New Mexico Progress Winter/Spring 2016-17 ENG

Presorted Marketing US Postage Paid Permit 1893 Albuq.NM

Volume 107 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2016-17

Dream! Explore! Achieve!

HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

1060 CERRILLOS ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87505

www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

NEW MEXICO'S FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL

THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS since 1909 USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 107 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2016-17

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. Annual subscriptions are available. If interested, contact Keri-Lynn.McBride@nmsd.k12.nm.us or 505.476.6399 (V/TTY). 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 & Kathy Glyer; Mailing/Distribution/Hollie Fleming. Designed by Quario Design.

2016 -2017 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE RETIREE

RETIREE

Jolee Joos

Ken Miera

2003-2017

Vision

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.

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

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.

Mary Jane Miera 1998-2017

30 YEARS

RETIREE

JoAnn Montoya

25 YEARS

Evelyn Barela-Pettis

1993-2016

Mary Lynn Bransford

20 YEARS

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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fostering strong partnerships with families through learning and social opportunities

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

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

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embracing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity

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developing competence in the use of advanced technology

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

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

Brenda Archuleta

Nadine Henning

15 YEARS

Tony Apodaca

Gary Valencia

Lupe Salazar

10 YEARS

Lorraine Crespin

Briean Burton

February 2013

Margarita Garcia

Joe Gonzales

Veronica Crider

Sally Ann Anderson

Kris Eaton

Jeff Bailey

Leah Gregg

Bruce Brewer

Jose Gutierrez

10 YEARS

Mission

1992-2017

RETIREE

Liliana Macias

Gayle Mohorcich

Richie Moses

Jean Scotten

Scott Vollmar

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VOLUME 107 ISSUE 2 WINTER/SPRING 2016- 2017

Dream! Explore! Achieve!

FEATURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS AND STATEWIDE

2 3 7 8 13 23 24 29 30 31 33

Superintendent’s Update Feature Early Intervention & Involvement Early Childhood Education - Preschools Main Campus

Like us on

facebook.com/nmschooldeaf

Student Life Athletics Graduation Center for Educational Consultation & Training Community Relations Retirees & Years of Service

Follow us on

twitter.com/nmsdathlethics

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

DEAR NMSD COMMUNITY & FRIENDS How many of us think Google has been around forever? I was quickly corrected by my daughter and son when I recently made a comment suggesting that notion. While it has become habit to “google” an answer to almost any question one may have and “to google” is now a commonly used verb in our everyday conversations, Google has really only been around for 22 years, started by two students at Stanford University. This just shows how quickly our world of technology evolves and becomes a routine part of our lives.

At NMSD we make sure our students have access to, and can hone a wide range of skills on computers and other technology to prepare and engage them in their world today and tomorrow as they transition to college and career. Students who participate in NMSD’s residential programs use technology to communicate with their families and complete their homework. Our Outreach program, the Center for Educational Consultation and Training, utilizes technology to help their staff, districts, families and deaf and hard of hearing students throughout New Mexico stay connected via websites, social media and customized ASL videos. Our Parent Infant Child and Deaf Mentor programs depend on technology that reliably and quickly determines when babies are deaf or hard of hearing so that language and learning can begin before the age of 6 months!

At NMSD we are also highly aware of the recent studies that suggest that too much screen time may be harming children’s development. As a result, we strike a balance between the necessity of utilizing current technology and providing critical thinking and social experiences not directly dependent on digital tools.

In the following pages you will read about our youngest students busy exploring the properties of their environments while being immersed in language and communication. It has been an exciting year watching our elementary and middle and high school students excel in a wide range of activities. Enjoy taking a look at their outstanding accomplishments in Sporting Events, Battle of the Books, Spelling Bee, Feast for the Eyes, and the Spring Play, to name just a few.

These are all tools and opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children and students to DREAM! EXPLORE! ACHIEVE! NMSD students, parents, employees, Board of Regents and alumni weighed in and voted on this new tag line for NMSD, which exemplifies our pursuit of high expectations and engaged learning. As we move into the summer and begin preparing for the 2017 – 2018 school year, we take the time to remember that for all the technology and events that are a necessary part of a quality education, it is families and NMSD faculty and staff who are behind our students daily encouraging, guiding and believing in them. They are perhaps the most significant and key ingredients in helping students achieve their dreams.

With you in education,

Rosemary J. Gallegos Superintendent

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“Dream! Explore! Achieve!”

FEATURE

HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

BY CARRIE NICHOLS Technology keeps our students interested and motivated! It makes knowledge acquisition easy and accessible, too. But we are also faced with the challenge of keeping our technology up to date, and making sure our students have an age appropriate balance of screen time. We want to be sure that technology is not a distraction, but a way to improve learning outcomes for students.

Below is an overview of how technology is used at NMSD on campus and statewide.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) NMSD actively maintains a broad composite of hardware, software, network resources, and services required to operate and provide a modern enterprise level IT environment. IT works to align and support all aspects of technology, including campus-wide platforms, instructional and department specific technology, and media services. Key technology systems are used to support Human Resources, Payroll, Purchasing, Central Supply, Dining Hall, Health Center, et al. Services include Jenzabar, Power School, SchoolDude, Databases, Meals Plus, Magnus Health, OnGuard, IC Realtime, Office and Office 365, Cloud Technology, Windows OS, Apple OS, fiber optics, wireless technology, telecom, and other security applications and platforms.

INSTRUCTION (K-12) NMSD is following the trend of 1:1 computing (1 device per student). Our middle school and high school programs both subscribe to this school of thought, with laptops available for each student. The idea behind this program is to encourage personalized learning and keep information within easy reach for the students.

Our elementary students are not assigned laptops, however. Instead they have easy access to a mobile cart with laptops and iPads, to be used when needed.

Having ready access to computers also helps our students be more prepared for standardized testing which is largely computer-based.

