Students in Teresa Conway's Life Skills class at Chehalem Valley Middle School prepared a Thanksgiving feast for guests and classmates. Preparation began with instructions about washing hands, food assignments and following directions. Students relied on visual recipe cards and assistance from educational assistance for directions to prepare salad, dressings, gravy and all the turkey fixings.

Students in the Life Skills Program have significant challenges functioning independently in the regular classroom or Learning resource Center. The focus of the program is on functional academics, community based instruction, and vocational training skills.