Texas School for the Deaf 1102 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-462-5353
Governing Board
From the Editor
Welcome, I hope you enjoy the stories portrayed in this Issue. We are always looking for interesting articles for our magazine. If you have a TSD story, community event or person that could be interviewed, let us know. Thank you. Want to find past issues or more information? Please visit us online: www.tsd.state.tx.us/lonestar
E-mail: avonne.brooker-rutowski@tsd.state.tx.us
Lone Star
Editor: Avonne Brooker-Rutowski
Copy Editor: Keena Miller
Art Director: Fernando Muñoz
Contributors:
Claire Bugen, Annabelle Scroggins, Brian Cheslik, Arthur Hess, Theresa Johnson, Stella Egbert, Keena Miller, Debbie Schiraldi , Daniel Veit, Alan “AJ” Morton, Ryan Schlecht, Chris Hamilton, and Gabriel Cardenas.
Special thanks to:
Cynthia Foss
Photography: Fernando Muñoz, TSD staff and students.
Subscription Info
A one year subscription to Lone Star, the quarterly journal of the Texas School for the Deaf, costs $10. Send check and mailing address information to:
Lone Star Editor
Texas School for the Deaf 1102 South Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704
Dear TSD Community,
Although this winter edition of the Lone Star contains many traditional spotlights on our amazing students, staff, and programs, it’s impossible for me to avoid focusing on the significant global event that has impacted all of our lives—COVID-19. The rapid global spread of COVID-19 has quickly eclipsed other recent epidemics in both size and scope and has had significant and far reaching effects on our lives and our daily routines.
Other than the health care industry, no other has been impacted the way our schools have been. Our leadership teams have been grappling with an array of decisions forced on us by the COVID-19 pandemic. Should we close or stay open, when should we reopen? If TSD remains closed until the end of the school year or longer, how will we use our resources to protect our students and continue their learning? What are the best instructional delivery models to focus on both curriculum growth and the delivery of the IEP? How can we assemble our current resources? How do we assess our students and document progress? And the list goes on.
Within hours of our announcement to close, our Human Resources department was busy addressing the crisis by focusing on the health and welfare of our staff, the transition to remote work policies, protection of employee’s jobs including continued compensation for staff. Our Technology team followed suit giving new meaning to the word “help desk.” In the early days of our closure, lines formed outside their offices to seek help to transition to our new normal. Coping with COVID-19 is a team effort and all our divisions and departments are doing their best to keep continuity of operations flowing.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the complexities of our current situation. One of the myriad of lessons we have learned during this time is the importance of staying positive, maintaining connections and doing our best to help our students continue learning. None of these are easy tasks in these unprecedented times. I love a comment made by one Superintendent, “There’s a vision that all you have to do is flip a switch and everything can be on the computer in a student’s living room, but that’s not how it works.” As we have experienced
daily there are so many issues, equity of access, special needs of students, maintaining related services, not to mention the complexity of remote learning itself.
I do believe that as deaf educators we feel the pain of physical separation to an even greater degree than those in general education. The language of our community depends on face-to-face human interaction and that level of engagement is challenging to achieve remotely. But with very little time our staff have had to rise to the occasion, and even if online learning and connecting is imperfect, it’s important to try because so much is at stake. Clearly, students aren’t going to learn as much as they could if TSD was open, but they can learn a whole lot more than if we did nothing.
For every student and teacher, and support staff, the interactions may look a little different. Some teachers will be connecting with individual students on zoom, others may hold virtual lessons in groups, and many will do both. Residential and support staff departments are joining forces by contacting our students and families regularly.
Parents and families, we know you are also experiencing stress and doing your best to support us and your students and there is not a day that passes that we do not appreciate you and what you are doing. I suspect there are days you think we are doing too little or maybe too much. Be patient with us as we navigate our way through this.
I look forward to the day when this crisis plays out and we can move from response to recovery. That too will have its challenges but with the collaboration of faculty, staff, students and families, we will emerge stronger.
Stay safe and be well,
Claire Bugen Superintendent
Jr. NAD Conference, Rochester NY
By Annabelle Scroggins, Jr. NAD Youth Ambassador Howdy fellows!
We had an incredibly rich experience at the Jr. NAD conference in Rochester, New York, hosted by Rochester School for the Deaf with 28 different Deaf schools, and 80 students total attending the conference.
Fellow classmates, Jayne Taylor, Trey Johnson, Zara Thompson, and I, were one of many who wanted to go to the conference. With the Jr. NAD members’ vote, we were honored and thrilled to go to the conference last November. Jayne and Zara went as delegates meanwhile Trey and I went as observers. We all learned so much from the trip to the conference, and we came back to TSD with a piece of wonderful knowledge to contribute back to the Deaf community.
At the conference, there are 4 special projects; Round Table, Media, Entertainment, and Jr. NAD Ambassador Program.
During the Round Table, the students who participate in this project hold a student-run meeting to develop many different ideas related to Deaf issues nowadays in society. Then all
ideas are voted on by the conference delegates to select the top 5. These top 5 motives are then brought to the NAD conference in Chicago this summer. And, guess who is the president of this project?! Our beloved leader from TSD, Jayne Taylor!
