Pawsitive Reflections November-December 2010

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, RIVERSIDE

s n o i t c e l f e R PAWSitive , & Friends ies, ation for Famil rm fo In d n a s New

Staff

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 3044 Horace Street Riverside, CA 92506 951-782-6500 info@csdr-cde.ca.gov

* Offers comprehensive educational and extra-curricular programs that prepare students to achieve their full academic, social, and career potential. * Perry E. Seely, the deaf founder, fought for 20 years to bring a school for the deaf to southern California. * The California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) has earned a local and national reputation for quality instructional and residential programs, including those for parents and community members. * One of CSDR’s most endearing graduates is Kevin Struxness, who with help from the Alumni Association, wrote the published history of the school from 1945 to 2003.

C S D R - A m o n g t h e B e s t S ch o o l s fo r t h e D e a f Sorenson Communications has

CSDR was asked to provide the name

degrees in our brief 58-year history.

published the company 2011 calendar

of our most successful alumnus, an

Instead, Sorenson selected one winner

featuring the top 14 schools for the deaf

impossible feat, for we have seen many

from a long list of successful alumni,

in the United States. The landscape,

successful graduates in the fields of

Kevin Struxness, ’74. Congratulations!

mascot, and information about CSDR

education, acting, athletics, science,

are shown on the December 2011 page

and community activism, as well as

(see front cover), with photo courtesy

having the highest number of deaf

from our school.

alumni in the nation with doctorate

Sorenson has distributed multiple copies of the calendar to all of the 14 selected schools.

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

PAGE 2 Superintendent: Grossinger, Malcolm ( V P ) 951-824-8050

Message from Mal level teams and/or content area to target

Director of Instruction:

students in testing and daily classroom

Berard, Alyce 951-248-7700 Ext. 6563

performance. “Best practices” are shared and students needing additional support

Director of Student Services

are

Machado, Jennie 951-248-7700 Ext. 1118

different

teaching

ing “intervention” time at the end of the

Warshaw, Farley

day. This time allows students to work in

( V P ) 951-824-8060 Director of Business Services 951-248-7700 Ext. 4193

for

strategies. Most students are also receiv-

Director of Residence:

Sharlein, Norman

identified

small groups with their teachers when Superintendent Mal Grossinger and wife Linda in Silent Sleigh Parade

they need specific help with homework, tests, and any other area that will assist

3044 Horace Street Riverside, CA 92506

Happy New Year! Although the calendar marks a

951-782-6500

actually started on the first day of school back in

In closing, quoting an ancient African

August. At this early start, we made some very

proverb, “It takes a village to raise a whole

“Pawsitive” changes to our school that I would like

child.” This is what we shall accomplish

to share.

through

500 word limit on articles

Our Instructional staff started their year with a

Communities and PAWS/PEAK program.

Email articles to:

review of the” Boys Town” methodology in which

Our close-knit family of instructional staff,

we were trained two years ago. These methods

residential life counselors, parents, and the

have been a large part of our PAWS/PEAK

community who all work together make an

positive behavior program that is offered in both

impact

info@csdr-cde.ca.gov Published Bi-monthly Deadline for Jan-Feb Issue:

March 1, 2011

ethompson@csdr-cde.ca.gov Newsletter Editor: Erika Thompson Community Resource Coordinator

new year for us in numbers, our “new year”

the dorms and instructional divisions. Staff also reviewed the fundamental concepts in ProfesNewsletter Printed by:

sional Learning Communities, which were taught

CSDR Graphic Arts Class

to all staff during the 2009-2010 school year.

Instructor: Wes Rinella Contributors:

achievement and establishing clear goals and

Tammie Bervel

expectations for all students. This year, we are in

Laurie Pietro Middle School Student Officers Niel Thompson

A school-wide PAWS committee meets weekly to review and develop resources for departments to

High School Student Camac Kyle Traci Price Pre-K and Kindergarten Teachers Stacey Hausman Geoff Knight

student

achievement.

Thank

Learning

behavior you

for

The

committee is also planning on working with parents in the near future.

All teachers meet on a regular basis in grade

Superintendent Mal Grossinger , Storyteller at Barnes and Noble Photo by Jeannette Zarembka

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

951-248-7700

your

~ Mal Grossinger, Superintendent

assure that students are receiving instruction and support in social skills development.

and

continued support.

programs.

Mitch Kurs Tammy Mitchell

on

Professional

full implementation in both of these special

Teresa Maxwell Wesley Rinella

our

This program aims toward improving student

Mal Grossinger Terri Vincent and Neva Turoff

them in achieving good grades.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2010

PAGE 3

Veteran’s Day Open House was a Success Veteran’s Day, 2010: The

highlighted

winds kept blowing hard

action, giving the audience a taste

but that did not stop us

of what students are learning in

from

class.

having

our

1

st

ECE

students

Afterwards,

1 st —5 th

Open House at CSDR

performed

on

with

integrating

clips

Veteran’s

more

people

in

than

300

graders

the

demonstrations.

attendance.

