Embedded Files
Summer sunrise over Lake Michigan
Virtual Open House
Virtual Open House
Every year, we conduct an open house to help new families become more acclimated to Transition Services and what we do. We hope you were able to join us for our annual Transition Open House when we reviewed the program (new staff, mission, philosophy, curriculum, etc.) and fielded questions from Transition parents.
Welcome Back!
Welcome Back!
Despite all that has been happening in our world, we hope you were able to enjoy a memorable summer with your loved ones. We have chosen an image of a beautiful sunrise to represent our theme for this issue of the Transition Newsletter. As we approach a new school year with unprecedented challenges ahead, we must realize the opportunities that each day provides for us to learn new skills, build positive relationships, and accomplish our goals.
We are very excited to have our team together and to begin the 2020-2021 school year!
Staff News
Staff News
This fall, we are thrilled to welcome three new staff members to the Transition Program as well as two familiar faces who will be taking on new positions.
Samantha Medland
Samantha Medland
This fall will be my fourth year as a Speech-Language Pathologist and my first year at Lake Forest High School. I previously covered five different life skills classrooms with a variety of students and absolutely loved it! I received my Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University in Chicago. I am very excited to be starting at Lake Forest High School this fall!
Nick Fanella
Nick Fanella
I am happy to be starting my first school year at Lake Forest High School in the Transition Program. I am from Fox Lake, Illinois, and have spent the past six years serving in the United States Air Force. I am currently continuing my education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with plans to pursue a teaching degree. An interesting fact about me is that I am a triplet!
Zach Chapman
Zach Chapman
This is going to be my first year in the Transition Program at Lake Forest High School. I have a degree in physical education, and I have worked in special ed programs as well as coaching gymnastics for Special Olympics. I grew up in Libertyville, and I am living in Gurnee with my wife and our two cats. Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing, or just anything that keeps us exploring the outdoors!
Nick Kramer
Nick Kramer
I am excited about my new role as the classroom transition teacher. I have been a classroom TA for the past three years in the Lake Forest High School Transition program. During that time, I have held many roles that will help me as I transition to the classroom teacher, and that will benefit all of our students as they move forward in their educational careers. In addition to my work in the classroom, I am a varsity wrestling coach, JV girls soccer coach, and Special Olympics head coach at Lake Forest. I received my bachelor's degree from The University of Iowa and completed my MAT from National Louis University.
Diana Beckman
Diana Beckman
I wanted to let you know that I will have a new role for the 20-21 school year. I will no longer be teaching Transition Services as I will be the Vocational Coordinator for Lake Forest District 115. As the Vocational Coordinator, I will be regularly collaborating with you to develop work experiences and competitive employment opportunities aligned to the student’s Transition Plan.
I am grateful for the time I have spent building relationships and teaching in the Transition Program. I look forward to working with you in this new capacity by becoming the lead contact and liaison for career exploration and counseling, vocational training, and employment needs.
In addition, as part of this transition, it is comforting to know that my colleague and former Teaching Assistant, Nick Kramer, will be the new Transition Teacher. Nick has been an integral part of expanding Transition services for the past three years and he has built strong relationships with many of you and the students who receive Transition services. Nick has taken the lead to develop our Special Olympics Program too.
Thank you for the amazing opportunity to collaborate with you this school year and I am excited to continue my work specific to employment opportunities.
Cooking
Cooking
Nick's class has completed its first week of cooking from home! The students made either brownies from scratch or applesauce muffins. Each student was very happy (as you can see) with how their recipes turned out.
Class Activities
Class Activities
Alissa's class has jumped right into the new schedule with awesome participation and enthusiasm. A great start to the school year!
Morning work
School Connect Lesson
Group Workout
Virtual Cooking Class
We made Mac and Cheese from scratch!Transition Program Pets
Transition Program Pets
One of the perks of working from home has been spending more time with our families, including our pets! We have also enjoyed getting to see each other's adorable pets through group chats and meetings. We thought it would be fun and uplifting to continue featuring the pets of our Transition Program here in our newsletter.
This is Milo.
This is Milo.
Milo is Gillian's dog. He turned 11 years old in May. Even though Milo isn't a puppy anymore, he still acts like one! He loves to stand outside the kitchen and roll his ball in so someone will play with him. Milo has helped Gillian throughout this pandemic by being the "best dog in the whole wide world!"
This is Rogue.
This is Rogue.
Rogue is Jake's dog. She is four and a half years old and was named after the comic book character. From Jake's description of her personality, she seems a bit sassy at times, but she truly loves her family. Jake remembers when he first met Rogue as a puppy, she crawled right into his lap. He says she is helping him through the quarantine by being a good focus for his happiness.
This is Gustaf.
This is Gustaf.
Gustaf is D'Anna's puppy. His family and friends call him Gus. He is almost three months old. Gus has a lot of energy but also takes lots of naps. He loves to play fetch and tug of war with his toys, and keeps his family very busy while they are at home!
Student Forms
Student Forms
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources
Choices Flyer 2020 Save the Date-FINAL DRAFT.pdfReport abuse