Networks School for Employability Skills

EXITER HIGHLIGHT - Daniel T
Daniel T has explored many different work areas during his time with Networks, discovering both challenges and interests along the way. One of his favorite areas was FABRICworks, where he enjoyed using machines to create designs on clothing. He also found a passion in WOODworks, where he especially likes carving designs using the scroll saw. TEAMworks was another area he enjoyed because of the creative process of designing and printing items. While MUNCHworks and TRADEworks were different from what he expected, those experiences helped him learn more about the types of work he enjoys most.
Outside of school, Daniel has visited many zoos, aquariums, and museums across the United States. One of his favorite places was the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where he enjoyed the prehistoric animal and wildlife exhibits. His best memories while at Networks was visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where seeing the animals brought back childhood memories and made for a relaxing day with friends. He also enjoyed visiting the gift shops and seeing action figures he remembered from when he was younger. Another fun memory while at Networks was attending the BBQ at Glasgow Park, where he enjoyed walking around with friends, eating plain cheese pizza (his favorite kind of pizza), and playing Pokémon Go.
Daniel has participated in job site interviews at several businesses including ShopRite, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. He also explored workplaces such as Boscov’s, Nerd It, Eden Center, Richardson’s Garden Center, Klondike Kate’s, McGlynns, Zingo’s, and Newark Natural Foods as part of his Co-Op experiences. Looking toward the future, Daniel hopes to find a job where he feels comfortable which may include tasks, such as stocking items or organizing clothing. He is especially proud of his wood carving skills, which he credits getting from his grandfather, a woodshop craftsman and hunter. Daniel may even pursue opportunities creating wood carvings for others. He is also exploring a possible job opportunity with Goodwill. Daniel plans to continue living at home with his family while working toward finding the right job for him.

FLORALworks’ Student of the Year - Travis G

Travis G is our outstanding candidate for Student of the Year in our FLORALworks program. He consistently demonstrates kindness, positivity, and a strong work ethic in everything he does. As a dependable team player, Travis is always willing to lend a hand to both peers and staff, showing genuine consideration for those around him. His helpful nature and willingness to step in wherever needed make him an invaluable part of our work area. In addition to his dedication, Travis brings a great sense of humor that uplifts the environment and keeps morale high. His positive attitude and commitment to doing his best each day truly set him apart.

Are you looking for something to do this summer during long weekends or in between sessions? We have complied a list of activities for you to consider. Feel free to share these resources with others.

Exiter Profile - Siani B
Siani’s mom describes her as a kind and loving person who is always willing to share with others. When Siani feels comfortable, she becomes very talkative and enjoys connecting with the people around her. She loves spending time outdoors, listening to music, playing basketball, putting puzzles together, and playing board games with her little brother and nephews.
Listening to music is one of Siani’s favorite hobbies. It is often the first thing she does when she wakes up in the morning and again when she returns home from Networks. Siani also enjoys spending time with her black dog, Giovanni. Another favorite activity is going out to eat with her family, especially at Nifty Fifties, where she enjoys ordering hotdogs and their delicious sweet tea.
Staff members describe Siani as someone who brings a positive attitude to everything she does. She is always willing to try new jobs and takes pride in her work. Siani has made a lasting impression on staff and has built meaningful connections with members of the community through her hard work and friendly personality.
Each day, Siani arrives with a smile and demonstrates responsibility and organization by placing her belongings in her locker and getting right to work.
It is no surprise that one of Siani’s favorite people to work with is Mr. JT, and her favorite work area is TEAMworks. In this area, she enjoys catching the shirts as they come off the dryer and takes pride in doing her job well.
As Siani looks toward the future, she hopes to attend a day program while also spending time at home relaxing and watching television. She is excited about working and continuing to grow in new opportunities.
Siani’s kindness, positive spirit, and willingness to try new things make her truly deserving of recognition as she celebrates this important milestone.

