April 17, 2018 /
AHRC New York City Educational Services
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Howard Haber ELC
What began as just a little walk ended up being not so little. Staff and students at Howard Haber Early Learning Center kicked off Autism Awareness Month with an Awareness Parade. The staff and students at Howard Haber received an outpouring of love and support not only from the immediate families of HH students but also from the community.
The police officers of the 45th Precinct came to secure the route and interact with the children. Some officers walked with us while another rode with lights and played music through their speakers while talking with the kids.
NY1, News 12, and the Bronx Times came down to walk with us and cover the story.
May 10, 2017 /
AHRC New York City Educational Services
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AHRC Middle / High School, Astoria Blue Feather Early Learning Center, Brooklyn Blue Feather Elementary, Esther Ashkenas Central Park ELC, Francis of Paola Early Learning Center, Howard Haber ELC
Children and their families from AHRC New York City’s schools were cruising at
Wings for Autism for the third year in a row. Organized by
The Arc in partnership with
Delta Airlines, the
TSA, and the
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the event is an airport rehearsal experience that allows families to go through all of the stressors and stimuli that passengers are confronted with at the airport, including long lines, loud or confusing noises of the airport terminal, public address announcements, security checks, and airplane boarding procedures.
For young people with autism, Wings for Autism offers an invaluable opportunity to become acclimated to a daunting but necessary part of life.
Now Boarding…
Like any other trip to the airport, the day began at the check in counter, where prospective passengers checked in and received special boarding passes. Families then proceeded to the gate, along the way undergoing security measures, emptying pockets, taking off their shoes, and passing through the full body scanner.
At the gate, Delta provided snacks and drinks while everyone waited for the plane to arrive. After the deplaning process was complete, the families, many clad in the royal blue Wings for Autism shirts, were allowed on the plane to sit for several minutes and explore what it is like to be on an airplane as a family.
All the while, airline and airport staff treated the event as if it was a typical day, making the usual boarding announcements and answering questions from children and parents alike.
Students and Staff React
“
This is my second straight year coming,” said
Salvatore Shurott, a student from
AHRC Middle / High School. Salvador came to
LaGuardia Airport with his mom, Vicky and his brother. Salvatore said that he was getting more used to coming to the airport and has big plans in mind. “
Next year we’re hoping to take a flight to Las Vegas!“
Jalen Brown was accompanied by his dad, Danny. “This is my first time!” Jalen said with a big smile. “I like to go to the airport, and I’m glad this plane isn’t taking off.”
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said John Goodson, Staff Training Director and Lead Investigator for AHRC NYC’s Educational Services, speaking to the families in attendance. “Thanks to all of you – the volunteers, the parents, the students, the friends, the airline staff. The goal is to make the airport more comfortable and we come closer and closer to that every year.”
AHRC New York City would like to thank Brian Rohlf and Michele Delgado of the Port Authority, TSA’s Veda Simmons and Guy Lainis, Jorge Chuzan, from Delta Airlines, Kerry Mauger of The Arc, and all of the Delta staff at LaGuardia Airport, for helping to coordinate Wings for Autism and once again, making it a great success. We also thank all of the AHRC NYC staff who volunteered their time to assist the families.
August 10, 2015 /
AHRC New York City Educational Services
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Howard Haber ELC
Councilman, James Vacca paid a visit to AHRC New York City’s Howard Haber Early Learning Center on Wednesday July 29, 2015.
Councilman Vacca was very impressed by the Pre-K facility describing it as a positive and colorful atmosphere for children to learn and grow.
Howard Haber’s Principal, Francine Rykman and Associate Director of Educational Services, Madelin Rivera informed Councilman Vacca of the Pre-K site’s history for children with special needs throughout AHRC New York City and the Bronx.
They also expressed their concerns and aspirations to make the Special Education Pre-K facilities better for children and staff. Francine and Madelin emphasized the importance of their staff and how it has been a struggle to maintain staff members.
The Council visit was a success and the staff and students of Howard Haber ELC wish to thank Councilman Vacca for his interest in the the children’s well-being and education.
March 11, 2015 /
AHRC New York City Educational Services
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Howard Haber ELC
Howard Haber Early Learning Center’s teachers make learning come to life, while supporting the learning standards of the Common core curriculum! As a part of the school’s Community Helpers unit, children learn about career development, including a variety of jobs that adults hold in the community.
Student interest and awareness was inspired right before the children’s very eyes with visits from local police, firefighters, nurses, dentists, construction workers, and postal workers who perform their work to serve the Bronx community.
During these visits, the students used scientific thinking to ask questions about the tools and materials our community helpers use on the job. They even had the opportunity to use a variety of tools to experiment!
