Higashi Higashi Highlights
Winter 2016
Challenge
Believe
Together
Students Shine Through Special Subjects
The “special subjects” of Art, Music, and Physical Education are often seen as “extras” in education, but at Higashi they lie at the core of our mission, providing opportunities for our students to excel, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. www.bostonhigashi.org • Helping children with autism exceed expectations since 1987 • (781) 961-0800
The ThePrincipal’s Principal’sPerspective Perspective
A Message from from the Exec A Message th
I would like to thank everyone for joining us today f take this opportunity to to welcome all of our new studen I would like thank everyone for joining
““Take ‘It is pointless,’ pride in who said you reason. are and ‘It how is risky,’ far you saidhave experience. come. ‘ Ittoiswelcome all of ou take this opportunity This is a special year as the Boston Higashi School proud impossible,’ said pride. ‘Give it ayou try,’can said the heart.” Have faith and confi dence that soar to new have passed quickly soheights.” please allow me, on behalf of tS This is a special year as the Boston Higashi
appreciationhave to all staff, past and as well ason so passed quickly sopresent, please allow me,
establishment, growth and success the pa IThe amholiday honored and proud to continue to as principal asSchool’s we enter our 29th year ofall staff, appreciation to past andfor present, events were memorable forserve one and all here at Boston Higashi School. The part of this School’s organization and it is a pleasure to establishment, growth and work succe operati withFestival all members of all theour Boston Higashi School past and present. Together Winter on Music enabled students to let theirboth inner shine brilliantly duringwe have light faithfully served the Boston Higashi part of this organization and School. it is a pleasu are indeed the stewards of Dr. Kitahara’s legacy and the guardians of the culture that defi nes their performances thus igniting warm and happy moments and making memories for our the Boston Higashi S have faithfully served Higashi bothaudience east andcrowd. west. We honor the past, what is diligence throughou Our staff hasappreciate worked with great standingSchools room only Therecognize 2015-2016and school year theme, Be Proud was clearly overcome many challenges to perform in today’s Annu working well and strive to meet the demands and challenges that the future will bring. Our staff has worked with great diligence showcased with heart without hesitation or reservation.
their performance andmany look challenges forward toto the exciteme overcome perform in breaking thetheir barriers of autismand andlook achieving their g performance forward to th The theme for this new school year is Pride. We refer to pride in its most positi ve connotati on. After the holidays pass, the winter season affords us time to nurture our deeper selves. thesupporters snow falls,and the tion toAs our benefactors, families and breaking the barriers of autism and achie As a virtue, pride can mean, aingreatness of soul.” Augusti ne defi ned prideatasdusk “the loveis ofboth one’s own excellence.” campus becomes blanketed white. It takes on aSt. serene beauty especially that peaceful and school and our mission. tion to our supporters and benefactors, f
At Higashi, our pride is not just comprised of indulge platitudes or emptypursuits. words that are boastful and school conceited. Ourmission. pride is contemplative. Winter is the perfect time to in creative andAnnual our Please enjoy the 25th Celebration! deeply rooted and has evolved over time. It stems from the positive performance outcomes and the exhilaration that Please enjoy the 25th Annual Celebration! Sincerely, we feel that whenallour their goals. Whentalents our pride partners hope it helps usand sustain our focus Theall belief ourstudents studentsachieve have hidden or budding waiting to bewith recognized, taught coached is Sincerely, and enhanceand ouratcreati producti vity and tenacity.and It isour pride that enables to liveall our school mottmeaningful o- “Challenge unwavering the vity, center of Daily Life Therapy® core values. We us provide our students and Believe, Together”. educational experiences driven by step -by -step instruction in what are referred to as “special subjects” - Art, Music and Physical Education. These special subjects are prominent on the schedule for both our day and residential The fall season so many opportuniti es for us toasshowcase ourproduct. Higashi pride. beganserve the school with programs. Theybrought honor the process of the work as well the finished SpecialWe subjects as theyear perfect wonderful trainings presented by our staff for our staff . They really brought the concept of job-embedded learning venue to awaken the musician, artist or athlete within. These subjects are strength-based learning opportunities to new heights. explored the concept of the schoolastheme “Beand Proud” with parents athelp ourto opening day parent ItThey is my joy welcome you to the 2012 Annual Celebr that enable our We students to connect with themselves creators collaborators. foster resilience, collaborati on session. The shared inquiry and dialogues were insightf ul and inspirati onal for one and