Spotlight on Speech & Language

At Lighthouse, we place significant value on communication, self-expression, relationships, and conflict resolution. However, our students' speech and language skills vary significantly, impacting their ability to engage in these treatment opportunities. We recognize that learning and practicing healthy communication skills will promote functional adaptation for every one of our students.  

We provide Speech and Language Therapy for more than half of our student population, with consult services provided for all of our students. Speech Therapy is individualized for each student, with goals determined from comprehensive reevaluations that are completed every 3 years. These evaluations are an integral part of our understanding of the whys behind the behaviors and the whys behind the social and learning struggles and then help us better teach and better treat our students.  We use Team Treatment to supplement Speech and Language Services and to promote generalization. We want our kids to practice these skills and strategies across all environments, including appropriate pragmatics within vocational settings, appropriate negotiating during group projects, and advocating for their communication/learning needs in their academic lessons.  

Most importantly, given the value we place on relationships and self-expression, our modeling of healthy interactions and healthy relationships is particularly valuable in promoting functional adaptation. By giving them the tools and the means to communicate, we are preparing them with skills they will take in and use in their future.

What's Happening: Intramurals & Physical Education

Basketball intramurals started on April 3rd and have been happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Four teams from the 300 and 400 clusters were created.  The focus is based on sportsmanship and leadership.

We have also begun midday basketball opportunities for 13 students in the 300 cluster to participate in this interpersonal experience.   The focus is meant to be on treatment opportunities in the areas of relationship advancement, motivation, and peer development. 

New to the 4th quarter is Physical Education in the 400 cluster.  Mr. Marcella will be teaching Square Dancing to homerooms 427, 441 and 452 to focus on motor planning, friendship, and encouraging peers.  The remaining homerooms will have the opportunity to participate in fitness activities and sports such as spike ball, mini golf and capture the flag.

New Spaces at Lighthouse

Honor Roll

We are happy to announce that for Quarter 3 there are seventy-three students who achieved Honor Roll status.  We are proud to recognize these students who have worked very hard.  This opportunity for success has been quite powerful for our students.  It allows them to realize their very own abilities and strengths.  It also provides them with an opportunity to help define their identity as learners as well as build their confidence in themselves.  To celebrate this achievement, the students were awarded with a special Nacho Bar celebration which was enjoyed by all.

We congratulate all the students who earned Honor Roll for their outstanding academic performance!

Clubs  

States Mandated Testing

Lighthouse School is committed to making State Mandated Testing as successful as possible for all participating students.  We help prepare the students for testing by providing opportunities for them to become familiar with different test formats, terminology, and test-taking strategies.  We encourage the students to participate in all testing opportunities offered at school.  At the same time, we recognize that these tests can be stressful for them.  Our Staff work with the students to validate those feelings of fear, anxiety, and frustration to help the test-taking be a more overall positive experience.

MassHealth Update

Consent Forms

With the end of the school year approaching, we are planning ahead with our Consent Forms Process for the 2023-2024 school year.  Completing these forms annually ensures that we have the most up-to-date information for all of our students and families as well as the needed permissions to provide services and treatment.  

Our hope is to have most of the forms completed during family visits this month, but we will once again have these forms available to fully complete and sign online, if it is not possible to do so in person.  Our goal is to make these forms as easy as possible to complete.  You will be receiving an email with a link for the 2023-2024 School Year Consent Forms by May 15th.  If you have any questions or if you do not receive the link, please reach out to your Family Therapist.  As always, we appreciate all of your cooperation in completing this important and necessary paperwork. 

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