Dear Families and Friends,

The chill in the air is here to stay, but so is the warmth and glowing accomplishments created by our school community.

Over the past few weeks, BCCS has enjoyed festive fall celebrations bringing together families and friends, while also making meaningful strides forward across our programs. Families had a sneak peak of Brookville Beans Coffee Bar, the newest addition to our Transition Services program; Post Avenue School opened its new Sensory Room; and our community walked together in support of the AHRC Walk.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the 2025 AHRC Foundation Walk. Together, we raised over $96,000 for the AHRC Foundation to help bridge financial gaps and sustain essential services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As we continue advancing BCCS’ mission, we are also navigating a shifting funding and policy landscape, including reductions to SNAP and Medicaid, which support early intervention, speech language therapy, occupational therapy, and other essential services for children with developmental disabilities and delays.

This week, structural changes to the Department of Education were announced. Now, there’s anticipated movement of special education programs out of the DOE. This risks educational access and opportunities for children with disabilities through the further loss of agency oversight, accountability and transparency.

Your participation and advocacy matters, especially now, as decisions at the federal level threaten to impact our community. I encourage you to visit our Advocacy Center and speak up to ensure that New York State does not cut disability services to offset these federal cuts and request Congress conduct oversight hearings to ensure any further changes to the DOE are understood by the public. If you’re interested in becoming a stronger advocate, I invite you to sign up for our upcoming Advocacy Workshop on Jan. 10.

Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us ensure students thrive today and in the years ahead.
 
Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

A Taste of Brookville Beans Coffee Bar and Transition Services at the BCCS Education Center

The smell of fresh coffee—and possibility—filled the air on Oct. 31 as families enjoyed a preview of Brookville Beans Coffee Bar, the newest addition to the growing Transition Services program helping students build skills that will serve them well after graduation.

While Brookville Beans will officially launch this winter, families were treated to a special sneak peek after the Halloween parade, with a sampling of cold brew coffees and strawberry refreshers prepared by students.

“We’re always thinking of new ways to show students how their time and talents can connect them to a bigger world,” said Debra Doyle, Senior Director. “Brookville Beans is a fresh and tasty way we can do that, bringing different Transition Services opportunities together in a cohesive way. This is possible because of our incredible families’ fundraising and continued support.”

Walking For a Great Cause

BCCS community takes part in AHRC Foundation Walk

On the morning of Sunday, Nov. 2, the BCCS community joined over 1,100 walkers for the 44^th annual AHRC Foundation Walk, raising over $96,000 in support of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This year’s Walk comes at a critical time, as nonprofit service providers like BCCS face challenging cuts to Medicaid, which funds early intervention, speech language therapy, occupational therapy, and other essential supports for children with developmental disabilities and delays.

Post Avenue Unveils New Sensory Room

This November, Post Avenue preschoolers started exploring the school’s brand-new sensory room. Filled with sensory friendly components including textured wall fixtures, colorful gel tiles, glitter mats, and a foam ball pit, the sensory room is an ideal place for students to rest and transition from one activity to the next.

The sensory room is the result of three years of fundraising and planning. Several components of the room were made possible through to a grant from the Hambrick Foundation. 

The Post Avenue team looks forward to seeing students learn and grow in a space dedicated to supporting their development.

“This special space is designed to engage the senses through light, sound, touch, and movement —creating a calm safe, and nurturing environment for children of all ages and abilities,” said Sheri Dvorak, Program Supervisor. “We’re excited to share highlights of the fun and meaningful activities that take place in the room.”

Congratulations to BCCS Employees of the Quarter

Meet two of BCCS’ talented team:

• Samantha Wohlmacher, Marcus Avenue Speech Pathologist

• Ronny Fisher, Assistant Manager, Children’s Residential Program

BCCS Celebrates the Autumn Season

From festive fall festivals to creative Halloween activities, students across BCCS have been learning while celebrating the season. Each event captured the spirit of the community and joyful learning that defines BCCS.

Read about:

• Autumn Learning at Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Fall Harvest Day.

• Children’s Education Center Students Enjoy Wheatley Farms & Arts Center Fall Festival.

• BCCS Halloween 2025.

Brian Levine Joins BCCS to Build Community Partnerships

Brian Levine joined the Children’s Education Center this summer as a Transition Administrative Specialist, building relationships with local organizations so students can explore new experiences through on-the job learning.

For the past decade, Brian has dedicated his career to supporting young men and women starting the path to adulthood with Transition Services. 

At BCCS, Brian recently secured contracts with the St. Boniface Martyr’s food pantry in Sea Cliff, Walgreens, and Mario’s Pizza. Soon, students will begin volunteering, stocking shelves, and building pizza boxes.

Marcus Avenue Students Embrace Reading Adventure at Book Fair

Every year, the Scholastic Book Fair stops by Marcus Avenue Preschool, and for Parents’ Association (PA) volunteer Amanda Sproul, it has become a meaningful tradition. The week-long fair in October was organized by Lori Aquilino, Assistant Director; Margarite Tagliaferro, School Psychologist; and Lisa Kaplan, Social Worker, with assistance from the school’s PA.

Amanda first volunteered at the fair last year and took the opportunity to do the same this year, looking forward to sharing the experience with her son, Jon, who turned four over the summer.

“I took a few books that I knew he would like and set them aside,” Amanda said. “Then I helped him pick a few more.” At home, reading has become a growing routine for their family.  

Calling All Angels!

A gift to the AHRC Foundation creates access and opportunities for over 4,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities across Long Island.

Your gift, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.

The AHRC Foundation is proud to announce that a generous anonymous donor has once again pledged to match up to $20,000 of Angel gifts received between October 1 and #GivingTuesday-December 2.  Become an Angel and double your impact today!

Wheatley Farms Catering

Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!

Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small!

At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence.

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Holiday Sale

Deck your home with holiday plants and décor! Pre-order today.

Every purchase supports vocational training and employment for people with developmental disabilities.