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WARREN — While time off from school is usually a chance to take a breather from academics, a group of Warren Woods Public Schools students stayed in school during the district’s recent spring break, March 24-28.
Five students in the district’s Make it Work program completed a number of projects at Enterprise High School. Make it Work is a collaborative effort between the district, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Works! and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. The BSBP is the newest collaborator. The class was held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students must have barriers to employment and open cases with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Michigan Works to participate in Make it Work. Using various materials — including wood and granite — students fused technical training in design and manufacturing with evidence-based mental health programming. Last month’s class was held in the occupational therapy room at Enterprise.
With assistance from consultants through the Macomb Intermediate School district, the machines the students worked on were adapted, and all materials and protocols were made accessible in braille. Tools included a smart iron, specialized AI glasses to help students independently explore machines and tools, a talking tape measure, and a small hand-held device to help visually impaired students identify colors to sort stones, fabric, paint and thread.
The five students were Warren Woods Tower High School juniors Sarah Awan, Monette Bell-Wilson and Kelsey L., Warren Woods Tower senior Owen Porter, and Enterprise senior Kristian McSorley. They were paid $14 an hour for their participation.
During the week, the students made pens while using the lathe, and also did computerized sewing, scroll saw puzzles with local artist Tom Dembeck, graphic design, glass fusing and laser engraving. The teenagers also used a special kiln to make jewelry pendants and keychains from marbles.
Michele Morgan, an occupational therapist/transition coordinator for Warren Woods Tower and Enterprise, and retired Warren Woods Public Schools social worker Linda Hutchins are the co-facilitators of the program.
“I run a self-awareness program to help them know their likes and dislikes and what type of job they would like for a brighter future,” Hutchins said. “Every year, Michele and I try to make the program better.”
One item Kelsey L., who is blind, used was the lathe to make a pen.
“It was very fun and super cool. The end results and way it felt in my hand was satisfying,” she said.
She used machine embroidery to make a bandana for her yellow lab dog, Biscuit, and used a talking tape measure for math. She also read using a device known as the OrCam MyEye, which has a microphone and voice that reads to her.
“It’s very helpful in our shop,” Morgan said.
Awan got to know the other students while in class.
“We’ve been doing a lot of group activities,” she said. “Things to get to know each other and know ourselves, and about different careers and what they want to do possibly.”
Sewing was one aspect Awan really enjoyed. She made a collar for her dog, Sandy.
“That was really cool to learn about,” she said. “It was my first time. It was nice.”
On March 25, Michigan Works! representatives conducted mock interviews. At first, it was “a little nerve wracking,” Porter said. But he also learned a lot.
“They told us what to do and what not to do during an interview like bouncing your leg, and if nervous, don’t fidget as much,” Porter said.
As for a career, Porter is leaning towards culinary arts, specifically working with pastries.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
