Higashi Highlights - Winter 2015

Higashi Higashi Highlights

Winter 2015

Challenge

Believe

Together

A 50 Year Legacy of Love and Learning Celebrating Musashino Higashi Gakuen

A new year, a new look! A lot has happened since our last issue... we invite you to look inside for some exciting changes! 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 take this opportunity to welcome all of ou

“The curriculum is the necessary rawThismaterial, is a special year as the Boston Higashi S have passed quickly so please allow me, on but warmth is the vital element for the growing appreciation to all staff, past and present, School’s establishment, growth and succe plant and for the soul of the child.” part of this organization and it is a pleasu

have faithfully served the Boston Higashi S

-Carl Jung

Our staff has worked with great diligence overcome many challenges to perform in their performance and look forward to th breakingwas the through barriers of autism and achie Our beloved founder Dr. Kitahara knew that the best way to make progress with students tion to our supporters and benefactors, f “heart to heart education”. Her legacy is alive and well at both the Musashino and Boston Higashi school and our mission.

Schools today. Congratulations to the Musashino Gakuen on reaching their 50th Anniversary. We are Please enjoy the 25th Annual Celebration! ever grateful for their guidance and friendship through the years. Together, we implement the tenets of Sincerely, Daily Life Therapy® with fidelity and integrity.

This has been the winter that has found a need to distinguish itself with record amounts of snow and cold. Despite the challenges this intense weather pattern presents, our staff are true heroes every day.

They remain steadfast in their loyalty and dedication to our students and have braved the elements to come to campus to fulfill their responsibilities. Conference rooms were often filled with sleeping bags.

It is my joy to welcome you to the 2012 A Despite covering extra hours and shifts, their cheerfulness and energy never wavered. gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration

A Message from th

for this school year is CELEBRATE. We hav

legacy Trainings of our founder, Our winter school events such as our Holiday Concert, Valentine Party and Dance, Parent and Dr. Kitahara, and th to the enduring and sustaining friendship Sibling Days were all well attended. There is a warm feeling independent of the temperature outside acknowledge our alumni and their familie that envelops one and all when we gather together to share in the gift of each other’s Wepresence cherish ourto students, families and frie encourage and support our children in all their endeavors.

Our performance today will touch your h age, and talents. You will not only be en Spring will make its debut in its own good time. In the meantime, MCAS and other state mottoassessments in action. We challenge our stude potential and knownew when we all work tog will be completed. Goals will be met and new expectations will be set. We will continue to welcome Thank you for being with us today. On wi

students and celebrate and release our graduates with pride and tears as they embark on their future Best Regards, journeys. Life at Higashi is always in bloom.

Deborah Donovan Principal

APR 9

FORMAL DANCE

APR 10

EMERGENCE BRUNCH

APR 11-26

7pm-9pm Lombardo’s

11am-12:30 pm Lombardo’s

SPRING VACATION

UPCOMING EVENTS APR 1 | Parent’s Collaboration Meeting

9:30 am - Noon APR 3 | Open House/Guided Tour

10am - Noon MAY 9 | Road Race @ Higashi (Open to the Public) 10am - Noon For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org, or subscribe to our calendar

3

Class Notes ALL ABOUT ADVOCACY The High School students have been working on self-advocacy and identification skills, including carrying their own wallets and presenting ID cards to identify themselves. A favorite Communication Class game this semster has been “Guess Who,” where students focus on answering yes/no questions to identify their peers.

LOVING LITERACY The Elementary Division has been working hard on our “Sentence Building Challenge” during Literacy lessons. First, students read the sentence of the day with the teacher from a sentence strip. Then they type or choose the words on an iPad to form the sentence, and have the iPad’s voice output read back what they wrote. Yes it’s a “challenge,” but we “believe” we can do it “together!”

STUPENDOUS SCIENCE Middle School students have been working diligently on their MCAS Portfolios, but have managed to work in a lot of fun along the way. They have really enjoyed using different tools in science, as well as reading the thermometer every day to see the temperature outside. Don’t worry, we won’t tell you the average!

MCAS IN THE KITCHEN

MATH IS “SUPER” The Emergence students used the Super Bowl as an opportunity to learn all about statistics, graphs, and probability. Needless to say, Math class was a big hit, and not just because of the outcome of the game! Go Patriots!

