KILLEEN, TX – [2022] The first “Skills & Thrills” competition for Killeen Independent School District (KISD) students is happening at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety on Thursday, May 19 from 10:00 am - 1 pm. Special education students from all four KISD high schools will participate: Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker.

Texas State Representative Brad Buckley will be in attendance to celebrate the competition winners and distribute awards at this year’s inaugural competition.

“Skills & Thrills” was developed as part of the larger Teachable Kingdom educational program at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety. Variety of Texas has developed the customized (and adaptive) Teachable Kingdom curriculum for grades PreK – 12, fully aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives. The program is designed to complement the classroom and inspire a passion for lifelong learning and growth. Because educational content is delivered through activity, adventure and experiential learning, Teachable Kingdom programming is especially beneficial for a student with special needs or an individual education plan (IEP).

In partnership with KISD, our facilitators at Peaceable Kingdom have identified a need for increased attention on special education students as they transition out of the school setting and into more independent living. To respond to that need, Variety of Texas has developed Teachable Kingdom: Transitions, featuring events like Fun Fridays, a multi-district Transition Fair, and the launch of “Skills & Thrills.”

During “Skills & Thrills,” KISD high school students who live with differences or difficulties have the opportunity to challenge themselves and compete against their peers to demonstrate mastery of five employability skills. Working with Dr. Jan Peronto, Executive Director of Special Education at KISD, we identified tasks common to entry-level positions; “skills” like bed-making, bagging groceries, and folding shirts. A simple scoring rubric was created to judge the students’ level of success in performing each of the five tasks. Each participating high school was also provided with opportunities to practice in advance of the May 19th competition.

The fun activities planned for the day’s “thrills” continue to follow the core pillars of the Teachable Kingdom program curriculum: environmental education, recreational therapy and life skills. Games in the sport court and gaga ball pit give students a chance to practice personal awareness and socialization skills while having fun outdoors.

“Young adults registered to participate in “Skills & Thrills” are eager to find meaningful employment or volunteer opportunities after they graduate,” said Program Manager, Brandon Pledger. “Each of the tasks that KISD special education students have practiced and perfected to compete in “Skills & Thrills” will improve their everyday lives. They are also hard skills that can be added to a resume and, hopefully, used to secure employment.”

In addition to Rep. Buckley, Killeen-area professionals have been recruited to volunteer as competition judges. Media is welcome to attend the first-of-its-kind “Skills & Thrills” event at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety. The event begins at 10:30 am and awards will be handed out at noon. Please email Stacy Bruce at Stacy.Bruce@VarietyTexas.org to RSVP if you and your crew are free to attend. Contact us with any questions or if you would like us to share photos with you following the event at Media@VarietyTexas.org.

VARIETY of TEXAS is a charitable organization that opens up the world for kids with special needs and their families by providing resources and empowering experiences. We envision a world without isolation and stigma for children with special needs and their families.

PEACEABLE KINGDOM by VARIETY, located in Killeen, TX - one hour north of Austin - is a beloved haven for thousands of children exploring their self-reliance and mobility. In support of our mission of healing through nature, we’ve tailored our 122-acres to accommodate all campers’ needs. Peaceable Kingdom has become a place where kids of all abilities can push their personal limits while they discover the empowering freedom that comes from the great outdoors.

Visit our website to learn more at www.VarietyTexas.org.