Success with Complex Learning Disabilities — Part 5 of 12

Healthy students are happy students!

Healthy Food/Dining

A healthy breakfast menu is served in each of the dorm kitchens daily. Lunch and dinner meals at Brehm are prepared on campus and served fresh in the school dining hall.

Brehm’s kitchen staff prepares meals with as many fresh, locally sourced meats, fruits, and vegetables as possible. Processed foods, fried foods, and refined sugars are kept to a minimum. A fresh low-calorie fruit and salad bar is always offered at lunch and dinner time.

Physical Fitness Program

Most Brehm students have a daily physical fitness class. Cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance/strength, and percentage of body fat are the primary focal points. We set goals and check progress. We know that our students look better and feel better about themselves when they are physically fit.

When students feel healthier, it boosts their self-esteem, and that can help students with all aspects of Brehm’s holistic model (fulfilling their academic, social, and emotional needs.)

Medical and Clinical Support

In keeping with Brehm’s holistic model, the medical and clinical support team addresses the mind, body, and spirit of each student.

The medical and clinical support team consists of highly experienced, dedicated, and qualified nursing administrators, registered nurses, social workers, counselors and clinical psychologists — who continuously assess the medical, psychiatric and psychological needs of our students.

The clinical team makes recommendations to physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists both locally and at home. Nurses manage student medications, coordinate appointments, and keep parents updated.

Through the clinical team, students have the opportunity to participate in support groups such as the Formalized Social Skills Group, Transition Support Group, Adoption Group, Women’s Empowerment Group, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy Group.

Through direct education and counseling of students, as well as coordination with teachers, the residential staff, and Brehm’s kitchen staff, the medical and clinical support team promotes healthy lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition, diet, personal hygiene, and exercise. This ensures that each student is in the best possible physical and emotional health to benefit from the Brehm experience.

Also read:
Welcome to Brehm School
(part 1 of 12)

Academics
(Part 2 of 12)

Speech and Language
(Part 3 of 12)

Campus Life
(Part 4 of 12)

Brehm, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique family style boarding school that empowers students, grades 6 to 12, with complex learning disabilities to recognize and optimize their full potential. Brehm offers a unique holistic program that individually addresses each student’s academic, emotional, and social needs. Eighty-eight percent of Brehm graduates continue on to colleges, junior colleges, technical or vocational schools across the country.

Brehm has a rolling admission. Contact admissions today by calling (618) 457-0371 or email: admissionsinfo@brehm.org

Brehm Robotics Receive Aisin Donation

Coordinator of Development Russell Williams accepts a check from Cheri Romonsky of Aisin Manufacturing for their sponsorship of Brehm's Robotics Team.

For the second consecutive year, Aisin Manufacturing has made a donation to enhance Brehm Robotics. Aisin Manufacturing Illinois, LLC (AMI) is one of three Aisin plants located in Marion, Illinois. AMI manufactures a wide range of products for some of the most demanding customers in the automotive industry including Toyota, General Motors, Lexus and Mitsubishi. These products include sunroofs, side and back door components, center pillar garnishes and door handles.

For information on how you can impact Robotics or other Brehm programs, contact Russell Williams, Coordinator of Development at 618.457.0371 or rwilliams@brehm.org

OPTIONS Students Prepare for Spring Break Travel

This year, six students from the OPTIONS Program will be spending their spring break in Egypt for the 9th Annual International Trip.

Students have been meeting weekly to discuss and review the various sites and cities they will be visiting. Travels will begin in Cairo and include a cruise along the Nile River to visit the cities of Luxor, Aswan and Memphis. They will also have the opportunity to see the burial site of King Tutankhamen while exploring the Valley of the Kings.

Brehm Students Take Some Time Out for Skiing and Snowboarding

Recently, Brehm students had the opportunity to take a trip to Angel Fire, New Mexico for some skiing and snowboarding. This annual tradition is a student favorite and allows time mid-semester for kids and sponsors to cut loose.

For the first time, students and trip sponsors

travel to Angel Fire, New Mexico.

Andrew S. with the helmet-cam ready to get some on-film action.

The 2010 ski trip group ready to their first run!

Steven G. kicking up some snow!

Kristin, a sponsor, coasting down the mountain.

Travel opportunities have always been a Brehm favorite, providing students with the opportunity to not only learn & grow, but act as U.S. Ambassadors. The next travel opportunity will be in April, when students visit several places in Spain over 8 days.

