A 50 Year Legacy of Love and Learning

Celebrating Musashino Higashi Gakuen

A new year, a new look! A lot has happened since our last issue... we invite you to look inside for some exciting changes!

www.bostonhigashi.org • Helping children with autism exceed expectations since 1987 • (781) 961-0800

Challenge Believe Together

Higashi Highlights  Higashi

Winter 2015

It is my joy to welcome you to the 2012 Annual Celebration. Today, we mark a special milestone to-gether. It is the 25th Annual Celebration performed by Boston Higashi School students. The theme for this school year is CELEBRATE. We have so many reasons to celebrate! We honor the wonderful legacy of our founder, Dr. Kitahara, and the contributions of past and present staff. We pay tribute to the enduring and sustaining friendship we have with the Musashino Higashi School in Tokyo. We acknowledge our alumni and their families who have shaped our journey to the present moment. We cherish our students, families and friends who make every day on campus so extraordinary.

Our performance today will touch your heart. Our students will inspire you with their efforts, cour-age, and talents. You will not only be entertained, you will be enriched. You will see our school motto in action. We challenge our students to be all they can be. We believe in their individual potential and know when we all work together, magic and miracles can happen. Thank you for being with us today. On with the show!

Best Regards,

I would like to thank everyone for joining us today for the 25th Annual Celebration. Let me also take this opportunity to welcome all of our new students and families who have joined us this year.

This is a special year as the Boston Higashi School proudly celebrates its Silver Anniversary. The years have passed quickly so please allow me, on behalf of the Board of Directors, to express our sincere appreciation to all staff, past and present, as well as so many people who have contributed to the School’s establishment, growth and success for the past 25 years. It is truly an honor for me to be part of this organization and it is a pleasure to work with these wonderfully dedicated staff who have faithfully served the Boston Higashi School.

Our staff has worked with great diligence throughout the year to help our students prepare and overcome many challenges to perform in today’s Annual Celebration. I know we will be inspired by their performance and look forward to the excitement that comes from witnessing the students breaking the barriers of autism and achieving their goals. We again wish to express our apprecia-tion to our supporters and benefactors, families and friends, for their continued support of our school and our mission.

Please enjoy the 25th Annual Celebration!

Sincerely,

A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Executive Director

“The curriculum is the necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” -Carl Jung

Our beloved founder Dr. Kitahara knew that the best way to make progress with students was through “heart to heart education”. Her legacy is alive and well at both the Musashino and Boston Higashi Schools today. Congratulations to the Musashino Gakuen on reaching their 50th Anniversary. We are ever grateful for their guidance and friendship through the years. Together, we implement the tenets of Daily Life Therapy® with fidelity and integrity.

This has been the winter that has found a need to distinguish itself with record amounts of snow and cold. Despite the challenges this intense weather pattern presents, our staff are true heroes every day. They remain steadfast in their loyalty and dedication to our students and have braved the elements to come to campus to fulfill their responsibilities. Conference rooms were often filled with sleeping bags. Despite covering extra hours and shifts, their cheerfulness and energy never wavered.

Our winter school events such as our Holiday Concert, Valentine Party and Dance, Parent Trainings and Sibling Days were all well attended. There is a warm feeling independent of the temperature outside that envelops one and all when we gather together to share in the gift of each other’s presence to encourage and support our children in all their endeavors.

Spring will make its debut in its own good time. In the meantime, MCAS and other state assessments will be completed. Goals will be met and new expectations will be set. We will continue to welcome new students and celebrate and release our graduates with pride and tears as they embark on their future journeys. Life at Higashi is always in bloom.

Deborah DonovanPrincipal

APR9

APR10

FORMAL DANCE7pm-9pm

Lombardo’s

EMERGENCE BRUNCH11am-12:30 pm

Lombardo’s

APR11-26

SPRING VACATION

UPCOMING EVENTS

For the latest news and events, visit our website at www.bostonhigashi.org, or subscribe to our calendar

APR 1 | Parent’s Collaboration Meeting 9:30 am - Noon

APR 3 | Open House/Guided Tour 10am - Noon

MAY 9 | Road Race @ Higashi (Open to the Public) 10am - Noon

The Principal’s Perspective

LOVING LITERACY

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

BY THE NUMBERS

Did you know ... that if you tallied up the distance Higashi students jogged in ONE

WEEK during morning jogging (not including our extra jogging groups), the equivalent

would be one person running from Boston to New York City and back.... TWICE!