Starting at Kindergarten, students attend computer class to support their academics (computer use, keyboarding, navigating the Internet, word processing, multimedia applications, and recently, coding). They are not limited to activities that occur in computer class; much happens in their classrooms as well. For example, Top: From left: Lorena Gutierrez, Mateo Perez and Tavian Plonski using an interactive whiteboard during a lesson they were teaching about safety. 2nd from top: From left: Sam Montoya, Kevin Rittenhouse, Lorenzo Martinez and Dale Loper, NMSD’s amazing Information Technology (IT) team, inspecting one of the many data hubs on campus. 3rd from top: High School students in the Mac Lab. Bottom: From left: Kimora Vollmar, intern Zena Levan, and Jodie Haley creating books using laptops and special bookmaking software.

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FEATURE our second grade class created an interactive book using iBooks Author and the laptops from the mobile cart. Middle and High school students have access to electives such as computer applications, graphic design, TV production, film, and programming.

Additionally, each teacher is assigned a number of episodes throughout the year for our daily morning news. The teacher and class videotape and edit the episode, often using our TV studio. Students LOVE watching themselves or their peers on the television sets around campus!

This year saw the start of a robotics club for Middle school students, and the result was very positive: in the state-wide competition held in March, two of our students placed second!

It is now standard practice in our classrooms to set up an interactive whiteboard. Visual content is very deaf friendly, and this tech is the most applied on campus.

For special projects, students and staff also have access to cameras, video cameras, headphones, and other media related equipment.

There are two computer labs available for use by classes, departments, or other staff at any given time for special video projects and editing. In the TV studio itself, there is a specialized light setup to provide ideal lighting, as well as a massive ceiling-tofloor green screen for adding special effects.

Coding is also trending in K-12 education. NMSD has started to incorporate coding opportunities via a spiral curriculum. Younger students are exposed to coding through toys or iPad apps that are designed for this purpose. They learn how to move objects, and make them jump or spin. Elementary students have the opportunity to learn beginning coding through their computer classes via the web. Middle school students can take a coding course through Code. org to learn fundamental computer concepts such as loops and functions.

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Top right: Utilizing video-conferencing technology during a Battle of the Books match against a team from another school for the deaf.

Right 2nd from top: Principals Heather Costner and Scott Mohan using a special pen to make changes directly within a document on a laptop. Right 3rd from top: Students using iPads to scan in QR codes so they can access ASL stories displayed on a poster. Bottom right: Daniel Heinze uses an interactive whiteboard to teach a lesson about ratios to High School students. Bottom left: Michelle Garcia using an iPad with Julio Portillo and Jonathan Garcia during a class lesson.

FEATURE NMSD recently started offering a programming course for high school students. This year’s class has explored different learning approaches with different tools using coding courses on both the computer and iPad. We want our students to benefit from coding. This is not only a future career path, but also gives them the ability to think critically and innovatively and problemsolve more efficiently.

STUDENT LIFE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM Older students have access to their laptops and use them during study hour or in the evenings for homework, research, or assignments. We often see our students after hours in the gym during games, working on their laptops!

The students also use videophones that are installed throughout each cottage to contact family and friends. At any given time, when walking though the cottages, you are bound to see a student chatting with his/her parents, either directly or through a Video Relay Service interpreter.

EARLY INTERVENTION AND INVOLVEMENT As remote service providers, EIID’s needs are very different. They travel often and have ‘mobile office’ needs, most of which are met by having their own laptop with access to constant communication and real time documentation. Additionally, cloud-based tools allow for information to be shared quickly via a secure website. For families, videoconferencing technology and some degree of tele-intervention are used. There are also iPads in use that are loaded with apps for different purposes, such as those used specifically with Deafblind students.

In addition, technology is used to test the hearing of all newborns during the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening at New Mexico’s hospitals. EIID depends on the technology of hearing screening equipment to aid in the early identification of young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Family Infant Toddler Program of the New Mexico Department of Health requires hearing screening of all children served. This technology is critical to ensuring the earliest access to language possible.

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION AND TRAINING - ASL SERVICE CORPS CECT’s ASL Service Corps staff is full of young people and as a result, technology is being used in new ways all the time! The team, based in various locations, communicates via a variety of methods, including FaceTime, Glide, and zoom.us. Documents and lesson plans are shared via Google Drive.

Top: Charity Baca and her mom chatting via videophone technology in the High School cottage. Middle: Universal Newborn Hearing Screening equipment and technology being used to test a baby's hearing. Bottom: Dean Krohn and Maria Klein creating a recruiting video about CECT’s ASL Service Corps.

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FEATURE ASL Tutors submit monthly reflection vlogs, and vlogs are also a method of delivery for monthly ASL News posting from the ASC supervisors. Videos are often uploaded to YouTube by ASL Tutors as supplemental instruction for districts, families and students. As you can see, this department has certainly embraced the power of video as a communication and work tool.

DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS Technology is widely used to support the day-to-day operations of NMSD’s Development, Communications and Public Relations (DCR) office. We use it to track donations and manage mailing lists using Excel spreadsheets. We also use graphic software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to design a wide variety of promotional materials, including the New Mexico Progress magazine, brochures, flyers, and invitations. Maintaining NMSD’s website and social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, are a daily activity as well.

The DCR department uses camera equipment to capture and share with families, staff and the public.

We can record for posterity the multitude of activities students are involved with from events, competitions, and athletics to classes, programs and playgroups.

Communications relies on internal and external email systems, our school-wide server, and the vehicles that make it possible to reach the public via the website, brochures and social media. Like most of the world today, DCR would not be a successful department without the many software applications necessary to relay and present information representing NMSD.

