Erratum. In the article “Ribbon Cutting and Open House” Winter 2021/ Spring 2022, Vol 141, No. 1, p 5. there was an error in the captioning of the top right photograph. The caption should have read “From left to right: Meg Guidry, Connie Sefcik, Jasi Sefcik, Claire Bugen, Marilyn Nixon and Sandy Kimball - reunite for a photo in superintendent Bugen’s new office. The error was an oversight which should have been caught, since both Connie Sefcik and Jasi Sefcik were my ASL teachers at Austin Sign School. - Gabriel Cárdenas.
From the Editorial Team
Welcome, We 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
Lone Star
Editor: TSD Communications Team
Copy Editor: Keena Miller
Art Director: Fernando Muñoz
Contributors:
Administration
Claire Bugen
Superintendent
Stella Egbert
Director of Instruction
Wilmonda McDevitt
Director of Student Life
Justin Wedel
Chief Financial Officer
Beth Polo
Director of
Governing Board
Claire Bugen, Gabriel Cárdenas, Rachella Moore, Keena Miller, Aaron Mowell, Isabelle Morgan, Laura Christian and Claira Oberrender.
Special thanks to:
KV Smith, Cynthia Foss, and Rodney Coffey.
Photography: 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,
Iwrite this column as our school year begins to wind down. It’s that time of the year—the mad dash to summer! The big push toward spring testing, covering that last bit of instructional content and planning end of year activities that gives way to exhausted teachers, students, support staff and administrators, each ambling toward the finish line.
As a superintendent, spring is a delicate balancing act. Keeping an exhausted staff and student body motivated to finish strong while looking ahead to the next school year can be a challenge. This is especially true this spring as TSD begins the transition to new leadership. Later this summer, Peter Bailey will be joining us as the next Superintendent of TSD. The transition, however, will begin its silent phase and become more active in the Fall. I read a great article on transition and I’ll share this quote with you “Change happens to us, transition happens with us.” My goal is to share this transition with you. I have a legacy here at TSD with all of you (families, teachers, administrators, support staff, alumni and community) and I think it is important that I share this with Peter to give him a place to build from and discover where his “voice” and vision fit into that legacy. Saying good-bye is complicated and I am not yet ready to do that. My goal is to leave you with a very transparent exit strategy that each of you are a part of.
You will note that our Fall drama performance of “The Misfortunes of Charlie Chaplin” is highlighted in this edition of the Lone Star and well it should be as it marked our return to the stage after COVID. However, if I may I would like to turn my attention to our Spring play that just closed, “The Seventh Blade.” First, self-disclosure - I arrived home Saturday afternoon April 22 from California after being at the CEASD Conference for a full week. I was conflicted about just chilling at home Saturday evening or dragging myself to TSD to see the final performance of the play. Fortunately, with Starbucks in tow I decided to go. I was absolutely enthralled by the script (student written), the actors, the set and the clever way the narrator kept the audience in touch with this very complicated story line. To our student directors, Peyton and Ziggy I say well done---to our actors—thanks for the laughs—Steve, Rodney and Trent the set was incredible—perfect backdrop for this Japanese folklore and thank you for the creative voices of our interpreters. Ames did not take much credit for this but only a very talented producer could have made this script come alive in such a brilliant way.
So, I will close with my opening remarks—it’s full speed ahead to the finish line as we conclude the legislative session, celebrate our students’ successes in multiple award ceremonies, grapple with our plans for next year and come together at our 2023 graduations. Every day I am grateful to learn, grow and belong to this amazing community of TSD families, staff and students.
Sincerely,
Claire Bugen Superintendent
A Fall Student Theater Performance Chaplin of Charlie
By Gabriel Cárdenas
After a three-year hiatus, placing productions on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TSD Performing Arts Program returned to the stage with a remarkable performance of The Misfortunes of Charlie Chaplin.
While researching what to present on stage, Theater Arts teacher, Ames Biskupiak, was reminded of the works by Charlie Chaplin, and she recalled Granville Redmond, a renowned California painter who taught Chaplin a technique he later used in his silent films.
Performed entirely using only body language and facial expressions, The Misfortunes of
Charlie Chaplin captivated audiences for three performances on a stellarly designed stage built by TSD staff members, Steve Barbin, Stephanie Hurwitz, and Megan Burgess.
