Some of our Transition Program students have recently begun regular visits to our local YMCA - where they can get some extra activity in, despite the cold. Last week's activity of choice? Basketball!
We've got Olympic fever!
Classroom Focus: High School
This installment of our Classroom Focus takes us behind the scenes of our HS2 classroom, led by Therese B.
Despite the cold, our High School folks have braved the elements to enjoy a few indoor community outings this month.
Bowling was a big hit for everyone:
A trip to the local coffee shop for some hot chocolate (or milkshakes!) ... 
And when all else fails, a little indoor competition:
We're all hoping for some warmer weather in the coming weeks!
Congratulations, Graduate!
Today, we honored our newest graduate from PACTT's transition program. Baron celebrated with his teachers, friends and family. Congratulations, B!
The weather outside is frightful ...
... but not frightful enough to keep us from our annual holiday tradition! Classrooms braved the weather Friday for a downtown adventure. A CTA train ride, visit to Macy's windows, trip through the Christkindlemarket and more, all made for a great trip!
Classroom Focus: Transition
This Classroom Focus takes a peek behind the scenes at our Transition Program, led by Katie G.:
PACTT Transition had a very busy and fun month!
Besides learning in our classroom, we were able to visit different community sites. 
We toured a local YMCA, which we will start visiting regularly in the beginning of 2014. We also played a few friendly games at the local arcade and visited local restaurants!
Everyone helped cook (and eat!) sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce for our school's Thanksgiving Feast. It was a great way to end November!
Thankfulness ... and turkey
Our annual Thanksgiving Family Feast was a grand success! We are grateful to all the friends and family who joined us to celebrate (and eat ... and eat ... and eat ...!)
From stuffing-mixing to decoration-hanging to fun with family, here are just a few of the pictures from today's festivities:
Congratulations, Graduate!
Last week, we celebrated our latest graduate from the Transition Program. Mike was more than happy to celebrate his day with family and friends Nadine Woodle (center) from Naperville Central High School joined us, and presented Mike with his NCHS diploma as well. Congratulations, Mike!
Classroom Focus: High School
This month we go behind the scenes with our High School 1 classroom, led by Vanessa K. The High School students have been busy with work - and fun - as we head into fall:
We've explored the community ...
We're learning about natural disasters - we even made our own volcanoes ...
And we had fun at Halloween!
Pumpkin Patch Adventures
Our Transition Program had a fantastical adventure to the pumpkin patch last week!
Congratulations, Graduate!
Today we celebrated the first of SIX (!) graduations for the 2013-2014 school year.
Our graduate celebrates with his family
Congratulations, EJ! We are all so proud of you!!!
Classroom Focus: Elementary
This month's Classroom Focus takes a peek behind the scenes with our Elementary Class, led by Ms. Heather:
Aaand we're back!
Students returned today, kicking off the official beginning of the 2013-2014 school year! Here are a few behind-the-scenes peeks at the first day action:
Staff training with a bit of fun on the side
Our new staff and our veteran crew got a chance to know each other today - and stretch their communication skills - with a unique challenge involving toothpicks and spice drops! These first two days of school also will give all our staff time to plan for the year, get classrooms organized, and think about their goals for the year.
We're ready - now all we need are the students!
Camp Adventures
The inaugural PACTT August Break Camp was a grand success! Participants from school, transition, and our adult vocational program spent a week enjoying structured activities, fun in the water, and an adventure to Indian Boundary Park.
And stay tuned for future camp opportunities!
End of school celebration
Wednesday, July 31st, family and friends gathered at PACTT to celebrate the end of another wonderful school year. We are proud of all the successes of our PACTT students this year!
Bowl-o-rama!
Our Transition Class and Adult Vocational Participants had a great time Bowling last week!
More beach fun!
Classroom Focus: Transition
In this month's Classroom Focus, we check in on our Transition Program, led by teacher Lauren M. -
The transition class has been having a exciting summer so far!
Our students are working hard at their job sites, keeping up with their IEP goals, and fitting in plenty of fun activities too. We've enjoyed going to the beach to swim, relax in the sand, and play whiffle ball. In addition to our daily strolls around the neighborhood, the class got in some exercise on a few of our cooler summer days with longer walks to the lighthouse pier, park, and Loyola University's campus. We've also visited the Lincoln Park Zoo and are frequent customers at our favorite local stores like 7-11 and Morse Fruit Market.
Take a peek at some of our summer fun:
Inch by inch, row by row ...
... we're gonna make this garden grow!
Thanks to dedicated staff and enthusiastic students who like to get their hands dirty, we have managed to keep a garden space growing here at school for several years now.
So, a few weeks ago, when we got a call from a neighbor who wanted to donate starter plants for our garden, I was thrilled!
She lives around the corner, has walked past our garden over the years, and knows it's something our students take care of throughout the summer.
Thanks to our new garden angel, we will have tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and green beans to plant - and hopefully eat by the end of summer!
