CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, RIVERSIDE
IONS T C E L F E R PAWSITIVE en ilies, Staff, & Fri m a F r fo on ti a News and Inform
ds
APRIL 2010
Gerald “Bummy” Bur stein Student Center Excerpts By Sharman Weiner Newman, Former CSDR Media Specialist
On Thursday February 4, Gerald "Bummy" Burstein stood poised with a giant pair of scissors, ready to cut through the red ribbon that stretched across the newly renovated "Gerald Bummy Burstein Student Center" at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside. On that day, this remarkable leader and advocate for the deaf community was being recognized for the 37 years that he served as teacher and See Bummy (cont’d on page 2)
Message from Mal When discussing CSDR, I often speak on the importance of focusing not only on the academic aspects of student ’ s development, but also addressing the deaf child ’ s needs as a whole. Many deaf children are excluded from family discussions due to a lack of communication in the home, which leaves large gaps in developing social skills, self discovery, and how to set goals for future success. It is CSDR’ s inclusion of these components that is what sets CSDR apart from other deaf educational programs. Because CSDR provides a completely accessible learning environment ( visual communication at all times ) , students can take full advantage of incidental learning and the experience of deaf adults on staff. See Mal (cont’d on page 4)
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PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS
Bummy (cont’d from page 1)
administrator on the CSDR campus. During his long tenure in this very special room, now dedicated in his honor, Bummy's responsibilities greatly expanded over the years to include supervis-
Video Disk project, Pancom, Captioned Films, Outreach Services, Interpreter Services, Athletic Department activities, Special Projects, and many more collaborative
ing the library, media services,
enterprises.
television studio, computer lab,
This newly dedicated room, where
photography classes, Interactive
Burstein spent most of his administrative career as Director of Media Technology Services, will now be used for student government and leadership programs. It is certain that this new center, dedicated to
be felt throughout the room when students meet there to work on projects to benefit school and community.
such a hard-working leader in the deaf community, generations of future CSDR students to get involved in student government, outside leadership programs, and the community. Bummy's inspiration will
“Don't tell people how to do things; tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results. “ George S. Patton
APRIL
2010
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S e c o n d A n n u a l Ru b i d o u x Pa g e a n t - 2 0 1 0 ! By Jasmine Goolsby, Residential Program On March 18, 2010, six CSDR
The judges had some very diffi-
finding the courage to leave an abu-
eighth graders came together to
cult decisions to make. There was
sive relationship. Awards were given
present the Second Annual Rubi-
Miguel Barrios, who danced his
to Marissa and Miguel for their plat-
way into their hearts, and Aja
form presentations. Ernesto and Meg
Rivera who convinced everyone
took home the gold for their wonder-
to take a stand and help others in
ful talents. Aja and Jose won best
devastation. Marissa Salyer cat-
Formal Wear for the way they strut-
walked her way through the com-
ted their stuff on the runway. And
dents not only had to learn a cho-
petition and Ernesto Rodriguez
now Miguel Barrios and Marissa
reographed dance, but they also
put a smile on everyone ’ s face
Salyer are the reigning Mr. and Miss
had to research a topic that they
with his quick wit and humor. Jose
Rubidoux until next year! Congratula-
felt people need to be more aware
Resendez won people over with
tions to all the contestants.
of and they had to show off their
amazing confidence, tears were
talents. Students spoke on topics
shed as Meg Ruth spoke about
doux Pageant. Colors, beads and feathers filled the stage as this year ’ s theme was “ Mardi Gras! ” Students and staff worked together for many months in order to make this dream a reality. Stu-
like the Haiti earthquake, teen pregnancy, and the pressure the modeling industry places on young teens today. The variety of talent displayed was astonishing; while some students signed to music or danced, others showed their artistic abilities, and there was even a mime! After all of this students had to dress in formal wear and answer some pretty tough questions in the interview conducted by the fabulous MCs. Maria Ana Guzman and Chris Morton, both freshmen here at CSDR, were the MCs for the evening. Mardi Gras would not have been complete without them!
Top row: Miguel Barrios, Ernesto Rodriguez, and Jose Resendez
Everyone did an excellent job.
