New Mexico Progress Summer/Fall 2013-2014 English Edition

COMING HOME

ALUMNI RETURN TO NMSD AS STAFF

Volume 104 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2013-14

Volume 104 Issue 1 Summer/Fall 2013- 14

Feature

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Coming Home Alumni who are now staff

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Table of Contents

26 2 3 5 12 14 19 26 28 32 34 36

Superintendent’s Update New Students & Staff Feature Early Intervention & Involvement

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NEW STUDENTS

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

WELCOME TO NMSD! Dear Friends: Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year.

SANTA FE CAMPUS

This issue focuses on alumni who have come back home. We are thrilled Marissa Pargo, AJ Williams, Catie Velasquez and Felicia Sedillo have returned to their alma mater, this time as full-time employees. We strongly believe our graduates bring an indispensable set of familiarity and experience that greatly benefit our students and school. As native New Mexicans, they have an astute understanding of the school and state’s one-of-a-kind profile in ways that the rest of us cannot. Because they have walked in the footsteps our students, they serve as important school and experience frames of reference for all of us and allow our students to dream of possibilities within their reach.

We are pleased about the increasing number of NMSD graduates who now work at the school. Among our employees today, there are 21 who are also alumni. They are an important part of our quest to have the most qualified, sensitive, trained and competent staff possible for the students and families we are serving today and in the years ahead.

On the one hand, I am happy to report that with an increasing enrollment, our influx of new staff with fine qualifications filling our vacancies and armed with our usual balance of whole child development rigor while also paying close attention to the unique strengths and needs of each student, this school year got off to a running start.

On the other hand, concerning our campus, organized but exciting chaos has reigned from day one what with the variety of face-lifting projects happening on our Santa Fe campus this year. However, before our own anxious eyes, we are seeing things take greater shape and form every single day.

In addition to the tearing down of the wall along the front of the campus bordering Cerrillos Road to make room for a new sidewalk and the reconfiguration of both front entrances to enhance greater safety for our students and both pedestrians and drivers, the crown jewel of our ambitious master plan in the middle of the campus is increasingly coming into existence: our new library and museum.

Above front row from left: Joseph Singleterry, Jesse Haley, Dani Granadino, Makiah Granadino, Abbygale Cullen, Carlo DeNunno.

Back row from left: Lathaniel Williams, Jade Cruz, Justice Davis, Maykala Chavez, Serenity Adams, Amador Corral, Alex Lopez. Top right photo from left: Aleah Hernandez, Saira Santillanes, Misael Hernandez and Leilani Crespo. Not pictured: Celeste Robles-Perez. Bottom right photo standing from left: Joseph Hicks, Justina Ercolino, Sabrina Tennyson, Patricia Lopez. Sitting from left: Luis Villalobos, Shawn Billie and Isabel Carrera-Garcia. Not Pictured: Kalle Lofgren.

ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

From left: Joel Mejia, Quincy Monte and Erickson Sierra.

From left: Ezrah Azure, Ethan Azure and Isaiah Flores.

Having this new facility speaks well of our commitment to literacy, a serious challenge that we have for each single child from preschool through high school. Its central location will make it the hub of the school and in easy proximity for both students and staff not only throughout the school day but also during afterschool hours as well. After all, learning at NMSD is a 24/5 commitment.

Because of the library/museum’s critical role, we want it to stand out too while also blending it with the rest of the campus. With its unique, stylish concrete walls that will have matching color with the rest of the campus, I am confident you will be pleased when it is completed this coming summer in time for the 20142015 school year.

To sum things up, our alumni and museum will help make sure we are a school that does not forget its past while moving forward.

Enjoy reading this issue and staying tuned with the latest at NMSD. Wishing us all another special forwardmoving school year.

Best wishes,

FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL From left: I’Ana Gordon and Dallas Benally.

Ronald Stern

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FEATURE

NEW STAFF

WELCOME TO NMSD!

COMING HOME!

BY NMSD ALUMNI/STAFF As Dorothy once put it: “There’s no place like home.” It certainly rings true here at NMSD - there are twenty-one alumni on staff! By returning “home” to NMSD; they enrich the lives of our students and our community. Meet our amazing team below:

Levi Anderson class of ‘98 I’ve been a Student Life Educator in the Student Life Department for the past six years. I currently work with middle school boys in the Aspen Cottage. My fondest memory is of NMSD’s drama program where I was fortunate enough to work with directors Shanny Mow and David Olson. I acted in several plays, including “La Llorona” and “The Old Man with Enormous Wings.” I also participated in the ArtSign Festival hosted by the Arkansas School for the Deaf.

NMSD is like my second home, and it is great to be a part of this community. I’m able to share my life experiences with students, and assist them in becoming fine citizens.

MARY LYNN (BECHDOL) BRANSFORD class of ‘85

Sitting on ground from left: Megan Eramus, Blair Rasmus, Krystal Berrigan. Sitting from left: Stephen Parson, Bill Atwood, Elizabeth Fry, Dawn Ward, Christine Hartman, Yana Novikova, Bonny Vanatta, Kristina Forsyth.

Standing from left: Claudia Mansilla, Kevin Harrer, Missy Lamb, Jimmy Litchfield, Gail Williams, Bill Jacobs, Melanie Seaman, John Jarrett, Shelly Lilly, Larissa Clapp, Marissa Pargas, Dennis Caron, Caitlin Velasquez, Clemens Zefferer, Heather Costner, Orlando Obeso.

I’ve worked in the Student Life Department for 22 years, and I am currently a Student Life Educator in the high school girl’s Sunflower Cottage. I have many wonderful memories of being an NMSD student; including participating in Student Government, Ski Club, athletics, and Drama and Sign Choir. At NMSD, I learned how to cooperate with my peers. I also developed strong morals and values, self-discipline and communication skills in both the deaf world and the hearing world. I love working at NMSD so that I can model these qualities for our students, as they grow into capable adults with great futures.

ANGELA (BUSTAMANTE) CHAPMAN class of ‘84

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Felicia Sedillo

Pethai Anderson and Heidi Miranda

Maria Jaramillo

I’ve been an Instructional Aide at NMSD for five years. I have many memories of being a student at NMSD – it’s hard to pick just one! What I’ll always remember is how much fun we had at Cartwright Hall - sharing ghost stories and jokes.

Working at NMSD has afforded me the opportunity to provide educational support to a variety of students. Developing one-on-one relationships with them has been very fulfilling to me, and I appreciate knowing I’m helping to provide quality education to our students.

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FEATURE

FEATURE

MICHAEL P. DAVIS class of ‘02

FERNANDO GONZALES class of ‘07

I have worked at NMSD for three years. Currently I am an Instructional Aide at the ABQ Preschool, a driver for the transportation department and a Deaf Mentor.