ETCHworks Student of the Year - Jennifer A
The ETCHworks Student of the Year is chosen because they best represent all of the positive employability skills learned throughout the year as well as the skills to operate equipment in the area.
Jennifer A has been chosen as the 2025-2026 ETCHworks Student of the Year.
During this past year in ETCHworks Jennifer has shown that she is able to independently work cooperatively with a small group of students in the operation of many pieces of the ETCHworks equipment. Jennifer has the ability to examine a completed product and decide if the product meets industry standards. She has learned how to operate and navigate the computer programs, Photoshop and Coreldraw, which are used in the area. Jennifer is able to help design a product and then print that product for a customer. Jennifer exhibits tremendous willingness and flexibility in helping out wherever she is needed and joins any team that needs her help and expertise. Jennifer is able to act as a mentor towards her fellow teammates and help them to complete an assigned task.
Jennifer has continued to grow and mature this year. She demonstrates what can happen when you apply yourself, listen and learn the etiquette needed to become a contributing member of the workforce. Jennifer has been a tremendous asset to ETCHworks and the Networks program.

Reminders from our Nurse Michele including Sun Safety Tips as well as ways to prepare for next year.

Exiter Highlight - Matthew N
While Matthew was only at Networks for one year, he was able to experience quite a bit during his time here. Matthew enjoyed both MUNCHworks and COPYworks so much that he could not possibly choose a favorite. He especially enjoyed going out into the community with Co-Op, where cleaning at Shellhammer’s Restaurant was one of his favorite experiences.
Matthew’s favorite memory of Networks was the trip to the Franklin Institute, especially seeing the robots and exploring parts of Philadelphia.
After Networks, Matthew hopes to work at a train station and eventually have a family of his own. Congratulations to Matthew N!

MERCHANTworks Student of the Year - Myra Carter

MERCHANTworks would like to recognize Myra C as our Student of the Year. Myra consistently demonstrates determination, kindness and overall genuinely tries to finish all of her tasks. She approaches challenges with a positive attitude and gives her best effort in everything she does. Myra is usually the first to arrive to class, ready to sign in and learn. She is helpful and the first to jump in when tasks are assigned. Myra goes out of her way to help within the classroom and in the community at the job sites. Whether it's supporting her peers, showing respect to staff, or striving to reach her goals, she leads by example. Myra is a role model who is a deserving recipient of this honor.

Today is the last Friday before the end of the 2025 - 2026 school year and it usually means the much anticipated and loved school Bar B Que. Today was no exception to the long standing tradition and meaning. Some of the many activities include:
Playing board or card games
Eating yummy food, snacks and desserts
Playing basketball and other games
Dancing to some tunes
Signing each other’s specially made T-shirts!!
Two more wakes for our students before the end of the regular school year is complete! Hope you enjoy checking out some of our pictures. Hopefully more to come in the coming days. Until then …

Exiter Highlight - Jaden W
Jaden W started at Networks in 2020. Most people would describe Jaden as the student who is always dressed impeccably and smelling like his cologne was just applied. Jaden almost always has a big, bright smile on his face.
Jaden has been in several enterprise areas: FLORALworks, MUNCHworks, FABRICworks, ETCHworks, TRADEworks, and MERCHANTworks. Out of all those areas, Jaden claims he really likes FABRICworks and ETCHworks, also known as “Team Fetch”.
Some of Jaden’s best memories include going out with the Coop department and attending school dances.
Speaking of Coop, Jaden has been out with the Co-op department to Walgreen’s, Main Event, Klondike Kate’s, Old Navy, Richardson’s, Zingo’s, Dollar General, Eco Plastics, Gauger, Goodwill, Newark Natural Foods, and Little Sister’s of the Poor. Jaden participated in the GoodWorks Training Program this past spring.
Jaden would like to live with his family. Jaden looks forward to working part-time after Networks and keeping busy by volunteering and attending a day program.