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CONTACT: Hilton Caston (860) 868-7377 ext. 244

March, 2002

Washington,CT ... On March 15, Parent's Day was held at Devereux Glenholme School. Approximately 100 parents came for the special day of parent workshops and a student art show. At 1:00 p.m. everyone gathered in the library of the Devereux Training and Research Center, (DTRC) for registration and refreshments. Then, everyone found their seats in the conference room for a Welcome and Keynote Presentations by Glenholme's Clinical Director, Dr. Patrick Queenan, Maryann Campbell, Glenholme's Executive Administrator and Gary Fitzherbert, the school's Executive Director. The presentation continued with a screening of a new video about Glenholme's programs and staff.

Before parents split up for the afternoon seminars, Sylvia Abbate, of Glenholme's Development Office, introduced Penny Yamet, co-chair of this year's May 5th Celebragalia, the second annual auction to benefit the school's art center. Ms. Yamet told the audience of parents about the assortment of artwork and items for donation the auction committee has gathered for the live and silent auction. The highlight of the afternoon occurred when brothers, Jared and Matt K., who are both students at Glenholme, stepped up to the podium and told the parents about their experiences in the Equestrian Program. Jared K, named "Equestrian of the Year," explained how the Equestrian staff was always helpful to him and showed him step-by-step, the proper way to take care of the horses.

At 2:00 p.m. the parents split into four groups: "Structuring Time at Home," led by Judy Cooper, the Residential Director of the Glenholme School, and social worker Jolene Piscetello took place in the DTRC library; A Dialogue on Behavioral Techniques, led by Dr. Patrick Queenan, social worker Deborah Cronin, and Milieu Treatment Coordinator, Kelly Gereski, was held in the Glenholme music room; Structuring Time at Home, led by David Tuttle, the Director of Tender Learning Care, and social worker, Dawn Zabek was held in the DTRC Parent, Pupil & Teacher (PPT) Conference Room; and Requests That Work and Praising Effectively, was led by Sharon Murphy, Glenholme's Director of Education, Jennifer Odonez, Social Services Coordinator, and social worker, Mark Swan, gathered in the DTRC conference room.

The Glenholme parents who attended the seminars were eager to find out new parental behavioral strategies. In the Structuring Time at Home workshop, Ms. Cooper said, "Kids do better with more activities, so when they go home it's important to keep them engaged in planned organized activities." She also suggested joining clubs or becoming part of a team were good ways to develop self esteem and peer relationships.

Across campus in the Glenholme music room, Dr. Patrick Queenan, Ms. Gereski and Ms. Cronin led a parent training workshop about Behavioral Techniques. Dr. Queenan strongly encouraged how important it is to keep the continuity of behavioral expectations between the school setting and home. "It's a good idea to raise standards and to challenge them a little bit," said Dr. Queenan. "Change is very difficult for them, so it is a good idea to be consistent by sending a clear message when adding a new behavioral challenge," Ms. Gereski added.

After the workshops, all of the parents and students were invited to Glenholme's Arts/Fitness Center for an exhibition of art work created by Glenholme students and staff. Hanging from the ceiling were wire sculptures, and interesting mobiles. Mounted on the wall were paintings and collages created by students and staff, as well as sculptures and handmade books on display for parents, students and staff to enjoy.

As parents day came to a close, and parents and students left for the weekend, staff handed out yearbook proofs to each family.

For more information about Devereux Glenholme, visit our website at www.theglenholmeschool.org.

Noah P. explains his photography exhibition to classmate
Jeff K. at Parents Day Art Show