Higashi Highlights - Winter 2018

Higashi Higashi Highlights

Winter 2018

Challenge

Believe

Together

Massachusetts Legislators Visit Higashi

Winter brought with it times of celebration, reflection, and outreach. From fun holiday dances and feasts, to thoughtful discussion of the world of autism, Higashi continues to “Lead the Way” to a better quality of life for all. www.bostonhigashi.org • Helping children with autism exceed expectations since 1987 • (781) 961-0800

The Principal’s Perspective The Life Lessons that Nature Can Teach

A Message from th

I would like to thank everyone for joinin take this opportunity to welcome all of o

During the winter months, when I look out the window, I often observe aThis flock geeseyear flying overBoston Higashi is aof special as the campus. Geese always fly in a V-formation and there are scientific reasons why.

I read something about have passed quickly so please allow me, o appreciation to all patterns staff, past and presen this a few years ago where an author extrapolated lessons in leadership from the movement establishment, growth and succ of geese. In turn, I related it to Boston Higashi School and wrote about it.School’s ‘Leading the Way’ is the part of this organization and it is a pleas school theme this year, so I offer these reflections again. have faithfully served the Boston Higash “As each goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for others behind it. There is 71% more flying range Ourdirection staff has and worked with in V-formation than in flying alone.” Lesson: People who share a common sense ofgreat diligenc overcome manyand challenges purpose can get there more quickly. Boston Higashi School is guided by a set of principles beliefs to perform in their performance and look forward to with a shared commitment, driven by our mission statement. It is more than a collection of words.

It gives us a common breaking the barriers of autism and achi purpose with shared ideology and methodology coupled with the expectation that all studentstion will to learn grow. Our our and supporters and benefactors, school motto is the action plan for each and every day that unites us and propels us forward. school and our mission.

“Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it feels drag and tries to get back into position.”Please Lesson: It’sthe harder do Celebration enjoy 25th to Annual something alone than together. Every day begins and ends with staff meeting together. Staff work in teams as they deploy Sincerely, their individual and collective talents to create the “Higashi” experience. Daily Life Therapy® relies on the group dynamic and heart to heart education for students to reach their true potential.

“When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.” Lesson: Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest. Research indicates the relationship between leaders and followers has impact on organizational culture and capacity. At Higashi, collaborative leadership, shared inquiry, diverse thinking and learning styles are valued. We know that everyone has the capacity to be a leader. We arrange students in classes and groups so that they have broad and varied opportunitiesIt to be joy both leader and is my toawelcome you to the 2012 a follower. The work that we do “takes a village” to bring about desired and sustainable outcomes. gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration for this school year is CELEBRATE. We ha

“Geese flying in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.” Lesson: legacy of our founder, Dr. Kitahara, and Encouragement is motivating. We need to make sure our “honking” is encouraging and not discouraging.

At Higashi, every to the enduring and sustaining friendsh effort, even the smallest step toward achieving a goal is a reason to give praise and encouragement.

We give this acknowledge ourmessage alumni and their fami cherish our students, to our students: “You can do it. We believe in you and we will never give up on you!” We breakWe down tasks into smallerfamilies and fr components so that our students can achieve small wins along the way. Both our words and our actions make a powerful impact. Daily Life Therapy® and Higashi lead the way as a positive behavior intervention program. Our performance today will touch your age, and talents. You will not only be e

“When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives oraction. dies. Then they motto in We challenge our stud catch up or join another flock.” Lesson: We may all need help from time to time. We should stand potential by each other in difficult and know when we all work to Thank youThere for being with us today. On w times. As a member of the extended Higashi community, you can rest assured that you are never alone. is always someone willing to listen and to lend a hand. We face each day together with grit and grace. Just likeBest geese, we travel uplifted Regards, by one another, ready to persevere and explore new horizons together.

A Message from t

APR 12

UPCOMING EVENTS

FORMAL DANCE

(HS, EP Students & Alumni)

6:30pm Lombardo’s

APR 14 APR 29

SPRING VACATION (No Day Program)

MAY 12

ROAD RACE 9:30 am - Noon Higashi Campus

Deborah Donovan, Principal

APR 12 | EP Ladies’ Day of Beauty

12:30pm - 2:30pm APR 13 | Emergence Brunch at Lombardo’s 11:00am - 12:30pm APR 30 |

MAY 4 |

217 / 304 Program Reopens, Breakfast 8:30am - 9:45am Parent Collaboration Mtg., 10:30am - 12:00pm Open House / Guided Tour 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org

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Class Notes SHARING IS CARING

MIDDLE SCHOOL OLYMPICS This semester, Middle School has been celebrating the recent Winter Olympics in all of their splendor! To bring the fun and excitement closer to home, we have been recreating the luge course in art class! Aya and the students have been making a miniluge and mini competitors to send through the course! We also made clay marbles adorned with the flag of individual countries to roll down the luge course. Everyone has been having a great time and keeping track (no pun intended!) of the winners!