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Top right: Jesse Haley and Isac Velo-Tarin working together on a laptop. Right 2nd from top: Hollie Fleming, from NMSD’s Public Relation’s department, posting an announcement about Battle of the Books on NMSD’s Twitter page. Right 3rd from top: The New Mexico Progress magazine pages are designed using the software InDesign and Photoshop. Bottom right: Mark Apodaca, NMSD’s Director of Finance, uses PowerPoint slides and LCD projector to present next year’s budget to the Board of Regents. Bottom left: Sherrena Bob and Katelyn Sorenson using several devices to listen to music after school in the girl’s High School cottage.

EARLY INTERVENTION & INVOLVEMENT

WHO’S WHO & WHAT ARE WE UP TO!

BY JOANNE CORWIN EIID: Changes Last July, Emilie Wilding was named Deaf Mentor Coordinator with the Early Intervention and Involvement Department. Her leadership has already made a huge difference, not only in New Mexico, but nationally as well. She often fields calls and questions from other states seeking to build and expand their programs.

With the recent retirement of Mary Lambourne, Ann Swanson is now acting as EIID Regional Supervisor for the Southwest Region Ann has worked with the department for many, many years.

She was previously Regional Supervisor. Welcome back, Ann! Audits: Annual Performance Review (APR) and Community Based Assessment (CBA) EIID and the Preschools are responsible for all compliance measures and regulations outlined through IDEA Part C. Most federal Part C standards have a mandated compliance rate of 97-100% which leaves little room for error.

We are proud that NMSD’s Annual Performance Report was met with a 100% compliance rate on all reportable indicators. The onsite Community Based Assessment also recognized the numerous strengths of NMSD’s Part C programs. Glowing comments from the auditors include:

New Mexico School for the Deaf Early Intervention and Involvement Department

Regional and Statewide Contacts

Northwest Regional Supervisor Wendy Prouse (505) 860-4615 weno44@hotmail.com

North Central/ Northeast Regional Supervisor Kristi Halus (505) 690-3517 Kristi.Halus@nmsd.k12.nm.us

Greater Metropolitan Area Regional Supervisor Lorraine Crespin (505) 231-7962 Lorraine.Crespin@nmsd.k12.nm.us

South Central/Southeast Regional Supervisor Karla Sanchez (505) 469-7455 Karla.Sanchez@nmsd.k12.nm.us

Southwest Regional Supervisor Ann Swanson (505) 401-1291 ann_swanson@hotmail.com

Statewide Director Joanne Corwin (505) 275-5433 (Albuquerque) or (505) 476-6402 (Santa Fe) Joanne.Corwin@nmsd.k12.nm.us

Statewide Coordinator- Deaf Mentor Program Emilie Wilding (505) 216-2052 Emilie.Wilding@nmsd.k12.nm.us

“You had an AMAZING audit!”

“It’s very, very clear the quality of services you all are delivering.”

"Your programs are a model in so many ways."

Top right: NM County maps show the various regions covered by NMSD EIID supervisors. Middle right: Emilie Wilding, Statewide Coordinator for NMSD's Deaf Mentor Program, provides support to the Tapia family. Bottom right: Auditors review EIID preschool files.

Bottom left: EIID team celebrates a successful audit!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – ABQ & SF TODDLERS

MAKING FACES!

BY KACEE EDMONDS ABQ & SFNMSD ABQ Preschool hosts Family Fun Friday activities throughout the year. Recently, we held a playdough clay activity for our toddlers, staff, and family members. When Royce Dogoldogol - one of my students - used his cookie cutter to make a bear, I showed him how to make a face on a piece of clay. The face had eyes and a nose made from small clay balls, as well as thin line shaped into a mouth. I asked him what I had made in ASL: “MADE WHAT?” Royce signed back, “ROYCE BABY.” It became clear that Royce actually remembered when he and his class created clay self-portraits last spring. At the time, Royce was only 22 months old. Royce didn’t only remember his clay portrait, he also realized he was a “baby” then. That our Family Fun Friday clay activity allowed him to both recall and expand on his experience is pretty powerful!

DEEPER LEARNING

BY EMMA LOZADA Our Santa Fe toddlers are always learning! Recently, while we were out and about on campus, I noticed them walking on a variety of surfaces. I thought it would be interesting to explore different surfaces and how they feel as a way to foster new vocabulary and concepts! We used our eyes, hands, and bodies to experiment with soft, rough, smooth, wet, dry, loose and solid surfaces. The toddlers discovered the wonder of their shadows, how their shoes make footprints in the sand - and how rolling in the grass is more fun than rolling on gravel! Every new day is a new lesson to share!

Top right: From left: Jesse Jimenez, Brody Keller, Pisces Smith, Sara Pratt, her brother Emilio, Royce Dogoldogol during the Family Fun Friday

8 clay activity. Top-Bottom right: Royce Dogoldogol pretends to feed his bear. Top-Bottom left: Kacee Edmonds has a conversation about Royce Dogoldogol’s clay creation. Bottom left: Rolling on the grass IS better than rolling on gravel! Bottom right: Shadow play.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – ABQ PRESCHOOL

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR PLAY

BY HEATHER PARK All of our foundational skills for learning start with childhood play so NMSD’s ABQ Preschool takes play pretty seriously. Teachers and staff work tirelessly to ensure there are ample opportunities for play throughout the day - both in and outside the classroom.

The playground is an important place for children to develop their gross motor skills. Strong core muscles, good balance and coordination are building blocks for development of more intricate fine motor skills at the preschool age. Since children come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, we’re all concerned about our students having safe access to the entire playground. We wanted them to have as few limits as possible in their outdoor play.

As an Occupational Therapist, I saw this as a great learning opportunity for students using occupational therapy services. NMSD partnered with the University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy Graduate program and Monica Prerovsky, our physical therapist, to develop recommendations for modifications to our current playground. They presented their resulting recommendations in a 13-page document, including innovative ideas for a water play area, ground resurfacing, adaptive swing, and an accessible outdoor art easel.

