Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 136 No. 1 Fall 2014 | Page 12

Transition Floor
The transition floor, on G-1, is a new addition to the dorm. It is a fabulous asset for our STAR students.
Students who are in the STAR program are considered adults despite the fact that they are still students at
WSD. Using that logic, it was decided that they would be separated during school hours (Kastner Hall) and
in the dorm, hence the transition floor.
The transition floor focuses on encouraging and teaching independence. Two dorm staff members, Kevin
Blindert and Donna Natalie, were assigned to the floor. They work with other WSD staff to create a variety
of activities that teach life skills. As an introduction to the transition floor, products were placed on tables
along with a sign that stated that they had just moved in an apartment. The sign included a list of questions
regarding what they should do first.
Being able to cook is an important skill for independent living. The transition floor teaches the students
a variety of skills that lead to the ability to be able to independently cook a meal. For example, students
created a menu, used advertisements to compare the prices for ingredients, went to the grocery store to
find and purchase all of the items, and then they cooked the meal. Throughout this series of activities, they
also taught students about kitchen safety and the importance of eating healthy food. In fact, they have even
entered a contest that Piggly Wiggly is hosting. They must create a video that explains the importance of
eating healthy. In addition to cooking, they also teach a variety of other skills customized to each student’s
needs. For example, Kevin showed a male student how to shave for the first time!
The transition floor also focuses on preparing students for careers. Each student was assigned a dorm staff
member who shared his or her experiences with job interviews. They also shared advice such as how they
should present themselves and how to prepare for an interview.
The transition floor is not all work and no play. The students also have the opportunity to explore hobbies.
They have done a variety of arts and craft activities including spray-painting t-shirts. Throughout the year,
students will experience a variety of hobbies that do not involve sitting in front of a screen!

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:
Jose mastering the grill.
Kalu and Jasmine enjoying their pasta
salad creations.
Jasmine explores unique ways to make
artistic culinary food designs by using an
inflated plastic glove which was dipped in
chocolate, hardend, and deflated to make
a chocolate shell.
Branduan and Charly are mixing up some
goodies.
Fall 2014 - 12