Wrapping up a successful year at PrairieWood!

We are coming to you for the last time for the 2011-2012 School Year.  We were VERY busy this week, out in our community trying out trails at parks, playing kick ball, visiting new places.  We also had a picnic party today to celebrate our school year, all our hard work and accomplishments!  We just couldn't decide who to have our feature blogger this week...so we are featuring all seven students.  Enjoy our blog entry and pictures!

Chelsey - "This week at PrairieWood I learned to pick out my own freezer meal at the grocery store.  I was challenged by walking the Cherokee Trail.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about the plants that we saw at the Noelridge Greenhouse."

Kaitlyn - "This week at PrairieWood I learned to play the Next Dollar Shopping game.  I enjoyed playing kickball at Jones Park.  I was challenged by remembering where the bases were when running for kickball.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about doing some running."  I really liked looking at the flowers in the greenhouse at Noelridge Park."

Brandon - "This week at Prairiewood I learned about all the flowers at the greenhouse.  I enjoyed washing dishes in the kitchen.  I was challenged by sorting.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about being the calendar helper."

Ahsia - "This week at PrairieWood I learned how to play kickball at Jones Park.  I enjoyed walking on the trail outside.  I was challenged by kicking the kick ball in my sparkly shoes.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about packing and organizing cabinets.  I really like cleaning the table outside for lunch."

Kendra - "This week at PrairieWood I learned to go to Hy-Vee and by Apples, Watermelon, and my own freezer meal.  I enjoyed making Thank You cards for working at Pet's Playhouse.  I was challenged by going to get the kick ball at Jones Park.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about cooking for a party."

Cassie - "This week at PrairieWood I learned about trees in my News2You for morning group.  I enjoyed walking the Cherokee Trail.  I was challenged by leaving Pet's Playhouse.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about fancy drawings and designs.  We had our end of the year picnic at the center and ate hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch.

 Sarah - "This week at PrairieWood I learned to find onions at Hy-Vee.  I was challenged by running for kickball.  I enjoyed looking at flowers.  I would like to learn about going for walks at the Park.  I am excited about my Discovery Living house."

We are also sending three young ladies into the working adult world.  Kendra, Sarah, and Cassie have all successfully completed their PrairieWood programming.  All three will be starting work at OPTIONS in June.  We will miss their laughter, smiles, and bubbly personalities, but are so proud of the work they have done and can't wait to hear about the great things they will do as adults!  Congratulations Kendra, Sarah, and Cassie!!!

Trying Something New...

Each week at the grocery Store one PrairieWood student has a "special fruit or vegetable" on their grocery list.  Throughout the year we have tried asparagus, brussel sprouts, kiwi, pamello, blood orange, Asian pear, cranberries, avocado, fennel, turnips.  The goal of trying these different foods is to encourage PrairieWood students to be outgoing, and try different, healthy food options.  For the most part, they really enjoy these new food adventures!  Our feature blogger this week, Kendra,  also had the job of picking out our special fruit or vegetable for the week.  We were running out of unique options, lets see what she picked...

"This week at PrairieWood I learned to go to Hy-Vee to get special fruit coconut.  I enjoyed a nice walk outside on Wednesday.  I was challenged by sweeping all floors.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about cleaning the bathroom."

Have a great weekend...get out and enjoy this BEAUTIFUL weather!

A Beautiful Week...

What amazing weather we have had this week!  It has us all ready for summer time!  We took advantage of the weather this week, with long walks outside for our Recreation and Exercise time as well as our Friday community activity.  We spent the sunny day at Palisades park grilling hot dogs, making s'mores, and sketching the nature down by the river.  What a great way to wrap up a beautiful week!  Our feature blogger this week is Brandon, who happened to celebrate his 20th Birthday this week!  Happy Friday!

The Spongebob Birthday Treats Brandon shared with his friends.

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Enjoying the sunshine at Palisades...drawing by the river.

"This week at PrairieWood I learned to count the clothes.  I enjoyed shredding paper.  I was challenged by drying dishes in the kitchen.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about money."

New Transitions...

Each year, at the Transition Center, we send a group of students into the adult world.  After time with us, many transition into new jobs and daily programming.  This year, we are sending three young ladies to work for OPTIONS of Linn County.  To prepare them for this next step, each student spends time before leaving school, learning the ropes at OPTIONS.  Cassie, our feature blogger this week did just that.  Here is what she had to say about her week at OPTIONS!

"This week at PrairieWood I learned about the PlanetSolar in my News2You.  I enjoyed being at OPTIONS.  I was challenged by not leaving the break room area when staff hasn't called "Times Up!"  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about folding the trays at OPTIONS.  We are going to Subway today!"

Have a great weekend!