual and interactive learning

experiences make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable,

increasing student engagement and retention of important lessons.

These experiences align closely with the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Through hands-on and interactive learning, students strengthen essential workplace and life skills

such as communication, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and decision-making.

They also develop confidence in navigating real-life scenarios, exploring career

pathways, and preparing for independent living. By connecting classroom instruction

to practical, real-world applications, students gain a foundation for future

success in employment, higher education, and personal independence.



Providence Grove High School

Self-Advocacy Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Creating self-advocacy posters gives students a hands-on way to explore the importance

of speaking up for themselves and requesting accommodations when needed.

This activity helps students understand that asking for support does not mean they are

unable to succeed—it simply allows them to focus on what they can do and identify

strategies that make tasks more manageable. Students learn to communicate

their needs clearly, stay positive, and approach challenges with confidence, reinforcing

the mindset that they are capable of achieving their goals with the right tools and support.

This activity aligns closely with the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS),

which emphasize self-advocacy, independent living, and workplace readiness.

 By practicing how to request accommodations, set goals, and identify their strengths,

students develop essential skills for future education, employment, and independent living.

The self-advocacy posters provide a creative and empowering way for students to internalize

these lessons, helping them build confidence and resilience as they prepare for life beyond the classroom.

West Davidson High School

Davie County High School

Work-Based Learning Experience

NCWorks Mobile Van Visit

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Bringing the NCWorks mobile unit to both West Davidson High School and

Davie County High School provided our students in the OCS programs with

an engaging and meaningful work-based learning experience right on campus.

The visit allowed students to step inside a real workforce resource center, explore its tools,

and learn how NCWorks supports individuals in preparing for employment. Touring the mobile

unit helped students visualize the job-seeking process, from career research to resume support,

and gave them a firsthand look at the services available within their own community.

In addition to the tour, students attended a presentation from NCWorks staff, who shared

valuable insights about local industries, job opportunities, and the skills employers seek in new workers. Hearing directly from workforce professionals helped students better understand current

labor market trends and the importance of developing strong communication, teamwork,

and problem-solving skills. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions,

practice self-advocacy, and receive advice tailored to their interests and goals.

This experience strongly supports the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Through the tour and presentation, students participated in career exploration, learned

about work-based learning programs, and practiced the self-advocacy and communication skills

needed for future success. The NCWorks visit helped students connect what they learn in

Pre-ETS to real-world resources, empowering them to make informed decisions, explore

pathways that match their strengths, and build confidence as they prepare for life after high school.

Overall, the NCWorks mobile unit provided a powerful and practical learning

opportunity that brought career readiness to life and helped students take

meaningful steps toward understanding—and shaping—their futures.

Davie County High School

West Davidson High School

Work-Based Learning Experience

NCWorks Mobile Van Visit

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

The NCWorks Career Center of Davidson County brought its mobile unit to

Davie County High School and West Davidson High School,

giving our Life Skills students an exciting opportunity to learn about local work-based

learning options and career pathways available in their community.

This visit offered students an engaging, real-world introduction to career exploration and

workforce preparedness. By stepping onto the mobile NCWorks unit and listening to presentations

from staff, students were able to discover a variety of career fields, learn about employer

expectations, and explore resources designed to help them prepare for future jobs.

The experience helped students understand available workforce programs and gain

confidence in planning their next steps toward employment.

We are truly grateful to the NCWorks team for spending time with our

students and providing such meaningful insight and support.

Their dedication made this an informative and

inspiring learning opportunity for everyone involved.

Providence Grove High School

Community Participation

Thank You Posters

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students demonstrated meaningful participation in their community by creating personalized

thank-you cards and a group thank-you poster for the EMS professionals who visited their class.

This activity allowed students to show appreciation for the guest speakers’ time, expertise, and service, while reinforcing the importance of building positive relationships within the broader community.

By taking part in this project, students learned that expressing gratitude is an important social skill

and a meaningful way to interact with community members who support and educate them.

This experience directly connects to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), particularly

in the area of workplace readiness training and social skills development. Writing thank-you

messages encouraged students to practice respectful communication, empathy, and

professionalism; skills that translate directly into workplace interactions, such as

acknowledging support from supervisors, coworkers, mentors, and customers.

The collaborative aspect of creating a class poster also gave students a chance

to work together, compromise, and contribute to a shared goal.

In addition, this activity supported the community participation component of Pre-ETS

by helping students understand how community partners, such as EMS personnel, play an

important role in supporting education and career awareness. Showing gratitude helped

students recognize their own role in building and maintaining positive community connections.

By thoughtfully expressing appreciation, students practiced active engagement, responsibility, and social awareness—qualities that help strengthen both community involvement and future employability.



West Davidson HS

Classroom Store

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Creating a classroom store where students earn “money” to purchase snacks, trinkets, or other items provides a hands-on, engaging way to teach financial literacy and money management.

Through this activity, students learn key skills such as earning income, budgeting,

making spending choices, and understanding the value of money.

They practice prioritizing purchases, saving for items they want, and tracking

their funds—skills that directly mirror real-life financial responsibilities.

This activity aligns closely with the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

by helping students develop independence and prepare for future employment and adult life.

Managing their classroom earnings allows students to practice decision-making,

problem-solving, and responsible money habits, while also reinforcing the

connection between work, compensation, and financial responsibility.

By simulating real-world financial experiences in a safe classroom environment,

students gain confidence and practical knowledge that supports their journey

toward career readiness and independent living.



Ledford High School

Employment Barriers

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Teaching students how to identify and overcome barriers to employment provides

an essential foundation for preparing them for success in the workplace.

By discussing potential challenges—such as transportation, skill gaps, workplace accommodations,

or communication difficulties—students gain awareness of the obstacles they may encounter

and strategies to navigate them effectively. This reflection encourages critical thinking,

self-advocacy, and problem-solving, all of which are key skills for both school and future employment.

Creating a personalized action plan allows students to take ownership of their career goals

and map out steps to address these barriers. Through this process, students practice goal-setting, prioritization, and decision-making, while learning how to seek resources and support when needed.

Developing an action plan reinforces the connection between self-awareness

and proactive career planning, helping students feel empowered to make informed

choices about their education and work opportunities.

These activities align directly with the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Pre-ETS focuses on building work readiness, self-advocacy, and career exploration skills for

students with disabilities. By identifying potential employment challenges and designing

strategies to overcome them, students gain confidence, resilience, and practical skills that

prepare them for future work-based learning experiences, independent living,

and meaningful employment opportunities.



Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Classroom Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Working with students through hands-on activities, interactive Kahoot games,

and educational videos provides a dynamic and engaging way to explore

important Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) skills.

These activities allow students to actively participate while learning about work-based

learning, self-advocacy, career exploration, and other workplace readiness skills.

Hands-on projects give students practical experience with tasks similar to those

they might encounter on the job, helping them understand expectations,

build confidence, and practice following directions.