all. The newly gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration performed It is my joy to welcome you to the 2012 Ab confidence, independence and pride. Special subjects are indeed special as they help each individual recalibrate for this our school year is CELEBRATE. We have so many re renovated classrooms on the fi rst fl oor stand as testi mony to the pride we take in making environment refl ect the gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration their identity and concept of self as thinker and continuous learner. legacy of our founder, Dr. Kitahara, and the contribut for this school year is CELEBRATE. We hav pride of ownership we all have for our property. to the enduring and friendship we have legacy ofsustaining our founder, Dr. Kitahara, andwi th As the days get longer our thoughts will turn to the upcoming traditional events that are coupled with spring. MCAS acknowledge alumni andand their families friendship who have toour the enduring sustaining October our traditional events, as well as special talented guests to campus. Offfamilies campus We cherishis our students, friends ma portfoliosbrought are now complete andannual it has been a gift to share them visitors with ourand parents. Everyone looking forward to andand acknowledge our alumni theirwho familie road races, charity golf tournaments, our elegant Gala, the Longwood Symphony Concert with the highly acclaimed We cherish our students, families and frie celebrating graduation, the rite of passage into adulthood with the members of the Class of 2016. We have had Our our performance today will touch your heart. Our stu pianist Nobu of Tsujii, and his special here forbrand our students, increased about the pleasure introducing campusperformance life and our unique of heart have to heart teaching tomindfulness many visitors fromhow both age, and talents. You will nottoday only be Our performance willentertained, touch your hy blessed how much wetohave be grateful for, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. near andwe far.are Weand remain grateful our to students, families, staff, friends and benefactors the ordinary mottofor in making action. We challenge our students tobe been a age, and talents. You will not only potential and knowinwhen weWe all work together, mag extraordinary each and every day. motto action. challenge our stude The beauty of the foliage that surrounds our campus, the smiles and warm feelingsThank among students, and you for beingstaff with us today. On we with show potential and know when allthe work tog families all come together to off er a very rich slice of life at its fi nest. Thank you to one and all for being proud of Thank you for being with us today. On wi Marching on towards Spring, Best Regards, us, and the work we do here at Boston Higashi School. We will continue to be Proactive, Resourceful, Outstanding, Best Regards, United and Determined to make each child glow and grow each and every day! Deborah Donovan Principal Deborah Donovan Principal
A Message from from the Prin A Message th
APR 7 APR 9 APR 24
MAY 14
FORMAL DANCE
(HS, EP Students & Alumni) 6:30pm Lombardo’s, Randolph
SPRING VACATION (No day program)
ROAD RACE
9:30am - Noon Higashi Campus
UPCOMING EVENTS APR 1 | Open House / Guided Tour 10:00 am - 12:00 pm APR 7 | 12th Annual EP Ladies’ Day of Beauty Luncheon 12:30 - 2:30pm APR 8 | Emergence Brunch at Lombardo’s 11am - 12:30pm APR 25 | 217 / 304 Program Reopens, Breakfast 8:30am - 9:45am Parent Collaboration Mtg., 10:30am - 12:00pm For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org
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Class Notes YOU’VE GOT THE CUTEST LITTLE BABYFACE! STRANGER SAFETY In Communication classes this term, the Elementary Division students are learning about stranger safety. They are using the current “core words” for the month (“good,” “bad,” “not,” and “know”) to participate in their lessons. They are also learning to identify people that they know by name, as well as identify the differences between “safe” and “not safe” strangers.
Students in High School have been studying the human body. Starting with the life cycle, students learned about the different stages that humans go through, from birth to old age. High School D
STUPENDOUS SCIENCE
Class put a bulletin board together
In the Junior High Division, we are
showing
everyone’s
baby
or
childhood picture, staff included! Everyone walking by smiles and has been enjoying looking at all of the childhood pictures!
hard at work completing our MCAS portfolios in Lanugage Arts, Math, and Science. We are learning about various body systems in our current Science unit, labeling parts of our Digestive and Circulatory Systems. We look forward to sharing our work with you in the near future our MCAS binders are on display, come check them out!
MARVELOUS MARCH ! The Middle School Division hit the ground running academically when we came back from winter vacation. Everyone is busily preparing their MCAS-Alt portfolios, but we are balancing it all with fun. We enjoyed finally having snow, and are looking forward to using the new crosscountry skis! Our “March Madness” basketball tournament is back in action, and even more competitive than last year. Stay tuned for the results! Go Middle School!
