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ARCH Buddies program in the Spotlight at meeting

The Spectator - 11/29/2017

SWANSEA - The Case High School ARCH (Autism Roadway through Case High) Buddies program was the spotlight of this week's meeting of the School Committee Monday night at the School Administration building.

The ARCH Buddies program, which is in its second year, brings general education students together with special education students in and out of the classroom.

Principal Brian McCann noted that the idea was to emphasize that any child regardless of ability knows that they are part of the school community and know when they are loved. He noted that last year was the pilot year for the Buddies program that became part of the ARCH program that has been in the school for approximately 12 years.

The principal singled out David Singletary, Heather St. Yves and Erin Nientemp with getting the program going. He took their suggestions and approved it.

Abigail Beaudry told the School Committee how she enjoyed the Unified sports program and other activities, including a pizza party. She noted that she did not know much about sports before taking part in the track program in the spring and was "so excited about unified track."

Beaudry added that the program will always be "close to my heart."

Megan Silva noted that she looked forward to coming to school to see her friends. Her favorite time was lunch.

Among the Buddies, Kylie Abdow noted that being part of the program "was the best thing I have ever done."

She noted that she looks forward to going to school every day.

Rebecca Proulx noted that she was a "little shy and nervous" but now she was like Kylie, "excited to come to school every day."

She noted that she likes coming to school to see the "awesome personalities."

"I love the kids and feel the love back," Proulx said.

School Committee member James Carvalho noted that during his first 18-year stint with the School Committee, they did not have a program like this. He noted that it was great to see the advancements in special education.

Colleague Eric Graham agreed, noting that it was great to see the way the programs have developed.

Dr. A. Keith Carreiro noted that, while the committee tends to deal with a lot of paper correspondence, it was good to hear the results first hand.

Chairman Joseph Salpietro asked about the Unified sports. The school has had a track team, basketball activity and has talked about unified bocce.

Chairman Salpietro noted that the committee rarely sees the fruits of the hard work and that this was special.

Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth White noted that she was proud of the students she recalled as principal of the Brown School prior to going to the main office.