Rare Disease Day, February 28, 2021

On Rare Disease Day, we celebrate the extraordinary people in our lives diagnosed with PWS. We know that there are challenges, but we also know the joy and beauty they bring to our lives. Take this day to enjoy the children and adults who keep us smiling every day.   -Patrice Carroll, Director of PWS Services  

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Principal’s Corner: Classroom jobs and “Breakwater” smiles

Students in the Breakwater Classroom are hard at work at their new classroom jobs! Special Education Teacher Catherine and Classroom Aide Craig supervise the Breakwater boys in a variety of important positions. Classroom jobs encourage students to develop occupational skills, take pride in their work and classroom environment, and earn and manage their finances. Jobs include:    Maintenance Assistant: …

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Last week’s heartwarming Valentine’s Day on campus

“Love was in the air as we celebrated Valentine’s Day last week,” in the words of our Children’s Program Receptionist Abby G. “This year’s festivities were extra special – since Valentine’s Day was on a Sunday, we got to feel festive all weekend! The suites made Valentine’s Day cards and decorations, and Sunday’s bingo theme was full of…

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Tip of the Week: Processing speed

Many people with PWS have delayed processing speed, which means it may take them longer than typical to hear something and then understand it fully. They may nod their head and tell you that they understand what you just said, but it is possible that they are just agreeing and did not fully understand your…

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Virtual Social Hour highlights student creativity and writing

Our Outreach Team hosted their ninth Virtual Social Hour for students with PWS from across the country on January 20th. Each month Brittni, Katrina, and Patrice thoughtfully consider an activity that will be fun, engaging, new, and timely. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, the students came together to write a story inspired by a series…

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Students enjoy new Winter Menu

Introduced in January, our new Winter Menu is a thoughtful collaboration by our expert kitchen staff.  With a focus on seasonal foods, the menu sees a four-week rotation of meals that will continue until the unveiling of our Spring Menu in March or April.  Students, staff, and parents made suggestions, and some meals were “piloted”…

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Tip of the Week: Food-Secure Classrooms

Even for children with Prader-Willi syndrome who do not have high food-seeking behaviors, it is important that they have a food-secure environment in the school setting. There is a spectrum of food-seeking, and not every child will actively look to obtain food that isn’t theirs. But the anxiety that the presence of food causes is…

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Preparing for Valentine’s Day

At Latham, Valentine’s Day is always a special occasion to celebrate friendship and belonging. Pictured is a glimpse of the Latham School campus preparation. We love the backdrop – an inspiring poster given to our staff by the parents of Latham students – “When we count our blessings, we count you twice.” Wishing everyone an extra-happy…

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Hannah H is Guest Teacher on Latham’s Virtual ‘Animals of the World’ Drawing Class

Latham Centers’ Outreach Team is so grateful to Hannah H., a recent Guest Teacher in their Virtual Animals of the World Drawing Class! Every Tuesday at 3 pm EST, Latham’s Admissions and Outreach team members Patrice Carroll, Katrina Fryklund, and Brittni Kliment instruct students with Prader-Willi syndrome around the country through an online lesson about animals of…

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Tip of the Week: Sensory processing disorder

Sensory processing disorder may be causing your child more difficulty than you realize. If your child is struggling in their classroom, chewing on inedible objects, or refusing to shower, brush their teeth, or wear weather-appropriate clothing, it may be that they are experiencing challenges associated with sensory processing disorder. Talk to your school’s IEP team…

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