OurNEW friendship with Zildjian began with NEW OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES IN INEMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT ED! ED! an invitation for our Jazz Band to visit the world Exciting Exciting changes changes are are in in the the works works in in Employment Employment renowned Zildjian Factory in Norwell, MA, for Education! Education! Our Our program program isis expanding expanding with with two two a tour, performance and lunch. Since then, John new potential potential job sites, and and our our on-campus on-campus Auto Auto new sites, has not been ajob stranger to our school, dropping Detailing Shop shophashas recently renovated. Detailing recently beenbeen renovated. The by frequently with sticks, mallets, the famous The current 13 off-campus sites reviewed, are being current 13 off-campus sitesjob being Zildjian cymbals andjob even aare gong, that is now reviewed, andemployers’ with our input, employers’ in and with our are ininput, the process used in our Annual Celebration. He hasare even thebeing process of being ofdelivery fine-tuned. The delivery of fine-tuned. routes and stops jammed with the The Jazz Band during one their routes stops our Meals on Wheels program, at our and Meals on atWheels program, for instance, rehearsals (he plays the drums, of course). From are for instance, being reviewed are beingand reviewed revised andto revised be more to be now on, when you see the Zildjian Cymbals educationally more educationally challenging. challenging. On February On February 5th,5,Mr. Mr. on the drum sets of some of the world’s most Robert Robert Flagg, Flagg, Co-Chair of of Friends Friends of of the the Blue Hills Hills famous bands,Co-Chair remember they are ourBlue friends. Adopt-A-Trail Adopt-A-Trail program, program, visited visited BHS BHS and and joined joined our our Open House. House. After After meeting meeting with with Bob, Bob, in in addition addition Open to “No “No Name Name Path,” Path,” one one more more whole whole nature nature trail, trail, to “Ponkapoag Traill,” Trail,” around Ponkapoag Ponkapoag Pond Pond has has “Ponkapoag been adopted adopted by by our our students! students! Please Please check check out out been our assigned assigned trails trails at at http://friendsofthebluehills. http://friendsofthebluehills. our org/ponkapoag-section-5000/ org/ponkapoag-section-5000/
Residential Reflections A VALENTINE’S TO REMEMBER!
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY
The Middle School and Girls’ Division students at the BHS
The 2016 older Valentine Dance Party that took place in
residence would like to thank all the parents, siblings and
the Gymnasium on Wednesday 2/10/16 was extremely
friends who joined us for our February 2016 Valentine’s Day
successful. The gym was full to the brim with happy
Party for the younger divisions. We would also like to thank Ken
parents, siblings, and Higashi Alumni joining us to celebrate
for the wonderful live music, Passy and all the Girls and Middle
the day of love. A big thank you to the organizers, the DJ,
School staff for staging such a colorful event full of love, warmth
MC and all who made the evening such a success. Any
and fun. The cupcake decoration competition was indeed fun -
feedback is welcome in order to make future dances even
with a yummy ending. We are already looking forward to the
more successful.
next party. Thank You!
BOSTON HIGASHI RESIDENTIAL TRIATHALON The Residential Students at the Boston Higashi School competed in a “Triathlon” type event on March 2, 2016. Each division was split up into three groups (of 3 or 4 students) and competed against the other divisions in three events (swimming, treasure hunt and relay race) to see who could finish in the fastest time. During the swimming event, the students each swam one half of the length of the pool before high fiving their teammate to begin. Once each team totaled two laps, the judge indicated the treasure hunters could begin. Each student (one at a time) had to collect a total of 3 toys from the bottom of the zero entry pool, and return them to their designated team basket. Once a total of 12 objects were collected, the judge informed the third group, already waiting on the track, that they could begin. The relay race was a total of 2 combined laps by the 4 students, with each student running one half of a lap. The division that finished these three events in the fastest time was crowned the winner of the first ever Boston Higashi School Triathlon. Who were the winners? Check out our Spring issue of Higashi Highlights for photos and winners circle information!
Reflections on Japan: Food, Friends, and Fellowship When I was asked if I would like to go to Japan to represent the parents of Higashi, I thought who wouldn’t say yes to this privilege? I left on February 10th for my first ever trip to Japan. While the 13 hour flight there was difficult because, who can sleep in a sitting position without being in pain? It was worth it. I arrived to a country filled with amazing sights, smells, tastes & people. Everyone I met was extremely kind and courteous, to include the little children at the Higashi kindergarten. Higashi in Japan is different from Boston Higashi as they are a private school that enrolls neurotypical students as well as students like ours with autism. From kindergarten through their specialized high school, the children with autism are included throughout the day in areas that allow them to be around their peers in times of play and socialization. The caring that I witness the children showing their peers with autism was heart warming. Over the week that I was in Japan, I grew to have a better understanding of Daily Life Therapy®. It’s more of a feeling than actual factual knowledge. I am very thankful to Dr. Kitahara and all of the staff that came from Japan to set up Boston Higashi 29 years ago. Their hard work has given my daughter and many children a better chance at a balanced life where they can continue to grow and be happy.
