Time is Running Out to Lower Your Tax Bill for 2009.

Time is running out to lower your 2009 tax bill by making your 100% tax deductible donation to Brehm School or the OPTIONS Program before Friday, January 1st, 2010.

Contributions are deductible in the year made, so donations charged to a credit card (online or via phone) before the end of the year count for 2009, as do checks, as long as they are mailed by Thursday, December 31st, 2009.

There are 3 easy ways to make your contribution:

1. Via Credit Card, online now (click the donate button)

2. Phone Brehm at (618) 457-0371

3. Send a check via US Mail by Thursday, December 31st, 2009 to: Brehm Preparatory School, 1245 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

All donations go to the Brehm Annual Giving Campaign for student programs, staff development, campus development, and the general fund. If you'd like to direct your gift, just reply to this email.

Tuition and fees pay for the day-to-day operations but we are indebted to our faithful donors who support the full educational experiences we have to offer. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Brehm Preparatory School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit accredited junior high,
senior high and post-high school for students with complex learning disabilities.

New Article by Faculty Member Explores Differentiating & Expressing Feelings of Anger

Recently, Brehm Speech & Language Pathologist Deb Browne had the honor of being published in a national Bi-Weekly Publication.

Deb's article, titled "Language of the Middle Ground" was published in the December 14, 2009 version of Advance magazine, a publication for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists.

"A low-tech, inexpensive technique can target vocabulary for differentiating and expressing feelings while making concrete the powerful idea that emotions may be seen on a continuum from low to high strength. When grappling with negative emotions, in particular, this language scaffold provides the student lead time for implementing communication, self-advocacy and anger management strategies."

The article includes some practical at-home techniques for differentiating feelings.

Brehm Prep Basketball Cancellations

Upcoming Brehm Prep basketball games scheduled for December 18th & 19th and January 2nd & 4th have been cancelled until further notice.

The January 2nd game was a scheduled home game.

Please contact Brehm at 618.457.0371 for additional information.

Brehm Students Share Robotics Knowledge

Brehm robotics students were hosts for St. Mary's school of Mount Vernon this week. Robotics is a fun way for students to learn about science and engineering. Brehm students shared some of their knowledge, as published in Mount Vernon Register News:

"St. Mary School eighth graders traveled Wednesday to Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, to learn the tricks of the roboting trade from the students in their robotics program.

The Brehm Preparatory School’s team, called the Megahurts, won second place at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition regionals in St. Louis last year. Brehm students are conducting the workshop to share what they have learned through their experiences with robotics competition, according to information from Brehm."

OPTIONS Girls Again Excel in Competition

Recently, OPTIONS girls were able to compete in a martial arts tournament at Black's Martial Arts in Carbondale, Illinois.

The girls performed very well and each took home a medal in their area of competition.

In addition to life skills, girls in martial arts

also get to create lifelong friendships.

A proud group flashes new medals.

After the work is done, OPTIONS girls get time to play!

Martial Arts is being used as a therapeutic component of speech and language. It aids in sequencing, memory, auditory processing, pragmatic language, balance and posture, according to Carrie Collins, OPTIONS Speech Language Pathologist.

Click here for more news on previous OPTIONS martial arts competitions.

A Holiday Letter from Brehm Executive Director Dr. Richard Collins

"Hope, giving, trust, thoughtfulness, and renewal are all

emphasized at Brehm, with the most important factor being FAMILY."

- Dr. Richard Collins, Executive Director

Brehm is a melting pot of students from all over the United States and students from around the world. The Holiday season gives us the opportunity to celebrate cultural events and gives us the opportunity to understand cultural differences in a manner which is informal and intimate.

It is interesting to me that each year we expand our campus, our students are enriched by the diversity. The diversity however, always comes back to our students having a greater appreciation of the commonalities that exist. Hope, giving, trust, thoughtfulness, and renewal are all emphasized at Brehm, with the most important factor being FAMILY.

We are so lucky to be able to look beyond the 'obvious differences' which most people see. We have and taken advantage of our family boarding experience to share the breathe and depth of who our students are and what they bring to enrich all our lives.