Interactive tools like Kahoot games make learning fun while reinforcing knowledge

about careers, workplace behaviors, and self-advocacy. Students develop the

ability to communicate their ideas, answer questions thoughtfully, and practice

decision-making in a low-stakes, supportive environment.

Educational videos complement these activities by providing real-world examples

of careers, work environments, and strategies for success, helping students connect

classroom concepts to actual workplace settings.

These experiences directly support the goals of Pre-ETS, which focus on preparing students

for future employment and independent living. Through hands-on learning, interactive activities,

and multimedia resources, students build essential skills such as teamwork, communication,

problem-solving, and self-advocacy. They also gain confidence in exploring career pathways,

understanding their strengths, and developing strategies to overcome challenges in work and life.

By combining engagement with practical skill-building, these activities help students take

meaningful steps toward career readiness and success in their future endeavors.



West Davidson High School-Life Skills

Self-Advocacy Skills

Kindness Rocks Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students demonstrated and practiced self-advocacy skills through the Kindness Rocks project, which involved creating and painting inspirational rocks and placing them around their school campus.

This activity encouraged students to express their own voices, ideas, and values in a positive and creative way. By choosing messages and designs that reflected kindness, encouragement, and personal meaning, students learned to communicate what matters to them and to share those messages with others confidently and respectfully. This process helped students recognize the power of their own words and actions in shaping their environment and supporting the well-being of those around them.

This experience aligns with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), specifically under the

areas of self-advocacy instruction and community participation. Through planning and carrying

out the kindness rock project, students practiced decision-making, self-expression, and collaboration;

all key components of effective self-advocacy. They worked together to determine

where to place their rocks and how best to spread positivity throughout their school,

reinforcing their sense of teamwork and ownership within their community.

Additionally, participating in this project allowed students to see how self-advocacy

extends beyond personal needs to include contributing to a positive, supportive community.

By taking initiative and engaging in a project that benefits others, students strengthened their

confidence and learned that their voices and actions can make a meaningful difference.

This hands-on activity not only supported creative expression but also built the foundational advocacy

and social skills that will help students succeed in future educational, workplace, and community settings.



Eastern Randolph High School

Work-Based Learning

Creating a Menu Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students had the opportunity to participate in a work-based learning experience through a tour

of Doherty's Restaurant in Pittsboro and an engaging session with a guest speaker from the

hospitality industry. During the visit, students observed daily operations, learned about various job

roles within the restaurant, practiced filling out applications and gained insight into essential

workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, customer service, and time management.

Hearing firsthand from a professional in the field allowed students to connect classroom

learning to real-world employment expectations and to better understand the diverse

career pathways available in the food service and hospitality industries.

This experience aligns directly with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by supporting

several key areas, including job exploration counseling and workplace readiness training.

Through exposure to an authentic work environment and interaction with an industry professional,

students developed a deeper understanding of the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the workplace.

The activity also encouraged students to consider how their personal interests

and strengths might fit within the restaurant and service sectors.

As a hands-on extension of the tour, students created their own menus—an activity

that integrated creativity, planning, and presentation skills. They were tasked with designing

a menu concept, selecting food items, and presenting their finished product to the class.

This exercise not only reinforced what they learned during the tour but also promoted

communication, organization, and self-confidence—skills that are valuable in any future

employment setting. Together, these experiences provided meaningful, work-based

learning that helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.



Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Self-Advocacy Skills

Water Bottle Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students participated in a self-awareness and self-expression activity by decorating their own

water bottles with words, images, and designs that reflected their unique strengths, interests,

and personalities. This creative exercise encouraged students to think about what makes them

who they are; their likes, goals, values, and the qualities that make them special.

By choosing specific colors, symbols, or messages to include, students practiced identifying and communicating their personal preferences and individual identities in a meaningful, visual way.

This activity aligns closely with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), particularly

within the area of self-advocacy and workplace readiness skills. Developing self-awareness

is an important foundation for effective self-advocacy, as students must first understand their

own abilities, interests, and needs before they can communicate them to others.

Through this hands-on experience, students reflected on their personal strengths and how

those traits can support them in academic, social, and future work settings.

Additionally, the activity promoted positive communication and confidence-building as

students shared their completed designs with their peers. Discussing their creative choices

gave them an opportunity to articulate what they value and what motivates them which are

important skills for future interviews, workplace conversations, and goal setting.

By expressing themselves in a fun, supportive environment, students practiced the essential

Pre-ETS skill of communicating their strengths and needs, helping them grow more

comfortable and confident as they prepare for adult life and future employment.



West Davidson High School-OCS

Community Participation

Kindness Rocks Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students participated in a meaningful community involvement activity by creating and

painting kindness rocks, then placing them around their school campus to inspire positivity and encouragement. This project allowed students to contribute in a creative and purposeful way,

promoting a culture of kindness, inclusion, and respect within their school community.

Through this experience, students recognized that even small acts; like sharing uplifting messages

can have a lasting impact on others and help strengthen the sense of belonging among their peers.

This activity directly supports the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS),

particularly in the areas of workplace readiness training and social skills development. By working collaboratively to design and paint the rocks, students practiced teamwork, communication,

and problem-solving skills; all of which are essential for success in the workplace.

They also learned about personal responsibility and community engagement, developing a greater awareness of how their actions contribute to a positive environment both in school and beyond.

In addition to promoting social and emotional growth, this project encouraged self-expression

and initiative, qualities that are valuable in both employment and daily life. Students

took ownership of their contributions and demonstrated leadership as they placed

their rocks strategically around the campus to brighten others’ days.

This hands-on, service-oriented experience helped students see themselves as active,

valued members of their community, while reinforcing the core Pre-ETS focus on preparing

youth with the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to thrive in future work and social settings.



Eastern Randolph High School

Post-Secondary Education Research

Central Carolina Community College Tour

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students engaged in meaningful post-secondary education research by touring

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) in Pittsboro, where they were able to explore

academic programs, campus resources, and training opportunities available after high school.

During the visit, students learned about different degree and certificate options, admission

requirements, financial aid processes, and support services designed to help students succeed. This

firsthand exposure allowed them to compare their personal interests and strengths with potential

academic pathways, giving them clearer insight into what their future educational journey might look like.

This experience directly aligns with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), specifically

in the area of post-secondary education counseling. By visiting the college environment,

students were able to ask questions, gather information, and develop a better understanding

of the expectations and responsibilities associated with college enrollment. This type of

research helps students make informed decisions about their long-term goals and supports

the transition from high school to higher education or training programs.

Additionally, the campus tour helped students practice self-advocacy and independent living

skills as they navigated a new environment, interacted with staff, and explored resources such

as academic advising, career services, and accessibility supports. Seeing these services in action

allowed students to recognize what tools are available to help them be successful and

encouraged them to consider what accommodations or supports they might need in college.

Overall, the CCCC tour served as a valuable Pre-ETS learning experience by empowering

students to explore future options, set goals, and take an active role in

planning their path toward education and employment.



