December Recap: 2024 Close Out

As we closed out 2024, December was a month of milestones, growth, and accomplishments for the Pathways to Partnerships (P2P) program. Students across our partner schools engaged in the final lessons of the Pathway to Dreams curriculum, building skills that will prepare them for future success. Here's a look back at the highlights from this remarkable month:

Polk County Successes: Cedartown Middle and Rockmart Middle

Polk County students wrapped up the Pathway to Dreams curriculum with engaging lessons:

• Cedartown Middle School (CMS):
  Students mastered problem-solving skills in the "Mind Bender - Unlock Your Problem-Solving Potential" lesson, where they applied a five-step problem-solving process to real-life scenarios. In their final lesson, "Launch Your Career: Resume Building," students learned to create resumes tailored to specific jobs, equipping them with a critical tool for their future career paths.
• Rockmart Middle School (RMS):
  Students explored workplace habits in their last lessons, "Boss Moves: Who Would You Hire?" They analyzed candidate profiles and worked collaboratively to justify hiring decisions, providing real-world insights into the importance of strong work habits and critical thinking.

NWGACIL instructors and peer advocates continue to empower students with essential skills, building confidence and community connections. We are so proud of these students' progress and excited to launch Cohort 2 in January!

Houston County Highlights: Warner Robins Middle and Feagin Mill Middle

Houston County students also celebrated the completion of the Pathway to Dreams curriculum:

• Warner Robins Middle School (WRMS):
  Students explored the importance of strong work habits in a hands-on, interactive lesson. They analyzed how these habits directly impact their ability to achieve and maintain success in school and the workplace.
• Feagin Mill Middle School (FMMS):
  FMMS students participated in a captivating two-day lesson that culminated in a role-playing activity. Acting as members of a Human Resources team, students evaluated fictional candidates to assess employer expectations and make hiring decisions.

These lessons brought the curriculum full circle, allowing students to reflect on the relevance of these skills now and in their future workplaces. Disability Connections instructors provided exceptional guidance, and we are so thankful for our partnerships with GVRA, Disability Connections, and Houston County Schools.

Program Expansion: Columbia Middle School

The P2P Team visited Columbia Middle School in Grovetown in preparation for the Pathway to Dreams launch in January! Walton Options CIL instructors are excited to meet the students and begin teaching essential soft skills and career-related lessons in the new year.

By the Numbers: December at a Glance

• P2P Pathway to Dreams Total Enrollment (Cumulative): 170
• Schools Participating: 4 (Cedartown Middle, Rockmart Middle, Warner Robins Middle, Feagin Mill Middle)
• Grades Served: 7th, 8th, and Adaptive
• Number of Children Served (6th-8th Grade): 52
• Number of P2P Services Delivered: 165
• December P2P Family Contacts (Emails and Phone Calls): 508
• December Outreach Events: 7
• December Facebook P2P Post Views: 7,098
• December P2P Website Homepage Views: 494

Celebrating Progress and Partnerships

December marks the successful conclusion of the first Pathway to Dreams cohort. Observing students confidently articulate the importance of the skills they've learned-both for now and for the future-has been truly inspiring.

We are grateful for the unwavering support of our partners at GVRA, NWGACIL, Disability Connections, and our school districts. Together, we are building pathways to brighter futures, fostering independence, and preparing students for competitive integrated employment.

As we move into 2024, we are thrilled to launch Cohort 2 and continue this incredible journey. Remember: One Team, One Dream, Better Together!