Plymouth High School is celebrating the success of one its programs by hosting its 8^th annual Halloween dance. About 150 special education students from six Michiana high schools were invited.

ABC57 attended the dance and learned why this particular dance is so important.

Principal James Condon says this even is his favorite day of the year.

“That is what today is for, to see the smiling faces on our students as they’re interacting with life skill students from various school corporations. It is just really pleasing to see,” he said.

Students at Plymouth High School are in life skills programs that help connect them with life after high school and also neighboring peers.  

“It brings special needs kids together,” said Jahna Davis a freshman.

Students come in as 9^th graders, but as special education teacher Quinn Selner explains most stay longer than the traditional four years.

“Most of them stay until their 22^nd birthday because by federal law they’re allowed to stay longer so we have them for 6 or 7 years so we have long relationships with them,” said Selner.

Once the students have graduated they’re eligible for jobs in the community with help from a work coach.

“Their success rate is extremely high,” says Condon.

Principal Condon says the main thing separating this life skills program from others is the relationship teachers like Selner create.

“There’s a great deal of trust from students to teachers and from parents to teacher as well and that’s immeasurable,” he said.

Hannah Dowell is a senior here at Plymouth High and is part of the program.

She’s not only working toward graduating--- she’s also helping others along the way.

“I normally help around with stuff with other students. I’m like a student and a peer at the same time.”

The next party is at Knox High School, it will be called an Ugly Sweater Party where Plymouth students will be bused over to that high school to enjoy that event.