MATH IS “SUPER”

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

MCAS IN THE KITCHEN

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

ALL ABOUT ADVOCACY

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

STUPENDOUS SCIENCE

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

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Class Notes

UPCOMING EVENTS

ART ABOUNDS

The Middle School Division made gorgeous works of art in the style of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE stamp. The art was displayed in Marble Hall for the Valentine’s Day Party and Dance. Special thanks to the new Art Activity Leader Carla Goodwin for the inspiration and great art lessons! The projects are beautiful!

LOOK OUT NBA!

The High School Division has been practicing their basketball skills with new PE Activity Leader Cassie Briffett. From dribbling and shooting to passing and defense, there’s so much to master, but our High Schooler’s do it in style!

VOCATIONAL PROGRAM SHINES

Just because the school day is over, doesn’t mean the learning stops. Vocational activities are an integral part of our balanced Residential curriculum. Spearheaded by Macharia Githui, our new Vocational Activity Leader, students are becoming well-versed in various jobs. From off-site work at the Simon C. Fireman Senior Life Community nearby, to clerical work, laundry and even snow shoveling on campus, our students are busy and loving it! Pictured here, our Girls Division practices cafeteria set-up and post-meal cleanup.

OUTSIDE ADVENTURES

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

JUNIOR “HIGH-JINX”

Our Junior High students explored their crafty side as they made some “props,” to bring to the Valentine’s Dance. Throughout the evening, students could be spotted holding mustaches, glasses, hats and bow ties, lending an air of whimsy and make-believe to the evening, and prompting social skill-boosting conversations!

Residential Reflections

CHEFS IN TRAINING

Our Young Adults have been cooking up a storm, under the direction of Robert Frazier, the new Culinary Arts Activity Leader. Spaghetti and meatballs has quickly become a favorite dish, and who could forget making popcorn for movie nights! Everyone is excited for the upcoming Culinary Arts Room renovation...Read all about it on page 10!

Sibling Days at Higashi

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

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

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

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

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

The Sounds of the Season ~Winter Music Festival

A SEASON OF GIVING BACK

During the months of November and December, Residential students gave back to the Randolph community by collecting food during our annual food drive. Staff, families and students purchased non-perishable food items, sorted them by weight, and donated them to the Friendly Food Pantry in Randolph on December 29th. During this food drive, Higashi students learned about giving back to the community, and about the importance of food for those in need. It proved to be a very successful project, and the Residential Program hopes to continue its success for many more years to come.

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6Parent Perspectives

Waiting for the End of Winter

Greetings to all! Hope you are doing well as this winter “came in like a lamb,” but over the last month “roared like a lion,” as we now approach the all-time record snowfall for Boston and the surrounding areas. The Boston Higashi school motto says, “Challenge, Believe, Together,” and it is a reminder that together we will indeed see the spring soon! Winter Music Festival put us all in the holiday spirit as our children and staff gave unbelievable performances. Each year, it just seems to get better and better! The PA did a basket raffle and thanks to generous donations from families & staff, the raffle was truly a successful fundraiser. A special thanks to Elaine Mead and Joe Kyle for their donation of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts tree. On February 10th, the staff left for Japan for the Annual Celebration. Our Parent Representative this year was Paula Baldassini, mom of an EP student and long-time coordinator of staff appreciation, as well as being recording secretary for the BHSPA. Thank you, Paula, for representing our families in Japan this year. I am sure you have memories that will last a lifetime! Thinking ahead to warmer days, the preparation for the Annual Celebration will be beginning shortly. If you sew, or want to learn, please contact me by email or cell below. Please always feel free to attend open houses here at school. It is nice to meet parents, and also to share and learn more about our school community. It is truly a joy to serve as President on behalf of the families at Boston Higashi School. Please feel free to contact me at 508-813-0587 or lisa_burgess@comcast.net. Together, we do make a difference! Spring is right around the corner. May we see the cherry blossoms soon!

Lisa BurgessPresident Parent Association Boston Higashi School

Stuck Inside? Ways to Beat the

Winter BluesThis winter has indeed been a challenge for many, but for those with family members on the autism spectrum, the change in schedule can be extra difficult. It may be tempting to spend hours on an iPad, but mixing up the days’ activities keeps everyone engaged. Here are some suggestions to switch things up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parent Training Division Director John Kolwaiteaddresses our crowd of parents!

My Japan Journal:

Office Assistant and former BHS Student

Ellery Luy’s travels to Japan

I went to Japan from November 5th to

November 12th for the 50th Anniversary

of the Tokyo school. On Friday, November

7th, I went to Hakone with Mr. Suzuki,

Mr. Takamatsu, members from Boston

Higashi School (BHS), and my parents. I

enjoyed riding in the cable car and seeing

Mount Fuji.

