The Life Skills Class at Crispell Middle School recently took field trips to Walmart in Napanoch and to the Times Herald-Record printing facility in Middletown as part of its community careers unit.

While at Walmart, the students learned all about working in retail and what it entails, from the hiring process to inventory and stocking shelves to using the cash register. They brought out their decorating skills as they participated in a cupcake decorating activity.

At the end of the visit, the store gave each student a $5 gift card and a bag of treats. The students even got to participate in the “Walmart cheer.”

On Dec. 7, the class had the opportunity to see how newspapers are actually printed. The group went to the Times Herald-Record printing facility in Middletown and watched how the papers are made, packaged and sent out.

According to Alexis Darro, one of the program teachers, the Life Skills program is designed to give students a multisensory education in ELA, math, science, social studies and electives based on a more functional curriculum to help prepare for and expose students to jobs. Students also learn life skills in health, gardening, independence, money and time management, citizenship and more, all in a nurturing environment.