Alumni & Community What's Been Brewing Fall 2024 Issue (2)
elcome to the Fall Edition of What’s Been Brewing!
We are thrilled to bring you the latest updates and highlights from the fall at Gillen Brewer!
This season has been an exciting one, with the launch of our new middle school program and classrooms buzzing with energy as students explored a wide range of engaging projects and activities. Beyond academics, our community came together for impactful family workshops, inspiring speaker events, and memorable gatherings.
In this issue, we’re proud to feature a heartfelt interview with an alumni parent, sharing their journey and reflections. You’ll also get a glimpse into the incredible learning happening in our classrooms and the vibrant events that continue to bring our community closer together.
GBS Alumni Spotlight
Dara Ramboyong
n 2016, Dara Ramboyong and her son Sebastian joined the Gillen Brewer community, seeking a more supportive educational environment for Sebastian, who has a neurological disorder. Reflecting on their journey, Dara shares how early intervention at Gillen Brewer proved to be the turning point that reshaped not only Sebastian’s academic trajectory but also his confidence and love for learning.
What Drew Your Family to Gillen Brewer?
“Sebastian needed more support than his public school could provide,” Dara recalls. “When we discovered Gillen Brewer, the warmth and immediate understanding we experienced were unmatched. They promised to reset Sebastian’s school experience and connect the dots in his learning journey. We knew right away this was the right place for him.”
How Did Gillen Brewer Support Sebastian’s Growth?
Dara credits the school’s tailored approach for meeting Sebastian exactly where he was. “From day one, the staff identified his needs speech, language, working memory and provided the scaffolding he required to succeed.
The patience, repetition, and sense of safety they fostered allowed him to come out of his shell. By the end of his first year, Sebastian wasn’t just learning; he was learning how to learn.”
Memorable Moments as a Gillen Brewer Parent
For Dara, school events like the annual benefit and Family Fun Days were more than just gatherings. “The benefit solidified why we chose Gillen Brewer. It connected us to the bigger picture and reinforced the impact the school has on its students and community. Family Fun Days were equally special, watching kids like Sebastian bond and thrive in a joyful environment.”
Preparing for Life Beyond Gillen Brewer
As Sebastian moved on, Gillen Brewer’s lasting influence became clear. “He left with a love of learning and a sense of selfconfidence that continues to guide him today. While academic challenges remain, the friendships and foundation he built at Gillen Brewer have been a source of strength. He still cherishes those connections, and we, as parents, are endlessly grateful for the blueprint the school provided us to continue supporting him.”
can rest assured that your child is in the best hands. They will lay the foundation for your child to become the best version of themselves.”
Staying Connected as Alumni
Though Sebastian graduated in 2020, Gillen Brewer remains a central part of their lives. “Sebastian often asks about his teachers and therapists, and he lights up every time he visits. For him, Gillen Brewer is not just a school it’s a safe and happy place that holds a special part of his heart. For us as parents, it’s a continued resource and a community we are proud to be part of.”
She also reflected on her personal connection to the school: “As a parent, I have found myself wanting to connect with Gillen Brewer and show them who Sebastian is becoming because of the love of learning they instilled in him. Bringing him back makes me proud as an alumni to show current parents and teachers how a once shy and reserved child has flourished into a confident and selfexpressed young man.”
The Gillen Brewer Difference
When asked about the school’s impact, Dara sums it up beautifully: “Gillen Brewer took a child who struggled to advocate for himself and helped him find his voice. They didn’t just educate him they empowered him. The love, patience, and expertise of the faculty created a foundation that continues to support Sebastian in every stage of his life. Gillen Brewer is more than a school; it’s a lifelong community.”
Dara and Sebastian’s journey is a testament to the profound difference early intervention and a nurturing environment can make. For families embarking on their own paths with Gillen Brewer, Dara offers one final piece of advice: “Trust the process, embrace the support, and know that your child’s journey is just beginning. This is where the magic happens.”