Peer to Peer at Brehm School

Brad Sims, M.S.,CCC-SLP, Coordinator of Speech Pathology at Brehm recalls a touching "peer to peer" story here at the school.

Brehm Students Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Dance

Over the weekend, Brehm students were able to cut lose and celebrate Valentine's Day with a dance. The dance, held on campus, included food, beverages, a dance-off and Brehm's own student deejay, DJ Chris N-B.

Students put their best foot forward for the Dance-Off,

with Austen, Gannon and Anne taking the prize.

The night was full of fun and memories for new students and old.

Bradley takes a time out to pose with Student Council Sponsor Barb Drew,

one of the school's full-time Speech Language Pathologists.

The Valentine's Dance, with a twist of Mardi Gras, was organized by the Brehm Student Council. The students did a fabulous job planning, decorating, entertaining and cleaning up.

Drivers Ed Students Learn the Value of a Life Lesson

This week, students in Jim Wooldridge's Drivers Ed class have been putting a new law to test. As most know, in 2010, most states passed laws banning text messaging and driving.

Jim used this law as a teachable moment, using the driving simulator. First, students drove their usual track. The second time, students drove the same track and were instructed to use a calculator to solve a simple math problem, to simulate the texting process.

"So, far the results have been eye opening for the students," said Jim. Usually, without the distracting of "texting", students make about 5 driving errors in a two minute period. During that same timeframe, while "texting", students are making upwards of 20 errors.

One student commented, "Wow. I could have just died, like 5 times."

At Brehm, using teachable moments such as this, prepares students to succeed and make more responsible decisions.

Brehm Students Welcome a New Student Organization

This week, Brehm students were met with an opportunity to become involved in a new student organization. Led by faculty member, Mary Hart, Brehm opened its doors for a chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

The purpose of FBLA is to introduce students to the world of business and it's the premier organization for preparing them for careers in business. FBLA is the largest student business organization in the world, with more than 250,000 members.

Students in FBLA have the opportunity of getting "real world" professional experience, giving them a competitive edge for college and career success. Students compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills, held at the regional, state and national levels. Activities, guest speakers and field trips are also planned throughout the year, giving students a variety of skills and information.

There was an excellent turnout of Brehm students at the informational meeting, showing their interest in this new organization. Students were lucky enough to meet with some students in the Herrin chapter of FBLA, who gave an excellent presentation about how they operate.

Come SOAR at Brehm!

For the first time, SOAR Adventure Summer Camp will be offering a program on Brehm campus. SOAR (success oriented achievement realized) is a accredited American Camp Association dedicated to serving youth with learning disabilities or AD/HD.

This new 21-day program allows students to explore their own gifts and strengths and provides them with opportunities to develop social skills and have fun. Students will have the chance to participate in activities including woodworking, pottery, photography, arts & crafts, canoeing, paintball, fishing, sports and more.

On weekends, campers will take advantage of nearby cities such as St. Louis, Chicago and Louisville and exploring landmarks like Shedd's Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Arch, Science Center, zoo, Six Flags Theme & Water Park and more.

This new SOAR program was designed with the idea in mind that not all students enjoy sleeping outdoors. Program participants will be able to take full advantage of dorm life and the facilities at Brehm, while still being able to participate in a wide variety of activities.

SOAR is a nationally recognized program that has successfully enriched the lives of young people for more than 30 years by placing special emphasis on providing each youth with opportunities to discover and develop his or her own learning abilities.

For more information about SOAR, contact Kylie Cyr, SOAR Admissions Counselor (and Brehm alumna) at admissions@soarnc.org or 828.456.3435.

Brehm & OPTIONS Prepare for the Annual Strategic Planning Weekend

The time of year has come again for Brehm's Strategic Planning Weekend.

Each year, Brehm & OPTIONS faculty, staff, Board of Trustees and parents come together for a weekend of planning for the next three years. Strategic Planning is a process where Brehm stakeholders can envision the future and develop the necessary procedures and operation to influence and achieve that future. It is a unique opportunity for parents to join with faculty, staff and the Board to add input to Brehm's facilities planning. It is also a great chance for parents to meet with other parents and staff to share ideas on an informal basis.

We achieve our path of success through thorough visionary & operations audits, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analyses and evolutionary goals, set on a three year path.

Contact Brehm at 618.457.0371 for more information on Strategic Planning Weekend.

Preparations for the 2010 Brehm Play are Underway!

It's official... the 2010 play season is underway! Auditions are complete for this year's play, titled "13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview", written by Ian McWethy.

