Brehm's Annual Giving Campaign a success!

Thank you!

We would like to thank the hundreds of alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, corporations and foundations who helped us reach our goal of $300,000 during the Brehm 2009-2010 Annual Giving Campaign.

We've already started the 2010-2011 Annual Giving Campaign. Your donation makes our unique education possible. Annual Giving gifts help Brehm support a strong faculty, provide funds for student programs, improve our campus, and purchase equipment to meet our student educational and holistic challenges for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year.

Brehm Hosts SOAR Summer Program

For the first time, this summer through August 17th, Brehm will be the host of a SOAR summer program. This 21-day program was designed to help students explore their own gifts and strengths, to develop life and social skills, to have fun and take advantage of the Southern Illinois region.

Students are able to participate in a wide variety of activities such as: woodworking, pottery, photography, arts & crafts, canoeing, paintball, fishing, sports and much more. The course also offers a service-learning component, allowing campers to give back to the community. On weekend, students capitalize on on Brehm's location by taking excursions to nearby St. Louis, Louisville and Chicago to theme parks, museums, zoos, planetariums and more.

Students practice archery on Brehm's campus.

SOAR participants were the first to use Brehm's

brand new sand volleyball court.

Students stop for a group shot at one of the many

hiking trails in the Carbondale region...

... along with a little exploring...

Another famous Carbondale landmark- Jeremy "Boo" Rochman Memorial Park

(more commonly known as Castle Park).

SOAR (success oriented achievement realized) is a accredited American Camp Association dedicated to serving youth with learning disabilities or AD/HD. It 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.

The next session begins July 18th. Those who are interested can contact Kylie Cyr, Admissions Counselor at admissions@soarnc.org or 828.456.3435.

A Letter from the Assistant Director of Admissions

I would like to introduce myself as Brehm School's new Assistant Director of Admissions. In this position, I will be working closely with Donna Collins, Director of Admissions and Dr. Richard Collins, Executive Director.

For the last five years, I have been a part of the Brehm family, working as a substitute teacher, teacher's aide and transition specialist. Throughout this time I have seen Brehm's campus and student population grow, becoming more diverse and distinguished. As the Assistant Director of Admissions, I will be able to continue to see the growth of Brehm and our current and future students.

I look forward to moving forward with this coming school year and working one-on-one with new old old members of the Brehm family.

Until then, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Richard L. Ventura, M.S.

Assistant Director of Admissions

rventura@brehm.org

618.457.0371

Brehm Graduates Reflect and Give Thanks (3 of 3)

“I have matured dramatically, become much more social, made better grades, felt better about myself and others, and learned to be more independent. If it weren’t for Brehm, I would be at the same maturity level as I was in public school…. For ten long years in public school, the teachers never even attempted to explain how to socialize or how to interact properly…. Brehm took me above and beyond by teaching me my own potential.”

– Jordan

“Brehm has taught me lifelong lessons. I’ve learned how to get rid of all of the prejudices that common people have and, instead, celebrate the differences among human beings. I’ve learned how to respect, love, and care with NO boundaries. I would like to thank Coach Aaron Lee for giving me the opportunity to be part of this family, for his love, support, patience, and leadership on and off the court. I would like to thank all of the teachers for their patience and availability in transmitting knowledge. I would also like to thank my advisor, Mrs. Marian Appiah-Kubi, for her endless love, kindness, respect, advice, and (over)care :-p. I would like to present my regards to Mr. Douglas, Mrs. Douglas, and Mrs. Amanda Clough for their undeniable support, love, and attention. I would like to give nursing and the kitchen staff a shout for their motherly love and for making sure that I was healthy and well-nourished. The final thanks goes to Dr. Collins for giving me the opportunity to take advantage of a great educational and social program which also helped me get a full ride scholarship to Vanderbilt University. I am incommensurably happy to say that I have accomplished my goals here at Brehm and that I am ready to face new challenges at the college level and be useful to society.”