The lead role of Charlie Chaplin was played by freshman, Branson Laird, supported by other cast and crew members: TSD seniors, Cindy Alvarez (Houston), Erin Collins (Houston), Ziggy Onion (San Antonio), Jose RamirezVega (Dale), and Bernardo Salinas (Laredo), TSD juniors, Jumoke Olanrewaju (Houston), and Alma Robinson, freshman, Axo Robinson (Austin), middle school students, Jacob Camacho (San Antonio), Elliana Meems (Round Rock), and Julissa O.
Pictures: Students acting out various scenes of the Misfortunes of Charlie Chaplin.
This production was combined with middle school and high school students.
JAMES’ goods was named after the director and co-director, both names in combination, JA (Jacinda Gomez-Baldwin) and MES (Ames Biskupiak)
Charlie Chaplin makes his entrance.
J. Ramirez-Vega on the left, developed his character from scratch without any assistance.
The hilarious boxing match.
Chaplin at the evil scientist lab. Chaplin at the evil scientist lab.
Every audience’s favorite.
E. Collins as the boxing referee.
J. Ramirez-Vega and B. Laird.
Pancake Breakfast Texas School for the Deaf’s Pancake Breakfast
2023 Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, A Huge Success!
By Keena Miller
TSD’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser netted approximately $12K in proceeds to support TSD family services, and provide support for other families across Texas with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, through TSD’s statewide outreach services.
With just over 850 served in a short three hours, including those who dined in, some who picked up their orders to-go, and deliveries that went out to more than 280 area first responders, this year had the largest crowd to date.
TSD’s most sincere thanks goes to the ‘Pancake King & Queen’, event sponsors and long-time supporters of TSD, John & Dee Hodnett.
The Hodnett’s were part of the former Austin Sertoma Club, whose members started the annual pancake breakfast tradition at TSD, back in 2006.
And Will Williams, the ‘King of Bacon’ along with an army of volunteers from his Share the Will Foundation opened their hearts and gave selflessly of their time and assistance.
TSD thanks all the volunteers, TSD students, staff members and sponsors who helped so families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing will benefit.
Hands waving with thanks to everyone who contributed and attended.
John & Dee Hodnett, TSD Foundation, Merrill Lynch-Winnette/Weese Group, Gary Knippa & Friends, Labatt Foods, Hiland Dairies, Austin Roasting Company, Texas Hands & Voices, Round Rock Sertoma, Lone Star Roofing & Gutters, Nelson Family Life Foundation, Round Rock YMCA, Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, Mangled Axle Jeep Krew, P3, Lone Star Saber Academy, the City of Round Rock, Just Because, Round Rock Young Men’s Service League, and Civil Air Patrol SWR-TX-371.
Picture above: Many TSD students and staff members supported the event and enjoyed the breakfast.
2.
3.
4. A demonstration by Jedi’s from the Lone Star Saber Academy.
5. The math team sponsors, Laura Christian and Alton Markel, show the blanket the team presented to the Hodnett’s.
6.
8.
1. Claire Bugen & Will Williams with Share the Will Foundation presented a plaque to John & Dee Hodnett, the event’s presenting sponsors.
For Austin Sertoma’s longtime sponsorship of students travel, TSD’s middle school math team presented sponsors with a token of appreciation.
Staff member Clyde Egbert with family and students.
Roger Chappell from Georgetown Rotary Club and Will Williams recognize Round Rock Police Officer, Edward Hermanek, for his pet project to build a tiny home to house a Williamson county family in need.
7. Will Williams recognized TSD cafeteria managers, Christophe Milani & Susie Giuntoli, for their hard work behind the scenes in the kitchen.
Superintendent Bugen with TSD faculty and staff members.
TSD Senior takes the Theatrical World by Storm
The Seventh Blade, a story by Peyton John Yevich.
By Isabelle Morgan (student contributor)
Can a student run a production better than a teacher? Ames Buskupiak, the theater teacher for The Texas School for the Deaf sure thinks so. With Peyton John Yevich directing and Ziggy Onion co-directing this spring’s play, both students and staff were shocked at the excellence of the production “The Seventh Blade.”