Editor’s Note: Do you have a story about your time at Gillen Brewer? We’d love to hear it! Reach out to alumni@gillenbrewer.com to share your journey.
It’s
a Plane, It’s a Bird,
It’s GBS Comic Con!
his November, Gillen Brewer proudly hosted its inaugural Neurodiversity Comic Con at Asphalt Green, an exciting event that celebrated neurodiverse characters, authors, and artists in the world of comics and children’s literature. Designed as an inclusive and sensory-friendly experience, the event welcomed students, families, and community members to explore creativity, connection, and the joy of storytelling.
With over 30 exhibitors, including favorites like Archie Comics and Scholastic, attendees enjoyed a vibrant lineup of meet-and-greets, hands-on workshops, games, and photo opportunities. Special prizes, including books and exclusive swag, added extra excitement to the day. For those needing a moment to recharge, a partnership with Calmer Con provided a soothing Cool Down Room filled with calming activities in a softly lit space.
Neurodiversity Comic Con was a great celebration of neurodiversity, community, and children’s books, and it garnered the attention of press outlets such as New York Family, Publishers Weekly, the Be A Better Ally podcast, and more. We can’t wait to host more events that are open to the community in the future!
The Gillen Brewer Family Workshop Series
n September we launched the 2024-25 Gillen Brewer Family Workshop series and have had some really interesting dialogue so far!
Our first session was with Dr. Erika Stapert of Manhattan Psychology Group on Helping Your Child Manage Big Emotions. The webinar showcased effective strategies and tools to understand, support, and guide children in regulating their emotions and behavior.
Next, we invited Dr. Stephen Shore, autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University, to Gillen Brewer to share his story of growing up autistic at a time when little was known about autism, transitioning into adulthood, and promoting selfadvocacy. He hosted three different sessions throughout the day, including a fireside chat with Gillen Brewer Board Chair Kathryn George Tyree.
Our most recent GBS Family Workshop was with our very own Director of Middle School & Enrollment, Amy Salomon, who led a session on the topic of Life After High School: Exploring Post-Secondary Academic Options. Families left the session with a better understanding of Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees with comprehensive learning support programs, transition programs and vocational opportunities.
We’re looking forward to continuing the GBS Family Workshop Series in the winter and spring with upcoming sessions from Manhattan Psychology Group, Northwell Health/Cohen Children’s Hospital, and a sibling workshop from the GBS counseling team!
Autumnal Adventures
Fun Highlights from Fall
his fall was full of festivities! Here are some highlights and memorable moments from the past few months:
Fall Family Fun Day: A Beloved Tradition
This year’s Fall Family Fun Da was a hit! Current GBS familie and alumni gathered at Carl Schurz Park in October to cat up over coffee and bagels wh enjoying a fun-filled morning Highlights included face pain balloon animals, and an entertaining magic show. It w wonderful day of community connection, and fun for all ag
Apple Picking at Dr. Davies Farm
The Lower School continued another fall tradition with a field trip to Dr. Davies Farm in early October. Students enjoyed picking a variety of apples and selecting class pumpkins, which were later incorporated into hands-on learning activities. The apples became the centerpiece for classroom cooking lessons, art projects, and math activities. The pumpkins played a starring role in math instruction, as students estimated and counted pumpkin seeds. One class took the fall spirit a step further by baking pumpkin muffins and delivering them to a nearby community fridge spreading kindness alongside their learning!
A Spooktacular Halloween at GBS
Gillen Brewer brought Halloween magic to life with a spooktacular after-school celebration! Students enjoyed a variety of festive activities, including arts and crafts, dancing, and trick-or-treating at the administ trink
s an
bran
cultures and traditions of Hispanic Heritage Month through engaging and interactive experiences. Students had the privilege of welcoming Ballet Hispánico, whose dancers introduced two dynamic dance styles and shared how dance plays a central role in Hispanic culture. The performance was a joyful celebration of movement and storytelling that left students inspired and energized.
