May Edition

As we prepared our first-ever PRC yearbook this spring, the theme "A Year of Growth." was selected. Looking back on the 2025–2026 school year, we could not have chosen a more fitting title.

Growth was everywhere at PRC this year.

We experienced tremendous growth as an organization with our move into a beautiful new building that has provided expanded opportunities for learning, independence, recreation, and community. While transitions can be challenging, our students and staff embraced the change with resilience and positivity, making the new space feel like home.

Our students demonstrated growth each and every day. We watched them develop communication skills, increase their independence with daily living tasks, strengthen vocational skills, and gain confidence in themselves. Whether learning in the classroom, participating in community experiences, engaging in recreational activities, or preparing for life after PRC, our students continually showed us what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

This year also brought exciting new experiences, including the launch of our student-run microbusiness, We Rock Self Care. Through this venture, students learned valuable employment, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills while creating products they could proudly share with others.

As we reflect on this remarkable year, we are reminded that growth is not always measured by large accomplishments. Sometimes it is found in a student's first independent task, increased confidence, a successful community outing, or the courage to try something new.

Thank you to our families for your partnership, to our dedicated staff for your commitment, and to our students for inspiring us every day. You are the reason this truly has been A Year of Growth.

As we look ahead to the future, we are excited to continue building on the progress we have made together.

On a beautiful spring afternoon, PRC proudly celebrated the graduation of Nate and Dylan, marking an especially memorable milestone for our school community.

This year's ceremony was the first graduation ever held at our new building, making the occasion even more meaningful. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, and classmates, we gathered outside on the basketball court to honor two outstanding young men as they completed their journey at PRC and prepared for the next chapter of their lives.

The sunshine, blue skies, and joyful atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with laughter, memories, and pride. As Nate and Dylan crossed the stage, we reflected on the growth, accomplishments, and perseverance they have demonstrated throughout their time at PRC.

Graduation is always a special event, but sharing this first outdoor ceremony at our new home made it one we will never forget. It was a wonderful reminder of how far our students have come and the bright futures that lie ahead.

Congratulations, Nate and Dylan! We are proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next. Once a Rock student, always a Rock student.

This spring, PRC Transition students had the opportunity to participate in travel training using the Metra rail system. The experience provided students with valuable hands-on instruction in navigating public transportation, an important skill for increasing independence and community access.

Students practiced purchasing tickets, locating the correct platform, following schedules, and safely boarding and exiting the train. They also learned how to navigate unfamiliar environments with greater confidence. Once students arrived at their destination, they enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant, giving them an additional opportunity to practice community and social skills in a real-world setting.

Travel training is an essential part of preparing students for life after PRC, helping them build skills in independence and enhancing their community experiences. We are proud of our students for embracing this challenge and demonstrating growth in their travel and self-advocacy skills.

Every trip is another step toward independence!

One of the highlights of the school year was watching our chicks hatch and grow. What started as a handful of eggs quickly became a favorite experience for students and staff alike. Each day brought excitement as students observed the chicks, learned about their care, and watched them grow from tiny fluff balls into energetic young chickens.

The chicks became a part of our daily routine, providing opportunities for learning, responsibility, and plenty of smiles. We may have even discovered a new therapeutic practice at PRC—Chicken Therapy! It turns out spending a few minutes with a fluffy chick can brighten just about anyone's day.

While we were sad to say goodbye as the chickens moved on to their new homes, we are grateful for the memories and lessons they provided along the way. Who knows? With how much everyone enjoyed them, there may just be a PRC chicken coop in our future!

Until then, we'll fondly remember our feathered friends and the joy they brought to our school community.

This spring, students took advantage of the beautiful weather by spending time exploring and learning all the features of our new playground. The playground quickly became a favorite destination, providing opportunities for fun, exercise, and social interaction.

Students enjoyed climbing, swinging, walking, and exploring the various play areas while building strength, coordination, and confidence. The warm spring days gave everyone a chance to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the fresh air after a long winter.

As we continue to settle into our new building, the playground has become another wonderful space where students can learn, grow, and have fun together. We look forward to many more adventures and active days on our new playground in the years ahead!

To celebrate their upcoming graduation, our Transition students enjoyed a special trip to the Minecraft Experience in Rosemont. The exciting adventure gave students the opportunity to step into the world of one of their favorite games and participate in an interactive experience filled with exploration, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Throughout the experience, students worked together to complete challenges, discover new environments, and immerse themselves in the creative world of Minecraft. The trip provided plenty of opportunities for social interaction, communication, and making lasting memories with friends and staff.

Graduation marks an important milestone, and this special outing was a wonderful way to celebrate the accomplishments of our students while enjoying a fun and unique community experience. The smiles, laughter, and excitement throughout the day made it clear that the trip was a huge success.

Congratulations to our graduates—we are proud of all you have accomplished and wish you the very best in your next adventure!

