The Illinois Titans AAU Basketball Team Wins Championship!

The Illinois Titans AAU basketball team is currently in Florida competing in a series of tournaments. Today, the Titans competed and won the AAU ESPN RISE championship game 68-56, according to Coach Aaron Lee.

The ESPN RISE games are a week-long, multi-sport event that takes place at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. ESPN RISE is an organization committed to promoting and elevating high school athletics through recognition, resources, information, inspirations, motivation and more.

This event is known to attract top basketball coaches in the country, as well as allow some of the nation's top athletes compete against each other.

Highlights from this week's events will be re-capped on ESPNU tonight at 4 p.m. Central time.

The Illinois Titans basketball team is primarily made up of Brehm Prep basketball players.

Congratulations Titans!!

Brehm Hosts Illinois Teacher's Workshop

Beginning July 20th thru the 22nd, Brehm will be hosting an Illinois Teacher's Workshop. The topic of the workshop is "Rock, Minerals and Mining in Today's Society" and will take place in the dining hall.

The Illinois Association of Aggregate producers (IAAP) is a sponsor of the event, which provides earth science teachers with creative and fun activities to enhance classroom lessons. A handful of Brehm teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in this workshop. This program is eligible for graduate credit hours.

Attendees were given the option of boarding in one of Brehm's dorm rooms or making accommodations themselves.

For more information on renting or reserving Brehm facilities, please contact Brittany Morlan, coordinator of communications at 618.457.0371 or bmorlan@brehm.org.

Annual Giving Campaign Ends with Success!

The 2008-2009 Brehm Annual Giving Campaign ended on June 30th with a total of $340,724 in donations, surpassing the goal of $320,000.

We thank all of our supporters for their gifts during the campaign year. Annual giving provides student and faculty support not possible through our fixed operational budget. Through the generous support from our donors we have been able to fund significant facility improvements, extensive staff development and great student opportunities.

As the 2009-2010 Campaign begins, we look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence, leadership and character development critical to the education of our students at Brehm.

For more information on how your donation can make an impact on the life of a student with complex learning disabilities contact our Coordinator of Development, Russell Williams, at (618) 457-0371, ext. 1308 or rwilliams@brehm.org.

COMING SOON: Brehm Move-In Weekend!

Just as Brehm faculty & staff are settling in for summer, we are also preparing for the quickly approaching new school year.

Move-In Weekend will take place on Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th.

For your convenience, Brehm has blocked off hotel rooms at the Holiday Inn (618.549.2600) and Hampton Inn (618.549.6900), both in Carbondale.

Registration will take place in the Student Activities Center, so be sure to make this your first stop. Photos for student identification will take place at this time as well.

Remember, Nursing will process new students on Saturday, and returning students on Sunday. Please contact Nursing for scheduling or further information.

We know that the start of school can be a chaotic time. To simplify this process, please return enrollment forms to the Admissions office as soon as possible.

For any other questions or concerns, please contact Brehm at 618.457.0371.

We look forward to seeing you in August!

Satisfied Brehm School Parents Speak Out

Recent feedback we’ve received from satisfied Brehm parents:

“From the bottom of my heart I can’t begin to express what this experience has done for Mike and our family. It has brought us even closer. Michael has made so much progress in less than a year, his communication skills are unbelievable. Brehm is my life saver.”

— N. Glorioso

“My daughter has a bright future because she was able to attend Brehm. She not only received an excellent education but self-confidence, maturity, social skills and friends she will keep for life. The entire staff was beside her all the way from the day she arrived until graduation day.”

— S. Vinson

“My son made quantum leaps because of his speech classes and the social groups.”

— D. Morgan

“Words cannot express our gratitude. Brehm has helped my son's confidence in learning. His maturity and his grades reflect that he has excelled in the environment. He feels safe and loved by the staff members — they've treated him like family. Brehm not only educates a disabled child...they show love and concern.”

— R. Greenlaw English

"We think the world of Brehm and can never thank the school and its experienced, committed faculty enough for reaching our daughter and giving her back to us as the lovely and gifted person she was intended to be. Without the emotional and academic foundation Brehm helped her build, she would not be pursuing her dreams.”

— S. Holm and K. Johnson

“I was hesitant to send my middle-schooler to a boarding school, but it soon became evident that it was the best choice we could have made. At Brehm he has had great adult role models, a peer group, clear, consistent structure, and school resources in place that you frequently have to fight tooth and nail for in public settings. I am so very proud of who he is today. I think he is the best version of himself that he has ever been, and I look forward to even greater gains in him as he matures through Brehm.”

