New year, new responsibilities. The Career Skills classes had their hands busy and their hearts engaged. These past few months, they’ve been up to some of their old tricks and traditional practices, helping those in need around the county, but with the new Pre-K classes just down the hall, they’ve had some opportunities to try a few new things, too.

Holiday Treats for the Canine Units of Putnam and Dutchess Counties

In Law Enforcement, 10-13 means “officer down, needs assistance.” The foundation is a non-profit charity that is committed to helping all local members of Law Enforcement and their families who are suffering from illness, loss, and financial hardship. It is an honor for the BHS students to serve and thank the officers and K-9 Units each holiday season.

The Brewster High School Career Skills Class has partnered with the DC 10-13 Foundation of Hudson Valley for the third year to provide homemade dog treats for the Putnam and Dutchess Counties K-9 Units. The students baked and wrapped 21 bags of treats to be given out through the holiday season.

Secret Career Skills Elves Surprise the Pre-K Classrooms

Career Skills Handy Paws surprised the Pre-K Classrooms with felt Christmas trees and velcro ornaments for the month of December. While the Pre-K students were at lunch, the BHS students placed elf boot prints on the hallway floor leading into the classroom trees. When the Pre-K students returned, they were amazed and so excited. Nap time was tough for the next couple of days!

Power Packs for Families in Need

The Career Skills Program through Bear Essentials and generation donations are working hard to put together weekend “Power Packs,” containing easy-to-make meals and snacks to help fight food insecurity. Unfortunately, we have students in our community who do not have enough food on their tables through the weekends. For the holiday break, the BHS students made 41 holiday bags containing meals, loaves of bread with PB&J packs, snacks, soups and more. Students in each building are eligible.

Holiday Toy Give Away to Those in Need

The BHS Bear Essentials, along with the BHS Challengers Club and the tremendous work of Mrs. Solres Ortega and Mrs. Schneider organized a toy donation drive to provide toys for children living in our community whose families are unable to provide gifts for the holiday season. Giving trees were placed in each building. Faculty, staff, BOE members, administrators, and community members donated generously. Mrs. Schneider also connected with United Way and FINCADIA, who donated hundreds of toys, board games, and crafts. Bear essentials were categorized, inventoried, set up, and decorated in the main lobby for the families to shop for their children. It was a huge success due to the generosity of the community!