 | The Birchtree Center has a wonderful new home thanks to the vision of architect Bruce Dicker, Principal and CEO of JSA, Inc. To read an article Bruce wrote for our Family Newsletter about his design work for Birchtree, click the link above. |
 | The first day of our new swim program began on Wednesday, February 4th. The children all arrived at school with their bags packed full of swimming gear and big smiles on their excited faces. The morning was filled with energy from the staff and students in anticipation of the afternoon swim. . . . |
 | I had an amazing experience on Friday, the second night of the 2008 ice storm. As was the situation for so many others in the seacoast community, I thought my family could brave it out at home. However, the lack of power was becoming especially difficult for a teen with autism. . . . |
 | On February 8, women and girls from the Seacoast experienced a fashion photo shoot while supporting The Birchtree Center. Professional photographer Lisa Arvidson was inspired to organize the fundraiser . . . |
 | Getting kids to eat a well-balanced diet that offers a variety of nutrients which will help keep them healthy and at a fit weight is a difficult task for any parent, but for a family living with autism, simply getting through mealtime without a major catastrophe is often a more realistic goal. . . . |
 | Every year on both of my children’s birthdays I write them a letter about the past year and what they have accomplished. It helps me to remember events and milestones that I would probably forget otherwise. . . . |
 | On February 13, volunteers from the Portsmouth chapter of Altrusa International helped our students say “I Love You” with handmade valentines for their families. . . . |
 | Art by Birchtree students was included in SPLASH! The Art of Portsmouth’s Young People, an exhibit organized by the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library at the Portsmouth Public Library this past March. . . . |
 | It seems you’re happy, I join you and laugh. It goes no further. I stand in my place . . .
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 | Our new administrative assistant is Rosemarie Halloran. Rosemarie is a multi-talented, highly organized woman who brings her many skills, competencies and talents to The Birchtree Center. Rosemarie earned a BA in Art from University of Southern California . . . |
 | At Birchtree we make it a priority to provide our students and their families with as many opportunities as we can. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often do not have the chance to have the same experiences that their typically developing counterparts do . . . |
 | Pawtuckaway State Park was the last in a series of educational field trips for the students and staff of The Birchtree Center this summer. The trips were funded in part thanks to a generous donation from the Portsmouth Rotary Club. As we arrived at the park, the excitement buzzed. . . . |
| At 3 yrs old, my son Eddie was diagnosed with Autism. We all know too well, the emotions that take over when you’re given that news. It only gets harder as you are trying to sort through the “what do I do next” list. . . . |
 | We had many adventures this past summer taking advantage of our community resources. The Birchtree Center began taking field trips this past July and August and on all counts, they were a great success. Our first trip was to the Great Bay Discovery Center. . . . |
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