Monthly Deaf Celebrations and Workshops September:

Day

Annual

in

of

Many

Deafhood

stage ASL alumni

October: CSDR Alumni/ History

Parents, family members,

were delighted to see how CSDR

alumni,

students,

has grown and changed over time

November:

and others formed lines

with an expanded curriculum, new

Deaf Community/

ASL

at the entrance to campus early in the morning.

buildings, and a bilingual philosophy of education. Many

Upon arrival, everyone registered and signed up for

hung out at CSDR’s new museum which brought back

a CSDR website subscription. Afterwards, they

memories of their past as students. Pat Davis, ‘63, our

December:

walked all over campus visiting classrooms in Early

museum curator and her team did a fantastic job of

Deaf Heritage

Childhood Education (ECE), Elementary, Middle

beautifully arranging the museum displays. Alumni are

School, and High School. In the Social Hall, visitors

already looking forward to future exhibits.

enjoyed catching up with old and new friends,

At the end of the day, our Open House wrapped up with

gathering information from vendors such as video

a ribbon- cutting ceremony at the High School Boys’

relay service providers (VRS), ASL

cottage. What a nice way to open a new chapter for the

material

publishing companies, technology and equipment

residential program!

dealers, family support services, as well as from

We are pleased that so many people enjoyed Open

school department booths with a display of

House at

textbooks and materials, and purchasing items of

process. Stay tuned for more information about our 2nd

interest. The Family Education Center was open to

annual Veterans’ Day Open House in 2011!

CSDR and

learned something in the

CSDR. Parents felt

welcomed, thus creat-

~

Terri

Vincent-Lawson

and

Family Education Coordinators

ing the opportune time for family education coordinators,

Neva

Turoff

and

ASL

classes

gave

and

engaging

performances in the MAC building. A department-made Scenes:

ECE

DVD,

“Behind

Classroom

March: Deaf President Now (DPN)

Turoff,

ASL Literature May:

Deaf Minority Groups

including

campus tours. After lunch, the ECE and students

Deaf Women History

June:

upcoming workshops for families, and elementary

February:

Terri

resources available related to school concerns/events,

Deaf Black History

Deaf Hispanic

Vincent-Lawson to talk about the new family education program

Neva

January:

April:

the public. Visitors surveyed the collage of photographs on the wall depicting a slice of life at

Advocacy

the

Visits” (Red Ribbon Ceremony—HS Boys Cottage)

PAGE 4

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

Humorous Insights on Deaf Culture Dr. Tom Holcomb was invited to visit

rude? When is it not rude? When can

CSDR students, staff and community

we accept a certain behavior as being

members to present about Deaf and

part of Deaf culture, and when can we

hearing

not?”

cultures.

We

found

his

various

environment if people around them do information visible.

truthful! Holcomb first spoke with the at

they do not get from their daily not sign or write enough to make

information fascinating and admittedly students

information through discussion – what

The presenter explained how deaf

scheduled

mannerisms arise from survival as a

assemblies during the day, before

cultural group. In Deaf history, people

addressing the adults for the rest of the

could not rely on the same sources that

afternoon on November 5.

hearing

We viewed examples of how the Deaf

people

did

to

gather

information – which shops had the best

and hearing cultures sometimes clash

or worst deals, why their own parents

between well meaning people. This might be a hearing adult and a deaf

Our responsibility as educators or as

child, a Deaf adult and a hearing child,

parents is to guide our children to adopt

or two adults – one Deaf and one hear-

better models. “When we understand

ing. Sometimes, we interpret what

the why (behind the behavior), we can

others do as rude. The big questions of

respond appropriately”, says Holcomb.

the afternoon were "When is a behavior

We can satisfy students’ need for

or relatives divorced, or why one should always tip the server at restaurants. Back then, the radio was only in sound, television was not captioned, the telephone devices for the deaf were not yet invented, and families and neighbors did not sign enough

See CULTURE on Page 8

M a yo r H o n o r s a T i r e l e s s A d vo c at e Gerald "Bummy" Burstein, a retired

Hall. Bummy’ s name was submitted

Loveridge to honor him with this

Deaf employee who spent his life

because of his tireless community

prestigious award. This award was

working at CSDR, was personally

involvement

significant

created by the Mayor to recognize

selected as this year's recipient of the

contributions to the quality of life in

senior citizens who have dedicated

mayor's

achievement

the city of Riverside, and nation-

their lives to serving the Riverside

This event was held last

wide. Bummy had no idea he was

community.

Bummy was the only

October 19, 2010 at the Mayor's

even in the running for it! His

person

receive

ceremonial room in the Riverside City

commitment to the Mayor’ s Model

achievement award for 2010.

award.

lifetime

and

his

D

e

a

f

others

to

received

the

senior

lifetime citizen

Community

awards.

Committee

On

and

his

received another award. “ P in-Ups

continued

for Vets ” President and Founder,

support

Miss Gina Elise honored Gerald

of

Veteran ’ s

D ay,

Bummy

C S D R

“ B u m my ”

inspired

generosity in contributing funding to

M a y o r

the

award

Burnstein winning

for

951-248-7700

his

non-profit

See BUMMY page 8

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

Five

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2010

PAGE 5

S t u d e n t B o d y G ove r n m e n t L e a d e r s h i p Re t r e at How do 18 students fit into a 3 ’ 3

and activities, and sat down for

square? Well, middle school SBG

presentations about important is-

officers learned how on December 2

sues and procedures. For example,

- the day of their Leadership Re-

the SBG officers were all empow-

treat!

ered to learn the steps of the Parlia-

her class for the delicious snacks and a marvelous lunch; Reagan Anders for the communication and cooperation games, Kaveh Angoorani for his wonThe SBG officers were excited to

derful speech, Lisa Chute

participate in creative activities such

and Ryan Zarembka for

as practicing speaking in front of the

their hard work and effort

audience, and cooperative games

as the leaders of the re-

like Landmine and Pipelines, and a

treat, helping them along

fun game requiring different groups

the entire way. Last, but

to fit into tiny squares taped on the

not least, Principal Tammy

floor, the last one with everyone

Mitchell for allowing all of

struggling to fit into a small square!

this to happen!

