New Mexico Progress Winter/Spring 2012-2013 English Edition

Volume 103 / Issue 2 / Winter & Spring 2012 - 13

Out and About In DC

NMSD Students Explore Our Country's Capital

New Mexico School for the Deaf

Vision

Beliefs

Children and students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing will become lifelong learners and contributing, well-rounded successful individuals in an increasingly global society.

In an environment of respect, trust, and safety, we believe in…

Mission The mission of the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD), New Mexico’s first public school, is to provide for the unique needs of children and students who are deaf/hard of hearing, their families, and professional partners by providing a comprehensive array of school and statewide programs.

As a school, NMSD provides an American Sign Language and English bilingual learning environment that includes direct, ongoing access to language and communication in and out of the classroom with a wide range of peers and adults. The students are interactive learners who receive dynamic high quality standards-based instruction in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities.

As a statewide service agency, NMSD collaborates with families, school districts, agencies and communities throughout the state to meet the critical language, communication, and learning needs of children and students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing, birth through high school.

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viewing people who are deaf/hard of hearing from a cultural and linguistic perspective

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having high expectations that positively affect self-esteem, identity and whole person development

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providing early, ongoing, and fluid access to communication through natural language models

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developing proficiency in American Sign Language and English which is critical for fluent communication, literacy and academic achievement

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supporting the development of auditory skills and spoken language as appropriate to the strengths and needs of the individual child/student

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providing high quality early intervention and involvement services designed to help families give their children the earliest possible ongoing opportunities for language, learning and meaningful relationships

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fostering strong partnerships with families through learning and social opportunities

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identifying each student’s unique strengths and using them as the foundation for learning and development

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ensuring the child/student is a consistent and active participant in planned and incidental learning experiences in and out of the classroom

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embracing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity

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developing competence in the use of advanced technology

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having high quality and committed staff who possess and maintain expertise in their respective area

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supporting all students in the pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations February 2013

Feature Article 3

Out and About in DC NMSD Students Explore Our Country's Capital

12

3 26 Contents

Other Features

2

Superintendent's Update

12

Blood Drive

6

Early Intervention & Involvement

15

Harnessing the Sun

8

Preschools

26

Graduation Day

12

Main Campus

41

Retirees & Years of Service

28

Student Life

30

Athletics

33

Senior Activities

36

Statewide Services

38

Community Relations

Volume 103

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Issue 2

twitter.com/nmsdathletics Winter & Spring 2012 - 13

Superintendent’s Update Educational Training & Consultation and Early Intervention & Involvement Agency, we are passionate about continuing to raise the families’ and professionals’ understanding about the unique language, communication and educational needs of the d/hh children they have. There are two persistent key issues in the entire field that I would like to quickly, but strongly touch upon. They are topics that will be central in the next NMSD improvement plan.

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Dear Friends, This year’s accreditation effort through AdvancEd and the Conference of Educational Administrators of Programs and Schools for the Deaf (CEASD) has been done. After a thorough review of our self-study reports and visit of our programs, I am happy to report that the teams gave us high ratings and commendations across the board leading to recommendations for our full accreditation.

As always happens, and more important to our quest for excellence, they also came up with recommendations for our continued improvement. We will be taking them into account along with needs identified from our last strategic planning cycle when we develop our next NMSD improvement plan. We are taking this first step in June with renewed anticipation and enthusiasm.

This brings us to NMSD’s core purpose, which is to genuinely provide and advocate for a quality education and whole person development for every deaf/hard of hearing child and student in NM. As a school, we have been, and will continue to be, positioned to do this directly. Out of our statewide programs of the Center for 2 / NM Progress / Superintendent's Update

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Schools, families and others have to stop using the child being deaf or hard of hearing as a reason or excuse for his academic underachievement and other sub-par whole person development outcomes. This has gone on too long. Rather, it is language and communication deprivation along with low expectations that have historically disabled the d/hh child. Neuroscience or brain research says it is the brain that is the key to his language, academic, emotional, auditory and speech skills development.

It is about time that we all do a much better job of taking full advantage of what is normal and fully functional in each deaf/hh child. In most cases, the child’s vision is fully operational and a strength. We must use this asset to its fullest along with his other senses.

Again and again, what hearing children routinely experience from birth and at school does not happen for too many d/ hh children leading to negative outcomes: having early, ongoing and direct access to fluid language and communication; age-appropriate academic expectations and grade-level concepts; active, spontaneous and comfortable ongoing interaction opportunities with peers and adults in and out of the classroom; and teachers

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who can give clear and accurate information about how the child is learning and developing as a fullfledged human being.

We must bring on the day when everyone understands it is the environment that has hurt or disabled d/hh children more than anything else. The deaf/hh child is not disabled. Rather when we give him fundamental, quality access, academic rigor and an excellent education, the sky is the limit for d/hh children. This has been, and will continue to be, NMSD’s passion and commitment.

Increasingly in today’s rapidly changing world, not enough serious attention is given to parents getting complete and accurate information necessary for them to make the right decisions for their d/hh children. Parents must have the right information about their child’s actual strengths and needs; how their child is really developing and doing at school; and where their children should go to school. Only until then are parents allowed and empowered to make informed child-driven decisions. Given parents want nothing less than to do what is really right and best for their children, they deserve and must have the information they need. NMSD continues to be keenly focused on making this happen.

Onto NMSD doing more than ever before for the whole field of education of the deaf and hard of hearing.

Wishing you all an enjoyable summer.

Best wishes, Ronald Stern

Out and About in DC

By Vergena Chee, Fatima Esquivel, Amanda Gonzalez, Estefany Reyes, Jaqueline Sanchez, Kendrick Skeets and Laurie Anderson

Smithsonian Institution and other landmarks, we also gained a deeper perspective of Deaf Culture. A seed of inspiration was planted for future educational goals upon visiting Gallaudet University.Â

In March, the American Sign Language English Intensive Program (AEIP), formally known as the Bilingual Language Institute (BLI), took its fifth annual trip to Washington, DC. Yet again, it was a huge success! We had the opportunity to visit important and historical landmarks to enrich their understanding and appreciation for American history and government. In addition to visiting monuments, the

Prior to leaving for DC, we worked hard to raise money by distributing support letters to relatives, friends and community members asking for their help in funding the trip. We hosted a 50/50 raffle to help cover some of the travel expenses. Due to the generosity of family and community support, we experienced an unforgettable and educational journey!

DC Trip / NM Progress / 3

“My favorite place we visited was the Jewish Holocaust Memorial Museum. I now have a clearer understanding of what happened to Jewish people during the Holocaust.

I also liked visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial because Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted people to feel equal. Visiting his memorial was inspiring.”

– Fatima Esquivel

“The National Museum of Natural History was my favorite because I was able to see and learn about different animals. I also liked visiting the Abraham Lincoln Memorial because I felt inspired, happy and honored to see the place where Abraham Lincoln is remembered.”

– Vergena Chee

“I liked visiting Washington, DC as it was a lot different from New Mexico. There was more traffic and many different kinds of people. New Mexico is quieter.

I thought the cherry blossom trees were beautiful.”

– Kendrick Skeets

4 / NM Progress / Feature

The class had the chance to interact with U.S. Senator Tom Udall, an elected official who currently represents our home state, in his office in Washington, DC.

“My favorite places were the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of the American Indian.

I liked the National Gallery of Art because of the beautiful paintings in each exhibit. The architecture of the National Museum of the American Indian was amazing, and there was so much information about different Native American tribes.” – Amanda Gonzalez

“My experience traveling to Washington, DC to see different museums was amazing. My favorite place was the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. We could see the new and different designs and colors used to make the dollar bills.”

– Estefany Reyes

“I enjoyed visiting the National Archives because I was able to see the real U.S. Constitution. The National Archives was awesome because it has historical documents that helped me to understand our history a little better.”

– Jaqueline Sanchez

Feature / NM Progress / 5

Dr. Madan Vasishta (Chief Advisor to IGNOU’s Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre and former NMSD Superintendent) watches as one of the students in the program is given a laptop.

Laptops for India

By Joanne Corwin

NMSD supports Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their teachers around the world! Staff from the Early Intervention and Involvement Division collected several used laptops in good working order for IGNOU, a teacher training program in Indore, India. NMSD staff members, Scott Mohan, Nate Harrison and Scott Vollmar, delivered these laptops when they traveled to India last summer. They also provided consultation, workshops, feedback and support to the teachers and administrators at the Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy, the only bilingual Deaf school in India. The school is non-government, and run by the Mook Badhir Sangathan organization.

“Fairing” Well!

By Ana Torres

Ana Torres, SE Regional Supervisor with PIC, at the Health and Wellness Fair organized by Child and Family Services of Lea County, in Hobbs.

6 / NM Progress / Early Involvement and Intervention

IGNOU is still in need of good quality, used laptops!

If you’d like to donate a laptop with internet access and an up-to-date operating system, please contact Joanne Corwin at 505-2755433 or joanne.corwin@nmsd.k12.nm.us.

