Back at it...

After a restful week off, PrairieWood students and staff did not hesitate in getting back to business upon our return from Spring Break.  First thing Monday morning, we were off to the Grocery Store where we were in search of bargains and the items listed on our individual grocery lists.  We also took time this week to use the city bus to travel to a coffee shop not far from the transition center and make a purchase.  Work sites were business as usual as well.  We are happy to be back in the swing of things and anxious about all the fun things on our horizon this spring!  This week we will feature TWO bloggers: Cassie B. and Kendra.  Here is what they have to say about their week at PrairieWood.

Cassie B.:
"This week at PrairieWood I learned where Coffee Talk was located.  I enjoyed dusting shelves at camp.  I was challenged by opening the pop machine at work.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about how to compare prices at any of the stores, like Hy-Vee." 

Kendra:
"This week at PrairieWood I learned about the Cherry Blossom festival in News2You.  I enjoyed completing all my worksheets: Counting Wizard, Fill in the Blanks, and Survival Signs review.  I was challenged by the Opposites worksheet.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about walking outside."

Happy weekend to all our friends and readers!

Ready for a vacation...

We have been so busy learning new things at PrairieWood, that it appears we have worn ourselves out and are ready for a vacation.  It is a good thing we are approaching our week of Spring Break.  In talking about our plans for over break, it sounds like everybody is staying close to home, but has some fun and interesting things planned.  We hope you take some time to rest over the week off, and come back ready to work hard.  Before we know it, we will be reaching the end of the school year!  Our feature blogger this week is Ahsia.  Here is what she had to say about our week at the Transition Center.

"This week at PrairieWood I learned to put the correct words (Dolch) into sentences.  I enjoyed taking the bus to Coffee Talk.  I was challenged by vacuuming hallways at the city bus.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn about how to take the city bus to the movies."

Have a great Spring Break!

Spring is in the air...

We are starting to see signs of spring all over and it has got us very excited!  We have been enjoying many bird sightings, hopping around mud to get to and from our building, and the weather that makes it easier and more enjoyable to spend so much time outside.  We have also been enjoying observing the nesting of the Bald Eagle that has been recorded in Decorah.  If you'd like to check it out, go to:
http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/.  
We have a computer on this site at almost all times of the day and have been entertained by the switching between mother and father when its time to eat, and have even witnessed the "development" of a new egg!!!  What fun it has been!  Our feature blogger this week is Brian.  Here is what he has to say about his week at PrairieWood.

"This week at PrairieWood I learned to staple laundry bags at work.  I enjoyed eating the strawberry banana roll-up.  I was challenged by sweeping steps.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about beach swimming."

...You can see, we're even ready for our old favorite Friday activities of Spring.  Lets hope this Spring-like weather sticks around for good!  Have a great weekend!!!

A glipse into our Work Experience...

We've been working at our current work sites for a few months now and have finally gotten the camera in to capture what our Work Experience looks like.  Take some time to scroll through today's blog posting and check out our students in action at their community work sites!  Our feature blogger this week is Andy.  Here is what he has to say about his week at PrairieWood...

"This week I learned to clean the dishes.  I enjoyed putting chairs on a cart at work.  I was challenged by following my schedule independently.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about riding the bus on route 7."

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Andy and Cassie doing inventory at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca

Ahsia cleaning furniture in the student lounge at the Kirkwood Hotel.

Brian vacuuming the student lounge at the Kirkwood Hotel

Sarah mopping in the student lounge kitchen at the Kirkwood Hotel.

"Wii" Love it!

Sorry for the delay in our blog update.  Friday afternoon was a little hectic!

What an exciting week it has been at the Transition Center!  Thanks to a generous gift from the Ely Rotary, the PrairieWood Transition Center is now a proud new owner of a Nintendo Wii gaming system.  This system gives students the opportunity to explore recreation and leisure activities while improving coordination and focus.  Each student has enjoyed the opportunity to play various games on the system, but the current favorite has to be the Bowling!  Thank you to the Ely Rotary for the donation!  We love it!!  Our feature blogger this week is Sarah.  Here is what Sarah has to say about her week at PrairieWood...

"This week at PrairieWood I learned about riding the city bus.  I enjoyed making turkey.  I was challenged by making a thank you card.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn about dancing at Super Skate."

 

Baker's Delight!

We had a busy week of baking at the transition center.  The weeks cooking projects were devoted to preparing baked goods for the Bake Sale that will accompany the Ely Rotary's Soup Supper this weekend.  Each group prepared several items.  One group made two delicious Cherry Pineapple "Dump Cakes," one group made three delicious Cherry Chocolate cakes, and one group made a beautiful and delicious Cherry Pie.  We are so appreciative of all the things the Ely Rotary has done and continues to do for our program.  Our feature blogger this week is Kendra.  Here is what Kendra has to say about her week at PrairieWood...

"This week at PrairieWood I learned about the US Stamp in News2You.  I enjoyed making the Cherry Pie.  I was challenged by the Dolch Word practice.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about Bowling.  Bowling was fun."

Please enjoy the pictures below from our week of baking.  Also, if you are looking for a great meal on Saturday night, head out to Ely for the Ely Rotary Soup and Chili Supper.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the warm-up that is heading our way!

Despite the snow...

Happy Friday everyone!  It certainly does not feel like a regular Friday around PrairieWood, as this is only our third day of school this week.  An early release and two snow days took away our chances to get out to our community work sites much this week.  We will have a lot of catching up to do when we return on Monday!  With that, and several other projects that had to be put off this week, we know we have some busy days ahead of us catching up on what didn't get done this week.  We did manage, however to have SOME productivity...so we have some learning to blog about.  We participated in Rollerskating at Super Skate with other special education classes from school districts all around the area.  It was fun to see some familiar faces, and we really enjoyed rollerskating, dancing, and listening to the music.  Our feature blogger this week is Ahisa.  Here is what she has to say about her short week at PrairieWood...

"This week at PrairieWood I learned how to cook Grilled Cheese sandwiches on the stove top.  I enjoyed Rollerskating at Super Skate.  I was challenged by my morning group worksheets.  At PrairieWood I would like to learn more about Rollerskating."

Rollerskating was a FAVORITE activity.  Its a good thing we will be making another trip on February 18th!  To all our loyal and new readers, thank you for tuning in, and have a great weekend!