November/December Edition

November and December may be shorter school months, but they have been full of meaningful growth and excitement here at PRC. As we settle into our new building, students and staff are learning how to navigate new spaces, routines, and layouts—transforming an unfamiliar environment into a place that truly feels like home. Each day brings increased confidence, independence, and comfort as everyone continues to explore and embrace all that our new school has to offer.

With this new space comes incredible new opportunities for learning, connection, and engagement. From expanded classrooms and shared spaces to new areas for hands-on learning and collaboration, our students are already benefiting from the possibilities this building provides.

We are also beginning to establish new traditions that will define PRC for years to come—simple moments and shared experiences that build community, create memories, and strengthen our sense of belonging. These early traditions are helping shape the culture of our new home and bringing our school community together in special ways.

As we move through these shortened months and into the new year, we are grateful for the joy, growth, and promise that this new chapter continues to bring.

Name signs provide an important way for students who are blind or visually impaired to identify spaces and increase independence within the school environment. By incorporating tactile name signs throughout the new building, students can learn to navigate their surroundings more confidently and safely. These signs help students locate classrooms, offices, and key areas on their own, supporting orientation and mobility skills. As we settle into our new space, utilizing accessible name signs ensures that every student has the tools they need to move about independently and feel comfortable in their new environment.

As part of our November learning, students explored the meaning of Thanksgiving, focusing on gratitude, giving back, and the importance of community. Through discussions and activities, students reflected on what it means to be thankful and how we can show appreciation for the people who support and care for us.

Students helped create invitations for our first Friendsgiving in our new building, taking pride in preparing something special to share with others. We then came together for a joyful Friendsgiving celebration, welcoming staff, students, administration, and some of our construction friends who helped make our new building possible. Sharing a meal and time together was a meaningful way to build connections, celebrate our new community, and practice gratitude in action.

When the snow arrived, students had the opportunity to experience it in a hands-on and sensory-rich way. They explored the cold texture of the snow, felt the chill, and enjoyed playing and experimenting with it at their own pace.

To add to the fun, students used food coloring to create colorful designs in the snow, turning the experience into a creative and engaging activity. This winter exploration allowed students to connect with the season, engage their senses, and enjoy learning through play while making joyful winter memories.

Our students recently enjoyed an exciting trip to the trampoline park with our Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher. While having fun jumping, bouncing, and moving, students were also working on strength, endurance, coordination, and overall fitness. The outing blended exercise and enjoyment, showing students that staying active can be both healthy and fun.

This experience was such a success that trampoline park trips will continue throughout the winter months, providing students with an engaging way to stay active, build skills, and enjoy movement even when outdoor options are limited.

To kick off the holiday season, students had the opportunity to celebrate early with a special community outing to Build-A-Bear at Fox Valley Mall. During this experience, students were able to choose their own bear, help make it, give it a name, and select a shirt—creating a personalized keepsake to take home.

The day also included going out to lunch, giving students additional opportunities to practice real-world skills such as making choices, ordering food, and enjoying time together in the community. This festive outing combined holiday fun with meaningful learning, independence, and shared joy as we celebrated the season together.

Our students enjoyed a special school outing to Bass Pro Shops to visit Santa, a favorite seasonal tradition for many. The experience offered a fun and welcoming way to celebrate the holidays while giving students the opportunity to explore the store, take in the festive decorations, and share a moment with Santa in a calm, supportive environment. From smiles and laughter to meaningful sensory experiences, it was a joyful day that created lasting holiday memories for our students and staff alike.

As the holiday season approached, students in the PM shift spent time after school preparing and celebrating together. One of the highlights was continuing a cherished tradition—decorating the holiday tree as a group. Students worked side by side hanging ornaments, adding lights, and making the space feel festive and welcoming.

This shared activity was more than decorating; it was about building community, creating memories, and enjoying time together in our new building. Decorating the tree has quickly become a meaningful tradition, helping students feel connected, included, and excited as we head into the holiday season.

Each year, one of our most loved PM shift traditions is a visit to see the holiday lights at The Morton Arboretum, and this year was no exception. Students enjoyed walking the illuminated paths, taking in the sights, colors, sounds and festive displays that make this experience so special.

This annual outing is a holiday favorite, offering a chance to slow down, enjoy the season together, and create lasting memories. Sharing this tradition year after year continues to bring joy, connection, and a sense of celebration to our PM shift community.

After school, students enjoyed getting into the holiday spirit by building gingerbread houses and creating a fun popcorn snack for movie night. From decorating gingerbread with icing and candy to preparing popcorn together, students practiced creativity, teamwork, and life skills—all while having a great time.

The evening wrapped up with a cozy movie night, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the treats they helped make. This festive activity was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season, spend time together, and make special memories with friends.

As we come to the close of the year, the PRC Administration would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our entire PRC community—our dedicated staff, incredible students, and supportive families. Your hard work, partnership, flexibility, and encouragement have made this year truly meaningful, especially as we embraced new opportunities and continued to grow together.

To our staff, thank you for your commitment and care each day. To our students, thank you for your resilience, joy, and willingness to try new things. To our families, thank you for your trust, collaboration, and ongoing support—it truly makes a difference.

Because of all of you, PRC continues to be a place of learning, connection, and belonging. We look forward to the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together.

We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, restful, and joyful holiday season. 💙