The Sign Post - CCCBSD Newsletter

Summer ‘15

The Children’s Center for Communication • Beverly School for the Deaf: News and Events

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Vaughan coming down

Vol.1 No.2

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Old BSD dorm deemed no longer viable for school CCCBSD — The Vaughan Building, the 30,000 square foot structure that was home to Beverly School for the Deaf students for many years, is being razed.

The CCCBSD administration and Board of Trustees are investigating the feasability of a new wing for the school. If built, the new space would allow the school to serve additional students and address unique learning needs for the entire student population, according to Executive Director Mark Carlson.

The Vaughan Building in late May. It is more than half way demolished and is scheduled to be completely cleared by June.

“We are carefully looking at options at this stage,” Carlson said. “The goal is for the school to grow in the best way possible to benefit the students.”

“Heroes” Soiree and Auction honors CCCBSD volunteershe Student area DANVERS ­— Held on a crisp, May evening filled with laughter, excitement, and friendly competition ­— all in the name of supporting CCCBSD — the “Heroes” Soiree and Benefit Auction was a great success. The event raised more than $55,000 to benefit the school.

Now in its 17th year, the Soiree featured nine young people who volunteered their time and donated resources to the school. They were each honored with the Joanie Vaughan Ingraham Spirit Award.

The night included silent and live auctions that gave the attendees an opportunity to show their support for the school as well as acquiring some nice items.

named for Hilary Ryan

Joanie Vaughan Ingraham Award recipients Gabriella and Anthony D’Ambrosio of ASL Sports with their father, Gerry D’Ambrosio.

Live auction bidding during the Soiree.

In honor of Hilary Ryan, a faculty member who passed away last year, an outdoor dining area was named in her honor. A bronze plaque was placed alongside two new tables and chairs designed for students. The seating overlooks the Bass River. A formal dedication was held with family and friends in May.

CCCBSD Sign Post

Summer ‘15

Northeastern team member travels to March Madness CCCBSD — Max Plansky travelled with his teammates on the Northeastern Huskies Basketball team plane to attend the NCAA Basketball Tourna-

ment in Pittsburgh to play Notre Dame.

lessons to our guys.”

Max’s father Michael Plansky has since started “You’re Plansky, a 16-year old student at CCCBSD, is a member of the team. He signed a letter of intent last season through the organization Team Impact.

“We treat him just like every one of his teammates,” said head coach Bill Coen. “It’s great to see. I’m proud of our players for that, and I’m grateful to Max for teaching important life

With Us” a non-profit group that links college programs with children with disabilities.

Bottom left, Max, in the Northeastern team photo.

Police and Firefighters take time to visit with students

A class visited the Beverly Fire Department and was given a tour of the station and the chance to sit in the trucks and try on equipment. Above, the chief and two firefighters meeting with a student and faculty member.

A student watches, and photographs, Officer Laura Rowe of the Essex County Sheriff’s Deptartment who visited the school.

She spoke about what police officers do on the job and how they are there to help.

Officer Nicole O’Donnell from the Everett Police Department, right, spent time with students and faculty members. The officer brought equipment to show the students and described her job duties.

CCCBSD ­­— This academic year, several classes have either visited fire stations or have had area law enforcement officers come to the school and speak with the students about about what they do on their jobs.

with students is always a valuable educational opportunity. In addition to the students learning about different professions, the people meeting our students may learn about CCCBSD.

for students. They get to speak with people who they may not have been able to meet otherwise and hear about their experiences firsthand.

Having community safety personnel make themselves available to meet

If interested in visiting the school or inviting a class to your work, e-mail: Meeting professionals in different careers is interesting and rewarding info@cccbsd.org.

Home Depot comes to CCCBSD A great experience was had by CCCBSD students when community outreach volunteers from the Home Depot in Danvers visited the school.

With the help of 15 Home Depot employees, including BSD Alumnus Louis Rivas, students built and painted wooden ambulances and yard decorations. Every student received a Certificate of Achievement after they finished their project.

CCCBSD Sign Post Summer ‘15

‘Science’ Star Student Cafe makes learning fun

CCCBSD — At the Star Student “Science” Cafe held in May, every CCCBSD classroom set up a display illustrating something scientific.