Students and staff wrapped up the school year with a fun-filled Field Day, enjoying a variety of activities, games, and friendly competition. The beautiful weather provided the perfect setting for students to stay active, work together, and celebrate another successful year at PRC.

Field Day is always a favorite tradition, bringing our school community together through laughter, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. From outdoor games to fitness activities, students had the opportunity to showcase their skills while enjoying time with their peers and staff.

This year's Field Day was especially meaningful as it marked the final Field Day organized by Ms. Danielle, who has served as PRC's Adapted Physical Education teacher for many years. Throughout her time at PRC, Ms. Danielle has helped countless students build confidence, improve physical skills, and discover the joy of movement and recreation. Her dedication, kindness, and commitment to our students have left a lasting impact on our school community.

While we will greatly miss Ms. Danielle, we are incredibly grateful for all she has done for PRC over the years. We wish her happiness, success, and many exciting adventures in the next chapter of her journey.

Thank you, Ms. Danielle, for everything you have given to our students and our school. You will always be a part of the PRC family.

Our elementary and high school students enjoyed a wonderful community outing to Lilacia Park. With beautiful sunshine and blooming flowers all around, students had the opportunity to explore the park's many sensory experiences while spending time outdoors.

Students enjoyed walking along the pathways, experiencing the different sights, sounds, textures, and scents throughout the park. From feeling the warm sunshine and gentle breeze to exploring the colorful gardens and natural surroundings, there were countless opportunities for sensory learning and discovery.

The trip also provided a chance for students to practice community skills, engage with peers, and enjoy physical activity in a relaxing outdoor environment. The combination of fresh air, movement, and sensory exploration made for a memorable day filled with smiles and learning.

Community experiences like these help our students connect with the world around them while building confidence, independence, and a love for exploration.

May was filled with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences as students made the most of the final month of the school year. Throughout the month, students participated in a variety of community outings, giving them opportunities to practice important life skills while exploring the world around them.

Back on campus, students focused on self-care activities, continued working toward their goals, and enjoyed spending time with friends through play, recreation, and hands-on learning experiences. Whether participating in classroom activities, exploring the community, or simply enjoying the beautiful spring weather, students embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.

One of the highlights of the month was releasing our butterflies into the new landscaping around our building. After watching their transformation from caterpillars to butterflies, students were excited to see them take flight and begin their next journey. The release served as a wonderful reminder of growth, change, and new beginnings—fitting themes as we close out another successful school year.

From community adventures and self-care to learning, playing, and watching nature unfold, May was the perfect way to celebrate all that our students have accomplished this year.

Students spent time helping beautify our new PRC campus through planting on the PM shift. With the warmer weather finally arriving, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work adding flowers in planters to help make our new home even more welcoming and beautiful.

The planting activities provided students with hands-on learning opportunities while building responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their school community. Students practiced gardening skills, explored different plants, and learned about the care needed to help them grow and thrive.

The project not only enhanced the appearance of our campus but also gave students a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

Thanks to the efforts of our PM shift staff and our students, our new PRC building is becoming an even more beautiful place to learn, live, and grow. We look forward to watching both our plants and our students continue to flourish in the years ahead.

The PM shift recently got the students to get their hands dirty while planting strawberry plants in bags to hang outside. This fun and engaging activity gave students the opportunity to learn about gardening, plant care, and the growing process from start to finish.

Students worked together to prepare the soil, plant the strawberries, and water their new garden. Along the way, they practiced teamwork, responsibility, and patience as they learned what it takes to help plants thrive.

We can't wait to watch our strawberry plants grow and hopefully enjoy some sweet rewards in the future!

Students recently enjoyed a special outing to a sensory-friendly evening at The Morton Arboretum. The experience provided students with an opportunity to explore nature in a welcoming environment designed to engage the senses while promoting relaxation and discovery.

As they traveled through the grounds, students enjoyed the sights, sounds, textures, and scents of the beautiful outdoor setting. The peaceful atmosphere allowed students to explore at their own pace while enjoying the fresh air and spring weather.

The outing also provided valuable opportunities for community participation, social interaction, and leisure skill development. Students had a wonderful time experiencing the natural beauty of the Arboretum while creating lasting memories with their peers and staff.

Community experiences like these help our students build confidence, independence, and a connection to the world around them. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all!

This year marked another exciting first for PRC—our very first school pictures! As part of creating our first-ever yearbook, we wanted to capture the smiles and personalities of our amazing students.

We were fortunate to have a staff member who is also a professional photographer generously share their talents with our school community. Thanks to their expertise, students were able to participate in a professional photo session and have their pictures included in the yearbook.

The photos captured much more than smiles—they captured the spirit of our students and helped preserve memories from this special year. As we look back on our first yearbook, these pictures will serve as lasting reminders of the friendships, accomplishments, and growth that made this school year so memorable.

A special thank you to Raquel Pacheco for helping make this PRC first possible!