“The donated laptops have had a huge impact on students. They no longer have to wait their turn to use a computer and have the flexibility to use them while in the classroom and at home.” —Dr. Madan Vasishta

The Parent Infant Child (PIC) Program does an amazing job of representing NMSD in the community. They organize health fairs, Child Find events, and developmental screening opportunities collaborating with other Early Intervention Agencies. At the recent Health and Wellness Fair, organized by Child and Family Services of Lea County in Hobbs, Early Intervention and Involvement staff provided in-depth information about hearing screenings and chronic otitis media to the more than 300 families in attendance. As a community partner, NMSD provides critical comprehensive information about NMSD’s on-campus and statewide programs including: PIC, Deaf Mentor, and AmeriCorps. Throughout the state, NMSD is seen as the standard for services, guidance, and assistance regarding education for Deaf/ Hard of Hearing children and their families. This sentiment was echoed by one of the Head Start providers at the fair: "NMSD’s Early Intervention programs are always there for us, Thank you.

Thank you!"

Atresia & Microtia

By Joanne Corwin

Did you know that New Mexico leads the nation in the number of children who have atresia and microtia? In fact, New Mexico has up to five times the occurrence of atresia/microtia as compared to many states, including our neighboring Arizona. Microtia means that the pinna (external ear) is underdeveloped, and atresia is the absence of the ear canal or failure of the canal to be tubular or fully formed.

Several theories exist about why New Mexico has such a high incidence of this condition, but one

thing is certain: The NMSD Early Intervention & Involvement (EII) Division serves these children and families all over the state.

Recently, the Parent Infant Child (PIC) Program arranged for several families whose children have atresia/microtia, to meet at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. Not only did everyone have a great time exploring and playing at the museum, but the children loved seeing others who had the same condition as they did. The parents quickly bonded with each other and became fast friends. Another family-to-family networking opportunity was held in Albuquerque. Dr. Gayle Mohorcich, audiologist from NMSD’s Albuquerque Preschool, spoke about the dynamics of atresia and microtia as well as the process of cosmetic repair of the outer ear. Families whose children have gone through the repair shared their experience as well. One family summed up the experience by saying, “There’s nothing better than families working with other families!”

Serving Families of Diversity

By Joanne Corwin

Stacy Abrams and Joseph “Jojo” Lopez showing the awards they received for having the most impacting poster session.

The Santa Fe Children's Museum was a great place to make and catch up with friends. From left: Brittany Dutton, Lilly DuttonLeyda, Xzander Pacheco and mom, Alicia Garcia.

Water fun with Prudence Salinas & PIC program staff Kristi Halus.

Several staff members from the EII Division attended the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona from April 13-16. Stacy Abrams, Coordinator of the NMSD Deaf Mentor (DM) Program, and Joseph Lopez, III (Jo Jo), full-time Deaf Mentor, proudly represented NMSD at a session entitled, “The Deaf Mentor Program in New Mexico: Serving Families of Diversity.” Their session was well attended and addressed various ways in which our DM Program builds strong working relationships with families from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, namely Spanishspeaking and Native families. In fact, Stacy and Jojo won top honors for this year’s BEST poster session. Stacy also represented NMSD in another EHDI conference session with a panel of Deaf Mentor Program Coordinators. NMSDs’ Deaf Mentor program is the largest and third oldest program of its kind in the United States. Numerous attendees expressed an interest in establishing their own Deaf Mentor Program. As a result, they were grateful for the expertise and years of experience NMSD offers in providing guidance as they begin the process of setting up programs within their own states.

Early Involvement and Intervention / NM Progress / 7

Family Literacy Night

dinner along with the importance of literacy development.

the most important thing a parent can do is carve out special times for reading (and bonding!) as this will begin to develop a love of literacy.

Sha Reins, NMSD preschool teacher and 7th generation deaf of deaf, shared about growing up as a deaf child as well as raising a deaf child.

Sha emphasized that reading should be a bonding time, as well as a tool to develop literacy skills. She also shared strategies for keeping a child’s attention in a positive way.

It is common for deaf children to look away or stare at the book and sometimes this becomes frustrating to parents.

Parents can tap the child’s shoulder or use their facial expressions to maintain attention and eye contact.

By Lisa Rutland

On February 21st, the Albuquerque Preschool held a Family Literacy Night, focusing on parents reading books with their children. It was fun to share

The workshop also included hands-on practice; the parents read books to Deaf adults and those adults provided feedback and encouragement to the parents! Sha assured parents

Sha closed the event by reading with her adorable two-year old son, Tavian.

Tavian loves airplanes and other flying objects, so they read the book Planes

by Byron Barton. We loved watching their special bond. It was a successful evening as parents left more committed than ever to spending more time reading with their children!

Family members practice read-aloud techniques (left) with each other while their children play together (above).

Touring NMSD

By Sally Anderson

The NMSD Albuquerque Preschool works with children from 18 months through 6 years of age. After that, a child may transition from our program to a local public or charter school, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program offered by the Albuquerque Public Schools or NMSDSanta Fe.

Above: Students waiting to board the RailRunner back to Albuquerque. Right: The happy faces reflect a great visit to NMSD’s Santa Fe Campus.

Kindergarten teacher Ashley Collins and I work closely with families as they approach this important transition in their child's life. We discuss all the available options with parents, what they should be looking for in a potential program, and what type of program or school might best "fit" their child. Parents are strongly encouraged to visit any program or school they are considering.

8 / NM Progress / Early Childhood - Albuquerque Preschool

Tours of our Santa Fe campus are planned so that parents and kindergarteners can get a first-hand look at everything NMSD-Santa Fe has to offer. We ride the RailRunner train to Santa Fe to meet with Hedy Udkovich-Stern, Family Specialist, for a tour of the campus. We then visit the child's prospective class and chat with Principal Scott Mohan and Superintendent Dr. Ron Stern. Both are happy to discuss the school and answer any questions. To date, all of our Albuquerque families have been impressed with the many programs and services available at the Santa Fe campus. As a result, most have expressed an interest in deepening their relationship with NMSD by enrolling their child in our main campus program.

AA

Austin Haley’s eyes light up in awe as his pom poms launch to amazing heights.

The Road Less Traveled

By Mary Helen Perez

Elias Curley carefully lines up his pom poms on his spoon launcher.

Launching Into Spring

By Mary Helen Perez

AA

Above: Austin Haley and Elias Curley paint in harmony.

Below: Austin Haley paints using the tractor with the “cool” tire treads.

Our preschool boys love cars! Given free time, they will choose to play with their cars or build roads or ramps to support their play scenarios.

Since they seemed to tire when painting at easels, we decided to paint cars this time.

For our “The Road Less Traveled” unit, we unrolled a giant sheet of white paper, three plates of paint, and a variety of cars, trucks, and tractors.

The students loved running the vehicles through the paint to discover the different tracks they left behind.

Elias Curley made roads and played out different crash scenarios. Austin Haley carefully made tracks with several different cars, creating a defined road. Jayden Apache practiced negotiating for the different cars that he wanted from his friends. The “trade you” approach

worked well for him.

The next day we presented the boys with various die-cut vehicle shapes. We suggested incorporating them into their paintings. Jayden began to set up his neighborhood, draw houses and people, as well as label the various vehicles independently. He told a beautiful story that we recorded in story workshop. Austin Haley drew family and friends with lines connecting each of them to their very own vehicle. He was eager to label the people and their vehicles.

A curious visitor to our school peaked into our room and said, “Won’t the children get paint on the carpet?” I just smiled and said that I trusted them to use the paint wisely.

Three little boys believe it was well worth the risk!

Preschool student, Elias, loved to ‘launch’ his spoon into the air at breakfast! His face would light up every time he sent it into the air until it hit the floor. Not exactly polite table manners! We thought if Elias was presented with opportunities for experimentation inside the classroom, then perhaps the spoon flipping behavior would lessen at the breakfast table. Soon a jar of spoons and pom pom balls appeared in the classroom. After a short demonstration, students became very busy launching the pom pom balls higher and higher into the air!

The next day we asked, “How can we launch the pom poms using our blocks?” The students experimented with different blocks until they came up with a working model. The day after that we asked, “How can we make a bigger launcher?” We searched the building for materials until we found a bolster and hard foam balance beam. These were fashioned into a powerful launcher that sent our classroom stuffed animals soaring into the ceiling tiles.

What started as launching a spoon evolved into a hands-on lesson about velocity and gravity. What a fun way to learn something new as we ‘launched’ into spring!!

Early Childhood - Farmington Preschool / NM Progress / 9

Nathalia Avila and Devon Burrows pretend to mail packages and get them ready for delivery.

Letters of Love

By Kim Boykin

Valentines are especially treasured by parents when they are made by their children’s loving hands. This year we decided that we would send our valentines in the mail instead of tucked into backpacks. We decided to learn more about the post office and how letters magically appear at our homes.

First, we ‘opened’ an NMSD post office in our dramatic play area. We learned that mail has numbers and letters on the

Devon Burrows, Nathalia Avila and Joseph Murillo inspect their letters before they are ready to send.

front that represent our homes. We also practiced ink stamping letters, postcards, our bodies and just about everything else!

We played with sticky stamps and learned they belong on the front of the letter.

Then we dressed up like mail carriers and delivered mail to our classroom boxes.

The day of our field trip to the post office, we met the postman. He showed us how he weighs the mail. He let us stick the stamps on the letters and send them into the slot for processing. We learned how the mail is carried in trucks and sometimes planes to where it needs to be delivered. Our parents were pleased to receive their special letters of love. In this day of email and automatic responses, it was fun to demonstrate the process of snail mail!

