January Edition

January invites us to slow down just enough to reflect, reset, and look ahead with fresh perspective. It is a month filled with new goals, renewed routines, and a quiet sense of possibility as we begin another chapter together at PRC. Even in the coldest weeks of the year, important work continues—supporting students, strengthening connections, and building momentum for what lies ahead.

As January comes to a close, we also begin to feel the promise of warmer temperatures on the horizon and exciting changes taking shape around us. The coming weeks will bring visible progress as the old building begins to come down, marking an important step forward and opening the door to what’s next for our school community. This season of change reminds us that growth often starts in the middle of winter—and carries us into something new.

We are excited to celebrate Allyson on her incredible accomplishment—passing her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam!

Earning the BCBA credential is a significant professional milestone. It means Allyson has completed rigorous graduate-level coursework, supervised fieldwork, and successfully passed a national certification exam focused on the science of behavior and evidence-based practices. As a BCBA, Allyson is specially trained to assess behavior, design and monitor individualized interventions, and support staff and families in using strategies that help students build meaningful, functional skills.

This achievement directly strengthens the work we do at PRC. Allyson’s expertise will allow us to continue growing our supports for students, refining our programming, and deepening our commitment to high-quality, data-driven instruction.

We are so proud of Allyson’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for our students—and we are incredibly excited to see the impact she will continue to make as a BCBA. Congratulations, Allyson!

During STEM Week at PRC, our students took part in hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in ways that were meaningful, accessible, and engaging for students who are visually and hearing impaired.

STEM Week helps students learn how problem-solving, building, and technology connect to real-life jobs. This year, students were introduced to a story about different careers in STEM using accessible formats, including visual supports, sign language, and guided discussion. The story helped students understand that people with many different strengths and skills can work in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Because the weather was too cold to go outside, our learning stayed indoors—where classrooms became interactive learning spaces. Students participated in hands-on experiments that emphasized touch, movement, and clear visual and signed instruction. Activities were designed so students could explore materials safely, work with partners and staff, and actively take part in each step of the experience.

STEM Week was a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore new ideas, build confidence, and experience learning through meaningful, accessible activities. Even on the coldest days, our students continued to grow, discover, and enjoy learning in ways that meet their individual needs.

Recently, our students had the opportunity to visit the Wondra Exhibit, a unique sensory museum that invites visitors to explore and experience nature in an interactive and meaningful way.

The Wondra Exhibit is designed to be hands-on and immersive, allowing students to learn by using their senses. As students moved through the different themed rooms, they were encouraged to touch, explore, and walk through each space, experiencing a variety of textures, lighting, sounds, and visual elements inspired by nature.

The exhibit offered rich opportunities for tactile exploration, movement, and shared discovery, while staff supported through guided interaction.

The different rooms created a safe and engaging environment where students could explore at their own pace, build confidence, and enjoy learning through real-life experiences. The visit to the Wondra Exhibit was a wonderful way for our students to connect with nature, practice independence, and experience learning beyond the classroom in an accessible and inclusive setting.

Learning how to safely and confidently move through the community is an important life skill for our students. Recently, students have been practicing real-world travel skills that help build independence, problem-solving, and self-confidence in busy public spaces.

During a community outing to the mall, Dylan worked closely with his Orientation and Mobility specialist, Deanna, to practice using an escalator. Together, they focused on important skills such as locating the escalator, listening for cues, positioning safely, stepping on and off at the right time, and maintaining balance while riding.

With clear instruction, hands-on support, and encouragement, Dylan was able to successfully use the escalator and navigate the space with growing confidence. This experience provided meaningful practice in a real environment and helped reinforce skills that will support him in many community settings.

Moments like this highlight how powerful real-world learning can be. By practicing travel and navigation skills in the community, our students continue to build independence and confidence—one step at a time.

January brought some of the coldest days of the winter, making it the perfect time to plan a warm and engaging community outing for our students. Instead of staying indoors at school, students enjoyed a special trip to the movies to see The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

The trip gave students the opportunity to practice important community skills in a real setting—traveling together, waiting in line, using appropriate volume in public spaces, finding seats, and enjoying an activity alongside peers. For many students, it was also a chance to build confidence navigating a busy environment while being supported by familiar staff.

The movie experience was both fun and meaningful. It was a wonderful way to stay connected and engaged during the cold January weather, while still continuing to build independence and social skills in the community.

Even on the coldest days, learning at PRC continues beyond the classroom—and sometimes, it comes with popcorn and a great movie.

Our students recently enjoyed a fun and engaging community outing to Enchanted Castle, where learning and laughter went hand in hand. This trip gave students the opportunity to practice important real-world skills while enjoying a welcoming and exciting environment.

Students explored different activities, played games, and spent time moving through the space with peers and staff. Throughout the visit, students worked on community skills such as waiting their turn, making choices, following directions, communicating with others, and navigating a public setting safely.

The experience offered meaningful opportunities for hands-on interaction, movement, and shared participation. Staff supported students with clear visual cues and guided assistance to help everyone fully take part and feel successful.

Most of all, the trip to Enchanted Castle gave our students a chance to simply have fun together—building confidence, strengthening social connections, and creating positive memories in the community.

Throughout the school day, our students engage in meaningful classroom instruction, participate in activities in the sensory room, and work on building important independent life skills. These experiences support communication, focus, self-regulation, and everyday routines that help students grow in confidence and independence.

Students also stay active by exercising through a variety of sports and movement-based activities, promoting physical wellness, teamwork, and positive social interaction. Together, these experiences create a balanced and supportive learning environment where every student has opportunities to learn, move, and succeed.

PM music class is a favorite part of the evening—and one of the best ways to end the day on a high note. During music time, students are given the opportunity to choose their own songs, giving everyone a voice and a chance to share what they love.

Once the music starts, students dance along to the beat, move their bodies, and enjoy the rhythm in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them. Some students clap, some sway, some use movement supports, and others show their excitement through smiles and expressive movement.

One of the most special parts of PM music class is how much variety it brings. Every student has their own unique taste in music—from Bollywood favorites to rap and everything in between. This creates a fun, welcoming space where students are exposed to new styles of music while also celebrating their own preferences and cultures.

PM music class is more than just listening to songs—it’s about choice, self-expression, movement, and connection. It’s a joyful reminder that our students’ differences make our school community stronger, louder, and more vibrant—one song at a time.

During the PM shift, our students are practicing important daily living skills by helping with classroom and school chores. Students take part in tasks such as cleaning tables, organizing materials, putting items away, and helping prepare shared spaces for the next day.

These routines help students build responsibility, independence, and confidence while learning that their work makes a real difference in their school community. Chores are taught using clear routines, visual supports, and hands-on guidance so every student can participate in a way that is meaningful and accessible.

PM shift chores are more than just helping out—they are an important step in preparing our students for success at school, at home, and in the community.