Starting her morning, Ms. Jayme Schroeder helps her students off the bus and out of their parent’s cars. She greets her class with a smile as she leads them into school and down to the cafeteria for breakfast, ready to begin another day.

“I really enjoy getting up and coming to work,” Ms. Schroeder said. “I love working as a FALS teacher and being with the students.” 

Ms. Schroeder and Ms. Jinna Danser rotate their classes with the bell. They follow the same schedule as the rest of the school each teaching a different subject per period.

“We try to keep the same structure as everyone else in school,” Ms. Schroeder said. “We want them to get used to having a schedule to go by.”

Some higher-functioning juniors and seniors from the FALS class have a work program where they go to a different job site every six weeks to gain experience and important life skills. The class partners with businesses that will work with their certain abilities including Tractor Supply, On the Border and various nursing homes in the area.

“I feel like the program is important,” Ms. Schroeder said. “It teaches our students independence and gives them the ability to get a job once they graduate.” 

Ms. Schroeder focuses on teaching her students independent life skills: how to finance money properly, cook and do household chores.  

“Our job is to prepare these kiddos for life after high school,” Ms. Schroeder said. “We teach them school subjects as well as functional skills.”

Some lower-functioning students need a one-on-one aid who focuses on one student for more individual help to accomplish daily tasks. Rex Magee took on the position as Grace Gandy’s, 12, one-on-one. Mr. Magee guides Gandy in activities to meet her goals.  

“I do everything with Grace,” Mr. Magee said. “It’s a job that few people take because it’s a four-year commitment to the student, some people do it for two years and get out which is a cruddy thing to do.” 

Every six weeks, Schroeder’s class will try to go on outings, including grocery shopping or a restaurant. Mr. Magee focuses on how to involve Gandy in the activities. 

“When we go out to a restaurant, the parents pay for the students, and they are able to order for themselves,” Mr. Magee said. “For Grace, I order for her and cut all her food up so she never has any food that’s not cut.” 

One-on-ones commit to the student for their entire high school career. This gives the student’s parents peace of mind knowing their child has a reliable person to guide and protect. 

“When I was assigned to Grace, I told her parents that I was making a commitment to her for the whole four years,” Mr. Magee said. “Those four years have gone by quickly. They’re flying.”

Over four years, Mr. Magee became a part of Gandy’s everyday life. He plans on retiring after finishing his four-year commitment with Gandy. 

“She’s the light in my life, you know. She’s brought me a lot of happiness and joy,” Mr. Magee said. “Every day with Grace is a new challenge, and I will gladly take it on.” 

Whether or not a student requires one-on-one aid, Ms. Schroeder dedicates her time to helping every kid who needs extra support.

“I don’t really have a favorite part of the day,” Ms. Schroeder said. “I look forward to the whole day. When school ends, my time is over, and I am ready for tomorrow.”