Wi s c o ns i nTi me s Wi nt e r2010Vol umeCXXXINumbe r2
The
Wisconsin Times
Editorial Staff Consultant: Alex H. Slappey Coeditors: Bill Wilson and Rebecca Epple Reporters: Brian Lievens, Michael Coates, and Jennifer VanDerMolen Sports Editor: Chris Woodfill Photographer: Rebecca Epple Volunteer Copy Editor: Eleanor Wilson Cover Design: Bill Wilson Circulation Manager: Therese Pohl-Markowitz
Wisconsin School for the Deaf The school is part of the Department of Public Instruction, Division for Learning Services: Equity and Advocacy. As such, its goals are the same as those set forth by the department for all youth in the state. The school serves as a first-line alternative placement option for parents and school systems seeking appropriate programming for children and youth that are deaf or hard of hearing. The students are provided a comprehensive academic, vocational, and social education learning environment, uniquely programmed for a personalized education in both a day school and residential setting. As a part of the free public school system of the state, no charge is made for room, board, tuition, and concomitant activities.
How does it feel to be pregnant? Students in Karen DeFalco’s. Family and Marriage class donned the Empathy Belly pregnancy simulator suit to find out.
Admission criteria are established by law (s. 115.52, WI Stats.) and require local district referral. Such local district referrals are then evaluated by the school for appropriateness, leading to acceptance or alternative recommendations. In recognition of individual integrity, the mission of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf is to provide an American Sign Language environment to promote excellence in the development of deaf and hard of hearing children in all areas of life through the use of ASL and English. The mission is accomplished with the belief that, for most deaf children, ASL is the accessible, dominant language used for communication and thinking, while English, a spoken and written language, is learned as a second language. For some deaf and hard of hearing students who have previously acquired English, ASL is learned as a second language. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf strives to foster competencies in these two languages as well as to develop cross-cultural sensitivity among the entire student body. Preschool programs are offered for local children under the age of six on a day-school basis. Regular academics provide normal and unique curricula from grades one through 12. An extensive pre- and vocational training program is provided as part of the total grade 7-12 curriculum. The social education program for residential students is a continuous informal and formal program developing self-management and social living skills through child care counselors, facilities and numerous school related organizations and activities. For further information, write to: Director, Wisconsin School for the Deaf, 309 W. Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI 53115.
Alvin Horton explains some of the physical challenges pregnant women face: difficulty climbing stairs, muscle fatigue, and lower back pain.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Evers, State Superintendent Michael Thompson, Deputy State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, Assistant State Superintendent Division of Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy Dr. Stephanie Petska, Director, Special Education
Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alex Slappey, Director The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and WSD are equal opportunity employers functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.
- The Wisconsin Times
Elementary School News by Jennifer Vander Molen
A Night at the Library The elementary department performed a play called “A Night at the Library” for this year’s holiday show. Featured in the play were the talents of Wisconsin School for the Deaf’s young actors. All worked long and hard to pull the production together under the direction of De Drymalski and Jen VanDerMolen. In preparation for the big night, the students learned their lines, their blocking, and even the Virginia Reel, a folk dance that dates from the 17th century. The night of the play the stage came alive. The play begins as a child enters the library at closing time and is then escorted out by the librarian. But when the librarian turns her back the child sneaks back into the library. When the child grabs a book off the shelf, the book opens and the characters come alive. The first book pulled from the shelf is Dance at Grandpa’s,
by Laura Ingalls Wilder, who lived a long time ago with her family in Wisconsin. In the story, they received a letter from their grandparents inviting them a party. The family went to the grandparent’s house by horse and carriage to attend the party.
The night ended with great festivities and lots of dancing. At the conclusion of the story, the child in the library puts the book back on the shelf and selects another book. This time the story is Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates, written by Mary Mapes Dodge. The child opens the book and the characters jump off of the page and into the library. This is the story. Hans and
Gretel Brinker enjoyed skating and wanted a chance to win the race and the coveted silver skates. The brother and sister pair were very poor due to an accident that had left their father very ill. They learned of a doctor who could help their father and sought him out, but his fees were very expensive. Spring 2009 -
Name Poetry
The crowd cheers on the ice skaters at that big race.
Hans proceeded to offer the money he was going to use to purchase his skates to help pay for the operation. Because of Hans’s gesture, the doctor agreed to help the father for free, allowing Hans to purchase the skates needed for the race. During the race, Hans’s friend fell, and instead of crossing the finish line and winning the race, he went back to help his friend. In the end, the importance of friendship and sportsmanship were emphasized. The night ended with performances from various groups. Rhythm club students performed a comical rendition of “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley, while showing teacher’s pictures in the background. The elementary ASL club was all decked out in holiday gear to perform “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The middle school and high school ASL clubs presented various holiday ASL poems. Kathryn Harbison and Ginger Aleksinski shared their rendition of “Jingle Bells” with the audience. Tom Harbison ended the program by telling the audience the story “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The night concluded with a visit from the one and only Santa Claus, who passed out gifts to all of the good little girls and boys.
