Higashi Highlights Spring 2016

Higashi Higashi Highlights

Spring 2016

Challenge

Believe

Together

At Higashi, we celebrate students with autism every month of the year, but this April offered unique opportunities for community impact, both globally and locally. From local music and the arts, to the United Nations - watch our “Higashi Family” shine! www.bostonhigashi.org • Helping children with autism exceed expectations since 1987 • (781) 961-0800

The Principal’s Perspective

A Message from the I would like to thank everyone for joining take this opportunity to welcome all of our

We returned from spring break with very special memories of Graduation, Formal Dance This isshared a special year as the Boston Higashi Sc and most especially, the Emergence Brunch. Parents and family members personal have passed please allow me, on reflections that were very poignant and moving for one and all. I cannot begin to quickly tell youso how appreciation to all staff, past and present, a much our staff appreciates these sentiments. They understand full well that finding the time School’s establishment, growth and success to put these heartfelt remarks together while coping with the stressespart andofstrains of daily this organization and it is a pleasur life takes tremendous effort. Summoning the courage it takes to standhave before a largeserved groupthe Boston Higashi Sc faithfully to express what is deep in your the heart is not easy. As we experience these annual rites staffHigashi has worked with great diligence t of passage, I am ever mindful of the strong bonds of community that Our Boston School overcome many challenges to perform in to nurtures and sustains. We continue to care deeply about one other and remain connected their performance and look forward to the through shared ideas, ideals, and collaborative memories. Together, we create a richly textured, colorful of of autism and achiev breaking the quilt barriers tion to our supporters and benefactors, fa abundant experiences that encircle the various ages and stages of life. school and our mission.

Road Race brought fabulous weather and the spirits of all our champions continued to win unconditional admiration Please enjoy the 25th Annual Celebration! and pride from the large crowd of family, friends and benefactors. Whether it was the Fun Run, 1 Mile, 2Mile or Sincerely, 5K Race, the regard and respect for our runners never waivered. Everyone was inspired and deeply moved by the tenacity of the students and dedication of the staff that trained and supported them in their quest for personal best victories. Chants of “Higashi Strong!” rivaled the cheers of the Boston Marathon.

A Message from th

This sense of community continues and grows beyond our campus. Higashi spirit and participation was high at the Annual Evan’s Run in Norwell MA. Our alumni continue to flock to the activities we offer both on and off campus. is my joy to welcome you to the 2012 An Alumni parents continue to connect with each other and offer positive thoughts, support andIt encouragement. gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration pe Higashi has made its presence known in several new arenas this spring. We are honored to partner with Boston for this school year is CELEBRATE. We have University and UMASS Amherst in research initiatives that will contribute to the understanding of autism both aDr. Kitahara, and the legacy of our in founder, theoretical and practical way. It was thrilling to be on the floor of the United Nations for World Autism Day and withsustaining friendship w to the enduring acknowledge alumni and their families our Dr. John Maina as he told the prolific story of his journey as a rising professional and a father of a childour with We cherish our students, autism in Kenya. It was very exciting to meet Steve Silberman, author of NEUROTRIBES, John Donvan co author of IN families and frien A DIFFERENT KEY and Susan Senator author of AUTISM ADULTHOOD. These books are comprehensive, informative Our performance today will touch your hea and enjoyable reads that offer tremendous insight and respect for persons with autism. I remained in talents. awe speaking age, and You will not only be ent action.

We challenge our studen with Temple Grandin who continues to live the mantra DIFFERENT NOT LESS. Boston Higashimotto Schoolindoes indeed potential and know when we all work toge live up to its mission and continues to lead the way educating students with autism with dignity and respect while Thank you for being with us today. On with celebrating every small success along the way. Come to Annual Celebration on June 26th and be uplifted as you Best Regards, experience our Higashi Pride in action.

