When the students from Middletown High School South visited CentralReach’s Bell Works office, they were immediately immersed in a day of hands-on learning, creative employment-based activities, and unforgettable experiences. The excitement was palpable as they engaged with our team and explored the innovative tools CentralReach has to offer while exploring varies employment roles, including IT related tasks like data entry, a common task in CentralReach. Reflecting on the day afterward, one student shared:
These glowing responses perfectly captured the spirit of the day—a blend of learning, fun, and inspiration.
Hands-On Digital Learning: Interactive and Fun
The day was all about learning through doing. Students rolled up their sleeves and dove into various activities, using CentralReach's cutting-edge educational tools to experience real-world tasks. From packing CR swag bags with the help of avail, CentralReach’s patented personal teaching and employment software, to playing with holiday-themed data entry through CR LiftEd, every task was an opportunity to build confidence, career development and apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the day was when students got to create workplace-appropriate interaction videos using Silas, a tool designed to enhance social and professional skills. One student shared, “Making a video on Silas and packing swag bags were my favorite parts. It was amazing to see how a workplace operates.” Another added, “The office environment was so welcoming and fun, and I loved every activity.”
No visit to CentralReach would be complete without a bit of fun, and the students had a blast during the gaming and broadcasting session led by Chris Aviles from Garden State Esports. The students jumped into an exciting Mario Kart competition, recorded a podcast, and learned about the world of gaming and broadcasting. Chris’s work with special needs gaming leagues made this session even more inclusive and inspiring, showing the students that work can be both fun and fulfilling.
Strengthening Employability by Fostering Confidence, Community, and Connections
For the students, the day was about more than just learning new skills—it was about feeling empowered and valued in a professional setting. Their teachers and paraprofessionals saw firsthand how immersive, hands-on experiences could make a lasting impact. Transition teacher Marc Tomo reflected on the visit, saying, “Personally, this was the best trip I’ve ever taken. The content was perfectly tailored to our students, and the engagement and energy from the CentralReach staff were incredible. They were able to connect with our students, encouraging them to work together and collaborate, creating an experience that will stay with them for a long time.”
As students moved through each activity, from data entry and video creation to gaming and broadcasting, their confidence grew.
“The students did so well with the data entry tasks, and creating Silas videos boosted their confidence.”
- Paraprofessional Kimberly McCabe highlighted how these experiences reinforced key skills
The CentralReach team was equally inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and creativity. Events like these remind us of the importance of fostering inclusive opportunities and building connections within our community. We’re committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students and help them develop the skills they need for the future.
The day was a heartwarming reminder of the power of collaboration, creativity, and community. We are proud to have hosted the students from Middletown High School South and look forward to continuing to work together with our local New Jersey community to provide impactful learning experiences for students, both near and far.
Want to offer this unforgettable employment-focused experience to your transition students?
Explore a hands-on, IT-based work session for your school in CentralReach’s iconic Bell Works office, or let the CentralReach team bring the fun and learning directly to your school.
Posted in Education, Special Education
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