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S.T.A.R.S. "Students Transitioning to Adult Responsibility and Success" Nishna Productions, Inc. is the parent company that will direct the S.T.A.R.S.
Program. Mission Statement S.T.A.R.S. Staff Curriculum Team Individualized Services Classes Offered Classes can be customized: Any Home-based Life Skills Training, Community Based Work Opportunities Hourly schedules
can be customized: Half-days (depending on transportation), Full days,
Multiple days, Full week Progress Reporting Special Education students can qualify to be a S.T.A.R.S. candidate. Excellent Opportunity for 5th year High School Students What do we need to start a student? Service Fees/Tuition
Testimonials "It is my pleasure to sing the praises of Nishna Productions' STARS Program. I attended a meeting in Shenandoah several years ago where the STARS Program was presented as an option for students with disabilities in southwest Iowa. I believe the original purpose of the Program was to provide transition services for 5th and 6th year seniors who had completed appropriate high school coursework but were not yet 21. We did not have any such students, but at that time we did have a number of elementary school students who had some pretty significant needs. We invited Sherri Clark to Sidney to brainstorm with us about how we could collaborate with Nishna Productions to meet some of the needs of these students. Our version of STARS happens on Wednesday afternoons and focuses on providing community, recreational, and vocational experiences, and Don Jackson is our STARS facilitator. Last year Mr. Jackson arranged afternoon trips to various businesses and offices in Sidney. Our students met new people, identified local goods and services, and most importantly ventured into their communities. They also took trips to the Shenandoah Public Library, the Ambassador Wellness Center in Nebraska City, and the Mall of the Bluffs and Thunder Bowl in Council Bluffs. This year Mr. Jackson has introduced our STARS students to the world of work. They have practiced being good employees and effective communicators. They have researched lots of vocational opportunities and visited several job sites. The STARS Program was implemented in Sidney to address transition needs of students with disabilities, but there have been some unexpected benefits also. Our kiddos have meet with a positive male role model once a week for two years. They now are recognized and acknowledged by many people when they are out and about in Sidney. They know that recreation is an important part of life, and they know that work is an important part of life. In short, our kiddos are more ready for life after school because of STARS." Dana Gunderson ~ Sidney Junior/Senior High School *** "As a Para Educator at the Sidney High School, I assist with the STARS program. I believe that the STARS program is an excellent tool for the students. The students have been learning about many different kinds of jobs and the responsibilities that they include. The information they are learning can be very beneficial to them in the future. The STARS program works with the students at their level to help fill their needs. They are given information repeatedly until they are able to understand and retain it. The STARS program can teach life skills that students would not get in a regular classroom." Sincerely, Gloria Kemper *** "The East Mills High School students who had the opportunity to be involved with STARS had programming we never could have provided ourselves in a small district. STARS helped the students bloom by developing work skills, social skills, living skills and money management skills. STARS is an important program for the students' families, as well. Transitioning from high school to adult life can be an anxious time for parents and students both. STARS is a great step linking families, with adult services offered at Nishna Productions and other community providers." Ann Greenfield ~ East Mills Community Schools *** "Ben's experiences with Don have been very positive. He was able to go on job shadows, do some computer job surveys, and run small errands (in order to see if he could follow through with instructions, find items on a list, pay for and keep track of his checkbook.) I am very thankful. Teresa Parker
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