What a week! We are incredibly proud of our Project SEARCH learners who successfully ran their handmade products at the LESA Craft Show!

This event was an amazing opportunity for them to apply their job skills, including:

Customer Service: Greeting shoppers and answering questions.

Business & Finance: Handling money and making change accurately.

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by their table and supported their vocational journey. Every purchase helps them build the confidence and experience needed for future employment!
2 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
man sitting at craft show table
2 people sitting at a table selling handmaid bracelets
1 women siting and 1 standing behind her at craft show table selling items
Women sitting in chair at craft show

Collaboration in action! The WBL team & Kelli review the plan as STEP students prepare for Rotation 2. Next up: scheduling employer interviews

2 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
4 women standing in a circle
STEP and PREP staff put new skills into action during PD, using AI tools to develop engaging learning resources for the classroom.
2 months ago, Dennette Kreutzkamp
Three laughing, female teachers are sitting at a table with their laptops.
Five ladies sitting around a desk working on their laptops.
A student who chooses reading for her free time choice—proof of Pathway’s commitment to growing joyful, engaged readers.
2 months ago, Jaime Oppenlander
Student laying on the ground hold a book. There are additional books all around her.
We want to send a massive thank you to A & F Wood, a long-time supporter of LESA Work-Based Learning. They are truly wonderful to work with because they understand how to create an environment where everyone can succeed.

In this photo, our current intern is busy packaging small parts. A & F Wood has excellent "natural supports" in place—like using jigs and scales to measure the weight of screws so students don't have to count them out one by one.

Simple adaptations like this make the workflow efficient and accessible. Thank you, A & F Wood, for being such an inclusive and thoughtful partner!
2 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
Man packing parts
Brighton ECSE student having a blast in gym. When a sense of belonging is cultivated, the happiness is contagious!
2 months ago, Leslie Leemgraven
A young boy with a big smile sitting on a rolling platform holding onto a rope.
Snow Day ❄️ Stay safe if you have to go out today✨
2 months ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Christmas Tree lit up

When the weather outside is frightful, our teachers come up with creative ways to engage their learners. Mrs. Pedigo takes her class on a walk around the Education Center to play Eye Spy.

2 months ago, Merribeth Tognetti
Preschoolers walk the halls with their teachers
Preschoolers walk the halls with their teachers.

Nothing better than seeing a student ride a bike and use his words. Today he practiced “go!” on his device—pure teamwork from Assistive Technology + Speech Language Pathologists.

2 months ago, Jaime Oppenlander
Student sitting on the bike with an ipad attached. Teacher is talking to the student.
Peer to Peer buddies at Spencer elementary enjoy lunch together...in a tent!
2 months ago, Leslie Leemgraven
Two young girls smiling together as one holds up a note at lunch.

Great minds think alike! When you show up to your coaching session and realize you and your protégé are on the same wavelength today.

So grateful for LESA and their robust coaching program for new hires. It’s not just about the support (which is amazing)—it’s about building genuine connections that make our practice better every day.

3 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
Pleasanna and Becky with the same shirt on
Sean Maher entertained LESA Craft Show attendees with his wonderful Christmas music. Such a great event to showcase our local talent!
3 months ago, Laura Saline
Pathway student plays keyboard
After reading Pumpkin Jack last month, GSRP students began their own long-term science experiment to observe how a pumpkin changes and decomposes over time!
3 months ago, Kelsey Mickus
A glass jar containing a decomposing pumpkin is displayed next to the children’s book Pumpkin Jack.
A clear glass jar labeled “Pumpkin Jack” sits on a classroom table
We are thrilled to celebrate our STEP Work-Based Learning students as they wrap up a successful rotation at one of our newest sites: KemKrest!

During this rotation, our students gained valuable hands-on experience in a factory setting, specifically focusing on kitting work. Beyond the skills learned, what truly made this experience special was the culture. The KemKrest staff has been absolutely wonderful, fully embracing our students and providing incredible support every step of the way.

Thank you, KemKrest, for being such a fantastic community partner and for helping our students build a bright future!
3 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
2 KemKrest employees with 2 work based learning students
🚒🌧️ Rain or shine, the fire truck came to visit so our little learners could explore fire safety!
3 months ago, Kelsey Mickus
Children stand at a glass door watching a visiting fire truck outside.
Children stand at a glass door watching a visiting fire truck outside.

Evacuations are reviewed 3 times a year with students to make sure they know the expectations of what to do in case of an emergency. We practice rear door, front door and split.

3 months ago, Crystal Walker
School bus evacuation
LESA's Holiday Craft show featured many talented artists and local vendors selling everything from pottery and artwork to crafts and cookies. Such a festive event to look forward to every year!
3 months ago, Laura Saline
Pathway student shares their artwork
Student selling aprons and tote bags
Pathway student and teacher shopping
People selling cookies
⚽ Building skills and confidence! This student crushed it in PE today while learning to kick the ball. Movement, joy, and growth all in one moment! 🙌
3 months ago, Jaime Oppenlander
PE Teacher helping student kick the ball.
Assistant helping student kick a ball.
Big congratulations to Dacey for completing her Work-Based Learning rotation with the STEP program! 🎉

Dacey is pictured here with Hailey from A & F Wood Products in Howell. A & F has been an incredible long-time partner to LESA, providing hands-on experience for many of our students over the years. They specialize in building high-quality pocket door frames right here in our community!

Thank you, A & F, for your continued support and for helping our learners build bright futures!
3 months ago, Pleasanna Carter
Dacey and Hailey at A& F Wood
🦋✨ Head Start friends exploring their sensory butterfly board—learning through touch, play, and curiosity!
3 months ago, Kelsey Mickus
Three young children stand at a colorful butterfly-shaped sensory board, touching and exploring the sequined wings.