March Pinckney Pulse

As we bid farewell to the winter season and eagerly welcome the warmer days of spring, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation for the new beginnings that lie ahead for our school community. With the vibrant colors of nature beginning to emerge and the promise of growth and renewal in the air, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that await us.

Spring is a time of transformation, both in nature and in our lives. It symbolizes a fresh start, a chance to shed the old and embrace the new with open arms. Just as the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, so too do we have the opportunity to grow and flourish as individuals and as a community.

At CC@P, we are committed to nurturing the growth and development of every student, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As we embark on this new season together, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace the spirit of spring and seize the countless opportunities that come your way.

Let us approach the coming months with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm, eager to learn, explore, and discover. Let us celebrate the achievements of our students, no matter how big or small, and support one another as we navigate the challenges that may arise.

As we look forward to the remainder of the school year, I am confident that with your continued support and involvement, we will create a learning community where every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you all for your unwavering dedication to our school and our students. Together, let us embrace the beauty of spring and the endless possibilities it brings.

-Jenna

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month®?

National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. National Nutrition Month also promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information.

As spring approaches, it's not just nature that's experiencing a period of transition and growth. Our students, too, are embarking on significant changes and new beginnings. This season, we see various transitions unfolding within our Community Transition program, each marking a pivotal step in our students' journeys.

Firstly, we have students who are transitioning to adult services, stepping out of the school environment for the first time since early childhood. This major shift represents their move towards greater independence and integration into the wider community.

Equally important is the transition of students into Project Search. This unique program, a collaboration between vocational rehabilitation, businesses, and our school district, offers a one-year immersion into the world of work. It focuses on providing real-life work experiences alongside training in employability and independent living skills. This program is specifically tailored to help young people with disabilities transition smoothly into productive adult life, with the ultimate goal of competitive integrated employment.

Another group of students are spending an additional year (or two) with us to further develop their skills, gain more work experience, and refine their career interests. This extra time is invaluable for personal growth and fine-tuning their future goals.

Lastly, we are welcoming new students transitioning from high school, many who will be visiting during social groups and/or on tours with their family in the upcoming weeks. This transition might be challenging as our focus shifts more towards skills for independent living, employment, further training, and community engagement, rather than traditional academic learning.

Each of these transitions represents a new chapter in our students' lives, filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and self-discovery. As we move into this season of change, we are excited to support each student in embracing their unique path and flourishing in their new endeavors.

Please reach out to jennifer.burnes@usd497.org for any questions about resources, supports, or other needs during these transitional years.

Here is an update from our amazing Garden Assistant, Sally:

Seeds have officially been started!! With the help of HS STC students there are greens and flowers started in the plant room. Some plants in the outdoor beds are still surviving under the protection of the greenhouse plastic. A sprinkling of lettuce plants are hanging on out there and a robust brussels sprout plant is doing well but is not quite producing. You can see the beginnings of some buds along the stalk that may become brussels - we'll see! A MS STC student helped put some seeds in out there experimentally - this time of year is inconsistent but the cover just may give the seeds what they need. If students in any program want to help with outdoor gardening on warmer days, come find Sally in the STC on Tues, Wed, and Thurs mornings or email her sarah.birmingham@usd497.org about the garden to-do list.

Friday, March 1st- NO SCHOOL(EC-12)

Friday, March 8th- NO SCHOOL(EC-12)

Monday, March 11th - Friday, March 15th- NO SCHOOL; SPRING BREAK

Friday, March 15th- DISTRICT CLOSED

Friday, March 28th- C-Tran Job Olympics