Let's continue to focus on the strength of our students. Celebrate the successes, share our experiences and mutually grow from our commitment to excellence. We have a great family here at Brehm. We all benefit from our mutual enlightenment. Have a great Holiday Season and Happy New Year.

Success with Complex Learning Disabilities — Part 3 of 12

Brehm Speech and Language

Students benefit from one-on-one time with full time Brehm SLP's.

Brehm’s Speech-Language Department employs five full-time speech-language pathologists.

Brehm SLPs evaluate speech, language, and related skills; establish contexts and frequencies for therapies based on individual needs; and develop, implement, and report progress on individual therapy plans.

SLPs communicate with Brehm staff, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding the students’ progress and its impact on their academic, social, and personal issues.

The Speech-Language Department provides evaluation and therapy services to address needs in the following areas:

• Speech Articulation/Intelligibility
• Auditory/Listening Skills
• Oral Language Skills
• Language-Based Literacy Skills
• Written Expression
• Pragmatic and Social
• Communication Skills
• Cognitive and Metacognitive
• Aspects of Communication

Language based programs used systemically throughout the program include the following: The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS); Seeing Stars-Symbol Imagery for Phonemic Awareness, Sight Words, and Spelling (SI); and Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V).

Brehm is also a provider of Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord — a research-supported, computer-based program that develops and strengthens memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing — the cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success.

Also see:
Welcome to Brehm School
(part 1 of 12)

Brehm Academics
(Part 2 of 12)

Brehm, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique family style boarding school that empowers students, grades 6 to 12, with complex learning disabilities to recognize and optimize their full potential. Brehm offers a unique holistic program that individually addresses each student’s academic, emotional, and social needs. Eighty-eight percent of Brehm graduates continue on to colleges, junior colleges, technical or vocational schools across the country.

Brehm has a rolling admission. Contact admissions today by calling (618) 457-0371 or email: admissionsinfo@brehm.org
.

Brehm School Float is a HUGE Hit at Carbondale's Lights Fantastic Parade

One of many Brehm traditions is the annual participation in Carbondale's Lights Fantastic parade. This year, students far exceeded expectations with one of the best floats to date. Students chose a Charlie Brown vs. the Red Baron theme, complete with Snoopy the Flying Ace and the Red Baron, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Pig Pen, Linus and Schroeder.

Students who dressed as Peanuts characters stayed in

character for the entire parade and were a huge hit!

The construction of the Red Baron's plane and

Snoopy's doghouse and Woodstock.

The campus came together for this year's theme with

art teacher, Nan Novara creating homemade costumes.

Freshman, Roger L., played an authentically

menacing role as the Red Baron.

Faculty & staff came out to take part in festivities & support students.

"This year's float was not only amazing, but the most intricate

and most labor intensive," Wade Brady, faculty.

Executive Director, Dr. Richard Collins congratulated everyone saying, "It was wonderful to see all the work and level of investment that staff and students had to this project. The crowd reaction was great. Best show in my opinion."

Great Job!

Brehm Holds International Feast During Break

Students from across the globe call Brehm home. During breaks, not all students have the opportunity to travel to be with their families. On behalf of some international students, Brehm staff joined together to create a feast that would be reminiscent of their countries.

The dinner consisted of a wide array of dishes from the Latvian, Canadian, Nigerian and American cultures. Staff prepared dishes such as: Kladu Rausi, Snitzel, Peanut Butter stew, fufu, Jerk Chicken, cole slaw, Egusi, Eba and American classics like ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, macaroni and cornbread.

The support of Brehm staff and the cooperation of students is what makes our family model a success!

Great News for the Brehm Megahurts Robotics Team!

After three years of hard work and building a reputable robotics program, the Brehm Robotics team has secured their first major corporate donation.

Boeing has not only committed to paying the entry fee for the F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, but also matched us with a mentor.