When I attended public school, I didn’t have access to communication or extracurricular activities. As an NMSD student, I was able to communicate as well as participate in sports and other activities. I felt free for the first time, and knew that I could accomplish anything! I decided to come back to NMSD as an employee to both be part of this great community, and to give back to the school that taught me well. I now have the chance to support the goals of a new generation of deaf students.

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For the past four years, I’ve been an Instructional Aide at the Albuquerque Preschool. I have lots of great memories of being a student at NMSD but my favorite is when we won the State Football Championship in 2006! I received a very good education, and the teachers were friendly and supportive. NMSD has been a huge part of my life, and I’m happy to be a positive role model for the preschool students.

TARAS (TERRY) J. DYKSTRA class of ‘67

MARTIN GUTIERREZ class of ‘08

For the past three years I’ve worked as a Sign Language Instructor in the AmeriCorps Program at NMSD’s Center for Educational Consultation and Training. I think of my time as an NMSD student as my “Golden Years!”

I received the very best possible education; I loved the campus - and I rode on the best school bus ever!

I also loved that students stayed on campus over the weekends. I returned to New Mexico from Minnesota, and I was happy to be back in this wonderful climate. I’ve enjoyed working with the AmeriCorps program, and know that I’m making a difference in helping parents and teachers communicate with their children or students.

I’ve worked in the maintenance department at NMSD for three years. My primary responsibility is to take care of the landscaping and to maintain the grounds. I was struggling at my old school and when I came to NMSD, and I was happy because I made many friends right away. I felt like I belonged. I received a great education, and Jill Oberstein and Steve Vargas were wonderful teachers.

Jill helped me develop my reading and writing skills, and I thank her for that. NMSD is a perfect fit for me. I like to work hard to keep the campus beautiful and clean, and I also enjoy interacting with both deaf and hearing people. NMSD is perfect for that!

MARGARITA (LOZANO) GARCIA class of ‘85

NADINE (GARCIA) HENNING class of ‘84

I have worked at NMSD for 17 years - currently as an Instructional Aide in the Santa Fe Preschool. I had very good times while attending NMSD. I appreciated my teachers, dorm counselors, coaches and friends - and I’m grateful to my parents for sending me!

My two children also attended NMSD, and I loved that my work and their school schedule matched! I am inspired by the work I do with deaf and hard of hearing students, and I cherish the opportunity to be part of the NMSD staff.

I’ve worked at NMSD for 17 years, and I am currently an Instructional Aide in the Santa Fe Preschool. My fondest memory as a student was each evening after dinner all of the students (boys and girls!) had a chance to socialize and play together until it got dark. It was a lot of fun for all of us. I also want to thank all of my former teachers who helped me learn and become a better person. I work at NMSD because I love working with children and watching them grow up into fine adults.

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FEATURE

FEATURE

ROBERT HUIZAR class of ‘93

Aaron martinez class of ‘96

I’ve worked at NMSD for 19 years. I started out in the Media Department, but now I work in the Transition Department as an Instructional Aide and Job Coach.

I’ve also been NMSD’s football coach for many years – something I felt destined to do! As an NMSD student, I loved living in the dorm, and I have great memories of classmates who became my family. NMSD provided me an education - along with sports and drama - that I would not have received had I stayed in the public school system. NMSD is MY school, and I strive to give the school my best! NMSD is the best school for the deaf in the country and I LOVE working at NMSD!

I have worked at NMSD for nine years - currently as a Student Life Educator in Yucca Cottage. My fondest memory as a student was managing the High School varsity basketball team because it allowed me to travel. I came with the team when NMSD competed in the Western Basketball Classic for the Deaf. I met many people during my travels, and it gave me a chance to represent NMSD in the greater community. I returned to work at NMSD because I missed being part of such a warm and friendly community.

ESPERANZA (CORREA) LATIMER class of ‘52 I taught at NMSD for 29 years, retiring in 1993. During my tenure, I taught Home Economics, elementary math and social studies. In the 1980’s, I was heavily involved in the establishment of the Kenneth Brasel Museum. Ever since then, I’ve been the curator of the NMSD Museum. My fondest memory as a student were my deaf teachers, as they opened up the world of knowledge for me and my fellow students. It was the first time that female students realized that there were career opportunities available other than being a housewife!

As a result, I graduated in 1975 with a degree in Home Economics from Gallaudet University. Teaching deaf children and watching them learn and grow into fine individuals was most rewarding for me.

I am also very proud of our school museum because the history of NMSD was nearly lost. I worked closely with Lars M. Larson’s family, former superintendent Dr. Dillon, Marian Meyer, author of NMSD’s history book “A Century of Progress,” and many others to preserve NMSD’s rich history in the school’s museum and archives.

KENNETH RAY LITHERLAND class of ‘82

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I was appointed to NMSD’s Board of Regents by Governor Richardson in 2010, and confirmed by the New Mexico Senate under Governor Martinez in 2012.

I’m currently the Board’s Secretary/Treasurer. I have many fond memories of being a student at NMSD, but I particularly loved my home economics class, and being on the football and basketball teams. I was also a member of the NMSD swim team. In 1976, we took 4th place, and in 1977, we took 3rd place - I was named “most valuable swimmer.” I missed being a student at NMSD, and so I was honored to serve on the Board of Regents. I like knowing that students are developing the critical skills needed to succeed, and I feel privileged to make a difference by serving on the board.

JACKIE martinez class of ‘87 For the past 15 years I have worked as an instructor at NMSD - currently in the Elementary Department.

I was so grateful for NMSD when I was growing up and attending school here. I’ll never forget when our basketball team traveled to the Western States Basketball Classic at the California School for the Deaf – Fremont. Our team won first place, and that something I will always cherish! I always wanted to return and teach deaf children at NMSD, and I’m happy to help provide them with a good education.

SARA DOLORES (LOZANO) MILLAR class of ‘84 I’ve worked as a Deaf Mentor in the Early Intervention and Involvement Program (formerly Step*Hi) for many years. I’ve also taught American Sign Language during what was known as Silent Week. As a student, I loved living in the Cartwright Dormitory with the other girls. We had fun chatting, relaxing and studying. I also loved participating in sports with my classmates. But my fondest memories are weekends with my closest friends and staff members. We’d enjoy rafting, hiking, and picnics at Hyde Park. Today, I love teaching ASL to deaf and hard of hearing children and their families, while sharing our rich Deaf Culture. It is rewarding to see them learn to interact with each other in meaningful ways.

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FEATURE

FEATURE

MARISSA PARGAS class of ‘92

CAITLIN E. VELASQUEZ class of ‘09

I’ve worked since last August as a Residential Night Attendant in the Student Life Department. I attended public school in Socorro from kindergarten through fifth grade. They didn’t know what to do with me, so they placed me in a special education class. In middle school I attended McKinley in Albuquerque, and that’s where I met other deaf kids and learned to sign.