The story is a perfect blend of action and comedy, with sword fighting scenes in the first act, and humorous one liners throughout the show. It proves the peak of deaf theater with the entire show being told through American Sign Language with accessible voice interpreters bringing out the personality and flavor of each character.
“I very much have high hopes for this upcoming production,” Peyton Yevich states in an interview about the performance. “I consider it as my
chance to show the world what I can do to create a world filled with secrets and stories.” “The Seventh Blade” takes place in a Japanese fantasy world, known as the Elysium Regnum.
Throughout the show, references of Japanese mythology and culture are heavily referenced in clothing, sets, and dialogue. “There were many inspirations to name, but the most prominent
out of them, I would say, is the Kingdom Hearts franchise,” Peyton John Yevich says when asked for the inspiration behind “The Seventh Blade.” “It was my childhood game, and I loved to replay it multiple times. But an idea, a story of my own with my own characters, began to sprout during my younger years. Then I started to piece multiple inspirations together to create the story, ‘The Seventh Blade.’”
The production opens up in a lighthearted atmosphere. The main protagonist, Lani and his two friends Shiro and Tsukiko, have a friendly and supportive relationship with one another. However, the production is quickly revealed to have a dark side. Sword fighting, moral dilemmas, sacrifice, first crushes -- this play has it all. Unlike a typical “chosen one” trope, Kani is built empathetic, he is evident in his flaws, and he strives to be better for himself and his friends. Younger members of the audience can relate to such topics of comparison to a sibling, having a first love, and playful banter between best friends, all while maintaining the prime theme and moral o the story.
“It’s okay to change and abandon the old beliefs that don’t work out for you anymore,” quoted by Director Peyton John Yevich. “In our current society, people are scared of changing. But in this production, I want to send out the message that it is okay to change. It is important to be yourself and changing can be a factor in that.”
A Holiday TSD Tradition
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Atradition that began more than 25 years ago, students from the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) Culinary Arts program made their deliveries of homemade holiday cookies to state leaders before the winter break.
TSD’s Culinary Arts students made quite a variety of holiday treats, including chocolate chip cookies, German snowballs, Texas stars, classic butter, and candy cane cookies. All made especially to thank the school’s valued partner agencies, important legislators, and state government staff members for their hard work and support.
TSD students, Emmanuella Bacak (senior from Bryan), Trinity Cavazos (junior from Lubbock), Ti’Jean ChinSue (junior from Denton), Esmeralda Jaquez (junior from Houston), and Kristen Medrano (junior from Big Spring), visited the capitol to personally deliver homemade delicious treats to offices of more than 25 legislators and state leaders, accompanied by TSD culinary instructor, Felipe Bonifacio, and CTE Transition Coordinator, Christina Harucki.
Students got to meet and briefly chat with state Senator Sarah Eckhardt, the Texas Facilities Commission’s (TFC) Executive Director, Mike Novak, as well as Emily Robinson, the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Program Administrator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Before snapping a group photo, Senator Eckhardt thanked the students for the cookies, and said she and her staff always look forward to meeting the students.
Commissioner Novak spent almost an hour visiting with the students. He told them that he is not only proud of the school and the wonderful partnership between TSD and TFC, but he is extremely proud of the students. He had the students gather around his desk, seating one student in his chair, for a photo.
Cookies also went to offices of the state Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, the Legislative Budget Board, the Texas Department of Public Safety officers at the capitol, and the Governor’s office.
TSD culinary arts students and teacher pose in front of the Texas Senate Christmas Tree.
Culinary Arts students delivering cookies to different state representative
With Texas Education Agency Emily Robinson.
With Senator Sarah Eckhardt.
Visiting TFC Executive Director Mike Novak.
At Senator John Whitmire’s Office.
Taking a break during a windy day at the Capitol.
Delivering cookies to the Governor’s Office.
The Man Behind the Red Suit Signing Santa
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Donning a red coat and hat, a nice trimmed snow-white beard, and a twinkle in his eye, Charles Graves made a grand entrance to the set ready to meet star-struck kids at Barton Creek Square before Christmas day. This is Santa Charles, a certified Santa Claus.
Before he was traveling across the country meeting Deaf children and listening to their Christmas wishes, he was Charles Graves, a night residential educator at TSD. In fact, Charles Graves has been at TSD since he was about 13 years old.
Lone Star catches up with Charles to get to know the person behind the red suit.