Students in the 4th and 5th grade computers class studied the art of creating name poems, using their own names or that of a famous person, to visually describe their personalities, talents, and traits. Creative and dramatic vocabulary words and pictures were emphasized. Above, Briana Robertson examines the layout and animation of her name poem.
Educational ssistant Tom Armato, helps Jon Post design his own name poem.
Hans, Gretel, and their mother talk about their father’s need for a doctor.
- The Wisconsin Times
Wyatt Stoller uses a visual dictionary to search for new descriptive vocabulary for his name poem.
Middle/High School News by Brian Lievens and Michael Coates
Job Training Workshops at WSD Wisconsin School for the Deaf had the opportunity to host job training workshops from Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ODHH) on Friday, November 13. The sophomore, junior, and senior classes attended the workshops from 8:30 to 11:40 in the morning in the Hannan Gym. Food and beverages were provided. Some Deaf community members also attend the workshops.
Marge Liberski and Jason Altmann of ODHH presented on topics such as resume writing, interview, job application, and job search. Julie Holma, WSD’s work study coordinator, mentioned that the students enjoyed the workshops and participated well. The presenters were able to involve the audience in answering questions, role-playing scenarios, having the participants answer their questions, and lively discussions. The students appreciated the presenters’ real-life experiences, which included frustrations in getting a job, accessibility issues for Deaf people, and the joys of obtaining a job. Winter 2010 - 5
A School for the Deaf in Uganda Middle and high school students were enriched by the experience of learning about a school for the Deaf in Uganda, a country in Africa. Mr. Sam Kateu had contacted Roger Claussen to see if WSD could give him and his daughter, Barbara, the opportunity to make a presentation on the school, and Roger Claussen coor-
dinated with Chris Woodfill, high school social studies teacher, to make the presentation happen. Mr. Kateu had just won the international humanitarian award from a well-known humanitarian organization. He was on a fund-raising tour, trying to earn more money to support his school, Kavule Parents School for the Deaf.
6 - The Wisconsin Times
Mr. Kateu had become involved in the disabled community because he had become disabled when he lost parts of his leg due to an illness. He wanted to help people with disabilities in Uganda and found that there were needs for the deaf children in a specific area in the country. He decided to get involved in educating deaf people in that area, and as a result Kavule Parents School for the Deaf was founded. Barbara Kateu gave a presentation about the school, showing multiple pictures of the school itself and its students. The students learned the differences between Kavule Parents School for the Deaf in Uganda and Wisconsin School for the Deaf. Ariana Eldred commented that it seemed weird for her, because the students at the school for the Deaf had to wear uniforms while the WSD students don’t have to. Also, the school conditions are not comparable, as the Deaf students in Uganda are living in Third World conditions.
Middle School students enjoy a fun day of rock climbing for their PBIS
(Positive Behavior Intervention Support)
day out. (Middle/High School News continued on page 11)
Winter 2010 - 7
FIREBIRD SPORTS by Chris Woodfill
Boys Basketball
16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jose Castillo was Patrick’s right-hand man with 10 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Tony Davis contributed with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals.
WSD vs. Keith 32–29
WSD vs. Mountain Top Christian 75–43
WSD won a close contest against Keith in the opening game of the basketball season. WSD was behind 8–15 at half-time but came roaring back during the second half, outscoring Keith by 24–14. Patrick Jennison led the team with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Tony Davis grabbed down 17 rebounds and chipped in 4 points. Jose Castillo also helped out with 7 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
WSD’s winning streak continues! The mighty Firebirds went 3–0 by crushing Mountain Top Christian. By half-time, WSD led 41–21. WSD never looked back during the rest of the game. Patrick Jennison led the team with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Tony Davis was close behind with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jose Castillo poured in 13 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals. Dylan Laux contributed 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
WSD vs. Rock County Christian 48–55 WSD vs. Trinity Academy 53–45 WSD earned its second victory against Trinity Academy in a relatively close contest. WSD led 31–21 at half-time and held off a late surge by Trinity Academy. Patrick Jennison led the team with
- The Wisconsin Times
WSD suffered its first loss of the season against Rock County Christian. WSD was slightly behind at half-time 25–29, and still in contention to win. The Firebirds faltered in the second half as Rock County Christian extended their lead. Tony Davis led the team with 16 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Patrick Jennison helped out with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
WSD vs. MSSD 34–45
Clerc Classic Tournament
WSD lost again in the Clerc Classic Tournament to MSSD. Surprisingly, WSD led at half-time with a score of 19–13 but faltered badly in the second half. Patrick Jennison had the most points at 8. The rest of the team each contributed 5 or less points.