Every SBG officer had loads of fun,

mentary Procedure presented by a

as they all were involved in games

residential life supervisor, and became encouraged by a PowerPoint presentation

made

by

teacher

Ryan Zarembka! SBG wants to give big thanks to all of the sponsors: Mary Angoorani for the picture craft activity and the photos of the retreat; Andrea DaSilva and

~ Middle School Student Officers

PAGE 6

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

Celebrating our Deaf Heritage—Gallaudet and Clerc Thomas H. Gal-

1817.

laudet – Laurent

Students attended to a lecture on

Clerc Day was

Clerc and Gallaudet and their con-

marked on De-

temporaries, with storytelling and

cember 10 with

some pictorial displays about

an assembly for

those who pioneered education

High School students. The purpose of the day is to rec-

for the Deaf in the U.S. In addiT.H. Gallaudet & Alice Cogswell

tion, the students enjoyed an A to Laurent Clerc

Z ASL poem about Clerc and Gal-

ognize the birthdays of historical educa-

vited Clerc to come to the United

tors, coincidentally in December, who

laudet, performed by one of our

States and help start a school for

played significant roles in Deaf educa-

S.S. teachers, who included all

the Deaf. On June 18, 1816 the two

tion: Laurent Clerc ( Deaf) who was

hand shapes of the 26 letters of the

men started a 52-day voyage over-

born on December 26, 1785 and Tho-

alphabet.

seas. During the long trip, Clerc

mas H. Gallaudet ( hearing ) , who was

taught Gallaudet sign language.

born on December 10, 1787.

Upon arrival in the States, the two

To briefly sum up the partnership of

educators worked tirelessly to raise

Clerc and Gallaudet that led to the be-

funds and increase awareness of

ginning of education for the deaf in

the need for such a school. Their

America: Clerc had invited Gallaudet to

efforts were rewarded when the

observe classes at Paris institution for

American School for the Deaf

the Deaf. Clerc also gave Gallaudet

( t hen known under a different

private instruction. Gallaudet then in-

name ) opened in Connecticut in

Observance of this special ClercGallaudet Day shall be conducted annually. Thanks to HS Social Studies teachers, Alban Branton, Kevin Croasmun, Roy McCrory, Alice Rash, John Hencker, and Mitch Kurs, for carrying the torch this year. ~ Mitch Kurs, High School Social Studies Teacher

The Red Hen and the Three Little Pigs First graders presented two world

for-

join in the Thanksgiving feast – turkey,

premiere plays! “ The Little Red

mashed potatoes, bread, and pie! In

Hen ’ s Thanksgiving, ” played out

“ T he Three Little Pigs ” , the poor

like in the traditional story in which

pigs were very cold living in the North

the red hen asks all of the other ani-

Pole, not where you would want your

mals – the cat, the dog, and the pig -

houses blown down! In the end, Santa

to help prepare for the meal, and all

taught the big, bad wolf that it was not

of these animals refused to help. As

nice to try to blow down the poor

a twist to the original story, the red

pigs ’ houses. Character Counts, es-

hen did not just have the pie all to

giveness. The chicken taught them how

herself. Instead, the hen had the

important it was for everyone to help on

other animals think about their ac-

Thanksgiving, and allowed everybody to

tions, give an apology, and receive 3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

951-248-7700

pecially at Christmas! Look for these two plays to win many awards at Oscar time! ~ Tammie Bervel, 1st Grade Teacher http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2010

PAGE 7

2nd Graders Connect Literature and Deaf Experiences Students enjoy making connections to Deaf life and experiences from reading literature as a part of the 2nd grade state-adopted reading series

by

Macmillan

McGraw-

Hill. Students read stories that are extended to Deaf culture, or stories Conversation between CSDR and NMSD through Sorenson Videophone Television Screen

whom they can identify.

2nd graders in early November were fortunate to have in their reading textbook, “Meet Rosina”, a biography about a deaf girl. In the book, Rosina talks of her life in a deaf family and as a student at New Mexico School for the Deaf. With teacher Sharon Margol, the students interviewed the real-life Rosina, a sophomore at NMSD, through video-phone conferencing, with the

help of NMSD librarian and CSDR

leled this study to Deaf culture, or the

alumnae Hedy Udkovich-Stern, ’70.

more recently coined term, “Deafhood”

Students asked Rosina a range of

and American Sign Language. Deaf cul-

questions from personal, such as

ture, language, and Deaf heritage were

“What’s your favorite pet?” to other

discussed, such as how flashing lights

questions that arose from reading

are used to get attention, just to name

Rosina’s story. Thanks to NMSD and

one. The students performed an interpre-

CSDR Curriculum department for

tation of the well-known, age old joke,

setting up this once-in-a-lifetime op-

“Deaf Timber”, about how only one

portunity for students to speak with

chopped tree would not fall down upon

someone from a story they read!

the lumberjack’s shout “Timber!”