LS: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?
CG: I was born in Missouri. I lived in Greece for four years then moved to Live Oak, Texas where I lived for most of my childhood. Currently, I live in New Braunfels with my beautiful wife,
Kari Graves. We will be celebrating our 25 years together this July. We have a beautiful 18 year old daughter, Kalei, who is autistic. We have two dogs and three cats – one is deaf, and two are blind. My hobbies include fishing, beaches, and traveling. We host monthly ASL Socials in our hometown, New Braunfels.
LS: When did you first arrive at TSD?
CG: I was a student at TSD from when I was in the 8th grade. I graduated from the school in 1990, then started working as a night residential educator at TSD in 2000.
LS: It seems you have spent most of your life on the TSD campus. How much has it changed since you first arrived?
CG: I remember some of the old buildings. Now, most of the campus has new and modern buildings. We, as students, used to be able to go off campus everyday. Now students can only go off campus on certain days. I was involved with drama, and we used to travel to many different cities, which is something they do not
do anymore. Of course we all dressed differently in those days. Signing (ASL) has changed over the years too. Now the students go home every weekend, back then students went home for the holidays & summer only.
LS: What was your fondest memory while attending TSD?
Picking on the teachers and staff. Hanging out with friends, walking to ThunderCloud Subs frequently. Being able to sign with the teachers, staff, and students. And participating in PALS (Peers Assistance Leadership). I loved being in drama, auto mechanics & photography classes. And I enjoyed visiting with then Superintendent, Marvin Sallop, at his campus home.
LS: Let’s get serious here. How did you become Santa?
Someone saw me with my beard five years ago, and they asked me to be a Deaf Santa Claus at an event in San Antonio. At first I said no, but my wife encouraged me to give it a try. I am glad I did because I fell in love doing that for the children. I realized how important it was for those who are deaf to have the opportunity to visit with a Santa in their natural language (ASL). Not only that, but a Santa who has the understanding and knowledge of Deaf culture. One main goal I have as a Deaf Santa Claus is to help hearing parents of deaf children understand the importance of learning ASL.
LS: You’ve been featured on numerous local news stations across the country. How does that feel?
It was very overwhelming, in good ways. It felt good to be able to spread the word about Deaf Santa Claus being available for children who are deaf to visit with. We want parents to see the
joy and excitement in their children’s eyes when they are able to sign with a Santa who is also deaf, just like them.
LS: Does Santa really know all the names of his reindeers? And does Santa need a license to drive his sleigh?
Yes, I know all the names of the reindeers. In fact, I have a Santa’s driver’s license! It includes my personal information, such as: weight - “fluffy,” eye color - “twinkle,” beard color - “snow white.” The license is valid worldwide. And there is no speed limit on sleighs.
On the serious side, I am a licensed professional Santa. I attended the International University of Santa Claus, and I am a member of Lone Star Santas.
LS: What’s your most favorite memory being Santa this past year?
Seeing the joy and excitement in children’s eyes when they realize that they can use ASL with me. Just so many wonderful memories.
Charles Graves Senior picture.
Student sharing what he wants for christmas with Santa while Santa’s helper interprets for family member.
Sign choir students performing christmas music to entertain bystanders and people waiting in line to visit with Santa.
Students enjoying a smile with Santa.
TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
TRAD I T IONS
Student Celebrations
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Annual celebrations for students and staff are a long-time holiday tradition coordinated through the TSD Superintendent’s Office. This year, student representatives visited her office to lobby Superintendent Bugen and pitch the preferred venues where they wished to have their school celebrations take place.
Bugen was quite impressed. She later shared with the TSD Governing Board members, “I held several negotiation sessions with the kids. I made them discuss with me the variables one needs to consider in an offcampus celebration, and I was totally impressed. They researched the distance from TSD, the cost of gas, and the associated entry fees.”
Made possible with the help of the TSD Foundation, holiday celebrations took place at Indigo Play for the Early Learning Center kids, Epic Fun for elementary students, Urban Air for middle schoolers, and Main Event for high school students.
