Bright Futures

Transition Coordinator Contact

Katlyn Carpenter, M.Ed

610-519-1600

Ext. 6262

kcarpenter@martinlutherschool.org

Are you looking for resources for post-secondary education, employment or independent living?

Use the link to access Martin Luther School's Transition Handbook.

This is an ongoing document to provide information to our students and their support team.

What are Transition Services?

• The support includes services available in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living skills.

• Starting at age 14

• Services are identified that align with IEP goals

• The student and the IEP team identifies strengths, needs, and interests

• IEP team builds transition plans that align with future goals

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 1st

Does your student need a copy of their birth certificate or do they need a state photo ID?

Gabby Zaczkiewicz the District Office Director for State Representative Greg Scott will join OPEN HOUSE on 10/1!

Gabby can help with documents on the spot!

Parents should bring their photo identification!

Please reach out to Katlyn Carpenter - kcarpenter@martinlutherschool.org with any questions.

Once per month a representative for pre-employment transition services from OVR joins the class to focus on job readiness skills. Each student needs to have a Pre-ETS transition form filled out. Please look for this document in your email from DocuSign!

This is a great resource for students and parents to keep track of beneficial activities in the areas of post-secondary education, employment and independent living.

The checklist is shared with students at their IEP meetings.

Planning for the Future Checklist

MLS Graduation Requirements

21 credits total

4 English

3 Math

3 Science

3 Social Studies

1.5 physical education/wellness credits

6.5 Elective Credits

Pathway to Graduation (Act 158)

Act 158 in Pennsylvania is a state law that outlines five different pathways for high school students to meet graduation requirements, essentially requiring them to demonstrate college or career readiness by achieving proficiency on Keystone Exams or through alternative methods like industry-based certifications or advanced placement courses, depending on the chosen pathway; effectively moving beyond solely relying on standardized test scores for graduation.

Pathway Link

Grades and Attendance Matter!!!!

MLS students need to be in school 70% of the academic calendar days of each semester to earn credit for the semester. They must pass the course with a 60% (D) or better.

Parents/Guardians of Seniors:

This link has information on the Federal Student Loan Process

The application for the 2027-2028 school year opened on October 1, 2026 , and the federal deadline is June 30, 2028 .

I will work with each senior to create a FAFSA account and will reach out parents/guardians during the school year.

Please reach out if you have questions or need support

PHEAA Grants, Scholarships, and loans

Reach out to me if you need support with specific college tours and visits. I will plan with students to schedule open houses of their interests.

In the fall students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT and the SAT.

PSAT

10th grade 10/21

11th grade 10/22

SAT

12th grade 10/28

For more information about the test click here

I am excited that I am getting contacted often about issuing working papers!!

What you need to know:

I CAN support students looking for jobs, applying for jobs, and practicing for interviews

I CAN support students with preparing working papers so they are ready to go be issued

I CAN give very specific directions about the process at the student's school district

I CANNOT issue working papers- that must be done by the residing district

Common Districts Directions:

Norristown School District

Philadelphia School District

Upper Darby

Abington School District

Coatesville School District

Colonial School District

William Penn School District

Please continue to reach out for support!

MLS is partnering with the Junior Barber Academy to expose students to barbering. Student's are being encouraged to take this opportunity. There is also opportunity to sign up outside of school (see below)

Below is a highlight of the work that the Junior Barber Academy does with youth.

The sister program to the Junior Barber Academy partners with MLS! Students are encouraged to participate in learning along side licensed cosmetologists.

MLS is partnering with the Temple Real Estate Institute to provide lessons that support the path to getting a real estate license. Students are encouraged to participate in the twice per week opportunity.

MLS high school is partnering with John's Driving school for 11th and 12th graders to have the opportunity to learn safe driving skills. If your student is in driving school this session you should have received an email with information!

Please reach out to Katlyn Carpenter at kcarpenter@martinlutherschool.org if you have any questions.

MLS high school is partnering with Stay Flow - Yoga with Yogi Den to provide the opportunity to use storytelling to connect with every student, giving them an opportunity to slow down, and meet each student where they are that day.

CAP4Kids is a parent resource with links to information about helpful community agencies.