From there, I learned about NMSD and I begged my mom to enroll me. When I arrived at NMSD, I was shocked and thrilled because all the staff and students signed. I learned so much here! I’m happy to be working at NMSD, making sure that all of the cottage students feel safe and secure. I love giving back to the school that changed my life.

Since August, I have been a Student Life Educator in the Student Life Department - working with the upper elementary girls and boys in the Chamisa Cottage. While I was a student, I learned how to take responsibility for myself. I learned how to cook, do my laundry and other important life skills. When I started college, I was shocked that many of my fellow students didn’t know how to do those things! Some of my fondest student memories are around playing high school sports. I was on the volleyball, basketball and track teams, and enjoyed traveling to other states to compete.

I work at NMSD because I feel it is important to give back to the community that taught me all the educational and social tools I needed to step out into the world. Passing on this knowledge and helping to develop these skills in the children I work with is something I value.

SARA ROYBAL class of ‘92 For the past four years, I’ve been a curator’s assistant in the NMSD Museum. I didn’t live on campus when I was a student at NMSD. But I loved hanging out in the dormitory with my friends. I cherish those memories the most! Another fond memory as a student was learning American Sign Language (ASL), and I now know that I have mastered the language! I’m inspired to work at NMSD because it is such an important part of my life and personal history. I love that I’m still connected, and that I am in the position to give back to the school that has given me so much.

FELICIA SEDILLO class of ‘05 I have worked as a custodian in the Housekeeping Department since this past August. My fondest memory of my time at NMSD is being involved in the drama program. I was in many plays, but La Llorona was one of my favorites. I also was involved with a fun project where I acted in two professionally made ASL videos – The Ugly Duckling and Handrew’s Library. It was a powerful experience that I have never forgotten. I am happy to work at NMSD where I strive to maintain a clean and safe environment for students.

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JIM J. VIGIL class of ‘80 This is my second year working at NMSD. I work in the Mental Health Department as a Behavior Specialist.

My favorite student memory was in 1978, when sixman football was first introduced to NMSD. We made many embarrassing and silly mistakes on the field, causing lots of penalties and giving the opposing teams easy wins! I also learned so many things in the classroom. Being back at NMSD, after being away for so long, feels right. It is very rewarding to me to share my skills and expertise to encourage growth and student success.

ALLAN J. WILLIAMS II (AJ) class of ‘07 This is my second year as a Student Life Educator in the Student Life Department. I also teach part-time in the physical education program, as well as serving as the assistant coach for the varsity football team. I will never forget attending NMSD’s Summer Program back in 2004.

That summer, I found my identity as a deaf individual and I transferred from my Albuquerque public school to NMSD the following fall. I loved the education I received at NMSD, and I also loved traveling to Brazil with the International Studies Program. Winning the 2006 State Championship in football is something else I will never forget. My passion is to give back to the school that invested so much in my growth and success. Working at NMSD is my way of paying it forward.

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Early Intervention and Involvement

Early Intervention and Involvement

Keeping Pace Within the Field of Early Intervention

TRAINING THE TRAINER

BY JOANNE CORWIN

BY STACY ABRAMS

This year, seven staff members from the Early Intervention and Involvement Division and Interpreting Department at NMSD traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to attend the Western Regional Early Intervention Conference (WREIC).

This past fall I had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City to attend SKI-HI Training.

Their research, curriculum and materials are widely used - by service providers, families and parents, early childhood specialists and others - in meeting the unique needs of deaf or hard of hearing children and their families.

The conference is sponsored by early intervention programs serving children in Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, and focuses specifically on early intervention for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. This year’s biennial conference welcomed 270 participants from all over the United States - with a waiting list of many more.

Presenters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Strand included: Christie Yoshinaga-Itano, Charles Berlin, Jan Van Dijk, Jill Morford, Paula Pittman, Sue Watkins, and Dinah Beams. Topics ranged from the impact of American Sign Language on brain development to Auditory Neuropathy.

The next conference will be held in the fall of 2015 in Albuquerque, NM. NMSD will work with the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) and the NM Deaf Blind Project to organize this conference. We are excited to learn more as the time approaches!

I spent three days participating in the Deaf Mentor Trainer’s Training conducted by Paula Pittman, who developed the Deaf Mentor curriculum. She is a national leader in this field, and NMSD’s Deaf Mentor Program has been successfully using the Institute’s Deaf Mentor Curriculum with families during our home visits for a number of years now.

The Trainer’s training delved into the Deaf Mentor Curriculum, including topics such as American Sign Language for families, early visual communication, and Deaf Culture. I’m now in a position to train Deaf Mentors in New Mexico. I also had the opportunity to brainstorm with colleagues about ways to improve the Deaf Mentor Curriculum. We want to continue to meet the diverse needs of our families (especially in the area of technology).

NMSD’s Deaf Mentor Program is constantly striving for improvement. Through ongoing training, our Deaf Mentors stay up to date on current trends and best practices. In January, all of our Deaf Mentors will participate in a refresher training in the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Curriculum.

NMSD IS “THE WHOLE ENCHILADA”!

BY JOJO LOPEZ For 33 years, the City of Las Cruces has hosted the Whole Enchilada Fiesta. This year, the kick-off to the celebration featured a parade! Community groups and agencies were invited to participate, and the Southwest Disability Coalition, the New Mexico Hispanic Council of the Deaf, and NMSD’s Deaf Mentor Program joined the festivities. Along with Stacy Abrams, NMSD’s Deaf Mentor Program Coordinator, I carried an NMSD banner and waved to the crowd signing “ILY” (I love you). We plan to participate again next year, including students and staff from our preschool in Las Cruces, as well as some of the older NMSD students from the Las Cruces area.

What a wonderful way to connect with the greater Las Cruces community, and spread awareness about the programs and services NMSD provides deaf and hard of hearing infants, toddlers, children and youth!

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Top Photo: NMSD’s amazing team after a long day of learning at the WREIC Conference. Bottom Photo: Stacy and JoJo spreading NMSD love during the parade.

Top Photo: Because gesturing is a major component of ASL, Stacy is showing what an elephant might look like without actually signing the ASL sign for elephant. Bottom Photo: From left: Danelle Gournaris (Minnesota), Stacy Abrams (NM), Paula Pittman (Utah), and Jodee Crace (indiana) attended the Deaf Mentor Trainer’s Training at the Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - ABQ PRESCHOOL

EARLY CHILDHOOD - TODDLERS

HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE

By Emma Lozada Fall is in the air! The evenings have turned crisp and cool, and the leaves are changing colors.

Pumpkin stands have popped up around Santa Fe. As a result, the children in our toddler classroom have enjoyed the bounty of the fall season.

