November 17, 2023

e-Newsletter 

 

For Melmark employees and families of individuals who reside and attend programs at Melmark's service division in New England. Please see below for important program information. Watch your inbox for a new on the first and third Fridays, each month.


In this Issue:

  • Mission Moments
  • Spirit Week Themes
  • Family Satisfaction Survey Links - Please Participate by November 22
  • Calendars and Family Reminders - Updated Inclement Weather Communication
  • Residential Notes
  • In the News
  • Staff Updates & Wellness News
  • Upcoming Events: Holiday Shows
Mission Moments

We are a community filled with gratitude for opportunities to live, learn,

and work in supportive, welcoming classrooms, homes and community settings.

Spring Park celebrated Brendan and Gerard's birthdays!

Aubrey and Maria at Plaster fun time.

Sean and Ryan at Bowlero.

Caroline, Jaret and Nick at Brox Farm.

Dinh and Josie with their staff Alabi at Jordan's Furniture store.

Michael, Tommy and John at Wamesit Lanes.

Allen Street visited the Seacoast Science Center.

Wildrose at the Athletic complex.

Daniel at Indian Ridge Playground.

Dominic at Griffin Park.


Melmark Parents are the BEST!



Thank you to the Melmark Parent Advisory Council for serving delicious pies at every Melmark New England location for staff to enjoy as a fall treat. What a delicious and thoughtful gesture that left staff feeling cared for, appreciated and pie-filled!

Family Satisfaction Surveys

Melmark Families,

We value your feedback and ask that you please take a moment to participate in our survey process by clicking the link to the program area for your child/adult, below. The survey link will also be sent directly to you via email, next week.


We are looking to have all surveys completed by Monday, November 22, 2023. Thank you in advance for your participation!

MNE Andover and surrounding campus locations:

Children's Residential Survey
Children's Day Survey
Adult Residential Survey
Adult Day Survey

MNE Stoughton:

Day School Survey

Calendars and Important Family Reminders

Our next half day is: December 6, 2023


Please be advised of the latest Melmark calendars.



2023-2024 Calendars Are Now Available:

► Day School Calendar 2023-2024

► Residential School Calendar 2023-2024

 Adult Day Program Calendar 2023-2024

Inclement Weather Communication

Weather Related Closings and Delays:


It’s that time of year again. As we get ready for another winter and the snow that’s likely to come, we would like to remind everyone that if Melmark's Andover, Stoughton or Lawrence locations close or will experience delays, it will be advertised on 7 NEWS on Channel 7 and Channel 56 (CW).*


In addition, you can access closings or delays via the WHDH website, http://www.whdh.com or by downloading their free 7NEWS mobile app. Just search WHDH in the app store. Scroll down the main page and tap the storm closings box.

 

If time permits, you may also get a Blackboard Connect (aka Connect Ed) message and email notification from Melmark Administration by 6:00 a.m. 


Please ensure that we have your most updated phone numbers (and email address) in order to receive these voice and email notifications in a timely manner. 


*Please note that each site will be labeled separately in the event that closure is only specific to certain locations. Example- Melmark New England/Stoughton vs  Melmark New England/Andover vs Melmark New England/Lawrence.

Flu Vaccine Reminders

Parents: Flu Consent Forms Needed!

Flu Vaccines: Parents, please send in the flu consent form for your child. We must receive the form back for every child. If you have a completed form please send it to the Nursing Department, email: mwizboski@melmarkne.org. Thank you.

Residential Notes

Outing Schedules

Look ahead at our schedule of planned outings for Melmark New England Residential Programs for Adults and Children!

View or download the schedule, here!

Staff Schedules on 12/8/23

***Please mark your calendars: we will be reaching out to parents and guardians of Melmark residents to have children and adults spend the night at home on the evening of Friday, December 8 so that all Melmark staff can enjoy the annual MNE staff holiday party.

***Please mark your calendars: we will be reaching out to parents and guardians of Melmark residents to have children and adults spend the night at home on the evening of Friday, December 8 so that all Melmark staff can enjoy the annual MNE staff holiday party.

Weekend LOA Reminder 


Please remember that in order to plan for the weekend and allow nursing ample time to pack medications, all LOA plans for the weekend are due to the residence by Wednesday evenings. Please be timely in getting this information to them as requested. Thank you in advance!

Two Final Residential Open House Dates

Melmark New England families with loved ones in residential programs are invited to attend a fall open house. Details are below. Please RSVP to attend!

Visitation Guidance

Please see the following documents for reference regarding Melmark visitation policies:


Visitation Policy for Children's Service Programs

Visitation Policy for Adult Service Programs


Thank you!

Impact Report Now Available Online

The Melmark Impact Report for 2022-2023 is now available online!


Read it here, first!


In the News

Melmark Carolinas was recently in the news. We are proud to be among the continuum of placements for students who require a more sophisticated special education and clinical environment, helping to reduce homebound instruction in the Carolinas.


Watch the news segment, here.