A ‘Biting’ Tale!

By Kim Boykin

This winter, Mesilla Elementary School was pleased to invite noted author Joe Hayes for a classroom visit. He is always a joy to watch as he spins tales of growing up in the Southwest. He’s also written many wonderful books, but the two books our students enjoy the most are The Gum Chewing Rattler and Soft Child. He even autographed The Gum Chewing Rattler for our classroom!

Both of these books are about rattlesnakes.

The first is a tale of how leaving chewing gum in his pocket saved him from a rattlesnake bite. The second is a story of how the rattlesnake now has fangs. Both stories inspired units of study about rattlesnakes.

The students really connected with The Gum Chewing Rattler and asked to have it read over and over again.

We had Rikki DiMaria, our AmeriCorps volunteer, videotaped so we could watch the story told repeatedly. Students also took turns telling the story. One of our students who had not been very interested in storytelling was captivated, and surprised us all with an absolutely beautiful retelling. It is amazing the power of a wonderfully written story!

Thank you, Joe Hayes!

Author Joe Hayes poses for a picture with Nathalia Avila and Joseph Murillo.

10 / NM Progress / Early Childhood - Las Cruces Preschool

Joseph Murillo watches the postal worker weigh the letters with Valentines for his parents.

For the Birds!

By Emma Lozada

AA

Jason Quinonez, Sybella Radven and Tavian Plonski adding feathers, sticks and leaves to the picture of a bird.

Toddlers have a natural curiosity about everything! When our toddlers saw birds out of the classroom window one day, they signed the word “BIRD” and wanted to learn more!

First, I asked them if they thought the birds were hungry. I showed them bird seeds. We added more bird seed to the feeder and water to the bird bath. We watched for the birds to eat some seeds and drink water. Our students saw the birds eating and drinking water. They were excited

and signed, “BIRD EAT! BIRD EAT!” I explained birds get hungry and thirsty and need to eat and drink just like we do. Then we “flew”into exploring and building concepts and vocabulary related to eggs. Our toddlers compared the differences between raw and boiled eggs. They watched eggs boil, and once cooled they peeled the shells off. And then they gobbled them up on crackers during snack time! Finally, we visited PetSmart where our students had a lot of fun seeing colorful birds and many other animals!

If You’re Happy!

By Kim Hand

My class fell in love with Jane Cabera’s wonderful pattern concept book: If You’re Happy and You Know It! Patterned concept books have a strong rhythmic flow that can help children read along with adults, and predict what language comes next on the page. Since it was so popular, our class decided to make a short film of the book. Kimora, Jesse and Sirrah did a great job signing and acting out the lines. They had so much fun and were

so excited! We shared our movie with the entire Early Childhood department. After watching, we asked all of the children to show us if they were happy. Their huge smiles said it all! Later, we showed the movie on “Good Morning NMSD.” The entire community had the chance to watch…and smile! We were glad to share our happiness with everyone!

Sirrah Wilding, Jesse Crespin and Kimora Vollmar reading their favorite book.

A clip from the movie the kids made.

Early Childhood - Santa Fe Toddlers & Preschool / NM Progress / 11

$

In Times of Need

By Kim Burkholder

When Hurricane Sandy devastated the east coast of New England late last year, our elementary students were very concerned. They

wanted to do something to help. Some of my students suggested that we have a team meeting to discuss how we could assist those affected by the storm. When we discussed it, everyone wanted to make and sell soap as we did last year when we raised funds for Heifer International.

We asked the 1st and 2nd grade class if they wanted to be involved with this

$304 was donated to the Red Cross!

fundraising effort. They decided they wanted to make and sell cinnamon ornaments!

We all worked hard making and selling the soap and ornaments. We sold them to staff, as well as at the Winter Variety Show. Later, we all counted the money together.

We were so happy and proud that we earned $304 to send to the Red Cross! Thanks to all who supported our fundraiser!

AA Top left: Jesus Rios cutting shapes out of the soap he’s making.

Top right: Olivia Haley stirring the melting soap base.

Love is in the Air

By Diana Berrigan

This year, the elementary department decided we wanted to write Valentine’s Day cards to our friends at the Indore Bilingual Academy in India. This is the school where Scott Mohan, Scott Vollmar and Nate Harrison volunteered last summer. Scott explained that ‘Namaste’ is a way of saying hello and showing respect and gratitude in India, and that there is no Valentine’s Day in India. To honor Indian culture, we cooked Indian food - lentils, rice with

carrots, and fruit salad - for a Valentine’s Day party. At the party, we sampled the Indian food we made, opened our cards, and wrapped up the party by playing Valentine’s Day bingo!

We mailed our cards to Indore Bilingual Academy, and we hope they smiled when they received them!

AA Bottom right: L.J. Hernandez, Dustin Hand and Ricardo Salmon choosing spices for the Lentil.

12 / NM Progress / Elementary

Bottom left: Calypso Tucker and the card she made for students at Indore Bilingual Academy.

Harnessing the Sun

By Cindy Timlen & Students

Our middle school students recently learned to write persuasive letters in their English class while simultaneously studying conservation and energy in their science class. After discussing possible group topics for their letters, students decided to write Dr. Stern asking him to consider installing solar panels on our new and upcoming library. We invited Randy Sadewick to educate us on solar panels. He is coowner of Santa Fe’s Positive Energy Solar Company.

Randy conducted a workshop on solar electricity and brought solar panels hooked up to a light bulb to demonstrate how electricity is generated from the sun. Students also visited the company showroom, where they explored the mechanics of solar panel displays in more depth. Positive Energy even has a solar car charging station for electric vehicles. It was illuminating seeing how many ways the sun can be harnessed to save precious resources and money!

Here is what we learned: Why Renewable Energy?

â—‘ Solar is infinite energy, delivered as a natural power

w NO greenhouse gas emissions

đ&#x;?‚ Using renewable energy is the true way to live in harmony with nature

Solar charging station at the Positive Energy Solar Company.

Dear Dr. Ronald Stern, We support the idea of using solar power at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. With all the new construction projects happening around campus, we should be serious about incorporating solar power sources at some point in the near future. We will explain the benefits of using solar power at NMSD. The first benefit is that the use of solar panels will save money because electricity will cost less to use. We invited a representative from Positive Energy Solar to come to our class for a workshop about solar energy. The representative will provide us with an estimate cost of solar panels for the new library based on the roof size and the predicted electrical needs for the library. Mr. Richard Gorman is helping us get the numbers we need for this project.

The second benefit is to help NMSD become greener by using sunlight as a solar source for our electricity needs.

Solar energy is renewable and cleaner to use.

Thirdly, we have the opportunity to start small with the new and upcoming library. We could install roof mounts and add solar panels in the near future.

We hope you will support our idea about using solar power at NMSD. Now is the perfect time to invest in the world’s most abundant energy resource: solar power.

Sincerely, Middle School Students

# Electricity and gasoline prices increasing

& there's so much of it: Energy from sun hitting the US every year: 147,250 Quads

AA

Energy consumed in the US every year: 100 Quads

Janell Miller demonstrates how the solar light panel works.

INVESTING IN SOLAR IS CHEAPER AND CLEANER THAN PAYING FOR DIRTY FOSSIL FUELS! MIddle School / NM Progress / 13

Life Blood

By Diana Berrigan

In the NMSD community, there are many heroes. Candi Harbison, elementary teacher, believes that there is a hero in each one of us. This belief led her to ask the United Blood Services to conduct a blood drive at NMSD. As a result, the United Blood Services bus rolled onto our campus and parked between Connor and Dillon Hall. Students aged 16 and up, as well as staff, were invited to donate blood.

24

People donated blood @ NMSD

Younger students were given a quick, yet fascinating, tour of the bus by United Blood Services staff members. Our local hospital, via United Blood Services, nearly met their donation goals! They were impressed that NMSD was able to achieve such a high level of blood donation.

We thank everyone involved with this important service, knowing that it will have an impact on our community!

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Pints of blood were collected

BASIC DONOR CRITERIA Have not traveled out of country for at least 1 year 째 Weight > 100lbs 째 Must be 16 with parental consent or 17 and older 째 Want to donate blood!

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Lives impacted by our donations - all local

You can donate blood every 8 weeks!

14 / NM Progress / Feature

If you were a donor, what would have you experienced?

Follow the “Blood Drive Today!” sign to the United Blood Services bus. Are you ready?

Because it was so windy that day, you were cautioned to open the door carefully.

Before donating blood, you were interviewed — some of you were unable to donate!



Your donated blood is fed directly through this machine.

You sat here while donating blood. There was all sorts of stuff to make you feel comfy.

Once approved to donate, you had to sit and wait your turn.



The average donation lasts 10-15 minutes. You are done - that was quick!

You lose a lot of water and sodium when you donate.

Time to replenish!

Tada! You just donated a pint of blood and are now considered a hero!

Feature / NM Progress / 15

Exploring Explora

By Olivia Timpson

In January, students of all ages set out on an adventurous field trip to “Explora” in Albuquerque. Elementary students, middle school and high school students were invited to attend hands-on workshops.

