We all know as parents how difficult it can be to get our children out of the door in a timely manner. Mornings are exhausting and often leave parents feeling depleted, frustrated, guilty, anxious and the emotional list goes on! Did you know that establishing a routine in the morning,...
Who could have imagined that when we opened our doors in 1982 to 16 students that 40 years later we would have 54 students enrolled and expanded our services to include an adult program with 37 participants. Growing our mission would have been impossible without the assistance of those who...
At last year’s Legacy Gala, Suzanne Fernandez shared her family’s journey through the special education system. That evening, her daughter Melissa turned 21. While it was a happy day, it was also a very scary one for Suzanne as her parent. Turning 21 meant that at the end of the...
Before the COVID pandemic hit, JPII adult participant and JPII graduate Gina C. had a part-time job that she loved. Unfortunately, her employer needed to restructure because of new guidelines, and Gina’s position was eliminated. It was a difficult time for her. Fast-forward one year, and Gina’s mother reached out...
“I think the most special part of Justin being at JPII is that he has friends.” – Tisa U. Friendships and meaningful social interactions are essential for children to be successful and happy. For those with disabilities, building friendships and interacting appropriately can be difficult, but with the proper support and...
Follow Up from Mrs. Berkhammer: As we enter month two of the lunch program, I was thinking a little bit about JPII this time last year. What a difference a year’s time can make. We have definitely made progress! We have evolved and made huge strides in the right direction. ...
Exciting News from Mrs. Berkhammer: This year has been trying to say the least. Let us start by saying that since the start of this pandemic, we have always tried to find the positive in the mess of the past year. Some days are better than others. Just like everyone...
Teacher Excellence Endowment Fund Planned gifts are very personal. They come from the heart and provide donors with the opportunity to create their lasting legacy. While these gifts are often made as bequests, it is possible to provide a planned gift today so you can see its immediate impact. At...
“Exercise has a clear physical effect on our body; making us stronger, positively changing our health, and combating underlying health conditions” – Tara Simmons Help Us Improve Physical Health And Relieve Stress Through Adaptive Physical Education Program So many things have changed as a result of the COVID pandemic. For...
“We’ve never had anyone care for Molli the way that your staff does,” – Kellie G Before coming to John Paul II Center for Special Learning (JPII), Molli had a difficult time in school. Simply getting her on and off the bus became a challenge because she didn’t feel comfortable...
