October 2013

Parents AssociationNewsletter ALL THAT JAZZ

2013-2014 - NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS

The start of each new year at the Academy is a time of eager anticipation. Returning students are anxious to reunite with friends and staff and welcome the new class of students. New students (and their parents) are often a mixed bag of every emotion as they prepare for a new experience and the start of the “next phase” in their growth as young adults beginning the transition to a more independent lifestyle.

This year felt a little more different to each of us as we were welcomed by a new Executive Director, several new staff members, and a new Board President in addition to the new students in the class of 2015. And even that’s not all. The paintings in the Hallway and the Great Room are new too!

It feels very much to me like it wasn’t just the students who “moved on” last May. It feels like BHMA has also made the leap to the next phase in its development as a unique and top notch transition program for individuals with special learning challenges. And for me, that’s a great feeling.

Those of us who had the opportunity to join together during opening weekend not only got to know each other better and share our personal hopes and dreams. We also got to know Executive Director, Michelle Thereux and learn of her plans for the Academy, and heard more about new plans for residential life from Assistant Director, Eric

Gove and a bit more about the direction of the Academic and Vocational departments from Ruth Mikulski. In short, there was much about opening weekend at the Academy that was “brand new”.

In the following pages, you’ll learn a little more about the new staff, new programs and new plans for the Academy, as well as ways in which you can become involved and help the Academy grow. I’m sure that you will feel, as I do, that becoming involved in the future of BHMA is well worth the effort.

October 2013Page 2

Valley Gives - 2013

As a parent, you understand the demands of trying to make ends meet and offer the best to our students. BHMA is like most not-for-profits in it’s need to do fundraising to assist in making ends meet.

I am thrilled to share with you that BHMA will be participating in Valley Gives Day on 12/12/13. This is a local Community Giving Day similar to

several that have been held around the country to incorporate social media and online giving. Last year, more than $1 million was raised for not-for-profits in the Pioneer Valley. Watch for a link to the BHMA Valley Gives Day page in an upcoming Constant Contact.

Greetings Parents!

The past few months have been an exciting and inspiring time for me as I begin my tenure at BHMA. I have truly enjoyed getting to know all the students, parents, and staff. I am marked by the deep dedication all of you have to our school. My goal is to continue to give you a school that you can be proud of, set goals for all staff to foster growth with your child, and continue to provide as many opportunities and experiences for your child as possible. It may not be the easiest of tasks, but it will be worth it.

There are several enhancements that are underway to garner such opportunities. A great deal of work has been done this year to evolve our vocation programming and the results are impressive. One-third of BHMA students are working! These students are working in a variety of job settings and each one of them have expressed joy in getting a paycheck. I am impressed that several of them extolled the virtues of depositing their checks and saving up. That’s our Money Management curriculum at work!

Our campus will be going through it’s own improvements. The foyer and great room received some sprucing up just before the start of the school year. But this Spring will bring the most impactful change to BHMA...the construction of a new building. This new structure will house a performance space, additional classroom/lesson rooms, and offices. The expansion will allow us to grow and provide additional opportunities for students. This facility will be accessed by the community in addition to BHMA and will become an on-site vocational training experience for students. More information on our construction plans will be forthcoming!

BHMA, it’s talented students, and it’s wonderful mission has been too quiet for too long. I intend to change that. Staff and I have hit the ground running and are attending as many conferences, local events, statewide provider meetings, legislative functions and philanthropic opportunities as we can to increase the public’s awareness of BHMA.

Lastly, I appreciate all the support I have received from you. Your calls and emails of congratulations reflect the generous and kind nature of the BHMA community. It is now a community I can call mine as well.

Warm regards,Michelle Theroux

October 2013 Page 3

BHMA Partners with Williams Syndrome Association to Increase Student Independence with the help of Assistive Technology Supports

Students at the Academy are participating in an Assistive Technology Pilot Study to help define better ways to teach daily living skills and increase independence in young adults with learning challenges.

The Academy is a perfect place for the Williams Syndrome Association’s pilot study due to the

large population of stu-dents with WS of varying abilities as well as those with other disabilities who have similar profiles but different learning styles.

The pilot project provides evaluations, equipment, staff training and con-sultations for up to 2 years, and will encompass all areas of student learning - from banking and budgeting to personal hygiene tasks and vocational skills.

Student evaluations took place in early October and we are looking forward to having “bridge plans”, and equipment in place in November.

Residential Corner

We are happy to kick off the new academic year with the inclusion of the “Residential Corner” in our BHMA parent newsletter. Please look for regular updates with highlights of student activities and residential department news.

The residential staff has enjoyed reconnecting with returning students and getting to know our new students. As part of an activity and learning initiative we held a meeting for residential students to identify focus topics for BHMA club offerings. Our student body came up with 20 (yes, 20!) different topic ideas. Some of the highlights included baking, foreign language, world holidays, jam band, fitness, arts and crafts and book club. Our weekend updates through Constant Contact will help you see how busy we are!

