Fall Semester 2025-2026

Fall Semester 2025-2026 During the first semester, the Pre-ETS program provided services to 41 students across Elizabeth City–Pasquotank Public Schools. Students participated in instruction and hands-on activities aligned with all five Pre-ETS Milestones. The Pre-ETS instructor delivered targeted instruction to both Extended Content and Occupational Course of Study students in the areas of Job Exploration Counseling, Work-Based Learning, Self-Advocacy, Workplace Readiness, and Postsecondary Education.

Students were also introduced to key community resources in Elizabeth City, including NCWorks NextGen, Skills Inc., and EIPD (Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities). These partnerships helped students understand the support services available to them as they prepare for future employment.

Instruction this semester focused on building essential employment and independent living skills, such as:

Advocating for themselves during the job search process and while employed
Understanding workplace accommodations and how these supports can assist during interviews and on the job
Writing resumes, completing job applications, and exploring interests through inventories
Identifying how to find, learn, and maintain a job that aligns with their strengths, preferences, and individual needs
Discussing the Age of Majority and the responsibilities associated with it
Preparing for internships scheduled for the second semester

Students also engaged in hands-on learning in the new PCHS Skills for Success Lab, where they practiced:

Independent living skills: folding, sorting, hanging, and matching clothing and towels
Office skills: sorting, collating, filing, completing forms, and providing personal information
Restaurant skills: setting tables, rolling silverware, bussing tables, measuring dry goods, and sorting condiments
Employment task boxes: leveled, hands-on work tasks designed to build foundational employment skills

Additionally, students worked with task boxes at varied skill levels, including sorting by color, shape, size, texture, and category; packaging items; using jigs; and completing fine-motor assembly tasks.

This semester has been a meaningful and enriching experience, giving students opportunities to demonstrate growth, build confidence, and strengthen their employment readiness skills.

The ongoing collaboration between Skills Inc. (Skills for Success Pre-ETS Program) and ECPPS continues to expand, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting opportunities, independence, and future success for students with disabilities.

MaryAnn Ruppe
Pre-Ets Coordinator/Job Coach/ Job Developer Skills, Inc.
maryann@skillscrp.org