— K. Bradtke

“The special and individualized attention that our son has received at Brehm has been truly amazing. He has grown in so many ways during his first year at Brehm – academically, socially, personally – that we could hardly believe it was the same child who went off to school in the fall.”

— E. Brill

“We cannot say enough about Brehm. Our daughter, who had a 1st grade reading level when she arrived at Brehm near the end of her 6th grade year, has now graduated and is being considered for nursing programs. Our wonderful lawyer told us 'Once you get her to Brehm, they will do the rest.' She was totally right. The faculty and staff at Brehm made our daughter's dreams of learning become a reality.”

— R. and R. Enlow

Brehm addresses a broad spectrum of learning disabilities. Students who attend Brehm demonstrate processing, perceptual, or conceptual deficits, which occur in visual, auditory, or motor functioning. Deficits in one or more of these areas affect academic, social, and emotional growth.

ninety-five percent (95%) of Brehm graduates go on to a post-secondary experience.

Brehm is a small, accredited, not-for-profit school with a staff of 150. Brehm School limits its focus to about 100 students each year — from California to New York, as well as other countries. And, we still have room for students for this upcoming 2009-2010 school year!

Contact admissions today by calling (618) 457-0371 or email: admissionsinfo@brehm.org

OPTIONS: Internship Program

OPTIONS: Part 5 of 5


All OPTIONS at Brehm students are encouraged to participate in community-based internships.

Monitored internships are designed to offer students real work experiences. Internships are programmed during regular school hours and students typically participate for an average of 3 to 12 hours per week.

A vocational counselor assists students in identifying appropriate interest areas, as well as finding internship opportunities, preparing for interviews, meeting supervisors, and arranging work schedules. Students’ progress and performance is regularly monitored by the vocational counselor and the internship on-site supervisors.

The monitored internship experience provides an unparalleled opportunity for a student to learn first-hand about expressed areas of interest.

• Job matching and coaching
• Transportation is provided
• Frequent visits by vocational counselor
• Internship Support classes
• New job skills learned
• Employability promoted

Also see:
Academic Core Classes
(part 1 of 5)

Two Tracks
(part 2 of 5)

Independent Living
(part 3 of 5)

S&L, Social Skills and Job Readiness
(part 4 of 5)

The OPTIONS Program at Brehm is a comprehensive transitional program for students with complex learning disabilities who have graduated from high school, earned their GEDs, or who have chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in this empowering Program. The OPTIONS Program focuses on the academic, employment and social skills required for success by emphasizing independent living, self-advocacy skills, and learning how to learn. As students (most 18 to 25 years of age) transition through three phases of the OPTIONS Program, they develop academically, socially and emotionally — acquiring the crucial tools necessary for independent life.

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!

OPTIONS: Speech and Language, Social Skills and Employment Readiness Classes

OPTIONS: Part 4 of 5

In addition to providing academic core classes, the Options Program also provides instruction for a student's job readiness, speech and language processing and social skills.

Employment Strategies, Job Social Skills, Interviewing Basics and Career Explorations are classes that are designed to teach students the critical vocational behaviors necessary for employment success.

Students enrolled in Speech and Language may work on developing compensatory strategies for succeeding in college level classes. Some examples of targeted skills include vocabulary building, comprehension of college text, study skills and/or breaking down the language of assignments, texts or tests. Students who are pursuing a Certificate of Completion may also work on developing strategies necessary for the work environment. Some areas of focus may be listening, auditory comprehension, expressing oneself, and sequencing tasks or ideas.

Group work (pragmatic language) has been shown to be most effective in increasing the understanding and use of social communications.

Our speech and language pathologists may also recommend computer programs designed to increase a student's skill in a particular deficit area.

Also see:
Academic Core Classes
(part 1 of 5)

Two Tracks
(part 2 of 5)

Independent Living
(part 3 of 5)

The OPTIONS Program at Brehm is a comprehensive transitional program for students with complex learning disabilities who have graduated from high school, earned their GEDs, or who have chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in this empowering Program. The OPTIONS Program focuses on the academic, employment and social skills required for success by emphasizing independent living, self-advocacy skills, and learning how to learn. As students (most 18 to 25 years of age) transition through three phases of the OPTIONS Program, they develop academically, socially and emotionally — acquiring the crucial tools necessary for independent life.

The Brehm Family Prepares for the Close of the School Year

Summer is upon us! As faculty and staff prepare for the end of the year, excitement builds as students prepare to head home, especially for seniors. 2009 brings the largest graduating class in Brehm history, with nearly 40 students preparing to walk on May 29th.