Like the Middle Schoolers, Junior High Students have also been learning about tools for MCAS Science - but with a twist! A twist of lemon juice or pinch of salt, modeled by the famous Julia Child. Students watched cooking professionals on EnoBoards, then practiced using similar tools for some kitcheninspired science adventures.

BY THE NUMBERS Did you know ... that if you tallied up the distance Higashi students jogged in ONE WEEK during morning jogging (not including our extra jogging groups), the equivalent would be one person running from Boston to New York City and back.... TWICE!

Residential Reflections ART ABOUNDS The Middle School Division made gorgeous works of art in the style of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE stamp.

The art was displayed in Marble Hall for the Valentine’s Day Party and Dance. Special thanks to the new Art Activity Leader Carla Goodwin for the inspiration and great art lessons! The projects are beautiful!

LOOK OUT NBA! The High School Division has been practicing their basketball skills with new PE Activity Leader Cassie Briffett.

From dribbling and shooting to passing and defense, there’s so much to master, but our High Schooler’s do it in style!

JUNIOR “HIGH-JINX”

OUTSIDE ADVENTURES They say when given lemons, make lemonade. More than 90 inches of snow in the month of February alone has not stopped Emergence from experiencing a different kind of outdoor winter adventure: snowshoeing. Glad in their snowshoes and heavy winter gear, the students take gigantic walks around the school compound, building strength, agility, balance and endurance.

Our Junior High students explored their crafty side as they made some “props,” to bring to the Valentine’s Dance.

Throughout the evening, students could be spotted holding mustaches, glasses, hats and bow ties, lending an air of whimsy and make-believe to the evening, and prompting social skillboosting conversations!

CHEFS IN TRAINING Our Young Adults have been cooking up a storm, under the direction of Robert Frazier, the new Culinary Arts Activity Leader.

Spaghetti and meatballs has quickly become a favorite dish, and who could forget making popcorn for movie nights! Everyone is excited for the upcoming Culinary Arts Room renovation...Read all about it on page 10!

VOCATIONAL PROGRAM SHINES Just because the school day is over, doesn’t mean the learning stops.

Vocational activities are an integral part of our balanced Residential curriculum.

Spearheaded by Macharia Githui, our new Vocational Activity Leader, students are becoming well-versed in various jobs. From off-site work at the Simon C. Fireman Senior Life Community nearby, to clerical work, laundry and even snow shoveling on campus, our students are busy and loving it! Pictured here, our Girls Division practices cafeteria set-up and post-meal cleanup.

Right: Sticky fingers from gingerbread house decorating at our Winter Sibling Day, December 6th.

A SEASON OF GIVING BACK During the months of November and December, Residential students gave back to the Randolph community by collecting food during our annual food drive. Staff, families and students purchased non-perishable food items, sorted them by weight, and donated them to the Friendly Food Pantry in Randolph on December 29th. During this food drive, Higashi students learned about giving back to the community, and about the importance of food for those in need.

It proved to be a very successful project, and the Residential Program hopes to continue its success for many more years to come.

Like what you see? “Like� us on Facebook to see even more!

Below: Snowshoeing, sledding, and swimming at our February Sibling Day, February 19th.

Sibling Days at Higashi

The Sounds of the Season ~Winter Music Festival On December 19th, we spread some holiday cheer with our annual Winter Music Festival. The gymnasium was packed as students, staff and families came to celebrate the season through song! It was clear by the smiles (and even some tears) that all who attended had a truly memorable time.

Thanks especially to our music department for helping to put on such fantastic performances! Photos from the event can be found on our website at www.bostonhigashi.org.

5

6

Parent Perspectives Waiting for the End of Winter Greetings to all! Hope you are doing well as this winter “came in like a lamb,” but over the last month “roared like a lion,” as we now approach the all-time record snowfall for Boston and the surrounding areas. The Boston Higashi school motto says, “Challenge, Believe, Together,” and it is a reminder that together we will indeed see the spring soon!

Winter Music Festival put us all in the holiday spirit as our children and staff gave unbelievable performances. Each year, it just seems to get better and better! The PA did a basket raffle and thanks to generous donations from families & staff, the raffle was truly a successful fundraiser. A special thanks to Elaine Mead and Joe Kyle for their donation of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts tree.