Elementary students enjoyed a presentation about Stuffy, an eight foot tall doll used to discuss food digestion. As students removed an organ, the presenter would discuss it. Then students would chime in with comments and laughter. We all enjoyed the funny and educational presentation. The high school and middle school kids attended a different presentation about Simple Machines. We experimented with levers and pulleys and manipulated systems to make them work better.

After the workshops, we explored experiments with light, air, water and sound. Older students had the chance to ride across a tightrope strapped to a bicycle!wLater, we all went to the mall and enjoyed lunch together.

The elementary classes departed home on the bus. The middle school and high school classes took public transportation from the mall to the Railrunner train. All the students had a fantastic time and came away with lots of new knowledge. We all can’t wait to return to Explora again!

AA Top right: Guinivere Shorty, Mariah Martinez and Manuelito Velasquez learning about the forces applied on incline planes.

Bottom right: Fun with bubbles!

Bottom left: Students and Stuffy!

16 / NM Progress / Community Based Instruction

Have a Heart

By Jackie Martinez Imagine how delighted you’d feel to be given a beautiful heart shaped sugar cookie decorated with an explosion of colorful sprinkles! That would make anyone feel better, right?! And that’s exactly what happened when the homebound, chronically ill clients of Kitchen Angels opened up their Valentine’s Day meal and found cookies made with love by NMSD students!

Our elementary to high school Community Based Instruction (CBI) students were excited to prepare the cookies, and be creative with their decorating techniques. L.J. Hernandez created beautiful patterns,

and commented that the activity “was fun and made me happy.” Johnathan Ludwigs shared his thoughts: “We decorated cookies for people who are sick on Valentine’s Day, and that made me proud.” Jessica Chavez beautifully expressed that when clients saw their cookies she wanted them to “feel loved!” Tony McCarty, Kitchen Angels’ Executive Director, is always deeply touched by NMSD’s kindness.

He told us that: “The cookies are works of art and can’t help but bring a smile to the faces of our clients.”

This year, the older CBI students delivered the delicious works of art to Kitchen Angels as well as stayed to help bag them up.

We’re proud that NMSD has been baking and decorating cookies for Kitchen Angels clients for nearly 20 years that’s a lot of love!

Back In the Saddle Again

By Andrew Parker

Our middle school Community Based Instruction (CBI) program has been attending an equine therapy lesson through the New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding. Students who might have difficulty staying focused in class learn to work with a 1000-pound animal. The horses are specifically trained to work with special populations, and students learn how to groom, lead and ride their horse in a safe and cooperative manner.

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Above: Students and Keri-Lynn McBride presenting cookies to Tony McCarty, Executive Director of Kitchen Angels.

Below: Busy decorating colorful cookies.

As I grew up in a Texas rodeo town and trained horses while in college, I enjoy the great privilege of accompanying my students to the ranch each week. I am able to bring the experience back into the classroom where my students learn more about equine culture and horses. In the saddle, the students are calmer, more alert, and appear more receptive to learning. Perhaps it is the outdoors or the sense of responsibility for the horses - but my class and I always look forward to Wednesdays when we go out to the ranch!

Waylon Lopez, a 6th grader in the program, has ridden “Tosca” most every week. He shared that: “After brushing, cleaning hooves and saddling up, we lead our horse into the arena and ride. When we are done, we take all the tack off, put it up, and then feed the horses for their good work.”

The riding program’s positive effect on student, Johnathan Ludwigs, 8th grader, is clearly evident in his comments. “I’ve been going to horse therapy [for 5 years now].

There I learned to ride and stay calm.

Now I help the instructor teach the elementary kids. I explain how to behave around a horse, help them groom and lead the horse properly; that it is important they sit up straight and look where they are going when riding. It is fun!”

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From left: Keanu Yazzie, Tony Ortiz and Waylon Lopez saddle up and are ready for their riding lesson.

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Animal Lovers

Petting two of the shelter’s dogs.

By Heather Parker

In February, my class had the opportunity to visit the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society for a tour and a question/answer session with Tom Alexander, the Educational Outreach Coordinator. As a part of a unit focused on humane education, my students composed questions to ask Mr. Alexander. Not only did they ask great questions, they also learned how to utilize an interpreter throughout the process!

The tour included meeting adorable rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats.

We also heard about the intake and adoption process and policies, as well as the importance of keeping a sanitary environment for all the animals and humans. Students witnessed volunteers in action, learning how heavily the animal shelter relies on volunteers.

Back in the classroom, the students created experience books based on what they learned during their field trip.

Melanie Begay wrote: “It was neat to go and see what goes on inside the animal shelter.” Eloy Garcia enthused: “There are many cats and dogs, they need a home.” Cedric

You Are What You Eat!

By Becca Hari

Healthy eating is beneficial for everyone. This year, my students focused on learning about the major food groups. They also learned how to adapt regular recipes into healthier versions - preparing tasty breakfast burritos, omelets, tacos, steak and green beans and taco-style pizza as a result. Students really enjoyed sharing the cooking process as well as eating the finished products. They found each recipe to be delicious and surprisingly healthy!

As a final project, students tried out healthier recipes and whipped them up for each other. The cooking sessions were videotaped, and students edited their footage using 18 / NM Progress / High School

IMovie. They had great fun starring in their very own cooking show! We hope they’ve incorporated new ideas about how to make healthy food choices from now on!

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Lucille Gregory and Karla Wilson editing their cooking show.

Toledo stated: “I really liked petting the cats. Cats are my favorite animal.”

And Margaret Appa added: “I hope we can volunteer and help them; the animals need our help.” My class is currently exploring volunteer opportunities at the shelter!

Melanie Begay checking out a flyer about Felicity, who’s ready to be adopted by a loving individual.

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Out front of the state capitol building. Sitting from left: Cedric Toledo, Andrick Carroll and Zachery Lee. Standing from left: Mark Chavez, Carla Rodriguez, Margaret Appa, Jesus Medrano, Amanda Surduken and Rollin Warwick.

Round the Roundhouse

By Gary Hand

This winter, the students in my New Mexico History classes explored the state capitol - situated in the heart of Santa Fe. To prepare for our trip, we studied the history of the capitol.

We learned that the ‘Roundhouse’ is where the New Mexico State Legislature meets, and that it was designed to resemble the Zia sun symbol when viewed from above. It is the only round capitol building in the country!

Once inside, we trekked through the rotunda and headed up to the gallery where we watched the Senate and the House of Representatives in action. The second floor features colorful artwork on display. We even bumped into Dr. Ron Stern and Mark Apodaca who were there to meet with Senator Nancy Rodriguez-D of Santa Fe. She chatted with us briefly, telling us that her daughter attended NMSD. It was nice to meet a senator who could communicate in ASL! We ended our tour with a trip to the third floor, where we got a sneak peek at the Governor and Lt. Governor’s offices. We were very impressed with the beauty of our Roundhouse!

NM's capitol is the only round capitol building in the country!

And it's shaped like a Zia Symbol!

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From left: Immanuel Neubauer, Lucille Gregory, Kaleb Larkins and Jaime Lopez-Ramirez standing near an impressive buffalo head art piece.

High School / NM Progress / 19

Readilicious!

By Seth Gore

Can you imagine being served pizza and cookies by President Obama and Bill Gates? Well, we can’t say that happened. However, we can say that some of our students were treated to something even better—the Superintendent of NMSD, Dr. Stern, and several administrators!

As a way to honor students who set and exceeded personal reading goals, administrators, along with the impromptu “restaurant” (library) staff, hosted an Accelerated Reader (AR) Luncheon. Students arrived at the “restaurant” where they gave lunch orders to “waiters and waitresses.”

Dr. Jennifer Herbold, NMSD’s Curriculum and Special Programs principal, congratulated students for accomplishing their AR goals. She asked if they enjoyed being rewarded for their achievement. Students enthusiastically yelled “YES” - and Dr. Herbold shared that there would be rewards in the future, but that they will be different each time. Students are looking forward to their next academic achievement surprise!

The Accelerated Reader (AR) program is a set of software that helps students track their reading levels by taking various quizzes on the books they’ve read.

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Top photo: Maureen Irons taking students’ lunch orders!

Bottom photo: Jen Herbold and Seth Gore serving cookies to students.

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Roadrunners in Red & White

By Seth Gore

When you’re celebrating the world of Dr. Seuss, wacky clothes and red-white striped hats are definitely the right attire.

In February, the elementary and ECE departments—staff and students alike— participated in a week-long, country-wide program called Reading Across America (RAA). RAA encourages students and adults to read because reading is good for everyone!! RAA occurs annually during the week of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and to honor his memory, we became “book nuts.” We enjoyed daily dress up themes throughout our week-long celebration, as well as several reading parties throughout the week. We concluded our celebration on Friday with a huge ice cream and book-filled gathering in our library, where staff wore black clothes and red-white striped hats! We all had fun remembering Dr. Seuss.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

“Be awesome! Be a book nut!”

“Think and wonder, wonder and think.”

Worth a Thousand Words!

By Pat Ercolino

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As film critic Roger Ebert once wrote: “Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.”

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What do you think they are feeling?

As one of NMSD’s school counselors, I work with students on how best to handle their emotions.

Our students learn that it is important to let people know how they are feeling. They learn that it is not permissible to throw temper tantrums, or to demonstrate their feelings by hurting others - either physically or emotionally.