Jennifer Campero (Jr. NAD Advisor), with students Trey J. (Sophomore), Annabelle S. (Junior), , Zara T. (Junior), Jayne T. (Junior) at Rochester Airport.
At the Media group, students worked together throughout the week to develop a short video that describes Jr. NAD. With this very imaginative group, the video developed beautifully brings out the message we wanted to the audience. Trey Johnson represented TSD in this project. Want to see it for yourself?! You should! Grab your phone and go to the camera roll, then scan this QR code below!
The Entertainment project had a group of students coming up with a short and sweet performance to show during the Jr. NAD Ambassador Program’s presentation day. It was really cool, and delightful to watch!
The Jr. NAD Ambassador Program is for students who want to compete for the position. To do so, each has to develop a VIS: Visibility (see a problem or an issue), Innovation (create a solution), and Sustainability (how to implement the solution). Zara Thompson and I participated in this project. There were 20 competitors in total, and we all did the pitch to sell the judges on our visibility. After the first round, Zara and I were selected to continue to the next level among the
top 10 students. The 10 competitors then get to present their VIS to the audience and the judges.
After giving the presentation, we anxiously waited for the results. Guess what? I won the position as a Jr. NAD Ambassador for 2019-2021! Look at this next QR code to see my VIS! I can’t wait to work with TSD and all the Deaf community during the next 2 years!
After the trip, we all felt proud that we left the TSD legacy there. Trey won the honor as the “most friendliest and social guy” during the conference. Jayne was selected as a president for the Round Table. Zara was one of the top 10 finalists of the Jr. NAD Ambassador Program, and I won as a Jr. NAD Ambassador! I’m so proud to say that Jayne, Trey, Zara, and I certainly did contribute our part to Jr. NAD, and to TSD, our home!
A day trip to Niagara Falls.
Jayne T. at one of workshops.
22 participants for the Jr. NAD Ambassador Program.
Zara T. and Annabelle S. in their opening act at the Jr. NAD Ambassador Competition.
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon Middle School’s
By Brian Cheslik, Performing Arts Program Coordinator
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon marks the long-awaited return of the TSD Performing Arts Program. Due to renovations on the auditorium, the popular after school theatre program was forced to go dark for the 2018-2019 academic year. Now that renovations have been completed, including newly designed dressing rooms, make up mirrors/tables and elevator access beneath the stage.
“We are thrilled to be back in our home, and ready to bring the community some great theatre,” said Director, Brian Cheslik.
“While the changes that are visible to the audience are minor, the changes backstage are wonderful.”
The 2019 middle school production of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon provided a fast-paced mash up of all 209 stories collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm during the early 1800s. Popular children’s stories such as Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel, and Rapunzel were all included along with
the more obscure stories such as Lean Lisa, The Pack of Ragamuffins and Straw, Coal, & Bean.
The cast included eight middle school students becoming an acting troupe here to present their play. The show was guided by eighth graders, Julius Cardenas and Alma Robinson, as the narrators for the show. Robinson’s superior attitude and desire to present a serious show was contrasted by Cardenas with his wacky personality. The remaining actors, Jasmine Hottle, Gwendolyn Meredith, Jovie McKee, Shanna Gobble, Frankie Ramirez and Ti’Jean Chin Sue, worked together as they all portrayed a total of 21 different characters, often on stage at the same time.
Jovie M. devising an evil plan as Devil 1.
School for the Deaf
Arts Program presents a Middle School Production
by Don Zolidis
with Playscripts, Inc
Directed by Brian Cheslik
Ti’Jean C. S., Jovie M., Gwendolyn M., Jasmine H. and Shanna G. discussing the fate of Rapunzel.
In addition to the actors, the stage set was simple, yet fitting with the name GRIMM spelled out in large alphabet blocks positioned across the stage. Each block had a large tree growing out of it, which reached to the top of the stage ceiling. The set, which was built by crew members Enrique Marroquin, Sam Martinez, Dylan Perrodin-Minix and Lily Chaffin, was a perfect fit to set the scene of each tale. Set construction and lighting design was crafted by Steve Barbin, TSD’s auditorium manager.
Assisting the production were Joe Cherichello and Ima Faith Hernandez - two high school seniors who interned as production assistants, Assistant Director - Stephanie Hurwitz, and Student Development Assistant - Tori Beard.
“This production was a handful and I could not have done it without such an amazing support team,” Cheslik added.
The TSD Performing Arts Program is currently in rehearsals for the high school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, set to open Spring of 2020. Be sure to check it out! You can also follow the TSD Performing Arts Program on social media to stay up to day on everything they are doing, on Facebook: @TSD Performing Arts Program, and Instagram: @tsdperformingartsprogram
Ti’Jean C. S. and Jovie M., tasking the sweets as Hansel & Gretel.
Jovie M. and Gwendolyn M. in a bewitching battle as Devil 1 and The Enchantress.
Frankie R. and Jovie M. in a family spat as Snow White and her Stepmother.
Jasmine H. and Gwendolyn M. as Devil 2 and the Devil’s Grandmother.