Bottom row: Marissa Salyer, Meg Ruth and Aja Rivera
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PAWSITIVE
A r t Fe s t i v a l fo r S t u d e n t s By Staff Writer, Special Needs Department On March 25, students in the
were used for the projects. The
services. It was a very educational
Special Needs Department
students were very excited and
trip for the students.
boarded a bus and van for a trip
proud to see their artistic creations
to the Very Special Arts Festival
displayed at the festival.
held at Ramona High School in
Outside the exhibition
Riverside. The theme was “ A nimals… Then and Now ” .
area, artists from the community showed sam-
The students have been very
ples of their art work.
busy during the last few months
There were also vendors
creating art works based on the
and agencies sharing
theme. Everything from crayon
information about their
and acrylics to 3-D sculptures
Mal (cont’d from page 1)
I recently attended a weekend
made personal commitments to im-
retreat for some of our high
program. When students leave
prove their academic studies. Many
CSDR, we want to be able to say
of the students were considering
that they are well prepared to be-
joining school organizations/clubs
come active participants in their
for the first time since coming to
communities. It should be a prior-
treat where deaf staff would guide
CSDR. They learned they could
ity for all of us to give our deaf chil-
them through a series of activities
participate in the decision making
dren the opportunity to have rich
that would enhance student lead-
process and realized their ideas
ership abilities while also teaching
and meaningful lives.
were valued. Students came away
school students which was a wonderful example of this philosophy. The purpose of the event was to take 15 students on a 2-day re-
them the value of working together as a team. The activities focused on improving team communication, developing problem
from the weekend motivated to implement the tools they had been given. CSDR faculty and staff did a
solving skills, and many group
wonderful job of planning and facili-
and individual discussions with
tating this retreat. Our goal is to
counselors.
provide more retreats by seeking
The students I spoke with at the
funding from the private sector and
end of the retreat showed a re-
local community to support the
newed interest in school and
APRIL 2010
PAGE 5
Praise and Self Esteem By Jennifer Jesser, Elementary School Counselor Adults and children need to be
ments makes a huge difference!
example: “ J ohn, you have been
told by others, especially those
There are three types of PRAISE
working really hard and you finished
who love them, that they are
we can use.
your work on time. Great work!
good, special, talented, pretty,
General Praise: A positive verbal
When you finish your work on time
handsome, funny, a great helper,
statement such as “ Awesome
that allows you to get onto the next
or a hard worker. People need to
Job ”
thing and get done sooner. Because
be told when they are doing well. Praise is vital to our self esteem. We also need to know that our behaviors are pleasing to others. The most important people who
Specific Praise: Use a verbal statement but pair it with a description of
If you would like more information
you finished your work on time. ”
about Praise and other Self-Esteem
Effective Praise: Used when the
seek parental approval. Praise is
person completes a desired behav-
crucial to who we are and who we
ior. You identify the exact behavior
will become.
that you liked, exaggerate on it,
Praise takes very little time and
free time after lunch/dinner. ”
the behavior such as “ W ay to go,
give praise are parents. Children
So, how can we PRAISE more?
you worked so hard you can have
builders, please contact the Counseling Department and a counselor will be happy to assist you!
give a reason for why you like it and reward them for it if necessary. For
effort. Even small positive state-
Wo r k i n g To g e t h e r t o B e n e f i t S t u d e n t s By Curtis Miracle, Chief of Plant Operations Plant Operations is continuing to
meet with the staff of that
participate and even expand
department for an interview.
working with our High School
Once selected for the posi-
students.
tion, students shadow the
Currently, we have a total of over
staff member to learn the
fifteen students training and
techniques and tasks of the
working with Plant Operations
trade.
personnel.
Students are learning work
The students choose an area of
ethics as well as specific
interest ( carpentry, janitorial, painting, etc) and then they
Robert Saldana, Student
skills related to the job and the staff are improving their signing skills.
Dylan Patterson, Student
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PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS
M a r k Yo u r C a l e n d a r s
silent auction, and entertainment by Sammy Ruiz, two-time champion of The World Deaf Magician’ s Festival.
Dead Silence Dinner
For sponsorship and ticket information
October 28, 2010
( 9 51 ) 224-7711 or debberz-
please contact Deb Berzins at ins@yahoo.com
CSDR CAN will be hosting its
All proceeds go to support student
first FUNdraiser on October 28,
programs.
