Published by: California School for the Deaf, Fremont
California News Volume 125 • Number 1 • October 9, 2009
In this issue: • Elementary Grand Opening ...page 1 • Deaf Awareness Celebration in Sacramento ...page 2 • Sneak Preview: at CSD's 150th Anniversary Celebration ...page 4 • Miss Deaf California ...page 8 • CSD student becomes Eagle Scout ...page 10 • Meet our 2009-2010 Peer Advisors ...page 11 • New CAD Officers ...page 11 • CSD athletics teams up with Oakland Raiders ...page 11
Elementary Eagle’s Ribbon Cutting On Monday morning, August 24, fifth grade students, Milana Boren, Shelby MacDonald, Brianna McCarthy, Rebecca DiPaola, and Stone Leiker felt surprised and excited to cut the orange and black ribbon strung in front of the elementary school building. It was the grand opening of the newly renovated elementary school after a year and a half wait. “We cut the ribbon with super-sized scissors and were finally able to walk inside,” said Brianna McCarthy. As they stood before the excited students, staff, and parents, the group remembered feeling amazed, excited, nervous, and surprised at being chosen. Dr. Klopping, CSD superintendent, spoke about the long wait to open the building while Laura Peterson, director of instruction, encouraged students to
be responsible and take pride in their new school. Then as each person entered the building, a bright orange CSD pencil was handed to them. The fifth graders had definite ideas on how the new building would help future elementary students. “The technology is much better”, Shelby MacDonald quickly volunteered. "We have two Smart Boards in each room,” explained Rebecca DiPaola. Also, Rebecca felt that the building would be stronger in an earthquake because of the many supports. Stone Leiker and Milana Boren enthusiastically added “The environment is new, fresh, bright, and smells good. The floor is nice and it is roomier.” It was a memorable day for all. —Joann Coakley K-8 Learning Strategies Teacher Specialist
Student panelists: • Christina Call • Bemnet Tesfasilasie • Jacob Pfau-Martinez • Mikaylasol Cabras • Meeya Tjiang
Middle school students wow California Department of Education employees with their panel discussion On September 23, middle school student representatives traveled to Sacramento to sit on a student panel and share their experience growing up deaf and attending the California School for the Deaf. Nha Kim, a senior and one of CSD's shining stars, traveled with the team to moderate the panel. On the way to Sacramento, Nha was a true mentor, coaching the middle school students to prepare them for the questions they would be asked while participating in the panel discussion. The questions were: 1. Tell us your name, where you live, and what schools you have attended. 2. What is your average day like at the California School for the Deaf? What activities are you 2
3. 4. 5. 6.
involved with? What makes your school a good place to learn? How do you communicate with your family? What kinds of technology do you use? What aspirations do you have once you finish high school? If you had the opportunity, what three big things would you want hearing students and adults to know about deaf and hard of hearing students?
Nha utilized the entire trip on the way to Sacramento to motivate, inspire, and prepare the middle school students. She told them about her experiences traveling in third world countries; she engaged them in an in-depth discussion about not taking CSD for granted; and she shared
about her experience as a high school student. Upon arriving in Sacramento, the middle school students toured several VIP California Department of Education offices—including the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. When they toured Deputy Superintendent William Ellerbee's office, they were surprised and impressed to learn that he had a videophone there. After the tour, the students did a mind-blowing performance, sharing their views, experiences, and beliefs with the audience. They not only answered their preliminary questions, but also responded to numerous questions from the audience. —Clark Brooke Middle School Principal
October 9, 2009 | California News
Our friends in Sacramento—Dr. William Ellerbee, Dr. Ron Kadish (not pictured), and Andrew Laufer—along with the Deaf Awareness Committee, designed and implemented an exciting Deaf Awareness Week at the Department of Education, in Sacramento. Activities included a poster contest, lobby displays, a student skit developed by deaf students, panel discussions, and a film about Deaf culture. The event was open to the public as well as CDE staff. Deaf awareness continues year-round, in Sacramento, as the California Department of Education offers American Sign Language classes to its staffers who can now communicate in basic sign!