Curtain Call with the entire cast.
The cast and crew of The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.
San Antonio Missions San Antonio Missions
Discovery Retreat : Conservation Corps
By Debbie Schiraldi
On Saturday, February 29, 2020, Discovery Retreat (DR) went ‘on the road’ to San Antonio to take on a oneday service-learning conservation project.
On the
Road
TSD’s Educational Resource Center on Deafness (ERCOD) partnered with American Youthworks (AYW) and the U.S. National Parks Service (NPS) giving students hands-on learning about conservation, leadership, community service, work ethics and more. Plus, students even earned a little money for their work at one of the San Antonio state parks.
Departing one Saturday morning, 12 deaf and hard of hearing high school students from Central Texas met at the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind.
Retreat co-organizer and Corps That! cofounder, Sachiko Flores, first shared with the group how she became interested in conservation and why she formed her own business around her passions. Corps That! focuses on connecting those in the Deaf community with the outdoors.
Mission San José, photo by Travis Witt.
National Park Service staff explaining the day’s project.
Others from AYW, including a Deaf Texas-area college student, talked about their experiences working on conservation projects, showing ways the students could get involved themselves. Then it was time to get dirty!
The first stop was San Antonio’s Mission San Jose where NPS staff explained the day’s project and distributed the necessary tools. Then off to work to tackle conservation and beautification, holes were dug, and plants, bushes and flowers were given new homes on the beautiful mission grounds. With everyone thoroughly worn out but very proud of the end result, the project finished with a wrap-up discussion, then the students toured the Mission itself for a ‘step back in history.’
This was DR’s first collaboration with AYW and NPS, and is deemed an overall successful and satisfying project and partnership by all parties. Our greatest thanks to the National Institute for the Deaf Regional STEM Center (NRSC) for sponsoring this retreat. High Fives!
Annual Pancake Breakfast Over 800 Served!
By Keena Miller
Our 2020 Pancake Breakfast was a great success, but only because of the Share the Will Foundation’s loyal members and all the collaborative efforts from those who have also found TSD to be as special as we know it is.
Will Williams, Michael Curtiss and Dawn Webber Douglas – Share the Will Foundation’s top leaders – took charge to help bring everything and everyone together to pull this off.
In the kitchen, Michael teamed with Christophe and Susie and the awesome TSD cafeteria staff to run the smoothest operation behind the scenes ever achieved. The crew started on pancakes at 4:30 a.m. Saturday and didn’t stop until 651 plates were served to hungry attendees and 184 to-go plates delivered to area first responders.
Thanks to Georgetown Sertoma and the Round Rock Community Foundation, Dawn and the Austin Jeep People delivered hot, delicious pancakes to all Fire, EMS and police stations in Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto and Manor.
“I’d like to send out a huge THANK YOU to Share the Will Foundation for providing pancake breakfast to our Manor Police Department and Fire Department” - Manor Police Dept.
The Let’s Go Fishing pond was really popular and fun for the kids who took home over 100 trophies.
We welcomed traditions -both old and newGary Knippa & Friends were back with live music, and Round Rock Ballet Folklorico and
Austin Jeep People showed up in full force.
Kids loved catching catfish at the Let’s Go Fishing pond.
The Lone Star Saber Academy’s Jedis.
The Lone Star Saber Academy’s Jedis wowed the crowd with spectacular performances.
We thank Jennifer and Hippo Home Insurance for sponsoring the event and adding to the fun, Jess with Austin Roasting Company for the delicious joe, and Barbara at Labatt Food Service.
The event truly would not have happened without our awesome TSD and TFC staff who came through BIG TIME! Thanks to Matt and the TFC team, Lee and Erin from Interpreting Services, TSD Security, David Sicoli from LRC, Greg and Colleen in business services, and Public Information Officer, Gabe Cardenas.
A whole slew of volunteers deserve a big SHOUT OUT, including Claira Oberrender, Michelle Halvorsen, Laura Smith, the TSD Math Hackers, and those from ACC, Round Rock Zoi Ora Filos, Hutto R.O.T.C. and People Helping People.
For the second year in a row, TSD student, Xavier E. and the middle school math team won the student ticket sales contest. Xavier won $50 for his trip to RIT and the team collectively won $250!
Signing Santa Claus
By Keena Miller
Santa Claus knows all languages, including American Sign Language, and he arrived at Barton Creek Square mall on a Wednesday afternoon in December, ready to check the wish lists of TSD students and Austin-area children who are deaf or hardof-hearing.
Signing Santa is a tradition that began in 2004 by the North Austin Optimist Club and continues thanks to the kindness of Simon Management at Barton Creek Square, Michael Barker Photography, the TSD Sign Choir, and TSD’s Interpreting Department.
This year, a record 282 kids visited with the jolly fellow and took home a
The REAL Santa Claus .
Tanner B. - first in line for his visit with Santa.
Live music thanks to Gary Knippa & Friends.
Another lucky winner claims a prize from Hippo Insurance.
TSD’s Sign Choir entertained with holiday music.
2019 Holiday Cookie Deliveries to the State Capitol and Agency Partners
By Gabriel Cárdenas, Public Information Officer
Atradition for 20+ years that delivers cookies - and smiles – all around the state capitol during the holidays.
