New Mexico School for the Deaf Progress Magazine - English - Summer/Fall 2022-23

Vision

Dream! Explore! Achieve!

Beliefs

Children and students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing will become lifelong learners and contributing, well-rounded successful individuals in an increasingly global society.

Mission

The mission of the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD), New Mexico’s first public school, is to provide for the unique needs of children and students who are deaf/hard of hearing, their families, and professional partners by providing a comprehensive array of school and statewide programs.

As a school, NMSD provides an American Sign Language and English bilingual learning environment that includes direct, ongoing access to language and communication in and out of the classroom with a wide range of peers and adults. The students are interactive learners who receive dynamic high quality standardsbased instruction in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities.

As a statewide service agency, NMSD collaborates with families, school districts, agencies and communities throughout the state to meet the critical language, communication, and learning needs of children and students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing, birth through high school.

In an environment of respect, trust, and safety, we believe in…

• viewing people who are deaf/hard of hearing from a cultural and linguistic perspective

• having high expectations that positively affect self-esteem, identity and whole person development

• providing early, ongoing, and fluid access to communication through natural language models

• developing proficiency in American Sign Language and English which is critical for fluent communication, literacy and academic achievement

• supporting the development of auditory skills and spoken language as appropriate to the strengths and needs of the individual child/student

• providing high quality early intervention and involvement services designed to help families give their children the earliest possible on-going opportunities for language, learning and meaningful relationships

• fostering strong partnerships with families through learning and social opportunities

• identifying each student’s unique strengths and using them as the foundation for learning and development

• ensuring the child/student is a consistent and active participant in planned and incidental learning experiences in and out of the classroom

• embracing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity

• developing competence in the use of advanced technology

• having high quality and committed staff who possess and maintain expertise in their respective area

• supporting all students in the pursuit of their personal and professional aspirations

DEAR NMSD FAMILY & FRIENDS

This issue celebrates our wonderful Early Intervention and Developmental Services (EIDS) department’s 40th anniversary. 1982 was a very different time in our history. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (formerly known as Public Law 94-142) was still in its infancy. Early Intervention services under the IDEA, known as Part C, did not exist until 1986. The New Mexico School for the Deaf was truly a national pioneer in providing early intervention services and supports to our cherished New Mexican families. Today, our EIDS staff serve close to 300 children aged 0-6 every year, and this number does not include the statewide training, mentoring and other supports that are also provided.

Most of us barely remember our own early years but those years created a foundation for who we are today. Time and time again, research tells us how important early childhood is for ensuring lifelong physical, cognitive, mental, and social-emotional well-being. All children benefit greatly from early access to language, especially Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. In fact, experiencing rich and robust language at an early age serves as a significant predictor of future achievement. It is NMSD’s ongoing and enduring commitment to ensuring that D/HH babies and children across the state receive full access to language, whether it is spoken or signed or both.

When children are young, it is difficult to predict how well they do through auditory or visual modes. We should never “wait” to see if a child succeeds in one mode before attempting another as this could result in valuable time lost. Brain studies show that both spoken and signed languages stimulate critical parts of the brain necessary for continued learning and development and that it does not discriminate between languages. NMSD’s school programs remain committed to a bilingual environment, promoting fluency in both ASL and English (spoken and/or written).

In addition, research on bilingualism shows children benefit cognitively and academically when they know more than one language, especially at an early age. We are proud to note that children who receive our early intervention services and have ongoing language access develop and grow at trajectories very similar to their hearing peers.

As the Superintendent of NMSD, and as someone deeply committed to language and literacy development, it is my enduring commitment to promote and support linguistic fluency as appropriate for every child (spoken, written, and signed). I once came upon the following quote which I still reflect upon every now and then:

~

Let’s work together to create limitless worlds for our children. Congratulations, EIDS, on a successful 40 years and here’s to your next 40!

With appreciation and gratitude, Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent

“The limit of my language means the limits of my world.” Ludwig Wittgenstein

WELCOME TO NMSD!

ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

NEW STAFF

Charlotte Burkes Jezyc Malano Molly McGregor ZaReyna Munoz

Miriam Trujillo

Marshall Aragon Wyatt Benally

FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

Alyce Billy

Gabi Cerda Justin Conrad

Sarah Mile

Stefan Vest Felicia Vigil

From left: Renuka Sundara, Orlando Obeso, Southpaw Woodridge, Michael Lopez, Francisca Ochoa Rivera, Salvador Fernandez and Dominick Rodriguez.

SANTA FE CAMPUS

Nicole Begay Tallulah Carwell Joshua Esquibel Moses Hise Precious Jones Emmett Lee Ajay Luginbill

Gabriella Maestas

Xavier Montoya Isabella Onstine Monserrath Portillo

Mohammad Zaman Rahimi

Seth Smith Tyler Todrovic

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY EIDS!

BY DOMINIC HARRISON & JOHANNA SCHERLING

How It Began

In 1982, years before early intervention became an expected service, innovative NMSD representatives took the initiative to approach legislators requesting seed money to start an early intervention program. As soon as the legislative funds became available, NMSD (along with the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired) started one of the first early intervention programs in the state to provided in-home, family-centered services.

NMSD’s Early Intervention & Developmental Services (EIDS) was originally called Statewide Training and Education of Parents through Home Intervention (STEP*HI). They provided services to seven families. Although the program has grown exponentially, the intention has not changed. The EIDS Department is still committed to helping parents and children build language and communication skills.

Happy Birthday, EIDS!

1: Festive decorations for the birthday party! 2: The Early Intervention & Developmental Services Dream Team. Sitting from left: Kathleen Aranda Myers, Joseph "JoJo" Lopez III, Anne Silva, Dalinda Smith, Karla Sanchez, Jeni King, Kacee Edmonds, Francine Lucero, Sara Millar and Dana Fields. Standing from left: Carla Gregory, Kate Lee, Kristi Halus, Brad Schanz, Joanne Corwin, Bettie Petersen, Bert Goldblatt Carmen Armenta and Kris Gathings. Not pictured: Yadira Reza.