To prepare for our autumn and harvesting pumpkins theme, we read I Like Pumpkins, I am a Leaf and Apples and Pumpkins in class. The books provided the opportunity to learn new concepts and vocabulary.

This prepared us for our trip to Wagner’s Farmland in Corrales, where we explored a corn maze and pumpkin patch. We also visited cows, llamas, hens, roosters and ponies in the petting zoo.

THE POWER OF DOCUMENTATION

BY SALLY ANDERSON Our NMSD Early Childhood programs are inspired by the talian Reggio Emilia curriculum approach; which challenges us to “make learning visible.” We do so by creating documentation chronicling class studies, mportant questions about learning, special classes or school events.

We use documentation panels (or other forms of documentation) at all four of our preschools. The panels are typically geared towards adults, providing a way for educators, parents, and visitors to better understand how learning takes place in our classrooms. Here are some examples of our documentation panels.

After our trip to the farm we continued to explore what we experienced. We learned about sizes of pumpkins, what is inside a cut pumpkin, and how they grow from a single seed. We had fun decorating our pumpkins, and making pumpkin seeds, pies and muffins. A yummy adventure for all!

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Top Photo: Jason Quinonez and Celeste Robles loved the pumpkin patch at Wagner’s Farmland. Bottom Left: Jason Quinonez and Celeste Robles making the filling for pumpkin pie. Bottom Right: Reading about Pumpkins!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

LEARNING IN MOTION

By Mary Helen Perez This year, the Farmington Preschool welcomed new students Dallas Benally and I’Ana Gordon, along with our new Educational Assistant, Dawn Ward. The two year olds have adjusted very well to life in preschool; enjoying the playground, painting, playing kitchen and “cleaning” our classroom. Returning student Elias Curley recently celebrated his fourth birthday he loves being the classroom leader!

NMSD preschools follow the innovative and respectful Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Children direct their own learning, allowing teachers to take cues from student interests. The approach gives students opportunities to explore their world through touch, movement and observation. Teachers document ‘learning in motion’ in order to delve deeper into the learning experience and guide children in extending their knowledge.

Preschooler Elias beautifully illustrated learning in motion when he dived into his favorite areas of study. With Halloween approaching, skeletons are everywhere.

When Elias completed a life-sized poster portrait, he

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

Cooking Up New Skills!

By Kim Boykin Cooking is one of our favorite activities in the Las Cruces Preschool. Students have become very accustomed to all aspects of cooking and baking. It is not only delicious - it provides organic, low-stress opportunities for developing a myriad of skills.

arranged it on the floor and stretched out over it. Then he used the classroom x-ray collection to place x-rays over his drawn body parts. Elias independently examined each x-ray to decide where it should correspond on his body poster. If he was unsure where an x-ray should go, the teacher signed, “hmmm, maybe a leg or arm? Which do you think?” He would then think harder and would make up his own mind. Elias showed great pride in his work! When he was done, he looked over his skeleton and signed “scared.”

Top Photo: Elias Curley decides where an x-ray belongs. Bottom Left: Elias signs “bones” as he shivers dramatically.

Bottom Right: Dawn, Mary Helen, Elias and our two new toddlers enjoying quilts made by the Northern NM Quilting Guild.

Our preschoolers now understand that the letters and numbers in recipes help guide us to make our final product. They know that measuring cups and spoons correspond to the numbers on a recipe, and that they help us pour ingredients and make sure the dish comes out correctly. Motor skills are honed when carefully pouring ingredients from a pitcher or box into a bowl or measuring cup, or mixing a full bowl without spilling the ingredients onto the table or floor. They are also used when carrying a muffin tin to the oven down the hall. Self-help skills are accomplished through learning about the heat of the oven, and being careful to stand a safe distance away when the oven is in use.

We also discuss food choices and what we need to eat to keep our bodies healthy. Lastly, social skills involving turn-taking, patience and sharing are intrinsic in a group cooking project. Often, the students work together best when they have a common goal. And sometimes, eating the final product is second to the fun involved in the process of cooking!

Bottom Left: Kim, Joseph Murillo and Devon Burrows squeeze lemons to begin the harvest salsa recipe. Top Right: Joseph and Devon carefully take turns mixing the salsa ingredients. Bottom Right: Joseph and Devon carefully sprinkle brown sugar on their cleaned and sliced pumpkin.

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ELEMENTARY

EARLY CHILDHOOD - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

MAKING TRACKS

JUICED UP!

BY SHA REINS

BY KIM BURKHOLDER

Campus construction work greeted our returning students this week! Our preschool students felt the deep rumblings of the trucks and tractors as they prepared to build the new library/museum as well as sidewalks and parking areas. The preschoolers were awed by the giant equipment, and very curious to see it in action. They came up with many pertinent questions about the process, and were especially intrigued by the enormous truck tires.

Once again, we celebrated NMSD’s fall tradition of harvesting the fruits and vegetables we grow on campus. Unfortunately, it was a sparse harvest after last spring’s late freeze. However, there were a few grapes on the arbor - and plenty of vegetables growing in our garden beds.

Their interest led to a teaching unit on tires and treads.

They discovered a wide variety of tire treads on vehicles, from toy trucks to regular cars to the large construction trucks and tractors. Students were able to match the treads to the vehicles. Finally, students drew sketches of each type of tire and tread - and then used paint to make impressions. We all learned so much about making ‘tracks’ in the world!

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Bottom Left: Now those are some big tires! Top Right: Kane Wilding applying paint to a tire so an impression of the tread can be made. Middle Right: Sha and Lorena Gutierrez making tire tread prints in play dough. Bottom Right: Making tire prints by sending a toy truck down the slide.

Preschool classes through 5th grade classes all enjoyed making fresh grape juice. Students took the grapes off the stems, washed them, and then put them through the juicer. It was very exciting to see the green juice pouring out of the juicer spout! Of course, the best part of the project was tasting the juice! Nearly all the students loved it and asked for more!

The upper elementary students paricipated by making veggie juice from the garden vegetables. Again, it was exciting to see the juice pour out of the spout as we added the vegetables. This time, however, the juice was a variety of different colors. The carrot juice was BRIGHT orange! The red beet-carrot juice was bright purple-red - and the tomato-carrot-pepper juice was a light orange-green. We tasted each kind of juice. Everyone had a different opinion, but the red beet-carrot juice had the fewest fans. Nevertheless, we all went home feeling healthier!

Top Right: Angelica Baldonado and Kieran Vollmar turning the vegetables they picked from their garden into a delicious and healthy drink. Middle Right: Emily Jaques-Gonzales and LJ Hernandez taking the grapes off the stems. Bottom Right: Kieran Ercolino with freshly picked veggies for juicing. Bottom Left: Keanu Yazzie’s poster of the juicing process.

