Higashi Higashi Highlights
Fall 2017
Challenge
Believe
Together
New Partnerships Spark Fall Fun
Fall on campus brought opportunities to make new friends. Whether inside the classroom, or with members of the greater community, a smile means friendship to everyone. www.bostonhigashi.org • Helping children with autism exceed expectations since 1987 • (781) 961-0800
The Principal’s Perspective
A Message from th
I would like to thank everyone for joining “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine take this opportunity to welcome all of ou jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
This is a special year as the Boston Higashi S
Boston Higashi School is proudly celebrating its 30th Anniversary year educating children have passed quickly and so please allow me, on all staff, past and present, young adults with autism. Of note, September 5th was the first day of appreciation the 2017-18 to school establishment, year and it was also the very first day of school 30 years ago! We choseSchool’s “Leading the Way” as growth and succe part of this organization and it is a pleasu the theme for this school year. In 1987, our founder, Dr. Kiyo Kitahara, have brought her selected faithfully served the Boston Higashi S team of founding teachers from Japan to Boston to establish the Boston Higashi School. They recognized the significance of her vision. They embraced and extendedOur Daily Lifehas Therapy staff workedwith with great diligence overcome many challenges to perform in its three tenets of vigorous physical exercise, emotional stability, and intellectual stimulation, and look forward to th to Boston. The goal was to create and sustain better learning and life experiences for studentstheir withperformance autism through breaking the barriers of autism and achie this unique approach. We are proud to carry on this legacy of educating the whole child- mind, body andsupporters spirit- using tion to our and benefactors, f heart to heart education, with tenacity, competence, dedication, firmly believing that all our school students andwith our autism mission. will learn and make gains. Please enjoy the 25th Annual Celebration! Sincerely,
We are deep into the fall season and with every falling leaf we take notice of how quickly our days have turned to months. Parent trainings brought parents to campus and into the classrooms and divisions in the residence. The partnership with parents and staff working together on behalf of creating successful learning communities is alive and ongoing here at Higashi. Parents feel welcomed and are always able to connect with staff and other parents, and learn useful tips and strategies to make life better.
A Message from th
This issue focuses on greater community outreach and involvement, for as our programming has these you to the 2012 A It isexpanded my joy to welcome gether. It isthat the 25th Annual Celebration 30 years, so too has our recognition in the world of autism and beyond. We have had many events so far this school year is CELEBRATE. We hav have provided us with opportunities to reflect on our “beginning” and “becoming” years, and for their celebrations legacy of our founder, Dr. Kitahara, and th were made even sweeter by participation from alumni, founding staff, and community and political leaders. A few to the enduring and sustaining friendship “highlights” found in the coming pages include a proclamation from the State House presentedacknowledge by Senator Walter our alumni and their familie cherishto our students, families and frie Timilty at our annual Gala recognizing Boston Higashi for providing unparalleled education andWe services children with autism; the dedication of the Patrick Corcoran Gymnasium, recognizing an alumni who, now in his 42nd year, Our performance today will touch your h continues to demonstrate that the strong bonds we develop with our students remain long after they graduate; and age, and talents. You will not only be en our first ever Community 5K, which included participation from Team Hoyt and 10 wheelchair motto racers!in action. We challenge our stude
potential and know when we all work tog
Thank youto for Since its inception, the life and times of Boston Higashi School bring an abundance of joy and blessings allbeing of us.with us today. On wi We know that it is not always easy, but we have faith, confidence, and the shared history of a proven track record Best Regards, that informs us that it is always worth it!
Deborah Donovan, Principal
DEC 13 DEC 21 DEC 22JAN 2
WINTER DANCE / PARTY (R) Girls/MS Party 6:00-7:30, (D/R) Winter Dance, 6:30-7:30 (JH & older)
WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL 10am - 12pm Higashi Gym
WINTER BREAK (Vacation Program Dec 26 - 29)
UPCOMING EVENTS DEC 1 | Open House / Guided Tour 10:00 am - 12:00 pm DEC 2 | Sibling Day, 9:30am - 12:00pm (siblings only) / Parent Assoc. Mtg., 10:00 am - 12:00pm JAN 3 | 304 Program Reopens, 1:00pm JAN 4 | 217 Program Reopens, Breakfast 8:30am - 9:45am Parent Collaboration Mtg., 10:30am - 12:00pm JAN 24 | Parent Training, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org
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Class Notes SHOW ME THE MONEY! It’s all about money in the month of November in the Emergence Program. The students are learning about the purpose of money, differentiating between various values of bills, how to earn money (especially useful for our vocational jobs) and even some basic banking.