West Davidson High School-Life Skills

Leadership Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in the Life Skills class at West Davidson HS learned about self-advocacy,

leadership and the importance of being active in the community. To gain a better

understanding of these topics, students created their own business project and

presented to their classmates about how their business would benefit their communities.

Developing their own business plan and creating a business project gave students a hands-on opportunity to practice essential leadership skills. As they planned, organized, and presented their ideas, students learned how to take initiative, make decisions, delegate tasks, and guide a project from start to finish.

This experience also highlighted the importance of being active in the community, as successful businesses often consider how they can serve others and make a positive impact. By connecting leadership with community engagement, students gain insight into how their skills and efforts can create meaningful change while preparing them for future roles in education, work, and civic life.

Asheboro High School

Attention to Detail Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Working one-on-one with students through hands-on activities provided a unique

opportunity for them to develop important skills in a supportive environment.

Through these activities, students learned to focus on attention to detail, follow multi-step

directions, and complete tasks with care and precision. They practiced staying

engaged with structured activities, recognizing patterns, and responding to

visual cues, which helped build confidence and independence.

In addition to task-related skills, students gained important work-readiness habits

such as patience, persistence, and problem-solving. By participating in meaningful,

hands-on tasks, they strengthened their ability to manage challenges, follow routines,

and work with consistency—foundational skills that are essential for future vocational experiences.

This experience also reinforced the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

Students practiced communication alternatives, self-advocacy, and workplace behaviors in

ways that are accessible to their abilities, connecting classroom learning to real-world expectations.

By engaging in these activities, students gained confidence, independence, and the skills necessary

to participate successfully in future employment and work-based learning opportunities.



Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

State Employee Credit Union

(SECU) Presentation

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During our session where students learned about financial literacy,

Meagan Hayes from SECU presented to the students and covered vital financial topics,

including banking, budgeting, credit, and identity protection.

Having Ms. Hayes present to the students about financial literacy provided a valuable

real-world learning experience that connects directly to future independence and success.

Through this presentation, students gained practical knowledge about managing money, budgeting, saving, and understanding how financial decisions impact their daily lives.

Hearing directly from a banking professional helps students see how these concepts apply

beyond the classroom and introduces them to potential career paths within the financial industry.

This experience empowers students to make informed choices, build responsible money habits, and develop the confidence needed to manage their finances effectively as they move toward adulthood.

We could tell the students were really paying attention.

They all asked great questions after the presentation which reflects their

understanding of how important smart financial planning is for their future.

West Davidson High School-OCS

Davidson-Davie Community College

Guest Speaker

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in the OCS program at West Davidson HS had the opportunity to explore post-secondary education and career options during a recent session. The class began by researching careers

that matched their interests, giving them a foundation for thinking about future pathways.

The session concluded with a visit from Mr. Pass, a representative from Davidson-Davie

Community College (DDCC), who shared valuable insights about college programs,

admissions processes, and resources available to students.

Hearing directly from a community college professional allowed students to ask questions,

deepen their understanding, and practice important Pre-Employment Transition

Services (Pre-ETS) skills such as critical thinking, research, and self-advocacy.

This hands-on learning experience helped students see the connection between their current

education and future opportunities, encouraging them to set realistic goals and

take steps toward higher education and career success.

Students were highly engaged throughout Mr. Pass’s presentation, asking numerous

questions and even following up with additional inquiries before he left.

The session proved to be both informative and inspiring, giving students

practical knowledge to support their post-secondary planning.

Providence Grove High School

Work-Based Learning Experience

EMS Visit

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Emergency Medical Services in Ramseur brought their ambulance and spoke with the students about EMS careers and work-based learning experiences.

Having EMS bring an ambulance to the school provides students with a hands-on

work-based learning experience that goes beyond classroom learning and gives an up

close look at how first responders help the community. Touring the ambulance and listening

to a presentation from an EMS worker allows students to learn about medical equipment

and emergency procedure as well as see the tools, skills, and responsibilities required

in a real-world healthcare and emergency services career.

During this visit, students gained  insight into careers in healthcare and public safety.

Students developed exposure to workplace expectations, such as teamwork, problem-solving

under pressure, and professional communication, while exploring potential career paths.

This experience helps students connect the skills they are developing in Pre-Employment

Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to actual job roles, giving them a clearer understanding

of what it takes to succeed in a dynamic work environment.

Ledford High School

Job Fair Field Trip

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students at Ledford HS had the opportunity to visit the Disability Awareness Hiring and Community Event. Staff assisted them in navigating the event and vendors. It was great to watch them put some of the skills they've learned in Pre-ETS into action while talking with employers and community resource agencies.

During the event students explored salaries by discussing pay rates with various employer.

They were able to compare the pay rates and decide which they would prefer. The students learned

about promotion and raise opportunities within the different job positions of each company.

They made a resource contact list by speaking with a representative from all community agencies.

Attending an event with hiring employers and community resource agencies gives students

a unique opportunity to explore real-world career options and connect with professionals who

can support their future goals. They gain insights into workplace expectations, learn about

different industries, and discover resources that can help with education, training, and

personal development. These experiences build confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the pathways available to achieve their career and life goals.

Overall, the students seemed to have a great time and demonstrated excellent

communication skills while interacting with all vendors.

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Self-Awareness Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students at Uwharrie Ridge learned about self-advocacy, self-awareness,

disclosure and accommodations. During this session, each student had the

opportunity to make their very own "self-awareness" poster and present it to the class.

Creating self-awareness posters, gave the students an engaging way to explore who they are

while practicing important self-awareness and self-advocacy skills. As they reflect on their

strengths, interests, goals, and values, students begin to better understand what makes them

unique and how those traits influence their choices. This process helps them learn to express their needs, preferences, and aspirations more clearly; which are key components of effective self-advocacy.

By visually representing their identities, students build confidence in sharing their stories and develop the foundation for communicating who they are in academic, social, and workplace settings.

This activity ties directly to the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by

helping students build essential skills for career readiness and personal growth. This hands-on project helped students connect who they are to the kinds of jobs and environments where they can thrive, reinforcing Pre-ETS lessons about career exploration, confidence, and independence.

West Davidson High School-Life Skills

Davidson-Davie Community College

Guest Speaker

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Life Skill students at West Davidson HS learned about post-secondary education.

During this session, they researched careers of interest and the session ended

with Mr. Pass, a representative from DDCC coming to speak to them.

Having a representative from a community college present to students about post-secondary

research provides a valuable opportunity for students to explore future educational pathways.

Students gain insight into the programs, admissions processes, and resources available at

the college level, helping them make informed decisions about their own post-secondary plans.

By asking questions and learning directly from a professional, students practice critical thinking, research skills and self-advocacy - all skills that are emphasized in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).

This experience empowers students to understand their options, set realistic goals,

and take the necessary steps toward higher education and career success.