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HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MAD SCIENTISTS IN THE MAKING

BY JIMMY LITCHFIELD One of the most important aspects of science is learning to track and record data. This past fall, all of our middle school students had a fun filled week of hands-on experiments which provided lots of opportunities for them to utilize the Scientific Method. Through-out they documented their observations, questions, hypotheses, research and conclusions in their journals.

Students participated in and documented the result of four experiments including the blowing up of a balloon using a soda bottle and the gas created by mixing baking soda and vinegar; causing eruptions by dropping a Mentos candy into soda with varying temperatures; creating a dry ice bomb which ultimately failed due to the length of time it took to produce enough of a chemical reaction; temperature changes using steel wool soaked in vinegar.

Student safety was paramount and the utilization of safety glasses and staying at a safe distance was mandatory. While I lead several of the experiments, students took the lead on the final experiment involving the steel wool and vinegar. Throughout, our middle school “mad scientists” were fully engaged in the Scientific Method throughout and honed their confidence and observation/documentation skills along the way. Not only did they learn a lot, they had a great deal of fun along the way!

Something Greater than ourselves

BY MEGAN ERASMUS The 2013-2014 school year kicked off our annual High School Students’ Retreat for both boys and girls.

This year, our goal was to connect with something greater than ourselves. On October 25th, the girls went to Chama River Bend Lodge, and spent a day enjoying the wondrous Pagosa Springs in Colorado. The boys embarked on a journey to the south - a weekend at Manzano Mountain Retreat located in Torreon.

The girl’s first ‘connection’ was doing community service for the Pagosa Springs Humane Society. We took the dogs out for a run, taught them tricks and overwhelmed them with love and affection - which they surely enjoyed! We also groomed the cats, and took plenty of pictures of them! Later, the girls spent an afternoon soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs nearby. Then we took a short trip to Lake Heron for a haunted hay ride! We got into the Halloween spirit by sharing scary ASL stories and a bonfire. The following day, the girls learned how to make their own bonfire and bonded over a panel discussion.

As for the boys, they spent an entire day braving rope courses and obstacles - leading to a sense of

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Top Left: Mya Malone and Lindsay Hand watch the balloon fill up with gases created by mixing baking soda and vinegar.

Bottom Right: Jonathan Garcia and Sherrena Bob observing and documenting what happens when Jimmy drops a Mentos candy into bottles of soda. Bottom Left: The Scientific Method Poster.

accomplishment and showing impressive teamwork.

The morning sessions included icebreaker activities to both help the students get more familiar with one another and to set personal goals for the weekend. With these goals in mind, the boys spent the afternoon completing a series of challenges.

The sense of competition and support enabled everybody to work effectively and collaboratively.

Plenty of laughter was shared along with sense of pride and victory. On the following day, the students had a chance to review the day’s challenges during a panel discussion, as well as celebrate their accomplishments over S’mores!

Upon arrival back at NMSD, the students were all smiles, replete with stories to share and memories that would last a lifetime. Ultimately we learned that we are all “student” and we are all “teacher.”

Spending time and discovering the world together allows us to recognize that it isn’t the quantity of communications; it’s the quality of the connection that allows us to grow together. We can’t wait for next year!

Left Photo: The boys working together as a team with the goal of helping each other make it through the “spider web” without touching the wire. RIght Photo: Carla Rodriguez and Pamela Macias spending time giving and receiving kitty love at the Humane Society!

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COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

TRANSITION

STATE FAIR FUN!

HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW?

BY ELIZABETH FRY

BY Daniel Timlen

The New Mexico State Fair is held in Albuquerque each September - featuring competitions, rodeos, carnival rides, games, farm animals, horses, agriculture and art exhibits. 2013 marks the State Fair’s 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary. On September 17th, students from the Community Based Instruction Program had the opportunity to witness the fun!

Did you spend your summer vacation considering ebb flow, moisture wicking, PH levels, acidity, and cell structures? NMSD students Hadassah Aguilar-Davis and Kimberly Herrera and staff members Kim Burkholder, Don Wilding and Daniel Timlen certainly did! The ‘budding’ gardeners spent six weeks in July and August learning how to develop and manage Hydroponic and Aquaponic greenhouses.

Students visited a variety of exhibits where they met goats, llamas, cows, pigs, ducks and even a zebra!

They also visited a number of informational booths, including one that allowed students to explore and learn about the NM State and National Parks system and native wildlife.

High School students had a chance to see the Indian Village - witnessing teepees and the types of food the Native Americans grew and ate. They also attended a demonstration on making bread. Our older students explored the booths at the Job Fair.

In addition to the many educational experiences, students had a great deal of fun going on rides, playing games and visiting vendors. And of course their experience wouldn’t be complete without eating nachos, fries and ice cream! All of the students and staff who participated had a wonderful time!

While traditional gardening involves planting seeds, Aquaponics and Hydroponics gardening maximizes growth without soil. Both use a variation of continuous closed circuit water flow to bring nutrients to the roots for optimal growth. Hydroponics, however, adds the natural nutrients from fish. These advanced systems of gardening offer great career potential. Skills in science, math, engineering, production, and marketing are all necessary.

NMSD’s Transition Department - guided by Dr. Maureen Irons - hatched the idea of establishing a Aquaponic/ Hydroponics training center last February during a New Mexico Transition Coalition meeting. The Bioponics Institute at Santa Fe Community College presented the program-an endeavor through which students could learn work-related skills, apply critical thinking skills, and become self-sustaining through growing their own crops.

The new training center gives students a competitive edge in a tough job market.

NMSD collaborated with the Bioponics Institute to provide the training session for the five participants. At the end of six weeks we learned that the two gardening systems are cost efficient, produce quality locally grown crops, and result in positive environmental effects. Growing locally we reduce our carbon imprint; eliminating the need to transport food supplies over long distances.

Upon completing the program, Hadassah was glad she participated as she put her love for science to good use. “I really enjoyed it, and now I know there are jobs I can pursue other than radiologist or dental assistance.”

For Kimberly, “It was a lot of work, but fun. Our teacher Eric Highland really knew how to keep us interested in the training.”

Kim, Don and Daniel are currently putting together a presentation for anyone at NMSD who is interested in learning more about the program. They are also planning to set up miniature gardens around the campus - we’d like students, staff and visitors to all become members of our self-sustaining community!

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Top Photo: Guinivere Shortly at the bear skin display. Middle Photo: Mariah Martinez and Pamela Kayonnie think the baby goat is very cute! Bottom Photo: Elementary students watch as the sheep are judged.

Top Photo: The NMSD team’s first constructed hydroponic garden. Middle Photo: Kimberly Herrera and Hadassah Aguilar-Davis preparing for their end of training presentation. Bottom Photo: The first hydroponic tomato plant - the full grown tomatoes were a delicious addiion to lunch!