Deaf Community
A Celebration of Inclusivity and Creativity
By Rachella Moore
ZACHTheatre, located in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its innovative and inclusive productions. In the winter of 2023, the theatre staged a unique production of Cinderella, which featured deaf and hard of hearing actors from across the nation. This groundbreaking production was a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing the incredible talent of the deaf and hard of hearing community. The integration of English and American Sign Language (ASL) in the performance was made possible through a collaboration with Deaf Austin Theatre.
Deaf Austin Theatre is a nonprofit organization that aims to enrich, inspire, educate, create, and entertain the Austin community by using ASL in all theatrical productions, ranging from classics to new works. The integration of ASL and English in the Cinderella production was a monumental achievement in bringing together the deaf and hearing communities.
Co-directed by Michael Baron, ZACH’s Producing Artistic Director, and Dr. Brian Cheslik of Deaf Austin Theatre, the cast was made up of both deaf and hearing actors who worked together to create a truly collaborative and inclusive performance. The show was performed in both English and ASL, with a creative and seamless integration of the two languages.
The Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf provided training to ZACH’s front house staff, including basic ASL, gestures, and Deaf Culture Awareness, to ensure that all deaf and hard of hearing patrons had a pleasant experience.
The collaboration between TSD and ZACH’s production team, along with Leila Hanaumi, an Austin resident who is deaf and a parent of two TSD students, resulted in a stunning translation of the songs of the production in artistic ASL. Leila contributed to the Cinderella performance as the Assistant Director of Artistic Sign Language, to ensure the delivery of the creative and captivating songs in ASL, especially for audience members who rely on sign language to follow the story. She also took on an ensemble role for the last couple of shows.
The production was a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together to create a more inclusive and creative world, and highlighted a new status quo for any theatre goer’s experience.
The production showcased the incredible talent of the deaf and hard of hearing community, while also demonstrating the power of theatre to bring people together. Be sure to check out Deaf Austin Theatre’s website for their upcoming productions! www.DeafAustinTheatre.org
ZACH Theatre’s Cinderella Production and the Austin
Pictures by Zach Theatre, Deaf Austin Theatre and Suzanne Cordeiro.
Mathletes Win Nationals Middle School
By Laura Christian
TSD’s Math Hackers team - consisting of four students: Zyle Singleton, Kaylee Hottle, Melanie Rubinshteyn, and Phoenix Hummel - competed at NTID’s Middle School Math Competition in Rochester, NY, March 31-April 1.
On the first day of competition, TSD competed against 15 other teams, and qualified for the finals round scheduled the next afternoon.
The next day, Saturday morning, each of the four Hackers competed individually in sprint and target rounds, and all four TSD students qualified for the individual’s finals round.
In the finals, team coaches are very proud to announce that the TSD Hackers team won FIRST PLACE!
And after a very intense bracket style individuals round, Phoenix took second place in the individuals competition, and was also awarded Top Scorer for the most correct answers during the entire competition!
Congratulations to these amazing students and their coaches. The team wishes to thank their parents, principals, and sponsors for their support.
Academic Bowl Regionals
at Texas School for the Deaf
By Claira Oberrender
In February, TSD hosted the 2023 Central Academic Bowl Regionals, and the TSD Academic Bowl team – Lydia Castle, Jeanique Davis, Max Harris, and Peyton Yevich, along with coaches Michelle Halvorsen and Claira Oberrender – went undefeated on the first day of competition.
On the second day, the team advanced to the semifinals but lost to Florida School for the Deaf and Blind by only three points. At the end of the competition, the team clinched a spot in the Nationals (April 20-24) with a fourth place finish. The team also won a sportsmanship award voted by coaches and players, and Peyton Yevich won an All Star award.
The 2023 Central Regionals were the team’s first in-person regional competition since 2020, and the competition taking place at TSD with many fans coming to watch and support the team made the experience unforgettable.
Top: Team picture with mascot “Lunch Box” Coach Michelle Halvorsen, Jeanique Davis (soph), Peyton Yevich (sr), Max Harris (sr), Lydia Castle (sr), and Coach Claira Oberrender.
TSD team works together to answer a question during the first round of a match.
Senior L. Castle objects to the judge’s decision on an answer during a match.
Indiana School for the Deaf celebrates becoming Central Region Champs.