During the first week of December, the students read stories about native tongues, and the culture and heritage of indigenous peoples. Under the guidance of Becky Gage, a Deaf long-term substitute teacher, the students paral(Fingerspelling T-I-M-B-E-R)

after a doctor diagnoses the tree as deaf, and the lumberjack uses ASL fingerspelling, “T-I-M-B-E-R”, does that deaf tree finally fall down! “Students ask me if they could redo the skit often!” says Gage.

Reading is always fun when deaf students make connections to their own experiences, and that of their Deaf predecessors.

A S L S t o r y t e l l i n g at B a r n e s a n d N o b l e Students

and

families

enjoy

ing storytelling. Previous ASL story-

Wednesday 7 p.m. evening ASL

tellers were Mary Margaret Kopcho,

storytelling by CSDR staff or parents

Linda Grossinger, Darrin Green, and

every month at the Riverside Barnes

Jeannette and Ryan Zarembka. See

and Noble bookstore. On January 5,

ASL storytelling dates and storytell-

CSDR Director of Residence Farley

ers on the CSDR website:

Warshaw and Superintendent Mal

csdr-cde.ca.gov/asl-storytelling/ Raf-

Grossinger honored the young stu-

fles prizes are handed out to the

dents with their expert and entertain-

children at the beginning of event.

http://

Only

~ Teresa Maxwell, Curriculum Specialist

Photo by Julie Reese

that are written by someone with

PAGE 8

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

DEAF CULTURE (cont’d from page 4)

or at all, or make enough effort for

do, and know when to accept a tendency

soon to be released within the year. We

meaningful

as

Holcomb

at CSDR also hope to see more of this

communication. In lieu of sound and

encouraged everyone to, “engage each

animated presenter in the future. This

the printed word, the Deaf of earlier

other in healthy dialogue, analysis, and

workshop was a part of the Deafhood

days used the help from their fellow

laughter

hearing

monthly series, with Dr. M.J. Bienvenu

Deaf, supporting each other in a

people. Learning more about this gives us

in January and Dr. Beth Benedict in

small-town “collective” bond. Such

more reasons to celebrate!”

February 2011.

and

effective

habits have passed down over the generations.

“Deaf

culture”.

between

Dr.

deaf

and

For more information, we await Dr. Holcomb’s new published textbook on

Dr. Holcomb summed up that what

American

Deaf

Culture,

should be celebrated, used as a solution, or passed down, we should honor as a part of Deaf culture.

As

educators

parents,

and

we

responsible

are

to

help

guide others, especially children, to know what they should or should not BUMMY (cont’d from page 5)

organization

that

supports

hospitalized

Veterans

and

deployed service members across

the

globe.

Mr.

Burstein ’ s donations have allowed Ms. Elise to make hundreds of personal visits to ill and injured and

Veterans

recovering

troops

in

hospitals across the United States. banner,

The

photographed

celebrating

contributions

to

his U.S.

Veterans, was presented to Mr. Burstein.

CSDR wishes to express our

warmest congratulations to Bummy

him “ An American Hero” to both

for

deaf and hearing people.

these

well-deserving

honors, as his kindness and support

~Laurie Pietro Waggoner,

of national causes is what makes

Public Relations & Volunteer Coordinator

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

951-248-7700

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2010

PAGE 9

CTE Lobby Display at California Department of Education logy echno T r e e ar l and r the C autifu e t e n b e a e you Learn will se When , "We ll, you ll a a h w n its tio art on Educa lay of p ) is d tic (CDE gigan ". ation e c g u a d u E g t of isplay h Lan rtmen bby d a lo thoug p e a h r ia D ist wit eache aliforn to ass sign t e R The C D D S ic ph dC is E Gra electe ate th s. CT had s s e n nd cre e r a a ek n w ig A af ss we des on De arene elped w h A a f ll e ea layed y Rin r the D s disp o f a w e Wesle e t as t in tim rtmen howc ct jus Depa The s e . h 9 produ t 0 t 0 ya to. r2 e lobb ramen tembe h c p t a e S in S in g in month uildin bby entire ters b r a u q r the lo for the d o f a e e h n nd hem ucatio ices a new t of Ed l Serv ave a ia h c o e t p by works , the S er lob CDE t year s a L . ed oth r h t o n s o n m d po each also s s, Blin renes ranch a B CDE w t r A o eaf ness.

D e Supp r g a in w A lud istory lobby ys inc lack H displa or our f B s d t n n a me us to ness, R for e com D iv S it s Aware C o t ny p here a ed ma n is now y receiv ructio la p s dis con t e h 's r T -foot e . h y by 14 Mat l 7 il displa e B h t up s to o set thank . ts wh enjoy n e d to see u yone gy st r e lo v o e n r tech wall fo , CTE n the o y inella la R y disp le s r ~ We eache Arts T ic h p Gra

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the under

direct

W ion of

esley

Rinella

II

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

PAGE 10

CHARACTER COUNTS! Honor Roll: Middle School/ High School

Three students deserve recognition for being the most outstanding in demonstrating how "Character Counts!" Congratulations to Tiernan Booth for showing fairness to his peers. Congratulations to Jade Macedo for being

Honor Roll: Middle School/ High School

caring and compassionate by helping others. Congratulations to Gianna Visco for demonstrating good citizenship by getting along with everyone and being 4.0 GPA

very cooperative. Congratulations to each of you! ~ The Pre-K Team

Berrigan, Bridget (MS) Fisher, Mavrick (MS) Keogh, Brianna (MS) Romero, Catalina (MS) Pedro, Fabiana Smith, Alana (MS)

