Terms of use agreement Best viewed with Netscape Communicator . The classroom is actually a bedroom in an ordinary three-bedroom apartment. But it has been set up by the South Sioux City Community Schools to teach special needs students skills they need for independent living - and perhaps one day, working. Students are referred to the program by their parents and teachers. Tabitha is one of about 20 students who learn in the home-like environment.
Table setting is just one skill to be mastered.
Students learn table manners, how to prepare meals and clean up afterward, how to clean the bathroom, do laundry and fold towels, properly answer the telephone and even how to make a sandwich. The master bedroom serves as an office, academic area and storage space. In a third bedroom, students learn and perform contract work - folding towels for the Marina Inn or, a new project, assembling promotional packets for the Siouxland Area Chamber of Commerce. Other students' goals may be simpler. For them learning to order lunch from a fast food picture menu is an accomplishment.