PUMPKINS ABOUND The High School students have been enjoying the Fall with some exciting seasonal lessons and activities. In the month of October, each class went on a trip to purchase pumpkins. They were able to show off their money skills while weighing and paying for them, and they also enjoyed carving their pumpkins and baking the seeds!
FUN WITH FALL
STUPENDOUS SCIENCE Middle School is hard at work using our new lab coats and goggles in science to bravely (and safely!) explore where no science class has explored before! In science with Chris, we have been identifying the differences between physical and chemical changes. Recently, we made elephant toothpaste by mixing hydrogen peroxide, yeast and dish soap, and also blew up balloons using baking soda and vinegar! They were quite the chemical changes! With the holidays upcoming, we are also starting to prepare for our Winter Music Festival performance, so we are keeping busy!
Colored leaves! Pumpkins! Apples! Elementary division brought these fall items and many more into their classroom. During Science lessons students had a lot of fun discovering which items would sink or float after making their predictions... they certainly made a splash!
PAYING AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year! It’s been a busy Fall in the classroom and beyond, from Sports Day, to learning new classroom routines. The Junior High Division has been working on their money skills this October. All of the classes have been practicing identifying bills, coins and paying for items. They even used the classroom skills that they are learning in the community when each class went to the pumpkin store to pick out pumpkins to carve. Which pumpkin do you like best? Happy Halloween!
Residential Reflections A SPOOKTACULAR NIGHT AT THE YOUNGER DIVISIONS’ COSTUME PARTY It was that time of the year again, Trick or Treat! For our Younger division students, picking up candy was a moment that they were looking forward to. The evening began with students lining up outside Marble Hall looking spectacular in their colorful Halloween costumes. It was all smiles from both the staff and the students. Teachers prepared students’ minds by reviewing the expectations with their respective students. “We are going to sing, dance and have…. Fun!”- they shouted… “and Trick or Treat!”, one student added. We walked into the Hall singing and chanting to the song “very spooky” led by Ken. It was indeed spooky in Marble Hall, thanks to all the teamwork and effort for the amazing job with the decorations. The parents were delighted to see their children all dressed up singing and dancing happily. Then there was the mummy game, the students took turns to wrap a mummy. Thanks to the parents and siblings who volunteered to be the mummy! Trick or Treat was about to begin; everybody lined up and headed to Desales basement, led by Ai Shiino with basic postures and directions. The hallway was dark and creepy! With baskets in their hands, students couldn’t hold their excitement as they picked their favorite candy. Once again, we assembled in Marble Hall, and were about to find out the winners of the best costume - the results were in! We cheered for Mark who stole the night with his Harry Potter costume; for the staff, Lynnette got the award with her Nurse costume, and one sibling took the last award with her witch costume. Congrats to them! The real award, however, went to everybody for working hard, participating, and making the party a success. It was a great night!
THE OLDER DIVISIONS SPOOKY-BOOGY BASH Wednesday, October 25th, was yet another moment when students, staff, parents, siblings, and Higashi alumni gathered in the Gym for the 2017 edition of the Costume Dance Party; and what a spooky party it was! Even as the revelers put their best foot forward, this year proved to be the best in terms of costume design creativity. It was a scary marvel to be welcomed at the entrance by “Four Salem Witches,” and when one looked carefully, our very own Akiko Ono, seemed to be sand”witched” between the witches. Well-done Akiko! The resident DJ, Mr. Oba, made sure to play the best numbers that went with the theme of the night. The Master of Ceremonies, Carmine, again showed what he does best: keeping everyone entertained. By the time we went for a snack break, it was time to announce the winners of the spookiest and most original costumes. Male student winner was Anthony from JH division who was dressed as a First World War aviator. Girls best costume was taken by Tatum as Captain America. The staff winner was Chie Mitsui while Sean Jones’ mother took the prize for the best parent costume. In all, it was a very well organized dance party and everyone was on their best behavior. We always look forward to such fun times at Higashi.