What We Do

The Congressional Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) has determined that families with infants and toddlers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing need four areas of support to ensure the future success of their child. These supports are:

• Identification of differing hearing levels as close to birth as possible

• Skills and information that will enable them to communicate with their child

• Ability to interact with other families whose children are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Ability to interact with Deaf professionals on a consistent basis

EIDS supports families in meeting all of these needs by:

• Working in collaboration with the state’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program

• Providing home visits up to twice a week for families

• Partnering with Hands and Voices on family events

• Employing Deaf professionals who have both the life experience and the training to assist families on their journey

Lifelong Positive Impact

As part of the trip down our 40-year memory lane, EIDS reached out to Roger and Ann Swanson and their now-grown daughter, Lisa. The Swansons were one of the first families to participate in STEP*HI.

Here's what they shared: “Lisa become Deaf from meningitis at 9.5 months, attended a semester at NMSD Preschool in Albuquerque We received teacher visits at our home, which meant a Parent Advisor (now referred to as an “Early Interventionist”) would visit in the summer as a way to support our continued momentum. Oh how we appreciated Pam Quay, who loved both our daughters and cued us into strategies that were helpful. We were blessed by the services we received.”

Lisa shared, “Thank you, STEP*HI & NMSD, for all you do to help children & their families. Since I am the only Deaf person in my family, it was new turf for my parents. STEP*HI turned deafness into a colorful garden!”

3: Let’s eat cake! 4: Staff singing Happy Birthday! 5: Amadeus Lucero-Ramirez during his Newborn Hearing Screening. 6:

was born.

1st birthday

Wes

his

Early Interventionist Brad Schanz celebrates Wes Gardner’s

with his family.

and

family are from White Rock and began receiving early intervention services soon after Wes

The Swansons are not the only family that has benefitted from NMSD’s early intervention services through the years. To mark our 40 years of service, several other families reached out to EIDS to express their appreciation for the lifelong impact of our services.

Here are a few more quotes from our EIDS families:

“As recipients of NMSD’s early intervention (EIDS) program 25 years ago, we too needed someone to come alongside and journey with us. So many questions, concerns, and fears. So much to process. NMSD delivered. Our NMSD Parent Advisor delivered. Our Deaf Mentors delivered. NMSD’s Las Cruces Preschool delivered. If a family remembers only one message from our experience with services, I want it to be this: All Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) children can thrive. Parents are incredibly capable of supporting this in their Deaf/HHchild. And NMSD is here to help journey with them.”

~ Mother from SW New Mexico

“Thank you, NMSD, for the early intervention services you provided me as a young child and my family so many years ago. Early intervention is where my journey started. It provided a strong foundation for me to build from. These services gave my family the tools they needed to help me become successful.”

~ 35-year-old Deaf adult from Albuquerque

We are proud of our years of service to the state of New Mexico, and the many families we’ve served.

7

NMSD's EIDS team is proud of the 40 years of service it has provided to the many families it has served throughout the state of New Mexico.

8 9 11 10

7: EIDS Assistant Director Kristi Halus celebrates Jaylynn Mask’s graduation from EIDS services with her father, Darren. This family is from Raton. 8: Then and Now: Lily Dutton-Leyda and her Early Interventionist Bettie Petersen in 2013 and 2022! 9: Lisa (Swanson) Dignon years ago at NMSD’s Albuquerque Preschool. 10: A current photo of Lisa! 11: Lisa's daughter Nola. (Lisa shared this photo of Nola to illustrate that future generations, Deaf or hearing, benefit from their parents receiving Early Intervention services.)

CELEBRATING MILESTONES

BY ANGELA CORONA

The NMSD Early Childhood Education (ECE) program in Albuquerque has had a strong relationship with our Early Intervention and Developmental Services (EIDS) department for a long time. The many ways we collaborate with EIDS department staff has created more welcoming, successful experiences for children and families accessing school services.

One important point of collaboration with EIDS is the home-school connection. Parents are often comforted when someone familiar joins them for a school tour. This can lead to more confidence in asking questions and considering how attending school will impact their child and their family situation. Sometimes families prefer to ask questions at home-visits following the tour after they’ve had time to think and process. Having EIDS staff connect to our program and reach out to us with their questions has been a vital support to our NMSD families.

EIDS also supports the creation and continuation of our Baby Bunch group. Families with infants ages 0-18 months are invited to our campus to meet other families who have children with a hearing loss to get tips about language and development strategies, as well as practice new skills. The EIDS team supports a smooth transition into the school setting for both children and their parents.

Our Preschool shares student milestones with EIDS. How children behave in the home and at school can vary greatly at times. By sharing what we see at school versus what’s seen at home, our staff can develop a more accurate picture of how to nurture their continued development.

We look forward to another 40 years of collaboration with EIDS!

1: Kindergartener Ayumi Keuma, Adrian Gallegos and Axel Valadez touring the ABQ Preschool’s playground. 2: EIDS team member Jeni King welcoming babies and their families to the Baby Bunch! 3: Kalina Huerta practices her building skills using wood blocks. 4: Abigail Kolkena and Nora Anderson enjoying a meal they've prepared. 5: Adrian Gallegos showing great pride in completing a bee activity. 6: Emiliano Vijil and Mateo Anchondo engaging in social play. 7: Family Fun Day with the Cruz family! 8: Nahtay Casamero showing what he can build with Legos. 9: Quinnton Dutcher writing his name.

Kindergarten class working together on a project.

IMAGINATION RUNNING WILD

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ

Play is an important part of the 100 Languages of Children highlighted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education. As a result, NMSD supports students in their play scenarios. Play helps them express feelings, dramatize stories, try out social behaviors observed in adults, and reenact real-life roles and experiences. During dramatic play, our Farmington preschool students take on real-life roles and experiences. By observing their play, we can glimpse the world as they see it.