Through the generosity of the Duke City Sertoma Club, we were able to complete two phases of the expensive modifications recommended for our current playground. Without their help, we could not have installed an adaptive swing and improved the surface accessibility of our large play structure. We thank the Duke City Sertoma Club for their kindness and dedication to improving the lives of our students!

Top: Before the new swing swing was installed. Middle right: The area in front of the swings prior to the new ground surface. Bottom left: The new ground surface. Bottom middle: The location of the new swing is perfect because it is right next to the other swings and now all of our students can swing together! Bottom right: Elizabeth Aragon enjoying the new swing!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

STEPPING IT UP AT PEACH'S NEET FEET!

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ Peach’s Neet Feet (PNF) brings joy into the lives of children who have experienced chronic illness or disability. Their services include painting and distributing the organization’s signature hand painted shoes, organizing and sending care packages, and providing outreach parties to communities all over the United States. The founder, Madison “Peach” Steiner, is a young philanthropist who strives to live a purposeful life, and to lead by example through art. Madison puts compassion into action, and brightens the faces of children who need it the most.

Our NMSD preschool had the opportunity to attend a wonderfully creative field trip at the MabLab, a nonprofit organization that embraces cultural, social and educational diversity by bringing people together through the arts. The children enjoyed a sensory table filled with colorful pompoms and clear tubes, one with rice, beans, and macaroni, painting with flowers and bingo daubers, play dough with fun tools, crown and mask decorating, necklace making, floor painting, 3D rocket ship and fire truck painting, cookie decorating station, and so much more!

Recently, NMSD preschoolers Logan Lovato-Benally and Naatanii Yellowhorse-Montoya, received their custom painted shoes along with specially made blankets from Peach’s Neet Feet. Logan’s shoes were customized with his initials, images of the Hulk, Captain America, and an I Love You hand. Naatanii’s shoes featured his beloved Paw Patrol characters and his name. These shoes provide a talking point when meeting new people and making friends. The Hustle Kindness movement was born of the love of giving fighting shoes to children battling illness or living with the challenges of a disability. You can learn more about how you can Hustle Kindness at www.peachsneetfeet. com or www.pnfmadlab.com!

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Top right: Top to Bottom, Mayda Benally, Gwen Lovato-Benally, Jayden Parson, Logan Lovato-Benally. Jayden volunteer to help "Hustle Kindness" by helping to present shoes. 2nd from top: Isabella Kennedy admires Naatanii Yellowhorse-Montoya Paw Patrol themed shoes. 3rd from top: Madison "Peach" Steiner and Willie Jr. Lopez pause for a pic at the MadLab field trip. Bottom right: Isabella Kennedy and her mom and sister enjoying a MadLab activity. Bottom left: From Left: Dawn Ward, Educational Assistant, Isabella Kennedy, Mary Helen Perez, Teacher and Willie Jr. Lopez having fun painting during a MadLab activity.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

A TON OF BUNNY FUN!

BY KIM BOYKIN Every year, the merchants around the Old Mesilla Plaza plan two special holiday treats for the children at Mesilla Elementary. The NMSD Las Cruces Preschool is housed in Mesilla Elementary, so we are very thankful to have been adopted by this lovely community and invited to participate in their time honored traditions.

In December, Santa arrives on a fire truck and surprises the children with cookies and punch. In April, the big red fire truck arrives with a big, white Easter bunny! Dozens of brightly colored eggs scatter the ground for an Easter egg hunt!

Children clutch their baskets in eager anticipation!

Our students get their own section to hunt, and each child collects ten eggs. This is also a wonderful lesson in counting and sharing. When the hunt is over, we all line up for a picture in the gazebo with the Easter Bunny. Then we walk back to school through the tree-lined streets of Mesilla. This year we stopped to see a brand new baby goat in a neighbor’s yard, and observed chicken footprints in the sand. The weather was perfect and we all had a ton of bunny fun!

Top right: The Old Mesilla Plaza covered in eggs. 2nd from top: The Easter Bunny arrives on the fire truck. 3rd from top: Aubrey Kessel, Sophia Arenibas, Arlene Galindo, Petra Butler, Ransom Butler, Shepard Butler, and Samuel Romero anxiously await the Easter Bunny’s arrival! Bottom right: Shepard Butler, Ransom Butler, Petra Butler, Aubrey Kessel, Sophia Arenibas, Samuel Romero, and Arlene Galindo wait for the countdown to begin the egg hunt! Left: Samuel Romero, Arlene Galindo, Shepard Butler, and Sophia Arenibas pose with the Easter Bunny.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

ONE "HOT" STUDY UNIT!

BY SHA REINS After observing the high level of interest in our preschool for the Paw Patrol characters, we thought it would be fun to visit a real fire station! We arranged a field trip to Fire Station #3. The students loved learning about the fire trucks and Firefighters. We decided to continue our studies with a unit on Fire Safety.

We began with candles. During that investigation, comments were made by the preschoolers. The students made comments showing their understanding of fire and heat: “Hot!,” Emmanuel shared. “‘Yellow and Orange,” Roman observed. “Can’t touch!” Fiona signed. The children then observed candles again, documenting their observations with paper and markers. They added warnings, such as: “‘Do not play with fire!” and “We can look at them, but not play with them!” They drew what they saw!

The class watched different kinds of fires through books and video clips. This allowed the children to understand how big fires can become, and facilitated conversations among peers and adults. Questions popped up, like: “What happens if we play with candles?,” and “What do you need to do if you see fire?”

We continued our studies by learning about fire extinguishers.

The children observed the extinguisher without touching the handles. Then students asked, ‘What is inside the fire extinguishers?’ To their amazement, they learned that a white substance is sprayed from the extinguishers. They learned the word “chemicals” and how dangerous they can be and that it is safer when an adult operates extinguishers.

The class talked about fire extinguishers, and where can they be found in Hester Hall. The students had to mark x for each extinguisher they found in Hester Hall. They found fire alarms in almost every room - including bathrooms! We moved on to learn “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” We pretended that our clothing was on fire to practice this!

