A Message from the Executive Director          June 2015, Sivan/Tammuz 5775
Dear Friends,
 
As the school year draws to close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on a fantastic year and take the opportunity to thank all of our community partners. It takes a lot of moving pieces to work across 8 day schools, 28 synagogues and community programs and run our own independent programs - and we couldn't do it without the organizations who are our partners in inclusion. So, thank you!

This edition is dedicated to our teens. Did you know that over 60 fabulous teens woke up early every Sunday morning so that they could help make our Sunday Program possible? They received extensive training and got support throughout the year so that they could work one to one with our students to help provide them with a Jewish education. Check out two special interviews below with a former and a current teen volunteer.
   
We wish you a wonderful, relaxing summer.  
 

Sincerely,


Arlene

Arlene Remz,  

Executive Director 

 

 

 

 

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Interview with Former Teen Volunteer: Josh BockFormer

Now - Josh
Tell us about your experience as a teen volunteer.

I volunteered from 2002-2004 (When Gateways was Etgar L'Noar). I worked one-on-one with a student named Alex. Alex (who was on the autism spectrum) was a quiet, affectionate engaging young man who always had a smile on his face. I worked on teaching him Hebrew and preparing him for his bar mitzvah.

 

What is your most powerful memory of your time as a teen volunteer? Attending Alex's Bar Mitzvah! I was a college student, and drove home for the weekend so that I could be there. It was incredible to hear him reading from the Torah and seeing all his Hebrew learning coming together; seeing it applied in a meaningful, holistic way and watching the joy on Alex's face was so rewarding.

 

What do you do now? I have been a special education teacher in Illinois for past 3 years. I have worked in K-12 in inclusion and self-contained settings, with students on the autism spectrum, and with emotional and behavioral disorders. This past December, I staffed the Birthright trip to Israel for young adults with Asperger's. I hold an MEd in Special Education from Indiana University. My family is in the process of moving to Boston, and I will be joining the staff of Jewish Vocational Services as part of their Transitions to Work program.

 

Do you think your experience at Gateways influenced your career choice? Absolutely!

In elementary school, I was involved in the special needs program at Solomon Schechter Day

Then - Josh and his student, Alex

School in Illinois. My experience volunteering at Gateways reaffirmed my desire to go into

special education. (On a side note, I

was recruited to the program by Arlene Remz, who has been instrumental in helping me along my path to becoming a special educator.)

 

Anything else you want to share about your experience at Gateways? I really do believe it's the people - the intent, caring and drive of people like Arlene the staff and volunteers - that make Gateways so successful.

 

 

Teen Appreciation EventPhotos
   
Interview with Current Teen: Molly ShoapCurrent
Molly (left) and her student

Describe your experience as a teen volunteer at Gateways. My experience at Gateways was great! I learned so much from Mia [Gateways' Educational and Behavioral Specialist]. I applied the lessons I learned with my student. I also enjoyed getting to see my friends from middle school every weekend. My favorite sessions were when there was an important holiday. All of the students got so excited and were very enthusiastic. The students were the ones who made my experience so much fun. Each and everyone one of them surprised me each Sunday! 

  

Describe your student. Rebecca would always do the activity our teacher had planned. She would do it with a lot of thought and would be very careful she did it correctly. She also followed the schedule and was one of the few students who made a schedule every single class. Rebecca wasn't afraid to share her thoughts and opinions with the class every Sunday. I will miss her; hopefully I will see her next year! 

 
What is your most powerful memory as a teen volunteer? One of my fondest memories from volunteering at Gateways was one of my music classes. We were dancing and walking around in a circle and Rebecca grabbed my hand and asked if we could dance together. I realized that she was comfortable enough with me. 

  

What have you learned as a volunteer?I got to learn about all sorts of disabilities. I learned countless numbers of methods I will  put to use when I work with people of all ages who have special needs. I also got to learn a little more about myself and how I work with all sorts of students and people.  

 

What are your plans after high school?I am planning on graduating from Brookline High School

and going to college somewhere out of Massachusetts. I may travel to different places

Molly wins the Perfect Attendance Award

around the world. I think it would be nice to study ether medicine, go into special education, or some other job where I'm helping people.  

 

How has Gateways influenced your life? It has given me the great experience of working with people of all ages with special needs of all kinds. I can also use the lessons I learned at Gateways in my everyday life.

 
Anything else you want to share about your experience at Gateways?
I loved my experience and can't wait for next year!