During this time, three important awards will be presented to seniors.

• The Presidential Award will be presented to one student based on academic excellence.
• The Citizenship Award is presented to one student, based on votes, who displays qualities of a good citizen.
• The Inspiration Award, also based on votes is presented to a student who has displayed persistence and courage in facing and pursuing personal, academic and social challenges.

These awards have become a Brehm tradition in the last 26 years. The anticipation in the air is thick for students and faculty alike. Some of us have been together at Brehm for years, meeting and exceeding many milestones. Graduation day is bittersweet, and these awards are the icing on the cake of accomplishment.

Congratulations to all 2009 graduates!

Brehm Students Return from Trip to Greece

Sixteen lucky travelers recently returned to Brehm from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece. For a week, Brehm students explored points of interest such as the islands of Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Patmos, Santorini, the ancient city of Ephesus, Athens and more. Students had the opportunity to experience authentic Greek cuisine, interact with another culture, take thousands of photos and take home souvenirs, not to mention... memories!

Scenic Santorini and its legendary architecture 

Students break in Delphi at the Temple of Apollo

Students soaked in the atmosphere of Roman times in Ephesus, Turkey

Stephen takes in the artwork at the 

"Palace of the Grand Master" in Rhodes

The Parthenon in Athens was a must-see in Greece

Students had the opportunity to explore the scenery at the 

Monastery of St. John in Philerimos on the island of Rhodes. 

A picturesque twilight in Mykonos

 

Stephen enjoys a sea breeze from the cruise ship, 

with Santorini in the background 

Andrew has a meditative moment in the Temple of Apollo

The trip was chaperoned by Barb Lawrence, Brad Sims and Chrissy Strusz. 

Barb Lawrence said, "Students took advantage of the opportunity to be ambassadors for our school and country. They put a new face on the American tourist."

Brehm Perseveres in Time of Adversity

Last week, the Southern Illinois region experienced a series of severe spring storms. The most significant, experts are calling a derecho, which is a widespread, sustained and violent windstorm. The storm left parts of Southern Illinois without electricity for nearly a week. 

While Brehm campus did sustain some damage, there was no major devastation, injuries or otherwise. The Brehm family took this opportunity to pull together and support one another in this time of need. Overall, we were prepared for this unpredictable event. 

Immediately following the storm, staff assess the damage. 

Like the rest of the region, Brehm endured uprooted trees and snapped branches.

As skies began to clear, debris cluttered campus. 

Faculty and staff joined forces to rejuvenate campus. 

Many students volunteered to help clean up their campus.

Real World Prep Students Learn the Art of Italian Cooking!

Mary Hart's Real World Prep Class students recently had the opportunity to make homemade gnocchi. Gnocchi is a classic Italian dish that consists of a potato based, dense pasta and any sauce or butter topping. Brehm's go-to Italian, and Director of Information Systems Technology, Joe Viscomi, led the lesson. Viscomi also provided homemade marinara and mozzarella.

Mary Hart helps students prep potatoes... the main ingredient.

Viscomi supervises students make individual Italian "dumplings".

Buon appetito!

The Real World Prep Class is designed to engage students with concepts and application activities that relate directly with life skills needed for independent living. Students are taught specific strategies and guidelines in order to be independent on a personal as well as social level. They will learn problem solving skills used in everyday living.

Would you like a cookie?

If you would have taken a walk through the Brehm campus this morning,
you would have felt the unique "Family Style" environment immediately.
Students hanging out before class on a sunny day.

Staff and students wishing each other a "Good Morning".

Coach Douglas, who has been guiding Brehm
students since 1982, shares his wisdom once again.

As you walk by a dorm, Teacher Mary Hart, opens up the side
door, and asks you, "Would you like a cookie?" — as she finishes
baking them for her last class, while students study
beside her in the kitchen.

Brehm Students Finish with a Splash At Carbondale's Boat Regatta

Over the weekend, some of Brehm's students participated in Carbondale's "Great Cardboard Boat Regatta". This Carbondale tradition takes place each spring, with participants creating human-powered boats out of cardboard.

*The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta originated in Carbondale, Illinois as a final exam for SIUC's professors Richard Archer and then Distinguished Professor Buckminster Fuller. Fuller is now known as an American architect, inventor, author, designer and visionary. His legend lives on in Carbondale as the tradition he started over 20 years ago continues here and across the nation. Brehm students have participated in The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta for nearly 10 years.

Another Brehm Success Story

“I accept myself.