Students were very interested in Mr. Pass's presentation and asked many questions and even gave

several follow-up questions to Mr. Pass before he left. This was a very educational experience for them!

Eastern Randolph High School

Independent Living Skills

Transportation Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students at Eastern Randolph HS created a transportation vision board

when learning about independent living skills this month.

Creating a transportation vision board helped students connect planning

and goal-setting to real-life independence. By exploring options for getting around,

whether by plane, car, bus, bike, or rideshare; students learn to

think ahead, problem-solve, and make informed choices.

This hands-on activity reinforces critical independent living skills, empowering

students to navigate their communities confidently and plan for their future mobility.

They all worked together to present their visions boards after the activity.

Pre-ETS Career Exploration & Skills Workshop

Job Club-October 2025

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

On 10/24/2025, RCSC-District 2 held it's second Job Club of this school year at Randolph Community College.

Schools in attendance were:

Eastern Randolph HS

Providence Grove HS

Randleman HS

Southwestern Randolph HS

Trinity HS

Uwharrie Charter Academy

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Wheatmore HS

Students from all OCS classes came together to continue exploring Pre-Employment Transition Services.

The day began with a review of what students have learned so far this year, followed by an overview of the day's activities. We then kicked off with an icebreaker: students randomly selected a job title and had 10 seconds to name a skill associated with that job. Afterward, we discussed how many skills are transferrable across multiple careers and how students may already possess abilities that apply to a variety of jobs.

Next, students watched a video about career exploration. As a group we discussed job exploration and students completed a series of worksheets and activities to demonstrate what they learned. As a fun job exploration activity we researched local business by having students navigate the room and find local business posters that closely related to their interests to learn more about what was required for that job. Students then completed a career vs job packet to demonstrate what they had learned.

After a short break, we shifted our focus to work-based learning experiences and welcomed two guest speakers who shared insights about their organizations and career opportunities. Elizabeth Stratton from the NC Zoo and Missy Louris from Piedmont Staffing Solutions spoke with the students and answered questions such as: What is the work schedule like? What is the pay? Is travel required? Do you need a college degree?

It was a day packed with engaging activities and incredible learning opportunities for our students!

Keep an eye out for November's session update....

Ledford High School

Work-Based Learning Experience

NCWorks Mobile Van

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

NCWorks Career Center in Davidson County brought NCWorks to the students at Ledford HS

to learn about work-based learning opportunities and experiences in the area.

Having the mobile NCWorks van visit their school gave students a hands-on introduction

to career exploration, workforce resources and work-based learning. Touring the bus and

hearing from NCWorks staff allowed students to learn about different industries, job

opportunities and the skills employers are looking for. Students gained valuable

knowledge about career pathways, workforce programs, and community resources;

all while building confidence and motivation to plan for their future success.

We sincerely appreciate the NCWorks staff for taking the time out of their busy

schedules to share their knowledge and provide this valuable experience for our students.

Starmount High School

Teamwork Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During our session about interpersonal skills and communication in the workplace,

our OCS students completed a teamwork activity where they build a tower

out of marshmallows and spaghetti noodles.

Building a tower out of marshmallows and spaghetti noodles is a fun, hands-on activity that teaches students important interpersonal and communication skills. To succeed, students must work

together, share ideas, listen to one another, and problem-solve as a team.

They practice giving and receiving feedback, negotiating strategies, and clearly

expressing their thoughts—all skills that are essential in the workplace.

This activity also encourages collaboration, patience, and adaptability, showing students how effective communication and teamwork lead to better outcomes in both school and future careers.

This activity is designed to more than just a fun challenge - it directly reinforces skills

taught in Pre-ETS. They learn to adapt when their initial plans don't work, mirroring

real-word work scenarios. This hands-on activity helps students see how the skills

they develop in Pre-ETS can be applied to achieve success in both school and future employment.

West Davidson High School-OCS

Leadership Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in the OCS program at West Davidson HS explored topics such as self-advocacy, leadership, and community involvement. To bring these concepts to life, they designed their own business projects and presented them to classmates, explaining how their business ideas could benefit the community.

Through this hands-on experience, students practiced key leadership skills, including

taking initiative, making decisions, organizing tasks, and guiding a project from start to finish.

Planning and presenting their projects allowed them to develop confidence in their

abilities while learning the value of teamwork and effective communication.

The activity also emphasized the importance of being active in the community, as students considered ways their businesses could serve others and create a positive impact. By combining leadership with community engagement, students gained a deeper understanding of how their skills and efforts can contribute to meaningful change, preparing them for future success in education, careers, and civic life.

Davie County High School

Teamwork Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students strengthened their teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills by

working in groups to create teamwork posters, an activity that required them to listen

to one another, share ideas, compromise, and work toward a common goal.

As students combined their strengths and learned how to divide tasks effectively, they practiced

the same interpersonal skills that are essential in both school and future workplace settings.

This activity directly supports the goals of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) by helping students build the foundational social and communication abilities needed for successful employment.

Through this hands-on experience, students learned how collaboration improves

problem-solving, enhances productivity, and prepares them to work confidently

and respectfully with others in real-world job environments.



Forbush High School

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Paint & Sip Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in our Forbush Life Skills participated in a "Paint & Sip" activity

to practice interpersonal and communication skills at work.

A paint and sip activity isn’t just fun—it’s a hands-on way for students to

practice coping skills and managing emotions; skills that are essential on the job.

As they focus on creativity and self-expression, students learn to relax,

handle stress, and approach challenges with a calm mindset.

Activities like this help build emotional awareness and resilience,

preparing students to navigate workplace pressures with confidence.

Eastern Randolph High School

Mock Interviews - Ramseur Library

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students at Eastern Randolph HS participated in Mock Interviews at

Ramseur Library to gain experience with the interview process.

Pre-ETS Director, Stephanie Pitts conducted the mock interviews with each student.

Assisting students with mock interviews gives them a safe space to practice real-world job skills,

build confidence, and refine their communication. They gain valuable experience answering

questions, presenting themselves professionally, and receiving constructive feedback.

These sessions help students understand workplace expectations and

prepare them to succeed in future employment opportunities.

After all students completed their mock interviews, the librarian gave them a tour of the

library and highlighted the wide range of resources available to students,

including a special teen section just for them.

Some students even had the chance to check out materials to take home.

We are so proud of these students and all their hard work!

Starmount High School

Field Trip to The Farm in Dobson

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During our session about interpersonal skills and communication in the workplace,

our Life Skill students at  Starmount HS participated in a field trip to The Farm in Dobson.

By attending this field trip experience, the students were provided with hands-on learning

experiences that extend beyond the classroom. While exploring the farm, students engaged

with staff, asked questions, and worked together on activities, allowing them to

practice essential interpersonal and communication skills. 

They learned to listen actively, follow directions, share responsibilities, and clearly

express their ideas. These are all skills that directly translate to success in the workplace.

This experience also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence in interacting

with others, giving students practical insight into how strong communication and

collaboration contribute to professional success.

