Higashi Highlights - Winter 2013 issue

The International Program for Individuals with Autism since 1987 800 North Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368 781-961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org

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Winter 2013

Challenge Believe Together

Accredited by The National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services The Boston Higashi School is affiliated with Lesley University.

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groups so that they too have the opportunity to be both a leader and a follower. We celebrate collective efforts and achievements. Our success is not attributed to individual super stars. The work that we do “takes a village” to bring about desired and sustainable outcomes. “Geese flying in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Lesson: Encouragement is motivating. We need to make sure our "honking" is encouraging and not discouraging.” At Higashi, every effort, even the smallest step toward achieving a goal is a reason to give praise and encouragement. We give this message to our students: “You can do it. We believe in you and we will never give up on you!” We break down tasks into smaller components so that our students can achieve small wins along the way. It is the art and science of good teaching along with the strong bond our staff has with each student that determines when to push a little harder. We are also ever mindful about the way we speak to one another and about each other. Our words make a powerful impact and thus we must speak impeccably and truthfully. Daily Life Therapy® and Boston Higashi School lead the way as a positive behavior intervention program. “When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up or join another flock. Lesson: We may all need help from time to time. We should stand by each other in difficult times.” All of us experience times when life becomes challenging and overwhelming. As a member of the extended Boston Higashi School community, you can rest assured that you are never alone. There is always someone willing to listen and to lend a hand. It is also part of our mission to raise our children up to the highest intention to become contributing members of society and the greater good. Each and every one of us has a special and unique essence that the world needs. We never know when that special smile of understanding, quick hug or extended hand or kind word is exactly what someone needs to gather the courage and strength to manage their circumstances. This wheel of goodness and purpose keeps on turning and it gathers positive thought and energy. The person who is affirmed and aided today will indeed be the person who pays it forward in the future. As we power up and power forward in 2013, we have much to be grateful for and also new heights to soar towards. Just like geese, we travel uplifted by one another, ready to persevere and explore new horizons together.

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THE PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE As I look out my window and see the snow that has blanketed our campus, I also glimpse some visitors from nature- a flock of geese. They seem quite content to be together and undisturbed by the happy noises coming from children coasting on the adjacent hill. Their presence reminds me of something that I read about geese. “Geese flying in a V-formation have always been a welcome sign of spring as well as a sign that heralds the coming of winter. Not only is this a marvelous sight, but there are some remarkable lessons that we can learn from the flight of the geese, because all that they do has significance. As each goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for others behind it. There is 71 percent more flying range in V-formation than in flying alone. Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get there more quickly. Boston Higashi School is guided by a set of principles and beliefs with a shared commitment driven by our mission statement. It is more than a collection of words. It gives us a common purpose with shared ideology and methodology coupled with the expectation that all students will learn and grow. Our school motto is the action plan for each and every day that unites us and propels us forward. “Challenge, Believe, Together!” “Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it feels drag and tries to get back into position. Lesson: It’s harder to do something alone than together.” Every day begins and ends with a meeting of the staff. There is harmony and synergy between the day and residence. The school is arranged in divisions and staff work in teams as they deploy their individual and collective talents and expertise to create what is the Boston Higashi School 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. People certainly need to be competent and possess the skill and the will to perform in their respective roles. In order for any organization to grow, prosper and endure, mutual unwavering trust is vital. Sometimes leadership can be situational and it is the wise person who knows when to lead and when to follow. If you cannot follow then you cannot lead. Collaborative leadership, shared inquiry, diverse thinking and learning styles are valued. We know that everyone has the capacity to be a leader. We also arrange students in classes and

Deborah Donovan, Principal

Photo courtesy of Lifetouch

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Higashi Highlights ! Winter 2013 2

Elementary Highlights Chris Stanbrook, Elementary Master Teacher

We had a great couple of months here in the Elementary Division! At the Winter Music Festival, under the direction of our new music teacher Judy (her first performance at Higashi!), we performed "The Little Snowflake" on the stage and it went really well, with many new students adding a fresh excitement to the event! We took advantage of the mild easy-winter weather to go outside and

get some exercise! Even though we didn't have a lot of snow early on, the winter certainly caught up with our recent blizzard giving us lots of opportunities to go sledding and play in the snow! As we roll along into the new year, we are in full MCAS swing. We are working hard to learn about animals and their habitats in Language Arts and Science. In Math, fractions and number sense keep us learning and growing.

Everyone is excited for the chance to show off our academic skills during our upcoming Open Class coming in April for parents!

Middle School Highlights John McAllister, Middle School Master Teacher

Winter has finally arrived, better late then never, and students and staff are very excited about all of the snow. As usual it has been very busy around the hallowed halls of Higashi, and we wouldn't have it any other way. The Middle School Division had an opportunity to go caroling at an assisted living facility in West Bridgewater where we performed some winter classics. We were

very well received and invited to come back at any time. The students did very well, and it gave us another chance to sing our Winter Music Festival song "December." After a very well deserved vacation, Middle School got right back at it. We are now in full MCAS mode, and the students are helping us to select their best work for their assessment portfolios. As March approaches, we will start rehearsing for our

performances for the 26th Annual Celebration, always an exciting time. We will end the term with an Open Class for parents, giving the students a chance to show off their best