The event brought students, parents, faculty and friends of the school to see the elaborate projects created by each classroom. From volcanoes to live insects, the classes spent weeks learning about the subject matter and working on their displays.

One class’ exhibit was called ‘Discovering Science Through Harry Potter.’ The display

Geocaching: all the rage

showed photos and video of the students doing a variety of experiments connected to the Hogwarts classes in Harry Potter, such as Levitation (Gravity and Air Pressure) and Potions (Chemical Reactions).

Students also had a chance to show their families and friends a live demonstration of one of the experiments, using a hair dryer and ping pong ball to demonstrate Bernoulli’s principle.

(Photo: Far left, faculty member Billy Gawlak holds a ping pong ball to be suspended by the hairdryer held by teacher Cate Lortie, far right.)

“One Boston Day” recognized CCCBSD Teacher Morgan Lee’s class recognized the first annual One Boston Day. Students learned that it was an important day to show kindness and do good deeds, so they went from room to room asking teachers and therapists if there was anything they could do for them. They helped by shredding papers, sorting, retrieving mail from the mailboxes, cleaning, and spending time with friends to show their support for the new Boston holiday. (Photo from L to R, Brynn Palmer, Morgan Lee, Jill White and students pose as they get ready for One Boston Day.)

Teacher runs Boston Marathon for Team Rett CCCBSD Teacher Krissy Nowell ran the Boston Marathon for the third consecutive year to support Rett Syndrome Association of MA (RSAM).

Lindsay Rescott, Adapted Physical Education teacher, has been teaching students about geocaching. Geocaching is an activity in which participants use GPS devices, maps and compasses to find hidden objects.

Nowell joined Team Rett when she began working with Haylei, a CCCBSD student.

This year, she finished in 4:18 and raised $8,712 for the Rett Foundation. Team Rett was able to raise $88,000 to help

with research and finding a cure.

In addition to running the race, Nowell incorporated some lessons in her class about the Boston Marathon.

She brought in her medals from past runs for the class to see and held a mock marathon around the school.

(Right, Krissy Nowell and Haylei)

Lone Gull 10K wins accolades and opens registration for 2015 CCCBSD ­— The annual Lone Gull 10K Road Race, a CCCBSD event, continued to grow in 2014 with a record number of runners. A United States Track From left, Lone Gull Race Director Len Femino, CCCBSD Development Director Jane McNally and CCCBSD Executive Director Mark Carlson accept the awards given to the ‘14 Lone Gull.

and Field event offering cash prizes, the race is expected to grow in popularity. The ‘15 race is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20.

Named “Best Race,” Best 10K” and “Best Course” by the North Shore Road Race Guide as decided by votes from runners

in the community, the 2014 race was the largest to date.

To register for the next Lone Gull 10K, visit: lonegull10krace.com for individual and team registration.

CCCBSD Sign Post Summer ‘15

Students gain real-world experience CCCBSD — Working with faculty, some students work outside of the classroom learning a variety of skills by tackling problems and helping out around school.

One example is Carson, a student who has been working with Janice Coughlin, the school’s Assistive Technology Specialist, since November ‘14.

“Carson had shown interest in learning more about computers and was eager to be a part of the team,” said Coughlin. “We developed a role for Carson that is beneficial both to him and to our school.”

Carson focuses on backing up files, running anti-virus software, locating and listing where our access points are and learning

software works.

Coughlin notes that Carson is extremely adept at understanding computer related issues and is always willing to ask questions and learn more.

Carson has a schedule, and faculty sign-up to have him come by to assist them. He even has a title, Assistant Technology Specialist.

“Carson supports me by doing the Carson assisting CCC Assistant Director Rachel Barstow with her computer backup. to me knowing that I can “I like to locate the routers monthly back-up of my count on him for this very and visit the data closet,” computer files,” said Joceimportant task.” he said. “I would also like lyn Clark, to learn about and inCarson said he really BSD Assistant Program stall more applications.” enjoys the work.

