A Transformative Program for Exceptional Learners at East Rockingham High School
In a bustling corridor of East Rockingham High School, something remarkable is happening. Exceptional Learner students are gaining confidence, developing workplace skills, and connecting with their school community—all through the simple joy of popcorn.
Pathfinders, a student-led business initiative within the school's Adaptive Foundations program, offers more than just a tasty snack. It provides exceptional learners with authentic opportunities to develop essential life and career skills through hands-on experience.
"It has been incredibly rewarding to see students engage in this hands-on business experience, building both confidence and practical skills," explains Lauren Threewitts, Exceptional Learner teacher at East Rockingham High School and the driving force behind the program.
What makes Shirley's Popcorn special isn't just the fresh, delicious product—it's the meaningful experiences it creates for students. The initiative serves as an interactive transitional tool, helping exceptional learners navigate different environments and build confidence in their ability to adapt to various situations.
When students take and fulfill popcorn orders, they're not just completing a transaction; they're practicing critical skills that will serve them throughout their lives: customer service, time management, following multi-step processes, handling money, and perhaps most importantly, engaging directly with others in the school community.
Each interaction becomes an opportunity to develop expressive and receptive language skills, strengthening their social growth in an authentic context rather than a simulated one. Adding to the program's appeal, the Pathfinders team rotates popcorn flavors monthly, aligning with holidays and special themes throughout the year. This thoughtful scheduling creates additional learning opportunities as students connect their work to seasonal events and celebrations. Both students and customers look forward to each month and what's coming next.
For Threewitts, this program carries special significance. "My journey in Special Education began as an Exceptional Learner Instructional Assistant in Mrs. Roeschley's Kindergarten Classroom," she shares. Lisa Roeschley, now co-owner of Shirley's Popcorn, inspired Threewitts with her passion and creativity—qualities that ultimately led Threewitts to become an Exceptional Learner Teacher herself.
That same passion and creativity now inform the Pathfinder's Initiative, where Threewitts works alongside Donna Morris, a paraprofessional whom she describes as her "invaluable right-hand."
"Together, we share a vision of supporting learners and recognizing their potential by creating meaningful, attainable opportunities that meet exceptional learners where they are," Threewitts explains.
The program emphasizes clear communication both within the student team and with the broader school community. Each month, the Pathfinder's Initiative creates a newsletter highlighting areas of growth and exciting developments ahead.
This regular communication serves multiple purposes: it helps students understand upcoming changes and expectations, provides them with tangible evidence of their progress, and connects their work to the larger school community.
The initiative's success stems from its integrated approach to learning—combining practical skills development with community engagement and personalized support. By meeting exceptional learners where they are and providing structured opportunities for growth, Shirley's Popcorn transforms an everyday activity into a powerful educational tool.
For the students involved, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom walls. Each batch of popcorn represents not just a product, but a step toward greater independence, stronger communication skills, and increased confidence in navigating the world around them—one kernel at a time.
Invest in students' growth and development of essential life skills! To place your order and contribute to this impactful program, please visit: East Rockingham HS Popcorn Fundraiser
