The Riverview School is in East Sandwich, MA. The school was designed for special needs students. There are two programs offered within the Riverview campus. One of the programs is for students in grades 7-12. The other program that I attended is called the Grow Program, which teaches students between ages 17 to 22 independent living skills. Some of the Phase One, Phase Two, and Phase Three classes I took on campus at the Riverview School Grow Program include: Math, Banking, English Language Arts, Communication and Literacy, Personal Financial Money Management, Communication and Transportation Access, Pathways to Employment, Looking in the Mirror, Travel Training, Advanced Math Concepts, Current Events, Recreational Fitness, and Health and Wellness.
Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) has a program called Project Forward. Riverview students have the option of participating in Project Forward, which teaches vocational skills in several different work areas, including Animal Care, Basic Foods, Health Care, Office Technology, Maintenance and Landscaping, and Basic Retail. After year one, Grow
students pick one of the areas to specialize in. I specialized in Office Technology in year one and Cafe Operations/Customer Service in year two. I also had to take three years of Life Skills classes at CCCC, which were about preparing for how to keep to task on the job, and how to maintain a positive attitude on the job. I also took some CCCC Project Forward electives such as Art Appreciation and Digital Graphics. In Art Class, I learned about sketching, watercolors, and hands-on projects. In Digital Graphics, I learned about audio editing and powerpoint presentations.
I had some very positive experiences at the Riverview School and at CCCC Project Forward. I learned so many life and vocational skills that will help me for the rest of my life. I had many Riverview School Grow Program internships; my favorites include: Double Tree Inn, Cape Cod Wildlife Center, and the Breakfast Cafe, where I worked as a Cashier, Order Taker, and Drink Prep. At CCCC, I enjoyed my internships at the Waterhouse Leather Company, the Seashore Cafe, and the mailroom. At Riverview and CCCC, I made a lot of friends that I always keep in touch with. I enjoyed all the social activities and classes, especially going to the wellness center and participating in the Congo line. The best moment of my life was being selected to be a peer leader at CCCC Project Forward.
An interview with Mr. and Mrs. Simmons concerning their son Michael’s Riverview Experience:
- Why did you choose Riverview for your son? – We were looking for a school where Michael would have a chance to have a college like experience. In particular we wanted him to have an opportunity to learn independent living and vocational skills.
- How was it for both of you when your son moved to Riverview School? – it was hard to see him go since he had only been away on his own for a handful of overnights. We were excited for him though since we felt the school was a great opportunity for him to further grow and develop important life skills.
- How did your son do at Riverview? – We felt Michael did very well at Riverview. It was a great experience for him. He has made some lifelong friends. He also learned many independent living skills and had numerous jobs and internships which should help him in finding future employment.
- Are you happy with your son’s Cape Cod Community College and Riverview School experience? Would you recommend it to other parents? – The Cape Cod Community Project Forward program is a terrific program for introducing special needs children to a variety of job and career experiences and expanding on those areas of interest. Michael was fortunate to attend Riverview School. It is a great school and we would highly recommend both programs to other families.