– James

“I am so happy today because I am graduating, a feat I didn’t think possible just 9 months ago. A lot has changed in my time here. I have grown up a lot. There was a time last year when it appeared I would not make it and I would have to leave Brehm. But then maturity kicked in, and I changed my life forever. I took the help that was being offered to me. Here I am today graduating high school and moving onto higher education. The last few years have been filled with obstacles and a few great triumphs. I want to thank the following people for all of the time and effort they have invested in me: My dorm parents, Jason, Ed, Kristin, and Joe, for all of the times you talked with me and helped me figure out the big parts of my life. I want to thank my amazing advisor, Chrissy Strusz, who helped me apply for college…. You are awesome, and I cannot thank you enough. I want to thank my teachers, who made this such a great learning experience. I want to thank my amazing family for all of their love and support despite the odds against me. Mom, Julie, Dad, Gaga, and Grampy, thank you for everything you have done. Thank you to everyone who has made this process possible.”

– Daniel

“I would like to thank several people, some who were my teachers, and others who I met and got to know well. Each one has helped me become the man I am today. They showed me who I could be and helped me get there. Thanks to: Terri Douglas, Nancy Bagshaw, Judy Carter, Deb Browne, Shelly Greenball, Francine Clebowicz, and Joan, and all of my teachers. Each one of you has helped me individually to become more than I thought I could be. I would also especially like to thank my parents, who always believed in me and were the starting point of my success. Thank you all for seeing my talents and potential. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a bright future.”

– David

Memorialize or Honor a Loved One

Help us reach our goal by June 30th and memorialize or honor a loved one.

Your donation makes our unique education possible. Annual Giving
gifts help Brehm support a strong faculty, provide funds for student
programs, improve our campus, and purchase equipment to meet
our students educational and holistic challenges.

Hundreds of donations have been made by alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, corporations, and foundations totaling over $275,000 during the 09-10 Annual Giving Campaign.

With only days left for this years annual campaign, we are less than $25,000 from our goal of $300,000!

We are currently developing plans for a walking trail on our campus. We also have plans for the construction of a labyrinth garden for the benefit of our students.

If you would like to contribute toward the construction of one of these projects we would like to memorialize or honor a loved one in your family -- maybe a student, alumni, parent or grandparent -- by placing their name on a bronze dedication plaque at the project sites. Donations or pledges toward these projects or other designated or undesignated gifts made before June 30th will help us reach our 09-10 Annual Giving goal.

For more information, please contact Russell Williams (see below.) Please consider making a contribution to Brehm today!:

1. Via Credit Card online now (click the donate button to the right.)
2. Phone Russell Williams, Brehm Coordinator of Development, at (618) 457-0371 ext 1308 (or email rwilliams@brehm.org)
3. Send a check or credit card information via US Mail to: Russell Williams, Coordinator of Development, Brehm Preparatory School, 1245 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

Thank You!

Parent: Brehm School is a Life Changing Experience

Another Proud Brehm Parent talks about how Brehm helped her son, who has learning disabilities. Brehm is a unique family style boarding school for students with complex learning disabilities, grades 6 through 12. Brehm's teaching staff has an average of 12 years of experience — specifically teaching students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.

Brehm students go on to college, find fulfilling careers and become successful entrepreneurs. Find out more at www.Brehm.org

Brehm Graduates Reflect and Give Thanks (2 of 3)

“I want to thank Dr. Collins and Donna Collins who gave me a great experience that will stay with me forever. I want to thank my dorm parents, Ingrid and Jason. You guys have done everything for me here, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I want to thank the other dorm parents and the teachers here for everything you have done. Thank you to Chrissy Strusz for helping me out with everything. You’re the best advisor I could ask for. I want to thank the recreation staff for driving me and the rest of the students to all the places we needed to be…. A big thanks to the students, friends, and peers at Brehm; without you all, Brehm wouldn’t be the same. Thank you to Miki; you are the greatest thing that has happened to me. Lastly, I want to thank my parents and my brother, Warren. Without you guys, I wouldn’t even be at Brehm. I love you, Mom and Dad. Thank you.”

– Eli

“When I came from Nigeria, I did not know what to expect from the people I was going to meet. But since I have been here, this has been a home away from home. Though it has not been easy, especially this year, with the help of the great people here, I have being able to overcome all obstacles. I want to say thank you to all of the staff and teachers. I know there is nothing I can do to repay everything they’ve done for me. May God bless you richly. To my coach and teammates, I have had a wonderful two years with you, and I have learned a lot from you…. I say a special thanks to Mr. Charlie, Brian Taylor, Mrs. Sabina, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, Amanda, and Dr. Collins for all their help and support. I will miss Brehm. I know I have to move on, but every place my foot has tread upon and every student and staff member here at Brehm will always be in my heart, most especially James. Thanks, Brehm, for the great opportunity to be a better student, a better man, and a better basketball player.