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INTERPRETING

ASL & DEAF CULTURE

A FEAST FOR THE EYES WHAT ELSE HAPPENS?

EDUCATING STUDENTS: CLASSROOM INTERPRETING AT NMSD

BY HEDY UDKOVICH-STERN

BY AMANDA LUJAN, LENA STAVELY & JULIE NAGLE

We always charge admission for our annual program, ‘A Feast for the Eyes.’ Are we being greedy? Not at all – it is an attempt to fundraise to bring a true ASL Master to NMSD. Our goal is not only to entertain the audience, but also to conduct student workshops.

In the past, we have welcomed well-known ASL experts such as Ben Jarashow and Ben Bahan.

Over the past six or seven years, NMSD has welcomed a growing number of newly enrolled students who transfer from mainstream educational settings without a strong foundation in American Sign Language. Sometimes they have no background in ASL at all. Sometimes they have had minimal exposure to ASL, while still considered “emerging signers.” In these instances, our interpreting team is called upon to support a smooth transition to NMSD.

of understanding can be compounded by poor modeling of the interpreter role - some students arrive here not realizing the difference between the role of a teacher and that of an interpreter.

However, at NMSD, students receive specialized training about the appropriate use and role of an interpreter in educational settings, thus fostering the students’ enhanced self-awareness and selfadvocacy skills.

Depending on an individual child’s fluency-level, we seek to capitalize on the individual language base (spoken language) by using voice interpreting support as a bridge between spoken language and American Sign Language. That means that we provide voice interpreting support into spoken English or spoken Spanish. Until a student has enough ASL fluency to acquire academic content through the eyes, they may still rely upon the ears to attain information.

This semester we have held two workshops about using interpreters at NMSD. One of the workshops was designed for the new students who are primary consumers of our services, while the other was designed for the other elementary students who experience our presence in the classroom. This workshop focused on how to communicate and interact peer to peer through an interpreter. Our goal is for deaf and hard of hearing students to gain a better understanding about the work of interpreters so that they can independently advocate for the services they request, prefer - and are entitled to experience - throughout their lives.

This year, LA resident Justin Jackerson came to NMSD to conduct workshops. He earned his degree in Sign Language Education major from Gallaudet, and now works as an ASL Instructor at the California State University, Northridge. More importantly, he is an expert ASL storyteller with a wealth of stories in different genres.

Justin shaped his ASL workshops around the needs and interests of different departments. He worked with Elementary, Middle School and High School Departments on personification stories. Personification storytelling in ASL means that an object takes on human qualities. For example, a story about a golf ball reacting to being putted. With the Student Life Educators, Justin zoomed in on the Importance of ASL Storytelling with Children. For the Teachers, he emphasized Academic ASL and how to use technology to to enhance classroom learning.

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NMSDers certainly benefitted from having Justin with us! In “feasting our eyes” on ASL Masters, it struck many of us that the level of our students’ work in literature is higher than in years past. They take their ASL work very seriously – we actually caught them practicing hard before the show!

They discussed and evaluated each the work afterwards. It’s become a badge of honor to be a participant in this very entertaining event. And - a few days later - the youngest ASL Master wanted to go through his piece once more!! The actual event was impressive - with each ASL Master proving to be a STAR! Now, there’s a waiting list of students clamoring to become ASL Masters! Long live ASL!!!

Top Right: 8th grader Jonathan Garcia wows everyone with his Visual Vernacular act about football – no signs and no words at all!

Middle Right: Justin applauds ECErs Alex Lopez, Jodie Haley and Jesse Haley on an ASL creation well done. Bottom Right: The Elementary Kids after a very interactive workshop. Bottom Left: A big HANDWAVE to these masterful ASL Masters!!

Another component of our work at NMSD is explaining to students about the role of the interpreter. Too often students are expected to use interpreter services without truly understanding the breadth and limitations of our role. This lack

(Part two of this article will appear in the Winter/ Spring issue so stay tuned.)

Left Photo: Staff interpreter, Orlando Obeso, facilitates communication between Joseph Singleterry and his teacher, Diana Berrigan.

Right Photo: Staff interpreter, Claudia Mansilla, provides classroom interpreting support for Makiah Granadino in Dennis Catron’s class.

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STUDENT LIFE

STUDENT LIFE

LOOKING DEEP INTO NATURE

THE ICING ON THE CAKE!

BY LARISSA CLAPP

BY AARON MARTINEZ

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous,” Aristotle once wrote. These words rang true during our fall hike up the Chamisa Trail in the Santa Fe Mountains - organized by NMSD’s After School Program (ASP). The aim of the program is to foster curiosity about nature, while nurturing the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the cottage students. We decided to take in the crisp autumn air with a visit to Hyde National Park. We chose the 4.75 mile round trip hike up the Chamisa Trail, as it offers the perfect blend of a challenging uphill climb and an easy saunter back down.

Our residential students decided it would be fun to have a cake decorating competition as part of our After School Program. Aspen, Juniper, Sage, Sunflower/Ponderosa and Yucca took part in the contest. The middle and high school students chose cakes and frosting, baking the cakes the day before the competition to give them plenty of time to cool before decorating. Students in each cottage worked together to design and decorate their cakes. They were very creative, and used a variety of techniques and ingredients [including fruit, sprinkles, candy and icing] to draw details and words on their cakes.

Our Student Life Educators and eleven students started out as one group, but eventually split into three groups with different walking paces. Some students were very eager to take on the challenging hike, while others preferred to take it easy and enjoy the scenery. The students learned the importance of conserving the energy and water necessary for a long hike. We also learned how to read the hiking trail map to pinpoint our starting point, exact locations, and final destination.

After decorating, our bakers brought their beautiful cakes to the Roadrunner Activity Center (RAC) to be judged. The Judges were David Anderson, Laurie Anderson and AJ Williams. There were several categories including best decorations and best taste. The cakes were given a score from 1 -5 (1 being fair and 5 being excellent). The judges tasted each of the cakes while the baking teams shared information about the cake and its decorations. The judges discussed and then tallied their scores. Sage Cottage (High School girls) won Best Decoration, Yucca Cottage (High School boys) won for Best Taste, and Sunflower/Ponderosa Cottages (Independent Living Skills Program) won Best Cake in Show. What a delicious activity!

Several times we stopped to rest and take in the glorious view of the sun slowly dropping down upon the vast array of Aspen trees. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day, and all agreed that they would like to explore more trails before the freezing winter season.

We might not be able to hike every trail in Santa Fe, but we will certainly try to hike as many as we can!

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Top Right: Checking out a map of the hiking trails. Middle Right: Up the mountain we go! Bottom Left: Taking a break from hiking to pose for a group shot.