“YOUNGER DIVISIONS TRICK OR TREAT IN HOLBROOK” Middle School and Girls Division students and staff had a blast of a time when they went trick or treating out in Holbrook. The students were very excited to knock on doors and say the magic words, “Trick or Treat,” and of course the good community people would treat our students with candy. Our students in turn would say, “Thank you!” with wide smiles written on their faces. Our students and teachers would then move to the next house and repeat the procedure. At the end of the fun activity, the students brought back to school bagfuls of candies, which they shared with their friends, and had a fun time after dinner enjoying them for dessert, too! It was a memorable night for all the students... they are already looking forward to next year!
Visit our NEW Higashi Store to do your holiday shopping! Take care of those “hard to buy for” folks on your holiday shopping list, and support Higashi at the same time! Store hours are Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 3:30pm, and also during school events like our upcoming Winter Music Festival.
Greetings from the Parent Association! ~ Approaching the Season of Giving!
Parent Perspectives
What a busy fall we have had. We began with an action packed Sports Day. Despite the indoor venue everyone rallied and it was a morning filled with fun, lots of cheering, and smiles. From there we moved right into Halloween. The parties were as much fun as the costumes worn by the students and staff. The Parent Association was able to fund gift cards, prizes and decorations for both the dayside and residential celebrations. At Thanksgiving the Parent Association was also able to give thanks to all staff members with goodies to enjoy during their daily meetings - It’s a small gesture that goes a long way for the amazing staff who continue to “lead the way” for our children. The school store is doing very well. If you have not been in, stop by next time you are on campus. It is open daily Monday Friday from 8:30am - 3:30pm. New to the store is a Higashi staff wish list. The staff completed a wish list of items from the store. If you would like to give a gift of appreciation to any staff member and don’t know what to get, this may help you. The Parent Association will be hosting its annual open meeting for all to attend on Saturday, December 2nd at 10:00am in Marble Hall. We will be welcoming our new families to the Higashi community. It is a fun way to get to know your fellow parents while the kids are frolicking at Siblings Day. New parents keep an eye open for your special invitation. Old parents are always welcome to come share your wisdom and support. Last year we had an incredibly successful first annual cookie swap for the staff & teachers. We would like to do that again. Let’s show the Higashi staff what they mean to us. We will be collecting cookies or other treats, December 19th through 21st, to distribute to staff after Winter Music Festival. Next time you are in the kitchen, cook up something and drop it off at school, or send it in with your child. Please make sure your treats do not contain nuts or nut products. You can leave your treat with Maryanne or Nancy at their respective desks. Email Julie Coppenrath with any questions, jabsbo03@gmail. com. Also this holiday season we will be holding the ever popular staff appreciation raffle. This year we are able to include all staff members. More information will be coming soon as to how you can help. The Parent Association is always interested in your comments or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any. On behalf of the entire Parent Association Board we wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. Julie Coppenrath, Boston Higashi Parent Association President (& Mother of Helen in Junior High)
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2017 Gala ~ a Night to Remember! On Thursday night, October 12th over 300 staff, family and friends of Higashi gathered for our 3rd Annual Higashi Gala themed “Leading the Way: Celebrating 30 years of Excellence.” Once again, we had a very spirited and generous crowd, giving a rousing standing ovation to our Jazz Band and digging deep into their pockets for both our Live and “Fund a Need” Auctions. Due to the generosity of so many, the school was able to raise $225,000 to support our programs! There were many highlights during the evening, however the biggest surprise was a $75,000 pledge from Teamsters Local 25 President, Sean O’Brien for 2018, helping to cap off a $300,000 evening for the school. Another highlight was a formal proclamation from State Senator Walter Timilty, acknowledging the Boston Higashi School for its 30 years of serving children and young adults with autism. Once again the venue was breathtaking, the food superb, and our longtime friend and emcee, David Wade of WBZ-TV, rocked the crowd with his amazing wit, engaging personality, and a compelling interview with Higashi Executive Director, Mike Kelly. The event was also a premiere to a very emotional video encapsulating our 30 years through the eyes of Division Director, John Kolwaite, Director of Special Education, Mrs. Takako Ebihara and longtime parent, Mrs. Janice Luy. We thank all who participated in this year’s event, look forward to seeing you all next year, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your commitment, passion for our work, and extreme generosity. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 11, 2018, as we gather once again in celebration of our journey serving children and families affected by autism.
