On Friday, March 15, 2023, the ribbon was cut for Del Val’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the new kitchen located in E101. 

Classroom E101 is used for the Special Education students. Students that are in the FIERCE program use this classroom also. FIERCE is an acronym for the focus of Independence, Employment, Resources and Community Exploration. These Special Education students range from 18-21 years old.

The kitchen was primarily made for the purpose of the FIERCE program. 

The E101 classroom already had a “kitchen.” The room was stored with a toaster oven, a closet with a fridge, a microwave and a sink. Now, the “kitchen” has been fully refurbished. 

“The point of our program is to teach them independent life skills,” Nanette Elder said.

The kitchen was built for the purpose of developing independent living skills. This will help the classroom students and the FIERCE program with future successes in life. The kitchen teaches them how to be independent and have control in situations.

“I like using the new kitchen. I like how it’s open and there are no walls,” Charlie Bently said.