The Special Learning Center hosted a final fair well reception for student and staff alumni as the center
prepares to move
to its new location on Weathered Rock Road.
Saturday’s event was a time to reflect on the thousands of lives impacted since the opening of the building in 1991.
Former Executive Director Debbie Hamler was present and shared early memories from the center’s formation.
“So back in the mid-80s, I worked at a really small school called the Gosshorn handicap center, and that school and another school merged, the Peter Pan School, and became a special learning center. So at that time, we had 25 children. That grew very rapidly when the public schools started contracting with us for services. Over several years, we continued to grow, and eventually, we had outgrown the building. So in 1991, we moved out to this facility,” said Hamler.
Many students, staff, and family alumni recalled the progress and milestones achieved in the building.
“So today we’ve had over 100 people come and walk through our halls one last time, and it is… There are a lot of strong memories in this building. Family. Families and parents have witnessed their children walk for the first time, find their voice, have the opportunity to grow and defy obstacles in ways they never dreamed,” said current Executive Director Stephanie Johnson
SLC alum, Connor Strope, revisited the facility after over 10 years.
The now 20-year-old was born with brittle bone disease leaving his parents few options for learning and care.
“He was able to get his therapies here, go to the daycare, and we just… We just knew he was being well taken care of. They were a lifesaver, honestly, for us, because in in-home daycare they were scared to take Connor with his condition, so it was a blessing that we were able to find them and know that he was taken care of every day, ” said mother Stacy Strope.
After rentering Ms. Sarah’s classroom Connor shared fond memories of skills gained and progress made.
“Well, it’s like, I like this place, but to learn about helping others and getting some exercises. By helping me, by helping me work hard and be kind to other kids in the classroom. I just love the building, and I love the classrooms and the playground. It’s kind of good,” said Strope.
The new center is set to open in August and will feature new programs including a nursing program, physician-prescribed extended care, programs for children that have been diagnosed on the spectrum with autism, music therapy, and a stand-alone annex building for a quote super kids infinite possibilities.
Their childcare program will also be able to double the capacity of children served, and they plan to add a couple of new early childhood special education classrooms as well.
