Columbus, NE – November 5, 2024: Columbus Public Schools (CPS) celebrated the grand opening of its new CASSETTE House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The facility, designed to support students aged 18-21, focuses on life skills education tailored to individual needs. The CASSETTE House Program helps students achieve personal and educational goals outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), fostering independence across all areas of life.
The students in this unique program have completed their high school graduation requirements but have not yet received their diplomas. CASSETTE House offers them an additional layer of transition support to help them navigate the shift from school to adult services in the community. The program emphasizes self-advocacy, daily living and life skills, workforce development, social skills, communication, and the pursuit of individual goals.
A cornerstone of the CASSETTE House experience is the JobSite Program, which pairs students with local businesses for unpaid worksite placements, offering hands-on experience and a chance to hone soft skills vital in any workplace. Current community partners include Ace Hardware, Bomgaars, Kramer Child Development Center, Platte Valley Inn, the CPS Bus Barn, Paws & Claws, and the Columbus Family YMCA. Under the guidance of a job coach, students learn tasks unique to each business, as well as essential skills like following directions, completing tasks, time management, and effective communication.
The CASSETTE House was made possible through funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, part of a larger effort to support students in underserved areas.
Students at CASSETTE House engage in group and individual activities each day, with schedules adapted to their IEP and personal goals. Each student takes part in job site placements, whether within the CASSETTE House, in CPS district facilities, or out in the broader community, helping them build a foundation for greater independence and preparing them for future adult services and opportunities.
The CASSETTE House represents a significant step in Columbus Public Schools' mission to empower students, supporting them as they transition into the workforce and adult life with the skills and confidence they need.