JUN 26 JUN 26 JUN 28 - JUL 8

Deborah Donovan, Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS ALUMNI BRUNCH 11am-12:30 pm Lombardo’s

ANNUAL CELEBRATION 2:30pm - 5:00 pm

King Philip Regional High School

SUMMER PROGRAM June 28th - July 8th

JUL 11 | Parent’s Collaboration Meeting

9:30 am - Noon JUL 23 | Family Day

11:30 am - 3:30 pm JUL 29 | Sibling Day

9:30 am - 1:00 pm AUG 14 | Bon Dance Festival @ Higashi (Open to the Public) 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org

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Class Notes

MARVELOUS MATH! Elementary is making great progress on their math skills with the help of the new curriculum, Equals Math, under the guidance of Jen Kelley. The students are actively involved in adding, subtracting, and multiplying using the new counting tools.

The students’ skills are being generalized through the Language Arts grocery shopping unit - the students will weigh, count, and group vegetables in a community grocery store at the end of the summer semester!

HIGH SCHOOL’S TOP CHEFS The High School students enjoyed learning about cooking skills during Language Arts and Math classes.

They were able to transfer what they learned in the classroom to real life when each class got a chance to make their own lunch in the Culinary Arts room. Yum!

WHERE IN THE WORLD? Middle School has started an “Around the World” unit in Language Arts, during which we are learning about various countries. Each class is focusing on one country, and will teach the other classes about their chosen country during our very own “World Fair!” Get your passports ready!

COSTUME CREATIONS Fresh off of our Road Race success, the Junior High Division has turned our attention to the upcoming Annual Celebration! In P.E. and music we are starting to finalize our performances and are working hard on our skills! We are having a blast painting our own costumes for the music performance in art classes and are pleased with the results! One more month to go!

BUSY AT JOBSITES OLD AND NEW! The Emergence Program has been busy this spring! We have added three new jobsites, The Salvation Army Hanover Family Store (Hanover, MA), Grace Church (Avon, MA), and Boston Golf Club (Hingham, MA) to the already large list of off-campus opportunities for our students.

Three of our students, Nicole, Zakaria, and Connor, along with staff member Carly, were also featured on the cover of the Friends of Blue Hills spring newsletter! (photo above) The piece included a nice story about our students’ efforts in the Blue Hills Adopt-a-Trail program. Our partnership with Blue Hills Reservation is going on year six, and we are grateful for the continuing opportunity to give back to the community. A link to the newsletter can be found on our Facebook page - it’s a wonderful piece! The Employment Education Program will never stop striving to expand our students’ vocational opportunities. Check out page 5 for exciting news about our Auto Detailing Program and Greenhouse. There’s always more to come!

Residential Reflections: The Need for 24-Hour Education Many have heard the phrase “autism doesn’t end at 3:00 just because school does.” How do you ensure that your child keeps learning after going home?

Our residential instructors can show you how! Our Parent Training during the month of May focused on just a few of the many scheduled events that take place at the Residence that could be generalized to the home environment.

Some of the skills that were discussed at the Parent Training were schedules & routines, showering & hygiene, chores, and leisure skills. Whether you are a parent of a day student or a residential student, our residential staff are here to help! They can offer suggestions in a wide variety of areas such as: • Community Involvement • How to go to the Movies • Grocery Shopping • Homework • Bowling • Money Skills • Daily Living Skills (tooth-brushing, showering, shaving, tying shoes, etc.)

• Doing Laundry • Making a bed • Vacuuming • Cooking

How can we help you? If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us! Let us help you learn more about Daily Life Therapy® and our 24-hour educational approach.

Greetings from the Parent Association! ~ Welcome Spring!

Parent Perspectives

Saturday, May 14th, we had the annual BHS Road Race. Congratulations to all the staff and students who work so hard year round to prepare for this school event. With the new format, it was one of the most exciting years ever. It was great to see all the families and newly added sponsor booths at the race. The PA would like to thank Paul Fanning for his ongoing fundraising efforts on behalf of our school.

