Ritter 3 East

This dorm unit is for our special needs students. What we "do" varies, because it depends on that week's activities, chores, and educational learning opportunities. We have many year round activities like the Special Olympics, horseback riding, adopt a grandparent program, swimming, and bowling. We also participate in school functions like parties, open gym, and watching sports.

We look forward to doing chores because through them the students learn the necessary functions of every day life. They learn vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and washing/drying/folding their clothes, as well as cleaning their bedrooms, the kitchen and living area. Everyone has different learning activities like cooking, reading, making beds, brushing teeth, and bathing independently contingent upon each student's capabilities. Most of all we teach the students "right from wrong" by consistently following the rules that are set for them. 

We also help the students with their classroom work. When they bring homework and ask for help, we sit down with them to be sure they understand what they are to do and then check to be sure they've finished the assignment appropriately. All of this seems like just work, but when we're not engaging the students in learning, we do just play games, and enjoy recreational activities always keeping in mind the need to match the activity to the student's level of functioning and interest. Our goal is that the students become as independent as they possibly can.