Fashion Bug’s drive provides supplies for OTC
PRESQUE ISLE — Fashion Bug, located at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, has given an in-kind donation to Central Aroostook ARC’s special-purpose private school, Opportunity Training Center. This gift will assist OTC students throughout the year.
Every year, Fashion Bug chooses one deserving Aroostook County school and collects donations in the form of school supplies throughout the summer. On Sept. 19, Nancy Wyman, store manager, contacted the Opportunity Training Center about being chosen. Paula Perkins, OTC lead teacher, was delighted to hear of the donation, which included binders, notebooks and pencils, among other supplies.
Perkins extended her appreciation to the local public, “We would like to thank the community for thinking of the students that we serve.”
Perkins has been with Central Aroostook ARC for over 10 years and oversees the programming of OTC.
In addition to their annual school supply drive, corporate Fashion Bug is involved in a variety of other community-giving projects. Fashion Bug’s parent company, Charming Shoppes, Inc., has a Keeping Kids Warm program that has been in effect for over 15 years. As of November 2009, a total of 135,000 new coats and winter accessories have been donated to elementary-school children nationwide.
Central Aroostook ARC officials are grateful to see their school receiving support through Fashion Bug’s community giving practice. OTC prides itself on its low student to teacher ratio, which better allows for a more varied and individualized curriculum. In addition to academic development, teaching focuses on fine and gross motor skills as well as self-help skills.
Just this year, OTC has added a new classroom, which, according to Perkins, was a much-needed addition of space.
She adds, “With the number of students and staff in each classroom last year it often became very over-stimulating. With smaller classes we are able to focus on more individualized and one-on-one instruction.”
Staff and students alike are currently enjoying the new classroom.
The primary goal for students while enrolled in OTC is to either prepare for inclusion in public schools or to learn the necessary skills needed to transition to life after school. This is made possible by a fully-functional adaptive living skills program providing students the opportunity to practice those independent living skills. Speech, physical and occupational therapies are also available on site.
For more information, contact Natasha Brobst, administrative assistant/special projects coordinator, at 762-5591 or aasp@ainop.com.