This year TSD went big! Considering important Deaf-friendly bills had been passed during the recent legislative session - one of which included funding for TSD’s culinary arts program – it was important to acknowledge TSD’s deep gratitude for our state lawmakers and their hardworking office staff members.
Setting out early one morning, culinary arts students -- Sophomore - Dezyrae Ardoin, Junior - Asia Jewel Rocha -- spent the day delivering freshly-made holiday cookies to key state officials and legislative offices, accompanied by CTE Coordinator - Daniel Veit, high school teacher - Trevor Anderson, and TSD interpreter - Gary Campbell.
Having studied up on their Texas history and current state issues - especially those concerning Texas’ Deaf citizens and TSD - the students introduced themselves and shared their heartfelt appreciation to all of TSD’s constituents for their hard work and support.
The students spoke with noticeable confidence when they met and chatted with Senators Judith Zaffirini, Kirk Watson, Representative Eddie Rodriguez, and the Executive Director of the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), Mike Novak. Reciprocal comments for the students and pride for TSD from these important state lawmakers, warmed our hearts to know their fondness for TSD is shared with us.
Excited to receive the delicious assortment of holiday cookies, Senator Zaffirini was able to sneak out of a conference call to greet the students. The Senator mentioned her work on two important legislative bills that she’d helped push
Students with Senator Judith Zaffirini.
through, (1) HB 548 concerning acquisition for children, eight and younger, to prevent language delay or deprivation, and (2) SB 281 when drafting legislation, to remove old terminology used to address Deaf individuals.
When meeting Senator Watson who is another strong advocate for the school, he fondly greeted the group and thanked them for the cookies, noting how proud he is of the programs at TSD.
Shortly thereafter, Senator Watson announced his retirement from the state Senate as of April 30, 2020, having been named founding dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs. Without question, TSD will miss Senator Watson’s loyalty at the capitol.
The group fortunately found Representative, Eddie Rodriguez in the office, who was thrilled to meet the students. Rodriguez represents Texas House District 51, which includes TSD. The students especially enjoyed visiting his office suite which is located on one of the upper floors of the capitol building facing south down Congress Avenue, with a view of TSD, if you really look hard.
At the final stop at the TFC, Mike Novak welcomed the students to his office and invited them to sit on the commissioner’s dais. An important partner agency of TSD’s, TFC maintains the campus facilities, grounds and heads up any new construction.
In total, students made cookie deliveries to the offices of Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Senators Jane Nelson, Larry Taylor, Joan Huffman, Nathan Johnson, Eddie Lucio, Jr., Donna Campbell, House members Donna Howard, Mary Gonzalez, Drew Darby, Matt Schaefer, Oscar Longoria, Erin Zwiener, Terry Canales, Trent Ashby, the Legislative Budget Board, the Senate Finance office, the House Appropriations office, the Legislative Committee Coordinator’s office, the capitol officers of the Department of Public Safety, and our partners at Texas Education Agency.
Sign Choir Performs on Texas Independence Day at the State Capitol
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Visitors celebrating Texas Independence Day at the state capitol enjoyed a performance by the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) Sign Choir.
Retiring State Senator, Kirk Watson, hosted the annual Celebrate Texas! Event that commemorates the history of the Lone Star State and Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. TSD is one of a few school groups and organizations Watson invites to participate annually.
Opening the event this year with the National Anthem, the TSD Sign Choir joined the Lone Star Kids from Electra ISD. Then the Sign Choir performed to Celine Dion’s “God Bless America” and to “God Bless Texas” by Little Texas.
The celebration this year was bittersweet knowing Senator Watson, who has been a strong supporter of the school, TSD students, and the Deaf community, had just announced his retirement. He will be serving as founding dean of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs.
Be sure to see the TSD Sign Choir’s clips from Texas Independence Day celebration.
National Anthem: https://youtu.be/uH-x148Eycw
God Bless America: https://youtu.be/8s8hT4tYBkg
God Bless Texas: https://youtu.be/F-G8qQGiXvU
State Representative Eddie Rodriguez, with students Jabari M., Dezyrae A., Katherine R., Jewel R. and Asia C.
Students with Senator Kirk Watson.
Appreciation for Key Texas Legislative Partners
By Gabriel Cárdenas, Public Information Officer
WJosie
and Patrick
ith the Texas Legislature passing several important Deaf-friendly bills and allocating special funds to TSD last session - for things like campus furniture, the culinary arts program and school buses - TSD invited some very important VIPs to campus and hosted Legislative Appreciation Day on March 10.
Planning, however, began months ahead, starting with 300+ exceptionally special, hand-delivered invitations.
With the help of TSD art teachers, Mindy Moore and Mandy Burgess, 32 talented student artists submitted their work for the opportunity to be featured on these special invitations. Several designs showed Ranger Pride, among many colorful ILY signs, as well as some impressive
Summing up the day with pastries and refreshments courtesy of students in the culinary arts program.
De’VIA (Deaf View/Image Art). The students did not make it easy to choose final designs, as they were all so great.