Top Left: Alyssa Vargas frosting a three-tiered cake. Bottom Left: Luis Villalobos mixing up the cake batter! Right Photo: The High School girls from Sage Cottage having fun decorating their cake.

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS

FALL SPORTS SEASON

GO ROADRUNNERS!

VARSITY FOOTBALL

FALL CHEER TEAM

Sitting from left: Manager Manuelito Velasquez, Manager Tyrel Wilding, Silvano Frank, Cedric Toledo, Kendrick Skeets, Jesus Medrano and Manager Kaleb Larkin. Standing from left: Assistant Coach Bill Jacobs, Mark Chavez, Jose Fernando Silva, Head Coach Robert Huizar, Eloy Garcia, Alexandro Lucero and Assistant Coach A.J. Williams.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Standing from left: Assistant Coach Diana Berrigan, Manager Andrea Leyba, Sherrena Bob, Sabrina Tennyson, Mya Malone, Lindsay Hand and Head Coach Krystle Berrigan.

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VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Kneeling from left: Manager Hadassah Aguilar, Justina Ercolino, Rochelle Garcia, Manager Marisol Sanchez.

Standing from left: Assistant Coach Joi Holsapple, Margaret Appa, Cheyenne Price, Amberley Luna, Victoria Oritz, Janell Miller, Jaelyn Sanchez and Head coach Amanda Lujan.

Kneeling in front: Patricia Lopez. Second row from left: Sarah Gonzales & Victoria Ortiz. Standing from left: Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea, Vergena Chee, Timothy Cordova, Jaelyn Sanchez and Head Coach Lisa Ortega. Back row from left: Janell Miller and Carla Rodriguez.

U4-5 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

From left: Coach Cheyenna Wilding, Jesse Crespin, Kimora Vollmar and Coach Hilary Huerta. Not pictured: Isac Velo.

ACADEMIC BOWL

U7 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

U9-10 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Standing from left: Tyrel WIlding, Jasmine Sisneros, Kalle Lovgren and Hadassah Aguilar-Davis. Sitting from left: Assistant Coach Nathan Harrison and Head Coach Scott Vollmar.

From left: Adrian Fernandez, Coach Cheyenna Wilding, Julian Aranda-Sotelo, Claire Stephens and Coach Hilary Huerta. Not pictured: Nirveli Smith.

From left: Coach Cheyenna Wilding, Kieran Vollmar and Coach Hilary Huerta. Not pictured: Dustin Hand.

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS

SPIRIT WEEK

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

1

1

2

2

4 3 5

4 1 2 3 4 5 6

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1

NMSD Spirit – Heather Huizar LOVES Homecoming Spirit Week!

Wacky Day - From left: Cedric Toledo, Jose Fernando Silva, Kaleb Larkins and Don Wilding get Wacky!

2 3

Clown Day - Jessica Chavez clowning around!

Red & White Day – Who is red and white all over? Bill Jacobs, that’s who!

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Neon Day – Our Neon staff from the NMSD ABQ Preschool!

5 6

USA Day – Students and staff from our Early Childhood Education department are all decked out for USA Day!

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5

3 Tyrel Wilding kicks off the homecoming football game by signing the Star Spangled Banner.

Go Roadrunners!

Mark Chavez making a run for it, while the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind tries to catch him.

Fans Sam Ramone, Terri Lucero and Larry Lucero showing their Roadrunner pride.

Amberley Luna serving the ball.

2013’s Homecoming Queen Cheyenne Price and King Immanuel Neubauer with attendants Kimora Vollmar and Isac Velo-Tarin.

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CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

STATEWIDE SERVICES ON THE GO!

ASL Classes

Sign Language classes continue to be offered to families and educators of deaf and hard of hearing children in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Joanne DeBee is the educational consultant who has coordinated the classes for the past few years. Classes help families and educators communicate more fluidly with deaf and hard of hearing children, and demand for classes continues to increase an average of 70-80 individuals now participate in the ASL classes offered!

BY PRISCILLA GUTIERREZ The Center for Educational Consultation and Training (CECT) offers a wide-range of services to school districts and families around the state. Here’s a sampling:

ASL classes bring families closer together and improve communication with their deaf or hard of hearing child.

Families also learn about Deaf culture, and have an opportunity to interact with Deaf adults. It is an opportunity for family members to network with other families who are raising deaf or hard of hearing children, and for educators who work with deaf and hard of hearing students to build their sign language skills and enhance communication and language modeling.

Charter Schools

A variety of educational consultation services are available to deaf and hard of hearing students attending charter schools. Jolee Joos works with Cottonwood Valley Charter School in Socorro, Media Arts Collaborative Charter School and El Camino Real Academy Charter, both in Albuquerque. CECT services include classroom observations, suggestions and recommendations addressing the specific academic and social needs of the student, as well as in-services and trainings for parents and school staff - with strategies to encourage parental understanding and best practices in the school setting.

We also support completion of the Communication Consideration IEP Addendum through in-depth dialogues with staff, students and families. This addendum requires IEP teams to address and plan for the unique language and communication needs of the individual student. The information from these dialogues is invaluable in developing quality programming through the IEP process. The Center for Educational Consultation and Training Educational Consultants look forward to continuing this cooperative work with New Mexico’s charter schools!

Students Who Use Spoken English

Our educational consultation doesn’t only focus on students who use ASL. We also support students with hearing aids or cochlear implants who communicate through spoken language. Professionals and peers often assume these students have more access to aspects of the school day than they actually do. Even a mild hearing loss can have a significant impact on the school experience.

Professional staff may believe that auditory equipment leads to quality access. However, these students commonly require instructional accommodations and considerations with social situations and peer relationships. Priscilla Gutiérrez works closely with staff at Lydia Rippey Elementary in Aztec to help them understand the importance of accommodations for students with cochlear implants or hearing aids. Visual supports - such as pictures, modeling, word lists, or graphic organizers - are key to greater comprehension, especially when phonics or letters sounds are emphasized. Reducing background noise before giving directions or teaching a lesson is also highly important. NMSD Educational Consultants are working hard to help schools and districts better understand the needs of students who use spoken language.

Post-Secondary Transition

Educational Consultant Susan Pepper is one of the members of the New Mexico Transition Coalition; created by the NMSD Transition Department in 2011. The purpose of the coalition is to raise awareness of the post-secondary issues deaf and hard of hearing students face, and to transition improve planning and services. The coalition meets every two months. Agencies that are part of the coalition include Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Workforce Solutions, Community Outreach Programs for the Deaf (COPD), and the New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH).

As part of the department’s post-secondary transition support to districts, Susan also collaborates with Nathan Gomme from NMCDHH in developing content for workshops. Susan and Nathan travel around New Mexico, giving trainings specifically tailored to school staff, students, and families. They also provide schools with workshops on how to implement iTransition, a post-secondary transition program developed by PepNet2.