On February 10th, the staff left for Japan for the Annual Celebration. Our Parent Representative this year was Paula Baldassini, mom of an EP student and long-time coordinator of staff appreciation, as well as being recording secretary for the BHSPA. Thank you, Paula, for representing our families in Japan this year. I am sure you have memories that will last a lifetime!

Thinking ahead to warmer days, the preparation for the Annual Celebration will be beginning shortly. If you sew, or want to learn, please contact me by email or cell below. Please always feel free to attend open houses here at school. It is nice to meet parents, and also to share and learn more about our school community.

It is truly a joy to serve as President on behalf of the families at Boston Higashi School. Please feel free to contact me at 508813-0587 or lisa_burgess@comcast.net. Together, we do make a difference! Spring is right around the corner. May we see the cherry blossoms soon!

Lisa Burgess President Parent Association Boston Higashi School

Parent Training

Division Director John Kolwaite addresses our crowd of parents!

Our most recent Parent Training, held February 25th, covered the basics of Daily Life Therapy, with a focus on Behavior Management and NAPPI. Parents participated in hands-on practice of NAPPI skills with staff, and problem-solved new ways to address behavior issues at home. Thanks to all the parents who attended, and to the staff who made the training such a success. Keep your eyes open for future training dates on our website, at www.bostonhigashi.org.

Stuck Inside?

Ways to Beat the Winter Blues This winter has indeed been a challenge for many, but for those with family members on the autism spectrum, the change in schedule can be extra difficult.

It may be tempting to spend hours on an iPad, but mixing up the days’ activities keeps everyone engaged. Here are some suggestions to switch things up!

• Make a clear schedule of varied indoor activities, and stick to it. (Setting a visual timer helps.)

• Try an exercise video to burn off some energy, or some yoga to help relax.

• Play a simple board or card game like Uno or Candy Land to practice color/number/ turn-taking skills.

• Get out the art supplies and color, cut or draw. Have your child copy a coloring book picture, or trace some largeprint words.

• Try cooking something simple together - your child can stir, measure, and help add ingredients.

• Sort through old photos of family and friends together, and see how much your child has grown!

A 50 Year Legacy of Love: Celebrating Musashino Higashi Gakuen Musashino Higashi Gakuen School turned 50 last November. Dr. Kitahara opened her regular kindergarten in 1964, and this is where she met “a boy, who was different,” and this started her life-changing introduction to autism. A group from Boston Higashi School attended the ceremonial gathering, one of the school’s celebratory events. The hotel ballroom filled with hundreds of people, including my former supervisors and staff, students’ parents, and people with whom Dr. Kitahara worked. Many familiar faces brought back fond memories of times passed.

Japan’s former member of the House of Representatives, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Justice, Seisuke Okuno, spoke before the toast and was most memorable. Dr. Kitahara often talked about him as one of her mentors because of his non-stop support of the school and for her unique Daily Life Therapy®.

ournal: My Japan J er BHS Student tant and form

pan Office Assis travels to Ja Ellery Luy’s

r 5th to om Novembe fr n a p Ja to t n rsary I we e 50th Annive th r fo th 2 1 r ber Novembe Friday, Novem n O l. o o h sc Suzuki, of the Tokyo kone with Mr. a H to t n e w I ston 7th, bers from Bo m e m , su at m ts. I Mr. Taka and my paren , S) H (B l o o h Higashi Sc and seeing the cable car in g in d ri d ye enjo had Mount Fuji. mber 8th, we ve o N ay rd tu On Sa tion in the iversary recep n n A th 0 5 e great th Hotel. I had a ce la a P a aw ik ching Taich ceremony, wat e th g in d n e time att rmer BHS , and seeing fo o e d vi S H B e th the Tokyo re currently at a o h w rs e ch tea e went school. mber 11th, w ve o N ay sd e On Tu l (Junior e Tokyo schoo th f o r u to a to ergarten, h School, Kind ig H l, o o h Sc I had High d Residence). n a , p o Sh ge Challen chers and me seeing tea ti l u rf e d n o w a ce. ach school/pla students at e g d shoppin in Also, I enjoye anese nd eating Jap a s re o st t n e departm g my free parents durin y m h it w d o fo erience time. rgettable exp fo n u n a s a w That me this you for giving k n a h T . e m to opportunity.

