When senior Kirsten Baska first signed up for her interpersonal skills (IPS) class, she knew it would be unlike any other class she took.

An average class is more than just taking notes and tests. Baska said the curriculum for IPS includes lessons on topics such as stress relief, how to be more kind, social justice or race.

“It’s different from my other classes because it teaches me things that I feel I’ll actually use in my life,” Baska said.

For junior Averie Beaty, IPS has been a big and positive change since moving to Lawrence from College Station, Texas. At her old school, there was no integration of special needs students or programs into the general student body population.

“[Special needs kids] were completely separated,” Beaty said. “I didn’t even know about it. I never really thought about it so it was a huge awakening when I came here.”

Beaty is glad, however, that she now has the opportunity to be involved in IPS.

“It was amazing,” Beaty said. “I never really realized how much I loved working with special needs kids, but I love it a lot.”

Baska, as well, has formed many friendships and benefitted from the class.

“I know I have a safe place at school where I can freely express my thoughts and be around wonderful people,” Baska said. “I love the friendships I have built. I can truly say that class has changed my life.”