Students who walk into room 239 will not see the typical set up of a classroom. He or she sees not maps, mathematical equations and works of literature, but household appliances and recipes used in a kitchen as well. His or her day will be full of academic lessons, cooking, cleaning and learning to live on his or her own.

The new Life Skills class consists of all these daily activities. The program came to Revere High School to give students who need it a chance to stay in the school district and learn functional living skills in addition to the core subjects of English, social studies, math and science.

Stephanie Duttry is the teacher of the program. She taught for four years beginning at Summit Academy teaching elementary-age students and then at the Blick Clinic assisting those with severe disabilities. She is now starting her first year teaching at Revere.

Phil King noted that the school district wanted to supply an option for students to stay in the Revere district. He explained why the program came to Revere this year.

“There have been plans as long as two years ago to bring in last year’s eighth graders. Last year, some were at the middles school, and other students paid a fee to go to other school districts. We did a lot of organizing to find a classroom and a teacher. We had the room redone and got new supplies over the summer,” King said.

King described what he likes about this new program and how it will be good for the school.

“I think the class will affect the school in a positive way. I am grateful for new staff members who are doing a good job supporting the students, and I’m pleased the school staff and the rest of the students are accepting,” King said.

Anne Fortner, Shelly Schaffer and Jayme Jirousek assist Duttry in teaching. Fortner and Jirousek worked with some of the students who were at the middle school last year, so they are already familiar with the students. Duttry talked about what she and her staff do with the students on a daily basis.

“They do everyday academics; they learn how to cook and how to take care of living by themselves,” Duttry said.

Because the program teaches other subjects, it is not similar to any other classroom in the high school. For example, it contains a bed, a functional kitchen with working appliances and items that would be found in an apartment. These students receive the same curriculum as everyone else in the school, just with additional information.

King mentioned what direction he hopes the course will take in the future, including a few new skills that could be added to the curriculum.

“In the future, they will learn life skills, like working with money and approaching people in a positive manner,” King said.

King also wants the staff to help as best as they can to let the students be a part of society and a part of Revere.

Schaffer spoke about what the program is like for her so far and what she helps the students do.

“It’s going well so far; the kids are definitely learning. We teach them about calendars and jobs,” Schaffer said.

Duttry shared how the class is going so far and how she is enjoying her new position.

“It’s good, but a challenge since it’s a new program. It’s helpful and going well,” Duttry said.

Duttry also talked about how the students want to be involved in the school and meet new people.

“They’re just like every other student. They want to be involved, want people to say ‘hello’ to them in the halls, and be a part of the school,” Duttry said.

The Life Skills program will give students who need it a great opportunity to understand both academics and functional living skills. It will give them a chance to be involved in the school and meet other students within the district.