May 1, 2016

On Saturday, April 9, Levy held its bi-annual Prom. Prom is open for all Levy students age 16 and older and

all Levy alumni. The dance was from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This year’s theme was

“Frozen In Time,” and the school was decorated resembling the movie, “Frozen.” Levy’s staff, along with

the

assistance from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and Prairie Pilots, did the decorating.

Overall, Prom was a huge success! Approximately thirty-five current students and former alumni

attended the dance. It was great to see and catch up with several of our alumni. We also had students

from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School volunteer to dance and socialize with our students to make their

Prom experience more enjoyable.

Even though Prom requires a lot of people to volunteer a lot of hours, it is worth it to see the joy and

happiness on the faces of our students and alumni!

LET’S DANCE!

Basketball and Cheer Squad Banquet

On Friday, April 1, Levy held their Annual Basketball and Cheer Squad Banquet. During

this year’s banquet, the athletes were honored and celebrated the accomplishments that they

achieved during the season. This year’s keynote speaker was Nick Taylor. Over the years,

Nick has participated and won in the Paralympics, U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. World Cup,

and the Australian Open in tennis. His message to the audience was that if you always try

your best and never give up, you can achieve your goals through self-determination. He

highlighted several personal accomplishments that he has won over the years following this

philosophy.

Coach Debra and Levy’s Cheer Squad won 1st place in the Tri-County League. This award

was presented to the school for an outstanding job of showing enthusiasm and energy during

the season.

Congratulations to the basketball team and Cheer Squad for an outstanding season! You

make us proud!

Page 2

Community Activities are our Focus!

As a Community Based Program, the students in Levy’s L Tran Program spend over 50% of their time

in the community. Although these outings can be fun, we are learning and growing each time we leave

the building and get on a school bus.

As the school year winds down and we prepare for five of our students to graduate, the race is on to

get as much packed into our shortened school year as possible.

We continue to volunteer our time in the community four days a week. In addition, we strive to

become visible, integrated members of our community. Whether it is a trip to the local Wal-Mart to buy

groceries so we can cook lunch, a trip to Friends University to be entertained and engaged by the

Singing Quakers, or time spent with our Jardine Circle of Friends buddies at a nearby bowling alley,

we learn how to communicate with unfamiliar people. We learn how to use our manners during

performances. We learn to take turns and get along with others. We also learn how to engage in

vocational and leisure activities that every member of the Wichita community enjoys.

For our five graduates, I am proud of how far they have

come. Some have been in L Tran for four years or more.

Some have only been with us two years. All have grown

and matured into very responsible young adults who will

be venturing on to bigger and better things in the coming

years. My wish for every one of them is that they find

happiness and fulfillment in whatever they endeavors may

be.

L-Tran Program

Students working hard in their vegetable garden.

Getting ready to attend the Singing Quakers at

Friends University.

L-Tran students at Intrust Bank Arena.

Page 3

News from D-2 We are all enjoying spring! The outside breaks that we have been able to take have helped us release a lot of energy during the day.

The April Unique unit was “To Market to Market.” This unit discussed a lot about wants and needs. We have done a variety of activities that make the students think about what they need and what they want. I am continuing to try and teach them that candy is not a need, but they strongly disagree! I don’t know if I will ever win that battle. We have spent a lot of time on money during this unit. We not only want the students to identify the coin but also to understand its value. This unit has encouraged us to embed numeracy skills throughout the school day. During this unit, we learned a variety of vocabulary words such as: his, want, food, need, water, buy, that, you, blue, must, and live. The students seem to enjoy the vocabulary bingo game that is an activity within the unit. Each student in D-2 has made good progress in their reading and math skills.

In the next month, the unit will provide many science experiences. As the end of school rolls around, we will have fun things for our students to do such as Super Kids Day and the Senior Picnic. It is hard to believe that we are already in May and that school is almost over for the year. Maybe the school year went so fast because I am very pleased to work with such a great group of students and staff!

We hope everyone has a good summer!

D-2 students proudly displaying their piggy banks that they made during the unit on money.

Page 4

Learn All About Life Skills

During Life Skills, we target two different goals. We focus on teaching our students independent

skills regarding nutrition and cooking, and we also carry over different units from the Unique cur-

riculum.

When we are focusing on nutrition and cooking, we strive to concentrate on teaching our students

the importance of a nutritionally balanced diet, following a recipe, measuring ingredients, how to

use different kitchen appliances, and most importantly, how to be safe in the kitchen. After we

are done with all of this learning, the students get to do what they enjoy most….cooking and sam-

pling their finished product. This is their favorite part of the class!

When we are not cooking, we carry over different units from Unique. These enhancement activi-

ties focus on the current unit in the Unique curriculum and could include anything from an art

activity to a science project or an interactive lesson on the smart board. These activities allow

the students to gain more exposure to the unit content, which creates more opportunities for our

students to grow.

If you are ever at Levy, please stop by to see what we are cooking, and who knows, the students

might even share their snack with you!!

Kimberly Savage, Home Living Instructor

Alontez stirring as fast as he can so we can eat his finished

product!

Stacey helping Jalissa mix up her cookie dough!

Page 5

“Frozen In Time!”

Elvis chillin’ with his new friend!

Dancing the night away!

Miss Cory and former Levy student, Ester, socializing. Mr. Manny and his dancing partner.

Levy and Bishop Carroll students socializing and

dancing during Prom.

The beautiful Miss Shyla!

Page 6

“Frozen In Time!”

Former Levy student Marcus enjoying a slow dance! Colin breaking a move with his dancing

partner!

Nick with all the ladies! Neil having a blast at Prom!

Trey and Manny dancing with all the ladies!

The one and only, Miss Kaylee!

Page 7

“Frozen In Time!”

Anthony and Ashley enjoying a dance together!

Tyler and friend are heading to the dance floor.

Juan and Cory having a blast!

Shelby is as beautiful as ever!

Miss Heather enjoying Prom with her new friend! Steven and ladies are dancing the night away!

Levy Special Education Center

400 North Woodchuck

Wichita, Kansas 67212

Phone: 316.973.3400

Fax: 316.973.3414

E-Mail: kcotton@usd259.net

Mission Statement:

The mission of Levy Special Education Center is to pro-

vide a safe and stimulating learning environment which

promotes dignity and respect for the students, and

where the individual needs of each student are met by a

team of skilled caring professionals in ways that are

purposeful and meaningful.

Basketball and Cheer Banquet

Coach Bill addressing the audience during the awards

ceremony.

Keynote speaker Nick Taylor.

Coach Bill presenting Max with a basketball award.

Coach Debra proudly displaying the 1st Place plaque that

Levy’s Cheer Squad won.

Last Day of School!

Just a reminder that the students last day of

school will be on Friday, May 20.

New Website!! Starting June 1, Levy will have a new

and improved website. Please take a

minute to explore all the new content

and options.