Director. “It is reassuring

Record snow fall creates challenges CCCBSD — It was a record-breaking winter for snowfall in Massachusetts and the school’s campus was buried numerous times.

Thanks to Facilities Manager Jim Doyle , Executive Director Mark Carlson and Faculty Member Ryan Davison for braving the worst of the storms and uncovering the school when it needed it most.

There were six snow days this year.

The Sign Post Vol. 1 No.2

News and Information about The Children’s Center Communication • Beverly School for the Deaf Publisher Mark Carlson Executive Director Editor, Designer, Writer, Photographer Bayard Stern Communications Manager Editor Jane McNally Development Director Copy Editor Dr. David Estep Director, Children’s Center for Communication For questions or ideas, e-mail: info@cccbsd.org or call 978,927.7070 ext. 216.

CCCBSD Sign Post Summer ‘15

Longtime CCCBSD Trustees honored

Longtime CCCBSD Trustees Leonard Femino (L) and Jack Good (R) were honored by the school in late May with the installation of bronze plaques on the school’s upstairs patio. Both men have been involved with the school for decades and are credited with guiding and helping the school in many ways over the years.

CCCBSD — Perched high on a hill, the upstairs patio at CCCBSD allows visitors to the school an impressive view of Beverly and the Bass River.

This unique space is where bronze plaques were recently dedicated to pay tribute to the decades of service two people have given to the school.

Jack Good and Leonard “Len” Femino, are both longtime members of the CCCBSD Board of Trustees.

Each are credited with helping the school in ways that were critical to its very existence.

“Jack Good has seen this school evolve for 30 years and his invaluable guidance has been essential to bring CCCBSD where it is today,” said Executive Director Mark Carlson.

Good recently stepped down from the Trustees after starting in 1980. He served for many years as the board’s president. A longtime community leader serving on many boards, Good is vice president with People’s United Bank.

He told the crowd at the unveiling in May that he was genuinely moved by the plaque.

“My 30-plus years of involvement with the school has been remarkable,” he said. “Immediately, I saw the dedication of the staff and the impact of their efforts in making CCCBSD a very special place. That same dedication exists 30 years later with many more staff and students. We now have a state-of-the-art facility that compliments the educational program.

The parents have entrusted their children to us and we are given this wonderful opportunity to make a difference in their lives. I also must mention the commitment of the Board and the leadership of Mark Carlson.

From L to R: Mark Carlson, Jack Good, Len Femino and guests at the plaque dedication.

They have worked tirelessly to support something that we can be very proud. I am touched by the recognition represented in the plaque but wish to share it with the whole CCCBSD family.”

Len Femino is partner and attorney at Alexander & Femino in Beverly, MA. He has served on the board since 1993 and has been vice president and president.

“Lenny has provided the school, and me, the leadership to provide exceptional programs and create success in our students,” Carlson said.

Leonard Femino and Jack Good pose for a photo with the plaques dedicated to them.

CCCBSD Sign Post Summer ‘15

High School students volunteer

Ready on Set!

Students shooting some video for a class project.

Beverly High School ASL students prepared short stories to present to CCCBSD preschool and kindergarten classes. They came prepared with props and did a wonderful job signing and acting out the stories. The CCCBSD students were able to interact with the high school students during the stories and with follow up activities prepared by the visitors.

“Frozen” Dance

Students in Danny Ferro’s high school class and others used the school’s video and still cameras for several projects this year. The students also got in front of the camera. Visit the schools website and go to the Youtube page to see their work.

High Tech Instrument

A student plays the recently acquired “Skoog” instrument held by music teacher Alex Carella. The Skoog is soft, responsive and virtually limitless with the combinations of sounds, instruments, samples and music that can be programmed into it for the user to play.

A student testing the DJ equipment during a recent school dance.

The theme of the dance was “Frozen,” from the movie.

Students and faculty at the“Frozen” dance in May. The event featured a DJ who projected ASL music videos on multiple screens.

New “Rubberized” Miracle League Field

The all-accessible rubberized baseball field at CCCBSD was recently completed. Miracle League of the North Shore games are played here and this is the only field of its type in the area.

Visit the Miracle League of the North Shore for more info.