Knapp School & Yeshiva

We have an exciting new program at TDS this year — CAAEL (Chicago Area Alternative Education League). Used throughout the school day, CAAEL is intended to motivate students to come to school, complete their assignments, and behave appropriately. Through this organization, students in Therapeutic Schools have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic sporting and other types of events throughout the year, such as: basketball, chess, bowling, a spelling bee, flag football, volleyball, soccer, softball and more.

Welcome to the April 2019 issue of Bulldog Bulletin where we share the endlessly wonderful things our students, teachers and staff do here everyday! 

It’s Volunteer Week and we’re kicking off our TDS Tuesday post with a shout out to all those who’ve spent time giving back to our school community. If you are interested in learning how to support the JCFS TDS and volunteer, please contact Kathy Morris. 

JCFS TDS Transition Student Ania recently celebrated a very special milestone!  She voted for the very first time, receiving a round of applause from the workers at the polling place. Ania, like many of our students in the Transition Program, has been focused on increasing independence and life skills within school and the community at large. This program helps develop these skills so that upon graduation from school, she is more prepared to enter the workforce. 

Welcome to the Snoezelen Room, a new hotspot and enrichment at Knapp School & Yeshiva that is designed to stimulate all the senses while foster a feeling of relaxation among students.

For the past 5 years, JCFS TDS’ vocational program has had the pleasure of partnering with a local candy store, Mini Man Monkey Brains.  Founded by Gloria and Jim Iverson, Mini Man Monkey Brains is a place close to their hearts.  The candy shop provides a place for young adults on the Autism spectrum (and who have varying abilities) a place to practice and implement work expectations. 

Rabbi David M. Rosenberg, Coordinator, Jewish Educational Services, JCFS Chicago Therapeutic Yeshiva reflects on Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month and the opportunities for success the JCFS Chicago Therapeutic Day School & Yeshiva create for students whose potential to achieve has been hindered by their emotional disability. 

Welcome to our new Bulldog Bulletin where we share the endlessly wonderful things our students, teachers and staff do here everyday! Read our first issue, Bulldog Bulletin February 2019, Volume 1.

Multiple TDS classrooms came together to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and joined forces to honor his legacy in a unique way to help immigrants in Chicago as part of an agency-wide Martin Luther King Day commemoration project.

The Therapeutic Day School of JCFS is one of 110 Chicago-area schools to receive more than $110,000 of brand-new sports equipment to help support physical education programs. The Chicago Cubs and national nonprofit Good Sport donated the equipment as well as hosted an event to sort, pack and ship physical education kits (PE) to the various recipient schools.