Junior High Highlights Jen Kelley, Junior High Master Teacher

Junior High is off to a great start in the New Year! Everyone came back from our winter break excited to get started on the new curriculum and events for 2013! Winter Music Festival was a great success and now it is time to begin preparing for Open Class! Junior High has also been embracing the snowy weather that we have been having to the fullest! Last week we were able to go outside and go sledding on the front hill! The students and staff had a great time sledding

and playing in the snow. In P.E. class the students have begun to learn basketball. They have been practicing dribbling with both of their hands, passing, and basic postures while holding the ball. They are doing great and having so much fun! In music, Junior High is still playing the recorder and making great progress on our new Valentine’s Day themed songs! In academics, Junior High has begun to learn multiplication, and continues to work on reading

stories and writing book reports. The students have developed many new skills in both of these areas! Junior High is looking forward to our next big event, which will be Open Class in April!

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High School Highlights Jen Tomase, High School Master Teacher

The High School Division welcomed a new student and friend into the division when we returned from the Thanksgiving break. Hanna has been a great addition to HS B and seems to be enjoying her new school and friends. As the new semester started, the students in High School began studying about different Presidents, and are continuing to practice their money skills.

In February the students practiced their dance moves in music class to get ready for the Valentines Dance Party. All the students looked great and had a fantastic time dancing with their friends and family. Finally, in PE the students are working hard on their volleyball skills. They are learning to hit the volleyball both overhand and underhand, and are also learning how to serve.

Transition News Joe Murphy, Director of Transition

Since September, Boston Higashi School has transitioned five students into the adult service world. All are reportedly doing very well and we are sure to see them all soon at our great BHS events. Our graduates and their families continue to make a large impact on adult services for those with ASD. Many adult programs have redesigned their services based on the needs of

the autistic population. Mainly it is the families who all have high expectations and expect that their children will continue to grow and progress have driven this. We are preparing for the largest graduating class since the Boston Higashi School opened its doors in 1987! Don’t forget about the Formal Dance and 2013 Graduation Ceremony on April 12th at the

Quincy Marriott. Not only will we see our current students looking great, we expect to see many of our graduates donning their formal wear and having an enjoyable reunion.

Nurses’ Notes Tracy Johnson, R.N. Head Nurse

The Higashi Nurses are looking forward to spring and saying goodbye to flu season (and the snow)! We fared well this year, with minimal influenza-like illness, and would like to thank everyone for their efforts in decreasing the spread of germs. Let’s all continue with good hand-washing technique to keep illness at bay. Remember, sing “Happy Birthday” 2 times to ensure you washed for at least 20 seconds! With the spring and warmer temperatures, we will also see a shift in the kinds of illness we see. Some things we’ll be watching for include tick-borne

illnesses (Lyme Disease), bug bite infections, as well as seasonal allergies. If your child requires medication during allergy season, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, please provide it monthly. April 7th is "World Health Day", and this year the theme is “hypertension,” or high blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, and left untreated, it can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure. The goals of the campaign include: greater risk awareness, healthy behaviors, improved detection, and enabling environments. If you

or your children haven’t had a blood pressure screening recently, now is the right time! Contact your healthcare provider or local Public Health Department for current screening information, and to determine your risk.

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Emergence Highlights Jamie Marshall, Division Director

The Employment Education Division is happy to announce the successful launch of vocational services during our Winter Vacation. These important new services made for a busy break for the students who remained on campus for our 365 Program, or attended as day students. Many of the students were happy to be able to continue with their vocational routines during the break. Many employers were also happy that the Emergence Program students could continue to meet their responsibilities despite the school break. Master Teacher of the Employment Education Division, Hiro Abe, describes the benefit to our employers: “In the past, job sites needed to be shut down during vacations and our employers were left scrambling to fill the void left by our students not being available to help out. Basically, the job still needs to get done. Now we can offer our students’ assistance much more consistently, without putting additional strain on the businesses and volunteer services

that Higashi students are a part of.” South Shore Elder Services expressed their gratitude for not having to find additional drives during the break for their Milton, Quincy, and Randolph Meals-on-Wheels routes. The students were also able to maintain their volunteer positions at both Brockton and Milton Hospitals. Students were able to continue volunteering in the kitchen at the Fireman Retirement Community next door, and they were also able to meet their responsibilities at the Corcoran Company in Weymouth. There are always vocational programs on campus that need to be maintained as well. Confidential documents still need to be collected and shredded. Paper recycling bins need to be emptied, and plastics still need to be recycled. The cafeteria still needs to be set up before lunch and cleaned up afterwards. The students of the High School Division were able to set aside time from the daily schedule to maintain the rapidly expanding on-campus vocational program.

With our April vacation approaching, the Employment Education Division now looks to identify additional opportunities for our students. Warmer weather means our outdoor job sites can be continued during the coming break. Students will be able to contribute to the Blue Hills Adopt-A-Trail Program and we will re-launch our community based landscaping services for the elderly. The inclusion of residential staff that sign-up to work at the day program during vacations serves to strengthen the BHS vocational model. They will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with our students on campus and in the community under the supervision of experienced Employment Education teachers. In the future, we will seek ways to expand vocational training into after-school programs. Thanks to the staff working with High School and Emergence Program students as we try to position our students for productive lives both at Higashi and in the future.

Courtesy of the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton newsletter!