All the students had a great time during their field trip and we are so proud of them

and the skills they used from what they've learned in the Pre-ETS program. By reflecting on these experiences, students can connect Pre-ETS lessons to practical applications, helping them better understand workplace expectations and build confidence for future employment.

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Balloon Tower Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Uwharrie Ridge students were excited to participate in the "Balloon Tower" activity!

Building a balloon tower was an exciting, hands-on activity that helped students

strengthen their interpersonal and communication skills in a fun and creative way.

As students worked together to design and build their tower, they also had to share ideas,

listen to one another, and make collective decisions—all while staying patient and supportive.

This teamwork activity is similar to real workplace situations where collaboration and clear

communication are essential for success. Students learned that every team member’s

input matters, and by working cooperatively, they can overcome challenges and

achieve a shared goal; just like in any professional environment.

This activity is designed to more than just a fun team challenge - it directly supports the goals of Pre-ETS. Through this activity students practice key workplace readiness skills such as:

problem-solving and flexibility. The balloon tower activity reinforces lessons from

Pre-ETS by showing students how effective collaboration, patience, and

creative thinking can lead to success both in school and in future employment.

Forbush High School

Independent Living Skills

Hygiene Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in our Forbush Life Skills participated in a "brushing your teeth"

activity to practice independent living skills.

Practicing brushing your teeth may seem simple, but it’s an essential independent living skill.

Students learn to maintain personal hygiene, develop routines, and take responsibility

for their own health. Activities like this build confidence and self-sufficiency,

empowering students to care for themselves every day.

Pre-ETS Career Exploration & Skills Workshop

Job Club-September 2025

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

On 9/26/2025, RCSC-District 2 held it's first Job Club of this school year at Randolph Community College.

Schools in attendance were:

Eastern Randolph HS

Providence Grove HS

Randleman HS

Southwestern Randolph HS

Trinity HS

Uwharrie Charter Academy

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Wheatmore HS

OCS students came together from all schools to learn more about Pre-Employment Transition Services.

We began the day by welcoming the students and having a little fun getting to know each other. Between our selfie-station and Guess Who game, we quickly learned a lot about one another!

Next, students completed a career interest assessment and watched a video about career exploration in an effort to start thinking about what careers they may want to do after graduation. After a short break, we dived deeper into job seeking skills: understanding about hard versus soft skills, identifying job opportunities, understanding job postings, networking and making employer contacts and follow-up. We even fit in a fun job search scavenger hunt where the students walked around the campus to "hunt for job opportunities"

It was a day full of back-to-back activities and amazing learning experiences for our students!

Stay tuned for October's session update....

Davie County High School

Tin Boat Challenge

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students at Davie County HS participated in a "Tin Boat Challenge" when learning about Leadership.

They had to work together and collaborate, just like leaders to design and build a boat that works.

The Tin Boat Challenge was a great example of leadership in action.

Success requires teamwork, clear communication, and strategic planning—skills every leader needs. Participants must problem-solve, adapt to challenges, and learn from setbacks, all while

recognizing each team member’s strengths and delegating tasks effectively.

Just like in real-world leadership, the challenge shows that creativity, resilience,

and collaboration are key to guiding a team toward a common goal

Starmount High School

Self-Awareness Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During our session about self-advocacy, self-awareness, disclosure and accommodations;

our Life Skill students at Starmount HS participated in a fun photo shoot activity.

A photo shoot with fun props is more than just a playful activity—it’s a valuable tool for building

self-awareness and self-advocacy skill in students. As students choose props, poses, and expressions

that reflect their personalities, they practice recognizing and expressing their individuality.

This activity encourages them to communicate their preferences, make decisions confidently,

and advocate for themselves in a supportive environment. By reflecting on how they present

themselves, students strengthen their confidence and gain skills that translate to

everyday situations, school, and future workplaces.

Being self-aware is a key skill in the workplace, and activities like this help students develop

it in a meaningful way. By exploring how they express themselves and make choices,

students learn to recognize their strengths, preferences and communication styles.

This self-knowledge helps them interact effectively with coworkers, advocate for their needs,

and adapt to different work environments. The confidence and insight gained through self-awareness prepare students to navigate professional settings successfully and make thoughtful decisions on the job.

We had so much fun with the students during our self-awareness "photo shoot"!

Randolph County Schools

Job Club-October 2024

Eastern Randolph High School

Providence Grove High School

Randleman High School

Southwestern Randolph High School

Trinity High School

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Wheatmore High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

On 10/18/24, RCSC had our 1st in-person Job Club for the 2024-2025 school

for Randolph County Schools Occupational Course of Study (OCS) students!!

We jam-packed an enormous amount of information and activities into this day.

We discussed interpersonal and communication skills; social media do's and don'ts;

resumes; interviewing; employer expectations; work ethics;

positive attitude; time management; cooperation and team building!!

These students worked hard, and learned a lot about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

and tools to be successful after graduation, whether it's in college or on a job!!

We are sooooooo super proud of each student!!!

Davidson County Schools

Spring 2024 End of Semester Celebration

Central Davidson High School

Ledford High School

North Davidson High School

Oak Grove High School

South Davidson High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Our Davidson County students worked so hard this semester during their Pre-ETS classes and activities.

Students at Central Davidson High School, Ledford High School, North Davidson High School, Oak Grove High School and South Davidson High School all came together at Wallburg Park to celebrate their accomplishments on May 30th!

It was a great day to see how much they've learned,

hear about their favorite part of Pre-ETS and

celebrate all their hard work!



We are so proud of each of you!!

Randolph County/Asheboro City Schools

Spring 2024 End of Semester Celebration

Asheboro High School

Randleman High School

Southwestern Randolph High School

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Wheatmore High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We are super proud of all our Randolph County and Asheboro City students this semester!!

All our friends at Asheboro High School, Randleman High School, Southwestern Randolph High School, Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 and Wheatmore High School worked so hard and learned so much!!

We have no doubt, these students are destined for success!!



We enjoyed celebrating with them at the end of our semesters and

listening to what their plans are for the summer and after school!

Yadkin County Schools

Spring 2024 End of Semester Celebration

Forbush High School

Starmount High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Sending BIG shout-outs to our Yadkin County students this semester!!

All our friends at Starmount High School and Forbush High School

 worked extremely hard this semester learning all Pre-ETS has to offer!

These students completed their workbooks and activities and worked so well together!!

We are soooo proud of all your hard work and all you've accomplished and

had so much fun celebrating our end of semester with you!

Wheatmore High School

Starmount High School

Central Davidson High School

Forbush High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

If you ask our students what their favorite part of the Pre-ETS classes are... most of them will say the Team Building and Cooperation lesson, because that is usually when we bring in our games, minute to win it activities, etc. Here are some pictures from our team building and cooperation activities at

Wheatmore High School, Starmount High School, Central Davidson High School and Forbush High School.



