California News LEARN EXPERIENCE THRIVE
SPRING 2016 CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
www.csdeagles.com
CAL NEWS SPRING 2016
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Meet Barbara White
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The Beacon of Hope
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Western Regional Academic Bowl
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CSD Remembers Suzanne Hemsworth
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Superintendent's Highlights
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CDE Headquarters visits Elementary
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Steve Orman Retires
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Deaf Lawyer Visits CSD
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Elementary Students meet Deaf Engineer
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Battle of the Books
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Hoy & Berg-Seeger Highlights
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Council de Manos visits CSD
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Parents’ Stories
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Deaf High School Latinx Club
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National Drug Facts Week
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Logo Contest Winners
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Hour of Code
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Art Club in the Cottages
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De'VIA Art by High School Art Students
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Deaf Culinary Bowl Champs
Learn. Experience. Thrive. California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 videophone: 510-344-6044 phone: 510-794-3666 fax: 510-794-2409
Production Team Coeditors: Meta Metal & Jennifer Ann Cook (JAC) School Superintendent: Dr. Sean M. Virnig Cover photograph: Yearbook Team Photography: Sinju Engineer, Yearbook Class, Rachel Chong, Vanessa Sandez California Department of Education: • Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Dr. William Ellerbee, Deputy Superintendent of Student Support & Special Services • Scott Kerby, Director of State Special Schools & Services
Find us on... 2 California News
Meet
Barbara White Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services As a native San Franciscan who grew up in an oral program in Palo Alto, communication access was both challenging and limiting for Barbara White. When she finally was able to learn sign language as a teenager, her whole world opened up. Barbara had always liked working with youths and being in an educational setting where it’s all about learning, growing and improving oneself. So after graduating from Utah State with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she moved to Santa Rosa, California to work with Deaf high school students, as well as at the Santa Rosa Community College. Additionally, she worked for Deaf camp programs which she loved. When Barbara learned that California School for the Deaf, Fremont had an opening for a cottage counselor position, she applied and got a job as a Cottage 16 counselor in the Fall of 1984. Barbara loved being at CSD because there was full communication access; she related well with the students; she was fond of the staff; and she could be herself—without constantly having to fight for her rights. Barbara knew that she wanted to become a guidance counselor so she went back to graduate school at Cal State East Bay and got her counseling degree, as well as her Pupil Personnel Services credential. When she graduated in August 1987, it appeared there would not be an opening at CSD coming up soon, so she started looking for other opportunities.
Since then, Barbara has worked at Ohlone College as a counselor and English teacher; Cal State East Bay in their Disability Resource Center; DCARA as a program director; Catholic Charities DHH Program in San Francisco as a social worker; Ross Psychiatric Hospital in Corte Madera as a social worker; Willow Creek Treatment Center/North Valley School in Santa Rosa as a clinician and coordinator setting up the DHH program for emotionally disturbed youths (19 years); and UCSF’s Deaf Community Counseling Services as a therapist for outpatient mental health services. When that closed down, she transferred to another agency where she facilitated offices that are currently in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Leandro. Barbara is also the proud mother of two CODAs, now in their twenties, who are pursuing their own academic and educational goals. Barbara said, “I did not expect to return to CSD, but when Deb Guthmann who was formerly the Pupil Personnel Services director encouraged me to apply, I decided to give it a shot. When I came to interview, it felt so good to be back. The campus is so beautiful! Being in a fully accessible program where everyone must sign is so precious—allowing us to be who we are rather than constantly fighting for our rights. I enjoy watching students grow and I enjoy being part of a team of people who really care about what they do for the students.”
California News 3
CSD Art Teacher David Call Gallaudet Alma Mater ‘86
presents his linocut
THE BEACON OF HOPE To Gallaudet University President
BOBBI CORDANO Commissioned by NorCal GUAA Chapter 2016
Bobbi Cordano recently became the first Deaf female president of Gallaudet University. As depicted by the linocut, she climbs the ladder to success, breaking through the glass ceiling of the Gallaudet Seal. Fingerspelled around the seal is an Aramaic word, Ephphatha, meaning “Be opened.” It refers to a biblical story in which Jesus cures a man who is deaf and mute by putting one hand on his ear and the other on his tongue uttering, “Ephphatha.” In the old days of paternalism, there were many tales of miraculous cures designed by hearing people who pitied Deaf people; the Gallaudet Seal reflected these ideas. Bobbi Cordano dispels this old school of thought by breaking through the seal.