– Daniel

“I would like to thank Amanda for helping guide me though my first year. I wouldn’t know what to do without her coming into my life. Next, I would like to make a big shout out to Dr. Brian Brown for being there for me when I needed him. Thanks to Pam Altman for scheduling the recreation on the weekends and during the week. I appreciate Mark Denzer for taking me on the SOAR Trip while he was here. Brian Taylor was awesome for spending the extra time at Long Branch with me his first year. I would especially like to thank Theresa Miller for problem-solving with me during some rough times and John Barnes for the support you have given. Now, I want to shout out to the faculty, especially Chrissy Strusz. Chrissy has taught me a lot about life and how to manage it and teaching me how to use the computer and camera. Chrissy has been a big inspiration to me…. Charlie Travelstead, John Bertsch, Mike Hosmon, and Bud Childers have been giving me a lot of advice and support throughout my time here. Finally, I want to thank Barb Drew for all of the support and aid she has given. And to Mike Hanson for teaching me new strategies in math…. I will miss you all, and I hope for the best of luck in your future. Thank you.”

– Steven

“I’m an outsider by choice, but not truly. It’s the unpleasantness of the system that keeps me out. I’d rather be in a good system. And that’s exactly what I got here at Brehm. If it hadn’t been for newfound friends and a plethora of fabulous teachers, two great parents, and most of all, a very caring brother, I most likely wouldn’t be here today. As far as teachers go, I really want to thank three of them: Mrs. Suzy Lanning-Ventura, Mr. Richard Ventura, and Lance Williams. Those teachers are the ones who helped me through the hard times in school. The friends I want to thank, some of whom are up here with me today, are Neil, Eli, Hillary, Anna, and especially Dan. These guys saw me through the hard times and were always there to help. I can’t thank them enough. My mother and father have been the driving force behind my time here at Brehm. I’d also like to thank my dorm parents, Jason, Ingrid, and all of the dorm assistants for their patience with me. But most of all, I need to extend a thanks to my little brother, Austen…. Things have been looking up steadily for me. Next year, I’m headed to a transition program in Buffalo, New York. And from there, it’s on to one of the best schools in the country, RIT, where I hope to bring out the best of myself and really push myself to the limits of what I can do with my designs. But if it hadn’t been for Brehm, none of this would have happened. And so now, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for your time, caring, and kindness. Thank you.”

– Dylan

“I want to say thank you to Dr. Collins for letting me come to Brehm School and giving me a really great experience. I want to say thank you to Brad Sims for helping me out with everything. I want to say thank you to my dorm parents and staff, Jason, Ingrid, Kristen, Jay, and Ed. They helped us with everything. I want to say thank you to the recreation staff. I want to say thank you, teachers, for teaching me and helping me with my work. Thank you to Ellie . You are really my best friend ever. I want to say thank you to Mom and Dad for sending me to school. It was awesome. I love you, Mom and Dad.”

– Jonathan

“Before I came to Brehm Prep, I was just a basketball player. My old school didn’t really care about academics like Brehm does, and I really didn’t know how to study for a test or speak up to advocate for help. When I first came to Brehm, it was a big change in my life. I thought I was going to lose friends because I went to a different school. As my first year went by at Brehm, I started to make new friends, find ways to help myself study for tests, and also advocate for extra time on work or just ask for help with something I didn’t understand…. For my successful years at Brehm, I have to thank the teachers here who spent their free time to make sure I got the help that I needed. I’m so grateful to have teachers who care this much about their students and also our academics.”

– Bruce

“When I first came here in 2006, I was put in dorm 3 with Aaron Lee as my dorm parent. That year, I was scared of being away from home. I called home every night saying that I wanted to leave this place. But I continued coming back and continued to live my life as a Brehmie. The next year, I was put in dorm 2 and knew what to expect…. I want to thank everyone, students, staff, and teachers alike, for making my years here so meaningful. I also want to thank my family for helping me. Next year, I am going to come back to Carbondale to be a student in Brehm’s post-secondary program called OPTIONS.”