The Brehm Robotics team has also partnered up with the SIU-Carbondale Robotics team. This partnership allows the Megahurts to work closely with more advanced robotics students, to benefit from leadership skills and create more teachable moments. Brehm also now has full access to SIU's engineering shop, enabling them to manufacture custom parts.

Last year, the Megahurts completed their season with an impressive second place. This year, we anticipate bigger and better things!

The Megahurts will first compete March 18-20 at the 2010 F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Regional Competition in the Chaifetz Arena at St. Louis University. On April 1-3, the Megahurts will also compete in the 2010 F.I.R.S.T Robotics North Star Regional Competition at the University of Minnesota's Mariucci Arena.

Brehm Celebrates Thanksgiving with an All-Campus Feast

Yesterday, everyone on Brehm campus came together to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving with an amazing feast. Students gave thanks for things like their parents, their ability to go to Brehm, their teachers and dorm parents, as well as the opportunity to travel to be with family over the holiday.

Dr. Collins, Executive Director, shared the history of the Brehm Thanksgiving celebration.

When Brehm was in its early years, and there was no dining hall, everyone joined together to put on this feast. The event was served up potluck style as students, dorm parents and teachers had the opportunity to cook side dishes. Faculty, staff and students were all bussed over to the Newman Center, to have turkey carved and served by Dr. Collins.

Dr. Collins shares thanks & Brehm memories to a packed house.

Everyone waited patiently and gratefully for the meal... just like at home!!

Faculty, staff and students all took the time to take

it easy and enjoy the festivities.

Admissions Director Donna Collins shares a memory with students.

This year, Brehm food service prepared a full spread of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Brehm faculty and staff brought in breads, desserts and relishes.

While Brehm was changed and grown substantially over the years, the family atmosphere remains.

The Brehm Prep Basketball Team Faces off with SWIC

Tuesday, the Brehm Prep basketball team travelled to Belleville, Illinois to play the Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storm (SWIC).

It was a close game, and Brehm Prep held down the 19th ranked NJCAA team for much of the game, only to finish with a 77-73 loss.

The lead scorer was James S. with 26 points, with Otto O. close behind.

"That's a very good basketball team... You can see why several (NCAA) Division 1 programs are recruiting kids off of that team," said Blue Storm Assistant Coach Steve Campo, according to the Belleville News Democrat. (Click here for the full story.)

Tonight, the Brehm Prep basketball team will be taking on Meramec in St. Louis, Mo.

Brehm Bears Fall to Ezra Lights

On Monday, the Brehm Bears put up a tough fight against West Frankfort's Ezra Lights. The final score of the home game was 60-23.

The Bears were led in scoring and rebounding by senior, Jon M., with 13 points and numerous rebounds. Emily A., a sophomore, scored 7 points, followed by 8th grader Gannon B. with 3.

The Bears will have another chance at a match-up with Ezra Lights at home on December 14th.

Brehm Students Go Off-Campus for a Deeper Understanding of Anatomy

Recently, Andrea Keene’s anatomy students had the opportunity to take a field trip to St. Louis University (SLU). The topic of the day was the heart. Students were able to sit in on a lecture and participate in a question and answer session.

After an hour of discussion, all students took part in a lab where they dissected a pig heart. For some students, this was their first opportunity to be an active part of a dissection.

“This enables students to hear a different perspective of the body, to see how the components of different animals resemble their own and have the chance to dissect to a clear and orderly fashion,” said Andrea Keene, faculty member.

Field trips such as this help to give students the self-confidence (and interest) that they can be successful and achieve their full potential.

16 Brehm students went on the Anatomy field trip to SLU.

Students were able to get hand-on experience with SLU faculty.

The highlight for all students was the pig heart dissection.

See also “How Experiential Learning Benefits Students at Brehm”

Technology at Brehm helps students learn

"I have a hard time with writing. The assistive software on the Apple
laptop I've been assigned has helped me immensely. It's really cool.

I'm proud to be one of the captains on the Robotics team, and I'm very excited
about my job, to program this year’s robot, so it's ready for competition."

— Anne

Brehm Prep Basketball Player Signs Letter of Intent

Congratulations are due for Mike, a Brehm Prep basketball player, who signed a letter of intent recently.