Save the Date
for next year’s Gala! October 11th, 2018
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Development News
On September 14th, Mike Kelly, Executive Director, and Paul Fanning, Chief Development Officer, had a long awaited meeting with the Teamsters Local 25 President, Sean O’Brien in his Charlestown Office. Little did we know that this would lead to a flurry of activity with Mr. O’Brien. On September 27th, Mr. O’Brien visited the school and joined our students for their morning run. At the commencement of the run, he gathered with a group of Higashi students, teachers, and administrators to present a check of $15,000 to the School. Just two weeks later at the 3rd Annual Gala, Mr. O’Brien was presented with a gift from the school, recognizing his work and support on behalf of individuals and families affected by autism. He has been a longtime champion of autism, and his commitment and generosity has no boundaries. Upon receiving his award, Mr. O’Brien then made a pledge of $75,000 to the Boston Higashi School beginning in 2018 to an inspired crowd of over 300 people. Thank you Mr. O’Brien and the Teamsters Local 25 for the commitment, compassion, and generosity to children and families affected by autism across Massachusetts. We look forward to a long and healthy partnership as together we work to provide optimal programming and opportunities for both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
First Community 5K a Success! On Sunday, November 5th approximately 150 runners gathered in front of the Boston Higashi School for the 1st ever Higashi Community 5K Road Race. Runners came from all over, including a spirited group of 10 wheelchair racers from Central Massachusetts representing Team Hoyt. Renowned marathon and long distance runner Dick Hoyt was in attendance. Hoyt is best known for running hundreds of marathons, triathlons, and numerous other races, all while pushing his adult son Rick who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Team Hoyt, along with their founder Dick, provided additional inspiration to an already energetic and motivated crowd. The overall winner by almost 5 minutes with a blazing speed of 16:50 was Frank O’Brien of Plymouth and brother of Ben O’Brien, a Higashi student. Many of the top runners to no surprise were either Higashi staff or their family members. Overall winners were given customized Higashi plates made by our pottery instructors, and the winners of each age category, male and female, were adorned with customized ceramic medals. Great raffle prizes were handed out, and 10 lucky winners were the recipients of One Letter at a Time, written by Dick and Rick Hoyt, and signed at the race by Dick. It was a special day all around; the weather was overcast and perfect for the runners. Wegman’s donated water, bananas, apples and fruit bars. Anheuser-Busch donated post-race beer, while our food service department cooked up some hotdogs and hamburgers for our runners. Special thanks to our friends at Liberty Bay Credit Union for helping to offset race costs and to Uniqlo for supplying our runners with raceday t-shirts. Timing, registration and race logistics were all compliments of Racewire. All in all, it was an amazing first Community 5K – we hope to see you next year!
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Campus Happenings Higashi Gymnasium Dedicated to Alumni Patrick Corcoran On Friday, November 4th, we dedicated our gymnasium to alumni Patrick Corcoran. It was a very special moment as the lettering was unveiled to Patrick, his friends, and family members. Executive Director, Michael Kelly, and Joe Murphy, Director of Transition, made poignant remarks about Patrick’s journey to adulthood, and the support the Corcoran family has given our school through the years. Patrick, now 42 years old, also spoke, and reminded us how the impact of Daily Life TherapyŽ and the strong bonds we develop with our students remain, long after they graduate. Thank you, Corcoran Family, and we look forward to many more years of using the Patrick Corcoran Gymnasium!
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upcoming Sibling Days at Higashi
Parent Trainings Provide Tips, Foster Community on Campus
December 2nd (Siblings Only) 9:30am - 12pm
The first two months of the 2017-2018 school year have been filled with many activities – including two fantastic Parents Nights! During our Day Program’s “Welcome Back Night” on September 27th, parents had an opportunity to meet with all of the staff in their child’s division, and tour the classrooms. Likewise, at the Residential Program’s “Welcome Back Night” on October 18th, our Residential staff got their chance to shine, showing off what happens after the last class bell rings. From exercise in the Fitness Center to relaxing in the division living rooms, parents toured the residential areas and met with smiling staff.