All our studies helped when we had a school-wide fire drill!

The children were prepared and ready to walk to “safety” quickly. All in all, this was a wonderfully rewarding unit to study!

Top right: Our class at the Fire Station #3 in Santa Fe. Right 2nd from top: Everyone loves observing candles. Right 3rd from top: Fiona

12 Pedersen and Roman Cope observe fire extinguishers. Bottom right: The children collect data about the number of extinguishers they found. Bottom left: Frederik Catron presents important fire safety information to his classmates.

ELEMENTARY

SPELLBOUND!

BY DIANA BERRIGAN On March 10, twenty-seven of our first to fifth grade students participated in our 2nd annual spelling bee.

The “spell-binding” competition was organized by Shira Grabelsky and Marisa Soboleski with the support of a wonderful committee of judges, MC, and pronouncers!

In January, participating students received one hundred words matching their reading level. The students used their spare time after school, between classes, or during the weekends to study their words. They memorized how to spell each word, and correctly define them. Their efforts paid off! In the first round, ALL the students spelled their words correctly, and for that we are very proud of them. It also indicates how close this year's competition was! We played eight rounds before we finally had our top three finalists: Kimora Vollmar, Jesse Crespin, and Phenix Hastings. They moved on to compete in a national competition!

On May 12th, our finalists competed against four other schools for the deaf: Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (Washington, DC), California School for the DeafFremont, Maryland School for the Deaf, and Indiana School for the Deaf. The competition took place via video-conferencing and a big congratulations goes out to Kimora Vollmar for winning second place! All of our students did an amazing job, and we are so proud of their “wordly” efforts!

Top right: Isac Velo-Tarin standing before the panel of judges. Right 2nd from top: Sybella Radven spelling the word “trail.” Right 3rd from top: Roderick Stickley and students in the audience doing the “DAB” for Phenix Hastings! Bottom right: Caleb Chambers spelling the word “branch.” Top left: From left: Kimora Vollmar, Jesse Crespin and Phenix Hastings, our top three finalists competed in the national competition. Bottom left: Kimora Vollmar spelling a word during the national competition where she placed second!

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

GIVE THE ROBOTICS CLUB A HAND!

BY DANIEL HEINZE NMSD’s Robotics Club is sponsored by Daniel Heinze and Crystal Mitchem, and meets after school every Tuesday for an hour. The purpose of the club is to offer middle school students an opportunity to program robots to complete a series of increasingly challenging obstacle courses.

During club meetings, students learn how to use the components of robotic materials. They then assemble and program their robots using BASIC programming software. Magnebot (Kieran Ercolino and Kieran Vollmar) and Pikabot (Daniel Aragon and Dustin Hand) have been working on their robotics project for over a month. They created the code to program the microcontrollers to turn on/off the LED lights at certain interval periods by selecting certain circuit ports on the mainboard. Currently they are working on BASIC to program their robots to move forward, left, right, backward, slope acceleration/deceleration, delayed left and right turn.

The program is part of the statewide competition under Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) La Luz Academy.

The top 30 statewide teams participated in the Robotics Challenge Expo, hosted at AFRL La Luz Academy on March 2, 2017. Our Magnebot team qualified to compete and faced several challenges including the Quiz Bowl, a robotic obstacle course, a pageant competition where students had to decorate their robots and a dance contest where their robots danced for the judges. After a day of fun competition, NMSD’s Magnebots ranked second place for all around points in the state of New Mexico. The judges were impressed with our performance as this was our first year competing. We are optimistic that we will do even better at next year’s competition.

Congratulations Magnebots!

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Top right: Dustin Hand and Daniel Aragon insert the circuit board on the body part. Middle right: Kieran Ercolino and Kieran Vollmar assemble the servos by putting the wheels and motor together. Bottom right: Daniel Aragon and Dustin Hand conduct field testing of their robot’s servo. Bottom left: Competing in the Quiz Bowl Competition.

HIGH SCHOOL

OUR "BILL" COMES DUE!

BY GARY HAND The CEASD (Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf) with the help of Executive Director, Barbara Raimondo, hosted the 2nd Annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in Washington, DC on March 1, 2017. The goal was to re-new awareness about the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act of 2013. The bill formerly advocates for Deaf and Deaf/Blind education and evaluation.

Now the bill has been introduced for the third time - and this is where NMSD comes into the picture!

Dr. Rosemary Gallegos believed that this was an opportunity for self-advocacy skills, so three of our High School students, Vergena Chee, Lindsay Hand, and Jacob Stevens, and I traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with New Mexico’s US congressmen and women. Administrative Assistant Liliana Macias arranged meetings with representatives and senators, giving us the chance to explain how this bill would positively impact Deaf Education in our nation.

On our first day in D.C., we did a brief walking tour of memorials and monuments, as well as the National Archives.

We also toured Gallaudet University where we bumped into NMSD alumni and former staff! Later that day, we met with Elya Taichman, Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham’s assistant. He guided us in a meaningful conversation about the bill, and promised to share the critical information with Rep. Grisham.

On our second day, we attended a general meeting where students were coached on how to effectively present information about the importance of the bill. We were able to meet Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA), who agreed to sponsor the bill. We then met with Representative Steven Pearce (District 2), who kindly took time from his hectic schedule to greet us. After that, we met with the two assistants of New Mexico’s Senator Martin Heinrich and Senator Tom Udall. Our last meeting of the day was with Representative Ben Ray Lujan’s (District 3) assistant, Graham Mason.

Three weeks later after our visit, we learned that Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan agreed to co-sponsor the bill! We are proud to say that we were able to convince two-thirds of our representatives, and we are still hoping to make New Mexico the first state to have all our representatives support the bill.