Long time NMSD preschoolers, Haylee Gutierrez and Brodan Morgan, collaborated on various play scenarios during their dramatic play sessions. Brodan expressed interest in our custodian’s cleaning routine. He shadowed Sam with a rolling trash can of his own, and carefully draped a paper towel over the edge of the trash can. He also donned gloves mirroring her cleaning style. When Brodan patrolled for surfaces to spray and wipe clean, Haylee quickly caught on and asked for a spray bottle of her own which she hooked over the edge of her own rolling trash bin. Their cleaning skills have transferred to mealtimes as they help clear and wipe our class table daily!

During Center Time, Haylee used wooden spoons to drum on overturned bowls and pots in our dramatic play kitchen. We watched a YouTube street performer drumming on five gallon buckets, pots, and pans - and a 21 month old baby playing a drum set! This encouraged Haylee to search for more objects that made pleasing sounds. The next day, we placed drums, bongos, a wood block, and a tambourine in a basket for further exploration. Haylee went to work building, rearranging, and playing her own drum kit. I shared a picture with her family, and they enthusiastically responded that they have a real drum set in their home. Her process was exciting to observe.

Wyatt Benally has also advanced his dramatic play repertoire. He warned us to not touch the oven and stove of our play kitchen by saying no in Navajo, “Dooda!” He used an oven mitt to handle some of the pans. While playing outside, he used a shopping cart to browse the playground for pinecones. We plan to add reusable shopping bags and a cash register to the bench outside to see if Wyatt will incorporate these items in his play.

During a Pete the Cat Pizza Party Unit, the kitchen set was converted into a pizza restaurant. Haylee and Brodan shared responsibility for taking orders, preparing the pizza, running the register, and cleaning the restaurant. Handling the money, operating the register, and writing down orders seemed to be the most coveted jobs at the restaurant. Haylee and Brodan earned 5 stars for customer service and fun!

1: Brodan Morgan and Haylee Gutierrez shadow our custodian Sam. 2: Brodan Morgan and Haylee Gutierrez clean tables with their spray bottles and rags.

3: Haylee Gutierrez arranges the drum set in formation. 4: Wyatt Benally pushes the shopping cart and searches the playground for pinecones. 5: Wyatt Benally discovers the oven mitt in the kitchen area. 6: Brodan Morgan takes an order as Haylee Gutierrez runs the cash register. 7: Haylee Gutierrez organizes the Pizza Restaurant for play.

3

A IS FOR ALDEN

BY SOFIA VILLA

July 26th might have been Alden’s last 1st day of Preschool, but he is just as excited to learn! Alden’s eagerness, curiosity, and self-motivation is both evident and inspiring.

We began the 2022-23 school year by getting back into our classroom routines and reviewing guidelines for using supplies at the fine arts center and devices at the technology center. Then we were ready for the science center! During our science center time, we learned that some objects are heavy and some objects are light. Alden explored picking up objects and seeing which were heavier and lighter by weighing them. This helped us learn that some things can be the same, some things can be different, and some things can be both the same and different!

Additionally, we learned about our body and used our senses to see and feel the objects we compared. We discovered that we not only use our hands to touch and feel but we also use them to sign. We practiced our ASL skills by matching magnetic alphabet letters to ASL alphabet handshapes. We also explored taste and smell. We discussed that our mouth is used to taste and our nose is used to smell. We used these senses at our friend’s birthday in the classroom next to ours. Her family bought the class plus Alden Happy Meals for lunch. They looked, smelled, and tasted delicious!

We are off to a great start! As this is Alden’s last year in preschool, it is sure to be full of discovery, learning and fun!

1: Alden on his last first day of Preschool. 2: Alden and instructional aide Alissa smile as he learns the rules and routines during technology center time.

Alden shows pride in the artwork he created in the classroom fine arts center.

Alden weighs other objects, including a book, a piece of paper, a rock and a feather.

Alden matches magnetic letters to ASL alphabet handshapes.

Alden at a birthday party for a friend in another classroom. His smile says it all!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

FEATURING DIANA HUIZAR

Our very own Diana Huizar has moved out of the classroom and into the role of Principal of our Early Childhood Education (ECE) & Elementary Department. Recently kindergarteners in Kris Easton’s class and upper elementary students in Ashleigh Turek’s English Language Arts class had the opportunity to interview Diana so we can learn more about her.

What is your background, why did you want to become the Principal of the ECE & Elementary Department, and do you have a vision for that?

Diana: I grew up in Maryland and after graduating from Gallaudet University, I moved to New Mexico and taught for 10 years in upper elementary. I love children and especially Deaf children and I want to make sure they all continue to receive the best education possible. Scott Mohan did a wonderful job as the Principal of the ECE/ Elementary department. I hope to continue his hard work and positive culture so that all students and teachers feel safe to learn and thrive here.

Rianza Ercolino: What’s your favorite sport?

Diana: Volleyball! It is so much fun.

Ezrah Pacheco: What’s your favorite board game?

Diana: Currently it is Candyland! I play it with my daughter almost every day at home.

Lucas Lujan: What is your favorite book?

Diana: Where the Wild Things Are. I love the imagination in the story!

Gabriella Maestas: Do you have any siblings?

Diana: Yes, I have an older sister (Krystle), younger brother (Kevin), and a younger sister (Danielle). I am the second child, so in total there are 4 of us! And here is a little fun fact for you - all of us are Deaf!

Jesse Jimenez: Who is your favorite superhero?

Dia na: Wonde r Woman! She is an awesome warrior and her name is Diana, just like mine!

Ariele Vest: What was your favorite subject in school when you were growing up?

Diana: Growing up, I loved English language arts class and social studies class. I still enjoy reading and learning more about the world around us today.

Jac Carwell: Do you like to swim or ride bikes?

Dia na: I love doing both! IF I had to pick one, I’d choose riding bikes

Iesha Franklin: Do you enjoy drawing?

Diana: Not so much but I enjoy coloring very much, though!

Twilah Joe: What is your favorite color?

Diana: Everyon e who knows me knows it is purple ��

Gabby Flores: What’s your favorite thing to do after work?

Dian a: My favorite thing to do after work is to spend time with my family, eat dinner together, and play with my daughter, Avalynn!