Students really have the most fun during this session---little do they know,

they are building necessary skills that they will utilize throughout their entire life!

Ledford High School

North Davidson High School

Oak Grove High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

What an awesome experience our students from Ledford High School, North Davidson High School

and Oak Grove High School had during our Paint and Sip activity this semester

as we learned about conflict resolution, self-awareness, leadership and positive self-talk.

Forbush High School

Southwestern Randolph High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During our Pre-ETS lesson on Work Ethics and Employer Expectations,

students at Forbush High School in Yadkin County and Southwestern Randolph High School

in Randolph County participated in a work ethic skit.

This was an eventful experience to apply hands-on, real-world experience to this topic.

The students and staff did a great job!

Spring 2024 Work-Based Learning Experience

Sam's Club Tour

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students in our Central Davidson High School Pre-ETS class viewed applications online for

Sam's Club, and watched videos about the various job opportunities available there

during our Career Pathway and Employer Expectations lesson.

Students were also able to participate in a full tour of the Sam's Club Warehouse!

Asheboro High School

South Davidson High School

Forbush High School

Uwharrie Ridge 6-12

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We've had so many great things happening this semester in all our schools and counties. Check out some of the fun we've had at Asheboro HS, South Davidson HS, Forbush HS and Uwharrie Ridge 6-12.

Our friends and students at Asheboro High School had fun during our lesson on

Positive Attitudes, Decision-Making and Interpersonal Skills, etc. by creating Kindness Rocks!

We are so proud of our students at South Davidson High School.

This semester Pre-ETS staff worked with them during our Career Pathway lesson about

creating Business Plans and researching and developing their own "business."

We must say---we have some very creative and intuitive students,

and future business leaders in this class!!

We incorporated a FUN activity during our Decision-Making session at Forbush High School

this semester called This or That! Students enjoyed problem-solving and thinking

 through the difference before deciding on This or That!

Our friends and students really enjoyed this activity and even started coming up with their own scenarios!

As most of us know, it's a little hard to make learning about resumes fun, but our students and friends at Uwharrie Ridge 6-12 did a great job during our Resume session this semester!

They worked hard to get their resumes current and up to date and we discussed the

importance of having an up-to-date resume when applying for jobs.

We are so proud of their hard work this semester!

Spring 2024 Work-Based Learning Experience

Piedmont Triad International Airport Tour

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

This semester, some of our Pre-ETS students at Central Davidson High School

and Ledford High School had the opportunity to tour Piedmont Triad International Airport

to learn more about aviation history and careers in the aviation industry.

This coincides with our Career Pathway and Job Exploration topics.

The tour focused on careers and jobs around the airport campus!

Students were so excited to see all the ins and outs of how the airport operates and flows and had lots of questions and comments for our tour guide! It was a great day full of learning and excitement!

Thank you PTI for having us and taking the time to speak to our students!

Wheatmore High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We had a great time at Wheatmore HS during our Pre-Employment Transition Services

classroom discussion on Team Building and Cooperation. 

Staff offered great lessons, information and hands-on activities for the students!

Students had the opportunity to practice the team building and cooperation

skills they learned during friendly games of connect four, checkers and Jenga!

Students were reminded how important it is to have good teamwork skills and abilities

especially since they will have to work with people during school, employment and

even in their everyday home life!!

Keep looking for more updates --- it's been a great semester so far!

Davidson County Schools

Lindley Rehabilitation (Lindley College) Tour

Ledford High School

North Davidson High School and

Oak Grove High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Our Davidson County students from Ledford HS, North Davidson HS and Oak Grove HS

had the opportunity to participate in a Work-Based Learning Field Experience to

Lindley Habilitation Services (Lindley College) in Clemmons NC.

Students were able to tour the facility and find out programs and services available

to them as they transition from high school to post-secondary and/or employment.

Students met with staff, asked questions and participated in some

great activities facilitated by Lindley Staff.

At the end of the day, students enjoyed lunch and an ice cream treat from Dairio's!

This was a great learning experience for our students, school staff and Pre-ETS staff!

South Davidson High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Oh boy!!! We've been super busy at South Davidson HS so far this semester!!

Staff has prepared an enormous amount of information for our Pre-Employment Transition Services in the form of lesson plans, discussions, hands-on activities and work-based learning field experiences!

Students took a work-based learning experience to Food Lion to shop for the ingredients to

prepare a meal for their family for $10.00 or less. This experience served several purposes for

tools and strategies that the students learned so far in Pre-ETS. One, budgeting and money management. Two, Preparing for Post-Secondary School when students have to live on a budget.

Three, Interpersonal Skills, Communication when interacting with the employees.

This was an amazing experience for the students and staff, watching them research, shop and learn!

Students put together hygiene kits during our discussion on Employer

Expectations as a reminder the importance of your personal appearance and

hygiene habits when searching for, interviewing for and keeping a job.

Students also participated in a "paint and sip" hands-on activity where they were able to gain tools, strategies and techniques to utilize when facing conflict at school, work or home.

Students also had the opportunity to take another work-based learning field experience

to Guilford Technical Community College to tour the campus and learn about

post-secondary program options as well as tour the Culinary Arts department. They were able to participate in the fine dining experience and learn workplace etiquette skills important to have.

We have jam packed a lot into the last few months, with even more to come!!!!

Forbush High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We've had lots of fun at Forbush HS these last few months also!!

Students have been learning all about Pre-Employment Transition Services and participating

in some exciting hands-on activities to highlight the skills and strategies they've learned!

One of the most engaging activities was where the students painted "kindness rocks"

during our discussion of Interpersonal Skills, listening and communication and how to

treat each other, which is extremely important in school, work and even at home!

Students painted 3 rocks, one for themselves, one for a friend and

one for an adult in their life who they feel is supportive of them.

This was a great activity!!

Oak Grove High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We are gearing up for more learning and fun at Oak Grove HS!!

Our staff has worked hard planning lessons and hand-on activities

with our students surrounding Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Recently students were able to put together hygiene kits during our discussion of

Employer Expectations and Work Ethics. Students were reminded that proper hygiene is

also important during the interview and application process and will even help

build self-esteem, personal appearance, positive attitude and character!

We have lots more planned ---- keep an eye out!!

North Davidson High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Since September, we've had a great time at North Davidson HS

 during our Pre-Employment Transition Services classes!

Staff has incorporated many great hands-on activities to build upon the

skills and strategies the students are learning in Pre-ETS.

Students enjoyed making the hygiene kits during our conversations about

Employer Expectations and Work Ethics! They were reminded that utilizing the items

in your hygiene kits were also very important when applying for jobs and attending interviews!

Students also participated in making sandwiches when we discussed

Interpersonal Skills, Communication and Following Directions and how important

those skills were during school, work or home related situations!

Keep watching for our next update---there is a lot more fun and learning to be had!!

Randleman High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We got started a little late with our friends at Randleman HS this semester, but that sure hasn't stopped us from getting our learn on and taking the opportunity to participate in several hands-on activities!!!