In the center of the picture, Bobbi holds a birdhouse, offering everyone who comes to Gallaudet a safe place to thrive. The birdhouse symbolizes collectivism, sanctuary, and a safe haven.
Climbing up and off the ladder, she sees an ancient Roman inscription; PER MANVS SCIENTIAM carved in stone on the wall. This is a Latin phrase for “knowledge through hands.” It refers to American Sign Language (ASL), the only mode of communication at Gallaudet. ASL has been successfully and continuously in use at Gallaudet since 1864. Bobbi is a bilingual visionary whose philosophy fits this Latin inscription as we continue to study ASL and English which has Latin roots.
The border of oak leaves and acorns represents strength, perseverance, and stability; even if lightning splits an oak tree, it will survive and continue to thrive. Found only in California, the valley oak tree symbolizes the support of Deaf communities across our state for the new era of Gallaudet under president Bobbi Cordano.
In the corner, a statue of the two-headed Roman goddess Janus greets her. Janus has two faces: one looks into the past and the other looks into the future. The bust of Janus communicates the value of preserving Gallaudet University’s unique historical traditions as it moves into the future. Bobbi is a twentieth century visionary who will bring a better and brighter future to Gallaudet University. 4 California News
Bobbi wears a butterfly-patterned blazer of black and white representing her value of diversity. Butterflies are deaf and represent endurance, change, hope, life, and liberation. Their graceful flying is like the graceful signing of Deaf people. The Clock Tower is transformed into a lighthouse emitting beacons of hope for the Deaf community as Gallaudet University begins a new progressive era led by a Deaf female president.
California School for the Deaf hosts
2016 Gallaudet University
WESTERN REGIONAL ACADEMIC BOWL
Academic Bowl photographs courtesy of Sinju Engineer (and Brian Morris) Gallaudet Club in action. Marsha Helmuth plays the drum.
Back row: Pam Snedigar, Ron Bye, Bobbi Cordano, Rory Osbrink Front row: Janeva Mosher (9), Jenna Kutsov (9), Rebecca DiPaola (11), Rose Crisman (9)
Western Regional Academic Bowl Coordinators Daniel Girard & Rona Montoya
California School for the Deaf, Fremont plays against New Mexico School for the Deaf. California News 5
Suzanne Hemsworth • You will be missed. • CSD thanks you for all you have done. • Your impact on CSD and all its visitors will be felt for years to come. Len Gonzales When I was with PE and Athletics, I travelled to many other Deaf schools. None of those other schools’ nutritional services chairs came close to Suzanne. Suzanne was the only one who would sign ASL fluently and have the highest standards for her service—especially when it came to us hosting tournaments; she always checked to ensure that everything went not just smoothly, but at its operational best. Suzanne also worked closely with the Deaf staff in our cafeteria, supporting them in meeting the state requirements for employment. Anna Woodbury I worked closely with Suzanne for years on the senior banquet. She went beyond the call of duty. She would even train high school students on catering right, and she had high expectations of them! She would correct students’ mistakes, re-train them, and continue encouraging them. Allison Gibbons Every time my Gay Straight Alliance Club would do campaigns, Suzanne made sure her entire staff participated. She was very supportive of our clubs.
Suzanne teaches students about nutritious food. 6 California News
David Eberwein Suzanne embodied the best of CSD ideals: Thinks of others before herself Always giving Student-centered Passion for CSD High expectations of herself, her staff, and her services ASL proficiency and the right attitude towards ASL and Deaf Culture Impresses all of our visitors every time they come to our school
Superintendent's Highlights
On behalf of the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, Dr. Sean Virnig joins Scott Kerby in congratulating Dr. Nancy Hlibok-Amann on her newly appointed position as Superintendent of California School for the Deaf, Riverside.