1

1: Diana Huizar! 2: Twilah Joe asking Diana what her favorite color is. 3: Diana watches as Madison Gallegos asks her what her favorite toy is. Diana answered, “my dolls!” 4: All of the elementary students were fascinated to learn about Diana’s first car, a KIA! 5: Diana signing “dolphin” after Oliver Gutierrez asked her about her favorite animal.

Aspen Mohan-Litchfield: What’s the first state and country you’ve visited?

Diana: Sinc e I was born in Maryland, Maryland is the first state I’ve eve r been to! And the first country I’ve visited outside of the USA was Germany. I went to visit Germany with my family when I was 13-years-old.

Madison Gallegos: What is your favorite toy?

Dian a: Doll s were my favorite toys growing up. I loved playing with them and creating stories with dolls.

Rianza Ercolino: What is your favorite food?

Diana: Piz za. I could eat it every day!

Ezrah Pacheco: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Diana: Vanilla. I love vanilla because I can add what I want to it…nuts, sprinkles, chocolate, you name it!

Gabriella Maestas: If you could go anywhere, where would it be?

Dia na: I’ve been to a lot of places in the world but not Greece. I really want to go there someday soon!

Jesse Jimenez: What was your first car?

Di ana: My first car was a 2007 Kia Optima that I bought in college. I saved up for a long time to buy my first car!

Mika Yates: What is your favorite time of the year?

Diana: The fall s eason is always my favorite time of the year.

Ariele Vest: Who is your hero?

Di ana: The re are many great people in our world, but the only people who come to my mind when I think of a hero are my parents. My parents are my biggest role models, and I admire them every single day. They shaped who I am today and they are the biggest influencers of my life.

Iesha Franklin: What is your favorite movie?

Dian a: There are many good movies! But the first movie that comes to mind is the Lion King. The movie has many good life lessons.

Oliver Guiterrez: What is your favorite animal?

Diana: Dolphins are my favorite. They are so smart and funny!

7 13 11 12

8 10 9

7: Jac

as Diana tells him that she likes to swim and ride

that

8: The ECE interview team fom left: Jac Carwell, Madison

Mika Yates, Diana Huizar, Oliver

9: Diana,

Robert and their daughter Avalynn from 2019. 10: Diana and her sister Krystle Berrigan at NMSD’s 2013 Homecoming. 11: Diana in her classroom working with Adan Slutyer Coffey back in 2015. 12: Diana having fun during a past Halloween with (from left) Nevaeh Garcia, Kane Wilding, Aubrianna Baca and Emilia Van Gunten. 13: Diana’s class during the pandemic on a remote learning session. Top row from left: Nevaeh Garcia, Diana and Kane Wilding. Middle row from left: Aubrianna Baca, Arthur White and instructional aide Mark Lucero. Bottom row from left: Ulises Aranda-Sotelo and Emilia Van Gunten.

6: The elementary interview gang having fun with Diana, teacher Ashleigh and instructional aide Kimberly Herrera. Front row from left: Iesha Franklin, Aspen Mohan-Litchfield, Jesse Jimenez and Rianza Ercolino. Back row from left: Ashleigh Ture, Gabriella Maestas, Ariele Vest, Diana Huizar, Gabby Flores, Twilah Joe, Ezrah Pacheco and Kimberly Herrera.

Carwell watches

bikes...but

riding her bike is her favorite!

Gallegos,

Gutierrez and Lucas Lujan.

husband

FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR!

BY MONIQUE JOHNSON

In honor of NMSD’s Harvest Day, my reading class decided to make Apple Crisp - using apples from our very own orchard. We followed the steps to achieve culinary perfection!

First, we needed apples. I asked the class if they knew where we could find apples. The response was the grocery store. Then I asked, where on campus can we find apples? The orchard, of course! The excitement mounted as they realized they would be picking their own apples to make a dessert.

We entered the beautiful orchard on a perfect, sunny day, and walked the entire orchard to find the best ripe, fresh apples for the recipe. We gathered them from the trees. When we got back to the classroom, we started to prep the ingredients and equipment. I showed the recipe on the smart board and we discussed what we needed to do first. We washed all the apples and brought them back to the classroom.

Our team then made a plan, assigning roles to who would do what. Joel Mejia and Elias Curley peeled and cored the apples and Aniesa Gomez cut them and put them in a bowl. Once all the apples were in a bowl, we put into practice our recipe reading and measurement skills.

When the apple crisp came out of the oven, we couldn’t wait to taste test it! Everyone had their apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Aniesa said, “This is so good! This is my favorite!” Elias mentioned he loved the dish, but his favorite part was the vanilla ice cream. Joel said it wasn’t his favorite, but he still loved making it. The students shared the dessert with Keri-Lynn McBride and our principal Maureen Yates. Keri-Lynn said she loved that the apples weren’t too soft, and that it was yummy! Maureen mentioned how delicious it was and how she enjoyed every bite.

The students did a fantastic job following the recipe and ended up making a beautiful and delicious dish. The pride they had in their work was amazing, and cooking by recipes is something we will do again this year. What a very successful harvest! Want to make the same apple crisp? Just access the recipe via the QR code on the right.

1: Aniesa Gomez picks the apples and puts them into the box Elias Curley is holding. 2: Monique Johnson and her students review the ingredients needed to make the apple crisp. 3 & 4: Joel Mejia, Elias Curley and Aniesa Gomez prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and cutting them up. 5: Making sure the right sized measuring cup was being used. 6: Joel Mejia adds just the right amount of cinnamon. 7: Pouring the apple mixture into a buttered pie pan. 8: Off to the oven it goes! 9: Aniesa Gomez, Joel Mejia and Elias Curley enjoy the fruits of their labor!

HANDS-ON LEARNING!

BY DENNIS CATRON

Learning doesn’t always happen in a traditional classroom - it can happen anywhere! For my students it happens in the Industrial Arts shop and around NMSD’s two aquaponic greenhouses.