It is equally important that parents and family members discuss emotions with their children. These discussions can happen naturally throughout the day, at dinner time or on weekends. For younger children or children with language challenges, modeling facial emotions and then asking the child to guess the emotion is a fun way to develop vocabulary. Learning the signs and words for feelings is essential to healthy social development.

Grouping Together

By Jennifer Rogers

Answers: 1. Sad Jim 2. Happy Joi 3. Nervous Jenn 4. Silly Pat

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As an intern from Gallaudet University, I’ve been working with the NMSD Mental Health Services department for several months. One of the activities I cherish is facilitating student groups.

I work with three different groups: Elementary students, Younger girls, and Older girls.

The elementary students participate in Six Pillar workshops: exploring trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

These values help support and guide our students to develop solid and positive decision-making skills.

Our group for eleven to thirteen year old girls meets biweekly. This is such a critical age in terms of developing

positive self-esteem and body image.

Our discussions share emotions about physical and developmental changes. Finally, our group of older girls meets periodically. We also focus on developing positive self-esteem and body image, with additional discussion on peer pressure, friendship, social skills, coping skills and wellness.

These groups provide a place for students to safely share their experiences with each other. Through honest sharing and discussion, students are better equipped to handle the many situations and emotions that face them as they grow into adulthood.

Jennifer and Joi leading an activity with elementary students.

Mental Health Services / NM Progress / 21

Becoming Your Own Advocate

their self-advocacy skills before they graduate.

By Dan Timlen

On February 25th and 26th, NMSD staff members David Anderson (Student Life Supervisor), Daniel Timlen (Coordinator of Transition Services), Jim Vigil (Behavior Specialist) and retired NMSD teacher, Carla Weeaks, participated in a training to become Self-Advocate workshop presenters. The training was based upon the workshops for graduating seniors on Self-Advocacy conducted by Ms. Corina Gutierrez, a Service Coordinator from the State

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Commission of the New Mexico Commission for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Her popular workshops provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence for situations involving accommodations for communication access and interpreting rights.

The staff training consists of seven modules: Advocating for Yourself and Others, Self Esteem and Determination, Work with Interpreters, Ethics of Working with Interpreters, Interpreting Services using Video Technology, Preparing for SelfAdvocacy, and Utilizing Resources for Action. The goal is to present the SelfAdvocacy workshops to all freshmen students so that they can monitor, promote, and provide feedback on

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Corina Gutierrez and Carla Weeaks preparing for the student training session.

“Often alumni and current students are unaware of their rights with interpreters. This training provides us with additional knowledge and resources we can teach our students so that they can stand up for themselves,” Daniel Timlen enthused.

Plans for freshman Self-Advocacy workshops are being discussed for Fall of 2013.

Jim Vigil and David Anderson leading a workshop on selfesteem and determination.

Uriah Wagner – Highs and ‘Lowes’!

By Dan Timlen

Motivated, determined and goal oriented only begin to describe Uriah Wagner’s many attributes.

While most students are concerned about the traditional milestones of homecoming, prom and graduation, Uriah is concerned about gaining the necessary work skills to maintain employment well beyond graduation.

He secured a class

schedule that allowed him to work as a meat department student worker at Lowes grocery store, even though it means awakening at 5:30 a.m. daily to arrive at Lowes by 7:00 a.m.

Uriah gets along well with his coworkers due to his patience and positive approach to work as well as his willingness to develop a communication system that works for everyone. His supervisor, for example, uses gestures and signs numbers to communicate the weight and pricing of the packaged meats.

“He is definitely part of the team, and he has potential to become a full time worker,” reports his supervisor, Jeremy. “It’s been a pleasure to have

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Uriah here, and given his determination and desire, I see no reason he will not be successful in any job he takes on.”

All of us in the Job Preparation Program are in awe of Uriah’s progress. He is a role model and positive representative - not just for NMSD students, but for all Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals in the state of New Mexico.

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Left: Uriah Wagner and his supervisor, Jeremy Wilson.

Above: Uriah wrapping up freshly cut meat.

Spring Into Action

Leslie Pam Sias volunteering at the Food Depot.

By Dan Timlen

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

Anthony J. D'Angelo.

Last year, nine students in the Job Preparation Program helped an elderly couple prepare their property for winter. The Community Service Project was a huge success, with students enjoying the opportunity to help others in the Santa Fe community.

Making A Difference

Hadassah Aguilar-Davis bagging leaves at Rosario Cemetery.

across Northern New Mexico. Karla and Dominic enjoyed seeing their former supervisor, Scott, and other volunteers with whom they had previously worked. The Food Depot Open House was a lively, fun event for all!

By Laurie Guggenheim

Last year, student Karla Wilson and alumnus Dominic Castillo worked at the Food Depot as part of their Job Preparation courses. They had the opportunity to interact with co-workers while handling tasks like separating donated food items, bagging bread and labeling cans.

Because of their volunteer experience, NMSD was invited to participate in the Santa Fe Food Depot’s Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 28th. This event celebrated the Food Depot’s beautiful new warehouse (complete with a huge walk-in refrigerator). During the Grand Opening, Karla and Dominic demonstrated how to bag and box apples to be distributed

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This spring, the Job Preparation Program implemented a monthly Community Service Project. We began with cleaning the Rosario Cemetery.

Students worked hard filling garbage

bags of leaves, papers, and sticks, with several cleaning muddy headstones as well. Ever Mendoza provided the most touching comment of the day: “Working here made me think about life, and how precious it is. I will try to live my life more carefully so that I can be with others I care about.” Students also volunteered at the Food Depot in Santa Fe on March 28th where they assisted with bagging up bread, cutting fruit and other tasks assigned by Food Depot staff. They also felt good about springing into action.

Students Impala Coleman, Monissa Smiley, Carlos Rodriguez, and Leslie Pam Sias were also invited to the Food Depot’s April Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. They were honored for their volunteer efforts bagging apples, oranges and bread for senior citizens and other people in Northern New Mexico. The staff at the Food Depot is so warm and welcoming to students - who always have a fun, happy, productive morning while helping out! We love that students are experiencing first-hand the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Dominic Castillo and Karla Wilson helping cut the ribbon at the new Food Depot facility.

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Pamela Kayonnie selling fry bread that SSC members made.

Students and staff dancing to the beat of Monissa Smiley’s drum.

Strong and Proud

By Elizabeth Gordon

The fifteen members of the Strong Silent Council (SSC) are NMSD students who belong to different Tribes throughout New Mexico and parts of Arizona. SSC holds bi-weekly club meetings for these students.

As sponsors, Dan Timlen and I focus on encouraging native students to learn about the specific customs and traditions of their tribes.

We participate in many activities like taking members to various pueblos, where they can experience 24 / NM Progress / Multi-Cultural Education

Mattea King experiencing how to grind corn.

first-hand feast day dances.

Our students are highly visual learners, and attending such events is extremely educational and beneficial. The SSC also hosts an annual November Feast Day on our NMSD campus. Tribal members attend and teach our students and staff about rich traditions like native corn growing, moccasin making, jewelry making and weaving.

SSC also raises funds for our annual weekend retreat by selling fry bread and Indian Tacos. The weekend provides an opportunity to further enhance the strong pride members have in their customs and traditions!

Dr. Joseph Hill, Jesse Jones and Robert Haney sharing their perspective on respecting all individuals.

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Students from NMSD’s Early Childhood Education Program demonstrating peacefully!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Pamela Macias

To commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Dr. Joseph Hill, a linguist and professor at the University of North Carolina, spent the day on our campus. Dr. Hill has travelled extensively throughout the nation presenting on the history of segregation and on the history and structure of Black ASL. He shared the life and dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr., and inspired our youngest students to draw their dreams on paper.

Our elementary students performed impressive skits, demonstrating their knowledge of Rosa Parks and Rudy Bridge.

NMSD staff members Robert Haney and Jesse Jones, III later joined Dr. Hill on a panel discussion, with older students attending. All three panel members emphasized the importance of accepting and respecting each other as individuals. Dr. Hill then shared his presentation about Black ASL, developed

by Black Deaf students due to segregation at schools for the deaf. Students had many questions relating to Dr. Hill’s powerful presentation.

The activities honoring such an important figure and leader in our nation’s history as Martin Luther King, Jr. will make a lasting impression on our students!

Life is all About Learning

By Pamela Macias

On January 22, NMSD enjoyed a visit from Tampa-based performer Jagannath ‘JAG’ Einhorn. JAG is a Deaf-Blind performer who graduated from Gallaudet University, and has since travelled throughout the United

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

States entertaining and educating students and the public. He uses humor to enlighten, while offering lots of helpful tidbits on the DeafBlind Community. JAG performed numerous skits with mighty Zeus, his trusty cane. He also shared his experience of Usher’s Syndrome, leaving him legally blind and deaf.

His life story inspired students as witnessed by the poignant questions for him about his experiences.

Students walked away with two of JAG’s daily quotes in mind: “Life is all about learning,” and “Nothing to lose.” JAG models this every day as he impacts those around him. We thank him for visiting NMSD!

What a great experience it was for me to visit NMSD and to work with your students and staff. – JAG

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JAG interacting with staff members during his presentation.