Back Row: Tom Humphries, Mark Rust, Chris Kurz, Lon Kuntze, Robert Hoffmeister, Bruce Bucci Third Row: Onudeah Nicolarakis, Amy Lieberman, Naomi Caselli, Elaine Gale, Kim Wolbers, Ellen Schneiderman, Gabrielle Jones, Rachel Friedman Narr, Debra Arles Second Row: Sean Virnig, Laurene Simms, Amy Hile, Debbie Golos, Janice Smith-Warshaw, Front Row: David O. Reynolds, Nancy Hlibok-Amann
Historic Meeting
Dr. Virnig attended a historic meeting of the minds between bilingual teacher preparation programs that fostered collaboration and exchange of best practices. It was hosted by the National Association of the Deaf at Hunter University. The event was led by Dr. Nancy Hlibok-Amann and David O. Reynolds, with key support from ASL and English Bilingual Schools and Programs committee members. Representatives from 10 universities and four K-12 schools were in attendance. California News 7
California Department of Education Headquarters checks out Elementary School enrichment activities
Dr. Ellerbee and Tamara Frijmersum admire the students’ work.
Andrew Laufer waits his turn to see the display.
Adele Ann Eberwein greets Scott Kerby, Ethan Bernstein, and Laura Peterson with an introduction to the enrichment activities they are about to see. As a token of appreciation, Dr. Virnig worked with Lori Helms’ special needs students to distribute new lanyards to CSD staff. The students also helped Dr. Virnig with his weekly “Here's What's Happening” campus-wide video announcement (seen left). Thank you to the following students: Nicholas To Ailine Quintero-Sandoval Jericho Smith
VLOG TIME 8 California News
Francisco Martinez Del Rio Josue Gutierrez-Ambrosio Jefferson Reina
We will miss you Steve Orman Steve Orman poses with Maggie Hatch who created a bulletin board in his honor.
Student Life counselor Stanley Matsumoto thanks Steve for mentoring him when he was a student, and for changing his life forever.
Amy Eshelman reminisces about Steve's beginnings as a career counselor and later as the supervisor of the Career Center.
Patty Albee tells Steve how he will be missed as the supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services.
Derek Johnson remembers Steve from back when he was a cottage counselor. California News 9
Jeff Rosen visits CSD
California School for the Deaf staff and students got an opportunity to meet with Mr. Jeff Rosen, a Deaf lawyer who is the chief strategy officer and general counsel at Convo. Mr. Rosen visited the school to make sure that all Deaf students, staff, families, and community are receiving video communication services in compliance with Federal Communications Commission standards. He was also on hand to meet with staff and answer any questions they might have about the accessibility of such services. During his visit, Mr. Rosen made time to meet with and inspire our students.
Jeff Rosen answers questions from CSD cabinet members.
JAC demonstrates how Convo TVs will be listed for the various offices on campus.
Jeff provides an open forum for CSD staff to address any concerns regarding FCC regulations.
10 California News
Deaf Lawyer
meets with high school students High school students have lunch with a Deaf lawyer. At the luncheon table: • Brianna Dike • Brandon Duran • Jeff Rosen • Megan Booth • Hannah Haldeman • Dr. Virnig
Brianna asks Jeff about doing public service announcements that support Deaf and hearing signers being able to use videophones to communicate with each other, while still complying with federal regulations.
Brandon asks Jeff for advice on what CSD students can do in order to gain more rights for the Deaf community.
California News 11
Elementary students meet a Deaf engineer Students were fascinated with Mike Burns when he told them about his work in the engineering field. Mike presented a slide show and signed many fascinating stories about the kinds of products he tested. Students learned that every part of a car is tested before it can be sold, including the steering, seats, and doors. They learned that engineers can have a specialty or area of expertise, but they also work as a team. Students asked many interesting questions. One student wanted to know how the selfdriving cars of the future would know when the traffic light was red. Mike explained that the cars have sensors similar to a 360-degree
12 California News
GPS. The sensor tells the car when the light is red, as well as all other important driver information. Another student wanted to know if there were ways he could start developing engineering skills so that he could work with cars when he got older. Mike suggested purchasing some toy car kits in order to get familiar with cars and develop basic skills. Yet another student wanted to know how to put gas in an electric car. Many students wanted to ask questions, but time ran out. Students left the presentation with a newly kindled interest in the engineering field.