Elementary Division is learning about “sharing” in February. They shared the feeling of “I like you,” by making cards for their friends during language arts lessons, and shared a donut by cutting it into a half / quarter during a math lesson. Everybody feels warm and happy even if it’s freezing outside! What can we share next? Hopefully not the sniffles - we learned about how NOT to share those during Science!

COMMUNICATING OUR LOVE The High School Division celebrated Valentine’s Day with a group party. Our communication teacher Courtney and our art teacher Leniese were able to collaborate and create a fun and creative lesson educating the student’s about this day of love, and engaging them to express their love with handmade Valentine’s and baking. We gathered in our school cafe to enjoy homemade cupcakes baked in communication class, and exchanged paper valentines with each of our friends.

The students had a great time and enjoyed celebrating with their friends and teachers.

STUPENDOUS SCIENCE

EATING RIGHT IN EP The Emergence Students have swung into the New Year working on nutrition and making healthy choices. We are learning all about the different food groups using My Plate and reading important information on nutrition labels. Then we have been taking our knowledge into the community during our Community Education trips to practice our purchasing routines and making healthy snack choices.

The past few months the students of Junior High have been learning about the circulatory system. They used what they learned hands-on by making their own edible respiratory system out of rice crispy treats. They also made their circulatory system by using cheerios, mini marshmallows, and red food coloring (as the blood of course!)

To conclude the unit the students will be taking a field trip in March the Museum of Science to visit The Hall of Human Life. They can’t wait!

Residential Reflections VALENTINE DANCE PARTY: CELEBRATING LOVE! February is the month we celebrate love. On February 7th, 2018, Higashi students, parents, siblings, staff and alumni celebrated love in our annual Valentine Dance Party. The gym was colorful. Red was in the spotlight! It was an enjoyable night filled with a lot of smiles, laughter, joy and love. The smiles on everybody’s face was heartwarming and contagious. Parents, siblings and friends seemed to enjoy the party and they were also engaged. They immediately joined our students in the dance floor and helped us dance the night away with amazing music played by the DJ. Our students were also happy and they exhibited their creative dance moves. It was a moment to cherish!!! It was a successful dance and it was possible because we believe our students’ potential and when we come together as one everything is possible!!!

Photos from the Winter Dance and Party, and the recent Valentine’s Dance and Party.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ~ REFLECTIONS FROM THE YOUNGER VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY For the younger party, everybody looked elegant in their well selected valentine colours. Red and black was the main dress up theme for the night. The decoration was magnificent! You couldn’t help but notice the large pink and red flower decorations in the shape of a heart. The party started with students clapping and dancing to the music with Ken. The parents were happy to watch their children as they danced the night away trying different moves; forming circles, trains, and lines. The parents later joined in, and it was a big party. “I have never see such a big circle before!” said Ken Shano, who led the enthusiastic crowd with his acoustic guitar.

The students then went to the stage and performed their well-practised Valentine’s Day song to their loved ones. Next up was the game; while making a pose, each student took turns to decorate frames that they used to take photos with their loved ones. The best part was yet to come…snack time! Refreshments were served and the students enjoyed with their families. It was good bye time and quietly, the day came to an end. Everyone was at their best behaviour. It was a wonderful evening!

Leading the Way :

NEW PERSPECTIVES IN AUTISM EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.BOSTONHIGASHI.ORG/EVENTS/FORUM 8:30am

Registration Opens - Coffee with Exhibitors

9:15am

Keynote New Approaches to Understanding Language in Autism: What Have We Learned and What is the Future?

Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D. Professor, Psychological & Brain Sciences; Director, Center for Autism Research Excellence, Boston University

10:30am

Break - Exhibit Hall open

11:00am

Autism & the Transition to Adulthood: Neurodiversity in the Workplace Curriculum Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

World - renowned author, lecturer and advocate for those on the autism spectrum

12:15pm 1:15pm

Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D. Psychologist, author, and father of a son on the autism spectrum

Lunch Buffet / Performance by the Higashi Jazz Band The Autism Revolution: A Uniquely Human Experience Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Author; Adjunct Professor, Brown University; Director, Childhood Communication Services

2:30pm

Q & A with Panel

3:00pm

Book Signing & Reception

Reflections Here and Abroad

Parent Perspectives

Hello Families and Friends! I recently returned from another wonderful trip to Japan. One of my duties as President of the Parent Association is to represent our families on the annual trek to Higashi in Tokyo. It is always wonderful to see where Dr. Kitahara started the school and see Daily Life Therapy in full effect in a foreign land. Seeing the children work together and help each other to succeed was heart warming and inspiring.

