Did you know that the STEP Program in Roanoke County was the site of the very first pilot location for both STEP and CSEP services at RSVP, Inc.? This innovative classroom-and-community model blends work-based learning with direct instructional support to help students build real-world skills as they prepare to enter the workforce.
At Burton Center for Arts and Technology, students in the STEP Program also have the opportunity to get involved in school-wide activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and school spirit. This year, they participated in the school’s first annual Holiday Door Competition, and their projects were nothing short of inspiring.
STEP students on both A-day and B-day tracks collaborated on planning, creating materials lists, troubleshooting, and executing their designs—mirroring the kind of project management and teamwork skills that translate directly into employment success.
A-Day: “The Strong Man Turkey Saves Christmas”
The A-day group took a fun twist on holiday themes, transforming their inspiration—a festive turkey—into a Strong Man Turkey who they decided would be “the new hero for Christmas.” Their design required brainstorming, sketching, color planning, and coordinated construction.
B-Day: “3-D 12 Days of Christmas”
The B-day students created an impressive 3-D Christmas tree, decorating it with hand-glued images representing each verse of The 12 Days of Christmas. This project showcased creativity, patience, and fine-motor skills, along with collaborative problem solving.
Both groups also wanted to add paper snowflakes to their doors—because, as they put it, “maybe it will help us get more snow days!”