Gallaudet’s
Battle of the Books 2015-2016
BY BETH KUNZE CSD Middle School Lead Reading Teacher and Battle of the Books Coordinator
Blue Team First Place
Green Team Third Place
Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” The California School for the Deaf Battle of the Books team went the distance this year by reading fervently and making it into the national round at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. Our CSD team was composed of three small teams for each division (determined by reading level) — Buff, Blue, and Green. Back in October, they started reading three books for the preliminary round. All three teams made it through the preliminary round, last December, and the play-off round last January. Those games were played, via videophone, against other Deaf schools and programs from around the country. Out of over 30 schools in each division (Buff, Blue, and Green), all three of our teams made it into the nationals! This was a first in CSD history. It is tough for a team to get into the national round, but all three of our teams did it! To prepare for the nationals, the teams read, discussed, and studied another four books for two months. On Wednesday, March 30, they flew to Washington D.C. and spent three days touring he capitol. A favorite among the nine students was the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. On Saturday evening, April 2, the Battle of the Books national competition commenced at Gallaudet University with the opening ceremony. On Sunday and Monday, April 3 and 4, the teams each played three matches. The Green team finished third and the Buff team finished fifth. The Blue team advanced to the championship round, playing against Rochester School for the Deaf on Monday evening. They won 52 to 36, earning CSD the championship title for the Blue division!
Buff Team Fifth Place
Our teams represented CSD well with their positive attitude and dedication. Gallaudet Youth and Outreach Programs director Jesse Saunders commended the players for their teamwork and positive attitude. Earning All-Star honors were: Maricela Sanchez, Tiffany Kutsov, and Reza Mosher. Nancy Lopez Rivera won the Most Outstanding Award for the Blue Division, particularly for her top scores in all of her presentations throughout the competition. It must be noted, too, that Tiffany Kutsov brought home two straight championships, having won the championship round for the Green division last year. What a ride for our teams this year! California News 13
Moment Special at Hoy Classic Approximately 300 spectators at the Hoy Tournament stood up to show their respect when the coaches agreed to allow Peter, a CSD Fremont student with special needs, participate in the last inning of the third and fourth place game between Fremont and Texas. Peter is not only a member of the team; he attends every practice, dresses up, conditions himself, and maintains 3.75 GPA. Kudos to CSD Fremont for understanding that a ‘TEAM’ means everyone contributing, and kudos to Texas School for the Deaf for understanding Peter’s dream!
A big day for Daijuhnae at Berg/Seeger Classic: All Around MVP & record holder with 3 Gold and 1 Silver medals. 14 California News
RUN FOR HUNGER
ARTICLE BY: Debbie Ayres PHOTOGRAPHS BY: CSD Yearbook Students
Physical education students along with 50 CSD staff members participated in the Run for Hunger. Prizes were donated by local merchant’s. The Run for Hunger is designed to assist CSD families in need; be a fun event for students and staff; and collect canned food for the Alameda County Food Bank. Together, CSD donated 552 pounds of non-perishable foods to the Alameda County Food Bank, smashing last year’s total of 448.8. We also gave over $1,000 worth of prizes to CSD student’s and staff. Prizes were donated by Minerva’s, El Patio Restaurant, Raley’s Supermarkets, Safeway, Lucky’s, Target, Trader Joe’s, Gene’s Fine Foods (Pleasanton), New Leaf (Pleasanton), Sprout’s Farmer’s Market, Whole Foods, Walmart Neighborhood Stores, Peet’s Coffee, Starbuck’s, Chipotle, Boston Market, Elephant Bar Restaurant, Jamba Juice, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Honeybaked Ham, and Erik’s Deli. Please support our generous sponsors by shopping with them! California News 15
Eagle Spirit Flying High
at Pep Rally
16 California News
Go Eagles!
