D.R.E.A.M. Transition Academy

Mission

In alignment with the mission of Rocky Hill Public Schools, the mission of the DREAM Transition Academy is to to provide an environment where students feel empowered to achieve their greatest potential, comfortable to be who they are, and have the opportunity to explore their diverse interests in order to become productive and responsible citizens. 


Vision

To assist young adults and their families in making the transition from high school to post-secondary activities including postsecondary education, vocational education, supported employment, adult services, independent living and life skills, and community participation in order for them to reach their full potential.

The DREAM Transition Academy

The DREAM Transition Academy is a post-secondary program for young adults ages 18-22 during their transition from school to adulthood. Students are recommended for this program through the PPT, and individual programs are created through an IEP. Instruction, community-based experiences, and internship opportunities are focused on independent living, continuing education, employment, community awareness, social skills, and self-advocacy skills. Each student is provided their own Chromebook to use for class assignments, as well as completing their resumes, cover letters and other job related materials. Our speech and language pathologist works in conjunction with our team to facilitate lessons in regards to communication in the workplace and community settings. Our psychologist works with students in social groups, and individually depending on their needs. Students are also able to participate in an art class, if they choose, as an area of interest and exploration.

CONTACT

Transition Coordinator

Ian Learned 

860-258-2727

School Psychologist

Krysta Taylor

860-258-2727

Speech and Language Pathologist

Rachel Portal 

860-258-7721

Job Coaches:

Barbara Barry

Jeanine Berasi

Lynne Carmel 

Annu Jaiswal

Laurie McCauley

Amand Milliner

Amy Thorne

Current Job Sites

  • DREAM Cafe
  • Cora Belden Library 
  • Uptown Consignments
  • Goodwill 
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Sunny Farms
  • Walgreens
  • CVS
  • Pet Supplies Plus
  • Price Chopper

Favorite Community Outings

  • Dave and Busters

  • Lessard Lanes

  • Avery Soda

  • Pistol Creek 

  • Berlin Theater 

  • Ikea 

  • Lyman Orchard

  • Northwest Park 

  • Peabody Museum

Daily Schedule Examples

Morning Meeting/Discussion

Lesson of the Day (Daily Living, Interpersonal, Advocacy, Self-Determination)

Prepare for work 

Work at job sites

Lunch 

Break 

Social Time (games, social skill development)

End of day wrap up


Student Quotes

“I got a job at Sunny Farms. Thank you guys for everything!”- Dillon Cerpa ‘21 Graduate

 

“My favorite things about the transition academy are going to Pistol Creek for the parties with the other academies, and my jobs at Uptown Consignment and Goodwill”. - Marc LaPuma