12/10/2020 Topic: Hygiene Issues with Interns Mindy Ritchie	Happy Thursday everyone! I am currently struggling with an intern and their hygiene. PS teacher and myself have bought several items (toothbrush, deodorant etc.) for the intern to keep in her locker if needed. We have made several videos accessible to her which demonstrate and detail proper washing, personal care etc. and nothing seems to be helping. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. According to the school district, this has been an ongoing problem with her and her sister. She did a good job of hiding it most of HS (receiving assistance from the school nurse and not communicating with mom or teacher), we found this out after inquiring about a possible previous history with this issue. The intern is IDD. She also has a history of being dishonest with us about personal hygiene matters, but we see her potential and work ethic and really are confident she could be hired soon (2nd internship). This however hinges on her being able to positively manage her hygiene. We found out they do not have access to water at home, so we have tried to address that also. Hopefully in all these struggles someone will have some great ideas and possible solutions! Thanks in advance!
2/5/2021 Topic: Summer Programming Mindy Ritchie	So, I am a job coach for a program called Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL). The program is a 12-week work-based learning program. The clients range from ages 16-18. A majority of our interns are encouraged to participate in this program. It gives me an insight to how they handle everyday issues, how they work with a team, redirection etc. It also gives me and the interns a chance to develop a relationship, so they feel more comfortable when entering PS.
2/5/2021 Topic: Summer events Mindy Ritchie	So, I am a job coach for a program called Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL). The program is a 12-week work-based learning program. The clients range from ages 16-18. A majority of our interns are encouraged to participate in this program. It gives me an insight to how they handle everyday issues, how they work with a team, redirection etc. It also gives me and the interns a chance to develop a relationship, so they feel more comfortable when entering PS. We also volunteer at the food bank. Last year I set up a shopping trip with the female interns to get to know them and asses their counting, problem solving skills etc. This was a lot of fun and makes them feel comfortable. ZOOM sessions are helpful but I believe hands on activities work best.
10/6/2021 Topic: Clocking In and Out Mindy Ritchie	I am having trouble trying to get my interns to understand the concept of clocking in and out and staying under their designated 30 minute lunch time. Does anyone have a lesson for this or a form that they are using?
11/8/2021 Topic: Sterile Processing Mindy Ritchie	We have two that heave been hired in the past for SPD. They were responsible for making and wrapping the mayo and the Neuro trays. They also got the opportunity to go into the Sterile room and clean the supplies by hand then put into the sterilize. Down time tasks included cleaning work areas, looking through expiration dates (If they found any they would have to log it).
11/8/2021 Topic: Externships Mindy Ritchie	Does anyone else participate in externships? If so, do you use a worksite agreement of any kind?
8/4/2022 Topic: E-Mail Lesson (Pen Pals) Mindy Ritchie	I would love for our interns to do this. We are located in Tyler, Texas.
8/4/2022 Topic: Positive Reinforcement Mindy Ritchie	I am wanting to expand on how we utilize positive reinforcement and some other ideas on ways that we can implement this. Any and all ideas we welcomed and much appreciated!

---