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM
ALUMNI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM
BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAM
ALUMNI MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM
California News 17
visits California School for the Deaf
Vanessa Sandez “The presence of the Council de Manos board of directors on our CSD campus was profound for me as a Mexican-American teacher. I could see the instant connection that our students felt with them. Our second grade students were thrilled to have the chance to interact with all of the board members during lunch in the cafeteria. Council de Manos secretary, Carlos Aponte-Salcedo, read a story to the first and second graders; a few months later on the 100th Day of School, that experience with Carlos was listed as one of the most memorable experiences from the school year. I look forward to future visits and collaborations with Council de Manos.” Margarita Hatch “I learned a lot from the Deaf Latino leaders at the Council de Manos workshop. It was a great benefit to learn how to apply their life experience to Deaf Latino adults and children for success in education, the workplace, and the Deaf Latino community. Also, they helped us to understand the important need for Latino adults and their Deaf children to have a closer family relationship through communicating in sign language and understanding Deaf culture. This will lead to their Deaf children having greater success in their future and a good life. Council de Manos encouraged our Latino families to be confident about living here in America. I understand this. That is why I go to New Family Orientation and Family Fun Weekend, especially to meet the families and give them a warm welcome. I’m glad that I decided to go to the Council de Manos presentation. It was a good experience and I learned a lot.” 18 California News
The first student to enroll at the California School for the Deaf, Theophilus d'Estrella, had a Mexican mother, and was therefore Latinx. d'Estrella became an accomplished photographer and painter, as well as an instructor at the California School for the Deaf.
Carlos Aponte, Jr. is a Nuyorican (a Puerto Rican from New York City). He told the children’s story: “When Sun Ruled the Land” a Cuban legend that was made into a storybook.
SECOND GRADERS IMPACTED BY
Council de Manos
Mirella:
I was so excited that the Council de Manos ate with us in the cafeteria.
Lucas:
Carlos’ signing was very clear and I liked it.
Jovianna:
I was fascinated with the story Carlos told to us.
Brianna:
The story of the moon and the sun was so cool.
Ade:
I liked it that Carlos showed us, on the map, that he is from New York and his family is from Puerto Rico.
Jareth:
I cannot believe Carlos flew 6 ½ hours to come here!
Leonel:
Carlos was very nice and friendly. I liked him.
California News 19
Council de Manos holds their national board meeting in the superintendent's conference room at California School for the Deaf.
Greetings from Council de Manos The Council de Manos trip to the California School for the Deaf (CSD), in Fremont, was both inspiring and productive. In November 2015, CSD graciously opened their beautiful campus to Council de Manos. This was an opportunity for our organization to conduct our four-day board meeting and retreat. While there, we had a chance to meet CSD’s students, families, and staff. Multiple interactions allowed us the opportunity to introduce our organization to the community, as well as to educate students, families, and staff about what we do. Upon our arrival to CSD on Thursday, we immediately joined a Latin literature class taught by Ms. Susan Acosta. The students in the class were eager to meet us and asked us questions about where we came from and our backgrounds. They were proud to share their backgrounds with us, as well. Thursday evening, we presented a panel for CSD staff and parents. They had the opportunity to question us about what we do and what resources we offered. The highlight of the night’s
20 California News
discussion was how CSD can offer Latinx staff, students and their families the support and awareness of their culture and values throughout CSD’s school community. On Friday, Council de Manos board members were split into three groups to join different grades in the elementary department. Two of the groups (grades 1-3) read aloud a children’s book in ASL. The third group served on a panel so that the young students could ask us questions. The elementary students impressed us with how bright they were, and how eager they were to learn about our backgrounds and
Latinx The “x” makes Latino, a masculine identifier, gender-neutral. It also moves beyond Latin@ – which has been used in the past to include both masculine and feminine identities – to encompass genders outside of that limiting man-woman binary.
cultures. We also met some high school students who were in the audience. We introduced ourselves and shared our organization’s history, as well as our mission and vision statements. We had the opportunity to tour the CSD campus, visiting with the little ones in preschool and as well as stopping by the middle school department. One of the many highlights was visiting the museum where we learned more about CSD Latinx alumnus, Theophilus d’ Estrella (1851-1929). Council de Manos left feeling inspired by this new connection with the Latinx students and the CSD community. We believe that our visit to the school was successful, partly because we were able to learn what resources need to be provided. The visit reinforces our commitment to connecting with our Latinx Deaf, deaf-blind, Deaf and disabled, hard of hearing and late deafened youth. We want to extend gratitude to the CSD community, Superintendent Dr. Sean Virnig, Vanessa Sandez, and especially Lorraine Flores for being our liaison and working out all of the logistics between our organization and CSD.
