Message from the
Executive Director
I can’t believe it’s already November!!!! We are so excited about our new location at Johnson School in Walpole. This location is bringing together our students and staff from the BICO Central Office, LRTC 9-12, LRTC 18+ and soon all of our Summit Programs (SELC, SMS, SHS, STAP, ATP).
As we are putting the finishing touches on the area for our Summit students, it has been so much fun to see our staff and students get involved and excited about the opportunities this location has to offer (ex. full-size gym, outside fields, large classrooms, etc…) Staff have been hard at work helping with painting, removal of old whiteboards & bulletin boards, installing cabinets and refreshing our floors so they are super shiny. Our students have been helping to plant and maintain flowers in the front of the school and in our lobby and construct a Lego wall.
We kicked off the school year with staff in our new location at Johnson School in Walpole. During our Welcome Back and Professional Learning Days staff had a chance to explore the new location, and participate in sessions to learn more about the new IEP and Parent Square – our new collaborative-wide system for communication with families. Staff also had time to spend in their classrooms working together as a collaborative team to review student IEPs and behavior Intervention Plans and complete state-mandated training.
The other highlight of the fall was celebrating Halloween with some of our students. The Mansfield Programs celebrated with some of the Mansfield Students with a parade. LRTC students away from stress from our staff by taking orders from staff for candy, purchasing it and delivering to staff work locations. What a gift to not have to worry about it!!!! LRTC also trick or treated in the office and enjoyed visiting a spooky sensory room. At Summit students and staff celebrated with a door decorating contest. It’s always good when we can add some fun into our day!!!
We are looking forward to the remainder of the Fall!!
On behalf of BICO Board of Directors, Operating Committee, Staff and Students, we wish you and your families a happy, healthy, holiday season!!!!
Family Resource Corner
Have you seen the BICO Website lately? The Parent and Student Tab has been updated with recordings of our recent Parent Training Sessions. Most recently Mrs. Ludwig, Program Director presented about the New IEP. You can find a recording of that session at https://bicounty.org/parent-training-series/.
COMING SOON!
On November 14 at 6:30 Mr. Brian Grinnon, Director of Transition Services will be provide a session for families on topics related to transition for our students. Be on the lookout for the flier with the Zoom Link!!
Our Family Training Group wants to hear from you!!! We will soon be sending a survey to gather your feedback and input into topics for future meetings.
Upcoming Dates
Celebrating our Marigolds
BICO Staff kicked off our School Year searching for our Marigolds. Marigolds are those colleagues who help to support us, nurture us as professionals and encourage us to grow. Below are quotes from staff recognizing their marigolds:
Ray Caprina, School Nurse
Ray is a constant positive influence of the staff and students. He works incredibly hard, he is consistent, he is a joy to work with. Ray is always working to build people up (staff and students alike). He is generous and cares so deeply for everyone. He changes peoples’ lives simply by meeting them. We are so lucky to have Ray as part of the team. Speaking of the team, he is the ultimate team player. Ray does not complain about anything he is asked to do and he does these tasks with a smile on his face. Simply put, Ray gets things done! Speaking personally, Ray has helped me tremendously both with nursing and positive affirmations about myself. Ray spreads joy throughout the collaborative. He remembers all that he encounters with people and uses these thoughts to formulate his responses and work to help people with anything they may be dealing with. His positivity is infectious. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this nomination. He is the definition of a true Marigold.”
Amy Wainwright, Speech Assistant
Amy Wainwright is a marigold!!!! She always has a positive attitude no matter what and is always building people up – both students and staff alike. She is student focused at all times.”
Beth Myers, COTA
Beth is just wonderful. She is so kind to everyone she is around! She is such a great coworker and a great friend to all and deserves to feel appreciated! She goes out of her way all the time to make others feel heard and validated and demonstrates kindness each and every day. We’re lucky to have her.”