This year, the play, compiled of 13 vignettes, gives student-actors the opportunity to experiment with more physical comedy, line delivery and blocking.

"Students brought a lot of enthusiasm, came well-prepared and are very motivated," said Jen Conwell, play sponsor.

The 2 1/2 - 3 month rehearsal time is one of the largest time commitments students are able to volunteer for on campus. Students also hone memorization & social skills and the ability to perform on-stage in front of a large crowd.

In addition to the actors, students also have the opportunity to work as a stage hand or construct a set, background, props etc. in Trades & Careers or Art class.

Mark your calendars because this comedic performance is set to take place on May 8th.

Brehm Basketball is on a Winning Streak!

Daniel Daudu sinks one against Missouri Baptist University JV.

Players wait in anticipation.... It's good!!!

Both Brehm basketball teams have been on a roll this week, winning each game!

The Brehm Prep (Varsity) Basketball team, undefeated in 2010, has won five straight games so far. The most recent win was against Mid-Continent University, with Brehm holding them down at 81-67, preceded by a 98-70 win against Missouri Baptist University JV.

The Brehm Basketball team also overpowered Carbondale Trinity at 67-54 and Westwood Baptist Academy at 47-38.

"Both team's chemistry is very good right now," said Athletic Director Greg Douglas. "They are all supporting one another and playing very well."

Neither team will play again until mid-February. Brehm Prep (Varsity) will play Webster University JV in St. Louis on February 12th in St. Louis, with the Brehm Basketball team taking on Carbondale Trinity on February 11th at home.

Brehm Campus Unites to Help the People of Haiti

After Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake on January 12th, students in Lance Williams' government and U.S. history classes felt compelled to help... even though they were a world away.

After meeting to discuss how to help, class members and student council decided to collect relief donations in various ways, including "passing the hat". Over a two-week period, spare change will be collected from faculty, staff and students. Other fundraisers also include a 50/50 raffle, Haitian food sale and a donation from the Student Store on behalf of the student council.

"It is important for everyone to come together to help the people of Haiti in their time of need... And it is great seeing the school come together to meet this need, said Dan S., Student Council President.

Students also took charge of deciding which organization to send donations. After research and information gathering, students decided to send money to Yele Haiti, Wyclef Jean's non-profit organization.

"Students made an educated decision about how to most effectively use their money. Yele Haiti appealed to them the most because Wyclef Jean is a Haitian and the organization has lower administrative costs compared to other relief organizations," said Williams.

Brehm/OPTIONS Staff Develop New Skills for Funding

This week, more than 30 members of the Brehm faculty, staff and board began a four week course on grant proposal writing.

The class is led by Dr. John L.V. Bobell, who has 48 years of experience in education, including professor emeritus at Idaho State University and adjunct professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Upon completion, participants will understand the basic process of grant writing and the importance of planning for grants & proposals, recognize the steps of project development and have the confidence & knowledge to write grant proposals.

"We hope the training will benefit faculty & staff and open up new streams of funding for Brehm and OPTIONS," said Coordinator of Development Russ Williams.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch Shines Some Light on Brehm Prep Basketball

In Sunday's edition of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, sports columnist Bryan Burwell covered the Brehm Prep basketball team & Coach Aaron Lee.

Burwell goes into great detail of the history & happenings of what he describes as the "Pied Piper of one of the more fascinating basketball teams in America."

"Aaron Lee knows what you are thinking. You have heard of the talent-rich, nationally recognized prep basketball program sprung up alomost overnight in the middle of a small college town in the heart of Southern Illinois...

You have heard that in less than two years of the basketball program's existence, a prep school previously known internationally only for its outstanding work with educating junior-high and senior high school students with complex learning disabilities has suddenly become a haven for some remarkable high school hoop talent and is luring college recruiters from a cross the country to this tiny gymnasium..."

Check out the full story here.

Brehm Prep Basketball Team Comes Out on Top of Last Night's Game

Last night, the Brehm Prep Basketball team faced off against Mid-Continent University JV. Despite having a different starting line-up and being down 4 top scorers, Brehm came out on top with a 107-81 final score.

Many Brehm supporters came out to support the Prep team at home.

"It was a great turnout," said Coach Aaron Lee. "It's amazing to see a packed house with standing room only."

UPDATE: Brehm Prep's final home game will take place on January 22nd at 7 p.m.

The Brehm Megahurts Kick-Off the 2010 Robotics Season!