Discovery Retreat
By Aaron Mowell
After a great fall Discovery Retreat, SOC’s Enrichment Team very much looked forward to the spring Discovery Retreat to be held over the weekend of February 24-26, 2023, at a new location, Camp Buckner in Burnet, Texas. Carrying forward the same theme of animal care and pushing our campers to explore the various strands related to caring for animals, we successfully welcomed 20 freshman and sophomore campers who attended.
Kicking off the evening Friday with the focus on veterinary medicine, we had two wonderful presenters - Darlene Hajduk, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, and Katrina Schmitz, a current veterinary student at Colorado State University. Both told of their journeys as deaf individuals who aspired to become veterinarians and break into that world. The day wrapped up with a hands-on IV activity where the campers attempted to insert an IV needle into a mock animal vein and add saline solution.
Saturday, campers jumped in to experience a different line of animal care - maintenance and care, starting with TSD’s own Eddie Martinez. Martinez’s side business is a cow and goat farrier. He explained the importance of caring for an animal’s hooves and the impact it can have on their lives, and particularly the product they give us - milk. With various demonstrations, the campers were fascinated with Eddie’s
journey to becoming a farrier. Later that afternoon, two ladies from Hair O’ The Dog Salon - Randi Turner and Julissa. Randi told the story about being a deaf owner of a dog salon, it was very informative. Campers enjoyed their live dog grooming demonstration. The day was capped off with a surprise visit from Karlie Waldrip and her deaf dog, Rhett. Karlie talked a little bit about her experiences fostering various deaf dogs, and about writing her book all about her journey as a dog mom.
In the end, many campers walked away with a newfound sense of understanding of the animal care field. Many shared that they wished to be a veterinarian, but that their back-up plans were geared toward fields unrelated to animal care.
With what they learned though, many felt confident that they could look into fields that were animal care related, such as a licensed veterinary technician (LVT), certified veterinary technician (CVT), a dog groomer, farrier, veterinarian, or even as a volunteer assisting a variety of businesses or organizations which specialize in animal care.
Randi from Hair O’ The Dog showing campers various dog grooming tools.
Katrina working with a group on how to properly insert an IV.
A camper attempts to lasso a mock cow.
Texas Association of School Boards visits TSD
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Agroup pf 26 school board trustees from across the state visited the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) on February 16, 2023, as part of a board development and leadership program through the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
Eager to brag on TSD and its wonderful programs, Superintendent Claire Bugen, along with Bobbie Beth Scoggins, and Peggy Ann Wenger, provided an overview presentation, as well as TSD Governing Board members, Dr. Christopher Moreland and Heather Withrow, who shared their perspectives as board members of a school which also functions as a state agency.
Following the presentation, Peggy Ann Wenger led the group on a campus tour, stopping first at the Early Learning Center (ELC), where the visitors enjoyed watching the kids around the toddler table eating their lunch. Next an elementary classroom, where Principal Barbara Hussey, explained how classrooms are designed and shared several teaching techniques.
The next stop was the TSD Heritage Center where the group was highly impressed with the collection of artifacts, art, and memorabilia highlighting the school’s vibrant history. Some were fascinated that the museum building once housed the school’s laundry facilities.
Then, from the clock tower, Peggy Ann pointed out the lay of the land at TSD, and how the campus ascends, north to south, where starting at elementary, students physically move up the hillside to middle school, and then further up to high school and the 18+ transitional program.
To top off the visit, the group was treated to lunch prepared and served by TSD’s Culinary Arts students. The guests lauded how eloquent the students were in responding to questions and describing their education endeavors.
The trustees were very interested in TSD and asked many excellent questions about admissions, student capacity, outreach, trends in education, and early identification and intervention for TSD students. One person said, “We’ve only known you [Superintendent Bugen] for 45 minutes, and I can already tell it’s going to be hard to replace you.”
Turn Back Time...
Marvin Beryl Sallop
October 13, 1942 - January 5, 2023
By Gabriel Cárdenas
Born on October 13, 1942 in Revere, Massachusetts, Marvin Beryl Sallop was the eldest child of two deaf parents - a CODA (child of deaf adults). As a CODA, he was heavily exposed to sign language.
After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war, Sallop earned a B.S. in Education from Salem State University (Mass.), a Master of Arts from Gallaudet University, and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from the the National Center on Deafness at California State University’s (CSU-Northridge) National Leadership Training Program.