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Native Art

By Abby Longo

Thanks to a “Partners in Education” grant, NMSD was able to hire visiting artist Angela Gordon. Angela is a Native American Pueblo artist, an active tribal member of Cochiti and was born in Santa Fe. She explains: “[As a child] I always had a knack for drawing different animals and landscapes.

Painting and drawing is an important part of my culture.”

own works of art, incorporating many of the techniques she had taught them. Each student then created their own New Mexican wildlife silhouette using acrylic paints. Angela added one last painting lesson for the high school students on the Native American Headdress.

Angela convinced all of us to look more deeply at the colors of the world. After her workshop was over, students wrote a Lune Poem (also known as the American Haiku) to capture the mood the artwork had inspired!

Angela guided NMSD students through three weeks of studying Santa Fe sunsets, night skies, mountains and horizon lines. We used oil pastels to recreate the colorful beauty around us, learning about warm and cool colors as we practiced blending different shades and hues.

After practicing with oil pastels, Angela turned the focus to New Mexican wildlife. She explained silhouette art and acrylic paint mixing techniques. She showed students the step-by-step methods with which she creates her

Students interacting with Angela while creating horizon lines and wildlife silhouettes.

ArtSign

2013

By Abby Longo

Melanie Begay showing off her beautifully painted pink hands!

In February, the Arkansas School for the Deaf (ASD) hosted the BiAnnual ArtSign Festival. ArtSign was launched in the mid 1980’s at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD).

While it began as a local festival, it soon expanded to include four other schools for the deaf: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas.

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The common goal of ArtSign is to “express, appreciate and celebrate Deaf Culture, History and American Sign Language through art.”

During the day, students participated in a variety of workshops such as: glass fusing, dot art, wood carving, acrylic painting, wire doodles, ASL painted hand signs, expressive water coloring, printmaking, ASL Theater, and even cupcake decorating!

Evening entertainment was provided

by Trix Bruce. We also had a chance to watch the new ASL Film, “SLOT.” A dance night allowed everyone to mix and mingle with their new friends! We also visited several local landmarks like the Clinton Library, the Museum of Art, and the famous Central High School and Little Rock 9. On the final evening, NMSD was presented with the ArtSign “traveling mask.” This means NMSD will host 2015’s ArtSign Festival! What an amazing four days of creating and fun we had together!

Cedric Toledo working on a wood project during the weekend.

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You Call This A Fairy Tale?

It was a dark and stormy night in fairyland. A night just perfect for spells and curses. With fairy godmother in the clink. Friendly wolves and sweet witches. Wise wizards and princesses with pig noses. A world gone mad.

But somehow, after wild adventures in a world turned topsy-turvy, spells were broken, mysteries were solved and things ended somewhat happily ever after in fairytale land.

6 1. Wolf (Tyrel Wilding), tries hard to be scary, but despite how hard he tries, he’s really just a softie!

2. Humpty (Garret Trujillo), an undercover detective, pretends to be a mild mannered servant.

3. Hilda (Amberley Luna), the head witch, and Gandolt (Silvano Frank) want to save the magic in fairytale land.

4. Julie Nagle applying makeup to Marisol Sanchez.

5. Brenda (Rosina Garcia), a young good witch, is on her quest to break the sleeping spell that was put on the Prince (Julio Ruiz).

6. Princess Cindy (Krystle Stewart), is shocked to see her two evil stepsisters, Ezi (Amanda Gonzalez) and Dezi (Fatima Esquivel), put under a spell where they grow pig noses.

7. The cast.

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Dancing for Health

By Roddy Cabbage

While there are many advertisements for fitness videos such as P90X, Insanity, Rock’n Body, Zumba and Boot Camp, only a few of you have been brave enough to try them out!

One thing is for sure, nothing beats having an actual fitness instructor lead a workout. And that’s just what happened when we were fortunate enough to have MK Mendoza teach us all how to Zumba!

Students getting into the Salsa groove as they dance for health!

Zumba combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout that turns exercising into a party. MK explained the history behind Zumba, and after her lecture she demonstrated the fun fitness technique. With her

Soulfully Good

By AJ Williams

Every month, the Student Life department hosts a Cultural Dinner Night. In February, to coincide with Black History Month, students enjoyed learning more about African American culture and eating soul food. The presentation included many significant facts highlighting famous African Americans from around the world. Students were prompted to ask thoughtful questions about people of color.

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brightly dyed hair and colorful outfit, there was no way our students might have lost interest MK Mendoza watching MK leading the demonstrate Zumba group in moves. Everyone got into some fancy the groove and started Zumba moves! dancing away! It was so much fun, we didn’t realize we were exercising!! Here’s to dancing for health!

During my presentation, I explained the significance of “soul food.” I wanted to give students a sense of the culture and traditions of the African American community through food.

Students and staff then enjoyed a delicious dining hall meal - including chicken, beans, corn bread and cobbler.

I ended the evening by teaching students and staff how to jump rope using two ropes, as African American boys and girls often did in urban streets across the country. It was a lot of fun sharing my culture and heritage to students and staff and I thank Aaron Martinez who helped make the evening such a great success!

AJ demonstrating how to use two ropes when jumping!

AJ leading a discussion with younger and older students about his culture and heritage.

Abbygayle Cullen snuggling with a sweet bunny rabbit.

Into the Wild

A white dove sitting on Kieran Vollmar’s arm.

By Maribeth Schneider Recently, the Student Life Department invited Rick Bearman, owner of Jurassic Pets of Santa Fe, to NMSD. We were interested in learning more about the store’s large collection of birds, reptiles, amphibians and other animals. Rick brought a wide variety of animals with him, including his precious bird (Macaw) named Aly. He also introduced us to a ferret, rabbit, turtle, lizard, spider,

scorpion, hamster, rat and a few snakes.

Unfortunately, he was unable to bring his baby alligator since the little creature was not a happy camper that day! Rick talked about animal eating habits, life expectancy and shared many intriguing tidbits about each of their unique characteristics. After Rick’s presentation, students and staff were able to interact with the different species. We enjoyed this hands-on interaction tremendously!

The event was fascinating and educational, and we are grateful to Rick and Jurassic Pets for their visit!

Leo Gutierrez and his lizard friend!

Julio Ruiz and Immanuel Neubauer taking a close look at a turtle.

Jose Fernando Silva holding a snake.

Student Life / NM Progress / 29

Winter & Spring Season Varsity Girls Basketball Front row from left: Kimberly Herrera, Monissa Smiley and Amberley Luna. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Leonardo Gutierrez, Rochelle Garcia, Amanda Surdukan, Vergena Chee, Cheyenne Price, Head Coach Letty Perez, Rosina Garcia, Marisol Sanchez, Jaelyn Sanchez, Margaret Appa, Amanda Gonzales and Assistant Coach Mitchell Curtis. Not pictured: Jackie Sanchez.

Varsity Boys Basketball Kneeling from left: Kendrick Skeets, Kaleb Larkins, Julio Ruiz, Immanuel Neubauer, Silvano Frank, Cedric Toledo and Manuelito Velasquez. Standing from left: Assistant Coach Don Wilding, Jaime Lopez-Ramirez, Andrick Carroll, Jesus Medrano, Fernando Silva, Zachery Lee, Mark Chavez, Uriah Wagner, Tyrel Wilding and Head Coach Robert Haney, Jr. Not pictured: Eloy Garcia.

Varsity Track and Field Front row from left: Manager Amanda Surdukan, Margaret Appa, Manager Impala Coleman, Kaleb Larkins, Carlos Rodriguez, Kendrick Skeets, Sarah Gonzales. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Robert Huizar, Julio Ruiz, Mark Chavez, Immanuel Neubauer, Eloy Garcia, Head Coach Jennifer Andermann, Head Coach Andrew Parker, Fernando Silva, Silvano Frank, Jesus Medrano, Cedric Toledo and Assistant Coach Benny Gallegos. Not pictured: Andrick Carroll.

Strength Training Front row from left: Assistant Coach Joi Holsapple and Head Coach Robert Haney.

Middle row from left: Rosina Garcia, Cheyenne Price, Samuel Valverde, Amanda Gonzales and Hadassah Aguilar-Davis. Back row from left: Garret Trujillo, Uriah Wagner, Ty Wilding, Estefany Reyes, Jaelyn Sanchez, Timothy Cordova, Enrique Hernandez and Marisol Sanchez. Not pictured: Amberley Luna and Monissa Smiley.

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Spring Cheer Team Front row from left: Carla Rodriguez and Estefany Reyes. Back row from left: Sarah Gonzales, Vergena Chee and Fatima Esquivel.

Not pictured: Head Coach Lisa Ortega and Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea.

Academic Bowl From left: Tyrel Wilding, Rosina Garcia, Krystle Stewart, Hadassah Aguilar-Davis, Jasmine Sisneros and Garret Trujillo. Sitting from left: Head Coach Scott Vollmar and Assistant Coach Nathan Harrison.

Middle School Basketball

Elementary Basketball

From left: Antonio Lopez, Janell Miller, Alex Lucero, Assistant Coach David Longo, Deven Thompson, Johnathan Ludwigs and Jonathan Garcia. Not pictured: Head Coach Levi Anderson, Sherrena Bob and Ty Tahe.

