Technology at Latham

At Latham Centers, we rely on technology around the clock to enhance delivery of curriculum and services, and advance our mission. We connect with our extended Latham community through technology. 

• Worldwide presence:  Latham embraces technologies utilized in reaching out to the world. We communicate with friends, families, staff, volunteers, and prospective Latham family members through our website, www.lathamcenters.org, and through the Latham Blog, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Beyond. Latham continues to expand its networks well beyond our Cape Cod community through social media, including Facebook, Crowdrise, and Constant Contact. 

• School technology:  Latham School has kept abreast of technology through private funding (charitable donations) as well as the Federal Government’s e-rate program. Interactive smart boards are used in classrooms, as are computers. Our Educational Technology Plan is nearly complete for the upcoming e-rate funding cycle, and wish-list items include additional audio-visual hardware and software components for our students as well as the possible implementation of technology for long distance communication and consultations.

Submitted by:
Dawn Dinnan

TIP of the WEEK: Shall We Dance?

It is true that many of our kids don't hit the typical milestones that are set for the general population but that doesn't mean that those milestones will never be achieved. Development, especially social development is more about learning, having the experiences to be able to grow, rather than an IQ score. If we are not allowed to take risks, make mistakes and achieve then we cannot develop and that is no different for our kids.

Yesterday the kids attended their annual holiday dance and it was filled with all of the joy, drama and heartache of a typical high school dance. One might argue that our kids need to be spared the potential rejection or lows that often come with teenage dating but I wholeheartedly disagree. Without the lows we don't experience the highs; the fun, curiosity, and growth that comes with being in a relationship. Keeping them shielded from heartache or upset will only keep them young and immature. It is so hard to let them make mistakes and allow them to experiment with life but not allowing this is a disservice to their potential.

At the end of the day, the dance was a great memory and even with all the drama no one was the worse for it. Friends were made, first dances happened and even under watchful eyes I have no doubt that someone had their first kiss. And there is no better feeling than that.

From everyone at Latham Centers, have an amazing holiday and don't forget to thank the staff and teachers who teach, coach, cheer for and love your children everyday.
Cheers!


Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll,
Manager of PWS Services

Latham Staff & Holiday Plans

Scheduling for the Holiday seasons starts off with planning. A major part of scheduling involves the holiday parties that both the adults and children look forward to attending. Latham works hard to be sure there is a joyous start to their holiday vacation week. 

Our staff help the individuals and students decorate their suites or homes with holiday decorations as well as making or shopping for gifts for friends and loved ones. Staff are scheduled to facilitate community outings so that all can enjoy the colorful lights and holiday displays on their evening rides through the Cape Cod neighborhoods.

Scheduling and planning ahead makes for a Christmas day filled with fun and activities, topped off with a special holiday meal that both our PWS and non PWS clients all enjoy. The dedicated staff who are working these holiday shifts always provide this for the individuals and students, often coming up with plans and activities to make the holidays extra special for everyone who calls Latham home.

Submitted by:
Missy Adle

The “Gift” of Life: CPR and First Aid

Need an idea for a person who has everything? Consider the gift of a CPR class. You just might save a life! Learning CPR and First Aid is incredibly important. Parents, care-givers to the elderly, employees, neighbors. It doesn’t matter if it is for your job, for yourself or for the person who has everything. If you can’t access this through your employer, contact your local provider of services. These can include (but are not limited to):

• The American Red Cross

• The American Heart Association

• Adult Education Programs

• Local / Regional Fire Departments

There may be a charge for the course but in my experience, I have found it to be nominal and in some cases, free.  Frankly, I have enough sweaters. I would be delighted to receive this under my tree!

Submitted by:

Chris Gallant

Holiday Planning at Latham

I have worked at Latham Centers for 11 years now and the holidays are always the best time of the year.  I believe this is the time when our staff shows how much they truly care for the students of Latham. Many of our staff spend their days before Christmas assisting the students with packing and helping reassure them that their visit will happen without any problem. For the students that have their holiday at Latham, the staff here makes the day so special and magical.  The staff working the overnights play “Santa” and put out the stockings for the students to open when they wake and the kitchen staff makes an amazing meal for everyone. The students also gather together and open presents in front of the big Christmas tree. Many staff will sign up to work with the students on Christmas even if it is their day off just because it is such a fun day and everyone here truly enjoys themselves. 

The staff that work at Latham are some of the most dedicated people I have ever met and I feel privileged to work next to them every day.

Contributed by:
Melissa Weber

A Moment of Silence for Newtown

One week after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, Governor Daniel Malloy has asked the entire nation to join Connecticut in a moment of silence this Friday, December 21, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. 

Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have asked that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts join them in taking a moment to remember and reflect on the lives lost in Newtown, CT and to stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims.

Anne McManus

"Guapo's Gives" Fundraiser

This Week at Latham

The Marconi class will be delivering the craft fair money to the Needy Fund tomorrow, December 20th. Other events this week include:

• Best Buddies Dance: December 20th

• Holiday Party: December 21st (1:00 concert with presents to follow)

Thank you to Gerry D. for offering this opportunity to the Marconi class. The students are genuinely excited to donate the money.

Happy Holidays!
 
Gerry Pouliot,
Assistant Principal

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons." 

~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Transitioning to Winter

I make no excuses. I am not a fan of winter. It’s getting cold, it’s getting dark, the windows are closed and I need to put on shoes and a coat to walk the dog now. Unless I relocate, this is the way it will be for the next 4-5 months. Adapt I tell myself! Easier said than done I answer back (in my head). I ask for patience for my attitude and my mood. 

Kids can be frustrated by a change in the seasons. We now ask them to wear more clothing, not less. It seems like they just stopped over-dressing and now we are sending them back for socks or jackets that they forgot or misplaced. It’s going to take time to get back on the seasonal band wagon. Patience is hard when you want instant results but patience is what we need as we transition from one expectation to a new one. 

Hang in there, deep breaths everyone! Change sometimes takes a little longer than we thought….

Contributed by:

Chris Gallant

" To exist is to change, to change is to mature, 

to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly." 

~Henri Bergson

Companion Animal Program

Latham staff Frannie Quirk is proud to announce that Cleo has passed her AKC therapy test and is now a member of CAP (Companion Animal Program)! Frannie, Cleo, and trainer extraordinaire VLG were welcomed with open arms at the CAP Christmas Party this weekend. They had the pleasure of spending time with the great people and pets of the CAP program which includes former Latham board member Debbie Cobb.

CAP visits the Latham campus every month and the students are delighted to spend time getting to know and interact with them. It is a great program, and Frannie and Cleo are proud to now be a part of it.  VLG did an amazing job helping Cleo and Frannie train. Her dedication, patience and love for the dogs is evident when you see her on campus working her magic.

Holiday Holidays to all our CAP friends!



Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk