Photo by Sean Coughlan - Cozumel

As we bring this school year to a close, we must reflect on the challenges we faced due to Covid 19. The transition to remote learning provided many new situations that we all faced together as a team. We have great leaders and resources at Lake Forest High School and we relied on technology to communicate, educate, and explore. The experience we gained as a staff will undoubtably only elevate our program. In addition, our students have added new elements to their communication and independent living skills. We can look back on this experience and be proud of the dedication and hard work from all of our students, staff, and families.

We asked our students to reflect on the highlights of their unique experiences with distance learning. Here are some of their responses:

• Gillian: One positive thing that came out of my remote learning experience would be that if I got all my work done for the week I would get to watch a movie with classmates each Friday. The most positive thing that came out of my remote learning experience would be that I still got to see everyone on Google Meet every week.

• Charlie: I loved doing book club because I’ve never done one before. It was a fun time. It got me to like reading a little bit. The most positive thing that came out of the remote learning experience was still getting to see everyone through video chat. I think I have improved the most on my vocational skills this school year.

• Quinn: The biggest challenge of remote learning was the internet issues with Schoology. I remember when Schoology was down for parts of the first two weeks of remote learning. Something positive that I learned specifically from my remote learning experience was about other countries and places. I improved on my independent living skills the most because I’ve gotten a lot better at cooking and budgeting.

• Charles: The biggest challenge of remote learning for me was having to be away from people. Something positive that I learned specifically from my remote learning experience was learning how much technology has evolved. The areas of Transition that I feel I have improved the most are my social and emotional skills.

• Jake: I have made the most improvement with my independence. I do my own laundry and I have job waiting for me after the virus.

A Passion Project is an activity that taps into our talents—the things we love and that bring us joy. Having a Passion Project helps to develop our character and make us better people.

The students in Alissa's class have been encouraged to dedicate some time at home towards further developing their own personal Passion Projects. Here are three more great examples that will hopefully inspire you to pursue a passion as well.

Alissa's class created visual journal entries about the season of spring.

Familiar Faces - Exciting New Roles

One of the perks of working from home has been the opportunity to spend more time with our families including our pets!

We invite you to meet a few more of our Transition Program Pets!

During this crazy pandemic, whether our local parks and recreation areas will be open this summer is a hit or miss proposition. We may have to get creative when it comes to finding interesting things to occupy our time this summer. Follow the links below for some fun ideas!

Just because certain areas of our park districts may be closed, that doesn't mean we can't get outside and walk, ride bikes, grill, or work in our gardens and yards. We can also get "outside" virtually. Take virtual tours of our National Parks, 7 beautiful Southern gardens, hike the Great Wall of China, spot dolphins with these calming beach cams, or if these places aren't far enough away, take a NASA virtual space tour!

Hone your cooking skills by taking a class with a celebrity chef! Learn how to make the original brownie which was invented at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, learn how to make the DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, or create the famous Disney Dole Whip with just three ingredients.

Disney Parks are closed, but that can't stop you from taking virtual rides, or watching a Disney parade. Have some fun inside with Monster Park, an augmented reality game that allows you to observe and rule lifelike dinosaurs and other horrible creatures inside your home with your device’s camera. IOS or Android. Try it!

There are many, MANY more resources from animal livestreams to concerts and online classes in this article!

Important information about summer opportunities at NSSRA:

NSSRA is offering a virtual camp this summer, among other things (see links below for specific details). Blair Hill, Recreation Manager Camps/Summer Programs, sent camp information to all families that participated in camp in 2019 and/or registered in 2020. If families who have not participated in camp are interested in hearing more (it will be approximately 1 hour/day between 12 – 3pm for 5 weeks beginning 6/15) they can email Blair at bhill@nssra.org and she will send information.

NSSRA's YouTube Channel ^^