Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Franklin Square Union Free School District is launching intra-district field trips this school year to its Daily Living Skills Center at John Street School, expanding access to the state-of-the-art space for all third-grade students.
Designed to resemble a home, the Daily Living Skills Center provides a warm, welcoming environment where students strengthen essential life skills, engage in meaningful group socialization and build social-emotional competencies. The thoughtfully arranged space includes a bedroom, playroom, living room, kitchen and dining area, complete with sensory-friendly furniture and materials that promote comfort and engagement. Seasonal decorations help create an inviting atmosphere throughout the year.
To broaden access and foster inclusivity, the district now welcomes all third graders to participate in the experience. During each visit, students receive a “passport” to track their progress as they rotate through interactive stations focused on practical skills and relationship-building.
In the bedroom station, students practice everyday tasks such as making a bed, folding socks and sorting laundry. In the living room, they take part in a read-aloud of “I Am Yoga” by Susan Verde and participate in guided yoga exercises that promote mindfulness and self-regulation.
In the kitchen and dining area, students prepare a rice cake dessert before learning how to properly set a table and practice polite mealtime conversation. In the playroom, they strengthen peer connections through a game of Jenga that features getting-to-know-you questions about family, academics, hobbies and emotions.
Each field trip is facilitated by the district’s three social workers: Amanda Scarpinito of John Street School, Christina Pino of Polk Street School and Rosie Carino of Washington Street School. Their guidance ensures a supportive and enriching experience for every student.
“We love opening the doors of the Daily Living Skills Center to classes from across the district,” Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Pamela Taylor said. “Our intra-district field trips are truly meaningful experiences. Welcoming students from different buildings into this shared space, supported by our incredible social workers, is a celebration of community. It fosters connection, understanding and a sense of family that extends far beyond any single school. These moments remind us that we are one district, one family, learning and growing together.”