From left: Assistant Coach AJ Williams, Samuel Boyd, Kieran Ercolino, Dustin Hand, Bruce Brewer, Keanu Yazzie, Julio Portillo, Head Coach Eddie King.

Middle School Track & Field

Elementary Rugby

Elementary Soccer

From left: Head Coach Nikki Parker, Waylon Lopez, Johnathan Ludwigs, Janell Miller, Alex Lucero, Deven Thompson, Ty Tahe, Jonathan Garcia, Rochelle Garcia and Assistant Coach Levi Anderson.

Front row from left: Coffey King, Joseph Singleterry, Angelica Baldonado, Bruce Brewer Jr. and Dustin Hand. Second row from left: Manager Jesus Rios, Abbygayle Cullen, Kieran Vollmar, Lindsay Hand, Luis Villalobos, Kieran Ercolino, John Hernandez and Emily Gonzalez. Back row from left: Co-coaches Mitch Curtis and AJ Williams.

From left: Julian Aranda-Sotelo, Coach Richie Moses, Sirrah Wilding and Nirveli Smith.

Athletics / NM Progress / 31

Middle School & Varsity Sports Banquet

Kitty Baldridge, a Physical Education professor of Gallaudet University, giving her inspiring speech.

Rosina Garcia proudly showing her Varsity Student-Athlete of the Year award.

Immanuel Neubauer, the State 400-meter champion, receiving the Most Valuable Player award for the Track & Field team.

Garret Trujillo displaying his Academic Bowl’s Most Outstanding Player & Coaches awards.

Jonathan Garcia winning the Middle School Student-Athlete of the Year award.

Janell MillerMiller receiving the Middle School Athlete of the Year award.

Cedric Toledo and Hadassah AguilarDavis showing off their Roadrunner Pride awards.

The Volunteer of the Year award goes to Candi Harbison and Lisa Wilding.

Margarita Garcia & The Larkins Family receive Fan of the Year award.

Elementary Sports Banquet

Elementary school athletes with the event’s guest speakers, Derek Dorame and Malachai Ramirez,demonstrating their BMX skills.

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prom 2013

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Shanghai Moon

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1. Mark Chavez, Guinevere

Shorty, Alyssa Balderaz and Jessica Chavez take a break from all the dancing!

2. Nathan Harrison, one of the junior class sponsors who supported the prom planning, showing off his fancy dance moves!

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3. The class of 2013 had a blast at this year’s prom!!

4. The boys having a great time playing the “Travel Game” that Nathan learned last summer while he was volunteering at the school for the Deaf in Indore, India.

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5. Students learning some new dance moves by following along with “Dance Central” on the large screen.

6. From left: This year's Prom King and Queen, Garret Trujillo and Cheyenne Price, and Princess and Prince, Krystle Stewart and Enrique Hernandez.

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Senior Happenings / NM Progress / 33

Laurie Anderson and Kim Burkholder presenting the Reading Awards to fabulous readers, Alex Lucero, Estefany Reyes and Calypso Tucker. (Rollin Warwick not pictured).

A Night to Honor

Hedy Udkovich-Stern and Dr. Ronald Stern celebrating Julio Portillo, Tony Ortiz and Immanuel Neubaer with the ASL Aficionado Awards.

By Keri-Lynn McBride

On June 7th, the evening before graduation, NMSD students were celebrated for their achievements throughout the school year. This year’s celebration was particularly lively, with the James A. Little Theater packed to the rafters with students, staff, family members and Honor Night donors. Students were recognized for being motivated learners and great role models. We are gratified by our students’ achievements, and are very appreciative of the individuals and organizations that support Honor Night annually through their award donations.

David Anderson and Roddy Cabbage are proud of the Residential Students of the Year - Jesus Rios, Johnathan Ludwigs, Enrique Hernandez and Hadassah Aguilar-Davis.

Don and Emilie Wilding and their children presenting the Quinones and Garcia families with “The Hands that Touched” Awards in loving memory of their son, Landon Q. Wilding.

Terry Wilding with the Class of 2013’s Valedictorian, Rosina Garcia and Salutatorian, Garret Trujillo.

Dr. Maureen Irons and Dr. Ronald Stern with 2013’s Students of the Year recipients - Andrea Leyba, Johnathan Ludwigs, Enrique Hernandez and Rosina Garcia. Way to go!!

34 / NM Progress / Honor Night

“Looks Like We Made It!”

Senior Class of 2013 Darin Aragon

Julio Ruiz

Andrick Carroll

Leslie Pam Sias

Silvano Frank

Krystle Stewart

Rosina Garcia

Amanda Surdukan

Vincent Gonzales

Garret Trujillo

Enrique Hernandez

Uriah Wagner

Zachery Lee

Tyrel Wilding

The Graduates! Front row from left: Uriah Wagner, Leslie Pam Sias, Krystle Stewart, Amanda Surdukan, Rosina Garcia, Vincent Gonzales. Back row from left: Enrique Hernandez, Darin Aragon, Andrick Carroll, Ever Mendoza, Garret Trujillo, Tyrel Wilding, Zachery Lee, Silvano Frank, Julio Ruiz.

Class Colors Hot Pink & Bright Yellow

Class Song "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!”

Class Flower Lily

Class Motto “Hakuna Matata”

Ever Mendoza

Jesse Saunders, Graduation Speaker and former NSMD staff member, stressed the importance of having passion, not wavering, making the world a better place and to always be accountable for the choices one makes.

The Senior Class of 2013’s gift to NMSD – a beautifully designed and welded roadrunner named Rusty who will live in the courtyard between Connor, Dillon and Hester Hall. WOW!!

Rosina Garcia, Valedictorian, sharing her deep appreciation for the solid foundation NMSD provided her and her fellow graduates, and that “would serve them forever.”

Graduation / NM Progress / 35

The Clock is Ticking

By Cindy Huff

Lena Stavely, NMSD staff interpreter, facilitating communication at Fiesta Day.

By October of 2009, anyone working as a signed language interpreter was required by state law to obtain a New Mexico license to continue working. Non-certified individuals were granted a provisional license, allowing them five years to gain

Next Steps

By Jolee Joos

Recognizing that the needs of families with school-aged Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) children evolves over time, the Center for Educational Consultation and Training developed the “Next Steps” Program to provide home-centered information on relevant topics that address needs as they arise. The goal of the Next Steps Program is to provide families with information and resources in order to help them make informed decisions related to raising a happy, successful and healthy D/HH child.

certification, and subsequently, the ability to receive a non-provisional license. Almost four years later, there are a significant number of provisionally licensed interpreters who have not yet achieved certification. In October of 2014, if the certification requirements have not been met, these individuals who received their license in 2009 will reach the end of their five year provisional period and no longer be eligible to work as signed language interpreters.

Interpreting is defined as “any form of facilitating communication in a visual form, regardless of the individual’s job title or position description.” Any individual who interprets without a license is committing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

The intent behind interpreter licensure is to ensure quality service and access for deaf individuals. In the case of deaf children in schools, quality interpretation is critical for their wellbeing, personal development, access to the curriculum and academic growth. The students who utilize interpreting services in their school setting could be greatly impacted when non-certified interpreters lose their licenses. Educational teams and parents as areas of need, including: How Cognitive Ability Develops, How Children Learn, How Parents Support Language, Language Development, and Socio-Emotional Wellbeing.

Twelve families participated in a two-year pilot of the program (20112012 & 2012-2013). They represent a variety of cultures, language and communication modes, children’s ages and hearing loss and previous experiences with in-home service.

The participants found the curriculum helpful and could identify that the

Over a 3-year period, the Next Steps Program developed a series of powerful learn­ing modules across a range of topics that were identified by 36 / NM Progress / The Center for Education Consulting and Training

school districts need to be proactively examining whether or not they have the potential to lose interpreting staff. If their program will be impacted in 2014-2015, then staffing needs, student supports and placement decisions will need to be considered, and acted upon, in order to not compromise the quality of student programming.

If you are an interpreter, a parent or a member of an educational team, you may contact Lisa Dignan at the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH) at lisa. dignan@state.nm.us or 505.881.8824 for more information.

A public school interpreter working with a student.

activities provided the basis for a positive shift in their activities and interactions that will better support their D/HH child. Feedback from parents and service providers will be embedded into the design of the Next Steps Program.

The potential impact is exciting as families become more informed and confident with raising their Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Look for more information about Next Steps in the near future!

Family members and Jolee Joos participating in a Next Steps Workshop.

ASL

ASL & Deaf Awareness Day

By Christine Kane

On April 20, 2013, the NMSD AmeriCorps program hosted the first ASL/Deaf Awareness Day in the Larson Gym. The event showcased many aspects of Deaf Culture, American Sign Language and NMSD programming.

Guests had the opportunity to visit booths featuring information about ASL 101, Deaf Technology, Around the World through Deaf Eyes, DeVia (Deaf Visual Arts), ASL Stories, Deaf Media, Deaf History and NMSD History. There was also a visual display spotlighting the lives and achievements of successful deaf adults, as well as guided tours of the NMSD museum. The event was well attended by members of the Santa Fe community, including a reporter and photographer from the Santa Fe New Mexican.

A special thanks goes to our creative and dedicated AmeriCorps team for planning this event. We’d also like to thank all of the NMSD staff and students who volunteered their time to help make this day a success!