“Hear Ye! Hear Ye!” Dr. Gallegos proclaimed when she learned that our students were successful in gaining cosponsorship of H.R. Bill 1120! Huge appreciation goes out to Vergena, Jacob and Lindsay whose efforts on Capitol Hill paid off big time! Let’s hope that H.R. Bill 1120 passes as a result of their initiative and self-advocacy skills!

Top: Visiting the Lincoln Memorial. 2nd from top: From left: Jacob Stevens, Lindsay Hand and Vergena Chee with Representative Steven Pearce from District 2. 3rd from top: Student ambassadors meeting with Elya Taichman, Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham’s assistant.

4th from top: From left: Gary Hand, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan's assistant, Graham Mason, Vergena Chee, Jacob Stevens and Lindsay Hand.

Bottom: After completing a tour of Gallaudet University, students had the great luck of seeing NMSD alumnae! (From left: Jacob Stevens, 15 alumna Estefany Reyes, Vergena Chee, alumna Amberley Luna, Lindsay Hand and alumna Karina Mitchell.)

COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

WE “HEART” KITCHEN ANGELS!

BY DOMINIC HARRISON For 23 years, NMSD students have been involved in creating Valentine’s Day sugar cookies to deliver to the homebound clients of Kitchen Angels, a Santa Fe nonprofit. Kitchen Angels prepares and delivers meals Monday through Friday, and their service fills a critical need for those whose health issues prevent them from cooking for themselves.

This year, students in NMSD’s elementary, middle and high school Community Based Instruction program showed their creative and artistic side as master decorators! They had a wonderful time transforming plain sugar cookies into colorful works of the “heart!” High School students assisted with delivering the cookies to Kitchen Angels , and found it inspiring to package up the cookies for each client’s Valentine’s Day meal. This heartfelt activity fostered a sense of community students were proud to make a difference for others.

L.J. Hernandez has participated in this community service project for many years, and shared: “My favorite cookie was decorated with different colored sprinkles to make a rainbow!” Sierra Cisneros added: “I liked to see myself and my classmates make a difference!” Ricardo Salmon-Medina agreed: “It was fun to do this activity!” Melinda Johnston’s face said it all: “I felt proud of my artwork on the heartshaped cookies!” Tony McCarty, Kitchen Angels’ Executive Director, was touched by NMSD’s kindness. He told us: “The cookies are works of art, and can’t help but bring a smile to the faces of our clients.” Our students bake tons of love into this delicious community service project, and we are already looking forward to next year’s decorating!

Top right: Justin Bryant and Joshua Armendariz package the cookies while volunteering at Kitchen Angels. Middle right: Adreien Jaramillo

16 decorates a cookie as Zeriah Baca signs the word “heart.” Bottom right: Angel Cabrera enjoys putting colorful sprinkles on his cookie. Top left: LJ Hernandez creates a rainbow smile cookie! Bottom left: Chanelle Hobbs proudly shows one of the many cookies she created!

KNOWLEDGE FAIR

IT'S ELEMENTAL!

BY SHIRA GRABELSKI In an “alternate universe,” students returned to school after break to find all modern-day conveniences were gone no electricity, plumbing, running water, or acceptable air quality. Now it was time for them to explore how to save the world! Thankfully, this didn’t really happen. It was the focus of this year’s Knowledge Fair on March 17th: “Thriving with the World: Humans and the Classical Elements.” Students were asked to identify a question, develop a hypothesis, research background information, and conduct an investigation to discover the accuracy of their hypothesis. At the event, we saw an amazing array of investigations presented through experiments, models, and ASL/English presentations.

ECE students focused on the Earth. Some students investigated earthquakes and how to protect ourselves from them, while others focused on the impact of littering on plant growth.

Elementary students focused on water, and examined a range of issues: what kind of wall structures would best protect living things from a tsunami, which water filtering systems would best maintain our water quality, or which contaminant travels faster through water: chemicals or oil. Investigations about air were presented by Middle Schoolers. They included air quality at various locales, how tuberculosis is spread, optimal air filtration systems, and many others. High Schoolers presented investigations related to heat and fire.

They explored the benefits of wildfires, how fire could help heal wounds, and how mirrors conduct light, along with many other interesting experiments.

The Knowledge Fair committee brought together a wonderful group to make this event possible. Cindy King, a Deaf hydrologist from the US Geological Survey (USGS) came to discuss water quality and perform pH testing of water samples.

Representatives from the NM Museum of Natural History and Science brought specimens associated with these elements.

Judges from both NMSD and other entities met with students and viewed their presentations. Many individuals and groups came together to support students’ work. We left feeling relieved that in the event of an apocalypse, we are in good hands!

Top right: Jodie Haley and Isac Velo-Tarin study how effective their water filter system is when using activated charcoal, sand, and rocks.

Right 2nd from top: Fiona Pedersen watches a presentation on lava flow. Right 3rd from top: Jacob Stevens and Jacob Lopez explored whether technology or electricity is needed to gather solar energy. Bottom right: Adrien Ercolino explains how pollution affects our lives. 17 Bottom left: Daniel Aragon shares information about the importance of air filters.

MATH WHIZ

MATH-A-MAGICAL!

BY NATHAN HARRISON Every year, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) hosts a mathematics competition for middle school students.

This year 35 teams with 136 participants competed, and this year, NMSD was one of them! Most of the middle school attended tryouts and the top four scoring students were selected as this year’s team: Bruce Brewer, Dustin Hand, Jaylynn Moreno, and Kieran Vollmar. The team practiced both in math class and after school.

On Friday April 7th, we flew to Rochester, NY, and the competition began shortly after our arrival. Friday night was the Team Round where the students worked together to answer ten challenging questions. Led by team captain, Dustin Hand, the team completed all ten questions, including revisions! The team then attended Friday’s ice cream social and pool party, where we met many wonderful students from across the nation.

On Saturday morning we headed out for the day’s Individual Round that included a thirty-question Sprint Round and an eight question Target Round. Our team made a strong showing in both areas. We all enjoyed an Amazing Math Race around RIT. Students were grouped into random teams and tried to solve some challenging math puzzles.