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High School

Bonding between some students and staff span over a great deal of time at the Boston Higashi School. New teachers and students start all the time. On occasion, some teachers and students are both in a new environment and get anxious about what is going to happen

next. They start this new journey together. That specific thing took place with Jesee, now the Asst. Master in the HS division, and Thomas, a student who started back in IN and is now in HS. Both started out in a new environment, from different locations on the map, but eventually their paths crossed at our school. Now after many years of being together, Jesee and Thomas grew together in many similar ways. During the journey, and by challenging themselves, they got to try new foods, experience new situations, and gained new skills. When everything is taken into account, the challenges and the

successes, it is sometimes the journey itself that makes us grateful. The opportunity to learn from each other and see each other grow because of the interactions with one another makes us realize that the roles of student and teacher are interdependent.

Residential Roundup Christopher White, Residential Director

“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” -Eileen Caddy

Two months have quickly gone by and we are moving with full speed into 2013. With this edition of Higashi Highlights, I planned to focus on our school theme, “Gratitude.” I wanted to provide the opportunity for each division in the residence to really get to know each other as people, in addition to their roles as students and teachers. This

enables us to fully understand the impact of each person’s unique contributions. Gratitude is defined as “the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.” I believe this is something we should all express. The articles from each division offer insight on both the students and teachers at the residence. Some articles focus on bonding, and some articles focus on the learning journey. Some articles focus on the teachers, and some focus on the students, but all articles focus on really knowing each other better and how we can become more aware of the accomplishments of others. We can give gratitude for all that has been. I am truly grateful for all the staff at the residential program. We are a very diverse group of people coming from many different locations from around the globe. I have gotten to know a

little bit about everyone and have seen everyone grow into his or her respective roles. They challenge themselves everyday as teachers and give themselves fully to the students. In return, the students give everything they have back to us. I am truly grateful that I get to see that on a daily basis. Please remember to take the time to notice and appreciate the people in your life.

Gratitude

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Intermediate & Young Adults

Since September, we have welcomed four new students in Intermediate Division and after the holiday season, we have welcomed four new students in Young Adult division. The new students have been adjusting well and the bonding between the teachers and new students has grown and is constantly being renewed. As the director, I would like to take this opportunity to show my gratitude and appreciation to some of the staff in both divisions. In Intermediate, the teachers are always teaching detailed skills, giving a lot of love and care to each student, and bringing joy and fun to anything

they do. Our teachers in Intermediate include, Seimi, the Master Teacher. She is always putting her best effort forward to make sure everything is ready so the staff and students are fully prepared to participate in all activities. The Assistant Master Teacher, Mayu, has been here for seven years and Krishma, has been working at the Higashi residence more than five years. Their experience and knowledge give support to other teachers which is essential to build and strengthen the division. Julissa, Caroline and Jonathan are new teachers but give new ideas and new ways to look at things under Daily Life Therapy®. In Young Adults, Henry is the Master Teacher and Tim, is the Assistant Master Teacher. Both started working in the Young Adult division about five years ago. Since their arrival they have been working very hard to make the division better by focusing on creating strong teamwork. Henry is always shedding light on how to

strengthen bonds with students and teaches his students in a clear detailed and structured way. Tim has a wider view toward his division and is always making sure each activity is running smoothly and is successful for every student. John, Macharia, and Dennis, also started in the Young Adult division about two years ago and now they are taking on important roles in the division as group teachers. All Young Adult staff are very responsible, attentive and always want to increase the opportunities they can give to the students so they can enjoy each moment in the division. Thank you for your hard work!

Middle School

What a wonderful start to the winter semester in Middle School Division! We continue to have fun in the snow by sledding, going on nature walks, and making snowmen. In this Higashi Highlight, we would like to introduce some of

the teachers in Middle School division. First is our newest teacher “Issa.” He is from Uganda and looking forward to playing basketball with the students. Our Master Teacher “Regina” is from Kenya and our Assistant Master Teacher “Chie” is from Osaka, Japan. They have been at Higashi more than five years and work hard to make sure Middle School students enjoy all opportunities at the residence. Other teachers include “Naoko,” “Jenn,” “Shige,” and “Michael.” All staff work very well as a team everyday and are grateful for all of what the students teach us on a daily basis.

We would also like to thank all the families and friends who came for our Valentine’s Day Party February 13th! Everybody looked great and enjoyed playing, singing and dancing.

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Girls Division

!!!!!“We cannot tell the exact moment a friendship is formed; as in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses, there is at last one that makes the heart run over.” –Gloria Naylor

Long lasting connections are made, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. I fondly remember the first time Isis came to the Girls B Division. As a division, we tried to find different ways to bond with her. Since she is extremely verbal, we began to discover many different aspects of her personality through casual conversation. It seemed everyone had learned to find a common bond with her but me, so for weeks I would ask her about her likes and dislikes. Common ground seemed to elude us. One afternoon, she heard me humming a tune that I learned while singing in a chamber choir in high school. Her face lit up and she said “Hey, that’s Bach’s