-Julie Coppenrath
Greetings from the Parent Association! ~ Looking Ahead to Warmer Weather!
Parent Perspectives
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 basket raffle was truly a successful fundraiser. A special thanks to all who donated to the raffle! On February 10th, the staff left for Japan for the Annual Celebration at Musashino Higashi. Our Parent Representative this year was Julie Coppenrath. She is the mom of a Middle School student, and she is also recording secretary for the BHSPA. Thank you, Julie, for representing our families in Japan this year. Also on February 10th, the younger students enjoyed Valentine activities, and the older students had their annual Valentine Dance. So much to love this time of year! Thinking ahead to warmer days, the preparation for the Annual Celebration will be beginning shortly. If you sew, or want to learn to sew costumes, please contact me by email or cell: 508-813-0587 or at lisa_burgess@comcast.net. Lisa Burgess, Boston Higashi Parent Association President (& Mother of Dakota in EP)
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Spotlight on our “Special Subjects”: Building Art All Around Us Winter “blues?” Ha!—just another excuse to get creative in Higashi’s Art Classes. Over the past few months the students have been making a variety of projects to celebrate winter; from winter landscapes to snowmen and everything in between. Several students have been selected to participate in an art contest through the MAAPS organization. The topic is the Massachusetts State House. The highlight of this project has been using the color gold for the dome. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our students’ talents (and maybe even win a prize). Right: Statehouse drawing by Middle School student Zachary Lortie
Our Higashi ceramics are now available for purchase year-round at “Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme,” just down the street from Higashi at 5 Memorial Parkway in Randolph. The store, which opened in the fall of 2014, is owned by Higashi parent Janice Luy, and operated by family friend Elvina Mira. Aside from an assortment of Higashimade dishware, mugs, and napkin rings, the store boasts an impressive selection of herbs, spices, and hard-to-find gift items. Thanks for supporting “Higashi Studios!”
In other exciting news, the Art Division just concluded a major exhibit that was held at the MassArt College’s Arnheim Gallery. The show was entitled, “Painting with Pride” and featured works from all our students. The reception was well attended and many MassArt students were rightfully impressed with the beautiful work. Winter blues? Hey, blue is just a color—let’s paint! Right: Our amazing Art Department: Danielle Enos (Res. Activity Leader), Katie Giguere (MS), Leniese Gatto (JH), Aya Kolwaite (EL/Master Teacher), Hisako Tanaka (EP), Carmine DeCicco (Art Assistant), Hilary Holmes (HS).
Relationships Through Music, Art, and P.E.
Our Road Race Goes Hi-Tech! Change and Challenge are at the forefront of this year’s Higashi Road Race scheduled for Saturday, May 14th. This year we are introducing 1-mile, 2-mile and 5K (3.1 mile) races that will take our students onto the trails, through much of our beautiful 55-acre campus. Our students will also be wearing race bibs (numbers) with electronic trackers in them, so we will be able to get accurate finish times - just like in a “professional” 5K. All of this is in preparation for Higashi’s 30th Anniversary in 2017, when we hope to hold a Higashi Race involving the greater community – stay tuned!
Right: A sample of the tracker used on the back of race bibs so that precise times can be recorded for each runner.
Making Music: With a Little Help From Our Friends
Our good friends at the Avedis Zildjian Company, the largest cymbal maker in the world, have come through for us again. A few weeks ago it became apparent that we were in need of new drumsticks for our music program. A quick phone call to John Pappone, Sales/Drum Affiliate Manager at Zildjian, and a week later 24 sets of new drumsticks and some mallets were delivered. Our friendship with Zildjian began with an invitation for our Jazz Band to visit the world renowned Zildjian Factory in Norwell, MA, for a tour, performance and lunch. Since then, John has not been a stranger to our school, dropping by frequently with sticks, mallets, the famous Zildjian cymbals and even a gong, that is now used in our Annual Celebration. He has even jammed with the Jazz Band during one their rehearsals (he plays the drums, of course). From now on, when you see the Zildjian Cymbals on the drum sets of some of the world’s most famous bands, remember they are our friends.