Staff Updates

*Please save the date for our Melmark New England Staff Holiday Party*


Friday, December 8, 2023

6:00 – 10:30 PM

The Claddagh Pub

399 Canal Street

Lawrence, MA

Dinner, Cash Bar, Dancing to DJ Axis Pro

We are pleased to announce that Gloria De Los Santos has transitioned from her current role as an ABA Counselor to be Advancement Manager for Annual Giving and Special Events effective Thursday, November 9, 2023. Within this role, Gloria will be an integral member of the cross-divisional Melmark Advancement team. She will primarily be responsible for providing executive assistance and programmatic support to the comprehensive fundraising programs of the New England and Carolinas divisions. Gloria has been with Melmark for twelve years in both our children's educational and adult day programs. In her most recent role at the adult day program, Gloria has gone above and beyond, assisting the Program Director with the day-to-day tasks of the workrooms, creating schedules, training incoming staff, assisting with documentation and aiding in updating materials as needed. 

 

Gloria displays compassion and is committed to the children and adults we serve. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hesser College.

 

Please join us in congratulating Gloria!

We are pleased to announce pleased to announce the promotion of Gigi Gouin to Interim Program Coordinator at the Maple residence. Gigi has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh, with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. Gigi began working as an ABA Counselor at the Maple residence in July of 2019, and was promoted to Lead ABA Counselor in May of 2021. Gigi demonstrates a strong sense of compassion for the individuals, and is dedicated to Melmark’s Core Commitments. Gigi consistently exudes a calm, composed and positive demeanor.


Please join us in congratulating Gigi!

We have recently welcomed new staff member(s) in the following positions:


At the Andover Campus and surrounding day and residential programs and Early Intervention:


Ephraim Myles Azu-Odonkor, Adult Res Program Staff – Allen Street 

Jennifer Enaboakpe, ABA Residential Counselor – The Lodge 

Amanda Graham, ABA Classroom Counselor – Andover

Claudia Gutierrez, ABA Counselor, EI 

David Hawthorne, Director of Talent Management & Executive Recruiting

Aimable Mahirwe, ABA Residential Counselor – Willow 

Naisha Lefort, Adult Res Program Staff – Concord 

Rebecca Manos, ABA Classroom Counselor – Andover 

Rose Mutito, Adult Res Program Staff – Hampshire 

Simon Mwangi, Adult Res Program Staff – Boxford

Stephen Slewion, Adult Res Program Staff – Wildrose 

Alexander Warren, ABA Classroom Counselor – Andover 


At the Stoughton Day School:

Emily Labossiere, ABA Classroom Counselor

We have recently said goodbye to Melmark staff members in the following positions and wish them the best in their future endeavors:


At the Andover Campus and surrounding day and residential programs and Early Intervention:


Devin Baker, ABA Residential Counselor – Willow

Marissa Cairns, ABA Classroom Counselor – Andover 

Julianna Pelkey, Clinical Coordinator – Andover 

Employee Wellness

The Wellness team invites you to read the November newsletter and prepare yourself and your body for what this month has in store for you.


The Wellness Insider November Digest Includes:


INSPIRE TO MOVE: National Take a Hike Day is November 17. Read the five things you should prepare before you hit the trail.

NOURISHING YOU: Eat healthier this holiday season with tips to get you through the next two months or just the weekend. Plus, Hunger-Filling Foods to try.

YOUR BODY, YOUR MIND: Are your dogs barking? It may be time to listen to the Clues from Your Feet. Also, daylight savings is just around the corner. It’s time to prepare your body for the Dark Days ahead.

GOOD DECISIONS: Smoke or Save $: how quitting smoking is good for your body and your bank account.


We hope you enjoy this month’s digest and come away with some good tips to live a happy and healthy life. 

Upcoming Events

Melmark families,

Watch your mailbox for Melmark's annual fundraising appeal and staff holiday bonus appeal. We hope to close out our 25th anniversary year with record donations in support of MNE programs and services, and recognition for our terrific staff!

We look forward to welcoming Melmark New England families to one of our favorite annual traditions! Please mark your calendars for our Holiday Show dates and times, below. RSVP to let us know you'll attend.


Become a VIP HOLIDAY SHOW SPONSOR


$100 per seat

Front row seat and special gift 

Limited spots available!


Please contact Ellen Kallman, Director of Advancement for details!

Used Textiles Collection at Melmark!

The change of the season is upon us! Please hold on to the clothes, shoes, towels/blankets, curtains that you may be done with. Melmark can turn all of those items (even if stained or broken) into $$ funds for MNE!! More info coming soon.


Thank you for your ongoing partnership and collaboration to ensure Melmark's mission-first programs for the children, adults and families who rely on us every day. 
 
Sincerely,

Rita M. Gardner, M.P.H., LABA, BCBA, CDE® (she/her)

President and CEO

Katie Salvatore, M.Ed., LABA, BCBA

Melmark New England Executive Director 

Melmark's Core Commitments



Unified Culture

Compassionate Care

Integrity in Everything We Do

Highly Skilled Workforce

Evidence-Based Practices

Best Outcomes

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