Over the weekend, the Brehm Megahurts robotics team kicked off their 2010 season at the St. Louis Science Center.

Teams were able to pick a common "Kit of Parts" and receive information about this year's engineering challenge.

This year's "Breakaway" challenge asks teams to build a robot that simulates a high-tech version of a soccer game. Alliances of three teams must navigate their way through a field of various obstacles in order to score points. Obstacles include two bumps (which divide the field into thirds), towers and passages. Points can be scored by making goals, controlling a robot to hang or climb on a platform or by climbing a partner robot.

The Brehm Megahurts have six weeks to design, build and program their robot. The St. Louis regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Competition is set to take place March 18-20, 2010 at the Chaifetz Arena.

Success with Complex Learning Disabilities — Part 4 of 12

Campus Life at Brehm

Brehm’s 80-acre campus contains a student activities center, a health center,

five dormitories, three independent apartments, three classroom buildings,
a 5 acre recreational lake, a woodshop, a robotics studio, a recreation office,
a paintball course, a frisbee-golf course, and an administration building.

Dormitory life is an integral part of Brehm’s education. Brehm’s daily structure allows students to feel more confident and comfortable with how each day will unfold, which is the foundation of our decades of success. Students begin their “home away from home” daily routine with a family style breakfast, followed by school and recreational activities. Dinner time means a healthy dinner in the dining hall, then chores, free time, study hall, and one more period of free time followed by lights out.

Brehm’s family style living environment, with the oversight and direction of our highly experienced Brehm leadership, fosters countless, real-life, “teachable moments,” which in turn promote more responsibility and independent thinking. Students learn both the social skills for interacting with other people and the independent living skills needed to live as happy productive individuals.

The following practical life skills are taught by the residential staff (dorm parents, dorm parent assistants, and tutors):

• Laundry
• Personal hygiene
• Food prep
• Daily chores
• Diet and nutrition
• Room cleanliness
• Time management/creating schedules
• Utilization of strategies
• Money management
• Social skills/making friends

The skill sets are reinforced for each student with guided practice, supervision, and feedback.

The residential program conducts weekly social-skills training in the dorms, which focuses on skill acquisition and addresses real-life issues. Students gain skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, expression of feelings, and coping strategies.

Study-hall activities are planned and organized using Brehm learning strategies to complete homework assignments. Specific group-study activities are arranged when appropriate.

Also read:
Welcome to Brehm School
(part 1 of 12)

Academics
(Part 2 of 12)

Speech and Language
(Part 3 of 12)

Brehm, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique family style boarding school that empowers students, grades 6 to 12, with complex learning disabilities to recognize and optimize their full potential. Brehm offers a unique holistic program that individually addresses each student’s academic, emotional, and social needs. Eighty-eight percent of Brehm graduates continue on to colleges, junior colleges, technical or vocational schools across the country.

Brehm has a rolling admission. Contact admissions today by calling (618) 457-0371 or email: admissionsinfo@brehm.org
.

Time is Running Out to Lower Your Tax Bill for 2009.

Time is running out to lower your 2009 tax bill by making your 100% tax deductible donation to Brehm School or the OPTIONS Program before Friday, January 1st, 2010.

Contributions are deductible in the year made, so donations charged to a credit card (online or via phone) before the end of the year count for 2009, as do checks, as long as they are mailed by Thursday, December 31st, 2009.

There are 3 easy ways to make your contribution:

1. Via Credit Card, online now (click the donate button)

2. Phone Brehm at (618) 457-0371

3. Send a check via US Mail by Thursday, December 31st, 2009 to: Brehm Preparatory School, 1245 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

All donations go to the Brehm Annual Giving Campaign for student programs, staff development, campus development, and the general fund. If you'd like to direct your gift, just reply to this email.

Tuition and fees pay for the day-to-day operations but we are indebted to our faithful donors who support the full educational experiences we have to offer. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Brehm Preparatory School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit accredited junior high,
senior high and post-high school for students with complex learning disabilities.

New Article by Faculty Member Explores Differentiating & Expressing Feelings of Anger

Recently, Brehm Speech & Language Pathologist Deb Browne had the honor of being published in a national Bi-Weekly Publication.

Deb's article, titled "Language of the Middle Ground" was published in the December 14, 2009 version of Advance magazine, a publication for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists.