American Sign Language teacher from CSD, Lorraine Flores, who is one of the founding members of the original national Deaf Latinx organization, the National Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, joins the Council de Manos team for a group picture at DCARA.
The Deaf Counciling Advocacy and Referral Agency establishes a Manos de Bay Area Chapter as a result of the recent Council de Manos visit.
California News 21
FROM JOHN AGUILAR, CSD PARENT
What's best for my daughter
form her own opinion and express it to me. I was able to accept her opinion and helped her find something else to eat. (Before she was able to explain things in sign language, she used to lie on the floor, kick her legs in the air, and throw a tantrum if she didn't want something.) Isabella is now able to communicate at a normal level for her age. Most kids her age ask “Why?” about everything, and Isabella does that now. I’ve noticed that when I speak to her, she looks lost, but when I sign to her she understands me.
I came to the understanding that learning to sign was the only viable way for my daughter Isabella to get her education, but that taking a class just one day a week wouldn’t be enough for her to gain language; she needed to go to a school where she would be signing every day. At first, I thought that a class that combined talking and signing would be a good way for Isabella to learn, so I enrolled her in a total communication class. I soon realized that it had become more confusing for her because she didn't know if she should talk or sign. One of the other parents in my daughter’s class explained to me that she had enrolled her hard-ofhearing daughter in the total communication class and her Deaf daughter at California School for the Deaf. She explained that CSD taught all their classes in American Sign Language; students could start there in early childhood and continue through high school; kids could reside at the school during the week if their families lived far away; and that parents could sign up for a tour of the school by going online. This seemed like a terrific option since my daughter needed visual input to get information fully; she needed that visual input to survive. The reason I wanted my daughter to learn ASL was because I wanted her to be able to fully communicate with another person. When she started at California School for the Deaf in pre-kindergarten, she was able to communicate in sign within a couple of months. I remember the first time I realized she was able to communicate was when I offered her an orange and she told me "No," that she didn't like oranges. I realized that she could form her own sentence, as well as 22 California News
We felt it was important to learn Isabella’s language, even though the grammar was different. We felt it would have been selfish to ask her to adapt to us. We felt it would be easier for us to change and learn her language. For almost two years, we took the American Sign Language class for families at California School for the Deaf, every Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We started in the vocabulary class and progressed to the conversation class. I also found that my skills improved from interacting with other parents and involving myself with the community. I even played on an all-Deaf softball team with parents from the early childhood and elementary departments. Playing on that team forced me to use my signing skills. We are a Hispanic family. We speak Spanish. In our culture, when a child is diagnosed as being deaf, sometimes the parents become afraid that s/he will not be able to go to school or be normal. This is most likely due to the fact that, at first, we don’t fully understand what is happening to our child. If we as parents open our minds and do a little research to learn about Deaf children and the potential for their education, and if we are willing to place ourselves outside of our comfort zone, we can do a great deal of good for our Deaf child. My mom believed Isabella could hear; I had to explain that Isabella depended on her body language. I told my mom that Isabella only understood broken parts of speech, but that she “hears” visually. It’s difficult for my mom to learn ASL. She has an app on her phone and she’s trying. Even my mom can see the change in Isabella now that she is attending CSD. Isabella no longer lives in a sad, lonely world; she is now part of a community that uses ASL.
sharing similar experiences for overcoming barriers while growing up in the United States. Upon finally resolving some immigration issues, the experience gave me a greater understanding of my work as a community advocate specialist when working with Deaf people and their immigration cases. Raising my four children gave me the sense of importance for teaching their cultural heritage, customs and celebrations, and passing on the values such as using LSM and cooking Mexican food. Being able to communicate with their Abuelita in LSM is expected in our family.