The PA has once again sponsored several Staff Appreciation breakfast and lunches in the month of May. The BHSPA could not do what it does without your support; volunteering and/or financial contributions help us support the staff. Thank you to all who help us make this possible!

On Sunday, June 26th, we will celebrate the 29th Annual Celebration in Wrentham, MA. Our theme, for the 2015-2016 school year, is “Pride”. This event is one of the most exciting events of the year, and it is indeed a day to be proud of the accomplishments of all students. A big shout out to the staff for their hard work and dedication to help all the children shine!

The elections for the Parent Association Board for the upcoming school year will be held at the Bon Dance Festival on Sunday, August 14th. If you are interested and want to be more involved, please contact Maryellen Paradise at x109 or by emailing her at mparadise@bostonhigashi.org It is a true privilege to serve as President of the BHSPA. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 508-813-0587 or email me at lisa_burgess@comcast.net.

Lisa Burgess, Boston Higashi Parent Association President (& Mother of Dakota in EP)

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SAVE THE DATE

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SUMMER CONCERT SERIES THURSDAY, JULY 28TH

We hope you’ll join us at Laura’s Center for the Arts at the South Shore YMCA, in Hanover, MA for a casual evening of conversation, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a performance by our incredible jazz band. Doors open at 6pm, the concert begins at 7pm. The Center is part of the Emilson YMCA whose mission is to provide a welcoming environment for all ages and abilities to explore and discover the wonder of the arts.

All are invited - check our website for more details about the evening soon!

Big Plans on Campus: New Partnerships and Expanded Opportunities • The school recently signed a two year agreement with Good Sports. The agreement means that the Boston Higashi School is eligible to receive six donations of sports equipment over a two year period.

The mission of Good Sports is to give all kids the lifelong benefits of physical activity by providing new equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need. Good Sports has been in existence for 12 years and has donated over $15 million worth of brand new sports and fitness equipment to kids across the country...We are thrilled to be in partnership with this amazing organization.

• The Development Department, in partnership with the Facilities Department and teachers from High School and EP, have created a more functional and well-designed space for our Auto Detailing Program. With custom cabinetry donated by MacLeod General Contractors, equipment from Home Depot and supplies from South Coastal Corvette Club, the Auto Detailing Space is all but ready to go.

With their motto of “Fall in Love with Your Car Again” stay tuned for more information. Many thanks for all who pitched in to make this a wonderful job site for our students.

• After another long winter, plans for a new Greenhouse are well underway. The new house will be attached to the new and improved Auto Detailing Center in a more centralized and well-traveled location on campus. To increase efficiency the new Greenhouse will share utilities with the Facilities Headquarters located directly behind the Cushing Building. We are hoping to break ground this summer and open to the public in the fall.

Left: An architectural rendering of the proposed location and style of the new greenhouse facility.

Adjacent to our newly remodeled auto-detailing shop, we hope to break ground on construction this summer!

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Celebrating Autism Awareness: Zachary Lortie Wins State Art Contest

Zachary stands proudly with Rep. Garrett Bradley

Junior High School student Zachary Lortie’s drawing of the Massachusetts State House was chosen as the winner of a state-wide art contest sponsored by maaps, the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Schools. His original piece will be on display in the State House in Boston for all to see. The award was presented during the lunch portion of the maaps Annual Conference on Friday, April 1st at the Best Western in Marlborough. To make the moment even more special, Zachary’s mother, Monica, and his two older sisters attended the conference, as well as more than 700 special education teachers. At the luncheon, Zachary presented a print of his artwork to Representative Garrett Bradley who is this year’s maaps Public Service Award recipient. Helen Coppenrath also had a piece of her artwork chosen by maaps, and she received an honorable mention.

Congratulations, artists!

Higashi Jazz Band Records at Converse Studio On April 26th the Higashi Jazz Band spent an entire day at Converse Headquarters in Boston recording their music in the Converse Rubber Tracks Studio. Converse Rubber Tracks is a global family of community-based professional recording studios. Emerging musicians of all genres are able to apply for free studio time.