– Will

Graduates Reflect and Give Thanks (1 of 3)

“First, I’d like to thank my Mom, who has helped me to go on my college visits from spring break to summer. I would like to thank my aunts and uncles from California, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and my grandparents from Eaton, Ohio and New Jersey for all of their support that they gave me all through the years that I’ve been at Brehm. And they are happy that I will be moving on to college in August…. I’d like to thank Barb Lawrence for helping me with time management, working independently, and working with me on paraphrasing. I’d like to thank to my friend, Steve, for giving me advice for what I missed in Literary Perspective Studies and for helping me to catch up.… I’d also like to thank Brad Siemer for being my basketball coach for the 2009-2010 basketball season. And he is one of the coolest teachers that I knew for 3 years…”

– Randy

“I have made a lot of progress during my five years at Brehm. I feel like I’m able to control the way I react to my emotions. I would like to thank all of my friends, especially Austen, Thomas, Casey, Bradley, and Nakita for helping me out. I also want to thank my parents, my teachers, and dorm parents for helping me reach my goals in life. I will miss everybody who has helped me along the way.”

– Amanda

“In any ordinary world, I can’t help but to stand beneath the dignity of others, be stranded in constant struggle within a competitive world, sweating in a sea of pride and glory, swimming to the unending finish line. Performing an act of selfishness through the lens of another human being, I don’t want this illusion of contradicting the truth behind my intent. It’s within this struggle that you can lose who you are. I want to see the outcome based upon the decisions I’ve built and the aftermath of the character I directed through the years I continued taking breaths. I want to be a leader, a helping hand for others, not to be recognized in selfishness but rather a different side that society hasn’t seen. This would have never happened for me if it wasn’t for Brehm. I used to be more than just difficult to my parents and others surrounding me, a hyperactive individual acting impulsively everywhere I went. I am so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to experience the journey that Brehm has given me. Through this experience I have learned to deal with my struggles appropriately and successfully using the tools and strategies that teachers and staffs have taught me. After long practices, I end up here on this stage. I want to show my deepest appreciation to Sara and her family, Sam and her family, and my past relationships because they have led me to be who I am — Brehm students, my teachers, and best of all, I want to thank my family for being there for me through everything.”

– Greg

“Over the last two years, I have met some great friends and created fun memories. When I think of Brehm, I think of the caring teachers. I have learned to recognize and deal with problems thanks to Marian, Mr. Siemer, and Ms. Hart. I feel Pam and Theresa are nice people to be around because they went out of their way to help me. Ms. Blessing has inspired me to enjoy math more. Lisa, Casey, Ellie, Jack, and Zane are important because they’re always there for me whenever I have a problem, and we have fun hanging out together. My parents were kind throughout the time I was at Brehm. I am excited to move on to the next step.”

– Alex

“When I first came to Brehm, I had difficulties with language, making friends, and with American culture. I met with the administrators and my advisor, Mr. Brad Sims. He gave me positive reinforcement to have the confidence to be successful in school and in life. I feel privileged to have had Brad Sims as my mentor and friend. I would like to thank the staff and teachers who supported me through my school years here at Brehm.”

– Rishi

“I started my long journey back in August 2004 in the 7th grade, and I am excited to be graduating. When I first started, the kids and staff where extremely nice to me, like these two students, Jos and Tim, who treated me as their younger brother…. Brehm has helped me in many ways. The biggest I’ve seen since I’ve been at Brehm is my ability to read. I’ve become more independent in many different areas like completing homework and doing basic chores. I have learned how to use my strengths of creativity and visual learning in basically everything I do. I have become more social and have a good group of friends. Thanks to my teachers for helping me become more independent and understanding when something did not make sense. Thanks to my dorm parents for helping me with every day living, like chores, homework, and so much more. To the recreation staff, thanks for making my weekdays and weekend recs fun and entertaining. I especially like the many trips I took to St. Louis. Thanks to my friends, Tim, Josh, Kole C., Parker, Noah, and Alex S. for accepting me as one of their friends and always letting the laughter flow each and every day. Thanks to my family for always being there and helping me when I needed the help the most. Mom, thanks for all those times you helped with my homework over the years and the meetings you’ve gone to. It helped me better myself in all those ways. Thanks, Dad, for helping me improve my reading skills, my boy scout questions, and a lot more...”