Top picture from left to right: Susan Nelson and Rowan Pruitt (from Rep. Vikki Goodwin’s office),
Arellano (from Rep. Mary Gonzalez’ office), Scott Jenkines (from Rep. Armando Martinez’ staff), Sophia Copeland (from Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins’ office),
Philpot (from Senator Larry Taylor’s staff).
Finally, eight students’ pieces of art were chosen and turned into unique postcard invitations.
When Gabriel Cardenas, TSD’s Public Information Officer and legislative liaison, set out to make those hand-deliveries on February 13, many faces lit up when they received the unique invitations…especially with the ILY sign designs, being just a day away from Valentine’s.
On the big day, staffers from several key legislative offices arrived bright and early and were greeted at TSD’s Statewide Outreach Center (formerly known as ERCOD) by Superintendent, Claire Bugen, along with Director of Instruction, Stella Egbert, and CFO, Justin Wedel.
After brief introductions over a cup of coffee, the campus tour showed off our Toddler Learning Center, the Early Childhood Education dept., the OT/PT lab, CTE’s welding, automotive and video production programs, as well as classrooms in elementary, middle school and high school.
Afterwards, the guests seemed very impressed and were appreciative of “…all that the school does for our community and the willingness to share it with all of us.”
Before departing, pastries and refreshments for everyone, courtesy of CTE’s culinary arts students, sweetly topped off their visit.
We clearly expanded our TSD family that day with our warm welcome from all TSD students and staff who were in top form and our Ranger Pride on full display.
Visiting one of our Elementary classrooms.
“Seasons of Love” by Jadelisse (4th Grade)
“Reach New Heights” Caleb M. (2nd Grade)
“Deaf Pride” by Betty E. (5th Grade)
“Waves of Love” Mikaela K. (2nd Grade)
“Ranger Pride” Pedro R. (10th Grade)
“Thank you Heart” by Viola S-M.(10th Grade)
“TSD Clocktower” by Destiny B..(12th Grade)
“Austin Reflections” Dylan S. (10th Grade)
Dual Credit Courses
Offered at Texas School for the Deaf
By Daniel Veit, CTE Coordinator
More and more dual credit courses are being offered to high school students all over Texas statewide. There is a big push from legislators and educators on expanding dual credit programs, partially to jumpstart students’ career development and skills. While Advanced Placement (AP), a program created by College Board, offers college-level curricula and examinations to students is still in use today, but it does not guarantee college credit as dual credit courses do.
There are milestones and numbers to indicate the explosion growth with the dual credit programs. For one, House Bill 1638: Statewide Dual Credit Goals, passed during the recent 85th legislature session, initiated Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and Texas Education Agency (TEA) together to develop statewide goals and plans for dual credit programs. Texas student participation in dual credit has been steadily increasing for the past 20 years. The number of students participating in dual credit in fall 2017 was 151,669, a 753% increase since Fall 2000.
The readers may ask, what is a dual credit course? Through the dual credit courses, students can earn credit for both high school courses and college courses. Historically, dual credit courses have been associated with the core curriculum and usually can be applied toward degree pro-
gram requirements of an academic associate degree or baccalaureate degree. However, there are more and more CTE dual credit courses available for the students to take, and the credits will be applied toward the requirements for a Workforce Certificate or Applied Associate Degree. Megan Scarboro, CTE Principal, shared that “Texas School for the Deaf is not focusing on one area or one type of student, and we want to give all kinds of opportunities to our all students to grow at TSD, whether they have goals of working in trade or technical based field or other fields that require 4-year degree.”
Does TSD offer dual credit courses and is keeping up with the dual credit growth trend all over the Texas state? Most definitely! For the past few years, Texas School for the Deaf has added more and diversify dual credit programs and opportunities for the high school students to take through different external partnerships. Currently, there are both academic core and CTE dual credit courses under three various programs, Project Fast Forward (National Technical Institute for the Deaf), College Level Examination Program (College Board), and the CTE dual credit program partnership between TSD and Austin Community College (ACC). Even though they all are dual credit programs, but they differ slightly from each other.
For instance, with academic core dual credit classes, a student can earn both high school and college credit with Biology, Forensic Science &
Megan Scarboro, CTE Principal.
CTE Students during CTE Showcase.
CTE Teacher Sheri Mize with student.
College Algebra. TSD academic core teachers attended and received training with the curriculum content and instruction delivery to ensure rigor and college-level course under Project Fast Forward and College Board. At the end of the dual academic courses, the students have to take an examination to earn the college dual credit courses officially. This year, we have approximately 36 high school students who are taking academic core dual credit courses.
With the CTE dual credit programs between TSD and ACC, the student has to pass the class to earn college credits but needs to make a B or above to be applied towards their certificate(s) or applied associate if pursued after high school graduation.