With the help of residential life staff, students divided into two groups and discussed what each club would offer for activities and when they would like to hold meetings. Each group took turns presenting their ideas to the larger community and offering an activity of their choice to be held following the meeting. Resident Assistant, Angeles, helped the students to make biscuits as part of baking club in our student kitchen, and Resident Assistant, Cassie, led the first foreign language club in the student lounge where students learned and practiced basic French.

The Residential Department looks forward to an exciting year of activities both on and off campus where students can learn and grow in new ways with the overarching goal of developing indepen-dent living skills.

If you or someone you know would be willing to volunteer to teach a one time workshop during the weekend, please call Eric in the residential life office at 413 - 540-9720 Ext. 234.

October 2013

New Vocational Opportunites at BHMAThe list of students who are working and available work sites, both community based and within the Academy walls, is growing! With work sites at:

• Renaissance Manor (nursing home)• Academy of Music• Hampshire College • Community Resources for People with Autism • Whole Children• Wistariahurst Museum• Harold F. Johnson Library (in January)• BHMA Kitchen

as well as the field work locations for the music voctions, the students are busier than ever.

LIVE The Extended Learning Community (ELC) is now the Long Term Independent Vocational Experience (LIVE).

The new LIVE acronym provides the reader with an immediate vision for the program, and is in keeping with similar programs at other institutions (GROW; REACH; THRIVE etc). We’re excited about the new change and hope that you are too!

Only the name has changed. LIVE members will continue to have both music and non-music vocation opportunities as well as the chance to choose from an “a la carte” menu of residential, vocational and social services.

It’s Easy to Make a DifferenceHave you ever wondered exactly what it costs to educate your son or daughter at Berkshire Hills, or why tuition at BHMA seems so much higher than it is for your other children in college? Our sons and daughters are fortunate to be members of a very small educational community. With a total enrollment in all programs of 31, class sizes are small and students

receive far more individualized attention than they would at other schools. That’s great news!

But on the down side, it leads to a very small tuition base to cover a proportionally large staff (54 members!) and facility expenses.

In fact, it’s so small that even with the tuition we pay, the annual fundraising needs to balance the budget are great, and climb even higher when we try to accommodate critical growth to current programs, or add new ones.

Additionally, BHMA is not a small, privately endowed, for-profit school. BHMA is a non-profit, non-endowed organization. We must work hard to increase program awareness throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond, and increase our fundraising potential.

There are many ways that each of us can help in this process. A gift does not have to be large to make a difference. It is often the length of the list that helps larger donors understand that the school makes an impact on many lives, and helps encourage them to give as well. Please consider the following giving opportunities: General Gifts to the Academy: General donations to the Academy are unrestricted and therefore make the biggest difference by enabling the Academy Board and staff to spend the money where they see the greatest need. To make a donation, please click here.

Tribute or Memorial Gifts: BHMA is pleased to receive gifts from friends and families in honor of a student or a special event in their lives (birthday, new job etc.) The Academy also receives gifts in memory of deceased friends and loved ones of students. To make a tribute or memorial gift, please click here.

Restricted GiftsBeyond the general fund, the Academy also solicits donations for the Second Decade Fund which supports new initiatives and the Tom Gajewski

October 2013

Scholarship fund which provides scholarships for the summer program. To make a restricted gift, please click here.

Matching Gifts: Gifts made to the Academy may be eligible for matching by your employer. Corpora-tions with matching gift programs can effectively double or even triple your gift to BHMA. Please check with your employer before making your contribution to see if matching is available. United Way Donations: You can designate your United Way campaign gifts to BHMA. The United Way designation for a “non-conforming agency” (a qualified charity that is not a United Way agency) is #5560.”

Non-Cash Contributions: In addition to cash contributions, individuals and businesses may choose to support the Academy in other ways such as a bequest of cash, securities, life insurance or property. Publicly traded stock that has appreciated in value since you bought it will be gratefully accepted by the Academy. You may also name the Academy as the primary beneficiary of a life insurance policy or property that can be sold upon receipt.

Gifts in kind: Parents often ask how they can contribute to BHMA outside of monetary gifts. In-kind gifts are welcomed! For example, the talents of parents and friends can be put to good use to assist with some facility maintenance projects, or donations of material goods can be made.

BHMA Fundraisers: Many individuals enjoy the opportunity to host an event on their own and send the proceeds in the form of a donation. Events can be small and intimate home parties or special dinners, or larger golf or tennis tournaments. Let your creativity be your guide.

No matter how you choose to get involved, your help is greatly appreciated. All gifts made before November 15th will be recognized in the 2013 issue of Academy Notes.

Health & Wellnessby Doreen McConleyFlu Shots are Important for Everyone!What is influenza (also called flu)?The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It is easily spread in a school atmosphere and can make everyone miserable pretty quickly. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

How flu spreadsMost experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

Period of contagiousnessMost healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Flu is unpredictable and how severe it is can vary widely from one season to the next. Persons who live in facilities like residentials schools are at higher risk.

Help prevent a flu outbreak at BHMA: Get your son or daughter vaccinated today. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.

