ROCKFORD, Ill. — Special needs classes at local schools hosted their annual Christmas parties.

On Friday, Belvidere CUSD 100 Special Needs classes hosted their Christmas parties at Lino's and Francesco's in Rockford. The events were said to be some of the most anticipated of the year.

Belvidere North classes held their celebration at Francesco's. BNHS classes and BNHS Best Buddies were invited to the party.

Lino's hosted Belvidere High School classes and two Belvidere middle school classes.

The parties give the students valuable opportunities to practice community and life skills worked on in the classroom, according to BHS special needs teacher Rob Wesselhoff.

A cherished highlight of the tradition is a visit from Santa.

Wesselhoff said the Santa that visits the students has been

See Full Page