After lunch and a social hour the championships began.

The top six teams competed for the Team Round, and NMSD came in 7th, just shy of being able to compete.

After Maryland School for the Deaf won, it was time for the Individual Round. Our own Kieran Vollmar made the top 16 to compete in a head-to-head tournament bracket in best of three questions! He aced the first round, moved to the top eight and then missed out in the second round by a single point! Saturday evening was filled with fun activities for the students before we left Sunday for the long journey home. Our students set the bar for what we can expect from NMSD at future competitions. Go Roadrunners!

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Top right: From left: Bruce Brewer, Jr., Jaylynn Moreno, Kieran Vollmar and Dustin Hand in front of the RIT sign. 2nd from top: Students prepare for the Team Round. Bottom middle: Dustin Hand and his teammates solve a number square during the Amazing Math Race.

Bottom right: Kieran Vollmar helps his team with a number square during the Amazing Math Race. Left: The NMSD Middle School Math Team after receiving their awards.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

FULL "READ" AHEAD!

BY CINDY ULMER-TIMLEN The“Battle of the Books” brings together deaf schools from across the nation to compete via reading books selected by Gallaudet University. The top teams advance to the Nationals held in the spring. This marks the first time in NMSD’s history that we had two divisions out of three advance to the Nationals in Washington, D.C. on April 22-25th. Adrien Ercolino, Dustin Hand, and Alex Wilding competed in the Blue Division, while Bruce Brewer, Jr., Kieran Ercolino, and Jaylynn Moreno competed in the Buff Division. Our students spent hours reading and preparing for the national competition, developing questions on their own, and practicing with each other.

Our Blue team excelled throughout the Nationals and emerged as first place champions in their division. Dustin Hand won “Most Outstanding Player” award for the entire Blue Division, and Adrien Ercolino earned the “All-Star” award for his team. In addition to these honors, the Blue team also won the “sportsmanship” award. The Buff team ended their division in fifth place, which was still a great accomplishment considering the number of schools fighting to compete in the Nationals. Bruce Brewer, Jr. was awarded the “All-Star” award for his team.

The students particularly enjoyed all the social activities hosted by Gallaudet during the competition. We were led on a scavenger hunt at the National Museum of Natural History, spent an evening at Flight Fit n’ Fun, and wrapped up our stay with a farewell party. It is truly rewarding to see our students socialize with peers from across the nation and take home precious memories of newfound friendships!

Top right: From left: Rosemary Gallegos, Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, The Blue Team members - Alex Wilding, Dustin Hand, Adrien Ercolino and chaperone, Cheyenna Wilding. Right 2nd from top: Buff Team during match from left: Kieran Ercolino, Jaylynn Moreno, Bruce Brewer, Jr. and Chaperone Cindy Ulmer-Timlen. Right 3rd from top: From left: Rosemary Gallegos, Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, The Buff Team members - Jaylynn Moreno, Bruce Brewer, Jr., Kieran Ercolino, and chaperone Cheyenna Wilding. Bottom right: From left: Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, Adrien Ercolino, Bruce Brewer, Jr., Dustin Hand, Kieran Ercolino, Alex Wilding, Jaylynn Moreno, Cheyenna Wilding at the Flight Fit n’ Fun Social Activity. Top left: From left: Blue Team members Dustin Hand, Alex Wilding and Adrien Ercolino and chaperone Cheyenna Wilding 19 getting ready for a match. Bottom left: The Buff Team high five each other during a match.

TRANSITION

ON THE RISE

BY JESSE WOOSLEY & SUSAN PEPPER-JOJOLA “As you rise, you pull others up.” This was the inspiring message of our dynamic keynote speaker at the 2017 NM Career Expo for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community in Albuquerque.

Leah Katz-Hernandez was once President Obama’s West Wing receptionist, and her message to the Expo participants reflects her strong sense of Latina identity and her advocacy for the Deaf community. Ms. Katz-Hernandez shared stories of her career, and encouraged the community’s youth to follow their own passions.

We enjoyed many other dynamic presenters at the Expo. RITNTID sent David (DJ) Monahan to host a workshop where he shared his journey as a Mechanical Engineering student and his experience with STEM careers. He also provided a handson workshop where students learned how to turn the acid from lemons into an electronic power source! Cindy King, a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey, came to present to our students about how STEM applies to her work. Crystal Mitchem, our HS Science teacher, along with Cheyenna Wilding, also presented a workshop in a variety of STEM careers. There were also hands-on presentations provided by NM Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) and the NM Commission for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing (NMCDHH) on how technology can mitigate communication barriers and other challenges.

Many exhibitors met with our community to discuss their programs. This helped our students understand their extensive support network. The exhibitors included: NMCDHH, NMTAP, NMCommission for the Blind, Community Outreach Program for the Deaf, NM-Department of Health, NM-Independent Living Resource Center, NM-Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Hands and Voices, Gallaudet University, Rochester Institute of Technology-NTID, Central New Mexico Community College, Institute of American Indian Arts, Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf, and New Mexico Highlands University. We are very grateful for their support and investment in the future of our students.

Community Based Instruction students were also able to experience a tour of Rio Rancho’s Project SEARCH site at Presbyterian RUST Medical Center. Students and staff learned about the program and similar Project SEARCH sites in their districts.

The Career Expo is a collaboration between NMSD’s Transition and CECT departments. The 2017 Career Expo was well attended by 153 registrants. They included students, parents, and professionals from NMSD, Albuquerque Public Schools, American Sign Language Academy, Amy Biehl High School, Socorro, Deming, Hobbs, Rio Rancho, and Las Lunas. The Expo was an amazing opportunity for everyone to learn about transition.

With the right guidance and utilization of available community resources, our youth will not only experience success and personal growth, but also make valuable contributions to society.