Once selected, artists record at no cost while maintaining the rights to their own music.

Not only did our talented musicians record, but they performed to a rousing audience of Converse employees in their Union Hall to end what was clearly, the opportunity of a lifetime for our students. Thank you Converse and the special engineers at the Rubber Tracks Studio.

The Jazz Band performed for nearly a hundred employees, and even received free Converse sneakers!

Building Relationships Globally and Locally Higashi’s Dr. John Maina Speaks at the United Nations Dr. John Maina, Higashi’s Director of Program Research, Evaluation and Development, had the opportunity of a lifetime on April 1st, as he presented to the United Nations General Assembly as part of their observance of World Autism Awareness Day 2016. He described the impact and stigma of an autism diagnosis in his native country of Kenya, and how a better understanding of early intervention and educational services would benefit the country as a whole.

Dr. John Maina speaks to the United Nations General Assembly on April 1st, 2016.

In recent interviews with the Patriot Ledger, Autism Articulated’s blog, and David Wade of WBZ-TV news, Dr. Maina shared his views on the importance of autism education around the world. “I want people to appreciate that all children count,” Maina said. “Regardless of where they live, they should not be stigmatized and should have an education that maximizes their potential. I want to make a case for bold and urgent action for equitable education.”

Dr. Maina’s passion for autism education comes from his own family’s experiences in Kenya. His son Joemark, now 13 years old and on the autism spectrum, was the driving force behind Maina’s insatiable thirst for knowledge about autism. After moving to the United States alone to work at the Boston Higashi School, he became Joemark’s first real speech and language tutor via Skype, calling Kenya every evening to impart to Joemark what he had learned. Fortunately, the entire Maina family was reunited in Boston in 2014, and Joemark now successfully attends public school.

When asked if he has particular advice for parents, he is especially passionate. “Parents should never give up on their child! They should also never apologize or feel ashamed because their son or daughter has autism. I would like them to know and have unwavering faith that their child with autism will realize his/her full potential if they nurture their talents and abilities. In fact, concerted efforts must be made to create awareness among families and communities that children with autism need to go to school. After all, the overarching principle of inclusive education is that every child counts! At home parents should treat them like other children, providing opportunities for them to learn, socialize, work and have fun. They should not hide them; instead they should effectively involve the community in their learning. We all know ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ The founder of Boston Higashi School, Dr. Kiyo Kitahara affirms, ‘in every child exists its most precious bud of self identity.’

Children with autism are a blessing and they deserve nothing but our caring love and best effort from all of us.”

Higashi is fortunate to have such a passionate educator and champion of equal opportunities for all in our midst. He enriches the programming at Boston Higashi School, and helps ensure that Dr. Kitahara’s dream of “heart-to-heart education” lives on.

Congratulations Class of 2016 8 How Swiftly Fly The Years April always brings special rites of passage and treasured annual traditions for Boston Higashi. Our Formal Dance, Graduation and Emergence Brunch are always poignant times of great reflection and joyous celebration. These events make us take time from our busy schedules to pause and ponder how swiftly time passes.

Over 400 members of our Higashi Family gathered at Lombardo’s in Randolph on April 7th, to celebrate the next phase of the journey for our fifteen graduates, at the 2016 Formal Dance. The graduates arrived in style in two limousines, graciously donated by Boston Executive Transportation Service, Inc, and Veteran’s Livery in Weymouth. Although the weather was rainy, the smiles of all inside brought hopeful rays of light even the sun could not match! The ballroom was awash in blues and purples as our graduates made their grand entrances, pausing to present flowers to their mothers or a special staff member. After receiving their well-deserved diplomas, it was time to celebrate with food and dancing. And what a celebration it was!

The presence of so many alumni at our Formal Dance, and at so many other Higashi events throughout the year, is a true testament to the community that continues to thrive, even after graduation. We hope to see our new graduates at many events to come, and know that even as they embark on their separate journeys, they will always remain stitched together, a part of the fabric that makes up our “Higashi Family.”