Texas School for the Deaf formed a partnership with Austin Community College several years ago to implement CTE dual credit programs with the chance for the TSD students to also earn certificates. This partnership between TSD and ACC was initiated and supported by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) as well. To offer CTE dual credit courses in collaboration with ACC, TSD’s facilities, equipment, tools, and curriculum had to be fully updated, modernized, and accessible to ensure students were learning the current and needed knowledge and skills that are being taught at ACC to prepare for the workforce. TWC provided funds for program transformations at TSD, which included Automotive Technology, Visual Communication, and Welding Technology. The funds also covered the costs of ACC faculty and interpreters for the training/mentoring with CTE teachers who are qualified to teach CTE dual credit courses, per ACC’s accreditation agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Visual Communication is one of two new CTE dual credit programs implemented at TSD this year. The Visual Communication program is for those students who aspire to be a visual designer in one or other way. Students will learn all about design fundamentals, illustration, color theory, user experience design, Adobe software and more, which will prepare them for a career in a wide range of promising design fields. A student can earn an Occupational Skills Award (OSA) from Austin Community College with three courses; ARTC 1302: Digital Imaging 1, GRPH 1359: Vector Graphics for Production, and ARTC 1313: Digital Publishing 1, totaling of 9 college credits and 4 high school credits. Danny GironPerez, one of 11 Visual Communication dual credit students, commented, “I love the Visual Communication class, as I am pushed to use my creativity and to learn many things such as color theory and practice many different design techniques.”
Automotive Technology is another CTE dual credit program that was implemented this year. If one were to walk into the Automotive Technology shop at TSD, one would think it is a full-fledged shop, which it is. Students have access to all types of tools and types of equipment, ranging from alignment machine, tire changing/balancing, stationary and portable brake lathes, and so on. Students also can earn an OSA certificate under the Automotive Technology program by taking three classes; AUMT1405: Introduction to Automotive Technolo-
gy, AUMT1407: Automotive Electrical Systems, and AUTM 1410: Automotive Brake Systems, totaling of 12 college credits and 5 high school credits. All students who are taking CTE dual credit courses under the Automotive Technology program are also required to enroll supplementary class, called Content Mastery class, to receive additional tutoring support as appropriate.
The Welding Technology dual credit program was set up a few years ago and continues to be a model for other CTE dual credit programs, not just for TSD but other local school districts. Even if the TWC’s grant ended for this program specifically ended a few years ago, the enrollment continues to be maxed out with 10 students, due to 10 welding booths. Like other CTE dual credit programs, students can earn their OSA with three classes; WLDG 1434: Introduction to Gas Tungsen Arc (GTAW) Welding, WLDG 1413: Introduction to Blueprint Reading for Welders and WLDG 1430: Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) totaling 12 college credits. The Welding Technology CTE dual credit students can continue their education at Austin Community College after their high school graduation to obtain more certificates such as Structural Welding certificate, Pipe Welding certificate and Code Welding Associate Degree. Richard Layton, TSD’s CTE Dual Credit teacher, shared, “It’s good to watch students go from the TSD’s Introduction Welding course to ACC’s Dual Credit welding course, as you can see their maturity grow and work ethics begin to take root.”
Currently, 30 students are taking ACC CTE dual credit classes on the TSD campus. When one combines the CTE dual credit enrollment numbers with the academic core dual credit enrollment numbers - this is approximately a total of 66 students taking dual credit courses at TSD. This trend shows that we are definitely on track with other local and statewide school districts when it comes to the ever-growing dual credit opportunities for our students! However, the most excitement lies with the fact that TSD students get to experience college courses to help them prepare for their future success, whether it is in the workforce, community college, or 4-year college setting.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Team.
TSD’s First Ever Chess Club
By Arthur Hess, High School Student Development Coordinator
The first ever CHESS CLUB of TSD traveled to compete at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) on March 6-8, 2020 marking the first time in school history for a TSD Rangers chess team to compete at a tournament of any kind.
“We left TSD at 4 a.m. on March 6 for Chicago, then onto Pittsburgh. For one excited student, it was their first time to fly on a plane.
While on layover at Chicago-Midway, Chicagostyle pizza was all we wanted. The students quickly found it at the Homerun Inn at the airport.
After a tour of the WPSD campus, the team registered for the tournament and settled in. WPSD provided lunch, dinner and evening socials for all the teams, coaches and chaperones at WPSD snack bar. WPSD’s hospitality was one for the books!
Following the first ten matches on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., TSD won five matches,
lost four, and had one draw, 5:4:1, ranking TSD fifth out of 11 schools and earning the Rangers a first-round bye - plus a few more minutes of sleep the next morning.
In bracket play Sunday TSD lost a heartbreaker, falling 2-3, to St. Rita School for the Deaf (Cincinnati, Ohio), placing TSD fifth overall.
Our Rangers did really well for their first time out, especially considering they only had two months to prepare for the tournament.
Overall, the boys had a blast, made many new friends, new memories and thoroughly enjoyed the enriching once in a lifetime experience.
When you see these boys on campus, be sure to offer a high five (or an elbow) to give them your cheers for their job well done!”
A BIG THANKS to the TSD chess coaches who rose to the challenge to prepare the team for the tournament.
Already motivated for the Chess Invitational III next year at the Maryland School for the Deaf (Frederick, MD), watch out for these Rangers!
Adam Lusk (Chess Coach, and Shirt Designer), Joshua Medrano, Donald Cook (Chess Coach), and Arthur Hess (Student Development Coordinator), with students Peyton Y., George J., and Bernardo S.