Above: Supervisor of Outreach Programs Bridgetta Bourne-Firl and Outreach Specialist Cheryl Boyd represent CSD in Sacramento for Deaf Awareness Week. Left: Middle school students visit the State Department of Education. California News | October 9, 2009
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Famous San Francisco 49ers celebrity Ronnie Lott aims to inspire deaf students and honor CSD Hall of Fame inductees Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former 49ers defensive star Ronnie Lott aims to inspire deaf students and honor the California School for the Deaf Hall of Fame inductees during CSD’s 150th anniversary homecoming pep rally. "We are excited about his presence at our important event,” explained Kevin Kovacs, CSD’s athletic director. For most of Lott’s career, he played for the San Francisco 49ers, winning four Super Bowl championships. Lott went on to became a wellknown sports television anchor.
Homecoming: The Big Game Saturday, October 24
On Friday morning, October 23, CSD will hold a pep rally in the gym that will be open to students and to those participating in the 150th anniversary celebration. Featuring an appearance by Ronnie Lott, the pep rally is meant to inspire CSD's volleyball, cross country, and football teams in anticipation of Saturday's homecoming games.
Over 4,000 fans are anticipated to attend the homecoming games which will take place on October 24. The California School for the Deaf, Fremont and the California School for the Deaf, Riverside have played against each other since 1974. They are the only two deaf high school football teams in the state of California, and have a rich history of rivalry. Coaches and players on both teams communicate through American Sign Language. In the morning, volleyball and cross country meets will take place. At noontime, former queens and kings along with this year's royalty court will march in a parade around the track. In addition, there will be a fun children's area next to the football field. At 2:00 p.m., the football game will take place. Several former players from both the Fremont and Riverside teams have gone on to play for Gallaudet University, with the NCAA Division III, in Washington DC.
State Superintendent Jack O'Connell’s appearance
About California School for the Deaf’s athletic program
Former 49er Ronnie Lott’s appearance
On Friday evening, a sports hall of fame ceremony will be held to honor CSD's past outstanding athletes and coaches during a dinner in the high school dining room at 4:00 p.m. Then, new inductees will be honored in the gym at 6:00 p.m. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will give a presentation to the participants. 4
California School for the Deaf prides itself on an extensive competitive athletic program. Provision is made for as many students as possible to participate in sports. CSD teams participate in the Bay Area Conference, Bay Shore Athletic League, and Bay Football League under the auspices of the Northern Coast Section and California Interscholastic Federation. Through
participation in the sports program and lessons of sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork are learned. For more information, visit: www.csdf.k12.ca.us/athletics/
Registration updates and hotel information All are welcome to attend the homecoming games on Saturday. There is no limit on attendance for the games. Individual event tickets for select events are still available; however, the combo tickets—which cover the pre-celebration reception on Thursday evening; dinner on Friday; athletic hall of fame ceremony and entertainment on Friday evening; homecoming games on Saturday; and banquet at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday evening—have already sold out. Those who have not been able to purchase banquet tickets for Saturday night can still join in on the evening’s excitement by going to the Marriott Hotel’s restaurant, which will be closed to the public that evening. You will be able to purchase hors d'oeuvre. The dance floor and restaurant area will be open until 1:00 a.m. for all who want to socialize. The Saturday evening event is an adult affair; not for children. The Foothill Athletic Association’s hall of fame reception for Friday evening is also sold out. No more seats are available for that reception. For more information on CSD's 150th anniversary celebration go to: www. csdf.k12.ca.us/outreach/alumni.html —Bridgetta Bourne-Firl
Supervisor of Outreach Programs
October 9, 2009 | California News
150th Anniversary Celebration October 22 - 24, 2009 Directions to CSD Go to: www.csdf.k12.ca.us/outreach/contact. html#directions
Anniversary Schedule subject to change
Thursday, October 22 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Registration
Transportation
Little Theatre
• Taxi service from the Fremont Marriott to the California School for the Deaf is available with your estimated fare running around $23: Liberty Cab: 510-299-2478 Best Cab: 510-979-9322 • A CSD school bus will be provided on Friday and Saturday for those staying at the hotel. A CSD school bus schedule will be given to hotel guests at check-in.
