| From the Desk of the CEO
Dear Families and Friends,
At BCCS, the start of summer is a time of celebration and new beginnings. Many of our preschool graduates will continue their educational journey by returning to their home school districts, while others will continue with us at the Children’s Education Center in Brookville. For our high school graduates, many will explore adult opportunities with AHRC Nassau in vocational training, Day Services, and opportunities emerging at Wheatley Farms & Arts Center. Whatever their next step, they will always be part of the BCCS community.
At the AHRC Foundation Rose Ball, held in June, a highlight of the evening was congratulating Grace Cohen Stuart, Teacher Assistant at Round Hill Road Preschool, who received the Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award, honoring excellence in the pursuit of an advanced degree in special education. BCCS is grateful for the ongoing support of the AHRC Foundation in the areas of program development, capital improvements, and recreation opportunities.
Ensuring children have access to the best available supports is a task that belongs to all of us. With the proposed changes to the Department of Education, it is important that families, staff, and supporters share their concerns. Share your story through our Advocacy Center and let policy makers know that safeguards and federal oversight are necessary to protect access to a free appropriate public education for children. Together, we can continue building a future where every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, this summer and always. Thank you for being an active part of our community and for your continued partnership and advocacy.
Best Regards,
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| | | BCCS 2026 Seniors Welcome the Next Chapter With Graduation |
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| | Congratulations to the 2026 Children’s Education Center (Ed Center) graduates!
Graduation marks an important milestone as students take their next steps into adulthood after years of individualized instruction and preparation for greater independence. It also celebrates the growth made possible through the partnership of families and staff.
“Many of our students have had many teachers, TAs, and therapists throughout the years who have helped shape their early educational years,” Denise Gaughan, Ed Center Director, said. “These events gave them all an opportunity to celebrate that history and reconnect.”
Leading up to commencement, graduates were celebrated during the school’s inaugural Senior Walk & Award Breakfast on June 15. |
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| | Wearing caps and gowns, students walked across campus, cheered on by parents, fellow students, and staff with streamers, noisemakers, bubbles, and large banners of “Congrats Seniors!,” “We Love our Seniors,” and “Congrats Class of 2026.” |
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| | | BCCS Preschools Celebrate Students at Moving Up and Graduation Ceremonies |
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| During the past few weeks, BCCS preschoolers, their families, and teaching teams celebrated a year of growth and discovery. Since fall, students have learned about themselves and each other, while embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. |
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| | Since May 29, families have gathered for moving up/graduation ceremonies at Barbara C. Wilson Preschool, Round Hill Road Preschool, Westbury-Post Avenue Preschool, and the Children’s Education Center. |
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| | | Prom Night 2026 Brings Students and
BCCS Community Closer Together |
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| | For many BCCS families, prom is a milestone of achievement, growth, and friendship. At the Children’s Education Center (Ed Center), it’s a cherished tradition.
While an especially meaningful night for graduating seniors, prom welcomes students ages 14 and older, along with their parents for a night of celebration.
“I had a parent tell me, ‘I never thought I’d get to see this for my son,’” said Denise Gaughan, Director of the Children’s Education Center. “It’s also nice for the parents to get together.” |
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| Among those celebrating was Lynn Pickus, whose son Noah recently graduated. Watching Noah laugh with friends and enjoy the evening reminded her how much he’s grown.
“He’s made a huge amount of progress,” Lynn shared.
To commemorate Noah’s time at BCCS, Lynn is beginning a special project to commemorate his and his fellow graduates’ time at BCCS – a yearbook. |
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| | | BCCS Teacher Assistant Grace Cohen Stuart Receives
Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award |
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| | BCCS is proud to celebrate Grace Cohen Stuart, Teaching Assistant at Round Hill Road Preschool, who was awarded the prestigious Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award at this year’s AHRC Foundation Rose Ball.
On June 11, BCCS community members joined supporters of the AHRC Foundation at Oheka Castle to celebrate people and organizations dedicated to improving opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Grace was recognized for her work and continued commitment to special education, and for the kind of impact BCCS staff have in their classrooms every day. |
| The Blanche Fierstein Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor the life and legacy of the late AHRC Nassau Board member and NYSARC, Inc. President, Blanche Fierstein, awarding $5,000 annually to a person pursuing an advanced degree in special education.
Paul Giordano, AHRC Nassau President, joined Andrea Fierstein, Blanche’s daughter, to present the award. Grace is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in early childhood education and special education at Hofstra University.
“Blanche Fierstein believed that if something needed to change. You did not wait. You got to work,” Paul said. |
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| “Grace, clearly that same drive lives in you. The AHRC Board of Directors and the scholarship committee are truly excited for your future and for what it will mean to children with developmental disabilities and their families.” |
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| | | Students Explore Language, Expression, and Connection During Speech-Language-Hearing Month |
| Round Hill Road Paint Night Builds Community and Supports Students |
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| | In recognition of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, students across both buildings at Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) came together on May 28 for a schoolwide event focused on a powerful goal: building communication in meaningful, accessible ways.
Organized by the Speech Pathology Department and led by Alexandra Weissmann, Clinical Coordinator, the event transformed the school gym into an engaging, interactive space where students could explore language through play. |
| Showing support for the classroom – and the teachers who make it all possible – was at the heart of Round Hill Road School’s third annual Paint Night and Basket Raffle on May 14.
More than 50 guests enjoyed an evening of painting, conversation, and raffle prizes, raising more than $5,500 to support school programs and activities. Funds raised help provide enriching experiences, including the popular bubble show and staff appreciation luncheons.
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| | | Register for AHRC Nassau's Upcoming InformMe Educational Workshop
Positive Behavioral Supports and the Complex Needs
of People with Dual Diagnoses
Presented by: Christine Schulte and Julie Cannet
Thursday, July 9, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual (via Zoom) |
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| Aging and People with IDD (including Alzheimer’s, etc.)
Presented by: Julie Cannet, MA, BCBA, LBA, Assistant Director of Psychology Services
and Erin Marciante, MS, Senior Behavior Intervention Specialist
Thursday July 16, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual (via Zoom) |
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| | | | | 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! |
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| 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. |
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| | Shop Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts to Save on Summer faves! |
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| | We're soaking up the sun. Now's the time to stock up on seed-starting kits and blooming plants to brighten your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Every purchase supports vocational training and employment for people with developmental disabilities. |
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