"A low-tech, inexpensive technique can target vocabulary for differentiating and expressing feelings while making concrete the powerful idea that emotions may be seen on a continuum from low to high strength. When grappling with negative emotions, in particular, this language scaffold provides the student lead time for implementing communication, self-advocacy and anger management strategies."

The article includes some practical at-home techniques for differentiating feelings.

Brehm Prep Basketball Cancellations

Upcoming Brehm Prep basketball games scheduled for December 18th & 19th and January 2nd & 4th have been cancelled until further notice.

The January 2nd game was a scheduled home game.

Please contact Brehm at 618.457.0371 for additional information.

Brehm Students Share Robotics Knowledge

Brehm robotics students were hosts for St. Mary's school of Mount Vernon this week. Robotics is a fun way for students to learn about science and engineering. Brehm students shared some of their knowledge, as published in Mount Vernon Register News:

"St. Mary School eighth graders traveled Wednesday to Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, to learn the tricks of the roboting trade from the students in their robotics program.

The Brehm Preparatory School’s team, called the Megahurts, won second place at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition regionals in St. Louis last year. Brehm students are conducting the workshop to share what they have learned through their experiences with robotics competition, according to information from Brehm."

OPTIONS Girls Again Excel in Competition

Recently, OPTIONS girls were able to compete in a martial arts tournament at Black's Martial Arts in Carbondale, Illinois.

The girls performed very well and each took home a medal in their area of competition.

In addition to life skills, girls in martial arts

also get to create lifelong friendships.

A proud group flashes new medals.

After the work is done, OPTIONS girls get time to play!

Martial Arts is being used as a therapeutic component of speech and language. It aids in sequencing, memory, auditory processing, pragmatic language, balance and posture, according to Carrie Collins, OPTIONS Speech Language Pathologist.

Click here for more news on previous OPTIONS martial arts competitions.

A Holiday Letter from Brehm Executive Director Dr. Richard Collins

"Hope, giving, trust, thoughtfulness, and renewal are all

emphasized at Brehm, with the most important factor being FAMILY."

- Dr. Richard Collins, Executive Director

Brehm is a melting pot of students from all over the United States and students from around the world. The Holiday season gives us the opportunity to celebrate cultural events and gives us the opportunity to understand cultural differences in a manner which is informal and intimate.

It is interesting to me that each year we expand our campus, our students are enriched by the diversity. The diversity however, always comes back to our students having a greater appreciation of the commonalities that exist. Hope, giving, trust, thoughtfulness, and renewal are all emphasized at Brehm, with the most important factor being FAMILY.

We are so lucky to be able to look beyond the 'obvious differences' which most people see. We have and taken advantage of our family boarding experience to share the breathe and depth of who our students are and what they bring to enrich all our lives.

Let's continue to focus on the strength of our students. Celebrate the successes, share our experiences and mutually grow from our commitment to excellence. We have a great family here at Brehm. We all benefit from our mutual enlightenment. Have a great Holiday Season and Happy New Year.

Success with Complex Learning Disabilities — Part 3 of 12

Brehm Speech and Language

Students benefit from one-on-one time with full time Brehm SLP's.

Brehm’s Speech-Language Department employs five full-time speech-language pathologists.

Brehm SLPs evaluate speech, language, and related skills; establish contexts and frequencies for therapies based on individual needs; and develop, implement, and report progress on individual therapy plans.

SLPs communicate with Brehm staff, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis regarding the students’ progress and its impact on their academic, social, and personal issues.

The Speech-Language Department provides evaluation and therapy services to address needs in the following areas:

• Speech Articulation/Intelligibility
• Auditory/Listening Skills
• Oral Language Skills
• Language-Based Literacy Skills
• Written Expression
• Pragmatic and Social
• Communication Skills
• Cognitive and Metacognitive
• Aspects of Communication

Language based programs used systemically throughout the program include the following: The Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS); Seeing Stars-Symbol Imagery for Phonemic Awareness, Sight Words, and Spelling (SI); and Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V).

Brehm is also a provider of Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord — a research-supported, computer-based program that develops and strengthens memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing — the cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success.

Also see:
Welcome to Brehm School
(part 1 of 12)

Brehm Academics
(Part 2 of 12)

Brehm, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique family style boarding school that empowers students, grades 6 to 12, with complex learning disabilities to recognize and optimize their full potential. Brehm offers a unique holistic program that individually addresses each student’s academic, emotional, and social needs. Eighty-eight percent of Brehm graduates continue on to colleges, junior colleges, technical or vocational schools across the country.