Recently, my high school students learned to build a southwestern-style dining chair in the Industrial Arts shop. They used reclaimed lumber from the pile of scraps in the “backyard” of the maintenance building and other recycling sources. Students drew, measured, and labeled each piece of the chair model on paper before they began construction. Trial-and-error began, with an emphasis on the famous quote, “Measure twice, cut once.”

The use of tools and machines helped students with their hands-on skills, as they multi-tasked by assembling, screwing, and gluing a project that sprung from their paper sketches. Their confidence grew as their chairs took shape! Students remarked: “I like the calmness when I work on the pieces.” The students also shared their thoughts about how being in the groove fostered lively conversations during the creative process in the shop.

On the other side of campus, students learned about masonry. My masonry class, along with staff from NMSD’s Job Placement Program, were tasked with learning to create garden beds in the area around the greenhouses. They learned how to mix mortar properly and use tools such as a trowel and level to lay each brick as they formed a wall. Once they mastered “buttering” skills (slathering the concrete onto each brick correctly), they created footings around the inside of the dome before starting the brick/cinder block courses of the garden bed wall. A student commented, “I can’t chat with my friend during the process or the mud will be hardened!”

The masonry students were amazed at how bricks or concrete blocks and walls are built by hand, and require real physical effort. Masonry truly is one of the oldest trades in the world.

Building chairs and learning how to lay bricks provided an outstanding opportunity for students to widen their skills and gain confidence - all the while delving into potential future careers!

1: Claire Stephens using the circular saw to cut the wood for her chair. 2: Josiah Smith using a hand plane to shave off thin layers of wood to shape, level, and smooth out the surface of one of the boards he will use for his chair. 3: Emily Jaquez-Gonzalez using a screw gun to build the chairs legs. 4: Aiden Lopez working with the mortar he just mixed as Stephan Vest provides guidance and support.

Dennis Catron and LJ Hernandez watch Jesus Rios-Pena lays a brick on the sample wall as Lathaniel Williams butters his brick in preparation for laying it next to Jesus’s. 6: Lathaniel Williams, LJ Hernandez and Jesus Rios-Pena making sure the bricks are level.

From left: Josiah Smith, Terry Williams and Claire Stephens with their Southwest chairs!

HARVEST DAY

NMSD celebrated Harvest Day on September 23rd. The sun was bright, the winds were gently blowing, and it was a beautiful day all around. Students, staff and family members were out in full force picking and pressing the apples into deliciously sweet cider. A STEAM activity had students collaborating while stacking apples using toothpicks and Play-Doh. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the fruits of their labor!

1: Amelia Van Gunten passing apples down to Khadija Shandor. 2: Sha Reins helps lower the branch so that Jac Carwell can reach the apples. 3: From left: Tahriah Brown, Aniella Wilding and Rianza Ercolino stacking apples using toothpicks and Play-Doh at the STEAM activity center. 4: Scott Vollmar and other students using the apple pickers to get to the top of some of the trees. 5: From left: Jackie Martinez (teacher) with students, Jonathan Diaz-Tafolla and Nicolas Cruz, showing the apples they picked. 6: Alexis Brady and Wendy Fuentes with the stack of apples they put together! 7: Emmett Lee and Liam Mohan-Litchfield make a great team! 8: All the apples are washed in preparation for pressing into cider. 9: As classmates and staff watch, Mika Yates presses apples with Gary Hands encouragement. 10: RJ Nava turning the crank on the cider press. 11: Collecting the freshly pressed apple cider. YUM! 12: A display showing a STEAM activity measuring apples that took place with some 1st and 2nd graders in Hester Hall. It was a fun learning opportunity for them!

¡VIVA MÉXICO!

BY ERICK RODRIGUEZ

For the first time in two years, the NMSD Community was able to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in person! Our September 16th festivities were a complete success thanks to the support of several families, staff members, community partners, and Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Herbold.

The festivities began with the talented Aspen Ballet Company, under the direction of Jesus Rowendolas. They performed several traditional Mexican dances in colorful attire showcasing different styles of dance from various regions of the country. Emcees Angelique Quiñonez and Julián Aranda-Sotelo then led a presentation on the history of Mexico’s fight for independence and how people celebrate this holiday.

Shortly after the presentation, a feast of homemade green chile posole, chile colorado, traditional mole, tamales, rice, beans, horchata, churros, and flan ensued. NMSD families, staff members, students, and Aspen Ballet Company dancers enjoyed their meals while Julie Nagle, a professional Balloon Animal Engineer, awed the students with her craft! From lizards and turtles to dinosaurs and giraffes; the line stretched the length of the gym as students waited their turn to see balloons come to life.

No Mexican Independence Day celebration would be complete without our highly anticipated finale, a piñata! The elementary students lined up to take swings at the colorful unicorn. To everyone’s surprise, the piñata didn’t last past the elementary class. With the strong swing of one of the students, an assortment of Mexican candies rained down on the gym floor. The excited students scooped up the candy, leaving only pieces of what once was a piñata.

It was a spectacular event, made possible by the generosity of several individuals and families. The committee would like to extend a heartfelt “¡Gracias!” to the following people for their contributions to this year’s event; Jesus Rowendolas, the Aspen Ballet Company and their families, Glenda Fuentes and family, Naida Guízar-Nava and family, Carolina Perez and family, Ramona Pérez and family, Silvia Sotelo and family, Blanca Tarín and family, Corina Gutierrez, Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Emma Lozada, Letty Pérez, Roddy Cabbage, David Anderson, Jeff Bailey, Michael Baker, cottage students, Orlando Obeso, Julie Nagle, Efraín Rodríguez, Claudia Hernández, Jennifer Sagastume, Keri Lynn McBride and Development and our IT, Security, Housekeeping and Nutrition Services teams.

Thank you also to everyone who attended the event and who continue to support the celebration of our Mexican heritage. ¡Que viva México!