WSD vs. California Deaf Riverside 37–64
WSD vs. California Deaf Fremont 34–51 WSD was dispatched easily by Fremont in the opening game of the Clerc Classic Tournament when Fremont crushed WSD 34–13 by the half-time. WSD revived a bit in the second half, outscoring Fremont by 21–13, but it was not enough at the end. Tony Davis was the only star of the game, earning 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals.
WSD’s final loss in the Clerc Classic Tournament came against the host school, Riverside. WSD never contended at all throughout this game. Jose Castillo led the team with 13 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Tony Davis helped out with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal.
WSD vs. Keith 60–68 WSD tried to bounce back from a streak of losses against Keith, but the streak continued. WSD was behind 27–39 at the half-time. WSD almost successfully fought back, outscoring Keith by 33–29 in the second half. Patrick Jennison led the team with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and an assist. Dylan Laux was Patrick’s right hand man with 11 points and an assist. Travis Waala and Tony Davis had 9 points each.
Winter 2010 -
WSD vs. Ohio Deaf 62–37
WSD vs. Trinity 33–49
WSD crushed Ohio Deaf in the opening game of the CSSD tournament. Ohio was never close throughout the game. Travis Waala led the team with 13 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Taylor Koss was the number-two man with 11 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jose Castillo, Tony Davis, and Patrick Jennison each had 10 points for the team.
WSD performed poorly in the first half but did well in the second in a loss to Trinity. During the first half, WSD was behind 12–28 but drew even in the second half with a 21–21 performance. Ashley Wagner led the team with 15 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists. Lori Eldred assisted with 10 points and 3 rebounds. Sophomore Amanda Feliciano contributed 10 rebounds.
WSD vs. Indiana Deaf 37–60
WSD vs. Mountain Top Christian 20–67
WSD suffered the fate it gave Ohio Deaf by being crushed by Indiana Deaf. At no point in this game did WSD ever come close to Indiana. Tony Davis and Patrick Jennison led the team with 12 points and 6 rebounds each. Taylor Koss contributed with 10 points.
A string of crushing losses continued for WSD in its loss against Mountain Top Christian. WSD never got into double digits during any of the quarters of this game. Lori Eldred led with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Senior Ashley Wagner was right behind with 8 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
WSD vs. Illinois 39–61 WSD finished fourth out of eight teams in CSSD tournament with another crushing loss to Illinois Deaf. Again, WSD never contended for a win at any point in this game. Patrick Jennison led the team with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Everyone else scored in single digits.
Girl’s Basketball WSD vs. Keith 34–60
WSD lost the season-opening game to Keith. By the end of the third quarter, WSD was behind 14–52. However, WSD rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring Keith by 20–8. It was a case of too little, too late. Rookie freshman Lori Eldred led the team with 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Maydee Vande Hey was Lori’s right-hand lady with 9 points and 19 rebounds.
WSD vs. Maranatha Baptist 40–39 WSD won its first victory in a thriller against Maranatha Baptist. The scales tipped back and forth between the teams throughout the game, ending in a draw with a score of 33–33. Overtime was played, and WSD edged past Maranatha 7–6 during the overtime. Lori Eldred was the bright star of this game with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Ashley Wagner was right behind with 13 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Maydee Vande Hey contributed with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal.
WSD vs. Keith 17–46 Keith scrubbed the luster that WSD earned in its previous game with an overwhelming and crushing victory
10 - The Wisconsin Times
over WSD. WSD never scored in double digits during any quarters of the game. Ashley Wagner was the leading scorer with 6 points. Maydee Vande Hey and Tiffany Besaw-Benz earned 5 points each.
WSD vs. Colorado Deaf 23–39 WSD lost to Colorado Deaf in the opening game of the CSSD tournament. WSD went to sleep during the first half, scoring only 3 points against 27 scored by Colorado Deaf. However, WSD woke up and played hard during second half, outscoring Colorado Deaf by 20–12. Again, it was a case of too little, too late. Lori Eldred led the team with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist. Maydee Vande Hey was right behind with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and a steal.
WSD vs. Michigan 31–25 WSD recovered from the last game to defeat Michigan Deaf. WSD maintained its lead throughout the game. Lori Eldred and Ashley Wagner earned 11 points each and 5 and 9 rebounds respectively to lead the team.