I’ve learned to cope with my disabilities and accept who I am. I was hyper and immature and now I know how to get along better with people, thanks to Brehm. The teachers here are great. They go the extra mile to help me comprehend — they even help me when I get stuck on my homework.

It’s a real privilege to attend Brehm.”

— Maddy

Are you a parent and wish to share progress you've seen in your child? Are you an alumni and want to let us know how you are doing? Are you a staff member and have a breakthrough to tell us about? Share experiences with your Brehm family. Send an email to scostello@brehm.org.

OPTIONS Independent Living

OPTIONS: Part 3 of 5

Post high school students in the OPTIONS Program live in supervised apartments with other college - aged students, within the small midwest town of Carbondale, Illinois, located near the OPTIONS instructional building and the Southern Illinois University campus.

Each fully furnished apartment with amenities is shared by three students — each has his or her own private bedroom and bathroom.

Whenever students are present, the apartments are supervised by Independent Living Counselors, who oversee activities. Countless, real-life, "teachable moments" help move students toward healthy relationships and independence. A health and wellness support staff, including a nursing staff, provides health education and medication management.

Areas of focus:

• Meal planning, shopping and preparation
• Emotional coping skills
• Money management
• Follow-through & preparedness
• Interpersonal communication
• Social strategies training
• Self-management
• Accountability for actions
• Self-advocacy
• Safe behavior
• Time management
• Organization
• Personal hygiene
• Honesty and integrity

Also read:
Academic Core Classes (part 1 of 5)

Two Tracks (part 2 of 5)

The OPTIONS Program at Brehm is a comprehensive transitional program for students with complex learning disabilities who have graduated from high school, earned their GEDs, or who have chosen to defer graduation in order to participate in this empowering Program. The OPTIONS Program focuses on the academic, employment and social skills required for success by emphasizing independent living, self-advocacy skills, and learning how to learn. As students (most 18 to 25 years of age) transition through three phases of the OPTIONS Program, they develop academically, socially and emotionally — acquiring the crucial tools necessary for independent life.

Brehm Students Prepare for Pirates!

In the past six weeks, Brehm students have auditioned and prepared for the annual school play. Students have been working diligently and making sacrifices in order to practice three times a week. Rec Activities have taken the back seat as performers have shown dedication to the play.

This year, students will perform "Pirates of the Great Lakes" on Saturday, May 16th at 7 p.m.

Sponsor and faculty member, Jen Cowell explains the plot as follows:

"Arrrr matey, the year is 1782 and Johann Andreas' family business on the shores of Lake Huron is in trouble. For some reason nobody wants to stay at "Andreas Wasp Infested Inn." Luckily for Johann, Captain Short Fuse Composure arrives on the scene, having been stranded by a band of pirates who mistook Michigan for an island. In his possession is a treasure map, and he promises Johann a share of the loot if he can assemble a crew and reach the treasure in advance of his arch-rival, the dreaded Burgundy Beard. Between dealing with Captain Short Fuse Composure's fear of North Atlantic Sea Tigers, an idiotic crew, and a complete lack of knowledge about the sea, will it be possible for Johann to find the treasure, get the girl, charm her father, stop tripping over things, and save his family business?"

Freshman Jordan channels his inner thespian.

Austen, a Brehm 8th grader, works his jazz hands in play practice.

Students have worked exceptionally hard this year with this Brehm tradition and we expect a good turnout and fabulous show!

Project Complete!

Earlier this year, the Brehm family temporarily said to goodbye to the heart of Brehm campus- The Social Shed. This year, we have watched it transform from old to new and be rededicated in memory of three deceased students.

Now completely rebuilt, the Social Shed will continue to function as a place for traditional activities such as Gong Karaoke, student council speeches, pie-in-the-face and campus forum meetings. It will also continue to serve as a place for students to carry out everyday activities like process with faculty, share ideas, laugh, cry, sing, read, study, gather or just meditate.

One faculty reminisced, "It is a cozy place to sit face-to-face and face our issues."

We will miss you old friend.

Out with the old and in with the new!

Facitilites Maintenance, with the help of Barb Drew begin demo.

The Social Shed comes down in Phase 1

"The old Social Shed will be replaced but not forgotten. It holds too many memories for most of us," Dr. Collins said. 

Phase 2: Going up!

Project Complete!

The Social Shed was supported by memorial funds and current parents.

Other additions to Brehm campus have included: Brehm Falls, Academic East, Dorm 5 and the Student Activities Center, which includes a Cyber Cafe, Dining Hall and gym.