Photo Provided Union Local students studying the intervention curriculum enjoy some Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream while they gain life skills from visiting local businesses.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Union Local students studying the intervention curriculum learned life skills and how to make a sweet treat at Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream in St. Clairsville.

Union Local intervention specialist Kathy Cordner brought her students to Kirke’s Ice Cream on Monday so they could learn some pre-vocational skills. Owner Kirke Porterfield taught the students how the ice cream is made and shared some life skills.

“He not only showed us how his ice cream was made but explained the job skills needed to work there,” Cordner said. “Of course we were treated to a tasty cone afterwards.”

The Union Local intervention curriculum is focused on life skills and preparation for independence after high schools. Cordner said hands-on experience provides real-life learning, and community-based instruction is an important part of the curriculum.

“It goes beyond academics,” Cordner said. “Although math, reading, English, science and social studies are big parts of our day, we focus on how to use academic skills in the community and at home.”

Cordner said application of these skills is an important part of everyone’s life. The program visits local businesses, retail stores, restaurants, community parks, movie theaters, libraries and more to help students learn life skills.

“Our focus is to learn how to navigate in the community, learn soft skills, make purchases and order from a menu,” Cordner said.

Porterfield opened his shop early to give a tour to the students and answer questions related to how the ice cream is made and the skills someone needs to work there. He said fortunately his shop was in production, so the students were able to watch him make the ice cream.

“It was really good,” he said. “Ths kids really loved it. And it was fun.”

He said it was special for the students to come to the shop because they have eaten ice cream before but have probably never seen it made.

Cordner said she is always looking for local businesses to visit for her students to learn from.

“Students learned a tremendous amount,” Cordner said, “and of course, loved every bit of the tasty, homemade ice cream.”