Brewster High School’s Career Skills Program Shines on NBC News

The sun hadn’t even come up yet, but twelve Brewster High School students excitedly milled about their classroom. Some spoke of how tired they were while others were bursting with enthusiasm about the events that were about to unfold. About 5 am, NBC’s reporter Gus Rosendale walked in with cameraman Danny Prado.

The news team visited Brewster to feature the incredible work being done in the Career Skills program. Students in the program run a few different businesses, one of which is a laundry service called the Bubbly Bears that services the entire school district. From uniforms and gym pinnies to rags and extra clothes, the Bubbly Bears wash, dry and fold laundry within 24 to 48 hours.

The group has also started lending its services to places outside of the school district. One such partnership is with Ann’s Place, a local not-for-profit that provides free cancer support services. The Bubbly Bears do laundry twice a week for Ann’s Place.

The laundry service is a small part of a much larger program. Aside from academic classes, students also participate in Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) labs to learn important life and employment skills. Some students also work in the community in internships at local businesses like Green Chimneys, Kobacher’s and Tops. They have even been credited with increasing winter coat sales at Marshalls during a warmer-than-average winter because of the diligent work they do straightening the racks.

Career Skills students also cater events throughout the district, including faculty and department meetings and special visits from elected officials. They work shifts in the Brewster High School coffee shop, help sort mail and so much more.

With a team of incredibly passionate, hardworking teachers, aides, and assistants working to support the program, it is no surprise that students say they enjoy the work they do.

When asked by Rosendale what her favorite part of working with the Bubbly Bears is, Haley Riolo did not hesitate. “Folding,” she said with conviction and a smile. Some of her classmates prefer sorting by color or size. Jose Esquillo likes the freedom of movement that comes with the job.

No matter their preference or whether a cameraman is there to capture it, the students are challenged each and every day. All of the district’s Strategic Coherence Plan skills are at play: critical thinking, collaboration and communication, adaptability, civic responsibility and perseverance.