Cantata BWV 147!” She then rummaged through her CD’s and brought out a copy of “Bach for Breakfast,” which contained the very song. Almost two years later, we continue to get opportunities to chat and discuss life and her endeavors. Laurie: What are three words to describe Isis? Isis: Smart, Philosopher, Gamer (video games) Laurie: Where do you see yourself 15 years from now? Isis: I see myself as a Medical Doctor because I am obsessed (shrieks in excitement) with the science of the human body. Also if I have some extra time I would love to read books to children at a school or day care, and maybe teach a class on dinosaurs at a museum. Laurie: What do you enjoy most about Boston Higashi? Isis: I loooove Music with Ken, “brings out the star in me baby!!” I also love reading to those adorable faces at the day care. You would be surprised to learn

Emergence Girls

As our school year progresses, we continue to challenge and encourage our students in the residence. We greatly value our role as the last step in the Higashi residential program. Teaching our students skills such as greater independence and responsibility will become indispensible assets as our students move on to the next phases of their future educational, vocational, and residential experiences. The seasons change, and bring both changes in weather, and exciting activities that our students look forward to during

the winter months. Coming up this spring is the Formal Dance. Katie, Kalah and Rachael will be celebrating their upcoming graduation from The Boston Higashi School. Did you know these three young women have a combined total of 36 years here at Higashi? We are so lucky to have been part of their lives for so long! As the school year continues, we hope to see continued progress with

our soon-to-be graduates, and all of our students. We want them all to continue to enjoy our activities. We take great pride educating and challenging them to reach for new heights.

how sweet and understanding those little babies are. Laurie: Dead or alive, who would you like to sit at a table with and talk to, and over what type of meal? Isis: My grandparents, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Antonio Banderas, Bach and Adele. What else would we be eating but my favorite mac ‘n’ cheese, milk and sugar cookies of course. Laurie: Anything else you would like to let people know about you? Isis: I LOVE Zoology and I’m a dancing machine!!!

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Emergence Boys

We continue to appreciate the important role of being the last stop for Higashi students before they graduate and join the adult world. In order to prepare them for the future ahead, the Emergence Program at the residence is modeled after a realistic home life where four students share a townhouse under the guidance of a dedicated teaching team. This January, EPB welcomed five young adults who have added color to the division due to their diverse abilities and likeable attitudes. They include Max, Oliver, Edwin, Chris, and Harry. A discussion with the

students about the new environment revealed that the students are full of gratitude. Max represented the group in expressing his gratitude for the many nice experiences he is getting in the division. Max has been in Higashi since January of 2011. During his time at EPB, he has come to like the many opportunities he gets to make his own meals, and his favorite is American Chop Suey. He says he is good at yoga, cooking, wiping tables and kitchen counters and doing laundry. He enjoys community trips, especially visits to state parks and the Arboretum. At the moment some

of the issues he finds challenging includes making hot chocolate and frying eggs for his breakfast. We hope that all the students will continue finding their stay at the Brady building a worthwhile and very enriching learning experience.

The Overnight Team

The members of the overnight team dedicate this article to a veteran of the team, Mr. Olushola Adefunmilola, (Shola). An outstanding resource and an inspirational role model to his students, peers, and indeed for all members of the team, Shola has offered over 14 years of service to the Boston Higashi School. Shola overcomes the stress and strains of the job with great skill and compassion. Shola counsels all to “approach everyday in a positive state of

mind, believing that what you do is critical in being successful with the population we deal with.” He adds: “Keep your focus. Maintain your composure and encourage others to believe.” He has given staff members, his students and parents, a voice as he exhibits the most effective communication skill-- the ability to listen well and empathize. Shola is accessible, trustworthy, flexible, tolerant, patient and approachable. Prior to his promotion to the position of Director in 2012 from Assistant Director, Shola worked with the students in all the male divisions inspiring and motivating his peers and his students. He is in-tune with his team and with his students knowing when to pull back and when to push forward. Shola exhibits humility, tenacity and grace, offering fair and honest feed back each time the need arises. He values his students and every member of the team and has helped to offer a welcoming environment to them. Worthy of note is the way he helps

the members of the team, especially the brand new ones, build skills. He identifies the positive traits in them that may be invisible to themselves. He motivates them to aspire to increase their expectations for themselves and for their students. Shola is impressed with the effort the management has invested in promoting sports in the school. He singles out the proposed construction of the swimming pool as a facility that will greatly help our students to learn recreation skills. It is in light of the aforementioned that we feel happy and proud to openly express our gratitude for all he has done for us. We wish him many more productive years ahead.

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Recreation At a Glance

Winter is in full effect, with record snowfalls and people in the Boston area battling the flu. We had the task of redirecting some of the recreational and community activities offered at the residence in order to reduce exposure to the flu. Being mindful of what is best for our students and keeping their health as our top priority, we took a very proactive approach to limit community activities at crowded indoor places and tried to avoid close quarters with people in the community. We have been going out to the parks and enjoying the fresh

air. We decided that the theme for the weekend community trips in February would be ‘Winter Nature Scavenger and Treasure Hunt.’ The goals are for our students to enjoy the winter nature walks, to be aware of the environment, and to search to find items from the scavenger list. We have been playing BINGO outside using the Mass. Audubon Society Winter Walk Bingo Sheet. As far as new activities in January, some divisions enjoyed new trips to Stonehill College and Brandeis University to see college basketball games. In March we will resume these trips for all of the divisions to participate in watching some exciting college basketball and also ice hockey games. All those colleges including UMass Boston, Curry College, and Bridgewater State were very happy and excited about having us come to see their games! I am also excited to start routine trips to the public library. We will generalize using good manners and etiquette we learn at school and explore the world of books.