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Top Photo: Second-grade student, Colton Schneider, hard at work classifying nouns. Bottom Photo: Transition Coalition team members discussing post-secondary challenges facing Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Classes are offered twice a year in the fall and spring. Each session lasts for ten weeks once a week for two hours.

Albuquerque classes are offered on Thursday nights from 6-8pm. Parents and family members of deaf or hard of hearing children attend for FREE. For the other participants, the cost is only $80. For more information about ASL classes, please visit the NMSD website: http://www.nmsd.k12.nm.us/outreach/classesworkshops.php.

Deaf-Blind Students

The number of deaf-blind students in New Mexico seems to be on the rise. These students are often referred to the CECT department for services or support. While Educational Consultants have much shared expertise regarding students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, the team recognizes there is much more involved with those who are deaf-blind.

Last year, the department’s Educational Consultants began collaborating with Brooke Buchanan from the Project for New Mexico Children and Youth Who Are Deaf-Blind. This is a statewide program created to deliver technical assistance, training, distance education, and networking information to the deaf-blind, as well as their families, service providers, and individuals. Brooke has a wealth of experience and knowledge as a deaf-blind consultant that is proving invaluable to educational team. With her guidance and support, communication and language profiles are developed to meet unique language and communication needs.

Leah Gregg recently had the opportunity to travel with Brooke to Deming to support deaf-blind students. During their trip, Leah and Brooke joined a preschool class on their field trip to the local fire department. Later, the two offered recommendations and support.

Workshops/Trainings

It has been a busy start to the school year in Southern New Mexico! Las Cruces and Gadsden shool districts both have a sizeable population of deaf and hard of students. At the invitation of Gadsden School District, Educational Consultant Kelly Huff conducted a workshop with teams of diagnosticians, speech therapists, social workers and physical therapists. There were nearly 50 participants from several school programs in attendance!

The workshop focused on Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and the continuum of placement options. Attendees participated in simulated hearing loss exercises, and identified the appropriate accommodations and modifications for deaf and hard of hearing students. They also explored the continuum of placement options that IEP teams should consider for individual students. The training was a good opportunity for the district teams to better understand the variety of available NMSD statewide services.

In nearby Las Cruces, the sign language interpreting team is gearing up for a January training. The focus will be to help district interpreters build upon their skills and knowledge base in order to more effectively meet the needs of students.

NMSD’s Education Consultants are quite busy providing a wide variety of supports and services around the state! If you have any questions about these services, please contact the department director, Cindy Huff at 505-476-6400 or cindy.huff@nmsd.k12.nm.us Top Photo: Instructor Lynn Martinez teaching sign language to beginner students in Albuquerque. Bottom Photo: Brooke working with a deaf-blind student on the field trip to the local fire department. She offered tips to the staff on how to encourage the student to move past gestures into language (ASL).

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Community Relations

Community Relations

Cindy’s Playhouse

Partnering with Whitehawk

BY Keri- Lynn McBride

BY Keri- Lynn McBride For thirty-five years, Marcia and Ted Berridge’s company, Whitehawk, Inc., has brought the Antique Indian and Ethnographic Art Show to Santa Fe’s historic Indian Market. Last summer, Dr. Stern, Hedy and I were thrilled to be invited guests at the grand opening gala.

We were amazed by the vast display of historic art on display. In addition to a donation, a lovely ad celebrating and showcasing our students and school appeared in the show’s magazine. We thank Marcia and Ted Berridge for being such avid supporters of NSMD!

Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) playground has a new addition – Cindy’s Playhouse. The idea was born when a school supporter named Jim Skjeveland wanted to honor his late wife‘s memory. Cindy Quintana Skjeveland graduated from NMSD in 1986, and then worked in our Early Childhood Department in the 90’s. She was passionate about NMSD and held our youngest students near and dear to her heart.

After much input from the Early Childhood staff and principal Scott Mohan, it was decided that a natural play structure would put the perfect final touch on the ECE playground located outside of Hester Hall. Kris Eaton, ECE teacher, championed the project and worked closely with Jesse Bartlett, a local contractor who designed and built several natural play structures for Santa Fe’s Children’s Museum.

Several volunteers pitched in to help build Cindy’s Playhouse, and Eddie King’s Elementary woodworking class created the beautiful and fitting signs for the structure.

We dedicated Cindy’s Playhouse in October, and were thrilled Jim and the designer/builder, Jesse, were able to attend the dedication and ribbon cutting. Jim shared his deep appreciation to all who were involved with this project. He stated that: “Cindy would be very happy and is smiling down from above knowing that the little ones have such a beautiful place to play.”

“Cindy would be very happy and is smiling down from above knowing that the little ones have such a beautiful

It’s All Relative

BY Hope Bakker & Espie Latimer We welcomed Jerry Plocher - great grandson of Lars Larson and Cora - and Katherine Ann, his wife, to NMSD last July. It was a wonderful way to connect the history of NMSD with the living legacy of the present.

The couple toured the campus with Kathy Encinias, observing the many changes taking place on campus with our new construction . Our guests were impressed by our museum - and the photo collection of the Larson family tree. We hope they’ll come see us again soon!

place to play.”

-Jim Skjeveland

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Top Photo: The “Sign-Makers” and Jim (From left: Kieran Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar, Dustin Hand, Keanu Yazzie, Coffey King, Jim Skjeveland and Bruce Brewer Jr. Bottom Photo: The ribbon is cut!

Top Photo: Ted and Marcia Berridge, great supporters of NMSD!. Bottom Left: This photogravure plate, donated by Jerry Plocher after his visit, was used by Lars Larson in printing of the New Mexico Progress. The images of Mr. Plocher and Lars are amazingly similar! Bottom Right: Jerry Plocher poses with pride for a photo near the bas-relief of the first class at the entrance to the Lars M. Larson Activity Center.

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Construction – Sidewalk/ENTRANCE Project

Beauty & Safety: A New History in the Making The NMSD campus is undergoing major changes. A new ADA compliant sidewalk as well as a beautifully designed wall are being installed along the front of our school. These improvements allow for safer passage of our students and increased pedestrian foot traffic along Cerrillos Road. The parking areas in front of the campus are also getting a bold new look, and will improve the traffic flow on campus. Behind Dillon Hall, the new library and museum building are being constructed.. Photos are posted regularly on NMSD’s Facebook page so be sure to “LIKE” our page at https://www.facebook.com/NMSchoolDeaf - you can follow history in the making!

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

New Mexico School for the Deaf 1060 CERRILLOS ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87505

www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

New Mexico's First Public School

The New Mexico Progress since 1909 USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 104 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2013-14

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. Staff: Editor/Keri-Lynn McBride; Associate Editors/Bay Anapol & Kathy Glyer; Mailing/Distribution/Hope Bakker.