Transition

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Student working at the Agua Fria Nursery

Transition Planning 
At NMSD, we prepare our students for the future with the guidance they need to make important choices. We begin transition planning at age 14 and older, helping students choose courses of study in high school that best lead to their post-school goals. To do so, we offer a variety of elective courses to shape their vision of the future. Students can also earn college credit from NTID/RIT's Project Fast Forward Dual Credit program.

Transition Services
Transition services provide students with opportunities to explore careers that will help them move from school to adult life - higher education or training, employment, adult services, independent living, or taking part in the community. We concentrate on the development of skills necessary for independence. Students also work closely with NM-DVR counselors to start developing their employment and/or post-secondary plans before graduating from high school. 

Work Experience
Students have the option of real work experience on campus or off. These include working with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps on a summer crew, as a classroom teacher assistant, a trainer on the Canine Leadership team through Assistance Dogs of the West, building or maintaining aquaponic systems in the greenhouse, working at a grocery store, and much more. Our goal is to ensure that students graduate with the knowledge and skills to succeed, whatever path they decide to follow.

Headshot of Jesse Woosley, Transition Coordinator

At NMSD, we believe that work-based learning provides students with the skills and resources they need to transition from school to the workplace. Students also develop effective self-advocacy skills they need to become successful in life.

Jesse Woosley  

   Transition Coordinator

Denise Dumesnil, ADW Instructor, Trainer, and Grant Writer and golden retriever in training

The partnership between Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) and NMSD is one that we cherish. I absolutely love when the dogs learn new tasks through student trainers, and when students learn from others. Seeing students' confidence grow through teaching and leading is inspiring.

Denise Dumesnil  

   ADW Instructor / Trainer

Headshot of Leilani Crespo, Senior Leilani Crespo

In my 1st year working with ADW, I learned how to communicate with dogs by using a clicker along with treats as rewards for doing a command. Working with the dogs has helped my self-esteem and has taught me to be more patient communicating with people. It has also helped me to be proud of everything I do. Working with the dogs has taught me that I love helping people. When I graduate, I will go to college to become a nurse because I love helping people.

Leilani Crespo  

   NMSD Class of 2025