Out in the community we have been using more and more of the iPads to empower the kids to communicate. We have been using them to do food orders or when shopping, to properly greet or thank the cashiers. Please note that Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Game 2013 will be on Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9, 2013 (not the regular Father’s Day weekend they normally schedule the Summer Games). We are preparing to participate in Rollerskating, Aquatics, and Track and Field events. Once again Boston Higashi School has many talented athletes ready to do their best and go for the gold!

Junior High

Our Daily Life Therapy® is anchored with bonding between students and staff. This heart–to-heart educational approach is an experience that is real, and one that I have experienced in my efforts to teach and connect with my students. The result has been the establishment of a trusting relationship between me and my students. This has resulted in more effective learning and great progress. “Shloimy” now calls himself “King Solomon of Junior High.”

He is one student with whom I have worked, and we have developed a very strong bond. I love to see him smile, laugh, play and accomplish many things that I could not have imagined sometime back. He has made tremendous progress and I look forward to continue nurturing his talents and abilities. Each day he learns something new and accomplishes something new. The wise “King Solomon of Junior High” continues to reign, and we give our gratitude to him as well

as he has taught many things to our teachers.

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Winter Sibling Day

“It Takes a Village

to Raise a Child”

Siblings are an important part of the team that helps a child with autism flourish in school and at home. The Sibling Days at the Boston Higashi School provide siblings of our students opportunities to share their own ideas and stories, while making

connections and friendships with each other. At a very successful session this winter, approximately fifteen siblings came to explore the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” From the youngest sibling in attendance (5) to the oldest (19), everyone had a great time participating in the winter themed activities! After some introductions, the busy morning commenced with a “snowball fight” across the gym floor. Each team tried to get rid of as many snowballs from their side as possible. However, just like the problems and frustrations that may occur with siblings, no matter how hard each team worked to clear their sides, the snowballs kept coming back!

Teamwork skills were also used to decorate gingerbread houses with a ton of frosting and candy – well, with whatever wasn’t snacked on first! A beautiful village of distinctive gingerbread houses was created, each with a flag outside describing the characteristics needed to raise a child with autism, such as patience, love, acceptance and laughter. Throughout the day, siblings of all ages connected with one another as emails were exchanged and gatherings outside of school were planned! The staff and siblings look forward to future Sibling Day events and hope even more siblings will participate and share their unique experiences!

Alumni Study Launched Ann S Roberts, PhD, Director of Clinical Services!

Timing may be everything. After working for several years on developing our Outcomes Survey, described below, we finally sent it to our partners at the Survey Center at UNH (the University of New Hampshire) who ironed out the final glitches and pressed “GO” to send it off by email as the first flakes began to fall on Cape Cod at 11:05 on the morning of February 8th, just beating the 5th biggest blizzard to hit the state that closed schools and shut down activities for several days to follow. We have already heard back from the parent of one former student that she has completed the survey and submitted it online. The survey went out to 103 families, 82 by email and 21 by postal mail, according to family preference. We have been searching our databases to contact alumni families, for many of whom we seem to have

only outdated phone numbers or email/mailing addresses. WE WELCOME ANY AND ALL OTHER ALUMNI FAMILIES TO CONTACT US AND PARTICIPATE. The Outcome Survey consists of a questionnaire asking about the current life situation of our former students in regard to where they are living, their access to the community for work, leisure, and socialization and the ways in which they do or do not still utilize some of the strategies they learned at BHS to manage their daily life. It also asks about their overall health, wellbeing, and happiness now. Finally we would like to know how they would rate their experience at BHS as well as any suggestions they may have for us. The online questionnaire takes only about 15 minutes to fill out. Dr. Luke Tsai, Professor at the University of Michigan and a member of our Advisory Board, has been consulting with us on this project and Joe Murphy, the

leading BHS staff contact to all graduates, has also played a large part in the development of this survey. We are very excited to be doing this project. Parents that have done the pilot questionnaires with us (9 sets of parents) have given us fantastically rich feedback and we eagerly anticipate being able to share all of the results with the school community in the future.

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Valentine’s Day Dance Party

The older BHS students enjoyed their third dance party of the year on Wednesday, February 13th, and a good time was had by all. The young men attending were looking sharp,

wearing semi-formal clothes with ties. The young ladies were also looking good in their fine clothes and dresses. This was the last dance before the big Formal Dance at the Marriot Hotel in April. It was a good opportunity to have our students get used to wearing nice clothes that they will wear at the Formal. High School students will wear semi-formal outfits and the Emergence Program’s male students will rent tuxedos.

A special thank you goes out to event organizer, Moses Nduati, who coordinated both day and residential staffing. Also, new DJ Michael Krasoski did a great job keeping the music coming and the kids dancing. Once again, MC Carmine DeCicco was excellent at keeping everything on track. We had many alumni attend as well, and we look forward to seeing more of them at the big Formal Dance in April.

