Dear Families and Friends, 

This summer, students have enjoyed wonderful lessons both inside and outside of the classroom, making the most of this beautiful season. As summer break begins, families can see the skills and confidence that come from each day’s learning.  
 
These results are possible because of the time and talent of our exceptional BCCS teachers, support professionals, clinicians, and administrators. We recently celebrated these extraordinary professionals at our annual Staff Appreciation Day.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to make the celebration a success.   

Building an inclusive future where children can learn and grow takes an engaged community. Our Advocacy Center offers updates on the policies impacting our school community. Stay informed and make your voice heard so we can continue to provide the best services possible for children with disabilities and delays. 

Thank you for being part of our school community and helping us fulfill our mission to educate and support children of all abilities. 

Best regards, 

Stanfort J. Perry

A Sweet Ending for Summer Session: Ice Cream Trucks Visit BCCS Schools

As summer session days come to an end, BCCS students and teachers enjoyed a special treat—ice cream truck visits right on campus.

Ahead of the big day, the teams at BCCS Post Avenue, Education Center, and Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) sent permission slips home and shared the ingredients of all available treats to keep parents informed and ensure all students had the opportunity to participate.

At Post Avenue Preschool, the Karaboulis family sponsored the Kool Kat Ice Cream truck. Athena Karaboulis, mother of Eagles classroom student Amalia, wanted to share the joy she had watching her daughter learn and play.

“I’m really grateful for everything that the school has done for my daughter in the last two years. The progress she’s made is just incredible,” said Athena.

Bubbles, Karaoke and Tie-Dye at the Children’s Education Center Block Party

Students at the BCCS Children’s Education Center exercised their curiosity at the Aug. 8 block party on the Brookville campus.

From colorful crafts to music and games, the day’s activities were organized by Tonia Iadevaia and Sari Pelletier, Music Therapists; Stephanie Eick and Lisa Filippone, Art Teachers; Richard Martin, Music Instructor; and Nicholas Tremaroli and Erin Barrett, Physical Education Teachers.

“All summer long, our talented and innovative staff organized activities where students could socialize and play, all the while practicing skills they learn in the classroom and therapeutic sessions,” said Denise Gaughan, Director of the Children’s Education Center.

Marcus Avenue Students End Summer with 
Whimsical Bubble Show

For the second year in a row, Marcus Avenue Preschool welcomed Bubble Show Plus to campus for an exciting bubble extravaganza.

Playing with bubbles is more than just fun. It’s dynamic and hits several sensory touch points. Knowing this, Margarite Tagliaferro, the School Psychologist, along with the Marcus Avenue’s Parents’ Association brought back the interactive bubble show to campus.

“After seeing how much our students loved it last year, we knew we had to bring this exciting experience to our summer program once again,” said Margarite. “The show is engaging, sensory-focused, and provides a variety of meaningful learning opportunities. We were thrilled to offer such a fun and enriching activity for our students.”

Growing Saturday Respite Offers More Opportunities to Learn

On July 5, the Saturday Respite Program at the Children’s Education Center welcomed 31 students to an expanded line-up of activities. A new classroom and three new respite counselors gave the students more opportunities to learn, play and explore.

“With more staff we were able to open up a younger group at the start of the summer program,” Christine Paz, program coordinator of the Saturday Respite Program said. “The students have more play options added to their Saturday schedule such as gym, cooking, art, sensory activities, playground or even take walks at the farm.”

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.

Shout-Out a Direct Support Professional!

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is coming up Sept. 7-13. Express your gratitude and appreciation for the direct care workers of our Children’s Residential Program. DSPs dedicate themselves to enhancing the lives of your children, offering support, professionalism, patience, and understanding.

Words from you can mean the world.

Coming Up

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts Hours

Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts will be open 4 days per week to meet all of your plant needs!  Stop on down to the greenhouse and see what Mel and Sarah have available for sale.

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 2pm
Or by appointment - call (516) 423-5329

Reach for the Stars

For over 25 years, Reach for the Stars has helped make amazing things possible for Children's Education Center students. This beloved annual celebration brings together parents, community supporters, and alumni to raise critical funds to support the children we serve.

Thursday, October 9 | AHRC Mansion / Brookville Center Campus, Brookville, NY

Learn More

AHRC Foundation Walk

Join us and an entire community of people committed to increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Long Island.

Sunday, November 2 | Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY

Learn More