The Parent’s Association will be funding several things coming up this Spring to including a photo booth for the Spring Formal Dance, tips for our limousine drivers, and flowers for the Ladies Day of beauty. Your support has been critical in allowing us to support our children and teachers at Boston Higashi. The funds raised with the Square 1 Arts will go towards our Arts Department’s special needs.

Keep your eyes and ears open we will be seeking donations and volunteers to help our with Annual Celebration costumes and teacher appreciation!

- Julie Coppenrath PA President

Upper left: Some of this year’s traveling group, (from left) Nancy Trainor, Human Resources Manager; Julie Coppenrath, PA President; Paul Fanning, Chief Development Officer; Yumiko Mori, Educational Program Evaluator; Lindsay Bishop, Speech and Language Pathologist; Mike Kelly, Executive Director. Center: An elementary music class at Musashino Higashi Gakuen check out their “feet to feet” postures! Right: PA President Julie Coppenrath meets with members of the Musashino Higashi Parent Association.

Student Spotlight EP Student Dominic Killiany in Studio Visit Magazine Dominic, age 19, has a double page spread featuring his vivid animal paintings in Volume 40 of Studio Visit Magazine!

He is affiliated with three galleries in Boston and Belmont, and has work for sale on his website, dominicreations.com, as well! In the artist’s own words: “I am 19 years old and autistic. Painting makes me feel happy and silly. I like to sketch and paint animals especially lions and tigers. I love color. My favorite subject in school is math. I like patterns, music, and good food. I love my family.”

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Legislators Learn About Higashi On Wednesday, February 28th we hosted “Legislator’s Day at the Boston Higashi School.” Several Legislators from the Commonwealth joined parents, staff and friends of Higashi to listen to a presentation by Jim Major, Executive Director of maaps, regarding the shortfall in State funding in the Special Education Budget for private schools such as Higashi. Mr. Major urged all Legislators in attendance to support several pieces of important special education legislation, including fully-funding the Special Education Circuit Breaker. After a riveting performance by the Higashi Jazz Band and a presentation by Mike Kelly, the Legislators went on a guided tour of the school and had the opportunity to meet and have pictures taken with students from their districts.

In attendance were Senator Patrick O’Connor; Senator Paul Feeney (plus his aide Hannah); Senator Walter Timilty (with his aide Hans); Rep. William Driscoll (with his aide Conor Kelly); Rep. Joseph McKenna; Chris Griffin, Assistant to Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan; Kate Chang, District Rep from Congressman Capuano’s office; and aides from the offices of Rep. James Michael Murphy, and Rep. Joan Meschino’s office.

Many thanks to James Major, Executive Director of maaps, and James Diaute, Director of Gov. Affairs at maaps, for their tireless work representing and advocating for private special education schools. Thanks also to the very committed and passionate Senators, Representatives, and their colleagues, for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit our school, and show their support of special education programming.

8 Development News Go B’s! - Bruins Donate Street Hockey Equipment for PE Classes!

As the Boston Bruins continue with their excellent onice heroics, their off-ice heroics are just as inspiring. A quick call to Bob Sweeney, Executive Director of the Boston Bruins Foundation, telling him of our efforts teaching our students how to play street hockey, ended in a wonderful donation from the team. A few weeks after the call was made to Bob, 20 cartons of street hockey equipment arrived at the school. The donation consisted of 54 hockey sticks, 2 goalies sticks and 2 complete sets of goalie pads, 2 goals and 2 boxes of street hockey balls. All the equipment was adorned in the black and gold of the Bruins with the Bruins logos to match. All of us here at the Boston Higashi School wish the Boston Bruins the best of luck in their quest for the Stanley Cup and want them to know they have acquired a new audience of passionate fans.

Thank you Boston Bruins!