Photograph by Kelly Krzyska
FROM ELVIS ZORNOZA, CSD PARENT
Finding my identity as a Deaf Latinx I was born in Mexico to third generation Deaf families. I was five when I became undocumented for living in the United States, and I grew up with the stigma of being looked down on for being Mexican and using my first language, Lengua de Señas Mexicana (which means Mexican Sign Language). As I learned American Sign Language and English, I became uncomfortable signing in LSM in public. When I transferred to California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) in seventh grade, I found my identity as a Deaf person and experienced positive personal growth, but not as a Deaf Mexican yet! Being a student at Gallaudet University increased my network with other Deaf Latinx people,
When the Association of Families, Teachers and Counselors (AFTC) collaborated with the High School Raza Sordx Club to host a family night to meet the officers of the Council de Manos, it hit me on so many levels. I felt reassured about taking pride in my heritage and LSM. I also felt motivated to continue educating others about our heritage and language. I am honored to be a mentor for the International Studies students who traveled to Mexico over spring break. During their presentation, Council de Manos told us about their history of starting out as the National Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and then recently changing their name to the “Council of Hands”—what an intriguing name for our Latinx organization. They explained that their purpose was to bring awareness and recognition to Latino Deaf cultures and languages, as well as to celebrate and preserve it. They introduced our new identity as “Latinx” which includes everyone (not just men or women). Council de Manos is a national organization that has chapters in many states. I was so happy to learn that our local Deaf agency, DCARA, will have the Manos de Bay Area chapter. I am looking forward to getting involved and spreading the word about preserving and celebrating our Deaf Latinx cultures and sign languages. My goal is to connect our Deaf Latinx families with pride in who they are. I am a proud Deaf Latinx person. California News 23
The Raza de Sordx club decorates teachers’ doors for the holiday.
Raza Sordx Club CSD's high school Latinx Club logo by Ana Garcia
Students prepare tamales. Yum!
Latinx Studies students’ study The Day of the Dead. 24 California News
Fundraising event at a Cubs versus Eagles game.
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes) Yumo!
Total students at CSD = 417 Latinx Student Population = 197 Percent of Latinx at CSD = 47%
Council de Manos meets with the CSD Raza de Sordx club.
President – Nelson Palacios Vice President – Justina Gallego Secretary – Tyler Harmount Treasurer – Vincent Gomez, Jr. California News 25
National Drug Facts Week
When is the brain fully developed? FACT: The brain is full developed at the age of 24. Using drugs and alcohol as a teen impacts brain development.
What does the acronym S.T.O.P. mean? Stop, Think, Options, Pick best option FACT: You can use S.T.O.P. to help you when you get into sticky situations. ........................................................... During National Drug Facts Week, students signed alphabet & number stories, and performed skits illustrating what they learned about peer pressure, alcohol, and drugs.
Sue Saline, special needs teacher, reviews the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle with her students.
Jahami Davis, tenth grader, shares his reasons for choosing a healthy life.
Biverly Huff, tenth grader, explains what she would do if she were faced with a situation in which she felt pressured to consume alcohol or drugs.
26 California News
CSD Students win National Logo Contest Students at California School for the Deaf who were taking the Raster and Vector Graphics class entered a logo competition last November. The students formed three groups and designed professional quality logos worthy of publication. All three of the logo designs that the class submitted received high marks in the competition, but there could only be one winner. The contest received a total of 14 entries from four different schools, and CSD came out on top! The winning logo is being used by the Association of College Educators– Deaf / Hard of Hearing (ACEDHH) for their website and in their official correspondence.
LOGO DESIGN TEAM • Miranda Kutsov • Brandon Sanchez • Tyler Harmount
LOGO DESIGN TEAM • Amanda Inthavong • Monica Pilarte Garcia
“Our members liked how clear the winning logo was. While we had other entries with excellent art work, all three entries from CSD were graphically very clear, which made them excellent candidates for our contest. We particularly liked the way the students with the winning logo described the meaning behind their design,” said Dr. Karen L. Kritzer, ACEDHH President. Congratulations to Miranda Kutsov, Brandon Sanchez and Tyler Harmount for being on the winning team. Each of them received a gift certificate for $25. Teacher Gabe Leung stated that entering a logo competition such as this one provided a great learning experience for his students. The entire class was proud of the quality work that the students produced with their logo submissions.
