We are so fortunate that spring has come to F.L. Chamberlain School with such an unexpected splendor. After a wet start with torrential downpours and area flooding, we are being visited with such warm weather that most of the flowers have arrived for an early bloom. Such a wonderful “pick me up” after a long New England winter.
This is also a busy time of year on campus, at F.L. Chamberlain School. The warm weather brings new opportunities for students to get outside to explore the rich history and geography of the area. Additionally, preparations are being made for another successful graduation for many of our senior class students. You can feel the excitement building as the preparations near completion.
We look forward to our Spring Parents Weekend. We hope to see many of you there!
Diane Wilson
May 21st and 22nd is shaping up to be an exciting weekend for the F.L. Chamberlain Community. We are looking forward to seeing many of you during the weekend’s planned activities. The schedule for the weekend is:
Friday May 21st
4p.m.- 6p.m. Welcome reception for all families.
Evening is left open for families to explore the community. (a list of area restaurants and activities will be provided)
Saturday May 22nd
8a.m.-9a.m. Continental Breakfast in the school cafeteria
9a.m..- 10:15 a.m. First Training Session (choose one)
- Nutrition & Healthy Living, Dot Parkes, Nutritionist & Barit White, RN
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Learning the Language,Emily Lannigan, LICSW & Meghann Bottome, MA
10:30 a.m. -11:45 a.m. Second Training Session (choose one)
- Effective Communication Styles for Parents, John Mendonca, Admissions Director
- Non-Verbal Learning Disability: What Every Parent Should Know, Marsha Stevens, Educational Consultant
12:00-1:00 Luncheon On Campus
1:00-2:30 Students vs. Parents/Faculty Soccer Game
Please be on the lookout for a specific mailing regarding this weekend. You will be asked to RSVP with your training preferences. We will need this information in order to adequately plan for the needs of each group.
A group of F.L. Chamberlain School students were recently selected to participate in The Pine Street Inn’s Learn and Serve Volunteer Event. The Pine Street Inn is Boston’s largest shelter and advocacy program serving the needs of the homeless in the greater Boston area. Our students were able to participate in an innovative program which consisted of an educational tour with hands on volunteering activities. The students were required to complete community service activities related to this event prior to participating. Our students organized a food and clothing drive to support the clients served by The Pine Street Inn. Selena, Josh, Erin, Riian, Connor, Kaitlin, Loren, Kira and Matt were able to experience and learn first hand about the issues of homelessness and poverty. The students emerged from this experience as educated advocates who can bring new insights into their home communities and F.L.Chamberlain School.
April 13th was marked as The International Day of Pink. The students at F.L. Chamberlain School participated in this national event to show their support for diversity and the stopping of discrimination, bullying and homophobia. By wearing pink, the students not only shared a belief in celebrating diversity, they were also able to show their commitment to being open minded and to strive to understand individual differences and learn to respect one another. The Day of Pink was born when a student in a Canadian high school was bullied because he wore a pink shirt to school. His fellow students decided to stand up to bullying. Hundreds of students showed up to school the next day as a way of showing their support. For more information on this event please see the website www.dayofpink.org.
The students were very excited about the recent change to our Therapeutic Behavior Management System. Stage V: Leadership was added to the existing policy in order to recognize the achievements of those students who have consistently, over a long period of time, displayed the positive decision making skills required to achieve a greater level of independence. This stage is intended to assist those students in building greater independence in anticipation of transition or graduation. We are so pleased to announce that two of our students were quick to respond to the request for applications. Jen R and Craig P were the first two students to successfully petition the Interdepartmental Team and were awarded this status. Please join us in Congratulating them on their success!
On Friday, May 7th Doug Anderson, Auto Tech Instructor, will be accompanying a group of interested students to Universal Technical School in Norwood, MA. UTI has extensive training programs for students interested in pursuing careers in automotive, marine or motorcycle technology.
On May 15th, The Volunteer Group will be participating in the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) Walk to raise awareness on issues related to mental health. The group is still in need of sponsors in order to reach their goal of $1000. Interested parties should contact Colleen Quaile, cquaile@chamberlainschool.org or visit www.nami.org.
Yearbook Sales are underway. The cost of this year’s hardcover edition is $18. Orders placed by May 19th will receive the discounted price of $15. Anyone interested in purchasing this year’s edition should contact Michelle Hunt mhunt@chamberlainschool.org.
SmartBoard Technology has arrived at Chamberlain School. During the April school break, installation of two SmartBoards was completed in our classrooms. The teachers and students have been enjoying the ability to provide these interactive lessons.
The students at 29 Plymouth St. have proudly planted this year’s vegetable garden. They have been tending to the garden diligently and it has begun to sprout. We look forward to enjoying some of the produce later in the season.
May 17-20 MCAS Testing
May 21 & 22 Parent’s Weekend
May 31 No School- Memorial Day
June 3 Junior – Senior Banquet
June 23 Graduation
I am very pleased to announce that Lucille Mutty, M Ed., has been permanently promoted to the role of Program Director. As many of you are aware, Lucille had served as the Interim Program Director during my recent leave of absence. Lucille had done an outstanding job in this role. Her commitment to the students, their families and the development of the program is a true asset to the FL Chamberlain School Community.
Please join me in welcoming her to her new role. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work along side her in the future.
Best, Diane Wilson
The group of 11 students: Loren, Jonathan, Christine, Kaleigh, Erin, Lyra, Kaitlin, Elizabeth, Shawn, Kayla and Tara and 3 faculty members: Jocelyn, Michelle and Greg recently returned from their weeklong trip for Habitat For Humanity. The students and faculty traveled to Bay St Louis, Mississippi to assist families whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The students lodged at a volunteer camp set up and sponsored by LESM, a private relief organization. The students joined a larger group of students from colleges and other private organizations to assist in the construction of 5 homes for families. They completed a wide variety of construction related tasks, including framing windows, hanging doors and shutters, painting and attaching baseboards. 
In one home, they worked along side the new homeowner as the final finish work was completed. In addition to the hard work, a little time was carved out for some relaxation and exploring the area. The students were able to see the beautiful gulf beaches, shop and have a cookout. While out in the community they received many words of appreciation from area shop owners and local people.
On March 12th the Admissions Counselor from Job Corps, Jillian Iannazzo, presented an overview of the program to a group of faculty and students. Job Corps is a federally funded program which assists student in developing career technical training and an education program. The program offers training, housing, a small allowance and some academic and clinical supports. Jillian described the admissions process, criteria for admission and the training opportunities offered. The students were surprised to hear there was no fee for the program, that they can train in more than one vocational area and that job corps will assist students with job placement and furthering their education. 
The students were very attentive to the presentation and asked a wide range of appropriate questions. Any parents seeking more information should visit them on the web at www.jobcorps.dol.gov