– Kevin

“I transferred from a Christian Baptist school where I was really struggling to Brehm Preparatory School where my academic struggles ended. There is a lot of love on Brehm Campus. You may not feel it at times, but it is there. I thought there was a ton of love at my old Christian Baptist school, but now that I have been at Brehm for two years, I see that there is so much more love here. Well, high school is finally over. I would like to thank God, my parents, relatives, Sebina Geer, my advisor Ms. Keene, Pam Altman, and all of my teachers that I have had for two years at Brehm Preparatory School…. Now, it is time for me to go to college, Gardner Webb University, a Christian university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. I know the things that I have learned throughout my high school years will help me in college.”

– Thomas

Brehm, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is a unique family style boarding school that empowers students, grades 6 through 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

Congratulations Brehm Class of 2010!

Proud parents, families, and friends celebrated
with our new graduates this past weekend!

The Class of 2010 has graduated and the Brehm campus becomes quiet until the fall...

...or does it?

Although our newest graduates have left campus to use the skills and knowledge from their years of work at Brehm, our fiscal year continues until June 30th. There is still time for you to honor this year's class of bright and talented graduates with a tax deductible gift to the 2009-2010 Brehm Annual Giving Campaign.

With only 20 days left and $38,000 to go, we need your help to reach our 2009-2010 goal. There are 3 simple ways to make your tax deductible contribution or pledge:

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

2. Phone Russell Williams, Brehm Coordinator of Development, at (618) 457-0371 ext 1308 (or email rwilliams@brehm.org).

3. Send a check or credit card information via US Mail to: Russell Williams, Coordinator of Development, Brehm Preparatory School, 1245 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901

Brehm Preparatory School Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit which empowers students with complex learning disabilities to recognize and achieve their full potential.

Brehm Business Club Goes on a Field Trip

Brehm School's FBLA club (Future Business Leaders of America) went on a field trip to "My Favorite Toys" in the Carbondale University Mall last week.

Fourteen FBLA students were met by Samuel and Suzanne Cox, the store’s owners. Samuel and Suzanne started the independent specialty toy store for children and adults almost five years ago. Between the two of them, they have 50+ years as educators and advocates for the development of children and adults with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders (ADD).

Sam spoke to the group about how he and his wife started the business and what the day-to-day business responsibilities are like. Sam strongly suggested that before you decide to start a business, you should feel very passionate about it, save enough money, and always budget for slower periods of time (especially the first few months or years.) The students were very interested and asked some very impressive questions.

In between helping customers, Suzanne gave a fun demonstration of a couple of the unique toys they sell. The students definitely enjoyed themselves.

Thank you, Samuel and Suzanne, for this excellent opportunity for Brehm students to learn more about the business world.

Brehm School Alumni become business owners, teachers, college professors, entrepreneurs, nurses, reporters, I.T. specialists, graphic designers, social workers, sculptors, artists, brokers, and more. Eighty-eight percent of Brehm graduates continue on to colleges, junior colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools.

Read more about Brehm’s FBLA Club:

The Brehm Chapter of FBLA is Up and Running

Brehm Students Welcome New Student Organization

The End is Near!

In just a week, Brehm will be saying goodbye to our graduates. On Friday, June 4th, we will hold our annual commencement ceremonies at 5 p.m. in the Student Activities enter.

Beginning at 4 p.m., graduation photos will be taken in East Academic. Parents should have received an information packet from Lifetouch with package and pricing options.

This year, like every other, Brehm students have been accepted to college, universities and transition programs across the nation.

Some of these achievements include:

• Dan S. - Lynn University and was awarded a $6,000 scholarship
• Steve G. - OPTIONS Post-Secondary Program
• Greg C. - Full Sail University and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship
• Randy A. - Lincoln College and was awarded a $6,000 scholarship
• Mike L.- University of Tennessee and was awarded an athletic scholarship
• Oto O. - University of Minnesota and was awarded an athletic scholarship
• James S. - Vanderbilt and was awarded with an athletic scholarship
• and several more!

Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

For additional information regarding graduation, please contact Brittany Morlan, Coordinator if Communications at bmorlan@brehm.org or 618.457.0371.

Success with Complex Learning Disabilities — Part 6 of 12

Art and Multimedia Visual Communications

Brehm School understands that a creative outlet is crucial for its students, so students are encouraged to explore the arts with our talented instructors. Brehm students produce local and regional award winning artwork.

Traditional Art classes include:

• Painting
• Collage
• 3-D art
• Silk-screening
• and other creative techniques

Multimedia Visual Communications classes include:

• Photography
• Computer Art
• Video

Students learn the very latest software and produce graphic and video works of art. These include the school yearbook and photographic projects, as well as individual and group video projects.

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

Academics at Brehm
(Part 2 of 12)

Speech and Language
(Part 3 of 12)

Brehm Campus Life
(Part 4 of 12)

Healthy Students are Happy Students
(Part 5 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

OPTIONS Girls Do It Again!

As a part of Speech & Language therapy, the ladies of the OPTIONS Program at Brehm have been participating in self-defense classes and competitions at Black's Martial Arts Academy. Martial Arts has been a huge contributing factor in aiding and improving sequencing, memory, auditory processing, pragmatic language, balance, posture and self-confidence.

Recently, participants demonstrated their forms, punches, kicks, blocks and breaking of boards for a grueling 1.5 hours. Five of the ladies promoted to 1st degree green belt, while Libby G. and Blaire C. were double promoted- a first in Black's Martial Arts history. The three remaining ladies were promoted to green belt.

The OPTIONS group demonstrates blocks...

... followed by nearly flawless forms.

A proud group flashes broken boards with Master Black.

Congratulations to the OPTIONS ladies who participated in this event and achieved success!

Brehm is Set to Host the IBIDA Karismath Teacher Certification Course

This summer, Brehm School will host the Illinois Branch of the International Dyslexia Association's Karismath Teacher Certification Course.

The three-day course is set to take place June 15-17, 8:15 until 3:15 daily on Brehm campus.

The Karismath Teacher Certification Course is designed for educators and parents and demonstrates a way to teach math to those whom the standard curriculum has failed. This new approach to math instruction can be used on its own or as a complement to standard curriculum materials to help students understand math concepts, reason mathematically, and appreciate the rationale underlying algorithms.

Click here for more information and pricing or contact the IBIDA at 630.469.6900.

Brehm Students are Honored with the City of Carbondale Youth Award

Each year the City of Carbondale recognizes outstanding youth who have gone above and beyond expectations to receive an education. Students are also judged on living a healthy lifestyle and making a difference through their actions.

"The recipients from Brehm demonstrate characteristics of empowerment that Brehm fosters, that is their knowledge of self, acceptance and knowledge of self as a social being, " said Suzy Lanning-Ventura, Brehm faculty member.

Getty A. (10th grade), Chris N.B. (12th grade), Joey B. (10th grade) and Dylan K. (12th grade) were recognized as Outstanding Youth at a Carbondale City Council meeting. Mayor Brad Cole presented the awards to the individuals in the presence of their nominator, elected officials and the media.

Congratulations to the Brehm Prep students receiving this honor and the Brehm staff who work with the students daily.

Brehm Students Celebrate Culture in Spain

This year's international trip to Spain was a huge success. As customary with ACIS Educational Travel Company, students were able to explore a variety of areas throughout Spain. To make the trip even more memorable, the eruption of the volcano in Iceland added three more fun-filled days in Barcelona. As usual, the students rallied and kept up their spirits, spending additional time sight-seeing and shopping.

Students had the opportunity to see a real bullfight in Madrid.

The exterior of a cathedral in Zaragoza, where students were

also able to get a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.

Group shot of Brehm students & chaperones outside

of Alcazar Castle in Zaragoza.

Paseo del Espolon in Burgos, where sycamore trees are pruned

so they fuse together, making a shade canopy in summer.

The light & delicate ceilings of a cathedral ceiling in Burgos, Spain.

Students visited Pau, France, where they explored the Avenue of the Pyrenees.

McKenzie, a Brehm student is photographed on the beach

in beautiful San Sebastian, a popular beach resort.

Parc Guell, a garden complex with architectural elements in Barcelona.