Texas Mental Health Initiative for Deaf Youth
A collaborative project between
By Theresa Johnson, M.Ed.
Established spring of 2016, the Texas Mental Health Initiative for Deaf Youth began with a small amount of funding from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). After meeting with the Deaf Education representative at TEA and explaining how little Texas had to offer in terms of community mental health services designed for deaf and hard of hearing children (as well as adults), and how rare to see any training for teachers, behavior staff, families and/or interpreters in the mental health arena across the state, it was decided that an initiative of some kind was needed.
With an initial allocation of funding, three webinars were created and posted on Crossroads, and two onsite trainings were offered. When TEA saw what was done in a matter of approximately three months (funding had to be spent by August of that first year), they were impressed enough to allocate twice as much funding for the next year. Each consecutive year funding has continued.
Mental Health project now has a webpage on Crossroads (www.texasdeafed.org - click the “topics” tab at the top and scroll down to the mental health initiative page) which has many resources. A number of webinars addressing topics such as language deprivation, brain development, suicide prevention protocol, cultural implications and trauma, are now available. Each webinar is linked to the Education Service Center, Region 11 so that those who would like to earn CEU credits are able to do so.
The project Coordinator, Theresa Johnson, has identified four distinct categories of participants for which to design face to face trainings: educators, parents/families, interpreters and pre-service students in college/university programs.
Workshops have included topics such as “Counseling Strategies and Interventions when Working with Individuals who have Language Deprivation,” “Childhood Trauma and Managing Classroom Behaviors,” and “Mental Health and Substance Abuse within the Deaf/HH Communities.”
For interpreters, we have brought the Alabama Mental Health Interpreter Training (MHIT) program staff to Texas to provide training in a number of cities across the state for four consecutive summers. The response to all of these trainings has been overwhelmingly positive and indicative of the great need within our schools and communities for more training related to the mental, behavioral health and overall well-being of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students.
There are many very knowledgeable experts from across the nation who have contributed to this project. But, as a product of the ERCOD outreach effort, it is especially important to recognize Lee Godbold (interpreter extraordinaire), Sonia Bridges (master videographer and webinar creator) and Cindy Wiechman (budget planning and logistics) for their hard work. This project truly demands a team approach!
Future trainings include a Mental Health Symposium scheduled for April 23, 2021 at the Education Service Center, Region 13 from 9:00am-5:00pm. This is open to anyone in Texas who is interested in the topic of mental health for students who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. In addition, several new webinars are in the process of being completed and will be posted on the website by early summer, 2020.
For more information about this initiative, go to the website at www.texasdeafed.org or contact Theresa Johnson at theresa.johnson@tsd.state.tx.us
TEA and ERCOD/TSD
Distance Learning Distance Learning
Texas School for the Deaf Adapts During the COVID-19 Crisis
By Stella Egbert, Director of Instruction
Even though we may not be on campus for the remaining quarter of this school year, we are still connected! As we contribute to flattening the curve to reduce the spread of COVID19, our instructional staff are providing distance learning and services. We began the groundwork of preparing for our distance learning and services for all our students, from the Parent Infant Program to the ACCESS program through using a variety of platforms: Zoom, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and FlipGrid during our spring break and began reaching out to students and families thereafter.
From providing services and instruction to our students, our teachers have developed plans to best meet the needs of their students. Some examples include whole class meetings to stay
A glimpse of our Early Childhood Education students and their families participating in distance learning activities with their classroom teachers.
connected and maintain our focus on SEL (social emotional learning), small group instruction in order to focus on academic skills, and individual sessions designed to work on specific areas of need and IEP goals. Some students focused more on their transition plans and what goals they have been working on all year long in preparation for the summer. Career counselors are reaching out to our seniors to support their plans after completing their last year in high school. Our school counselors and speech therapists have begun tele therapy and connecting with their students.
During this time, we’ve seen our creative teachers, teacher assistants, job coaches, and service providers ways to connect with each other and with their students and families. In some programs, elective teachers are offering enrichment opportunities and maintaining what students have worked on during the year, such as the 5th grade weekly news, which are posted in the department’s Instagram handle: @tsdeceelem. In addition, the High School elective teachers and the Career Technology Education teachers have been busy working on
project based learning opportunities for their students. Our Austin Community College Dual Credit classes are also in session—where our CTE teachers collaborate with ACC professors and our students in achieving the final few weeks of the semester.
There have been many opportunities for reaching out to our students and their families in a variety ways that go beyond
individual and group instruction. The TSD PE Department is also posting weekly challenges and fitness sessions and resources are available on their weblink. Some of teacher assistants are providing families ASL—this has been a positive opportunity for us to connect with our many families.
While we would prefer to be together on campus, we are grateful for technology and being able to continue learning and growing together. We look forward to seeing our school community strengthen together during this unprecedented time.
The TSD Physical Education department has launched exercises anyone can do at home for all our students!
Packets to be mailed out to our students for blended learning— thanks goes to Mark Johnston, our Ranger Press extraordinaire!