Stephen Shore comes to Higashi Jen Lambert, Director of Training and Curriculum

The Boston Higashi School welcomed the New Year with a very special guest speaker, Stephen Shore, Ed.D. Parents and staff joined us for our January collaboration meeting to hear about the changes that will occur with the upcoming 5th edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, known as the DSM-5, in May 2013. Stephen spoke about the changes and the implications for parents, staff and the autism community. The new DSM-5 emphasizes the importance of serving students with autism based on various levels of need. No longer emphasizing the labels of severe, moderate, high functioning, or even Asperger Syndrome, all students within the spectrum will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result,

diagnosticians, clinicians, and educators will have to consider the unique communication, educational, social, biomedical and sensory needs of each student. Stephen also talked about the importance of sensory integration and how it may feel to have one’s sensory system overloaded through a hands-on demonstration that parents and staff were able to experience. There is still a lot to learn in regard to the revisions that will make up the new DSM-5, however, we continue to serve our students with the highest quality education under the methodology of Daily Life Therapy® believing in high expectations for learning and keeping up-to-date as the understanding of ASD moves forward.

Specifically for staff, we had Stephen join us for three all-day professional development workshops during the month of January. Staff was able to review the manual, and ask questions about the upcoming changes. The workshop also included the importance of sensory needs of our students, and how we can integrate strategies to help our students cope with and even overcome the daily challenges that they may face. Our staff spent the day learning about the DSM-5, sensory needs and biomedical implications through many hands-on demonstrations, conversation and collaboration. Stephen offers insights to our staff that are invaluable and greatly respected. We thank him for taking the time to share his experiences and collaborate with staff.

Higashi Highlights � Winter 2013 17

Higashi Says Goodbye to Mr. Ogi

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With mixed emotions, Boston Higashi School bid farewell to the Ogimura family at the end of February. Mr. Ogi began his career with Boston Higashi close to twenty years ago. He was hired by the administration from the Musashino Higashi Gakuen specifically to bring Japanese culture and education to the Higashi School in Boston. Ogi was trained as a physical education teacher in Japan and also in Kendo. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines martial arts practices and values with sport-like strenuous physical activity. Wikipedia offers the following about the purpose of Kendo: “To mold the mind and body in order to cultivate a vigorous

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spirit, and through correct and rigid training, to strive for improvement in the art of Kendo and to hold in esteem human courtesy and honor. To associate with others with sincerity and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself. Thus, will one be able to love one's country and society; to contribute to the development of culture; and to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.” Mr. Ogi brought these ideals to all of his roles here at Boston Higashi School, beginning as a residential instructor, and then ascending to the Director of Residence, and then to Director of Training and Recruitment. He held high expectations for one and all. His lovely wife, Kome served

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as an instructor, master teacher, and division director in the Residence. She was dedicated to her students and staff in her division. Her beautiful artistic decorations were part of every holiday and celebration at the residence. The most wonderful event that we were able to share with them was the birth of their daughter Kotomi. “Koko” lit up a room with her beautiful smile, inquisitive and loving nature. We know that they are very happy to return to their extended family in Japan. We thank them for all their contributions to Boston Higashi School and wish them well in their future endeavors. “Arigato.” “Ogenkide” from all of us.

We celebrated Mr. Ogi’s tenure at Higashi with a dinner reception, and school-‐wide assembly.

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Gone but Not Forgotten !

Farewell to Terry Murray, former long-term President of the International Parents. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Terry Murray. Since Terry junior’s enrollment in the Boston Higashi School in May of 1992, I felt a bond from the very beginning with the Murray family. The Murray family were pioneers and became ombudsmen and guardians to families who

followed them “across the pond” into the unknown. Terry became a long-term President of International Parent Association for the Boston Higashi School. Terry and Rita were the bridge for the families towards hope, walking hand-in-hand giving inspiration and courage to overcome any hardship. Terry never sought accolades. His only goals were to give, to care and to love within the context of a humble quietude. He always had a full measure of love and support of his family and full measure of advice from his loving wife Rita. Terry was respected in the U.K., America and Japan. He is truly a transcontinental hero. Terry represents the consummate

spirit of the Higashi Schools and essence of the schools’ ideology of Heart to Heart Education. We are profoundly grateful for his devotion, contributions and dedication not only to the U.K. families with children with autism but also for his passion and commitment for the betterment of the future of individuals with autism. Terry inextricably lives in the hearts of all he touched. Thank you my dearest friend for all you gave us. Cheers my mate and proud member of the “58 Club”. At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Higashi School in memory of Terry.

-Robert Fantasia

Parents’ Perspective Janet Murphy, Parent Association President! The Winter Festival was successful with many great performances from students and staff. There were sales of scarves, ornaments, flower arrangements, snowflakes and Sand Dollar Jewelry Designs in the lobby to benefit the school and Parent Association. Over the winter break the parents worked diligently to get families and friends to “like” the school pool campaign grant contest sponsored by UNIQLO on Facebook. Thank you to all the parents who participated in this effort. The power of our parents’ participation is amazing. Despite our best efforts, we were not chosen as one of the recipients. Grants were awarded to more third world and start-up organizations. Paula Haite, our First Vice President, will be traveling to Musashino Gakuen in Tokyo,

Japan as our Parent Association representative. We hope she enjoys her travels. She is bringing Bill Burke’s cookbooks to give to each of the schools on behalf of the Parent Association of Boston Higashi School. This cookbook has recipes from parents representing both schools, and our continued connection with our “parent school” abroad. The proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go towards the renovations of the culinary arts kitchen. Bill’s cookbook is available for purchase from the school. As always we thank our parents who help with the activities of the school and Parent Association. The Parent Association is pursuing some fundraising activities so look for more information on the sale of Paw Sox Tickets for a spring game on May 19, 2013 at 1:05 pm. Half the cost of the tickets will be returned to the Parent

Association. It will be a nice way to spend time in the outdoors with our families and other Higashi families as a community. We are also looking at selling some Boston Higashi Apparel. Look for more information to come soon. As always please let us know if you have any new ideas or have feedback for the Parent Association Board. We also appreciate the continued support and donations of all families of the Boston Higashi School Parent Association community.

