September Newsletter

September has been such a wonderful month of learning and growth. Our students have been busy in the classroom and taking what they’ve learned out into the community. We believe that the best way for students to learn is by doing—through real, hands-on experiences that bring lessons to life. Whether it’s practicing skills, exploring new places, or trying something for the very first time, these opportunities help students build confidence and make meaningful connections to the world around them.

Our goal is to open as many doors as possible, giving students the chance to see, do, and experience a wide variety of things. The community becomes an extension of the classroom, and every activity is a chance to learn something new. We want students to not only feel part of their community but also to discover all the ways they can participate in and enjoy it. These shared experiences help make learning both exciting and memorable, and we are so proud of the way our students continue to grow each day.

We kicked off the month celebrating National Gymnastics Week! 🏅 Our transition students learned about gymnastics and explored different ways to stay active in the community. A highlight was our trip to We Rock the Spectrum in Naperville, where everyone had a blast jumping on the trampoline, flying on the zipline, and trying out other exciting activities. Students also enjoyed a day at the sensory park—spending time outdoors, connecting with staff and friends, and getting lots of fresh air. To round it out, we took a shopping trip for ingredients to make delicious parfaits and had some great conversations about what healthy eating looks like.

In honor of National Service Dog Week, our students learned all about service dogs and the important role they play in a person’s life. We were especially lucky to have a special visitor—Ms. Heidi brought her service dog to school, giving students the chance to see firsthand how a service dog supports their handler.

Our Transition students also took a trip to Petland, where they explored the supplies needed to care for a dog. While they were there, they had fun checking out the bunnies, ferrets, gerbils, and guinea pigs too! It was a great mix of learning and hands-on experiences that made the week both educational and exciting.

To celebrate World Space Week, our students took an exciting trip to the Cernan Space Center! They explored interactive exhibits, discovered fascinating facts about astronauts and space travel, and enjoyed a breathtaking planetarium show. A favorite moment was the Cosmic Light Show—dazzling lights and music filled the dome, creating the feeling of soaring through the stars.

The trip sparked curiosity, laughter, and plenty of “wow” moments as students learned just how incredible our universe is. Back at school, they continued the theme by making moon sand—a fun, hands-on textile project that let them bring a little piece of space into the classroom.

On September 10th, our whole group spent the day at Windy Acres Farm, where students had the opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with one another.

The day began with time to build social connections. Students met and petted the barnyard animals, bounced on the inflatable pillow, and explored the fall activities. The beautiful fall weather created the perfect setting for teamwork, friendship, and fun.

We then took the students to pick apples, which sparked conversations about farming, healthy eating, and where our food comes from.

This outing gave students the chance to combine hands-on learning with social experiences, making it a memorable day of growth both academically and socially.

On September 18th, PRC students set out for an exciting adventure in St. Charles aboard a scenic riverboat cruise down the Fox River. As the boat glided along the water, students listened to an audio guide that highlighted local landmarks and shared interesting stories about the area. Others simply relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful sights along the river.

Beyond the scenery, this trip also gave students the chance to practice important skills. They learned about safety while traveling in new environments and how to navigate unfamiliar areas with support from staff and peers. Some students and staff especially enjoyed sitting outside, feeling the breeze and sunshine as the boat moved along, while also gaining confidence in being part of a new community setting.

It was the perfect mix of learning and leisure—a day filled with calm moments, shared experiences, and valuable lessons in independence.

This month our students have been busy exploring the community while practicing valuable vocational and leisure skills, and we also had a special celebration for LaShawn’s birthday!

Students enjoyed a trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods, where they had the chance to look at athletic gear and talk about the importance of an active lifestyle. We also took advantage of the nice weather by going on walks at the farm, giving everyone the opportunity to get fresh air, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Back on campus, students worked on a service project by making dog toys. They showed teamwork and creativity while braiding and assembling the toys, which we delivered to the local animal hospital. This project not only gave students hands-on practice but also the joy of giving back to the community.

To round out the month, our group visited the outdoor park gym. Students practiced using the equipment safely, learned about the different machines, and were able to try them out.

Each of these activities helps students grow in independence, practice social skills, and stay connected with their community. We are proud of the effort they put into every experience.