3.0-3.49 GPA ( c ont ’ d )

3.5-3.99 GPA Lesti, Dylan (MS) Roques, Jennifer (MS) Aguilar-Calderon, Angel Atkinson, Claudia Caboteja, Jeanyssa Carranco, Steven Castaneda, Franklin Gonzales, Steven Huang, Kevin Jimenez, Magaly Larizza, Paradise Manu, Sisilia Mitchell, Michael Murphy, Montana Renteria, Juan Schoonover, Edward Tinio, Raymart Vega, Christian Vega, Hazel Warshaw, Jeremy Yeboah, Dominique 3.0-3.49 GPA Aguilera, Elizabeth (MS) Aguirre, Wayne (MS) Alcocer, Anita Alexander, Antonette Arguelles, Cynthia Arias, Celeste Barrios, Miguel Bernal, Vianney Buchanan, Michael Buenafe, Samantha Bustamante, Jarita (MS) Carrillo, Andrew Cloud, Angel Cochran, Jalena (MS) Conde, Amanda Coons, Jamila (MS)

Creek, Brittney Dean, Jamze (MS) Dimayuga, Erick

Academic Success in Middle School At the end of the first Trimester, Middle School celebrated by recognizing the students’ hard work and great GPAs. Middle School’s Parent Conference Day was a raging success.

75% of the

parents came to pick up their child’s report card and meet with the teachers. This amazing statistic demonstrates that parental involvement and support truly pays off. Perhaps this explains why so many of our students are demonstrating improvements in their academic skills and are on Honor Roll! Thank you again!

~ Tammy Mitchell, MS Principal

High School— Beyond Academics HS Perfect Attendance Aguilar-Calderon, Angel Arias, Celeste Atkinson, Claudia Conde, Amanda Garcia, Ignacio Granados, Erick Liwag, Jeric Macias, Carlos Mosqueda, Yvette Nguyen, Hai Price, Ryan Sotelo, Miguel

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

HS Best Residential Student Award Villegas, Roger

HS Student Organizations Recognition Callahan, Alana Dimayuga, Erick

951-248-7700

HS CHARACTER COUNTS! Recognition Caboteja, Jeanyssa Evans, Mary Gastelum, Bigdail Iniguez, Andrea Manu, Sisilia Nhan, Kelvin Plummer, Alessandra Rojas, Matthew Schoonover, Edward Vega, Chris Warshaw, Jeremy

Elizarraraz, Ashlee Marie Estrada, Edgar (MS) Evans, Mary Gallegos, Amanda Garcia, Ignacio Garcia, Kevin Gastelum, Josefina Gomez-Gonzalez, Oscar Gonzalez, Ramon Goodman, Brittany Guzman, Kimberly HS Residential Lesti, Maj Program PEAK Leyvas, Gabriel program – Liwag, Jeric Top GOLD Level Lopez, Kathleen (MS) Alcocer, Anita Love, Julie Bernal, Vianney Macias, Carlos Evans, Mary Mendoza, Michael Flores, Juan Miller, Jacques Gonzales, Miller, SukieSteven (MS) Huang,Cristian Kevin Montes, Mitchell, Martha Michael Morales, Murphy, Montana Nhan, Kelvin Nguyen,Alexa Hai Ontiveros, Nhan, Kelvin Padilla, Sabrina (MS) Pitts, Price,Quincy Ryan Rivas, Cesar Quinonez, Andrew Sotelo, Miguel Reyes, Carlos (MS) Tellez, Rivas,Clemente Cesar Tinio, Raymart Rivas, Marilyn Rivera, Aja Sanchez, Giovani (MS) Shepherd, Brandi Sotelo, Miguel Spadaccini, Amanda Strom, Jonah Tellez, Clemente Torres, Leonardo Truong, Tho Valenzuela, Susana Vera, Laura (MS) Vu, Christina (MS) Weber, Austin Yepez, Calyssa (MS) Capozi, Trystany (MS) Muller, Alexandra (MS) Nakama, Hiroshi (MS)

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2010

PAGE 11

Young Entrepreneur at “Cub Pride” Student Assembly At the “Cub Pride” assembly, students in grades

who lives not far away in Temecula, chose to

9-12

in

take ASL as his second language and as he is

academics, attendance, student organizations,

learning quite quickly, both Jason and our high

CHARACTER

and

school deaf students had the opportunity to

residential life during the Fall Quarter 2010.

meet and offer each other something unique

View the lists of honors on page 10. Students

and valuable. Having a presentation by a

who earned high GPAs had the privilege of

student for students has had a very positive

receiving an “Honor Roll Breakfast”.

impact. Jason said, "Try your ideas because

were

awarded

for

COUNTS!,

success athletics,

At the end of the awards ceremony, special guest presenter Jason O’Neill shared his business success story with students in HS, CTE, and SN. This famous 15-year old entrepreneur, speaker, and author first started his success when he was nine years old as a creator/founder of “Pencil Bugs”.

Jason has

been giving advice to the mainstream through

doing nothing guarantees nothing," which can be applied to all ages and in many different situations. Everyone, deaf or hearing, who work hard, have big dreams, and help each other, s h a l l achieve anything they want.

his presentations and his published book, Bitten

by the Business Bug, on common sense tips for business and life from the perspective of a teen entrepreneur

(www.pencilbugs.com).