- Ellery Luy

Mr. Okuno is 101 years old and was in a wheelchair when he arrived at the site, but when he was asked to give his speech before the toast, he got up to the platform and stood up gallantly. He spoke to us in a lucid and articulate voice, reflecting on his personal journey with Dr. Kitahara. The “destiny” of meeting her brought us all together that day. We were humbled but extremely grateful to receive her mentor’s words. His admiration for Dr. Kitahara and her work shined through, even after 50 years.

- Takako Ebihara, Director of Special Education,

Boston Higashi School

Top: Presentation of retirement gifts to Mr. Osanai, President, Musashino Higashi Center for Education and Research; Above: Ellery with Mr. Terada, President of Musashino Higashi Gakuen; Right: A model of the Hakone cable car, with Ellery and his parents

8

Community Connections On January 2nd, we opened our new calendar year with a Parent Collaboration Meeting featuring our Advisory Board Member and longtime friend, Dr. Stephen Shore. Dr. Shore spoke about his personal experiences on the Autism Spectrum, and how his parents’ advocacy and belief in him helped him become who he is today - one of the most notable figures in the autism community.

Thanks to Bob Sweeney and Shannon Murphy from the Boston Bruins Foundation who visited our campus on December 10th. They met with students, heard our world renowned Jazz Band perform, toured our new Athletic & Recreation Complex, and even spoke with some parents about their life-changing experiences at Higashi.

Jazz Band “On Tour” As their reputation for fun and memorable performances grows, so too have the opportunities for our Jazz Band to play in the community. On February 24th, the Jazz Band performed an intimate lunchtime concert at the Bose Corporation in Framingham. Their “set list” included 6 songs, “Tokyo Blues” by Horace Silver, “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham, “Bag’s Groove”

by Milt Jackson, and “Maiden Voyage,” “Cantaloupe Island,” and “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock.

Left: Our Jazz Band members take turns playing solos during performances. Below: The Jazz Band warms up before the gig.

Mr. Kaname Ueno, Director of the Jazz Band, said this was one of the strongest performances by the band this year. After the concert, a Bose executive commented, “At Bose we pride ourselves in giving our customers a “WOW” experience with our products and service. That is just the kind of experience the students and the faculty provided for us! The music was great and I can only describe the band members as truly inspiring.”

We’d like to express a big “Thank You” to Bose for the opportunity to perform! Next up, the Jazz Band plays at Zildjian (the largest maker of cymbals in the world) on March 27th, and at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge on April 30th.

Fundraising Spotlight: The Paw Sox On Friday, February 20th, Joyelle Collins, Higashi’s Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, presented an overview of Higashi’s program to the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Fellowship Group at Boston Children’s Hospital. The interdisciplinary group is comprised of physicians, researchers, specialists and educators in the field. The group was excited to learn about BHS, and we look forward to possible referrals and partnerships with them!

Several supervisory staff from both the school and residence had the opportunity to attend a MESPA full day session with Dr. George Sugai, the esteemed expert on Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems (PBIS). This is what Daily Life Therapy is all about! Our very own Mrs. Ebihara was also able to have 1:1 time with Dr. Sugai. It was a wonderful exchange and he learned all about Boston Higashi School.

Although it may seem like Spring is far away, and Summer is only a distant memory, the Parents’ Association is making plans for it’s annual Pawtucket Red Sox fundraiser! This year’s date is Sunday, June 28th at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Each year attendance has increased, and if you haven’t yet been to a Paw Sox game, now’s your opportunity! Tickets are only $8, and half of the proceeds benefits Boston Higashi School. Mark your calendars for some summertime fun!

e! t a D e h Save t , 2015 8th June 2

The beautiful McCoy Stadium, home of the Pax Sox.

International Reflections on Special Education On December 22nd, Yumiko Mori gave a lecture to graduate students at the Fukuoka University for Education in Japan.

She gave an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the DSM-5, the Boston Higashi School, and Daily Life Therapy®.

