AUGUST 2025

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Thank you for being part of our mission to empower these precious lives. We look forward to sharing amazing updates with you throughout the coming school year!

BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

We’re so excited to welcome our students and families back for another school year! Come meet your teachers and check out your classrooms.

• Pre-K to 5th Grade: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• 6th Grade to High School: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Mark your calendars — the first day of school is August 11th! We can’t wait to see everyone soon!

STUDENT SUCCESS: Levi & Bella Thrive at Connections Summer Camp

As summer wraps up, we are shining our Student Success Spotlight on two wonderful students—Levi and Isabella—whose summer camp experience highlights the heart and purpose of our program.

For local families, choices for special needs summer camps are limited, but Connections gives them peace of mind as a place of true safety, support, and inclusion.

Levi & Bella's mom, Allison said, "The summer camp at Connections is such a huge help because there's no one else I trust with my children. The staff at Connections is… well, I don’t know what we would do without them. I know they ‘get it’ and I know my children are okay. The love that I see...it's priceless.”

DON'T MISS THE FIRE TRUCK PULL!

The ultimate test of strength and teamwork is right around the corner, and you're invited to come cheer on your favorite teams!

The 2025 Fire Truck Pull will take place Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens, beginning at 9 AM.

This thrilling event will bring together teams of first responders, athletes, business owners, educators and more to see who can pull a REAL fire truck fastest! Teams are also competing to see who can raise the most funds for students with autism who attend Connections.

Come cheer on the teams and enjoy an exciting morning with us! Register a team or donate here.

Want to volunteer for the Fire Truck Pull?

Email events@connectedpb.com

MEET OUR NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

As we celebrate the incredible legacy of Cofounder and Executive Director Debra Johnson, who retired this summer after 50 remarkable years in special education, we’re excited to introduce the new leadership team guiding Connections into its next chapter.

Together, Jason, Melissa, and Pam are carrying forward Debra’s legacy with dedication, compassion, and a shared mission to support every student and family in our community.

DRAW THE LINE ON DROWNING: ALL DONATIONS DOUBLED

Did you know drowning is the leading cause of death among children with autism? In fact, they are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers.

At Connections, we’re taking action. EVERY child and adult we serve receives adaptive swim lessons taught by specially trained instructors who understand their unique sensory and communication needs.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO DRAW THE LINE ON DROWNING and support these life-saving swim lessons and water safety training for children with autism.

All donations will be MATCHED dollar for dollar thanks to our generous donors!

CONNECTIONS SUMMER CAMP

Did you know that the Connections campus continues buzzing all summer?

Many students attend the Connections Summer Camp—a safe, supportive, and engaging program designed specifically for children with autism. While caregivers are at work, our campers enjoy structured days filled with fun, learning, and connection.

The program helps minimize the academic and social regression that often occurs during school breaks and provides the consistency and routine that children with autism thrive on.

Beyond the exciting activities on campus, students also head out on supervised community outings to local favorites like the park, bowling alley, science museum, and more!

Follow us for the latest news and updates!

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