Jason, (CSDR HS Students with Jason O’Neill’s Family)

CSDR Team Winning Academic Bowl Matches The Academic Bowl team at California School for the Deaf,

a positive attitude. The most exciting thing for the team was that

Riverside has done a tremendous job since October. Students

they conquered their rival school with a score of 44-33. We won

under restricted time quickly answer in rotation a series of

all the rest of the matches against the following schools: Phoenix

challenging questions on language and literature, world history

Day School for the Deaf (38-15), University High School

and geography, mathematics, science, leisure and sports,

(55-44), and New Mexico School for the Deaf (42‐35).

Deaf culture and history. The first practice game against

demic Bowl team is a member of the Western Academic Bowl

Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind was an easy win as they

League (WABL) that includes deaf schools in the western United

won by the score of 35-21. The next game was played against

States. All of the matches are played via teleconference. Other

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind which turned out to be

teams at schools for the deaf across the country also have similar

a

battle

unfortunately

as

they

lost

The Aca-

m a t c h e s

a n d

by

videoconference setup. We will

the score of 33-49. The

all ultimately meet at Gallaudet

team moved on after

University in Washington, D.C.

the

for

devastating

loss

and looked forward to the

match

against

California School for the Deaf, Fremont with

the

semifinals

and

championship in March 2011. ~ Camac Kyre, HS Academic Bowl team player

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

PAGE 12

Joy in Children and Silent Sleigh preschoolers sat on Santa Claus’ lap

making

and shared with him their Christmas

holiday crafts.

wish lists. Santa Claus gave individual

One

stocking

gifts

delighted

holiday activity

students.

The Kindergarten cubbies

was bringing in

excitedly dressed up and entertained

fruits to make

with two different awe-inspiring ASL

a

skits for everyone from Parent Infant

together

in

Program to Elementary. The first skit was

order

to

Deaf Santa Claus surprised our

a story about a sled pulled by the

demonstrate

young students with a visit to our

reindeers, with an emphasis on classifiers

the sense of

classrooms on December 9, for

in ASL. In the second skit, one student

the

CSDR’s

acted

“unity” .

(Deaf Santa and Mrs. Claus; Driver Wendy and son Chase at CSDR)

23rd

annual

Silent

Sleigh parade. Infant “PIPers” and

out

the

to

the

“Snowman”,

while

fun favorite

fruit

salad

Kwanzaa

another student signed along. Afterwards

~ ECE Teachers

on the sidewalk, the thrilled children jumped with joy every time they caught candy and flowers tossed from the parade as the riders rode in their decorated carts, classic cars, or motorcycles. During this busy month, Kindergarten also celebrated different holidays, including Kwanzaa, by

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly in Residential Life Cottages!

Upon the

energy by cooking the whole meal for the

2010 saw CSDR Elementary Cottage’s first

request

students. The girls helped with preparing

Christmas.

of

the food such as stuffing the turkey and

prominently displayed in the middle of the

H i g h

mashing

boys

cottage lobby with decorations made by the

School

decorated so beautifully that our faces

students. This location was where Santa

girls,

we

smiled when we arrived! Our feast began

with his trademark sleigh greeted and

hosted

and we ate four turkeys, four hams, along

welcomed deaf students during CSDR’s

our

sec-

with all the wonderful holiday fixings. We

annual

d

finished the night with a variety of desserts

annual

and a slide show that displayed pictures of

Thanksgiving dinner, a home cooked

various staff and students along with their

meal in the new cottages. The prepa-

thoughts for what they were thankful. By

rations took us a month because the

the end of the night, the students showed

girls wanted it to be perfect. The girls

great teamwork by cleaning up and putting

and the staff worked together in decid-

everything away. Good food and great

ing what was on the menu all the way

company with the students was a nice way

to making invitations and making the

to start our vacation. We are looking

decor.

forward

o

the

n

The Residential Department

showed their greatest hearts and

the

potatoes.

to

next

The

year!

~ Traci Price, Residential Life counselor

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

951-248-7700

A

Silent

lighted

Sleigh.

Our

tree

was

elementary

students were treated with a tour of Riverside

Mission

Inn

Christmas

light

display. How all the lights and decorations blended

in

with

the

architecture

was

absolutely gorgeous to see! What a sight to behold

that

beckoned

all

to

see

for

themselves! The students also went on a tour to Riverside Woods area to view all the houses with their own Christmas lights and displays. We loved seeing the kids get into the holiday spirit! ~ Geoff Knight, Residential Life Counselor

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PAGE 13

2010

Cheering for CSDR Athletes– We are the BEST! Hey, CSDR! It is time to

CSDR is the BEST!

wake up! It is time to

We may not always win

show your school pride!

every game, but that does

It is time to be proud of

not make us losers. If we

Riverside!

are willing to learn from

Do you know why we

our mistakes, then losing

go to WSBC (Western

can only make us stronger.

States

Basketball/

So now, it is time to be

Cheerleading Classic)?

strong! We have what it

What is the real reason? Do we go to meet other deaf students? Do we go just to compete in basketball or cheerleading? Do we go so we can visit other states?

NO! Simply put, we go to prove that CSDR is the best! That’s right! CSDR is the BEST! We have the best campus, the best staff, the best teachers, the best students. We have the best

school.

Say

it with

me

. .

Be proud of your school! Be proud of yourself!

