News from The Gengras Center
There’s a lot to celebrate at The Gengras Center as 17 students graduate and The Center receives a full five-year approval from the State.
Congratulations, Gengras Center Graduates
On Friday June 11, 17 students from The Gengras Center were conferred in front of family, friends, teachers, and administrators. Gengras Center Director Dr. Bernard Lindauer, along with special education directors from students’ towns of residence, presented the class of 2010 with diplomas and certificates of completion.
Music teacher, Richard Alfonso, accompanied by Gina Christie on the flute, led The Gengras Center Chorus in two inspirational songs. Other participants included Sister Agnes Kiely, who gave an opening blessing, and Elise Meltzer, who performed The Star Spangled Banner. Awards for scholarship, citizenship, physical education, music, and vocational performance were presented by Gengras teachers and administrators to: Brian Z., Nasheema H.; Brandon D.; Gregory M.; Vanessa O.; and Michelle G.
The Gengras Center administration and staff are extremely proud of the graduates and wish them all the best in the future. Congratulations to: Caresse B.; Brandon D.; Dashon F.; Michelle G.l Jamar G.; Pamela H.; Nasheema H.; Chadan H., Brittany L.; Gregory M.; Vanessa O.; Robert P.; Sarah P.; Brandon R.; Amanda W.; Ian W.; and Brian Z.
Approved, Acknowledged and Appreciated
Coming off the arduous State of Connecticut re-approval process, The Gengras Center received good news when it was awarded the full five-year approval. Conducted by the State Department of Education, the process entailed a comprehensive review of The Center’s program, based on more than 100 standards required of private special education schools. It culminated with a visit by a three-person team who noted The Center’s high level of student engagement, implementation of life skills, and excellent transition program. Gengras Center Director Bernie Lindauer, Ed.D., said, “The team was impressed with the level of collaboration amongst the staff, our effective multi-disciplinary process, and the comprehensive staff training/development program.”
In the final report, Anne Louise Thompson, chief of the Bureau of Special Education, wrote, “The Gengras Center staff, administrators, educators, paraprofessionals and related service professionals have developed a climate of respect, care, collaboration and professionalism, which translates into the provision of a high quality, individualized and comprehensive program for each student. The Center’s association with Saint Joseph College provides unique opportunities for Gengras Center staff to further enhance their education and offers the benefits of collaboration with the College’s teacher preparation program, the combination of which provides for a highly qualified staff and a low rate of staff turnover.”
