April Edition

We are excited to share that PRC is growing! As part of our continued commitment to providing high-quality, individualized support for our students, we are adding three new full-time positions to our team: Job Coach, Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teacher, and BCBA/Instructional Coach. Each of these roles plays a vital part in strengthening our programming and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Job Coach
The addition of a full-time Job Coach will greatly enhance our transition and vocational programming. This role will support students in developing real-world job skills, building independence, and preparing for life beyond the classroom. By working directly with students in both school-based and community settings, the Job Coach will help bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering confidence and meaningful post-school outcomes.

Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teacher
Our new APE Teacher will provide specialized physical education instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of our students. This position ensures that all students have access to safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate physical activities. Beyond promoting physical health, adapted PE supports motor development, social interaction, and overall well-being—key components of a well-rounded educational experience.

BCBA/Instructional Coach
The BCBA/Instructional Coach will serve a dual role, supporting both student programming and staff development. With expertise in behavior analysis and instructional best practices, this position will help design and implement effective interventions, provide coaching and guidance to staff, and ensure consistency across classrooms. This role strengthens our ability to meet diverse learning needs while continuing to build staff capacity.

These additions reflect PRC’s dedication to continuous growth and excellence. By investing in these positions, we are not only expanding our services but also deepening our impact on students, families, and staff. We look forward to the positive contributions each of these roles will bring to our school community.

Together, we continue to grow—and together, we shine.

At PRC, we believe that every milestone matters—and this week, we had the joy of celebrating a very special one: Nate’s 22nd birthday! Turning 22 is a meaningful moment, and we were honored to celebrate alongside Nate, recognizing not just his birthday, but all that he brings to our school community.

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of celebration. Staff and students came together to make sure Nate felt celebrated. From festive decorations to thoughtful touches throughout the day, it was clear that this was more than just a birthday—it was a reflection of the strong relationships and sense of belonging that make PRC so special.

Nate has been an important part of our PRC community, and his birthday gave us the opportunity to reflect on his growth, accomplishments, and the positive energy he shares with those around him. Whether through his daily interactions, his progress, or simply his presence, Nate continues to make an impact.

Celebrations like these are an important part of who we are at PRC. They remind us to pause, recognize each individual, and celebrate life’s moments—big and small. It’s these shared experiences that help build connection, joy, and community within our school.

Happy 22nd Birthday, Nate! We are so lucky to celebrate with you and can’t wait to see what you do next.

PRC is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new initiative: the Philip J. Rock Micro Business! This new venture marks an important step forward in creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for our students—and we are proud to share that it is launching with online purchasing already in place.

As a newly developed program, the Micro Business is designed to give students hands-on opportunities to explore entrepreneurship from the ground up. Students are actively involved in creating products, learning how to market them, and understanding the full process of creation to delivery.

What makes this launch especially exciting is the immediate integration of an online purchasing platform. Rather than starting small and expanding later, this business is beginning with the tools needed to reach a wider audience right away. This means customers will be able to browse and purchase student-made products conveniently.

We look forward to watching this new business grow and evolve, and we are excited for our community to be part of it from the very beginning.

Please take a look at our website: www.werockselfcare.org

PRC students recently explored the butterfly life cycle through a hands-on, accessible learning experience. From tiny caterpillars to chrysalises and finally butterflies, students followed each stage in ways that met their individual needs.

Students who are blind engaged through touch, gently exploring safe materials and models to understand each phase. Students who are deaf accessed the learning through visual supports, close observation, and guided communication. Each step of the process was adapted to ensure all students could fully participate.

The highlight was watching the butterflies emerge and preparing them for release. This experience supported science learning while also building curiosity, patience, and connection.

It was a simple but powerful reminder—growth looks different for everyone, but it is always something to celebrate.

At PRC, students recently took part in an unforgettable learning experience—watching chick eggs develop in an incubator and hatch right before their eyes (and ears!).

Over 21 days, students observed the incubator, learning how warmth and humidity help the chicks grow. For our students, the experience was thoughtfully adapted so everyone could participate. Some students explored the eggs and materials through touch, while others closely watched for small changes and movement inside the shells.

As hatching time approached, excitement filled the room. Students were able to feel gentle tapping and movement from inside the eggs, and some were able to hear the soft chirping as the chicks began to break through. When the chicks finally hatched, it was a truly special moment for everyone, staff included.

After chicks were placed in the brooder, students had the opportunity to gently hold or pet the chicks, feeling their warmth and soft feathers. This hands-on connection brought the entire process to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

From incubator to hatching to holding a chick, our students were able to fully experience the wonder of new life—each in their own way.

Moments like these remind us that learning is most powerful when it can be seen, felt, and experienced.

Students at PRC have been enjoying meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences through music therapy with Ms. Olivia, combined with movement and hands-on sensory activities.

During music therapy sessions, Ms. Olivia uses rhythm, sound, and instruments to help students communicate, engage, and express themselves. Students respond in their own ways—through movement, touch, or interaction—making each session both personalized and impactful.

In addition, students have been practicing standing in their standers, building strength, endurance, and body awareness. These moments of supported standing are paired with engaging activities to keep students motivated and comfortable.

To round out the experience, students explored soap foam sensory play, using their hands to feel, explore, and interact with the soft, textured material. This type of sensory activity encourages curiosity, relaxation, and active participation.

Together, these experiences support communication, physical development, and sensory engagement—meeting each student where they are and helping them grow in meaningful ways.

The PM shift at PRC recently came together for an exciting and memorable Artemis II Splashdown Party, celebrating this historic moment in space exploration in a fun, hands-on way!

Students marked the occasion by creating their own fruit kabobs, building independence and enjoying a tasty treat while connecting to the theme of the day. The celebration continued with space-themed photos, where students had the chance to dress up, pose, and capture the excitement of the moment.

The highlight of the event was experiencing the splashdown itself. Students watched and listened as the moment unfolded, engaging with the event in ways that were meaningful to them. Whether through visuals, sound, or shared excitement, everyone had the opportunity to be part of this historic occasion.

This celebration was more than just a party—it was a chance for students to connect to real-world events, and engage in learning that was fun, interactive, and memorable.

At PRC, we love finding ways to bring big moments to life for our students. The Artemis II Splashdown Party was truly out of this world!