LOGO DESIGN TEAM • Kristina Diaz • Mariposa MacAulay
California News 27
Random Acts of Kindness Day The peer advisors celebrated World Kindness Day, a day that recognizes “no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” It was the first time the peer advisors led a project that extended beyond the high school department. The peer advisors were split into three groups. One group did story-signing for the early childhood education and elementary students. They signed the story of “Hector.” From the story, our young students learned the importance of being kind and being a good friend. The other two groups led a “Throw Kindness Around like Confetti” workshop for the middle school. By writing compliments for each other, students learned that one kind act, one kind word, can impact so many! The experience was rich and rewarding for all of those involved. The peer advisors were also responsible for leading the monthly Eagle Force assembly. They spread kindness to the high school students by: • Defining Random Acts of Kindness and viewing examples of it • Using Kahoot! to survey students’ preferences for acts of kindness • Thanking those who wore purple on World Kindness Day • Sharing their experiences with early childhood education, elementary, and middle school projects • Announcing a project that included all grade levels for the Random Acts of Kindness Week • Drawing the name of the Random Acts of Kindness contest winner, a $10 gift card to Starbucks, made possible by donations from our sponsor, Association of Families Teachers & Counselors (Congratulations Andre Nathaniel!) 28 California News
CSD elementary students celebrate Chinese New Year A performance from... the Magic Time Face-Changing Sorcerer Photography by Rachel Chong
Volunteer from the audience assists the sorcerer with levitating a table.
When students in the audience ask the magician how he does his tricks, the magician tells them that all his tricks are top secret.
Fifth graders pose with the magician and the magic genie. California News 29
Students develop computer programing skills through Hour of Code
CSD middle school and career/technical education students participated in their second annual Hour of Code week-long event. Using the Code Studio, students developed a taste for the computer field through computer games and experimentation, starting with the fundamentals and progressively getting more difficult with the follow-up courses. Students who completed all 12 levels finished the week with a certificate. Students met for 90 minutes each day for a week. Science teachers Cindy Bronson and Reyes Ribera taught the middle school students, while engineering and computer service teacher Nathan Montoya taught the high school students.
30 California News
The course, which was aligns with the common core standards, requires a combination of reading, thinking, and computational skills. Reyes Ribera said, “The kids were immersed with this course. Students who were weak in other subjects, excelled with the Hour of Code. If a student got stuck, s/he would ask another student for help. Students got into some great discussions with their peers. When a student experienced success, s/he felt a sense of empowerment and confidence.” According to statistics from the CODE website, there are currently 589,273 computing jobs nationwide. Last year, only 38,175 computer science students graduated into the workforce. It's a field with a lot of job opportunity!
Middle school science students built their own cells and gave presentations to explain their creations. This project taught them about the structure and function of plant and animal cells.
California News 31
ART CLUB
Student artwork on display in the cottage.
Students create ASL “I love you” magnets 32 California News
During the fall and winter months, the high school cottages offered an art club. Cottage counselors Kelley Elwood and Kathy McHugh enthusiastically led a group of dedicated students. The students felt the club helped them to develop many skills including: • Thinking critically • Self-expression • Being creative • Developing ideas • Reusing & Recycling Materials • Preparing for the Future
Amanda Inthavong Painting
Maribel Vargas Painting
Ana Garcia Painting & Sculpture
Uxmal Alcaraz and John Leslie build a bench made of pallets. California News 33
From CSD Art Teacher David Call's De'VIA Art Classes
“WHISKERS” By Lucio Cisneros Diaz
“MY DEAF WORLD” By Emmanuel Mariscal Gradilla
“DEAF FOREST” By Dareyen Toney 34 California News
“PULLING A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT” By Lake Dawson
“COLORS” By Dareyen Toney
“DEAF HOPE” By Jose Gonzalez Zazueta
“VISUAL HARMONY” By Kristina Diaz
David Call’s class paints a new mural
Photograph by Kolyne De Jesus
Second graders’ advice...
Jovianna Ikeda says:
“Always Use ASL”
California News 35
Deaf Culinary Bowl Winners
Learn. Experience. Thrive. California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 videophone: 510-344-6044 phone: 510-794-3666 fax: 510-794-2409
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