Sallop taught English at the American School for the Deaf (Hartford, Conn.) before taking on the position there as Director of Instruction.
After graduating from CSU-Northridge, he served at the Texas Education Agency as Educational Program Director under then Superintendent, Ralph White, at the Gulf Coast Regional Day Program for Deaf students (RDSPD) from 1974-1977. He was later promoted to Interim Superintendent.
He established the Sign Language Program and taught at Lamar University. He worked at the Louisiana State School for the Deaf (LSD) where he eventually became the LSD Assistant Superintendent.
While in Louisiana, he was instrumental in desegregating the last remaining segregated schools in the U.S., merging the Louisiana State School for the Deaf and the Southern School for the Deaf into what is now LSD..
Following a 14-month national search, the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) named Sallop Executive Director, in August 1987.
As reported by Lone Star editor, Linda Coe, “The school can be expected to profit from Sallop’s impressive administrative qualifications; he has served for the past ten years as assistant superintendent and principal for the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge. He also has great empathy for deaf people as he is a son of deaf parents.”
In A Proud Tradition, author Sharon Kay Crawford Forestal Hovinga, wrote that Sallop elevated the role and mission of TSD from a self-contained school in Austin, Texas, to that of a statewide outreach center providing programs, services, training, and support for the estimated 5,000 children who were deaf across Texas. He also initiated summer programs TSD began to host, in 1987. Still highly successful TSD outreach programs today, then, summer programs at TSD often saw larger enrollment than regular year-round programs at some of the nation’s other residential deaf schools.
During the first few years of his tenure, Sallop established TSD’s post-secondary transitional program - today known as TSD’s ACCESS program for young adults, 18+ years old - and TSD began the offering Communication Skills Workshop (CSW), which still provides sign language training for Texas ASL educational interpreters, educators and professionals working with deaf students, and families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Sallop was instrumental in his work with state legislators to introduce and enact legislation that would benefit TSD, as well as the Deaf community. Sallop’s work was critical in influencing teacher’s pay, enhancing criminal background checks, broadening Medicaid health coverage, and increasing funding for TSD’s campus master plan. He also helped bring computers into TSD classrooms, libraries, dorms, and offices for students and staff.
Hovinga shares an anecdote of the lighter side of Superintendent Sallop, “Oftentimes, large manila envelopes filled with candy, flowers, or other goodies would show up in the campus mail without a return address, temporarily leaving the recipient puzzled as to who had sent it. One year, he placed cardboard caricatures of cats in the windows of employees, presumably to scare mice away.
“With Sallop, you never knew what you were going to get in your mail on Monday morning.”
Sallop retired as TSD’s superintendent March 31, 1998, and returned to Massachusetts to care for his aging parents. While there, he worked as a court reporter for the deaf.
Sallop had recently moved back to Austin to be close to his children and grandchildren.
He joined old friends and colleagues at the Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf (GAFD) on December 18, 2022.
In a letter to the community following a fundraising event, current TSD superintendent, Claire Bugen, said “[We] reconnected with Marvin at the GAFD Gala after a long hiatus. He was truly moved to see so many old friends and said he hadn’t been called ‘Mr. Sallop’ in 25 years.”
Sallop suddenly passed away on January 5, 2023. The community said their good-byes at a memorial service held a few days later. TSD and the Austin Deaf community will forever remember Marvin Sallop and his many contributions to TSD’s rich history.
c 1989 Sallop presents certificate to Dr I King Jordan president of Gallaudet university.
c 1987 Ruth Tambert Seeger Gymnasium Dedication Ernest Fuentes, Board President, congratulates Ruth Seeger, as Superintendent Marvin Sallop beams with pride.
Sallop walking with the junior marshal’s at the 1987 TSD Homecoming.
Inviting all TSD alumni, friends, and employees of TSD, both former and current…
TSDAA REUNION EVENT
The TSD Alumni Association hosts the “TSDAA All Classes Reunion Day”
May 6, 2023, 1-5:30 p.m. at the TSD campus.
Welcome Back TSD Alums!
Entry: $35/person.
Proceeds will be split to support the TSD Scholarship Fund and the TSD Heritage Center & Museum.
Visit https://tsdaareunion.com, or contact Ronny Taylor, Class of ‘74 at: 512-410-6682, or RonnyRTaylor@yahoo.com
