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FROM THE PRINCIPAL -- AUGUST 2023

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Welcome to a new school year! We are delighted to open our doors to more students than ever before this year, because of the support of our incredible community.


This year, we are serving 129 students and clients across our charter school (Pre-K - 8th grades), high school and vocational center (9th - 12th grades) and adult program (ages 21+).


This is a time of excitement and growth at Connections, and we appreciate you being part of it! I hope to see you at the school or at our events throughout the year.

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Debra A. Johnson, M.Ed

Principal/Executive Director

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Student Spotlight: Unlocking Chamia-Marie's Potential


At a young age, Chamia-Marie struggled with behavior, communication and social aspects, and she was diagnosed with autism. When she turned three, the Florida public school system assigned her to a nearby preschool class for children with a variety of special needs. β€œChamia-Marie did not thrive there. She went there for a year but not much was accomplished and she didn’t get the attention she needed,” says her mom, Milande Charles.

 

Milande searched for a school that specialized in autism, knowing that her daughter needed to be taught the way that children with autism learn. She found Connections and enrolled her daughter in Pre-K. And in just one year, Chamia-Marie has made incredible progress. See more.

See Chamia-Marie's Story
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SCHOOL NEWS

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We're a FINALIST! πŸŽ‰ Thank you for voting!


This summer, hundreds of schools and programs were nominated for Palm Beach Illustrated magazine's 2023 Education Awards. From those nominations, TWO of our entries were selected as a finalist for this prestigious awards program.


When finalists were announced this summer, we asked you to vote for us and you responded! Thank you!


Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sept. 7, 2023, at The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach. We've been invited to attend that ceremony and to speak on a panel at the event. The panel of educators will share insights about mental health and education -- such an important topic.


Thank you for voting for Connections and helping others understand how we change lives. Stay tuned to find out the results from the awards ceremony!

Don't Miss the 2023 Fire Truck Pull on Sept. 2!


We're days away from our first-ever Fire Truck Pull coming up Saturday, Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens.


We have an amazing lineup of teams getting ready to see who can pull a REAL fire truck fastest! These teams are also competing to see who can raise the most money to support students with autism at Connections!


We set a fundraising goal of $15,000 for this event this inaugural year. As of press time, we are just $1,100 away from hitting this goal! You can help us get there by selecting a team to donate on behalf of and contributing. Every bit helps! Select a team here.


We hope you'll join us at the event. Come cheer on these teams and show them how engaged our incredible community is!

Learn More

Our NEW School Bus Arrived Today!


Our new school bus just arrived! Last year, we asked the community to help us fund a new school bus to replace our aging bus that needed much repair and lacked many safety features that our students need.


You came through, and our students will benefit from your generosity!


This new school bus can transport multiple classes at a time to our adaptive swim lessons that are designed to help students learn water safety. It also enables us to take students out in the community for field trips, vocational opportunities and other hands-on learning experiences.


Thank you for helping us meet our transportation needs with this new bus so that the children can access swim lessons and community-based instruction safely.

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2023 Summer Camp Was A Huge Success


Did you know that when school pauses for the summer, our doors remain open to many of our students and clients with autism who need support?


Our students with autism are at higher risk for significant regression over the summer break. While typical students may fall back a few reading levels over the summer, children with autism often lose academic progress but also vital communication, social and behavioral skills. It's essential for them to attend a safe summer program where instructors understand their needs.


Connections provides that program through our Summer Camp. This year, we served more than 30 students and clients who benefited from well-structured days and engaging activities while having fun with peers!

First Day of School Smiles!


The 2023-24 school year is off to a great start! Enjoy more photos from our first day on our Facebook page.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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Sept.

2

2023 Fire Truck Pull

Come see who can pull a REAL fire truck fastest while also supporting a great cause! More.

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Sept.

18

Curriculum Night/Back to School Event

Connections families are invited to join teachers and staff to learn more about what their children will be learning this year.

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Nov.

12

Sip & Shop at Evelyn & Arthur

Join us to sip and shop while helping support Connections! Evelyn & Arthur will donate 10% of proceeds to our school. More.

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Nov.

16

Overcomer Breakfast

Join us for the Rooney's Golf Foundation's 10th Annual Overcomer Breakfast to hear an inspiring message from Carter Bonas, a golfer and entrepreneur with autism. More.

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Dec.

7

Shop & Share at Lilly Pulitzer

Come get your holiday shopping done while helping raise money for Connections! Lilly Pulitzer will donate a portion of the proceeds to our school. More.

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Feb.

4

Swank Table Family Style Dinner

Enjoy a unique experience at Swank Farm with a five-course dinner served family style. This event, which benefits Connections, features fresh-from-the-farm produce, local spirits and accomplished chefs. Watch for more details.

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Feb.

17

7th Annual Hearts & Hands Gala

Don't miss this unforgettable evening where we'll Play It Forward while celebrating the incredible difference being made at Connections. More.

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March

30

Rooney's 17th Annual 5k Run/Walk

Join us for a fun family event for the serious and not-so-serious runner! This event features Rooney's famous French toast breakfast, an event t-shirt and the chance to support local charities like Connections. More.

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