Our Elementary students connecting with each other gives us all the feels.
Dr. Dawn Kidd’s 8th grade distance learning Math class joins in for some algebraic exercises. Even after teaching class, some students asked for tutoring after and they stayed on as long as an hour!
ACCESS student showing appreciation for their paraprofessionals via Zoom.
Texas School for the Deaf Response to COVID-19
By Alan “AJ” Morton, Outreach Project Manager
On March 4, Texas Department of Health Services announced the first diagnosed case of coronavirus, known as COVID-19 in Texas. As dozens of cases continued to arise across Texas, TSD Superintendent, Claire Bugen, and the TSD Executive Leadership Team, began monitoring briefings from the Office of the Governor, as well as the Texas Education Agency, with a focus on preparedness for the safety of the students and staff, in addition to planning to provide learning and online resources.
On March 11, Bugen issued the first announcement to assure the community that Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) was taking precautions with the safety of students and staff top of mind. Moving forward, the Superintendent continues to provide ongoing updates and quick access to the latest school news on a special web page by clicking the top banner on the TSD home page, www. tsd.state.tx.us. The TSD campus was officially closed to all staff and students, except those who are essential to TSD operations, as of March 16.
Immediately, both TSD and its’ Educational Resource Center on Deafness (ERCOD) quickly worked to ramp up efforts to provide online instruction as well as technical assistance and resources for students, families, educators and community partners. Along with new lessons, tips and tools being
continuously added, ERCOD’s Crossroads website https://www. texasdeafed.org/ has been retooled to provide quicker and more intuitive access to lesson plans and the resources you’re looking for.
During the process of shutting down campus, TSD’s Information Technology department and core administration staff remained to ensure the necessary equipment, technical assistance and support was available as most everyone prepared to work at home. Enterprise-wide tools, such as Zoom video conferencing were rolled out and additional support for PowerSchool was made ready for faculty.
As the pandemic continues, a new normal emerges for education heavily reliant on visual communication and total access for all students. TSD now holds staff meetings and regular checkins via video conferencing, providing support to one another as we all ramp up our knowledge of technology and online solutions, to ensure that educating deaf and hard of hearing children continues.
While it is business as usual with everyone working from their homes, to keep spirits high during this time of isolation, the ERCOD team has tried to remain social through some virtual fun, using an online scavenger hunt app sharing photos/videos to complete specific
“missions.” Encouraging everyone to get outside with nature at least once every day has proved important for well-being. The scavenger hunt has been a fun way to stay in touch with team members, check in on each other and ensure that everyone stays well physically and mentally.
The highlight of ERCOD’s week one scavenger hunt challenge was a photo of ERCOD Director, Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, hanging from a tree to earn points for her team!
If anything, the experience of this unprecedented pandemic has sparked creativity and tenacity from us all who proudly serve both missions of TSD and all deaf and hard of hearing students of Texas.
To paraphrase Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II’s recent address to the United Kingdom, which outlines the mindset and sense of strength we all might aim to adapt as one global nation - together:
“We will succeed — and that success will belong to each and every one of us. We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again.”
We will meet again, Rangers. As always, we remain a TSD family.
Theatre Arts Workshop at TSD
Hosted by Deaf Television Foundation
By Ryan Schlecht
Agrant from Deaf Television Foundation (DTF) brought a bona fide Deaf author and theater workshop to sixteen participants at TSD, including TSD students, Austin Community College students, and the Austin Deaf community who took part in a recent Theatre Arts Workshop at TSD.
The day-long workshop culminated with a book signing event related to visual-gestural communications written by Gallaudet University Professor, Willy Conley, deaf poet, author and scholar, who gave a course on playwriting, book writing, and improvisational skills.
Using the script from the Broadway musical, “Oliver!,” local theatre professionals, JoAnn Benfield from Ground Floor Theatre and Deaf Austin Theatre’s musical “Next to Normal,” and Ryan Schlecht from Deaf West Theatre’s musical, “Big River,” led a session on ASL content translation and shared the history of several Deaf plays and conferences for Deaf playwrights, along with Dr. Steve Baldwin who wrote “Pictures in the Air: The Story of the National Theatre of the Deaf,” along with Professor Conley, who discussed what it takes to be a Deaf playwright.
Allyson Morales, professional dancer from the University of Texas and instructor at Ballet Austin, taught a session body movements.
HOME OF THE
By Chris Hamilton, Athletic Director
TheTSD Rangers took the reins on both the grassy field and hardwood court by winning football and volleyball national championships last fall. Still galloping at full speed, the winter sports teams continued the momentum by also winning the national championship in both wrestling and girls’ basketball.
The girls’ basketball team didn’t drop the reins at the end of the regular season. They continued to race to the end at theTAPPS state playoffs and won the prize as state runner-up. It was indeed a historic moment for our girl’s basketball team. Unfortunately, the momentum couldn’t continue when the spring sports season started. Our hearts go out to our senior athletes for their dedication and commitment to TSD athletics for the last four years.
In addition to DTF’s grant, the workshop was sponsored by Austin Community College, Gallaudet University, Humanities Texas, Starbucks, Sorenson Communications and the TSD Foundation.