Next year, Mike will be attending the University of North Carolina- Greensboro, a Division 1 school, on a basketball scholarship.

When Mike signed his letter of intent, the entire Brehm family, as well as WSIL TV 3 (Carterville, Illinois), were on hand to support him!

Encouraged by Terri Douglas, Coordinator of Educational Services

and Head Basketball Coach Aaron Lee, Mike signed with UNC-Greensboro.

It's a done deal! A proud moment for all!

The entire Brehm family congregated to

be a part of Mike's exciting decision.

Congratulations Mike! We look forward to following your college basketball career and wish you the best of luck!

Brehm Bears Update

Last night was the first Brehm Bears prep team home game of the season. The seats were full of Brehm Bears fans. WSIL-TV was there to video and report on the action.

Brehm won last night against New Creations from Indiana, 81-61. Congrats!

Brehm Bears in a Close Game

The Brehm Bears had a close game with John A. Logan College tonight, but lost. 89-83.

Brehm Bears Win Tonight!

The Brehm Bears win against Mississippi Elite tonight at JAL college. The final score was 92-47! Congrats Brehm Bears!

Basketball Season is Up & Running!

Don't miss out on these upcoming Brehm Prep basketball games!

- Nov. 6 @ John A. Logan College

Carterville, IL at 6 p.m.

- Nov. 7 @ John A. Logan College

Carterville, IL at 3 p.m.

- Nov. 13 @ La Lumiere

La Porte, IN @ 7 p.m.

- Nov. 17 @ Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, IL @ 7 p.m.

- Nov. 18 @ Meramec

St. Louis, MO @ 7 p.m.

- Nov. 26-28 Tournament of the Champions

Washington, IL various teams & times

Contact Brittany Morlan, Coordinator of Communications, for more information at 618.457.0371 or bmorlan@brehm.org.

GO TEAM BREHM!!

The Brehm Family Enjoys Another Great and Very Festive Parent's Weekend

After nearly two quarters of hard work, Brehm held its semi-annual Parent's Weekend. This year, the fall banquet had a "Fall Harvest" theme and it was time for the Brehm family to eat, drink and be SCARY!

If you weren't there, here's what you missed:

Everyone was in a festive mood, with all ages dressing up for Halloween!

We had one of the greatest turn-outs for the Saturday night banquet to date.

"It was great! This Parent 's Weekend will be hard to surpass,"

said Donna Collins, Director of Admissions.

Brehm Food Service mixed it up this year, offering Halloween

cupcakes and lots of tasty carnival-themed food.

Brehm Student Council organized a student D.J., light show and fire pit.

Various activities included pumpkin & cookie decorating,

Guitar Hero, quarterback toss, zero gravity, fun inflatables and more!

The Brehm Parent's Association (BPA) awarded prizes for "Most Creative",

"Crowd Favorite" and "Scariest" costumes.

Student Council raised money by collecting monetary votes for a faculty/staff member to dress up in character and do the "Time Warp". The winner (or loser?)... Dr. Collins! Riff Raff was a definite crowd pleaser!

Here's what some staff had to say about the night:

"The party was a wonderful success.Making the theme 'Halloween' was fun and so relaxing for kids, parents and staff. Thanks to all who planned and set up. The gym looked magnificent and the food was great! The kids all had a great time with the blow-up activities and the games. Parents seemed to have as much fun dressing up as the kids did. Great job, everyone! I LOVE MY JOB!" - Barb Lawrence, Faculty

"What a memorable night! The Student Council, kids and staff looked so adorable doing the Time Warp... So lively! I loved seeing the wee ones (and not so wee ones) dressed up! Thanks to the organizers for the hard work and everyone who participated. Parents for dressing up and helping work the games!" -Deb Browne, Faculty

"It was FUN, and a nice change... We have an amazing team." - Christine Strusz, Faculty

Parent's Weekend is here!

This weekend, Brehm faculty and staff will be welcoming parents and families from across the nation. Parents will have the opportunity to attend one-on-one conferences with teachers, dorm parents, counselors and other Brehm staff.