1: Julian Aranda-Sotelo and Angelique Quinonez welcome everyone to the Mexican Independence Day celebration held in Larson Gym. 2: From left: Staff members Erick Rodriguez and Orlando Obeso serving traditional dishes alongside parent Sylvia Sotelo. Everything was DELICIOSO! 3: Aniela Wilding takes her best shot at breaking the unicorn pinata! 4 & 5: As always, the Aspen Ballet’s Folklorico Troupe did a marvelous job performing traditional dances for everyone.

FALL TEAMS

VARSITY FOOTBALL

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING GROUP 1

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING GROUP 2

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

From left: Head Coach James Litchfield III, Manager Jesus Rios- Pena, Santiago Lopez, John “LJ” Hernandez, Emmett Lee, Tyler Todorovic, Adrien Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar, Efrim Rodarte-Estrada, Alex Wilding, Matteo Leija, Logan Donelan, Jeremiah Reed, Jose Miranda-Sarabia, Alex Gonzalez-Lopez, Zion Holmes, Jesse Haley, Manager Adrian Fernandez and Assistant Coach Dalton Etkie.

Standing from left: Assistant Coach Joi Holsapple, Angelique Quinonez, Jodie Haley, Madison Bunch, Claire Stephens, Serenity Adams, Kimora Vollmar, Sirrah Wilding and Head Coach Letty Perez. Kneeling from left: Manager Leilani Crespo, Chloe Willey-Saunders, Stacy Vargas and Manager Julian Aranda-Sotelo.

From Left: Assistant Coach Claudia Hernandez, Tamryn Smith, Neeva Goff, Nevaeh Garcia, Aubrianna Baca, Emilia Van Gunten, Serenity Hardy and Head Coach Jodi Stumbo.

Back row from left: John “LJ” Hernandez, Jeremiah Reed, Logan Donelan, Alex Wilding, Emmett Lee and Tyler Todorovic. Front row from left: Adrian Fernandez, Santiago Lopez and Zion Holmes. Not pictured: Head Coach Jodi Stumbo.

From left: Alex Gonzalez-Lopez, Jose Miranda-Sarabia, Efrim Rodarte-Estrada, Kieran Vollmar, Matteo Leija and Adrien Ercolino. Not Pictured: Head Coach Jodi Stumbo.

Kneeling: Serenity Adams. Standing from left: Head Coach Misty Skye Dreumont, Julian Aranda-Soleto, Leilani Crespo, Efrim RodarteEstrada, Alex Wilding, Bria Vigil, Josiah Smith and Assistant Coach Adriana Martinez. On shoulders from left: Alivia Vacher, Madison Bunch and Serenity Hardy. Not pictured: Stacy Vargas.

ACADEMIC BOWL

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BUFF TEAM

FALL TEAMS GO ROADRUNNERS!

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BLUE TEAM

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BISON TEAM

Sitting from left: Adrien Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar, Chloe Willey-Saunders, Alex Wilding and Kieran Ercolino. Standing: Assistant Coach Scott Vollmar and Head Coach Carrie Nichols. Not pictured: Santiago Lopez.

From Left: Head Chaperone Emilie Wilding, Jesse Jimenez, Wendy Fuentes, Neeva Goff, Ariele Vest and Assistant Chaperone Sara Eaves.

From left: Head Chaperone Emilie Wilding, Emilia Van Gunten, Tamryn Smith, Logan Donelan, Kane Wilding, Khadija Shandor and Assistant Chaperone Sara Eaves.

From Left: Head Chaperone Emilie Wilding, Nicole Begay, Jesse Crespin, Greyson Lobato, Tavian Plonski and Assistant Chaperone Sara Eaves.

HOMECOMING

8 1: From left: Josiah Smith, Efrim Rodarte-Estrada, Alex Wilding, Serenity Hardy and Alivia Vacher signing the National Anthem at the beginning of the volleyball game.

Fans enjoying the Varsity volleyball’s game during Homecoming. 3: Sirrah Wilding hitting the ball to Oklahoma School for the Deaf’s side of the floor.

The team showing their excitement when they won! 5: Kimora Vollmar setting the ball up so her teammates can get it over the net.

From left: Alumni Jim Vigil, Tommy Tischler, Abe Martinez, John Hooper and Aaron Martinez showing their Roadrunner spirit during the football game.

Alex Gonzalez-Lopez throwing the ball during one of the plays. 8: Head Coach Jimmy Litchfield giving some tips to his team during a huddle. 9: Kieran Vollmar on the run with the ball!

Number 1 Roadrunner Fan Heather Lujan!

From left: Stacy Vargas, Serenity Hardy, Madison Bunch and Julio Aranda-Sotelo cheering on our football team.

Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Herbold kicks off half-time, getting ready to introduce the 2022 Roadrunner Ambassadors and Royalty Court.

From left: Roadrunner Royalty Seniors Stacy Vargas and Chloe Willey-Saunders, Junior Ambassadors Adrien Ercolino and Alex Wilding, Sophomore Ambassadors Serenity Adams & Leilani Crespo, and Freshmen Ambassador Alex Gonzalez-Lopez.

SPIRIT WEEK

1: A bunch of “fruit” from left: Sirrah Wilding, Adrian Fernandez, Alex Wilding and Bria Vigil. 2: Nahtay Casamero from the ABQ Preschool dressed as a watermelon on Fruit and Vegetable Day! 3: Kim Burkholder’s class loves their fruits and vegetables! From left: Tahirah Brown, Moses Hise and Isabella (Izzy) Onstine. 4: Efrim Rodarte-Estrada and Stacy Vargas were awesome MC’s for Spirit Week! 5: Teachers get in on the fun during Sports Day. From left: Laurie Anderson, Carrie Nichols, Cy Wilding, Letty Perez, Elizabeth Fry, Suzanne Bono, Crystal Mitchem and Adriana Martinez. 6: Elementary showing their Roadrunner spirit! From left: Tommy Tischler, Syriah Loretto, Nicolas Cruz, William Menser, Twilah Joe, Jonathan Diaz-Tafolla, Brody Keller, Diego Romero-Rivera, Daniel Mendoza, Alexis Brady, and Aspen Mohan Litchfield. 7: From left: More Sports Day fun with Sirrah Wilding, Madison Bunch, Zachary Nichols, Chloe Willey-Saunders and Elizabeth Fry. 8: Our ABQ Preschool staff showing their Roadrunner spirit during Color Day! 9: From left: Pethai Anderson, Daniela Ramos-Reyes, Abigal Kolkena and Heather Lujan get in on the fun during Spirit Week’s Disney Day! 10: From left: Joseph Rodriguez, Aidan Lopez, Tori Melendez, Alex Wilding, Efrim Rodarte-Estrada and Adriana Martinez all decked out as their favorite Disney characters. 11: Santa Fe staff had a blast portraying Cruella de Vil (Principal Maureen Yates) and some of the 100 Dalmatians!