6:30 – Bengals Football Game Football Field
7:00 – 10:00 PM – Reception High School Cafeteria
Friday, October 23 9:00 AM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby
• Those riding BART can take the #215 bus from the Fremont BART station to the CSD campus.
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Registration Little Theatre
Parking
10:00 AM – School-wide Pep Rally
Parking will be available on the CSD campus from Thursday evening, October 22, through Sunday evening, October 24, in observance of the celebration. Follow the signs.
Meals Meals are not included, although some events include light refreshments or meals as part of their activities. Organizations will be selling food at noon on Friday and during the football game on Saturday. Look for details in the schedule section below.
Gym
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Hamburgers & Hot Dogs will be sold FEAST area
Group A (last names A – H) 1:00 -2:00 PM – Tour (Meet at Bell Tower) 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Museum (Meet at Library) 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre)
Group B (last names I – O) 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre) 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Tour (Meet at Bell Tower) 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Museum (Meet at Library)
Hotel Accommodations Fremont Marriott – Silicon Valley 46100 Landing parkway Fremont, CA 94538 Group Code: CSDCSDA Reservations: 1-800-455-6712 For other accommodations options in the Fremont area, go to: www.fremont.gov California News | October 9, 2009
Group C (last names P – Z) 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Museum (Meet at Library) 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre) 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Tour (Meet at Bell Tower) 5
Friday, October 23 (continued)
Friday Night Live Mistress of Ceremonies Ella Mae Lentz Class of 1971
October 23, 2009 $10 - Buy tickets at CSD Outreach Cottage #18
2:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
3:00 PM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby
4:00 – 7:30 PM – Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner High School Cafeteria
5:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
6:00 PM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby
7:30 – 10:00 PM – Rathskellars & “Gerald” Movie Gym
10:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
Saturday, October 24 8:30 AM – CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: Cross Country Track
9:00 AM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Registration Little Theatre
Produced by Mark Wood, Class of 1989
9:00 – 10:00 AM – Breakfast will be sold Gym
10:00 AM - CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: Volleyball Gym
10:30 AM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
11:00 AM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby
11:00 AM – Lunch Will Be Sold Football Field
12:00 PM – 150th Anniversary Parade Football Field
12:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Performed by Jon Kovacs, Class of 1987
Meet at the Elementary Quad
1:00 PM – Bus goes to CSD campus Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby 6
October 9, 2009 | California News
Orange Sponsor Denise and Ron Obray
Saturday, October 24 (continued) 2:00 PM – CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: Football Football Field
3:00 PM – Bus departs for hotel
Black Sponsor
Meet at the Elementary Quad
4:00 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
5:00 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad
5:00 PM – Registration
White Sponsor
Marriott Hotel, Fremont
6:00 PM – Anniversary Banquet Marriott Hotel, Fremont
7:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Dance with a Disc Jockey Marriott Hotel, Fremont Lobby
Eagle Sponsor Parodi Charitable Trust
Sunday, October 25
Bell Tower Sponsor
8:30 – 10:00 AM – CSDAA Breakfast Meeting for Alumni & Family High School Cafeteria
10:00 AM – Group Picture Amphitheatre
11:00 AM – Class Reunions California News | October 9, 2009
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CSD senior Kayla Thomas wins Ms. Deaf California Ambassadorship Kayla's term will last from 2009–2011. Her weekends will be filled with numerous events throughout the year, including workshops and conventions such as the National Association of the Deaf Conference, in 2010, in Philadelphia, PA.