The school is specialized in educating aspiring teachers and training professionals for better practice. It has attached schools (kindergartens, elementary, and junior high schools) in several locations. A few representatives from the Munakata/Fukutsu City Board of Education also participated in the lecture. At the end of the lecture, the 20 attendees divided into four small groups and actively discussed “How to intervene on behalf of adults with special needs to protect their human rights.” Yumiko would like to thank Prof. Keiko Noutomi for giving her this inspiring opportunity.

9

10

Development News

What’s Cooking?

The Culinary Arts Renovation Project As you know, at the Boston Higashi School we are always looking for ways to enhance our programs and bring greater dignity and independence to our students. For the past several months plans have been underway to develop a state of the art culinary center that will provide our students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in food preparation and service, seven days a week.

Through the efforts of many dedicated individuals we are well on our way to making what was once a dream, a reality.

With support from the Alison Mae Memorial Fund, our Cook Book Fundraiser led by the efforts of Bill Burke, and in-kind architectural and construction support and expertise, we are getting close to breaking ground.

Right: Whipping up a lemon merengue pie.

Below: Making popcorn for movie night!

Bottom: The architect’s concept for our new kitchen renovation.

NCASES Visits Higashi On December 8th-10th, we hosted a team of reviewers from NCASES, the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services. Every four years they visit to review our program and provide valuable feedback. Their three days on campus were filled with observations of lessons, interviews of students, parents and staff, focus groups, and even paperwork reviews. Taking in that much information in order to get to the “essence” of a program is no small task, and we appreciate the time the NCASES team spent with us. All three reviewers were experienced practitioners with a deep understanding of the challenges that our work presents.

In their final exit with administrative staff this year they gave high praise for all the staff, and were duly impressed by the dedication and relationships that staff have with students. They remarked about our energy, synergy and strong spirit of collegiality among the staff.

They expressed praise for the strong partnership that we have with parents.

The highest compliment I heard was “You make it all look easy and effortless.”

Thanks to all our teachers for welcoming them into your classrooms, residence, offices and giving your time and thoughts during the interviews and focus groups.

We also thank Ron Lauri for organizing all the regulatory visits and keeping the flow and momentum going so our reviewers could capture the mission and essence of the complexity of Daily Life Therapy®.

A NEW LOOK FOR HIGASHI We’re proud to announce the launch of our new website: www.bostonhigashi.org.

On it, you can find lots of great information, from our history and programming, to news, events, and photos. Want to know about upcoming speakers and events open to the public? Subscribe to our calendar, and never miss another event! There’s even a section just for parents to access registration forms for vacation programs, and RSVP to Parent Training sessions. Content is updated frequently, so check back often to see what’s new at Higashi!

Dr. Margaret Giannini: a Health Pioneer On Tuesday, November 25th, we were honored to host the Honorable Dr. Margaret Giannini, who has devoted her professional life to persons with disabilities, and has been a pioneer in the development of a number of initiatives in research, training, and clinical services for the disabled community.

Dr. Giannini is the recipient of many awards in recognition of her professional and humanitarian services and achievements.

She has served on numerous national and international boards and chaired more than 61 international conferences on rehabilitation and developmental disabilities in various countries.

This passionate and knowledgeable humanitarian offers unparalleled expertise and hope for addressing the challenges associated with disability and aging.

Her current project, “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” facilitates and encourages opportunities for all Americans, regardless of ability, to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. Pictured below (from left): Dr. Howard Yager, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley CPA, Principal Deb Donvan, Dr. Margaret Giannini, and Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Boston Higashi School.

Dancing the Night Away

The Winter and Valentine’s Dance Parties are always a big hit! Students love showing off the songs and dance moves they learned in music classes.

More images form the events can be found on our website’s photo gallery: www.bostonhigashi.org

BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL 800 North Main Street Randolph, MA 02638 (781) 961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org

NEW

&

NOTABLE

PG 7

COVER STORY: CELEBRATING THE TOKYO SCHOOL

PG 10

NCASES ACCREDITATION REVIEW

PG 10

DEVELOPMENT NEWS: THE CULINARY ARTS PROJECT

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 PGS 3-4 | Class Notes, Residential Reflections PG 4 | Winter Music Festival

PG 11

DR. GIANNINI: HEALTH PIONEER

PG 7 | Parents’ Association PGS 8- 9 | Community Connections