During our discussion on Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Positive Attitude, etc.; students had

the opportunity to create "kindness rocks". Each student was able to make one for themselves as

a reminder to "Be Kind (and stay positive)", they made one for a friend to spread kindness and they

made one to show appreciation to an adult in their life who has been supportive of them!

Students also enjoyed building marshmallow and fettucine towers during our

Team Building and Cooperation classroom conversation!

During this activity students also built upon the interpersonal skills previously

learned and honed in on active listening, time management and following directions.

We've had so much fun so far----stay tuned for our upcoming FUN!!!

Ledford High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We've done a little bit of everything at Ledford HS over the last few months!!

RCSC Staff has been super busy planning activities and work-based learning experiences for

our students to enhance the discussions and topics we've learned about through our

Pre-Employment Transition Services program!

Students were able to tour the campus of GTCC and learn about post-secondary options and programs available to them and while there, they were even exposed to the Culinary Arts department and participated in a fine dining experience which highlighted workplace etiquette, etc.

During the last few months, students also created hygiene bags during our

discussion of Employer Expectations.

Students also made tacos when we learned about Interpersonal Skills,

Communication and Following Directions.

It's been an amazing few months---stay tuned for the next few!!

Central Davidson High School

Spring 2024 Pre-ETS Activities

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We've been super busy at Central Davidson HS this year so far!!

Students have been learning SO much about Pre-Employment Transition Services

and we have developed various hands-on activities to highlight some of them.

We created hygiene bags when learning about Employer Expectations.

We made sandwiches when learning about Interpersonal Skills, Communication and Following Directions. Students really enjoyed the "paint and sip" activity when reviewing

Conflict Resolution and Positive Self-Talk!

Staff of course tried to make Resumes and Interviewing as fun as possible with

using our online Pathful Explore tool and finally students were able to create

their very own "positivity jars" when we discussed Positive Attitude and the importance

of having a positive attitude at school, at work and at home!

Everyone received positive notes from their classmates and teachers to begin filling their jar!

We've been having a great few months so far!!

Stay tuned for the next few months and check out what we are up to!!

Davidson County Schools

Fall 2023 End of Semester Celebration

Ledford High School

Stoner-Thomas School

Thomasville High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

We had such an amazing, wonderful, happy celebration this semester

for our Davidson County Pre-ETS students.

We are so proud of all our friends at Ledford High School, at Stoner-Thomas School,

and at Thomasville High School!! You all did such a great job this semester.

Our students completed all three milestones of the Pre-ETS program. They got to make a few visits to colleges and employers AND they learned so much about Pre-Employment Transition Skills!

They knocked it out of the park this semester!! 

We are so proud of all of our students!!

Congratulations to our seniors also, we will miss you!!

Go do big things with all the skills you've learned!!

We'd like to thank our teachers and staff at each school.

Thank you Arcadia Community Center for donating your space.

Thank you On Time Catering for the meal you donated and

thank you Food Lion for your donations as well! 

Thank you Santa Claus for making a pit stop to visit us today!! You really made the kiddos day!!

And thank you to Santa's helpers who volunteered their time!!

It takes a village to pull off a celebration like this and all RCSC staff are so grateful for our village!

Davidson County Schools

2023 WBL Field Experiences

Future Truckers of America &

Piedmont Triad International Airport

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Our Pre-ETS staff and students have been super busy again this week in Davidson County!!!

Miss Erica took our Thomasville High School students on a tour at Future Truckers of America

in Asheboro NC. During our Pre-ETS classes, several students expressed an interest in truck driving,

so they all had the opportunity to visit the facility, get a tour of the classrooms and field yard as

well as ask questions about the possibilities they may have after graduation. They were super

excited to watch FTA Students practicing their backing up and parking the 18 wheelers in the field yard!

Thank you FTA staff for your time and willingness to show us around and answer all our questions!

Miss Erica also took our Ledford High School students on a tour at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro NC.  Students were excited to learn about career opportunities. Students enjoyed seeing the planes landing and taking off and talking to staff and learning all about their possibilities after graduation! Thank you PTI staff for taking the time to talk with our students and give us a tour!

All students gained valuable information during these tours to help

them with their transition plans after high school.

We'd like to thank staff at the schools as well as FTA and PTI for taking their time with our students.

And we also want to thank our students for soaking up all the knowledge and remembering to represent their schools and Pre-ETS in an amazing way! We are so proud of you all!! 

Great things keep going on around RCSC and Pre-ETS and we are so excited!!

Davidson County Schools

2023 College Tours

Lindley Rehabilitation College &

Davidson-Davie Community College

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Our Pre-ETS staff and students have been super busy this week in Davidson County!!!

Miss Erica took our Stoner-Thomas School students on a tour at Lindley Rehabilitation College

so they could learn more about programs available to them after graduation.

Miss Erica also took our Thomasville High School and Ledford High School students on a tour

at Davidson-Davie Community College. They had the opportunity to visit several departments

and ask questions about their programs of interest.

All students gained valuable information during these tours to help

them with their transition plans after high school.

We'd like to thank staff at the schools as well as the colleges for taking their time with our students.

And we also want to thank our students for keeping their learning caps on and

representing their schools and Pre-ETS in an awesome way!! We are so proud of all of you!!!

Great things are happening with RCSC and Pre-ETS and we are so excited!!

Davidson County Schools

2023 End of Spring Semester Celebration

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Davidson County End of Year Celebration: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Topics Include: NCWorks, Interpersonal Skills, Cooperation and Team Building, Positive Self-Talk, Leadership, Setting Goals, Career/College Fairs, Accessing Resources, Requesting Accommodations; etc.

During the celebration, all students from Davidson County Schools Spring 2023 semester Pre-ETS classes came together to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage positive post-secondary options.

While together, students were reminded of how NCWorks online can assist with job search, resumes, labor market information, etc. Interpersonal skills were implemented by students while mingling with students from other schools, and by giving short summaries about what they’ve learned in Pre-ETS. By speaking in front of the group, students showed exemplary leadership skills, offered words of encouragement, inspiration and motivation. 

Randolph County Schools

2023 Employ-ABILITY Seminar

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Interviews, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Job Search Information,

Employer Expectations, Work Ethics, Team Building, etc.

The Randolph County School System and Regional Communities Services Center host an annual

Employ-ABILITY Seminar for students.

The Seminar is designed to help students put into practice the skills and information they’ve learned throughout the year regarding employment. Each student is put into a rotation. Freshman and Sophomores will attend a Soft Skills workshop, a Teamwork workshop and a Family Feud Employment version game. Juniors and Seniors will attend Portfolio Presentations, Mock Interviews and the Family Feud Employment version game.

Students are able to showcase a variety of skills they’ve learned and at the end of the day a school is recognized as a winner for the year! Students, staff and classes are also recognized for exemplary behavior throughout the day.