To make the most of this weekend, various events have been scheduled. Friday night and Saturday morning, Brehm will host a college fair geared towards students with learning disabilities. Parents will also be able to attend presentations on various topics such as: robotics, paintball and transitioning to college.

The highlight of the weekend will be a Fall Harvest Carnival on Saturday night. All parents, students, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy games, activities, contests, treats, food and FUN!

Giving Education and Hope to youth is a GREAT mission, says Grandparent

“Our grandson would not have graduated from his university with a 3.17 GPA and good grades in his major (Psych), if it had not been for Brehm. The coping skills which he learned at Brehm made it possible for him to handle life’s difficulties. And the excellent academic foundation which the faculty laid – by faithful and dedicated devotion to providing the very best academic training – helped to guide and develop our grandson’s God-given talents.

He is now working on his MBA.

He is doing well and continuing to use the good foundation laid at Brehm to prepare himself to be a productive and good citizen. He has kept in touch with a few of his friends from Brehm – even flying to visit them. They, too, are succeeding in business and life.”

— A Grandfather from Missouri

College Fair for Students with Learning Disabilities Set to Take Place at Brehm

For the first time, Brehm will be hosting a college fair during the Spring Parent’s Weekend. The college fair is set to take place for members of the community on Friday, October 30th from 5-7 p.m. and for Brehm students and families on Saturday, October 31st from 9 a.m. until noon in the Student Activities Center.

This event will give our students the chance to explore a variety of post-high school programs to fit their needs. This college fair has been specially tailored towards students with learning disabilities and attention deficits. Exhibitors will include: OPTIONS Program at Brehm, junior colleges, universities and transition programs. Parents will have the opportunity to make an appointment to attend the college fair when scheduling other Parent’s Weekend activities.

For specific information, contact Coordinator of Communications, Brittany Morlan at 618.457.0371 or bmorlan@brehm.org.

How Experiential Learning Benefits Students at Brehm

(Brehm students update their nature journals as

they investigate changes within their Biomes)

The Environmental Science class at Brehm school is designed to continue students' growth in grasping earth science cycles and systems — while providing hands on opportunities for enrichment and experiential learning. Environmental Science is also a good example of how classes at Brehm include different important teaching components:

• Traditional direct instruction of information via text, notes, and lecture with visuals.
• Connections through current event, non-fiction, and fiction materials both written and in video/speaker format.
• Investigation through journaling, sketching and research.
• Experiential learning through models, demonstrations, and experiments.

Experiential learning is the process of making meaning from direct experience.

Each student in the Environmental Science class is assigned their own Biome, a 4 by 4 foot area of outdoor space on Brehm's 80 acre campus. Along with the the instruction presented by the teacher, students research, create a nature journal, organize materials, write an informative paper, and present a lesson plan of their own design to their classmates about the Biome.

The nature journal is an on-going project that requires the student to follow the cycle of life that occurs within their Biome. Students are given writing prompts and/or sketching prompts and are set free to record what they see. Changes are particularly noted, art is made from the experience, while vocabulary from class is required to be inserted within the students written presentation. This allows for a greater understanding of the concepts in class.

Another example of experiential learning within the class would be the mock mining site set up. A very large plastic bowl with peanuts and other material is used to represent the land. The objective is to mine as many peanuts as possible while trying to do the least amount of damage to the environment around the peanuts. Discussion and viewing of actual mining sites on-line help them put the in class experience in context.

Lastly, students are given opportunities to read, watch, and comment on articles, book excerpts, and videos that pertain to current issues that are facing us and our environment. Students are asked to brainstorm and address orally and through writing how their individual lives touch the environment in which we live.

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Brehm Boys & Girls Basketball Schedule Finalized

The schedule for the boys and girls 2009-10 basketball has been finalized.

All games are set to take place on Brehm campus in the Student Activities Center gym. Girls will play at 6pm and the boys will follow. Dates and times are subject to change.

GO TEAM BREHM!!