So long!

What a year we have had!  Nine students entered our program in August to develop and expand their functional life skills.  This spring we are sending six students of those nine out into the adult world.  Look out for them at the HyVee on Wilson Ave., HyVee drug on 6th Street, at Prairie High School, at OPTIONS of Linn County, the Walgreens Training program through Goodwill and Career Connections, also through Goodwill.  What an amazing group of young adults!  We are so proud to send them on their way to do great things and conquer the world.  As we wrap up this school year, we will share the happenings from our several of our grads.

Ahsia (3 years at PrairieWood)
"This week at PrairieWood, I learned City bus and pushing the tape for HyVee.  I enjoyed being at PrairieWood.  I was challeneged by the BINGO game.  I will miss everyone at PrairieWood next year.  They are my friends."

Chase (1 year at PrairieWood)
"This week at PrairieWood, I learned I did great on spoons and forks at work.  I enjoyed doing my cooking project.  I was challenged by doing faster on dishes.  I loved being at PrairieWood."

Brandon (2 years at PrairieWood)
"This week at PrairieWood I learned about washing dishes.  I enjoyed wiping tables.  I was challenged by laundry.  I am done with work for now at HyVee."

Mason (1 year at PrairieWood)
"This week at PrairieWood I learned how to put the funnel back on the pop machine in the coffee area at work.  I enjoyed HyVee being really busy.  I was challenged by keeping up with all the dirty dishes on the tables.  I did so well and accomplished so much in my time at PrairieWood."

Only one more day left.  Next week those that are still around will reflect on their year at PrairieWood and will provide advice for our incoming students.  Have a great weekend!

Where have we been?!?

Whelp, it has been one VERY busy spring around the PrairieWood Transition Center!  Starting in January, we began preparing for the Special Olympics Track and field.  All our hard practice payed off because at the Regional Competition on April 20th all of our students got 2nd and 1st place ribbons!  We are taking 6 students to the state competition in May!!!  We couldn't be prouder!

We also have 6 students who will be leaving PrairieWood this spring and transitioning to the adult community in Cedar Rapids.  Some will be competatively employed in the community, while others are taking some time to further develop their skills through programs such as Career Connections and OPTIONS.

On May 6th we will be celebrating 5 years of building independence with our community open house.  To prepare for this, PrairieWood students reflected on all they have learned and enjoyed at the center along with their plans upon leaving PrairieWood.  These interviews, along with pictures and video of the students around PrairieWood and the community were compiled into a video which will be shown at our open house.  Students also prepared cookies, trail mix and lemonade for our guests to enjoy and just completed a very deep cleaning of the center.  As I write it is sparkling clean and awaiting Monday's guests.

Our feature blogger this week is Sarah.  Here is what she had to say about her week at PrairieWood.

"This week at PrairieWood, I learned grocery shopping.  I enjoyed cooking because I made sugar cookies.  I was challenged by completing my work.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about the News2You stories."

Maybe we will see some of our loyal readers on Monday...  Have a good weekend!