As Thornton Township District 205 students return for another year, the school board last week approved and renewed programs to help them build diverse skills practical beyond graduation.
An afterschool streetwear design course and a sexual abuse prevention program are among new initiatives to be implemented.
Tony Ratliff, director of the district’s college and career partnerships and programs department, said while District 205 already offers a fashion design program, the afterschool initiative will allow special education students to access some of the newest technologies to design their own clothing and accessories.
“As we provide these platforms of opportunities and success, I’ve often thought about a mixed population of our students having access to this,” Ratliff said.
The Chicago-based program Stitch Lab is tasked with helping to create that space for students to have fun and learn about a potential career path, he said. The six-week program will complete eight cycles beginning Oct. 1, offering 120 students the opportunity to sign up.
Ratliff said the program will run as a pilot at Thornridge High School in Dolton, but could expand with board approval. The district also purchased all the equipment students need to practice screen printing and embroidery of T-shirts, hats and more, which Ratliff said he believes is a great investment.
To enhance student safety and prevent sexual exploitation, the board also approved a program for teachers, students and parents provided by La Rabida Children’s Hospital, according to Brett Fickes, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction
“They teach kids about the dangers of human trafficking, internet safety — it’s a whole gamut that they offer,” Fickes said.
The board also extended its Outlook Academy program that allows 15- to 22-year-olds who did not complete high school the opportunity to dual enroll at South Suburban College and District 205. The $54,000-per-year agreement will be active until June 2028.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is another organization that will partner with the district this year. The district approved the program that at no cost will allow Thornton High School students to mentor elementary school students.
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