• Fever* or feeling fever-ish/chills• Cough• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose• Muscle or body aches• Headaches• Fatigue (very tired)

October 2013

A Message from the Board President

Dear Parents,

I want to thank all of you for your support in my new role as Board President and for your patience during our transition over the past six months. I am very excited about the impact Michelle Theroux

and the other new staff have already made on the BHMA students. We have seen a substantial expansion in the non-music vocational program, and an improvement in our residential program -- augmenting the tremendous work the music staff have always done in enriching the lives of our students through music. We have formed a committee to begin to move the new music performance hall forward. We will begin soliciting architects very soon. I hope your son or daughter is continuing to develop and grow as a member of the BHMA community.

I would like to address one question that I continue to get from many parents. There seems to be some concern that BHMA will de-emphasize music as we expand opportunities for non-music vocational opportunities. We should never de-emphasize music. Music is the core of what we do, and the soul that binds staff and students. However, we need to keep things in perspective. The average age of the members of the BHMA community is increasing as more young adults choose to stay at BHMA for day services after they complete the core program. Consequently, we serve the role of both school and agency. As the community members increase in age, the demand for non-music vocation increases. However, support for non-music vocations does

not mean that we de-emphasize music as a vocation, or music as a medium for motivating and building the self-confidence of our Students. My son, Adam, is a great example. He can do what he is doing vocationally at almost any program. However, the music curriculum, the musical environment, and musical community improves his social and communication skills, centers him emotionally, and motivates him. He would not want to be anywhere else. This is why we will be investing $1.7 million in a new performance hall. We want to continue to expand our music services, facilities, and capabilities.

Please feel free to let me know if we can help improve your son or daughter’s experience in any way. Sincerely, Jon Shipp

Adam Shipp loves his new job at Hampshire College and enjoys the musical environment at BHMA tremendously.

October 2013

Academy Staff Increases to 54 with new staff in every department!

BHMA has added key staff across all departments to fill the growing need for great program support. Following are short biographies of many of our new staff members to help you get to know them.

Meghan Adams (Residential Advisor) Meg Adams volunteered at BHMA for two years with the Boltwood Project as an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and a concentration in Social Inequality and Diversity and a minor in Psychology. After college, she lived in Brooklyn and worked in publishing and motion graphics. She returned to Western MA with an interest in special education and reconnected with BHMA in August 2012, work-ing first as a residential assistant, and was recently promoted to Residential Advisor.

Kelsey Bauder (Vocation Coordinator) Kelsey has recently moved to the area from Northeast Georgia with her husband who is pursuing his doctoral studies at UMass. She is a certified elementary school teacher with much experience working with diverse learners. Kelsey is excited to continue her career in education at BHMA by fulfilling the role of helping students succeed in the workplace.

Cindy Catuogno, M.A. (Life Skills Instructor) Cindy received her bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College (IL) and her master’s degree in special education from Westfield State College. She has worked with learners with special needs in a variety of settings for fifteen years. She loves helping students develop the confidence to take new risks and grow in all areas of their lives. A long-time chorus/choir member and former organist, she loves the music in the air at BHMA.

Eric Gove (Asst. Director, Res. Life)Eric comes to Berkshire Hills Music Academy with over 8 years of Human Service experience; including 5 years as a EMT/Paramedic. When not working Eric enjoys hiking and backpacking which allows him to share his passion of landscape photography. Eric also partners with Best Buddies as the official photographer of Western/Central Massachusetts.

Joyce Paige (Asst. Office Manager)Joyce comes to us with a strong background in Office Management, Sales and Marketing. Her new venture into the educational area is extremely rewarding to her and she enjoys interacting with everyone.

Johanna Ross (Resiential Assistant) Johanna just moved here with her husband from Lincoln, NE. She holds a BA in Psychology and a minor in music. Johanna teaches the cello and is learning how to play the banjo.

Health & Wellness Staff Hours

Andrea FranzMonday 9 AM - 2 PMTuesday 9 AM - 8 PMWednesday 9 AM - 5 PMThursday 9 AM - 8 PM

Doreen McConleyMonday 9 AM - 3 PMTuesday 9 AM - 3 PMWednesday 9 AM - 3 PMThursday 9 AM - 3 PM

October 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 22 - 6 PM Coffee houseNovember 231 PM Campus closes for Thanksgiving Recess

December 1Noon Campus re-opensDecember 28 AM Classes resumeDecember 12 Parent’s Weekend BeginsDecember 136 PM Open Mic (students, parents, staff)December 149:30 AM Parent Brunch (details to follow)2 PM Winter ConcertDecember 151 PM Campus closes for winter break

January 5Noon Campus re-opensJanuary 68 AM Spring Semester OrientationJanuary 78 AM Spring Semester Classes Begin

March 15, 2014 Annual Meeting of Parent AssociationFull day workshop ( contact Terry with topic suggestions) tmonkaba@williams-syndrome.org or 248-721-3525

May 16-18, 2014 Graduation WeekendYear-end meetings, Spring Concert & Graduation Ceremony.

With several area graduations on May 17 & 18, hotel rooms in the Pioneer Valley fill very quickly. MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS TODAY!