WSD vs. Ohio Deaf 35–25 WSD defeated Ohio Deaf to win the consolation championship at the CSSD tournament. Lori Eldred and Amanda Feliciano led the team with 9 points each and 3 and 11 rebounds respectively. Junior Maydee Vande Hey was tossed in 8 points and ripped down 11 rebounds.
(Middle/High School News continued from page 7)
Thinking About Each Other Some students were concerned about other students who are not able to drink from the water fountains in the high school hall and G-3 floor in the dormitory. Occupational therapist Anne Lenichek ordered several step stools from the Power House to be built. Oran Thorsen, who works in the WSD Power House, b u i l t the step stools with the assistance of two high school students. Nick Johnson nailed the stools together with a hammer, and Leneta Meyer sanded the wood. The stools then were brought to Susan Dupor’s art classroom. Kim O’Reilly, the substitute for Susan Dupor, who was gone on a leave, and her two-dimensional art high school students painted the stools with beautiful decorations during their free time. Students painted flowers, a dog, a peace sign, a Superman logo, a moon, a sun, and many other decorations on the stools. Rene Ambrose mentioned that it was a great display of teamwork by staff and students, who worked together for the benefit of other students. Most of the time, people overlook the needs of other people in the community and in schools. But this time, some students and staff didn’t overlook but rather supported other students who needed assistance by being respectful and showing a caring attitude.
Winter 2010 - 11
Special Olympics Basketball This year’s Special Olympic’s Basketball consisted of three awesome teams. We had the A-Team, better known as the WSD Battalions. The players on this team were Brandon Carter, Julian Chairez Jr., Darion Henderson, Alvin Horton, Kadedra Jackson, Anthony Jacoby, SarabJeet Singh, and Shane Tisa, with manager Alejandro Evangelista. Our B-Team, the WSD Shooting Stars, was fielded by Anthony Boles, Andy Coppola, Nick Johnson, Wyatt Keller, Cindy Martinez, Chas Moritz, Tom Steinbach and Donavin Sweeney, with manager Devon Krajcik. The third group was the Skills Group in which included Charly Fleege Roberto Gonzales, Chloe Goetsch, and Jon Post. The coaches were Karen DeFalco and Sheryl Aleksinski. The WSD Battalions’ opening game for the season was on January 20, against the Lakeland Blue, with a result of 33 to 15. On January 22, they played against the Racine Rockets and continued their winning streak with a huge score of 32 to 6. Tuesday February 16, the WSD Battalions played a close and exciting game with the Janesville Swishers. The final score was 19 to 18 in favor of the Janesville Swishers. The WSD Shooting Stars’ opening game for the season was also on January 20 against the Lakeland Red. After a long and hard battle WSD fell to the Reds with a score of 28 to 10. On January 22, they traveled to Racine and played against the Rockets. Our Shooting
12 - The Wisconsin Times
Stars played awesomely; however, we lost the game 4 to 10. Their luck changed after winning against the Shepards on February 11, as they continued their winning streak on February 16 by defeating the Janesville Jets, 16 to 10. For the Kurt Bubolz Memorial Basketball Tournament held on January 31, WSD sent two teams, the WSD Battalions and the WSD Shooting Stars. Each team played three games in their respective divisions. A plaque was given to the champion of each of the four divisions. The WSD Battalions placed 2nd out of eight teams in Division 2 and the WSD Shooting Stars placed 6th out of eight teams in Division 3. At the 14th annual Big Bend/Lion’s Tournament, which was held on February 7th, 30 teams competed. There were three levels. The WSD Battalions competed in Level II against 13 other teams, and the WSD Shooting Stars were in Level III and competed against 11 other teams. Each team was guaranteed to play two games. There were no awards given. On February 27, the Area Skills Tournament was held in Lake Geneva. Charly Fleege grabbed up 1st place for Division 20, followed by a 1st place finish in Division 24 for Chloe Goetsch. Jon Post earned a 4th place for Division 24.
Winter 2010 - 13
Middle School Girls’ Basketball This year’s girl’s basketball program had only one team, unlike the boys, which had two. The team had eight players, consisting of six who were in the 7th and 8th grade. The season record was 1–9. The team was high-spirited and persistent according to the athletic director, Steven Fuerst. The coaches were Steven Fuerst and Christina Kujawa.
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Middle School Boys’ Basketball
The middle school boy’s A-Team had a record of 4–7, while the boys’ B-Team record was 3–4. The teams consisted of 15 players, of which 12 were 7th and 8th graders. They performed up to their ability according to the athletic director, Steven Fuerst. The coaches were Zuhair Alsaegh and Paul Fuerst.
Winter 2010 - 15
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