Feb 24

Perceptual Reframing

By Jeff Wheeler, Academic Coordinator, The Berkshire Center

The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being. No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure. - Emma Goldman

I have worked with scores of students with learning differences at the College Internship Program (CIP) for more than a decade. In that time I believe that I have encountered every possible LD diagnosis as well as great number of psychological and psychiatric diagnoses.

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Feb 24

Online Readiness: What You Need to Know

By Marc Larrivee, The Berkshire Center

“Should I take this online course?”

Marc LarriveeFrequently a student will drop by and ask that question. With the great variety of online classes, our students consider online classes more often than ever. Here at Berkshire Center, students have enrolled in English, History, Math, Early Childhood, Technology and other classes.

I like learning online. In fact, I like taking classes in any medium. However, online classes present their own advantages and challenges. Whenever a student asks me about taking an online class, I often help them consider their own readiness for online learning and for the particular class.

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Feb 19

Berkeley Open House & Info Session Luncheon

The College Internship Program at the Berkeley Center is hosting an Open House & Information Session Luncheon for all interested parties. At CIP, students with learning differences benefit from both a college and a career instruction and receive the social, academic, career and life skills necessary to be successful. Also learn more about CIP’s 2 week precollege Summer Program for teens ages 16-19.

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Feb 09

Berkshire Center to Expand, Save History in the Process

The Bookless Building in Lee, MaAfter overcoming a staggering list of zoning setbacks, securing financing, parking variances and water pressure issues, the Bookless Building development project has now been given a green light.

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Feb 09

National Student Art Contest 2010

By Dr. Michael McManmon, CIP Founder

Michael McManmon's artworkThe Student Educational Development Fund (SEDF), whose mission is to provide financial support for the college educational needs of individuals with learning differences such as Asperger’s syndrome and ADD, is sponsoring the 2010 National Student Art Contest.

The winners will have their art work exhibited in the Good Purpose Gallery, which is being developed in what will be the new Berkshire Center building on Main Street in Lee, Massachusetts. The contest winners work will also be displayed on www.goodpurpose.net, the galleries website.

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Feb 09

Berkeley Student Appears in “Magical Mystery Spiel” Performance

Join John, Paul, George, and Ringo in a musical comedy adaptation of the traditional story of the Jewish holiday Purim!

Magical Mystery SpielAlso preforming was CIP Berkeley student, Jonathan King! Jonathan performed for the 3rd year straight in the Temple Beth Torah’s 11th annual Purim Spiel-the “Magical Mystery Spiel”.

With music from the Beatles and featuring not only King Achashverosh, Queen Vashti, Queen Esther, Mordechai, and Haman, but also the four Wise Men- John, Paul, George, and Ringo! This modern twist on an already fun holiday makes for an amazing show!

Watch the Magical Mystery Spiel below!

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Feb 09

Winter Convocation at the Brevard Center

By Janet Hrezo, CIP Brevard Center

Jay Mikush awardThe Brevard Center gathered on January 8th for our Winter Convocation. Staff and students caught up on all the news after the break and we welcomed our first international student, Dane Sampath, who is from Trinidad and Tobago.

The convocation was a great opportunity for all of us to think about and begin to set goals for the upcoming semester. The staff and our guest speaker, Dr. Michael McManmon, presented many ideas for accomplishing this.

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Feb 09

New Treatment for ADHD?

Dr. Jeffrey Halperin, a professor of Psychology at one of my Alma Maters, Queens College, part of the City University of New York, has “received a two-year $425,000 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to develop the methodology for a new intervention designed to alter the clinical trajectory of ADHD, thus improving the outcome for many children.

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Feb 08

Get Ready For Spring Break 2010!

Berkshire Spring Break 2009, GreeceStudents enrolled at CIP have the option of attending a fun and educational travel program one week a year during the college spring break in March. This year CIP students will diverge across the world to Ireland, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and a Caribbean Cruise!

Students prepare for this trip through a series of class meetings in which they study the language, arts, culture and trip itinerary. Each year an exciting new world destination is chosen and students get a cultural experience they will never forget with staff and their peers.

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Feb 08

Internship Spotlight: Brevard County Criminal Justice Services

By Janet Hrezo, CIP Brevard Center

CIP student Andy at CJSMost of us use computers every day and think little about it until something goes wrong. When that happens, David Kates and Andy Gulley are the people to go to. As Computer Support Specialists interning at Brevard County’s Criminal Justice Services, David and Andy are problem solvers. Their work space is filled with computers in need of some kind of repair.

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Feb 08

Wellness Student of the Month: Ashley Titone

By Jamie Kennedy, Brevard Center Health & Wellness Coordinator

Ashley Titone, CIP studentAshley’s Wellness successes are a culmination of her independent and group session efforts. Routine, independent exercise is a part of Wellness is where Ashley has really shown growth. “I enjoy using my treadmill at my apartment because afterwards I’m not as stressed and I feel good about myself.” Additionally, her flawless attendance record is an example to other students.

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Feb 08

Community Service at the Brevard Center

By Janet Hrezo, CIP Brevard Center

Community Service is an important part of the program at the Brevard Center. In the past, students have worked with a wide range of organizations and in many different capacities which gives each student an opportunity to meet new people, to feel more a part of the community and to make a difference in the lives of others. Recent activities have included Brevard Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo”, “Woofstock” to benefit Greyhound Pets of America and Autism Speaks’ “Walk Now for Autism” for which Ashley Titone raised over $2000 in contributions.

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