From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

So much is accomplished by students, staff and families throughout the year. I sincerely hope everyone has been enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break.

These last few weeks have been a time to create lasting memories through school activities like a bubble show, ice cream day, even weekly pool time. At the Children's Residential Program, there’s been a full calendar of activities both at home and across Long Island.  

All this is made possible by our exceptional team of teachers, teaching assistants, clinicians, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and administrators. It was a sincere pleasure to celebrate the extraordinary BCCS team at Staff Appreciation Day 2024, “The Greatest Staff on Earth.” Despite the rescheduling challenges, we were thrilled to see so many BCCS team members join in for the day.

You can help bring attention to the staff’s exceptional contributions. Consider signing up to join a regional advocacy committee, this fall – and come together with neighbors across BCCS, AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited to educate and inform federal/state candidates on both sides of the aisle about disability rights issues like funding for Early Intervention Services and the "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" (S.1332/H.R. 2941).

Like the founding families who developed our family of organizations, I strongly believe the power of our communities working together to advocate can create real change. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to a wonderful upcoming school year.

Best regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Marcus Avenue Students Enjoy Bubble Show

Marcus Avenue Preschool’s gym was magically transformed into a whimsical playland where upbeat music and a sea of hundreds of tiny bubbles brought smiles to every face. 

Thanks to the preschool’s Parent Association Bubble Show Plus visited, turning an ordinary day into a bubble extravaganza. 

For the first time ever, all 20 classes were able to enjoy the interactive bubble experience with their classmates and teachers. The school’s summer sessions are always a bit more fun, and the bubble show was a perfect way to treat the students to interactive playful joy.

“It was interactive, very cute and the kids really enjoyed it,” said Teacher Assistant Shayla McCombs. 

Barbara C. Wilson Preschoolers Celebrate Summer Break with
Ice Cream Day!

Just three days before summer break, students at Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool could hardly contain their excitement as the Kool Kat Ice Cream truck pulled up. The truck’s cheerful jingle of “The Entertainer” signaled the start of Ice Cream Day!

To get the party started, each student received a ticket courtesy of the BCW Parents Association that was “good for one frozen treat.” Then, they made their way to the ice cream truck underneath the welcoming awning. The day’s rain did not phase Ice Cream Day and Kool Kat’s Lauren Fiore, also known as @NonnaKoolKat. 

After handing Lauren their ticket and placing their orders, each student received a soft serve ice cream or popsicle.

For the second year in a row, the ice cream truck was sponsored by Summit Facility Solutions. Rocco Bove, the proud dad of preschooler Luigi, is a principal owner of the business which provides janitorial and maintenance services locally and throughout the United States. This upcoming school year, Luigi will be attending kindergarten within his district.

Making a Splash at the Children’s Education Center

On warm summer days at the Children’s Education Center in Brookville, you can always hear pop music, splashing and laughter echoing across campus.

That sound would be Children’s Education Center students having a cool afternoon in the pool! Throughout the day, classes venture out to enjoy some time outside the classroom and in the sun, swimming, playing and spending time with their friends in the water.

On July 15 Heather Ferguson’s class of 9- to 11-year-olds had big smiles on their faces as they escaped the ongoing heat wave. The students venture over to the pool twice a week in the afternoon. Pool time, Heather said, is the student’s favorite time of day.

“They love coming to the pool,” Heather said. “They always get excited when they see it on the schedule. It’s a nice way to end the day.”

Besides all the fun, the pool provides occupational, sensory and therapeutic benefits for the students, many of whom receive physical therapy, as they get to exercise and play all while floating peacefully in an environment that is safe and staffed with lifeguards and pool aides. 

John and Jackson Go Surfing!

John Ostuni and Jackson Iallonardi, two young men who reside at the Children’s Residential Program at Lido Beach, have been hitting the beach all summer long once a week for surfing lessons from Skudin Surf in Long Beach!

Surfing lessons are always a highlight of John and Jackson’s week, as they’ve been enjoying swimming their whole lives! And for Jackson, these lessons are not his first rodeo, as he’s surfed with his family before. 

Working with a surfing instructor, John and Jackson work on balance as they ride the waves and navigate the ocean’s gnarly waters. Surfing is an adventure that requires bravery and confidence! 

But most of all, surfing is simply fun, as you can see John and Jackson’s big smiles all the way from the shore.

Besides surfing, John and Jackson join their roommates each week during the summer for swimming at the Malibu Shore Club pool! The Malibu Shore Club is a gracious neighbor of the Children’s Residential Program, and we appreciate their partnership! 

Themed Weeks at Post Avenue Brings Adventure to the Summer Season

Post Avenue students had an incredible summer session filled with fun and learning. Starting each week with a theme kept the sense of adventure alive throughout the summer session.

The school’s teachers and staff organized six weeks jam-packed with activities covering topics from celebrating the Fourth of July to traveling and the Olympics. The children also enjoyed spending plenty of time outdoors on water play days.

 “We do themes throughout the school year while utilizing the Creative Curriculum. During the summer we moved away from the Creative Curriculum and chose themes where we could capitalize on our outdoor space and current events,” said Curriculum Coordinator Sheri Dvorak.

Celebrating the BCCS Team at Staff Appreciation Day!

It was a privilege celebrating “The Greatest Staff on Earth,” at Staff Appreciation Day on Aug. 15 at the Brookville Mansion. There were plenty of carnival games for some friendly competition, complete with an assortment of prizes to choose from. Staff enjoyed yoga, henna and massages in The Zen Den, as well as food options, ranging from zeppole to tacos. 

Thank you to all the attendees, as well as the volunteers, who helped make Staff Appreciation Day a success. 

Upcoming: 

National DSP Recognition Week:
Sunday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 14

Let's celebrate the amazing team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who empower people to live the lives they choose. 

For National DSP Recognition Week, we’d like to honor DSPs by sharing stories of impact on people supported.

Share your story, or nominate a deserving DSP, by Sept. 6. Please visit our DSP Recognition Week 2024 website. 

Get Ready to Walk! 

Walk for a good cause at the AHRC Foundation Walk on Sunday, October 27 at Eisenhower Park, Field 6A. 

Now is a great time to form or join a team and fundraise. To learn more and register, visit the AHRC Foundation Walk website.