Another shot of Parc Guell, built from 1900-1914 by the

famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.

Brehm students leave their mark in San Sebastian.

Additionally, Brehm students visited the world famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbo and sample the holy waters of Lourdes. The trip was undoubtedly a great closing point of the year. A great time was had by all.

The time has finally arrived....

... For Brehm's annual school play! Tomorrow night at 7 p.m., Brehm will be presenting a comedic performance of "13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview."

For the last three months, play sponsors Geo Flint, Jen Conwell and students have been dedicating their spare time to prepare for the play. Brehm students have the opportunity to be a part of the cast, as well as work as stage hands, construct the set, backgrounds and props.

Come out to support Team Brehm and be sure not to miss this one-time performance!

Date: Saturday, May 8th

Location: Student Activities Center

Time: 7 p.m.

Announcing Brehm School's New Website!

It is with great pleasure that Brehm School announces the launch of our new and improved website, which can be accessed by clicking:

http://www.brehm.org

Brehm's new website was designed for prospective and current parents as well as education professionals. Some of the main features of our new website include:

• Improved appearance to better reflect Brehm School's value and success.
• New navigation structure and content to provide intuitively organized information.
• Powerful images and videos to keep visitors at our site longer.

Areas of the site include a Videos page, Calendar, Parent Portal (found under "Community"), Board of Trustees bios, Testimonials, FAQs, Visit Brehm, Request Information, Brehm Curriculum, Recreation and Clubs, and Sports, Brehm Success, Annual Campaign, Foundation Endowment, links to the BrehmBlog.com news website, and much much more.

Brehm Holds Prom for the 2009-2010 School Year

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, so do the traditional end of year activities. Brehm recently held its prom, with this year's theme being inspired by the Beatles titled, "All You Need is Love".

Students took a huge role in planning, decorating and creating all the decorations used for prom. Their hard work paid off because this year's prom was truly amazing & memorable.

Brehm boys take time out to ham it up for the camera.

For the night, Brehm faculty, students & staff knew

how it felt to "live in a yellow submarine."

One photo, a million memories.

Brehm royalty: King Greg & Queen Miki

"Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes..."

A prom classic: DANCING!

Brehm was a very happy host to the British Invasion

(another student-made decoration).

Necessities for prom: friends, a date, a fabulous outfit & a fierce smile!

Students who attended prom were also

able to ride in a limo & go to dinner.

Another highlight of the night, and new addition to Brehm's prom is The Lydia Walthes Award. This award was created in memory of Lydia, a former faculty member. This year the Award, which is a $500 scholarship to the student's school of choice, was presented to Senior, Will S. Money for the award is raised by the Student Council.

We did it!

As previously mentioned, for the first time ever, Brehm sponsored a Relay For Life team. Over the weekend, students, faculty and staff participated in the 12 hour event which included a wide range of activities including dance groups, a ponytail drive, survivor stories, bagpipers, luminaria, Battle of the Bands, contests, Drive-In movie and more.

For first time competitors, Brehm did amazingly well. The initial goal was to raise $1000 and a team theme to "imagine a life without cancer." The team more than doubled the goal and was able to raise $2063. Brehm was awarded with The American Cancer Society Bronze Team Award and Community Rookie Team of the Year!

A special congratulations goes out to those who supported Brehm's Relay For Life efforts, especially the students who participated in events.

Relay For Life of Jackson County-Carbondale was held at Carbondale High School. Thanks to participants, all groups collectively raised more than $100,000 for the fight against cancer.

GO TEAM BREHM!!

Outdoor Skills Club Takes a Field Trip!

Recently, Brehm's Outdoor Skills Club was able to venture out into the wild, for a camping trip to the Smokey Mountains. The four day trip allowed the group to put their skills to use through camping, hiking and enjoying good food & good company!

Group shot for the 2010 Spring Outdoor Skills Camping Trip

And away they go!!

In Outdoor Living Skills, students are taught

survival & preparation for outdoor excursions.

Students & staff were able to hike the Appalachian Trail in the Smokey Mountains.

A favorite moment for students: being outside & enjoying a blossoming Spring!

Roasting marshmallows- a camping classic!

The group also learned how to make stir fry on an open fire!

Good company, great memories!