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Please show our staff that we are

grateful for all they do for our

children. The Parent Association

purchased Keurig coffee machines

last year for both the day and

residential staff rooms. We are

asking parents to send in K-cups so

our dedicated staff can enjoy a cup

of coffee, tea or cocoa. Boxes of K-

cups may be dropped off at the

reception desk on the dayside or in

the residence. If you would like to

mail some to the school, you can

do so to the attention of Maryellen

Paradise for distribution.

Come enjoy a Pawtucket Red Sox baseball game at McCoy Stadium with family and friends and support the Boston Higashi Parent Association! This fun, family-friendly event will help the Parent Association raise funds for Staff Appreciation Day and other events at Boston Higashi School. Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us! For each $8/ticket sold, the Higashi Parent Association will receive $4!

Please consider donating your gently used children’s books to

our library!

Donations may be dropped off at the reception desk to the attention of Jen

Lambert. Thank you!

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QA Corner Ron Lauri, Director of Quality Assurance! School Safety

The Boston Higashi School has been reassessing its school wide security plan. Numerous changes have been recently implemented such as moving day student arrival and dismissal gatherings to the school gym, securing all locked doors, and restricting visitor access into the school through selected checkpoints. Under the auspices of the school’s Child Safety Committee there have been three areas of focus and development. We appreciate the sub-committee of parents who also offered their valuable insight and input. Visitor Management Plan A Visitor Management Plan (VMP) has been developed so all visitors to the school can be accounted for and easily identifiable. All visitors will sign in at the reception areas and given a visitor pass that they must wear while they are on campus. Video intercom cameras will be installed at each school reception areas to screen visitors when they arrive on campus. All staff will be issued photo identification cards.

Parents picking up or dropping off their child between the posted hours 8:15 -9:00 AM and 3:15-4:00 PM may also access this area. If a parent has any other business at the school during this time (going to the health room, education office, etc.) they must sign in at Kay’s day reception desk and receive a parent visitor pass. Parents may continue to pick up and drop off students at the Residence. They should sign in and out with the residence receptionist. A visitor badge will be required if they leave the Marble Hall area. Communications New signs will be posted throughout campus directing visitors to enter the school buildings by using the main entrances at either the day or residential reception areas. The residential main entrance and intercom area will be moved back to the doors under the blue awning. This will provide more security for the large cafeteria. The entrance used for receiving and dismissing the day students will only be used for that purpose. The school is also exploring

various options to upgrade both our internal and external communication systems. Infrastructure New polices and procedures have been developed to enable us to lockdown the school if necessary and provide all staff with the training to minimize any potential threats. We have has consulted with two security companies as well as local law enforcement during this process. The school will be adding more electronically locked doors, installing privacy window film on some of the school windows, installing new locks on doors, and adding more surveillance cameras. Many of these projects are in process. Our success depends on your support and cooperation during this transition time. The school’s Child Safety Committee will continue to monitor this plan and revise it as necessary.

The new visitor badge system is color-coded for easy identification of those in the building.

Green badges are for family members Red badges are for contractors Yellow badges are for general visitors

Thanks for helping to keep our students safe!

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A big “Thank You” to the Fama family

and friends who jumped into the frozen

waters of Rexhame Beach on New Year’s

Day to raise money for our pool

campaign!

Development News !

Thanks to all of our supporters who have generously donated to the Capital Campaign and Annual Appeal. We are receiving great support from many parents, families and friends, and corporations for the Swimming Pool Complex Capital Campaign and we are pleased to say that funds received to date exceed $500,000.00. Our goal is to raise $1.5 million for this project. Many families and friends have come up with very creative ways to help raise funds for the swimming pool. One family held a birthday for their son and, in lieu of gifts, asked party goers to donate to the swimming pool campaign. Team Emily raised funds for the swimming pool by taking a frosty but refreshing plunge into Marshfield’s Rexhame

Beach on New Year’s Day. An alumni parent is raising money from friends and family in the New Jersey/New York area in memory of his son. Many other families who lost loved ones have requested donations to the School and/or the swimming pool project in lieu of flowers. There are many, many ways to help us meet our goal and we are most grateful to one and all. We are very hopeful for construction to begin this Spring. We have contracted with Norwood Engineering and South Shore Gunite Pool & Spas, Inc. to obtain approvals and finalize the design plans. We would welcome anyone who has suggestions or is willing to help fundraise for the pool, including introductions to

companies and/or foundations that could provide grants or donations. We look forward with great enthusiasm to working with all of our supporters to complete this very important project. Michael Kelly, Executive Director Yoshie Gordon, Director of Development & Corporate Relations

From left to right: Yvonne Sheldon, Paula Fama, Ann McDermott, CEO Mike Kelly, Principal Deb Donovan, Director of Development Yoshie Gordon.

