Tremont Mail

Olympia High School Transition Program Visits Tadoughs

Olympia High School’s Transition Program recently had the opportunity to visit Tadoughs in Pekin where they got to learn about donut making. The students in the program were led through the process of making the dough, frying the donuts, and dipping the donuts in icing and toppings. They also were able to learn about the different kinds of jobs at the donut shop including the baker, box makers, and front sales.

The Transition Program has done similar trips before to places like Helping Hands Food Pantry in Stanford, Heartland Community College for a Transition Fair, McDonald’s, Walmart, and picking out their own eggs for the Chick it Out program. Visits like these are an important part of the Transition Program as they incorporate Community-Based Instruction (CBI). Program students were able to do this through their time at Tadoughs as they explored careers. 

As Kris Ketelsen, a teacher for the program, explained “the purpose of the Olympia Transition Program is to increase the independence of students to prepare them for their transition out of high school. The goal is that the students are active community members upon graduation which includes obtaining a job, engaging in community events, and enjoying life just like everyone else.” To work towards these goals the Transition Program goes on visits to places like Tadoughs and also owns and operates the A9 Diner at Olympia High School which provides students with real-world work experience. Students receive a mock paycheck and then are required to manage their money and pay bills such as rent and utilities. 

When talking to Kris about the visit he noted that the students “enjoyed engaging in their independence by dipping their own donuts and choosing their own toppings.” Not only were the students able to get a chance to explore a new career and learn more about donut making, but they were also able to take home a dozen fresh donuts. All in all, it was an exciting day and another day for the students to learn something new.