A typical school day for these teenagers includes more than just sitting in classrooms. In addition to normal subjects, these students also learn valuable life skills that will help them as adults.

"Nice kids" are the first words out of Joe Dickson's mouth when asked to describe the kids in his class. Dickson is one of the students who spend their days in the community-based program.

All of the students in these classes have developmental disabilities, meaning that they cannot take part in regular academic classes. Special Education students don't take the High School Assessments or Maryland Functional Tests, but they do receive a certificate of diplomacy when they graduate (instead of a high school diploma) that symbolizes that they know and can apply basic life skills. Students can stay in the program until they are 21 years old.

To prepare for life on their own, the students are involved in programs that, through various activities, teach them skills from hygiene to work. "Students work on life skills, generally," special education teacher Dean Norwich says. "They practice academic skills such as name, phone number, address, weather, the calendar, writing, and counting money."

In addition to their time in school, the students have jobs outside of school. Their work skills out of school are used three to four days a week, from third or fourh period until sixth period. They have "job coaches," who oversee their work while they are at their job.

Students work at many different locations. At Marshalls, the students work in merchandise preparation. At Shady Grove Hospital, they deliver magazines and work in hospitality. At Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, they wipe down menus and tables. At Petsmart, they dust and clean; at Courtyard by Marriot, they work in housekeeping; and at Adventist Health Care, they interact and socialize with residents, trying to brighten their day.

Dickson works at Border's Books and Music in Gaithersburg.

"I work with CD's, books, and magazines [putting on anti theft labels]," he says. "It's fun."

Many students also have jobs on school grounds, as Dickson does, working in the cafeteria.

"I restock [in the cafeteria]. It's great--I get snacks!" he says.

In addition to having days working in school and out, students have "domestic day," when they learn useful life skills such as cooking and cleaning. Once a week, they go to a staff member's house, and learn to cook and clean for themselves to become more self-sufficient.

"Most of these students will not be able to live alone," special education teacher Dean Norwich says.

"However, they will be able to maintain partial independence."

They also have a day called "community access" when, under supervision, they ride public transportation, shop and eat at fast food places. Occasionally they go bowling and to the movies. These activities help the students learn the skills associated with paying for services and products, such as dealing with servers and handling money.

"We hope that the students will be as independent as they can, despite their disabilities," Norwich says.

However, even after graduation, many of the students still need support. Most students live at home after they are through with the program, but they usually continue working. An adult agency in the community often helps them find a job.

"I love working in the Special Ed department," Norwich says. "They tell you what their feelings are without certain terms. You will always know if they are happy or sad or mad." The kids have an openness and positive outlook on life that is hard to find in many individuals. It's refreshing to work here."

In many ways, the students in Special Education are no different from the students attending regular academic classes at Quince Orchard. They have likes and dislikes, spend time with friends, and take part in typical activities. However, they are too often ignored and like all students, they enjoy friendly conversation.

"It would be great for students to say 'Hi' to our kids," Norwich says. "They are just looking for the rest of the students to be friends with them, too".