Dawn Croasmun talking about DeVia (Deaf Visual Arts).

Having fun with face painting!

To learn more about the NMSD AmeriCorps program, please visit our website and click on the AmeriCorps page at http://www.nmsd.k12. nm.us/americorps/index.php.

Calypso Tucker checking out the technology information table.

Read the article at the Santa Fe New Mexican at the link below: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/ news/local_news/article_7aff2b051410-5cc0-8617-acf72a40c56e.html.

AmeriCorps / NM Progress / 37

NMSD Students Pay It Forward

By Hope Bakker

December 20th marked the New Mexico School for the Deaf’s annual Winter Variety Show. Performances by students and staff included comedy acts, dances, ASL songs, theatrical skits and an impromptu “flash mob.”

Bryan Byrnes, President of the Santa Fe Community Foundation receives 2012 Winter Variety Show proceeds from NMSD Students in a stocking filled with $364.84.

In keeping with the school’s annual tradition, the proceeds from the show were donated to the New Mexican’s Empty Stocking Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Students raised $364.84 for the Empty Stocking Fund, benefiting individuals with extreme financial challenges. What a beautiful way to make a difference in the community!

Luck of the Irish

By Keri-Lynn McBride

For the past thirteen years, Quota International of Santa Fe has graciously hosted a traditional St. Patrick's Day fundraising dinner for NMSD! That’s a lot of corned beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage! This annual dinner has become a widely attended event, with more and more supporters turning up for a traditional Irish supper. The dinner has become so popular, we’ve even outgrown the Santa Fe Sheriff's Posse building. This year, the dinner was moved to NMSD’s dining hall, allowing for ample seating and elbow room.

Our gratitude goes out to all of the Quota members who cooked and prepared the delicious meal. You could taste love in every bite! Also, a big THANK YOU to Arnold Padilla and his Dining Hall team for supporting Quota’s transition to our kitchen/ dining hall. Proceeds from the annual dinner provide scholarships during Honor Night for NMSD college-bound students.

AJ Williams thanking the members of Quota International Santa Fe for supporting his college education with annual scholarships.

38 / NM Progress / Development and Community Relations

Members of Quota International Santa Fe gearing up for a successful dinner!

Exceptional Students Optimist Speech Contest This year’s Optimist Club Speech Contest theme was “Why My Opinion/ Voice is Important.” Students did an outstanding job writing and presenting their speeches on campus in April. Victoria Ortiz, Amanda Surdukan, Julio Ruiz and Jesus Medrano went on to compete in the regional contest in Elephant Butte on May 4th. Congrats to (seated) Victoria Ortiz (1st Place), Amanda Surdukan, (standing) Julio Ruiz (3rd Place) and Jesus Medrano (2nd Place). We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Partners in Education for funding Dr. Vicki Everhart’s grant for developing public speaking and presentation skills in our students.

Santa Fe Institute Science Award Every year the Santa Fe Institute recognizes graduating college-bound seniors from the Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School and NMSD who excel in science. This year was no exception. We were delighted to attend a lovely reception where students were honored with a scholarship check, while family members and NMSD staff looked on. NMSD was well-represented by Garret Trujillo, and we are most proud. Way to go Garret! (From left: Crystal Mitcham (science teacher), Jacqueline Trujillo (sister), Pamela Trujillo (mom), Garret, Hedy Udkovich-Stern (Family Specialist) and Dr. Ronald Stern, Superintendent).

Elks Lodge Outstanding Youth Award Members of the Elk’s Lodge in Santa Fe believe in celebrating outstanding 8th and 12th graders for their contributions to the community, being good role models, and overcoming challenges and adversity. This year, family, friends and staff were bursting with pride as Amanda Surdukan, Uriah Wagner and Amanda Gonzalez were so honored. Wooooo Hooooo!

A Resourceful Future

By Hope Bakker

Dr. Ron Stern had the honor of being the keynote speaker at this year’s Oil and Gas Day at the Roundhouse.

As a state public school, part of the New Mexico School for the Deaf’s financial support is derived from the Land Grant Permanent Fund (LGPF). Proceeds from the land under the LGPF are generated out of the sale of oil, gas and land as well as other agricultural activities. The New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) receives approximately 75% of its operational funds from the LGPF. According to the New Mexico State Land Office, NMSD received a total distribution of $11,635,495 during 2012 of which 94%, or $10,937,365, came from the oil and gas industry.

This year, NMSD Superintendent Dr. Stern gave the keynote speech for the Oil & Gas Day’s program.

His speech highlighted the importance of the relationship of the Oil & Gas Industry to NMSD and to the other beneficiaries throughout the state. Dr. Stern specifically shared that the support “allows us to more effectively meet the needs of the students and families.” Our participation at the Oil & Gas Day at the Capitol in Santa Fe helped persons attending make the connection between the funds we receive from the LGPF and the services offered by NMSD throughout the entire state. We are grateful for this assistance!

Development and Community Relations / NM Progress / 39

Thank you Thank You, Gracias, Merci Diky, Bedankt, Vielen, Dank, Obrigado, Huala, Grazie, Termia, Danke, Spasibo, Mahalo, Merci, Beacoup, Toda, Domo Arigato, Donors!

Judith W. Chant

Michael Montoya

KwikPoint

Elisa M. Chavez

Paul & Judith Moriarty

La Fonda

Rudolph Chavez

Lori G. Neubauer

Marble Brewery

Erica Cribas

Jocelyn & Thorpe Nickerson

Nicholas Potter Bookseller

Robert D’Orazio

Jill Oberstein

Overland

Madison Dean

Belle Olivas

The Pantry

Patricia A. Delaney

Margie Propp

Pranzo

Kris Eaton

Nikki & Fred Rickert

Rio Chama

Edward & Sally Evans

Sarah Rinehart

Rock, Paper & Scissors

Vicki Everhart

Nancy Rodriguez

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Alice & Charles Garcia

Maribeth Schneider

Second Street Brewery

Patrick Gendron

John & Elizabeth Schultze

Ricardo & Dolores Gonzales

James & Ruth Stern

Sorenson Communications, Inc.

Richard Gorman

Dr. Ronald Stern & Hedy Udkovich-Stern

Katharine H. Glyer Kathy Glyer Parks Hilliard Cindy Huff

2012 Donor Honor Roll

Sally Knapp Martha Lamb James & Mary Lambourne Esperanza & Roman Latimer

Whitehawk Associates, Inc.

Louise Stuto

Foundations

Olivia Timpson

Lannan

Bruce E. & Joanne Watson

Walter Scott Foundation

Don Wilding Sally & Charles Wilson

Civic & Community Organizations

Businesses & Corporations

Deaf Senior Citizens of Greater Albuquerque

Albertson’s (Community Partners Card)

Individuals

Rachel Lewis

Charles & Joan Adams

Ray & Joyce Litherland

David & Laurie Anderson

Dale Loper

Frank & Rebecca Anderson

Amanda Lupardus

Patricia J. Anderson

Julio & Brenda Martinez

Lynann & Andrew Barbero

Priscilla Mathews

Linda Beck

Keri-Lynn McBride

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Santa Fe

Ted & Marcia Berridge

Patricia McBride

Edificios Builders Limited

Elspeth G. Bobbs

Rita McDonald

El Farol

St. John’s United Methodist Women

Lynn Boren

Thomas McDonald

Flying Star

Santa Fe Civitan Club

Miche Bove

Michael & Sheri Milone

General Mills

Santo Domingo Tribe

Andres & Melinda Carrillo

Gayle Mohorcich

Inn of the Governors

Airport Animal Clinic Big Lots – Santa Fe Body Blue Corn Café

Gallaudet University Alumni Association Kappa Gamma Fraternity from Gallaudet University Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority from Gallaudet University Quota Club International of Santa Fe Rotary Club of Santa Fe

The donations listed above were received from January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012. Great care was given in preparing the Honor Roll of Donors. Any omissions and errors are unintentional. Corrections and/or questions should be addressed to Keri-Lynn McBride at 505-476-6399 or keri-lynn.mcbride@nmsd.k12.nm.us.

40 / NM Progress / Donor Honor Roll

Retiree Doris Roberts 1989 - 2013

Retiree Flora Herrera 2007-2013

Retirees & Years of Service

20 Kristi Halus

Keri-Lynn McBride

Patrick Ercolino

Jackie Martinez

Joann Montoya

Sylvia Serrano

15 Mary Jane Miera

Judith Vigil

10 Danny DeAguero

Gary Hand

Kimberly Hand

Jolee Joos

Stephanie Loya

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

New Mexico's First Public School

New Mexico School for the Deaf

1060 CERRILLOS ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87505

www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

The New Mexico Progress

Staff

since 1909

Editor Keri-Lynn McBride

USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 103 / Issue 2 / Winter & Spring 2012 - 2013 Published twice during the school year at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. Distributed to parents of students presently enrolled at NMSD and staff. Annual subscriptions are available. If interested, contact Keri-Lynn.McBride@nmsd.k12.nm.us or 505.476.6399 (V/TTY). POSTMASTER: Send address change to THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Associate Editors Bay Anapol & Kathy Glyer Layout/Graphic Designer Seth Gore Mailing/Distribution Hope Bakker