The Pine County Transition Program (PCTP) is a collaborative effort between three school districts in Pine County, including Pine City, Hinckley-Finlayson, and East Central Schools.
The program, hosted by Hinckley-Finlayson Schools, is designed to provide transition programming for students with continued need who are aged 18-21. Prior to the inception of the shared program, these students were served in their home schools; most frequently in the high school setting. By creating a separate program and consolidating between three school districts, students will be afforded the opportunity of a similar post-high school experience to their peers who leave high school and attend post-secondary programs elsewhere. In addition, students of all skill levels in need of transition programming will receive services in one centralized location. This will provide an advantage for targeting skill development and work experiences, while pooling resources and experiences. A main objective of the program is to continue the development of work experience opportunities, and to create additional community-based experiences for all students.
The program, hosted by Hinckley-Finlayson Schools, is designed to provide transition programming for students with continued need who are aged 18-21. Prior to the inception of the shared program, these students were served in their home schools; most frequently in the high school setting. By creating a separate program and consolidating between three school districts, students will be afforded the opportunity of a similar post-high school experience to their peers who leave high school and attend post-secondary programs elsewhere. In addition, students of all skill levels in need of transition programming will receive services in one centralized location. This will provide an advantage for targeting skill development and work experiences, while pooling resources and experiences. A main objective of the program is to continue the development of work experience opportunities, and to create additional community-based experiences for all students.
FAQs
How many credits will a student earn at the Pine County Transition Program (PCTP)?
If I enroll at the PCTP when do I get my diploma?
Will I receive a diploma from my own high school?
How many years do I have to attend the PCTP?
Can I walk through commencement with my high school graduating class and attend the senior class social celebration?
What if I need transition services but am also considering working or taking some college classes?
How do I get to the Pine County Transition Program?
What does the lunch program look like at the PCTP?
- None
- The PCTP is not a credit recoupment program.
- All students entering the PCTP will have completed their 12th grade year of school and meet Minnesota high school credit requirements.
If I enroll at the PCTP when do I get my diploma?
- Students intending to enroll in the transition programming like the PCTP are allowed to walk through commencement with their peer group at the end of their 12th grade year but are not allowed to accept a diploma. This is a Minnesota Department of Education rule.
- Diplomas will be awarded at the end of transition programming based on a decision made by the special education team and IEP requirements.
Will I receive a diploma from my own high school?
- Yes- if you completed your 12ths grade at Hinckley-Finlayson, East Central or Pine City- that is the diploma you will receive when graduating from the PCTP.
- If you completed your 12th grade year at any other high school and attended the PCTP, you will receive a “Hinckley-Finlayson” diploma.
How many years do I have to attend the PCTP?
- Students will continuing special education needs are eligible for transition programming through the school year in which they turn age 21.
- Continued enrollment and graduation considerations will be reviewed on an annual basis at the IEP meeting.
- Student must be on an IEP.
- Student must have completed their 12th grade year of high school and have met their resident district graduation credits.
- Students must have continuing needs in the areas of transition.
Can I walk through commencement with my high school graduating class and attend the senior class social celebration?
- Students planning to attend the PCTP can walk through their graduation ceremony and attend Senior class celebrations provided they have met all credit requirements and have the consent of high school administration and the IEP team.
- The Pine County Transition staff become part of your special education team beginning in your junior year. Transition meetings will be held at Hinckley-Finlayson High School in the spring of your senior year. At this time enrollment paperwork will be explained.
What if I need transition services but am also considering working or taking some college classes?
- Working collaboratively with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and the Pine County Transition Program it is possible to build a schedule that allows for a combination of both program and for students to go to the PCTP part time.
How do I get to the Pine County Transition Program?
- Transportation will be coordinated through your home school district.
What does the lunch program look like at the PCTP?
- Students can access lunch through the Hinckley-Finlayson High School food service program. Applications for free and reduced lunch are also available. Students in the PCTP eat lunch together in either the classroom or during a time in the cafeteria when the high school students have finished their lunch. Students can also bring their own food and utilize the kitchen in the PAES lab to make breakfast or lunch.