The Vernon Public Schools Next STEP program has for more than 20 years provided students with disabilities vocational experiences, independent living and self-advocacy skills, and guided them toward positive social relationships.

Part of the program is working with local businesses to provide work experiences and even jobs for the young adults, ages 18-22, who participate.

Peter Kratzke, 22, is a recent Next STEP graduate who gained work experience at the Chili’s on Buckland Road in Manchester, and was such a good worker he earned himself a job.

Peter began by bussing tables. After a while, he asked if he could learn how to work in the dish room, Peter Lynch, program director at Next STEP, said.

“Peter caught on pretty quickly,” Lynch said. “Management noticed.”

Peter Kratzke, a recent Vernon Public Schools Next STEP graduate, at his job at the Manchester Chili’s.

Peter applied for a job and was interviewed by a manager.

“He asked me what makes me an asset to the team,” Peter recalled. “I am punctual. I am here all the time. And I really like it here.”

The job was his. And Peter continues to impress his bosses with his attitude and work ethic.

“When he doesn’t have anything going on in the dish room, he takes it upon himself to grab the silverware and sort it,” Chili’s manager Debbie Curtis said. “He’ll also grab a bus bucket and help the servers bus their tables. When he has down time he just finds something else to do.”

Peter and his teacher, Peter Lynch.

Curtis said that kind of attitude is “very valuable in an employee.” Peter also helps with food prep and other tasks – whatever needs to be done.

Lynch works with his Next STEP students to help them develop the skills and traits that will help make them valuable employees.

Lynch “takes students where they are and he tries to move them forward – like any great teacher,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said. Lynch instills in students like Peter the character traits and skills that can help them be successful, such as when you have finished your work, go to your boss and ask, “is there anything else I can do,” Testa said.

“For some of our students who have special needs, the 18- to 22-year-old time span for them is critical in setting them up for success,” Testa said.

For more information about Next STEP, visit: https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/page/next-step