Southside Occupational Academy - Transition Center

04/08/2026

🎉👔 Dress Like an AP Day is Coming! 👗🎉

We’re celebrating Assistant Principal Appreciation Week in style!

On Friday, April 10 Dress Like an AP Day and show off your best Assistant Principal look! Whether it’s sharp business attire, cozy cardigans, or signature accessories - let’s have some fun and show our appreciation.

Let’s celebrate our amazing leaders, Mrs. Bailey and Mr. Williams, for all they do to support our students, staff, and school community every day! 💙

We can’t wait to see everyone’s AP style! 👓✨

04/07/2026

🎓✨ Class of 2026 Families - You’re Invited! ✨🎓

Southside Occupational Academy’s Post Secondary Team is hosting an After 22 Parent Tour exclusively for Class of 2026 graduates and their families!

Join us to learn more about the After 22 Program - an incredible opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to continue their education, gain hands-on internship experience, receive job coaching, and build skills for independent living and employment.

📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Daley College - 7500 S. Pulaski Rd

📌 Please note:
• Transportation is not provided
• Meet at the Main Entrance (MTEC building)
• Parking is available off 76th Street

⚠️ Spots are limited! RSVP to the Post Secondary Team to secure your spot.

📞 (773) 535-4741
📧 [email protected]

This is a great opportunity to explore what’s next after graduation - don’t miss it!

04/07/2026

🌟 March Staff of the Month 🌟

Southside Occupational Academy is proud to celebrate our March Staff of the Month from both campuses! These exceptional staff members continue to lead with dedication, positivity, and a strong commitment to student success.

👏 Main Building:
• Ms. Lyons
• Ms. Tapia

👏 Hub Campus:
• Mrs. M. Ramirez
• Ms. S. Ramirez

Each of these individuals has made a meaningful impact through their hard work, collaboration, and support of our students and school community. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have them as part of Team SOA.

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do each day! 💙

04/05/2026

🌸🐣 Happy Easter from Southside Occupational Academy! 🐣🌸

Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a joyful and peaceful Easter filled with happiness, renewal, and time spent with loved ones. May this season of growth and new beginnings bring positivity and continued success to our Southside community! 💛🌷

04/03/2026

We’re sharing an upcoming opportunity from Every Step of the Way (ESW) Resource Center!

Join their virtual IL ABLE Information Session on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM to learn how ABLE accounts can help individuals with disabilities and their families build financial independence while maintaining important benefits.

This is a great resource for families looking to better understand saving, spending, and planning for the future.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4caTIc6

Check out the flyer for more details and feel free to share with others who may benefit!

Hello all👋. Although today is April Fools Day, this is no joke.
I repeat this is no joke! ESW’s info session in April is IL ABLE!
IL ABLE “Achieving a Better Life Experience” accounts give people with disabilities and their families greater financial independence while preserving benefits. Join our info session to learn more! The registration link is as follows:
https://bit.ly/4caTIc6
Please refer to the flyer for additional details & share if you care 🙏.

04/03/2026

🎨 Hub Art Spotlight 🎨

Sharing a look at some incredible work from Mrs. Walker and Ms. Bradford’s classes! Students created silhouette art projects inspired by Black History Month - highlighting influential figures, culture, and identity through creativity and detail.

We’re proud of their work! 🖤

04/02/2026

🎬📣 Reminder!

Jordan from our Hub Campus Media Makers SLC put his skills to work by creating a video reminder for our school community - great job using your talents to keep everyone informed! 👏🎥

📅 Reminder: Friday, April 3 is a Professional Development Day - there will be no school for students.

We love seeing our students take the lead and create content with purpose! 💻✨

04/02/2026

💙🌍 World Autism Awareness Day 🌍💙

Today, we recognize and celebrate individuals with Autism and the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents they bring to our communities every single day.

At Southside Occupational Academy, we are proud to support and empower students with Autism by creating inclusive learning environments where all students can grow, communicate, and thrive. From the classroom to the community, our students continue to show us what determination, creativity, and resilience look like.

Autism is not something to be “fixed” - it is something to be understood, respected, and supported. 💙

Let’s continue to build a world that values inclusion, promotes acceptance, and celebrates every individual for who they are. 💛

03/27/2026

💼✨ Summer Job Opportunities Are Here! ✨💼

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity hosted by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) in partnership with Chicago Youth Works!

💻 Start with the Information Session:
Learn everything you need to know before applying!
📅 Tuesday, April 7, 2026
⏰ 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Zoom)
Get answers to:
✅ Who can participate
✅ How to apply
✅ When jobs begin
👉 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qI-m-cVdS_eh20PPTLkYuQ?_x_zm_rtaid=IflvKxttSnWACIXcTgAyJQ.1773079741826.ec8e06332665338c3f7aec497b388f56&_x_zm_rhtaid=44 #/registration

💼 Then attend the Inclusive Summer Jobs Expo:
Designed for young adults with disabilities ages 14 - 24, this event is a great chance to:
✅ Apply for summer jobs
✅ Learn how to navigate benefits
✅ Explore education & transportation options
✅ Connect with employers and community resources
📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 2102 W. Ogden Ave.
👉 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qc02cC0GUUGBRJfdxW5wJ_jAk_rLfh1HrIBcfp1kGpdUOUlYRjQ4RlVGS0JJVEtYVUUxU1cwRTUxVS4u&origin=QRCode

Don’t miss this opportunity to build skills, gain experience, and take the next step toward independence! 💙