2010 at the Riverside Marriott. ( I nterpreters will be provided )
Come and join us for an evening of fun that will help our students.
The event will be on a Halloween theme and will include dinner, a
Magician Sammy Ruiz
CSDR Cheer Team Takes Third Place By Stacey Hausman, Head Cheer Coach CSDR Cheer Team came home
we were told we could not use it
The team truly represented the Deaf
with third place in the Novice Co-
because we did not have enough
community and CSDR well and con-
ed Varsity Show Cheer division at
people to base it on both sides, so
tinue to inspire many hearing stu-
the USA Nationals that was held
we had to change it at the last min-
dents with their abilities. .
on Friday, March 26. We were
ute. Another interesting fact is that
thrilled! The teams that beat us all
only one of our team members,
had over 16 members, which al-
Marilyn Rivas, has ever been to a
lowed them to do more complex
Nationals competition before. Eve-
and difficult stunts and pyra-
ryone else was brand new to this
mids, compared to our 10-member
type of competition, so I was ex-
team. Even though we had a lib-
tremely proud of the way they han-
erty ( where the girl stands on one
dled performing in front of a crowd
leg while being held in the air ) ,
of over 5,000 people.
APRIL
2010
PAGE 7
N at i o n a l G u a r d H o n o r s C S D R By Staff Writer
On April 13, representatives from the
Jack Speltie works in the Grounds
National Guard arrived at CSDR to pre-
Department at CSDR and he is also a
sent several awards.
member of the National Guard Re-
The school and
its administration were honored for their
serve. He nominated the school and
“ M eritorious leadership and initiative in
his supervisors for the awards because
support of the men and women who
they are so supportive in making ac-
serve America in the National Guard
commodations for his schedule.
and Reserve ” . The Middle School gathered in the Social Hall for the presentation. The
Supt. Grossinger accepts the “Above and Beyond” award from Bea Lissow , ESGR volunteer
Guard also brought a Hummer and answered questions from the students about the National Guard and combat in general.
SPC Speltie explains to Middle School students what the National Guard does.
Our thanks to the following members of the National Guard for coming to CSDR and for serving our country.
LTC Desautel SFC Zabala SFC Cook SFC Baragan SFC Mayorquino SSG Eisman SFC O'Brien SSG Carlucci SPC Rosales SPC Speltie
SPC Speltie presents an award to his supervisor Dave Hernandez (above) and to Curtis Miracle, Chief of Plant Operations (below)
The students were fascinated with the Hummer!
Supt. Grossinger accepts a lapel pin from SPC Speltie
Supt. Grossinger accepts the “Seven Seals Award” on behalf of CSDR
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PAWSITIVE REFLECTIONS
St. Patrick’s Day Party By Matthew Fein, High School Student We had a St. Patrick ’ s Day dorm
test were the Freshmen,
party with a lot of interesting and fun
second place was the Sen-
things happening. The party was
iors, third place was Sopho-
held at Social Hall from 7:30 pm to
mores, and last place were
9:30 pm.
the Juniors.
About 95 percent of the people wore
During the last part of the
green clothes to the party. We had
party, dessert was provided
delicious food which included: BBQ
to students and staff.
smokies, chili sauce with grape jelly
Zelene Sandoval and
smokies, Mexican layer dip with tor-
Kevin Garcia won the free
tilla chips, vegetable tray, ranch dip,
candy jar because they
hot buffalo wings, BBQ wings, pineapple with 7-up, and several sodas. The most popular food was Buffalo wings; the least popular was deviled eggs.
guessed the jar held 75 Later on, we played several games, such as
candies. I would like to say thanks to
hot potato, changing costumes, and a green
all the Lassen dorm students for host-
jello contest. The winners from the jello con-
ing such a great party.
A Parent’s Guide to MAP What is MAP? Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a computer based achievement test. What are the differences between the MAP and other tests that my child has taken? •
It has no time limits so students may work at their own pace to achieve at their best.
•
MAP is adaptive. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the next question by how the student performs on the previous questions. Simply, the questions become more difficult or less difficult with each question – thus producing a very realistic performance range for each student.
•
MAP scores are shown at its completion providing teachers and students immediate feedback.
•
Year to year MAP scores show true growth in performance of each student. Just as you may keep a height growth chart on the back of a door in your home – we will keep a MAP academic growth chart for each student.