ALUMNI IN ACTION

FEATURING CORINA GUTIÉRREZ

Many alumni think of NMSD as their home away from home and we hold all of our Alumni in a very special place in our heart. NMSD is a place where they grew up, gained an education, made life-long friends, and built happy memories

Below, Corina Gutiérrez shares her time as an NMSD student and what she is up to currently.

What year did you enroll at NMSD? I enrolled at NMSD in 1976 when I was 6-years-old.

What town are you from? I am from Hatch, the “Chile Capital of the World.”

Who were your best friends while at school? My best friend while at NMSD was Dr. Carla Garcia-Fernandez. We have been best friends since we were in middle school.

What were your favorite subjects while at NMSD? My favorite subjects were math, reading and Spanish. I also loved physical education (PE) and woodshop.

Who were your favorite teachers or staff members and why? There were many that I admired, but my favorite teachers were Esperanza “Espie” Latimer and Thomasina “Tommie” Brasel. Espie was my role model as a Latina Deaf woman; she had high expectations for me as a Latina Deaf student. She expected me to do well in school and to take care of my health. Espie knew that I was a big sports enthusiast, and she would remind me of the importance of keeping school a priority and maintaining good grades. She also emphasized the importance of taking care of my health. This was because I would stubbornly continue to go to school and play sports when I was very sick. I hated missing games, but Espie taught me to take care of myself first, get well, and then participate in extracurricular activities. The lessons she taught me have really helped me understand life better.

Tommie was my reading teacher and played a big role in my reading habits. When I was in high school, I didn’t enjoy reading books and could never find a book that was enjoyable. Tommie would take our class to the library where we were able to select any book we liked. I enjoyed reading romance novels by Danielle Steele. She encouraged me to read more and expand my vocabulary. As a result, my reading skills improved. After I graduated from NMSD, I started to read John Grisham books and biographies. Tommie made her class so much fun and always opened her heart to me and other students. Both Tommie and Espie were my role models.

What are your fondest memories while a student at NMSD? One of my fondest memories while at NMSD goes back to elementary school. I looked up to Wanda Esquibel, who was in high school and the star basketball player. I wanted to be just like her. During my freshman year, I made 33 points in a game and broke Wanda’s record for the most points in a game. I continued

1: Corina Gutiérrez's school photo from 1977 when she was in 2nd grade. 2: One of NMSD’s all-time

game years ago. This photo is hanging in the Wall of Fame in Larson Gym. 4: Corina

3:

basketball stars!

Corina Gutiérrez during a basketball

Gutiérrez during her graduation ceremony in 1988.

to break many more records throughout my high school years. Our trips to Western States Basketball Classics, Ranger Classics and other Deaf schools for basketball tournaments were the best times of my high school years. I made new friends from different deaf schools and those friendships continued from my time at Gallaudet University to today.

Another fond memory was my senior trip to Hawaii in 1988. The Class of 88 and our class sponsors, Espie Latimer and Carla Weeaks, worked hard for four years fundraising to earn the money for our trip. By our senior year, we had actually earned enough money to take a trip to Oahu, Hawaii. It was my first time traveling to Hawaii and we had a great time visiting the island.

What year did you graduate from NMSD? I graduated from NMSD in 1988.

After you graduated, what college college did you attend and what did you major in? I attended Gallaudet University and majored in Physical Education. I received my Bachelor of Science degree.

In what ways have you stayed connected with NMSD? I’ve stayed connected to NMSD by being on the NMSDAA board, working with NMSD Superintendents, attending sporting and many other events, volunteering at the Roadrunner Classics tournaments, and participating in the Mexican Independence Day events. NMSD is my second home and will always be!

What are you currently up to in your life? I work for the State of New Mexico’s Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH) as the Director of Community Advocacy. Before I was promoted to Director, I was a Deaf Advocate and worked with many clients in meeting their needs, such as communication access. I have worked for NMCDHH for 15 years. Before that, I worked at NMSD as a Student Life Educator. I worked with both high school girls and boys. I’ve always been a strong Deaf advocate since high school and continue to advocate for myself and others.

For the last fifteen years, I have also been a contractor with NMSD as a Deaf teacher. Teaching ASL classes is my passion and when I retire from NMCDHH, I plan to continue teaching ASL classes to families with Deaf children, staff, and community members. For those who don’t know me, I love Hallmark movies, and I am a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys. I hope to one day attend a Cowboys game in Dallas!

6 9

Jonathan Garcia the NMSDAA Award during Senior Night in May of 2019. 10: NMSDAA bought and donated a drum

NMSD’s

Front row from left: Roy DeHaven, Corina Gutiérrez, Susan Haley and Ted Dressler. Back row from left: Amy Gomme, Margarita Garcia and Matthew Lujan.

5: NMSDAA Members. Sitting from left: Ted Dressler, Roger Robb, Margarita Garcia and Corina Gutiérrez. Standing from left: Susan Haley, Richard Pearson and Roy DeHaven. 6: Corina Gutiérrez and Jaqueline Sanchez sharing their culture and heritage during 2016’s Mexican Independence Day celebration. 7: Corina Gutiérrez greeting Senator Heinrich during his tour of NMSD’s campus on August 21, 2017. 8: Corina Gutiérrez and fellow NMSDAA board members, students and Dr. Gallegos getting ready to cut the ribbon in celebration of preserving the Health Center Archway. 9: Corina Gutiérrez and Roger Robb awarding

to

Athletic program.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

BY CINDY HUFF

The Center for Educational Consultation and Training (CECT) houses our Educational Consultant Team and our ASL Mentor Team (formerly ASL Service Corps/ASL Tutors). Over the last few years, we’ve truly evolved into a multidisciplinary team. This shift enables us to support a broader audience with increasing services for students and school teams who we work with throughout the state of New Mexico.