Jeanyssa Cobateja

Be the best! We are Riverside, and CSDR is the

Cheerleader Jeanyssa is an

BEST! What did I say?

outstanding student with an

takes to win! Why? Because CSDR is the BEST!

impressive

CSDR is the BEST! Coach

team. During one practice, Jeanyssa sprained her ankle

fitness

‘tag’. The ‘Blob’ starts out as one person who

prepare

toward

their

Fitnessgram testing at the end of the year.

Students are given a chance to develop and improve the components of their personal physical fitness (muscular strength, endurance, capacity,

flexibility,

and

body

composition). Students engaged in fun and cooperative activities while the teacher pulled students out individually to do pre-test fitness

A’s. She shows up to every 100% of her effort to the

.

Kindergarten and Elementary students took to

point

practice on time and gives

The Blob: No one is OUT in this version of

pre-tests

grade

average of 4.0, with straight

~ Pep Rally speech by Stacey Hausman, Cheerleading

Elementary Physical Education

aerobic

Student Athlete of the Month:

tags someone, and they link hands and chase down more people to become the “Blob” until the entire class has been captured.

What a

great game for increasing aerobic capacity, speed, agility and cooperation skills!

but continued to practice to the best of her ability. She even

performed

competition

and

at a

a

game

through her pain. She has attended

almost

every

football game, making sure she has arranged that her

Grabbing Clothespins: The 4th graders love the

parents come to pick her up

clothespin game, which is both aerobically and

all the way from Barstow.

strategically challenging!

Jeanyssa

Students wear a

is

a

wonderful

specific number of clothespins on their back

example of an all around

skills. Students challenged themselves in this

and while on “go”, they have to try to steal each

student-athlete, and we are

cooperative activity called, “The Noodle Game.”

other’s clothespins while preventing their own

extremely proud to have her

This activity met the fitness standards of flee,

from being stolen. We had plenty of pounding

on the Cheer team.

chase, and dodge, as well as general and

hearts, red faces, and heavy breathing at the

personal space practice. Students loved it! The

end of this game!

best part is that they were having so much fun

-Reagan Anders

they did not even realize how much they had

Elementary Physical Education Teacher

run!

Other stimulating and creative physical

activities this year include:

~ Stacey Hausman, Teacher and Cheerleading Coach

PAGE 14

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

D e a f P r o fe s s i o n a l s S h a r e t h e i r C a r e e r E x p e r i e n c e s The

Transition

many employees. His success

Partnership

Program and WorkAbility (TPP/

story

was

common

among

WA) at the Career Center in our

other speakers, a model to

high school department hosted a

inspire high school students to

career awareness day during the

plan their future and become

Veteran’s Day holiday. The many

successful themselves. Thanks

closed venues and businesses that

to college students. Speakers were all

to all of the speakers for coming to

day allowed deaf employees in the

deaf, and their instant connection with

meet our high school students!

community who were off for the

our deaf students was evident. An

Career Awareness Day is an annual

holiday to come and share their nota-

example of one fascinating speaker was

highlight

ble career experience, stories, and

Mark Maiden, ’79, who described his rise

department. Students are given the

advice for the high school students.

from being a college dropout and a

opportunity to directly “pick the brains”

During this special schedule, 14

janitorial worker to being one of the top

of

groups of students rotated throughout

supervisors with 54 hearing employees

professions.

the day for four 45-minute sessions

under him at the Department of Defense.

students who got invaluable advice

with some of the speakers. The

If he had not dropped out of college,

from these successful deaf people

students’ career preferences and post

Mark admittedly would have prevented

definitely will remember this day.

high school goals resulted in student

the hardships he eventually faced in life.

Career Awareness Day coordinator

groupings to closely match them to a

After

he

Don Burnes, who created the new

speaker with similar academic and

persevered,

his

schedule, made this event possible

career goals.

presentation along with responsibility,

along

plus

respect, and self-esteem. He went on to

Jeannine DeLoye for Special Needs

business

tell his story about being unemployed

Department Career Awareness field

owners, federal and retail employees,

before he jumped on the opportunity to

trips and ‘Interior Design decorator’;

telecommunications representatives,

work for the Department of Defense in

Jean Belangeri for the name signs;

the Navy branch. He lived on peanut

Nina Poblete, Kelly Yearwood, Mary

butter, jelly, bread, crackers, and

Ann Sultan and Andrea Thomas for

milk- all he could afford at the time of

ordering lunches and water; Mike

his first hire. Over the next 27 years,

Anderson for the wrap up session at

Maiden slowly moved up the ranks,

Social Hall, and lastly but not least,

ultimately becoming a supervisor to

Nina Poblete and Shelly Gravatt for

The

professions

speakers

varied

of

twenty

from

Deaf Presenters for Career Day 2010 Joe Dannis, Dawn Sign Press – Business Owner Max Andrade, COKE - Merchandiser Andrea Andrade , PEPSI - Merchandiser Gloria Moriarty and\ Susie McLaughlin, CODIE - Community Advocate Jeff Perri, Chef Cindi Stafford , Etiquette in the food Industry Patricia Branz, UCSD – Health Educator

realizing a

this main

mistake, theme

of

deaf

in

the

people

with

high

in

Many

his

school

successful high

school

invaluable

the gift bags, and to all last

Craig Herman, EBay Retailer – Business Owner Dawn Rechenberg, Human Resources Specialist I Diversity & HR Office Eric and Moon Feris, WINTV - Business Owners

minute helpers!