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Development News Renewed Focus on Grants The Development Department has started off the New Year intensifying its efforts in the area of grant writing. The two-member team has split its responsibilities with a primary focus on Japanese-based companies and foundations, and Boston-based corporate, private, and family foundations. With some early success, we are hopeful for a very productive 2016. The department has worked closely with the various disciplines that contribute to our tremendous success with Daily Life Therapy速. Grants have bolstered our efforts in the areas of Physical Education and fitness, music, job skills development, the Continuing Adult Education Program and general operations. While every effort is being made to make grants all-encompassing at the Boston Higashi School, we also look to you, our donors, families and partners for help. If anyone knows of a foundation or grant opportunity, please feel free to contact the Development Department at development@bostonhigashi.org. As competition for grant dollars is intense, close, personal connections can be extremely helpful. With lots of projects and initiatives in the conceptual stages, it can be funding through grants that will make them a reality. We are forever striving to better serve and develop the environment for our students. As always, thank you for all you do!
- Paul Fanning, Chief Development Officer
A Winter of Wonder!
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Right: You may have seen our Facebook and Website Banners change on #GivingTuesday (December 1st) to promote this year’s mini-campaign: funding for cross-country skis!
Our First Ever
a Success!
On Tuesday, December 1st we reached out to all of you on behalf of the Boston Higashi’s School’s first ever attempt to participate in #GivingTuesday, an International Day of Giving - and Wow! What a response! The school was hoping to raise $7,899.00 to support a new cross-country skiing initiative and thanks to you, the snow is here, the skis are in, and we ready to go. With your tremendous support we raised $7,660 or 97% of our goal. As first time participants in #GivingTuesday, it’s pretty amazing. Thank you from all of us at Higashi! Be on the lookout for ski photos soon!
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To see more event photos, “Like” us on Facebook!
Photos 1-3: Winter Music Festival; photos 4-6: February Sibling Day; photos 7-10: December Sibling Day; photos 11-12: Continuing Adult Education Program; photos 13-15 Winter Dance and Party.
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Campus Happenings The mood was bittersweet as we said goodbye to longtime Plant Engineer, Al Chouinard after 16 years of service to Higashi. His retirement on December 14th brought together teachers, maintenance staff, and even some beloved students who shared their favorite memories at a luncheon in Marble Hall, held in his honor. The students presented him with goodbye cards, hugs, and handshakes, and we all hope to see him on campus again soon!
Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, the Director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE) at Boston University, spoke on Monday, January 4th, to a large crowd of parents and staff about some preliminary findings from the three projects under the ACE (Autism Center of Excellence). These included early trends in EEG and MRI data and interesting possibilities for the intervention study. She also discussed what her team has learned about collecting data with minimally verbal children and adolescents with ASD.
First Floor Classrooms Get a Tech Update! The Elementary and Middle School divisions are excited about the new additions to their classrooms: a “J-Touch� interactive board. These boards will give students opportunities to have access to a variety of educational resources and participate in interactive educational activities. With a screen similar to an iPad, the students are able to click, write or draw using their finger, hand or object. The boards are a great asset to help enhance lessons and class activities for teachers and students! Below Left: Our students use the new JTouch boards throughout the day, whether its signing in during homeroom, classifying geometry shapes during math, or watching an interactive video about social studies. Below Right: Thanks to our matinenance department for coordinating the installation efforts! Pictured from left are Dave Ferris, Facilities Director, and Carlos Gonzalez.
On February 18th we welcomed three executives from Nippon Life Insurance (NLI) for a campus tour. This was their first visit to Higashi, although NLI has been a corporate donor to projects such as our Mitsubishi Library. Pictured from left: Yoshie Gordon, Development and Corporate Relations, Keisuke Kawasaki, President of Nippon Life Global Investors Americas, Inc., Principal Deb Donovan, Yutaka Ideguchi, Executive Officer of NLI for the Americas and Europe, and Yosuke Suzuki, NLI Senior Manager.
Students smiled with pride at their accomplishments after the recital in December!
Right: Focused and ready to perform a “duck walk.”
Left: Crab walking across the mat with some teacher modeling. Below: Taking a bow after impressive performances.
We were delighted to have the Consul General of Japan in Boston, Tsutomu Himeno, attend our Winter Music Festival on December 18th. The Consul General even brought a festive Happi to wear, depicting the Japanese word for “festival” on the back, along with a beautiful image of artwork by renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. We were happy he could celebrate the season with us, and look forward to his future visits to Higashi!
Elementary Students Shine in Gymnastics The students and teachers of the Elementary division recently displayed their hard work and talents in their first gymnastics recital! Students tuned into their inner animal and performed different gymnastic skills such as the Bear Crawl, the Pencil Roll, the Crab Walk and the Duck Walk. 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 very 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
NEW
&
NOTABLE
PGS 6 -7
FEATURE STORY: “SPECIAL SUBJECTS”
PGS 8-9
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
PGS 8-9
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 5 | Parent Association PGS 10 - 11 | Campus Happenings