In addition, the Phoenixes classroom enjoyed a special visit from GBS parent, Bianca, who shared her own cultural connections to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Together, they explored favorite foods (tacos were a big favorite!), learned new Spanish vocabulary, and wrapped up the session with a lively conga line!
Grandparents & Special Visitors Day and Community Feast
Grandparents & Special Visitors Day at Gillen Brewer was a wonderful celebration of the school-home partnership that plays such a vital role in our students’ growth. Visitors began the day with a presentation introducing them to Gillen Brewer and enjoyed an inspiring workshop led by Amy Salomon, who shared how her parents supported her journey as a special needs mother. They then joined students in classrooms for engaging, hands-on activities, creating cherished memories together.
The spirit of connection carried on the following week with our annual Community Feast. Families brought delicious dishes and festive decorations, and each class gathered to share a meal and express gratitude. These events are a beautiful reflection of the Gillen Brewer community, and we can’t wait to continue these meaningful traditions next fall!
Book Fair and Super Hero Coffee Morning with Café Joyeux
Our annual Book Fair is a beloved tradition that sparks a love of reading and provides a valuable learning opportunity. As students explore the shelves and select their next great read, they also practice important lessons in budgeting and spending within their means. This fun and educational event blends the excitement of picking out a book with the life skills of managing money, creating a memorable experience for everyone!
On December 3rd, Gillen Brewer partnered with Café Joyeux for a Coffee Morning celebrating Superhero Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event raised over $13,700 through 37 donations, with all proceeds supporting Gillen Brewer’s programs and resources.
This collaboration showcased the power of community and our shared commitment to inclusivity.
Hig
dle and Lower School Classes
Middle School - Gillen Brewer’s Middle School welcomed its first 6th grade cohort this September. The Class of 2027, led by Linda Delaney and Penny Efstathiadis, began studying Mesopotamia, exploring agriculture, building a ziggurat, and learning about the geography of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. A highlight of the program is City School, where students go on bi-weekly field trips for hands-on learning. This fall, they visited local spots like the Union Square Farmers Market and Battery Urban Farm.
Gnomes - The preschool class has been working on creating fall-themed artwork and making observations about animals they are introduced to through the Art Farm program.
Dragons - The Dragons have been working on letter sounds like /b/ and /p/. They explored many hands-on activities during literacy such as sorting pictures that began with the /b/ sound versus pictures that did not start with the /b/ sound.
Yetis - The Yetis have been practicing introducing themselves by their full names and their age. They also engaged in a counting exercise with all of the apples they picked at the Apple Picking Trip!
Phoenixes - The Phoenixes recently began their unit on Native American history in New York State in observance of Native American Heritage Month. They have also been working on self-portraits!
Wizards - The Wizards have been working on their place values in math; practicing their ones, tens, and hundreds and learning how to add, subtract and even multiply some of the numbers they are learning.
Unicorns - The Unicorns recently worked on brainstorming, drafting, and then finalizing letters written to a U.S. Army Veteran in honor of Veterans Day. They have also been working on recognizing shapes such as stars, ovals, and triangles and coming up with examples of items that are in those shapes.
Griffins - The Griffins have been working on sentence structure and learning about the different types of words such as nouns, adjectives, verbs, and connectors. They have also been studying geography by looking at globes and maps, as well as learning about geographic terms such as island, mountain, ocean, etc.
As 2025 approaches, we invite you to help Gillen Brewer continue providing the exceptional education and support our students deserve by participating in our Donate $25 before 2025 Annual Giving Campaign.
Your gift will directly support what makes Gillen Brewer so special, including:
Providing ongoing professional development for our dedicated staff
Offering enriching experiences like field trips and cultural partnerships
Facilitating programs that help families learn and grow together
Every gift of $25 or more brings us closer to a brighter 2025!