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Daycare Delights Pam Patrone, Director of Daycare!

Well, the holidays were a whirlwind of activities at the Day Care. We had our Thanksgiving dinner, and as we predicted, there was so much food and fun! The preschool class sang a wonderful song for us and made the centerpieces for all the tables. In December, we had a visit from jolly ‘ole St. Nick himself! We all wore our pajamas (which was very comfy) and had a holiday party while we waited in anticipation for his visit. As soon as we heard the jingle bells, we knew he was close. Our moms and dads came to the party and met Santa with us. We had so much fun! It was nice spending another special day with our families. January brought some cold weather, but no snow. At least not then. We were all set to go sledding and making snowmen, but we had to wait a little for that. We still went outside and had fun in the playground. Finally, some snow came! Even though the adults weren’t too thrilled to see all that snow, the children were very excited. Finally, they could go out and have fun with the snow. We even brought some snow inside! In the

toddler room, they dyed their snow pink! On some days, we couldn’t go outside, but we had lots of fun inside. We played with shaving cream and bubbles. We painted, sang songs, rode bikes, drove cars and went bowling in the hallway. We celebrated Valentine’s Day with all our friends. We had parties and exchanged cards. We wore lots of pink and red clothes that day! We even had pink and red snacks! Next month we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. We have a feeling there will be some green clothes that will need to be worn and some green snacks to be eaten in March! We also will be talking about and eating green fruits and vegetables and talking about good nutrition habits. In March we are welcoming Wes back to our daycare. He has been out with his mom, Janelle Palleschi, his dad and his new baby brother, Luke. Wes and Luke will both be coming back in March and we can’t wait to see them and get know Luke. In April, we will be welcoming Abby Carter’s new sister, Nora, whose mom Amy works in the Admissions Office.

Sadly, we said “Good-Bye” to Kotomi Ogimura. She and her parents, Ogi and Kome, moved back to Japan at the end of February. Kotomi has been at the daycare since she was 3 months old. She made many friends here who will all miss her very much. We wish them all well and the best life in Japan.

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! Comings, Goings and Everything In Between at Higashi

Behvin McDonnell, Human Resource Manager

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We offer sincerest condolences to Tsuyoshi Oba, Mayu Ohashi, Ai Shiino, Michael Wabomba, Kelechi Ukaegbu, Deborah Donovan, and Tiffany Phillips-Goodman, on the loss of their family members.

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We have welcomed many new staff to BHS since our last publication: Andre Hughes and Caitlyn McKiernan, Overnight Staff and Mark Ryan Parce, Issa Ssemwogerere, and Julissa Bobadilla, Residential Instructors. Greg Borsari and Erica Rate, Vocational and PE Activity Leaders, respectively. We congratulate Kenny Yan and Katie Giguere on their new positions as Activity Leaders! A warm welcome back to Susan Perry in her new role as Web and Graphic Designer! A special welcome to long-time volunteer Ellery Luy, on his new position as Office Assistant in the Education Office.

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We said goodbye to the following staff: Crystal Farr, Annie Jean, Chukwudi “Chris” Ifedinma, Judith Barnes, Laurie Casimir, Toshihiro Ogimura, and Terumi Kometani. ! Welcome to the world!

! Congratulations to Joy Iroh and Egbuta Ndukwe on the birth of their daughter Mercy, November 19, 2012.

! To Janelle Palleschi and her husband Mark on the birth of their son Luke, December 7, 2012.

! To Macharia Githui and his wife on the birth of their daughter, Wangeci Macharia December 10, 2012.

To Paul Brennan and his wife Beth on the birth of their son, Nathaniel Andrew, on December 30, 2012. !

! To Amy Carter and her husband Craig on the birth of their daughter, Nora Welsh, on January 26, 2013.

Congratulations to Mayu Ohashi on her recent marriage!!

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! To Moses Nduati and Jane Thumbi on the birth of their daughter, Cindy Wanjiku, on February 14, 2013.

! To Olivia Roberts on the birth of her daughter, Neriah Isabel, on December 14, 2012. !

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! More Please Bill Burke, Executive Chef !

The groundhog said that winter was almost over. Despite my hope that his forecast was correct warmer weather lost and cold blowing winds and snow trumped, especially during the recent 2013 Blizzard. Our Winter Vacation and 365 Program were successful again and a good time

was had by all. We served approximately 2780 meals and 760 snacks during winter vacation. Hats off to all who made this an enjoyable time for all. The residential gluten free bread making program is going high tech. Recipes and directions are on the I Pads. We are moving forward. We have purchased a regular bread making machine and will soon be making white sandwich bread as well as 100% whole wheat bread. The bread that the students will make will be used at our meals. The Residential Vocational program has begun. We are in the initial stages but the potential is limitless. We will keep you

updated with our progress. The Residential Program will also be making the treats for our upcoming Valentine Party. The treats that are made here are so much better than anything that you can buy. Passover is early this year. It will begin on March 25 at dinner and end at dinner on April 2, 2013. We usually start one day early as the Rabbi prepares the kosher kitchens for Passover the day before. If you have any questions or concerned regarding this, please let us know.

By Carmine DeCicco

Documents

Higashi Highlights - Winter 2013 issue