Mark Maiden, Marine Corps Chris Preston , Sorenson - Regional Manager Jonathan Weiss , Chef

~ Niel Thompson,

Cody Meadows, RA –Residential Life Advisor Ramy Bustamante, PYRAM – Business Owner Joel Thomas , Plumber Craig Salonen, IT – Information System Technician

HS Teacher

Deaf Professionals

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

team.

951-248-7700

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

PAGE 15

2010

Gallaudet President and First Lady Address Students Gallaudet President Dr. Alan Hurwitz and

specific additional degree from a neighboring

pals and

his wife Vicki visited students at CSDR

university through a partnership program.

who have graduated from Gallaudet

the day after a large banquet celebrating

"Students get the best of both worlds", says

University and now serve as an inspi-

Hurwitz.

ration that they too can go to college.

the 50

th

anniversary of the Gallaudet

Alumni Association - Riverside Chapter.

T

h

The

president

challenged

the

audience, “Is there anything the deaf cannot

e

d

o

?

”

Superintendent,

At the end,

Superinten-

dent Mal Grossinger

re-

president

Answers

minded the students: “ You can do it.

and

the

included

Don ’ t give up! ”

first lady

“flya plane”, “be a police offi-

Donations to support CSDR Programs: Special thanks go to the following businesses and patrons . . .

greeted students at every grade level

cer”, and “work in the military”. To their sur-

from Pre-school to high school. Younger

prise, Hurwitz proved them wrong, giving

students gave performances to the digni-

examples of deaf people who have suc-

taries, and older students enjoyed the

ceeded in serving as pilots or officers of the

presentations by Dr. and Mrs. Hurwitz at

police and military.

a school assembly. As the 10 Gallaudet

less questions,

president, Dr. Hurwitz wants Deaf stu-

get into college. President Hurwitz encour-

dents today to get all the rich experience

aged the students to never think “I can’t”, and

of leadership and full communication

to pursue their dreams of higher education.

access at the Deaf liberal arts university,

Students saw on stage an ensemble of all

while having the option of attaining a

their teachers and staff, including their princi-

th

Students asked countincluding how to

• • • • •

Sorenson Communication

• • • • •

Compu-tty, Inc.

• •

Goodsearch

Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Staples D/C, Rialto (see photo) City of Riverside Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Official Real Time Captioning Robert and Judith Taylor Randall and Launa Whitlock Children ’ s Discovery Museum of the Desert Betty and Larry Newman

*Other donations will be listed in the next edition.

More New Educators Hired at CSDR Carmen Croasmun ‘ 02, Teacher

Jose Alvarez, Student Aide

Derek Keels, Student Aide

Laurie Lewis, Occupational Therapist

Rebecca Gage, Sub Teacher

Orion Palmer’ 0 9, Student Aide

Michelle Skowzgird, Counselor

Tina Leonard , Sub Teacher

Heather Dans , Counselor

Sylvia Fraser, Counselor

Roy McCrory, Sub Teacher

Mariann Isso-Gonzalez , Supervising Counselor

Welcome and thank you for serving our deaf children at CSDR!

(Steve Cashman, Staples D/C, Rialto and Supt. Mal at CSDR)

PAGE 16

PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, RIVERSIDE 3044 Horace Street Riverside, CA 92506 951-782-6500 info@csdr-cde.ca.gov

lections f e R e v i it S PAW & Friends

News and Inform

es, Staff, ation for Famili

Mark Your Calendar . . .

For updates, sports, and other details, go to http://csdr-cde.ca.gov/schoolcalendar

February: Deaf Women History

3/1-3/11

ES Measures of Academic Progress Testing

2/1-2/2 Grades 11 & 12 CAHSEE

3/1-3/25

MS Measures of Academic Progress Testing

3/2

Read Across America

3/2

MS/SN SBG Assembly

3/3

ES Science Fair

2/1

CAC Meeting

2/3

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

2/8

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

2/9

HS-CSDR Pageant Show

2/10

3/3

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/4-3/5

HS Academic Bowl Finals at Gallaudet

SN- Winter Feast

3/7-3/18

MS Measures of Academic Progress Testing

2/10

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/8-3/9

Grade 10 CAHSEE

2/14

Yellow Ribbon Week

3/8

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

2/15

Beginner ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/10

MS/SN Honor Roll Assembly

3/10

All students go home at 2 p.m.

3/10

School-wide Celebration

3/11

SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

3/15

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

2/16

HS Teen Day

2/17

All students go home after school

2/18

SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

2/21

Presidents ’ Day: SCHOOL CLOSED

3/16

ASBG Blood Drive

2/22

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

3/17

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

2/23

Parent Workshop

3/17

ES Cub Honors

2/24

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/18

Deaf History – DPN Workshop ( V oice Interpreters provided )

2/25

School & Community Workshop ( V oice Interpreters provided )

3/19

Deaf History – DPN Interactive Workshop ( ASL only )

2/26

School & Community Interactive Workshop ( ASL only )

3/22

Beginner ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/24

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/29

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

3/30

ASL Showcase

2/26

Town Hall Meeting - Dinner will be served

March: Deaf President Now 3/1

Grades 4 & 7 Calif. Standards Test / CMA Writing

3/31

Chavez Day: SCHOOL IN SESSION

3/1

Newcomer/Beginner ASL Classes for CSDR Families

3/31

Intermediate ASL Class for CSDR Families

3/1

CAC Meeting

3/31

MS Rubidoux Pageant

3044 Horace Street, Riverside, CA 92506

951-248-7700

http://csdr-cde.ca.gov