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Message from the Executive Director
Patric Barbieri
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Post-22 World, Here We Come!
The last month was a waiting game. We were waiting...and waiting...and waiting...and waiting on some important decisions that we had no control over.
But, finally, we got one answer...On Wednesday, May 21, 2019, LABBB was approved as a vendor to provide post-22 adult services for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)! This changes everything about the potential of our future services!
There are many more details that we still need to learn about and we have a significant amount of work to do to scale this to where we want to be. We will start small, and like anything we do, we will grow and expand it so it benefits as many LABBB graduates a possible. One of the reasons why LABBB was approved was because of what we already provide every day for our students in our classrooms, worksites, and recreational activities. We have been building this since 1973, and we are designed to provide these services post-22.
Many of you have visited adult centers, and you see LABBB graduates there. The vision for the LABBB post-22 program has endless possibilities! If you thought the LABBB community was big now, it will get bigger and that is a good thing for our graduates because the more they connect, the easier it is to be a part of a social community which they need the most.
This will be a significant chapter in LABBB history! We have added many more programs and services in the past 10 years, and at the same time, we have kept the integrity of our mission. Offering post 22 services is a perfect fit for our mission.
About a month ago, I stated in a tribal news edition that if we got approved to offer this service we will have to add,
"For Life,"
at the end of our mission statement and now we can officially do this.
We design and deliver special education services that Promote Academic, Social, and Career Independence in the most Inclusive Settings Possible for Life!
Ray Bohn is credited with being the catalyst in starting LABBB back in 1973 and he passed away about 10 years ago. He stayed in close touch with the LABBB community after his retirement and he is probably looking down smiling and thinking, "Yes! this is what LABBB was meant to do."
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Bringing Science Outside at the LABBB BHS
By: Rebecca Niman
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 Finally we had a day without rain, so we were able to bring science outside. During Biology we have been teaching the students about genetics and they have been practicing using Punnett Squares to figure out various traits. Students have learned about alleles, dominant vs. recessive genes, as well as genotypes and phenotypes.
Students got creative and used sidewalk chalk to display their work. They were broken into pairs or small groups and given an activity to complete. They all truly enjoyed using their prior knowledge and discussing the results with their teachers and with each other as well. With the warmer weather ahead, we will be looking for more opportunities to take the classroom outside.
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Burlington High School Students Intern @ LABBB Burlington High Classrooms
By: Carol Chaisson
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 As a senior graduation requirement at Burlington High School, students must complete a six week internship and give a cumulative presentation about their experiences. This past semester we were fortunate to have four Burlington High School students who were accepted to intern in our classrooms. All four of these young ladies are interested in pursuing possible careers in education or other helping fields.
Olivia, Savannah, Riya and Rebecca stepped into our classrooms eager to learn and to get to know all of the students. Right from the start they demonstrated a true interest in understanding what special education is and how LABBB provides services. Some of their responsibilities included working with the students in class (i.e. sitting next to students to help with activities and worksheets); joining in on community trips (i.e. guiding students through the purchasing process at the supermarket); and opportunities to help with classroom modifications (i.e. helped to plan a current events lesson).
All four of our interns were positive influences and great peer role models for the LABBB community. As staff, we were genuinely impressed by their enthusiasm, positivity, and watching them make true connections with our students. They will be missed and we wish them well in their future endeavors!
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| 2019 LABBB High School Graduation Slideshow Video! |
LABBB Celebrated its
45th High School Graduation on Thursday, June 13. The event was held at the Scottish Rite Museum in Lexington. It was a full house with an incredible amount of people from the LABBB community coming out to support our graduates!
Below is the Slideshow of our Graduation that we think you will all enjoy.
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Clinical Corner: June is PTSD Awareness Month
By: Andrew McCorkle
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June is PTSD Awareness Month, and while much of the discussion regarding PTSD pertains to veterans and members of the armed services, it is important to keep in mind that trauma impacts many populations, including youth and children. While not all children who experience some form of trauma will experience a traumatic stress response, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Some of the facts:
- Child trauma is more common than often thought--more than 1 in 4 children in the United States will experience a serious traumatic event by the age of 16.
- Common sources of trauma include exposure to abuse or neglect, experiencing or witnessing a serious accident (such as a car accident), the unexpected death of a loved one, experiencing or witnessing violence in school, the community, or in the home, or medical trauma.
- Children are at an increased risk for trauma due to their age, size, and dependence on others.
- Previous trauma, past struggles with mental health, or a family history of similar problems may increase a child's risk.
(Source: National Traumatic Child Stress Network, Basic Facts About Child Trauma, 2019.)
Children who have experienced trauma may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Appearing irritable, anxious, or angry.
- Appearing detached, depressed, or withdrawn.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Noticable change in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Appearing to be "on-edge" or easily startled.
- Avoiding certain people, places, or activities.
(Source: Post-traumatic stress disorder Special Needs Fact Sheet, KidsHealth.org)
Experiencing trauma as well as the ensuing traumatic stress can negatively impact a child's ability to learn as well as their behaviors, interests, and interpersonal relationships. Adults can act as supports by talking with their children and being aware of their mood and behaviors. Engaging in dialogues with children can help children make sense of their experiences and foster resiliency, which serve as a protective factor against traumatic stress. If you notice a child or student experiencing possible symptoms of traumatic stress, seek help from a school counselor, social worker, or another mental health professional.
Find more information about the impact of trauma on children here:
https://www.nctsn.org/
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Recreation News and Events
By: Paula Rizzo, Integration and Recreation Coordinator
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Tuesday and Thursday bowling groups have started again, along with Wednesday Recreation
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| Woodland Guest House Updates |
Dear LABBB Community,
The LABBB-TILL Woodland Guest house has been up and running! We are excited to hear all the wonderful feedback from parents who have sent their son or daughter for an overnight weekend! It is a busy weekend from Friday evening beginning at 5:00 until Sunday evening at 5:00pm!
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