Randolph County Schools

2023 Transition Fair

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Accessing Resources/Services and Requesting Accommodations

The Randolph County School System, Asheboro City Schools and Regional Communities Services Center host an annual Transition Fair for students.

The Fair is designed to help adults, students with disabilities, their parents and their teachers learn about the variety of available human services and how to access them.

Students are able to visit with community agencies, attend workshops about team building and soft skills. Students are able to practice how to access resources and services available in the community and how to request accommodations when and if needed.

They also enjoy the hands-on workshops available by our Pre-ETS Staff

enhancing their teamwork and soft skills knowledge.

Davidson, Davie, Randolph and Yadkin Counties

2022 End of Semester Celebrations: Pre-ETS Completions 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: NCWorks, Interpersonal Skills, Cooperation and Team Building, Positive Self-Talk, Leadership, Setting Goals, Career/College Fairs, Accessing Resources, Requesting Accommodations; etc.

It is standard to hold an end of the semester awards ceremony for each class upon completion of required milestones. We celebrate all student’s accomplishments and each student is presented with a certificate and given the opportunity to share what they have learned.

Also during the celebration, we recognize the seniors who will be graduating by giving them a graduation card and gift card to a fast food restaurant.

In doing so, we continue to incorporate Pre-ETS topics like: decision making and budgeting.

We are so proud of all our Pre-ETS Graduates from each school!!

Davidson County

Ledford High School

Stoner-Thomas School

Thomasville High School

2022 Interview/Resume: Mock Interviews

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Interpersonal Skills; Resume, Interviewing, Work Ethics etc.

During the Mock Interviews activity, students brought their compiled resumes and dress according to what they have learned about interviews during the Pre-ETS class. Students toured the NCWorks Career Center in Randolph County and learned about the Career Resource Center and other community resources.

Individual interviews took place in a separate office with a panel of staff.

Students waiting for their interview times stayed in another area with teachers and staff completing several employment related activities.

During this time, students also viewed videos about careers and completed an “on-boarding hiring packet” to experience what it feels like to get hired at a company. They received hiring packets to practice filling out and complete information about themselves that they would get if they were hired. 

Davidson County

Stoner-Thomas School

2022 Employer Expectations & Work Ethics

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Employer Expectations; Proper Hygiene, Work Ethic;

Reputation, Character, Following Directions etc.

Activity: Creating Hygiene Bags

During the activity of creating hygiene bags, we incorporate a lesson for students to know what it’s like once they receive a job, titled: “Congratulations, you got the job!” We explain that students are now a representation of our company and personal hygiene is high on our list.

We discuss how their supervisor would like them to follow the picture directions to create a personal hygiene packet to ensure that their hygiene is up to par while at work. As a class, we discuss that appearance and cleanliness is important as they now represent themselves and their company!

During this activity, students learn to follow directions, and complete a

personal hygiene packet with instructions given as well as utilizing the

personal hygiene items for their future Mock Interviews scheduled with NCWorks.

Davidson County

Ledford High School

Stoner-Thomas School

Thomasville High School

2022 Interpersonal, Communication and Etiquette Skills

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Communicating; Listening; Etiquette, Manners; Following Directions etc.

Activity: Tea Party/Sandwiches

During the Tea Party activity, students put into practice the importance of good manners and table etiquette, communicating, listening, following directions and completing tasks.

Proper table etiquette and practicing good table manners are in part what makes us

civil human beings. Following directions is an important ability to practice in everyday life,

whether at school, at home or at work. The ability to follow directions is a basic life skill

that will serve our students both now and in the future.

Listening is one of the most important forms of communication. It indicates a person’s ability to receive and interpret information in the communication process.

Without active listening skills, students won’t be able to receive and understand the messages. 

Davidson County

Ledford High School

2022 Career Awareness and Career Pathways - DDCC Tour

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Topics Include: Career Pathways; Career Awareness; Decision-Making; Leadership;

Listening; Communicating; Following Directions etc.

During the Davidson-Davie Community College Tour, students were able to visit various departments to learn about what opportunities were available. They asked questions and were able to utilize the skills and information learned during the Pre-ETS classes to discuss career pathways.

Students enjoyed visiting the different departments and were excited to see some of the classes and

hands-on labs that were discussed during their Pre-ETS classes. They also appreciated learning how the programs offered at DDCC would help them gain independence, accomplish personal goals, become more confident and reach their full potential!

Pre-ETS Spring Semester 2021 – SUCCESS

Bryson Reamer

Randolph County

Trinity High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Bryson Reamer from Trinity High School was able to apply what he learned in our Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) class to help him find a fun summer job at Bowman Gray Stadium!

Many of our students had never thought about setting goals and creating career pathway plans before our class. They were able to explore so many different careers and gained so many important job ready skills such as how to search for employment, how to fill out applications, what employers expect and so much more!

Bryson is so excited about this opportunity and is grateful for all he learned in Pre-ETS!

Randolph and Davidson Counties

Team Building

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Team Building/Cooperation Activity: Minute to Win It Games

During our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) instruction of teambuilding and cooperation curriculum; students participate in games with classmates to promote problem-solving, sportsmanship, communication, patience and respect. 

All students truly enjoy the hands on activities and work well with one another.

Topics Include: Working Together; Teamwork; Organization; Following Directions; Critical Thinking; etc.

Team building and cooperation are an integral part of the workplace. Being able to work together to accomplish a goal is a skill that is valued by employers and coworkers alike.

During the tower activity, students will work in groups to build a tower using marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The object of the game is to build the tallest tower without it collapsing. Students work together and strategize how to make this happen.

During the no-hands activity, students are given a cookie to place on their forehead. The object of the game is to get the cookie from their forehead into their mouth without using their hands. The first one to do so, wins!

Omari Jones

Davidson County

Stoner-Thomas School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

In the Spring semester of 2019 we attended Stoner-Thomas School in Davidson County. There we met Omari Jones a student enrolled in Mrs. Essick’s class. He expressed that his goal was to become a weather man when he grew up.

Career Advisors assisted Omari with writing a letter to WGHP Fox8 Kids explaining why he would like to be a weather kid. Although, normally they only allow kids aged 8-13 participate in the  Weather Kid program, they were happy to make an exception for Omari!

On April 5, 2019 during autism awareness month, Omari was chosen and fulfilled his dream of giving the weather report. 

Omari expressed his excitement and appreciation to all who helped!

https://myfox8.com/2019/04/04/vans-weather-kids-omari-jones/ 

Randolph County

Job Club

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During this school year Randolph County Pre-ETS Staff had the opportunity to facilitate a Job Club to occupational course of study students from a combination of all six high schools. The Job Club was hosted by Randolph Community College. 

During the Job Club classes, students received lessons, information and resources from our curriculum covering a variety of topics like, interviewing, job search, job applications, communication, teamwork, employer expectations, work ethics etc. 

During this time Pre-ETS instructors presented to classes upwards of 50 students.