On Saturday November 8th, we had

the 50th Anniversary reception in the

Taichikawa Palace Hotel. I had a great

time attending the ceremony, watching

the BHS video, and seeing former BHS

teachers who are currently at the Tokyo

school. On Tuesday November 11th, we went

to a tour of the Tokyo school (Junior

High School, High School, Kindergarten,

Challenge Shop, and Residence). I had

a wonderful time seeing teachers and

students at each school/place.

Also, I enjoyed shopping in

department stores and eating Japanese

food with my parents during my free

time. That was an unforgettable experience

to me. Thank you for giving me this

opportunity.

- Ellery Luy

Top: Presentation of retirement gifts to Mr. Osanai,President, Musashino Higashi

Center for Education and Research; Above: Ellery with

Mr. Terada, President of Musashino Higashi Gakuen;

Right: A model of the Hakone cable car,

with Ellery and his parents

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

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

A 50 Year Legacy of Love:Celebrating Musashino Higashi Gakuen

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

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Community Connections

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

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

Jazz Band “On Tour”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The beautiful McCoy Stadium, home of the Pax Sox.

International Reflections on Special Education

On December 22nd, Yumiko Mori gave a lecture to graduate students at the Fukuoka University for Education in Japan. She gave an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the DSM-5, the Boston Higashi School, and Daily Life Therapy®. The school is specialized in educating aspiring teachers and training professionals for better practice. It has attached schools (kindergartens, elementary, and junior high schools) in several locations. A few representatives from the Munakata/Fukutsu City Board of Education also participated in the lecture. At the end of the lecture, the 20 attendees divided into four small groups and actively discussed “How to intervene on behalf of adults with special needs to protect their human rights.” Yumiko would like to thank Prof. Keiko Noutomi for giving her this inspiring opportunity.

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Save the Date!

June 28th, 2015

What’s Cooking?The Culinary Arts Renovation Project

As you know, at the Boston Higashi School we are always looking for ways to enhance our programs and bring greater dignity and independence to our students. For the past several months plans have been underway to develop a state of the art culinary center that will provide our students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in food preparation and service, seven days a week. Through the efforts of many dedicated individuals we are well on our way to making what was once a dream, a reality. With support from the Alison Mae Memorial Fund, our Cook Book Fundraiser led by the efforts of Bill Burke, and in-kind architectural and construction support and expertise, we are getting close to breaking ground.

Right: Whipping up a lemon merengue pie.Below: Making popcorn for movie night!

10Development News

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

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

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

The highest compliment I heard was “You make it all look easy and effortless.” Thanks to all our teachers for welcoming them into your classrooms, residence, offices and giving your time and thoughts during the interviews and focus groups. We also thank Ron Lauri for organizing all the regulatory visits and keeping the flow and momentum going so our reviewers could capture the mission and essence of the complexity of Daily Life Therapy®.

NCASES Visits Higashi

A NEW LOOK FOR HIGASHI

We’re proud to announce the launch of our new website: www.bostonhigashi.org. On it, you can find lots of great information, from our history and programming, to news, events, and photos. Want to know about upcoming speakers and events open to the public? Subscribe to our calendar, and never miss another event! There’s even a section just for parents to access

registration forms for vacation programs, and RSVP to Parent Training sessions. Content is updated frequently, so check back often to see what’s new at Higashi!

Dancing the Night

AwayThe Winter and Valentine’s

Dance Parties are always a big hit! Students love showing off the songs and dance moves

they learned in music classes. More images form the events can be found on our website’s

photo gallery: www.bostonhigashi.org

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

Dr. Giannini is the recipient of many awards in recognition of her professional and humanitarian services and achievements. She has served on numerous national and international boards and chaired more than 61 international conferences on rehabilitation and developmental disabilities in various countries.

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

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

Dr. Margaret Giannini:a Health Pioneer

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NCASES ACCREDITATION

REVIEW

COVER STORY:CELEBRATING THE

TOKYO SCHOOL

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For the latest news and events, visit our website at

www.bostonhigashi.org, or subscribe to our online calendar

PG 2 | Principal’s Perspective

PGS 3-4 | Class Notes, Residential Reflections

PG 4 | Winter Music Festival

PG 7 | Parents’ Association

PGS 8- 9 | Community Connections

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DEVELOPMENT NEWS:THE CULINARY ARTS

PROJECT

NEW & NOTABLE

IN THIS ISSUE

BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL800 North Main StreetRandolph, MA 02638

(781) 961-0800www.bostonhigashi.org

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DR. GIANNINI:HEALTH PIONEER