“Like firefl ies, our 20 16 gradua Spread you tes shine fr r wings, m om within y beloved fi . and glow o reflies. Fly f your own i n the glory inner light .

S h ine it brigh wherever li tly fe may tak e you.”

le! y t S ith ng in i t Girls, w e a c n r e g er our Em eir big night!

Celeb h ities for

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Ladies’ Day of Beauty

Formal Dance & Graduation 2016

Emergence Brunch

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Campus Happenings On March 31st, we had special visitors all the way from Fukushima, Japan! Four adult members of the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta gave our students a memorable performance, and even provided some teachable moments, describing their instruments to the very engaged student audience. Their visit was part of a larger tour to the Boston area, where they performed at Symphony Hall on April 3rd.

We were delighted to welcome visitors from St. Andrew’s School in Singapore on May 6th. Dennis Ang, CEO; Marcel Semaun, Head of Adult Autism Services; and Kevin Ong, Project Manager; joined Dr. Stephen Shore and several Higashi staff for a school tour, and discussions on our Emergence Program and the transition to Adult Services.

New Research Opportunites on Campus!

Our research team is pleased to announce two new research studies on campus. More information about how to participate, as well as updates as the studies progress can be found on our website: www.bostonhigashi.org/ about_us/research_initiatives.

Physical Education Study • Partnering with Dr. Ashley Woodman of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.

• Study effects of BHS jogging on emotion, behavior, learning, and sleep.

• Results may be helpful in filling need for identifying feasible, affordable, effective interventions to reduce impact of ASD symptoms.

Profiles of Abilities Study • Partnering with Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg of Boston University’s Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE).

• Study to advance the understanding of language-related processes and individual differences in children and adolescents with ASD. Left: We are excited to welcome Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg (center) and her team to campus!

On March 11th Higashi welcomed Mr. Yasuyuki Sugiura, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), and Yashuyoshi Nagase, Senior Manager of Boston Operations, Aerospace Department, from the Mitsubishi International Corporation. They joined us for a school tour, and stopped by the Mitsubishi Library which opened in 2012.

We are forever grateful for their significant contributions in the establishment of our beautiful library!

The International Meeting For Autism Research (IMFAR) provides Autism Spectrum Disorder researchers from around the world the opportunity to share their findings in the rapidly changing field of scientific investigation. Mike Kelly, Deb Donovan, Dr. Ann Roberts, and Yumiko Mori represented Boston Higashi School at this year’s annual meeting in Baltimore.

Below: Deb, Ann and Yumiko (far right), met up with research partner Mina Chiang from Columbia University.

Above and below left: Road Race day brought Higashi pride to one and all on May 14th!

Below: An amazing crew represented Higashi at the 16th Annual Evan’s Run 5K on May 22nd! The race not only supports a great cause, but is a wonderful opportunity for students to generalize their acquired running skills to the community.

We Run for Fun! Our annual Road Race was held on Saturday, May 14th, and we could not have asked for better weather, or a better turnout this year! This year’s races included 1 mile, 2 mile, and 5K distances, all of which were professionally timed by parent Julie Coppenrath and RaceWire! A very special thanks to several companies who gave up their Saturday to come pitch a tent and add to the very festive atmosphere: Liberty Bay Credit Union, New England Revolution Soccer, New Balance, AQUA Hydrate, A2C Productions, Fun Enterprises, and Marathon Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. Companies who made contributions, but could not attend, included; Marathon Sports, Burke Distributing, Pepsi/Gatorade, Boston Bruins, Under Armour, and Converse. Our students once again proved that champions are not born, they are made, through hard work, dedication, and a drive to succeed. Congratulations!

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

NEW

&

NOTABLE

PGS 6 -7

FEATURE STORY: AUTISM AWARENESS

PGS 8-9

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016

PGS 10-11

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

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

PGS 3-4 | Class Notes, Residential Reflections PG 4 | Parent Association PG 5 | Development News