South Windsor High School’s work experience class called Copycats is up and running for the 2025-2026 school year. Now in its sixteenth year, the Bobcat Copycats program continues to offer valuable support to faculty and staff by utilizing the high school copy machines to print and deliver orders.
In addition, the team provides laminating and other clerical services. This structured work experience is overseen by Transition Coordinator Liz Rafalowsky, with support from Career Education Tutor Kirsten Brown and paraeducator Kathy Gallagher.
Currently, Copycats operates during two periods in the high school schedule and fulfills hundreds of orders each year. This semester, four students are gaining hands-on experience and developing skills for future competitive employment.
“My responsibilities as a student in this class include going to the copy room and filling up the copier with paper, delivering orders to the teachers, laminating orders and other special projects as needed,” Aalia Chaudhry said. “My favorite part of copycats is using the laminator and completing copy orders.”
By providing high school students with an opportunity for hands-on learning mimicking the nature of the workforce, these four students will be set up for success.
“Students learn transferable skills and behaviors that can be applied to any job. For example, cooperation, taking initiative, showing courtesy, and having a positive attitude towards constructive criticism are a few of the behaviors that are reinforced,” Copycat supervisor Liz Rafalowsky told The Prowl.
She also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety and work rules, being punctual, flexible, and ensuring work is completed accurately.
In addition to learning tactical skills, the Copycats have an opportunity to interact with various teachers throughout the building, by delivering their copies directly to the classroom. Students are encouraged to take on a service mindset, and feel fulfilled by helping others in the process.
“When I first started teaching at South Windsor High School, I could not believe that students helped teachers make their copies,” SWHS English teacher, Mrs. Cara Quinn, said. “This is so incredibly helpful for teachers. Copycats is so fast. Most times, it is the same day that I drop off the print, it is delivered by a smiling student who I get an opportunity to meet.”
The work completed by the Copycats students is greatly appreciated by staff, and students take pride in the meaningful contribution they make to the SWHS community.