Wonderous Winter

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Third Floor Classroom Expansion Nearing Completion Since August, contractors have been extremely busy demolishing and rebuilding the third floor of the school building into six new beautiful and spacious classrooms, new clinical and research space, and a new teacher’s room. In addition, three new bedrooms have been added to the young adult’s dormitory, along with a huge new bath and shower room, and a new living room. The classrooms are all but done and awaiting desks and supplies. All the classrooms are equipped with large interactive Smartboard technology similar to those on the first and second floors. In the dormitory, the bedrooms are completed and we are awaiting the renovation of the new living room. All the dormitory construction has been completed without the need to relocate students. Hats off to both student and staff in the young adult’s dorm for their patience and understanding as they go through this lengthy renovation project. It will be well worth in the end, as the entire dormitory will be just like new. The end is near! Stay tuned for an announcement on a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.

“Tell them Bob’s sent you!”

For the third year in a row Bob’s Discount Furniture has made a very generous donation to our young adults living in the Brady Building. It all started three years ago when in need of some dining room sets we placed a call to Bob’s. The first year out, Bob’s donated two new dining room sets for Brady along with some couches for the Brady staff room. In year two, Bob’s donated 4 new dining room sets for Brady and lounge furniture for our Residential Teachers room. That brings us to this year when in mid-February Bob’s donated six complete living room sets to our apartments at Brady, each set consisting of a sofa, loveseat, chair, coffee table and TV stand. This year’s donation was valued at over $10,000 bringing Bob’s three year donation total to over $25,000. Thank you Bob’s!

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To see more event photos, “Like” us on Facebook!

Photos 1-6: Winter Music Festival; photos 7-9: December Sibling Day; photos 10: Outdoor Adventures; photos 11-16: February Sibling Day.

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Community Connections The BHS Research Team has Article Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine The research study “The Effect of Music on Exercise Intensity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study” that the Boston Higashi School (BHS) research team conducted with Ashley Woodman, Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts Amherst), her undergraduate student, Emily Breviglia, and her colleagues was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM). The JCM is an international, peer-reviewed, and open access journal published monthly online.

In this study, we examined the effect of music on exercise intensity in a group pf 13 elementary school students during structured and unstructured exercise periods, utilizing three conditions (i.e., no music, slow-tempo music, and fast-tempo music) randomly. For the results of the study, please take a moment to read the article at http:// www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/7/3/38/pdf We appreciate the students who participated in the study and their parents who gave the consent for the research to the team. Also, we thank the staff members of elementary division, the physical education department, and all who supported this project. It is the first publishing since the BHS Research Team established in September 2012.

This achievement would not have happened without Dr. Woodman’s wonderful guidance and contributions to the team members. The BHS Research Team is honored to work with Dr. Woodman.

John Maina, Ph.D. and Yumiko Mori, M.S., BHS Research Team

Art Is All Around Us EP Art Teacher Elaina Kennedy’s mixed media works find inspiration in nature and beyond Elaina Kennedy created colorful abstract paintings and mixed media works that explore the relationships of our surroundings that we often do not notice or take for granted. The show was at Gallery A3 in Amherst, MA during the month of February 2018. The series is an exploration of shapes, lines and color and how they connect or separate spaces. Many of the works were inspired by images taken from miles above in airplanes or terrains that were visited. The landscape around us is made of a combination of natural shapes along humanmade structures and this inspires the composition of each artwork.

Jazz Band Plays at EMC On December 7th, our Higashi Jazz Band performed once again at EMC’s 8th Annual Pinball Wizard Contest and Vendor Fair, in celebration of the “International Day of People with Disability.” After the band’s performance and pizza lunch, they even got a chance to try their hands at some pinball wizardry of their own! Needless to say, our Jazz Band members are looking forward to next year’s event!

Elementary Students Shine in Gymnastics

Mixed media / painting titles (page left, from left to right): Blue Fog, Nature’s Quilt, Surveying Contours, Voilet Hills; (photo above) Elaina with her work Defining Boundaries at the gallery reception.

The students and teachers of the Elementary division recently displayed their hard work and talents in their third annual gymnastics recital! Students built on gymnastics skills from the previous two years as they somersaulted, “pencil rolled,” and crab walked their way along the yellow mats. Fellow BHS students, staff, and parents came to support and cheer on the Elementary gymnasts and everyone seemed to have a great time enjoying the performance. The students and teachers of the Elementary division would like to thank everyone for their support, we are proud of their hard work!

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BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL 800 North Main Street Randolph, MA 02368 (781) 961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org

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PG 7 PGS 8-9 PGS 8-9

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WELCOME LEGISLATORS

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

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

WONDERFUL WINTER: MAKING MEMORIES

PGS 3 - 4 | Class Notes, Residential Reflections PG 6 | Parent Association PGS 10 - 11 | Community Connections