Giving Thanks

On November 24, we gathered for Birchtree's yearly practice Thanksgiving.  Our clinical instructors guided students through the customs of a traditional holiday meal and introduced students to some of the unusual foods they might encounter during holiday celebrations with their families.

The week before the holiday, each student made a turkey place-card holder to use at school and at home.

Our students, staff, and parents prepared a delicious holiday feast. Students from Classroom Two made mashed potatoes; other classrooms prepared additional side dishes. 

At 11:30 am, all our students and staff gathered around tables in our Life Skills area.  Music instructor Virginia Macdonald led us in singing a song, "What Are You Thankful For?"  Students expressed their thanks for music, swim goggles, and more.

Birchtree has many things to be thankful for this holiday season, as we celebrate the end of the first year in our new facility.  In Birchtree's beautiful new home, everyone was able to sit down and celebrate this meal together, while in our old facility, people ate the meal in shifts.

More students were able to participate in food preparation this year, thanks to our improved kitchen facilities.  And our new multi-purpose room offered the perfect location for students to create their turkey place-card holders. 

To read a New Hampshire Union Leader story about our practice Thanksgiving, click here.

We are thankful to the many friends of Birchtree who have supported our organization's growth since our founding in 2002.  Happy Holidays to you all!

Safety First

On November 18, staff from Newington, NH, Fire and Rescue visited Birchtree to speak to our students and staff about fire safety.

Students enjoyed meeting the fire-fighters and examining their equipment. The visit also gave these first-responders an opportunity to get to know our students and learn more about the special challenges our students could face during an emergency.

At the end of their visit, the fire and rescue staff observed our students and staff conducting a school-wide fire drill. In spite of the piercing alarm, flashing lights, and disruption to their daily routine, students and staff grabbed their winter coats, exited the building safely and efficiently, and then gathered in the designated safe area. It was a proud moment for Birchtree!

Thank you, Newington Fire and Rescue, for your wonderful support!

Click here to read a New Hampshire Sunday News story about the fire-fighters' visit.

Going the Extra Mile

On October 31, John Glynn ran more than twenty-six miles through the streets of Washington, D.C., as a participant in the Marine Corps Marathon. John is the uncle of one of our students, and he asked his family and friends to make donations to Birchtree in recognition of his efforts. More than 30 individuals and families contributed, raising more than $1,800 in support of Birchtree's programs for children and youth with autism!

Thank-you, John "going the extra mile" for Birchtree! We feel honored that you chose to support our organization in this extraordinary way.