The Dyslexia Foundation President Visits Brehm

Recently, Brehm was paid a visit by The Dyslexia Foundation President Will Baker (pictured right). Baker was on campus to tour facilities and to discuss multiple projects involving Brehm.

One of which is The Dyslexia Foundation's 2009 conference. The conference, titled Literacy and Dyslexia: The continuum of developmental reading and academic challenges, is set to take place at Harvard Medical School on October 16th. Brehm will be one of two schools in the nation to have a live feed to this event. This event will be geared towards educators and teachers who want to continue their professional development and learn more about dyslexia. As always, this workshop will be open to members of the community, as well as Brehm faculty.

Baker has also spearheaded dyslexia research. He is working with Brehm, among other organizations to help bring together the educational and scientific communities. The goal of this project is to shorten the amount of time between research and the implementation of strategies into classrooms. This will be done through a database that is both accessible and beneficial to schools and researchers alike.

For more information regarding the Dyslexia conference, contact Coordinator of Communications Brittany Morlan at 618.457.0371 or bmorlan@brehm.org.

Brehm's Paramount Program begins with its Staff

"We don't teach classes, we teach kids."

- Greg "Coach" Douglas

In 1982, Greg Douglas was hired to be a part of Carol Brehm's vision of education for students with learning disabilities. More than 27 years later, Coach remains at Brehm as one of the original staff members.

These staff members were essential in building the foundation of the program that exists today. Over the years, many changes took place. In 1982, Brehm completed the year with 38 students. This year, Brehm welcomed nearly 100 students, grades 6-12.

The building blocks of Brehm included giving students with learning disabilities the opportunity to have a more normalized educational experience. That idea continues today through groups and activities such as: student council, prom, robotics team, paintball, boys & girls basketball, soccer, P.E. and more.

"This is not your average school," Coach says. "This is not an 8-5 job. Brehm gets into your blood. And when we take in a student, we take in the whole family.

Everyone wants the best for their child, they just need someone to show them the answer. They have to be able to trust us to see them fail and show them [the answer]; no one thing works for everyone. We help them learn how to learn."

Coach says that long-term employees and new staff members create the perfect combination of continuity and fresh ideas. We have created a family here within Brehm and it helps us succeed at empowering students with learning disabilities, he says.

Coach is beginning his 37th year in teaching. He says that he intends to finish his career at Brehm.

Great News for Students Struggling with Learning Differences!

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that parents of special education students are eligible to receive tuition reimbursement for private schools, when the public school district cannot provide services to meet the students' needs (access the AP story here).

This ruling reaffirms IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which mandates that all American children are entitled to a "free and appropriate education."

The federal law calls for school districts to reimburse students or their families for education when public schools do not have services that address or fulfill the students' needs, according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit was triggered when a Forest Groves, Oregon student diagnosed with AD/HD was denied accommodations.

Brehm Prepares for Server Upgrade

Beginning this Wednesday evening, June 17th through Tuesday June 23rd, the Brehm computer system will be down. Staff will not be able to access e-mail due to a major upgrade. To contact staff, please call Brehm directly at 618.457.0371.

Brehm Alumni Kylie Cyr shares her story

Annual Giving Hits New Mark

We just hit the $300,000 mark for the Brehm Annual Giving Campaign. See the fundraising thermometer found in the sidebar to the right!

We are quickly approaching the end of our 08-09 Annual Giving Campaign. Please consider making a donation to help us reach our goal of $320,000 by June 30th. Contact the Coordinator of Development, Russ Williams at rwilliams@brehm.org, or call 618.457.0371.

Brehm Graduates Soar at the Ceremony

As Brehm said goodbye to its largest graduating class, new and existing awards were presented to outstanding graduates.

The Citizenship Award was presented to Elisha, who exhibited qualities such as cooperation, dependability, helpfulness, thoughtfulness and courteousness to both her teachers and her fellow students. Elisha was also presented with the Lydia Walthes Award at prom. The Lydia Walthes award is a $500 scholarship and plaque that is earned by a student council member who personifies the meaning of an active member of the community and Brehm campus.

The Inspiration Award was presented to Michael, who consistently exemplified persistence and courage in facing and pursuing academic and social challenges. Both awards were voted on by faculty and staff.

Karel, a Brehm Prep basketball player earned this year's Presidential Award for Excellence. The purpose of this award is to recognize academic success in the classroom.

Other highlights of this years ceremony included: senior speeches given by Jennifer, Elizabeth, Elisha and Scott. This years commencement address was given by Brehm & OPTIONS alum, Kylie Cyr.

Kylie closed with words of wisdom she has picked up over the years.

• Use your support networks and surround yourself with people who bring out your best.
• Turn problems into opportunities. Always move to a solution.
• Don't settle. Find your passion and pursue it with all your heart.

Brehm's Newest Graduates!

Proud parents, families, and friends have celebrated with our new graduates -

the largest class in our 26 year history!