Kayla Thomas
Ms. Deaf California Ambassador Best Artistic Expression
Nha Kim
First Runner Up Best Platform
Before the show starts in Clovis, CA, Kayla & Nha join Mr. Los Angeles (Darren Hause) and Mr. Orange County (Tommy Korn).
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October 9, 2009 | California News
CSD shines brightly at California Association of the Deaf Conference At the California Association of the Deaf Conference, in August, CSD once again shined brightly. First and foremost, we can be proud that in the Ms. Deaf California Ambassadorship, CSD placed both first and first runner-up. Kayla Thomas was the newly crowned Ms. Deaf California Ambassador for 2009–2011 and Nha Kim was the first runner-up; Nha will replace Kayla should she need to step down. I am very proud of how well both girls represented CSD. The whole Mr. and Ms. Deaf California Ambassadorship event would not have succeeded if it were not for CSD's Daniel Girard who is the state director of the CAD youth program. He did a fantastic job in bringing off a
first-rate competition. His enthusiasm and hard work was recognized by everyone at the conference. A number of other CSD staff were involved in various aspects of the program, including program director Karina Pederson and treasurer Rory Osbrink. All of the CSD staff involved made impressive contributions to the success of the CAD Conference. Clark Brooke was given a special award at the CAD Convention for his leadership in assisting in charting an agenda for CAD to follow. CSD received an award for its continuing support of the CAD and for permitting the CAD to have an office on campus. The newly elected president of the CAD is Ralph Singleton, a CSD
alumnus. In addition, two other CSD alumni were elected to major positions: Ella Mae Lentz as secretary and Tom Murillo as treasurer. We are pleased that they are showing the leadership traits that they helped develop when they were students at CSD. David Eberwein was recognized— along with Genie Gertz and Ella Mae Lentz—for their work in Deafhood and for raising the consciousness of Deaf identity. David also presented a morning-long session on Deaf Politics and Activism. Please join me in congratulating all of the CSD staff and students who achieved success at the convention. —Dr. Henry Klopping
Superintendent
The Contestants: Miss Deaf CSUN; Mr. Deaf Los Angeles; Miss Deaf Tarzana Miss DCARA, Miss CSD; and Mr. Deaf Riverside
Daniel Girard and Rory Osbrink lead workshops, team-building activities, and rehearsals for the Mr. & Ms. Deaf California contestants—all part of a California Deaf Youth Ambassadorship Program retreat held at California School for the Deaf. Nha mingles with members of her CSD family, including Hank & Bunny Klopping, Stan & Marie Smith, and Buddy & Bernice Singleton, at a luncheon provided by California Association of the Deaf. California News | October 9, 2009
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A family tradition: Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout Written by Brandon Call, Sophomore
life, to discuss and decide on a meaningful project that would benefit both residential and day students. We agreed on the Ethan Bernstein, Brandon Call, and idea of setting up the Jr. Eagles Shaz Booth celebrate the opening of Communication Center to the Jr. Eagles Communication Center. become a central communication station for the To become an Eagle Scout, one four middle school cottages. Students must get all 21 merit badges and do and staff would be able to post an Eagle Scout project. The Eagle activities of the week, as well as Scout project must be approved by future activities, on this outdoor a council or district advancement communication center (bulletin committee member. This project board) during their non-school hours. requires many hours with help from The goal was to have everyone on the troop members. Perhaps this is why same page. less than 5% of the scouts nationI would like to thank Ms. Celia wide have received the rank of Eagle May Baldwin who was the dean of Scout. The purpose of this project is student life at the time when we began to build leadership skills while workour planning meetings. I appreciated ing to serve the needs of the local her advice, time, and support very community. Often churches, schools, much. I would like to thank our and community organizations benefit superintendent, Dr. Henry Klopping, from these projects. for his support, as well. I would also The purpose of my Eagle Scout like to thank the Donald Parodi Grant, project was to benefit middle school San Francisco Club for the Deaf, and student life at the California School Association of Parents, Teachers and for the Deaf. I met with Ms. Celia May Counselors for their donations. They Baldwin, the former dean of student helped make my project happen.
Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and troop for their time and support, especially working with me on the mosaic artwork of the eagle. This artwork has an estimated amount of 4,000 tiles. It has been a wonderful experience for me. It is great to be able to do something cool for my school. My 'Eagle' project, the Jr. Eagles’ Communication Center, was completed on June 4. I look forward to receiving the rank of Eagle Scout this fall. My grandfather, father, two uncles, and one cousin have all earned the rank of Eagle. It is a tradition in our family to follow through in life using goals to succeed. It was a long way from Cub Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. I have learned so much and enjoyed the journey. Note: Brandon Call is currently a sophomore at the California School for the Deaf. He has been attending CSD ever since he was in the early childhood education program. Photographs by Christina Call
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October 9, 2009 | California News
Who are the peer advisors? Now that summer has come and gone, it is time to start yet another new and exciting school year. It’s hard to believe the peer advisor program here at CSD has begun its fourth year! This article will explain what the peer advisor program is and what our roles are. Peer advisors are a selected team of high school students who give continued support to students, plan activities that promote healthy social skills, and give workshops on various topics. Oftentimes, students feel more comfortable talking and sharing experiences with their peers because they are able to relate to each other. The peer advisors are trained and supervised by two peer advisor coordinators. The ultimate goal of the peer advisors is to make sure that all students feel comfortable and safe here at CSD. During the weekend of August 21- 23, the peer advisors had a retreat to brainstorm ideas for some of the events that will be held throughout the year. One idea from the list was to provide 'new student' luncheons that we have already successfully coordinated for the high school, middle school, and elementary departments. The 'new student' luncheons turned out well; the new students enjoyed themselves with pizzas provided and fun ice breaker activity. We will use our weekly peer advisors meetings to plan future activities. We look forward Designed by Amelia Bernstein to being an active part of a successful school year. This year, there are nine peer advisors. The members’ CSD athletic program pictures and names will be posted on the CSD partners with Oakland Raiders website (see photo on right). The CSD middle school athletic program If you have any questions or concerns, would like to announce that please feel free to contact our peer advisor we have formed a partnership coordinators, Daniel Girard at dgirard@csdfwith the Oakland Raiders to cde.ca.gov or Rona Hunt at rhunt@csdf-cde.ca.gov. Have help raise needed funds for the upcoming a great school year! —With Eagle Pride, Nha Kim, Senior Peer Advisor 2009–2010 school year. CSD middle school students will lead the "National Anthem" in American Sign Language on the field Peer Advisors: Conrad Baer, Amelia Bernstein, before the Raiders vs. Redskins game. Juan Dillard, Michael Foust, Donna Melena, We are selling tickets for the Oakland Raiders vs. Maria Nixon, Myra Rubio, and Renu Whetstone Washington Redskins game on Sunday, December 13, at the Oakland Coliseum. Kickoff will be at 1:00 p.m. There are four different seating locations with New different prices available. More information can be found on the flyer. Twelve dollars from each ticket sold will go Community Advisory Council toward the CSD youth program. Free lunch at the game Officers will be included in the price of admission! The deadline President Estella Bustamante, Parent for purchasing your ticket is Sunday, November 15. As always, thanks for supporting CSD! Any questions, please Vice President Danielle Reader, Parent contact: Lacey Kotake Lkotake@csdf-cde.ca.gov or Secretary Julie Navarro, Staff Toby Daniels Tdaniels@csdf-cde.ca.gov California News | October 9, 2009
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Photographed by Alison Taggart-Barone
www.csdf.k12.ca.us ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
California School for the Deaf 150th Anniversary Celebration
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Fremont, CA Permit No. 14
To:
October 22-25, 2009
“A school that teaches children to think” California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Drive Fremont, CA 94538