February 22nd (BHS students + their siblings) 9:30am - 12pm
The turn-out for both meetings was great - Keep it up parents! We love to see you on campus, and the community of support that is fostered by parent participation is amazing! Just a reminder, all parents are welcome to the monthly meetings where a variety of topics are discussed. Keep your eyes open for the monthly calendar from the Education Office, as it will give you information about upcoming trainings, and even links to RSVP online!
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Photos 1-5: Sports Day; photos 6-10: EP Golf Tournament; photos 11-13: School Halloween Party; photos 14-17: Continuing Adult Education Program.
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Community Connections Join authors, educators, and researchers for an interdisciplinary forum examining the impact of autism throughout the lifespan. The keynote will be by Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, Professor, Psychological & Brain Sciences; Director, Center for Autism Research Excellence, Boston University. Featured speakers include: Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D. Psychologist, author, and father of a son on the autism spectrum; Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Author; Adjunct Professor, Brown University; Director, Childhood Communication Services; and Stephen Shore, Ed.D. World - reknowned author, lecturer and advocate for those on the autism spectrum.
Save the Date for our Autism Forum! GRANITE LINKS
GOLF CLUB BALLROOM
QUINCY, MA
Leading the Way:
NEW PERSPECTIVES IN AUTISM EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION: BOSTONHIGASHI.ORG/ EVENTS/FORUM
Inspired Jazz Music Wows Children and Staff Alike We received a very special visit from several members of the Berklee School of Music on Thursday, November 9th here at Higashi. Five of their finest Jazz musicians held a special collaborative concert, performing the last of their 6 piece set with our own Higashi Jazz Band! During the concert the mood of the students and staff alternated based on the tempo of the piece - you could hear a pin drop during the slower, mellow piano songs, and during the lively saxophone numbers, our students could be seen playing “air� versions of their own instruments (photo right), or even getting up to dance! The music was enjoyed by all, and we hope for a return visit from our friends at Berklee in the near future!
APRIL 4TH
The Local 7 Retired Iron Workers’ Golf Tournament was held on September 13th at Presidents Golf Course in Quincy. Representing Higashi was Joe Murphy, Mrs. Ebihara, Jamie Marshall, and Jason Hurlock. Jim Lawlor, grandfather of Higashi student Austin Linnehan, organized the event, and all the proceeds benefitted BHS! Thank you so much, Jim, for making this great outing possible!
On Monday night, September 25th, nine of Higashi’s female staff were guests of New England Patriot’s Wide Receiver, Chris Hogan at Gillette Stadium. The event, called Hogan 101, provided an opportunity for women from all over to participate in drills, a short game, photo ops and autographs from Hogan. To no one’s surprise, Higashi’s own Brittany Armstrong was the MVP of the event, receiving a special plaque and photo opportunity with Hogan. Congrats, Brittany!
We’re pleased to announce that many of our students had artwork on display in the Akillian Gallery at Massasoit Community College! This is the third year in a row for the collaborative show between Higashi and the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (formerly Massachusetts Hospital School). The show ran throughout the month of November. Congratulations artists, and thank you Massasoit for the opportunity!
Elizabeth Hopkins from Boston/Channel 25 News came and did a short piece on our school. Immediately, they captured the true essence of our campus and our first floor students showed them what heart to heart education is all about. Kudos go out to Yoshino Stanbrook for conducting her music class with ease, and offering her sincere commentary on camera. Thanks, Yoshino!
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BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL 800 North Main Street Randolph, MA 02368 (781) 961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org
NEW
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NOTABLE
PG 6
2017 GALA: LEADING THE WAY
PG 7
DEVELOPMENT NEWS:
PGS 8-9
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org, or subscribe to our online calendar
IN THIS ISSUE PG 2 | Principal’s Perspective
ALL ABOUT FALL: MAKING MEMORIES
PGS 3-4 | Class Notes, Residential Reflections PG 5 | Parent Association PGS 10 - 11 | Community Connections