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Higashi
Highlights
Challenge
Believe
Together
Fall 2014 “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed” We have completed the first trimester of the 2014 – 2015 school year with great enthusiasm and gratitude for the abundance and warmth strong partnerships with families, friends, school districts, supporters and sustainers bring to our students and our staff each and every day. Our theme for this school year is “Together Everyone Achieves More.” We have had many opportunities recently to see this in action beyond our classrooms. Alumni parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sespico, opened the new school year sharing their journey and reflections about raising their daughter Nicol. Their long and deep association with Higashi both in Tokyo and in the US mesmerized the audience. It was so clear that Daily Life Therapy® is unique and most effective and joyous when parents and teachers collaborate and trust each other. We were delighted to host a reception for the Sapporo Jazz Band. They were brought to us through the efforts of Tiger Okoshi and Mr. Ueno. They gave a stellar performance and were gracious guests, sharing their personal stories about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan as well as their musical talents. Ms. Robyn Stewart returned to give two presentations to staff and others on October 2nd. She was informative and gave her own perceptions and perspectives
on navigating the world as a person with autism and related disabilities. I was honored to represent our school at the White House Research Forum on Health Improved Health and Fitness for Americans with Disabilities on October 6th and 7th. It was a very enlightening and inspirational event. I had the opportunity to boast about both our Boston and Tokyo Schools and our efforts to ensure health and wellness for our students with autism. I met the Executive Director of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness. Ms. Shellie Pfohl. I also spent time with the Presidential Distinguished Award winner, the Honorable Dr. Margaret Giannini, Past Director of the Office on Disability and founder of the program, “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” and several of her board members. There was great interest in our school and we look forward to hosting them on our campus later in November. Three very successful Parent Collaboration / Training sessions have been held to date, and we have enjoyed strong parent attendance at all of them. These groups serve as points of contact, reference, information and support for one and all. It is very uplifting to hear how Higashi has helped enrich the lives of our students and their families and hear our staff is held in such high regard. On November 20th we were very proud to host the official opening reception of the pool and athletic complex. From the outside with the
bubble set up a student remarked that it looks like a giant igloo. There are no snow bricks inside but rather a tropical-like environment with two pools and running track. Watching our students use this facility brings tremendous joy to one and all. What was once a dream made with heart and hope has become a beacon of light and possibility. Special thanks go to CEO Michael Kelly for his tireless efforts with all phases of this project. We send our congratulations and best wishes to our mother school in Tokyo, the Musashino Higashi Gakuen on the happy occasion of their 50th Anniversary. They have always upheld a standard of excellence for us to emulate and aspire to achieve. Musashino and Boston Higashi Schools have fostered a culture of mutual respect and collaboration espousing all the elements of a winning team. It is said that winning teams Trust each other Respect each other Understand each other Enjoy each other.” May this be the true spirit of the upcoming holidays. Whether they are celebrated near or far, east or west, in quiet solitude or with great fanfare, I wish you peace and joy that renews and refreshes us all.
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Accredited by The National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services The Boston Higashi School is affiliated with Lesley University.
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The International Program for Individuals with Autism since 1987 800 North Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368 781-961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org