Principal's Perspective

“Every day is meant to be lived not just gotten through.”

Spring has indeed arrived in Boston complete with rain showers, blossoms and annual rites of passage at Boston Higashi School. Our Ladies Day of Beauty, Formal Dance, Graduation and Emergence Brunch were all moments to remember for students, families and staff. We celebrated fifteen graduates from the Class of 2019 with enrollments ranging from three to eighteen years at Higashi They have truly espoused our 2019 school theme of ‘Courage’ showing us bravery when life is not fair and the way forward is not easy. It takes calm and sustaining courage to deepen attitudes of acceptance, improve practices with patience and expand educational opportunities both on and off campus.

The morning after Graduation and Formal Dance, the Emergence Program and families of the graduates came together to continue the celebration. It has become tradition that parents offer their thoughts about their personal journey of raising an autistic child and how Boston Higashi School has impacted them and their respective families. It was both humbling and affirming to listen to these remarks spoken from the heart as they freely shared anecdotes and insights from their personal experiences. Their evidential stories serve as testimony to the efficacy of our practice-based approach.

The month of May had us walking and running at top speed during our Road Race and Evan’s Run providing us opportunities to move with tenacity and timed speed around the race routes both on and off campus. Mother Nature got the memo to keep rain away. Our students trained every day to build endurance and stamina under the guidance of our watchful and encouraging staff. Every student was a champion. Higashi pride reigned supreme and the feelings of accomplishment will stay with our students well beyond the finish line.

Several staff completed the first of four courses of the Adelphi University Autism Endorsement Program. Adelphi Professor and Higashi Advisory Board Member Dr. Stephen Shore lead the sessions. It was a great opportunity to compare and contrast Daily Life Therapy® with other methodologies. Our group dynamic educating the whole child with heart to heart teaching in a natural environment is indeed unique. The bond we create with our students and families is centered in presence and grace, framed by openhearted attention and comprehensive skills educating the whole child.

We extend our sincerest thanks to the Parent Association for honoring and appreciating staff during National Teacher Appreciation month. The Officers of the Parent Association helped to coordinate the efforts on behalf of all parents and guardians. Staff felt highly regarded and recognized for the loving care and thoughtful teaching they provide to all our children. The strong partnerships we have with parents are another facet of what makes the Higashi experience so special.

Annual Celebration will take place on June 23rd at King Phillip Regional High School. Our students always make us so proud when they perform on the stage showing their courage and great efforts in front of this large audience. Again, tears flow freely as we all appreciate their triumphs. We are always delighted to welcome Mr. Terada and Mr. Suzuki, our faithful and loyal Board and Corporation Members who make the journey from Tokyo to be with us. They remind us of our roots and encourage us to continue to reach for new heights. May the sun shine upon us as we continue to be blessed by the beauty of the human spirit that surrounds us.