Our full-time team of Deaf Educators has served as Educational Consultants since our department was established in 1994. Back then, we had only one teacher of the Deaf, with a second added in 1995. As the department grew, we added more team members to service the community. We operated with Educational Consultants until the fall of 2010, when we were able to add an ASL team through an AmeriCorps grant.

In 2019, we were joined by two new specialists: an Educational Interpreting Consultant and a Speech-Language Consultant. We’ve also recently welcomed an Educational Consultant who is a Deaf Educator and an Educational Diagnostician. Interpreters and SLPs statewide receive specialized, ongoing consultation and training. The same will now be available for Educational Diagnosticians.

These new team members bring a new dimension and richness to our discussions and consultations with school district staff and administrators. We frequently tap into each other’s knowledge and experience. Two, even three, heads can be better than one! On occasion we travel in tandem, bringing two sets of eyes and expertise to a consultation or observation. This dynamic favorably impacts the collaborative nature of our work - both in our visits around the state and in our office!

Our former colleague, Maria Klein, left a small painting for the team when she returned to her home state several years ago. The quote she painted, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” has been a guiding message for us ever since. Our team has added expertise, but the quote has never been more applicable!

1: A team meeting where strategies are discussed. From left: Rayven Padilla, Meena Mann, Joanne DeBee, Cindy Huff and Lena Stavely. 2: Lena Stavely discussing supports provided to interpreters in the district she works with while Carla Martin looks on. 3: CECT team Director Cindy Huff providing great support to her team. 4: Dean Krohn updating everyone about what the ASL Mentor team has been up to. 5: The CECT team sitting from left: Dean Krohn, Trish Rich, Rayven Padilla and Lena Stavely. Standing from left: Velda Romero, Carla Martin, Cindy Huff, Meena Mann and Joanne DeBee. 6: Meena Mann and Joanne DeBee having a lively exchange during the planning meeting.

SCARVES UP FOR DEAF NIGHT OUT!

BY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE

On September 2nd, NM United Soccer sponsored the first ever Albuquerque “Deaf Night Out” (DNO). The evening was a roaring success, and the Deaf community was out in full force with many familiar faces cheering the team on!

Levi Anderson, a huge fan and longtime supporter of NM United was pivotal in establishing a partnership between NM United and the Deaf community. He has been attending matches since the soccer league was established several years ago, and helped pave the way for DNO. Levi was at the event spreading the love and supported two NMSD students, Stacy Vargas and Bria Vigil, as they signed the National Anthem in ASL at the match. Stacy and Bria did a great job and the crowd loved it!

A few weeks after DNO, NM United (in conjunction with Kirtland Credit Union) released a video featuring Levi, calling him a “community champion across countless circles and a fixture of the Black & Yellow Familia.” Way to go Levi! [You can watch the full episode via the QR code included to the right.]

Another pivotal person supporting and fostering this new partnership is Nathan Gomme, NMSD Board of Regent and Executive Director of the NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH). He shared, “NM United has been a wonderful partner, working with us to bring an amazing, fun, and memorable event to our community. I hope DNO continues for years to come.”

Dr. Jennifer Herbold, NMSD’s Superintendent, added, “The NM United leadership team was fabulous in coordinating with NMSD and NMCDHH for this event. Students, staff, and families who attended had a lot of fun and NM United has gained more lifelong fans. It has been decided that this will be an annual event - we are excited and look forward to next year!

NM United's Owner, Peter Trevisani was thrilled about the evening as well, saying, "This is what New Mexico United is all about. We are an incredibly diverse community, and we are at our best and most beautiful when we all come together. We are United for every New Mexican and we're so proud to have the Deaf community woven into that Black & Yellow fabric since day one."

The evening was well attended, and for every ticket sold, $4 in proceeds were given to NMSD. A total of $616 from ticket sales will support NMSD’s International Studies program and trips. We are grateful to everyone who attended, and we are excited by the new possibilities in this momentous partnership!

1: Levi Anderson makes sure that Bria Vigil and Stacy Vargas are in place and ready to sign

job and made everyone proud! 3: Front row standing from left: Levi’s daughter Jida, Stacy

2:

Anderson, Levi’s son Sako and Nathan Gomme. 4: NMSD’s NM United Fan Club from left: Kieran Ercolino, Dr.

Pat

and Mary Lynn Bransford. 5: The Deaf community out in full force! 6: From left: Bria Vigil, NM United

the National Anthem on the field.

The girls did a fantastic

Vargas and Bria Vigil. Back from left: Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Levi

Herbold,

Ercolino, Nadine Henning,

player Daniel Bruce, Soniya Vigil and Stacy Vargas.

DINING HALL

The Belle & Cora Larson Dining Hall renovation has been completed. The dining hall is stunning and everything is state-of the art, brand new, clean and sparkling! Along with the daily delicious meals our Nutrition Services team prepares for students with care and love, we are also thrilled that culinary arts classes will begin later this year in the dining hall’s renovated kitchen. Here’s to a great new era for NMSD.

Photos on both pages capture the renovation process and the beautiful results. Students and staff are thrilled to be able to eat in the Belle and Cora Larson Dining Hall once again!

1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505 www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

NEW MEXICO'S

FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL

Presorted

Marketing

US Postage Paid Permit 1893 Albuq.NM

THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS since 1909

USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 113 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2022-23

Published twice during the school year at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. Distributed to parents of students presently enrolled at NMSD and staff. POSTMASTER: Send address change to THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Staff: Editor/Keri-Lynn McBride; Associate Editors/Bay Anapol and Kimm Wiens. Design/Hollie Fleming.