Brehm has a rolling admission. Contact admissions today by calling (618) 457-0371 or email: admissionsinfo@brehm.org
.

Brehm School Float is a HUGE Hit at Carbondale's Lights Fantastic Parade

One of many Brehm traditions is the annual participation in Carbondale's Lights Fantastic parade. This year, students far exceeded expectations with one of the best floats to date. Students chose a Charlie Brown vs. the Red Baron theme, complete with Snoopy the Flying Ace and the Red Baron, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Pig Pen, Linus and Schroeder.

Students who dressed as Peanuts characters stayed in

character for the entire parade and were a huge hit!

The construction of the Red Baron's plane and

Snoopy's doghouse and Woodstock.

The campus came together for this year's theme with

art teacher, Nan Novara creating homemade costumes.

Freshman, Roger L., played an authentically

menacing role as the Red Baron.

Faculty & staff came out to take part in festivities & support students.

"This year's float was not only amazing, but the most intricate

and most labor intensive," Wade Brady, faculty.

Executive Director, Dr. Richard Collins congratulated everyone saying, "It was wonderful to see all the work and level of investment that staff and students had to this project. The crowd reaction was great. Best show in my opinion."

Great Job!

Brehm Holds International Feast During Break

Students from across the globe call Brehm home. During breaks, not all students have the opportunity to travel to be with their families. On behalf of some international students, Brehm staff joined together to create a feast that would be reminiscent of their countries.

The dinner consisted of a wide array of dishes from the Latvian, Canadian, Nigerian and American cultures. Staff prepared dishes such as: Kladu Rausi, Snitzel, Peanut Butter stew, fufu, Jerk Chicken, cole slaw, Egusi, Eba and American classics like ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, macaroni and cornbread.

The support of Brehm staff and the cooperation of students is what makes our family model a success!

Great News for the Brehm Megahurts Robotics Team!

After three years of hard work and building a reputable robotics program, the Brehm Robotics team has secured their first major corporate donation.

Boeing has not only committed to paying the entry fee for the F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, but also matched us with a mentor.

The Brehm Robotics team has also partnered up with the SIU-Carbondale Robotics team. This partnership allows the Megahurts to work closely with more advanced robotics students, to benefit from leadership skills and create more teachable moments. Brehm also now has full access to SIU's engineering shop, enabling them to manufacture custom parts.

Last year, the Megahurts completed their season with an impressive second place. This year, we anticipate bigger and better things!

The Megahurts will first compete March 18-20 at the 2010 F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Regional Competition in the Chaifetz Arena at St. Louis University. On April 1-3, the Megahurts will also compete in the 2010 F.I.R.S.T Robotics North Star Regional Competition at the University of Minnesota's Mariucci Arena.

Brehm Celebrates Thanksgiving with an All-Campus Feast

Yesterday, everyone on Brehm campus came together to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving with an amazing feast. Students gave thanks for things like their parents, their ability to go to Brehm, their teachers and dorm parents, as well as the opportunity to travel to be with family over the holiday.

Dr. Collins, Executive Director, shared the history of the Brehm Thanksgiving celebration.

When Brehm was in its early years, and there was no dining hall, everyone joined together to put on this feast. The event was served up potluck style as students, dorm parents and teachers had the opportunity to cook side dishes. Faculty, staff and students were all bussed over to the Newman Center, to have turkey carved and served by Dr. Collins.

Dr. Collins shares thanks & Brehm memories to a packed house.

Everyone waited patiently and gratefully for the meal... just like at home!!

Faculty, staff and students all took the time to take

it easy and enjoy the festivities.

Admissions Director Donna Collins shares a memory with students.

This year, Brehm food service prepared a full spread of turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Brehm faculty and staff brought in breads, desserts and relishes.

While Brehm was changed and grown substantially over the years, the family atmosphere remains.

The Brehm Prep Basketball Team Faces off with SWIC

Tuesday, the Brehm Prep basketball team travelled to Belleville, Illinois to play the Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storm (SWIC).

It was a close game, and Brehm Prep held down the 19th ranked NJCAA team for much of the game, only to finish with a 77-73 loss.

The lead scorer was James S. with 26 points, with Otto O. close behind.

"That's a very good basketball team... You can see why several (NCAA) Division 1 programs are recruiting kids off of that team," said Blue Storm Assistant Coach Steve Campo, according to the Belleville News Democrat. (Click here for the full story.)

Tonight, the Brehm Prep basketball team will be taking on Meramec in St. Louis, Mo.