Our Therapeutic Approach

Knapp School and Yeshiva consists of multiple teams and support systems. Like many schools, ours is comprised of teachers, teaching assistants and ancillary staff. However, one element in our school not so commonly found in others is our Support Team. Stationed strategically throughout our school, Team members provide intensive, often one-to-one support to students daily. When students are having challenges and need time outside of the classroom, Team members are ready and waiting to assist.

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Emotional Learning and Growth at TDS

For many students at TDS, development in emotional growth is the key to long-term school success. "I really enjoy using this curriculum because it offers our students the vital tools they need to be successful," says Julie Noparstak, TDS clinician, who leads a weekly Social Work Group in an elementary classroom. "I've seen students much more connected to one another with an increase in respect and listening to one another." 

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Student Spotlight: Dominic

Dominic, a 9th grader and former TDS student made a special visit to speak to a group of students hoping to follow in his footsteps of returning to a public school. Dominic with Reintegration Specialist Stephen Jones and TDS clinician Alex Joseph.

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Making a Splash with Interscholastics

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.

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TDS Transition Program

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. 

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