One of the countless residences in Bowling Green has been transformed. Though fully functional, no one
lives in this "Living Classroom."
Rather, employees from the Wood County Educational Service Center have converted the donated townhouse
apartment into a classroom which currently serves four county students with disabilities. The students,
one each from Bowling Green, Rossford, Otsego and North Baltimore school districts, range in age from
18-21. According to Diane Witt, the supervisor with WCESC, all four have completed their high school
credits, but have "aged out" of the traditional high school setting. (Photo: Steven Oliver
shoots basket in the rec room of an apartment classroom for ESC students tyring to advance beyond
school. 11/5/09 (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune))
An existing Life Skills class has moved its home base to the new setting.
"Why would we keep them within four walls, when, here we have so many more walls," Witt said.
"It’s so exciting we can teach in a real-life setting."
Students with disabilities can elect to stay in school until their 22nd birthday. The primary function of
this class is to help the students transition from the school setting to their adult life.
Though these students are not likely to live on their own, the skills they are learning will help them to
be more independent, no matter their future living arrangements, possibly a group home.
The living classroom looks much like any other townhouse or apartment around town, with three bedrooms,
two bathrooms along with the living room, dining area and kitchen. The basement of the three-story
facility features a laundry room and a recreation and fitness area. One of the bedrooms has been
transformed into a work room which more closely resembles a classroom setting.
The other two bedrooms are set aside, one for each gender. Though each includes a bed, there will be no
overnight stays, it is strictly a functional, non-traditional classroom.
The students learn and perfect many everyday tasks in a home setting, as well as skills which could be
used as a volunteer or perhaps as a paid employee. They clean, do laundry, vacuum, prepare food, do
dishes, etc.
The facility is donated by Jill Messenger for the ESC’s use. She owns property in the area and approached
the center to offer the use of this townhouses. Through a friend, Messenger had heard about the need.

"I thought the opportunity was available right now, so we’re giving it a try," said Messenger.
"It’s good to get some awareness out there in the community."
Beyond just the facility, which is located near Bowling Green High School, Messenger is also currently
footing the cost of utilities for the classroom.
The donations of furnishings have come from ESC employees, as well as friends and families of employees
and some substitute teachers.
Kelly VanOrder, the teacher for the students, is aided by four para professional assistants. The students
spend the entire school day in the living classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition they begin
their day in the apartment two other days, before they take the Bowling Green State University shuttle
for work experience at the campus. The fifth day is used to visit other practical learning sites.
VanOrder says the students can relate to a home-style environment. It illustrates how they can use these
tasks in their everyday life.
The teacher says the students have responded very well to the new classroom which they began using in
mid-October.
"There has been an increase in socialization and in on-task behavior," VanOrder said.
She noted there has also been an increase in positive behavior with the companion decrease in negative
behavior, noting, "I’m loving it. The tasks make more sense to the students."
The students all indicated they like the living classroom.
"It’s different than the four walls of class," said Betty Engle, one of the students.
Engle also said she like working with the blue boxes in the work room and using the treadmill which she
said was "fun."
Witt expressed gratitude for the donations received, especially from Messenger. However, for the project
to continue, additional funding is necessary. The staff is in the process of writing grants to help
offset the costs involved and perhaps minimize Messenger’s outlay.
Witt also said they are looking to expand the project and will likely need additional
"classrooms" in the future.
For more information or to provide assistance to the classroom, contact Witt at (419) 354-9010.