Top: Leah Katz-Hernandez with Mya Malone during her “Elevator Speech” Workshop. 2nd from top: Don Wilding reviews ideas from Leah’s workshop with Jaylynn Moreno and Victoria Baca. 3rd from top: Jo DeBee, Sherrena Bob, Manuelito Velasquez, Rhiannon Reynolds, and Antonia Martinez participate in one of our hands-on STEM workshops at the event. 4th from top: Dean Krohn and Skye Dreumont, in 20 collaboration with NMTAP, provide information about technology resources. Bottom: Community Based Instruction students attend a tour of the Project SEARCH internship site at the RUST Hospital in Rio Rancho.

PERFORMING ARTS

A WINTER FEAST FOR THE EYES

BY MEGAN KLUSZA On December 15, 2016, NMSD hosted our annual Winter Variety Show - but this year’s show had a twist! We’ve always hosted two separate events during the first semester of the school year: A Feast for the Eyes, focusing on celebrating ASL, and the Winter Variety Show, entertaining audiences with skits, dances, songs, and more.

This year, we merged both into: “A Winter Feast for the Eyes: An ASL Variety Show.” The presentation featured a wide variety of student and staff skits, ASL storytelling and literature, ASL music translation, ASL poetry and more! As always, we collected donations from theatergoers for the Empty Stocking Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. We also surprised the first place winner of the National ASL competition hosted by Gallaudet University senior Carla Rodriguez - with flowers! Everyone was moved when Carla shared her touching ASL poem.

It was a night of stunning performances by bothstudents and staff, and we will cherish the memories of this beautiful evening forever!

Top right: Kris Eaton, Neeva Goff and Brenna Gonzalez in their classroom’s “Three Little Pigs” skit. Right 2nd from top: Jacob Stevens and Roddy Cabbage were awesome MCs for the show! Right 3rd from top: Angelique Quinonez and Julian Aranda-Sotelo are skilled dance partners! Bottom right: Courtney Lyons and her class performing a scene from the book, “Where the Wild Things Are.” Top left: Sherrena Bob performing "The Coyote,” A Navajo legend. Bottom left: Scott Vollmar and Jimmy Litchfield announcing that Carla Rodriguez won 21 first place in the ASL competition hosted by Gallaudet University.

PERFORMING ARTS

THE PLAY'S THE THING!

BY SHIRA GRABELSKY On Thursday, April 27th NMSD presented our Spring Play, “Alice” at the James A. Little Theater. The play truly brought Lewis Carroll’s magical story of “Alice in Wonderland” to life. NMSD thrives on imagination and community wisdom, and Wonderland brought us both! Everyone enjoyed the diverse and fascinating characters: The army vet Caterpillar, the grandmotherly Pigeon, the famous Mad Hatter, the dormouse, and the allknowing Cheshire Cat. Everyone had a story to tell!

The Middle and High School students who made up the cast and crew did a great job bringing this vibrant and colorful show to the community!

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Top right: Alice (Angelica Baldonado) drinks from the bottle. (Bottle is played by Janell Miller). Right 2nd from top: From left: Cheshire Cat (Stacy Vargas & Olivia Haley) challenges Alice to explore Wonderland. Right 3rd from top: From left: Alice (Angelica Baldonado), Mad Hatter (Lindsay Hand), Dormouse (Katelyn Sorensen), and March Hare (Janell Miller). Dormouse tells a tale about a treacle-well!

Bottom right: From left: Cards (Mya Malone, Lindsay Hand and Carla Rodriguez), Tree (Katelyn Sorensen), and Alice (Angelica Baldonado). Cards 2, 5 and 7 paint the white roses red and meet Alice. Top left: From left: White Rabbit (Jacob Lopez), King (Vergena Chee), and Queen (Antonia Martinez). The King and Queen of Hearts preside over the Trial of the Tarts with the White Rabbit’s support.

Bottom left: Entire cast and crew sign “Off with her head!” during the curtain call.

STUDENT LIFE

PAYING IT FORWARD

BY MARY LYNN BRANSFORD NMSD middle school students recently hosted a gathering for the Santa Fe Civitan Club, an organization dedicated to improving communities through helping others. NMSD and the Santa Fe Civitans have enjoyed a strong partnership for decades, and they are great supporters of our students and school!

The club supports NMSD in so many important ways.

We are grateful they deliver holiday stockings to all of our Early Childhood and Elementary students, give a generous donation annually from their golf tournament proceeds, and hold a Civitan’s Outstanding Citizenship Award Banquet to honor 8th graders displaying the characteristics of a great citizen.

To show appreciation for all they do, our residential middle school students hosted an evening called, "Pay it Forward.” It included an ice breaker activity partnering students and staff with Civitan members. The Civitans had practiced how to introduce themselves via ASL. It was a lively time - the smiles and laughter said it all!

Civitan member Julie Kirk shared information about the Outstanding Citizenship Award Banquet, and some of NMSD's former 8th grade award recipients shared how being honored touched their lives. The pride they continued to feel was evident on their faces. They encouraged the current middle school students to be kind and loving, supportive and helpful to others, and to always have a positive attitude.

Civitan member, Connie Marks shared, “The Civitans were delighted by the warm welcome we received from your wonderful Middle School students and dedicated staff! You all made it very comfortable for us to get acquainted and experience such a fun evening of communicating with acting and sign language. We look forward to seeing some outstanding students at the Youth Citizenship interviews!” The evening ended with cake, fresh fruit, and hot apple cider. It was indeed a beautiful evening, and everyone left with full hearts!

Top right: Students, staff and Santa Fe Civitan members. 2nd from top: Ice breaker activity – From left: Civitan members and friends Teresa Schwarz, Karen Duran, and Julie Kirk receive support introducing themselves from students Jesus Rios-Pena and Stacy Vargas. 3rd from top: Students Jacob Lopez, Jonathan Ludwigs, staff member Mary Lynn Bransford, former Outstanding Citizenship Award recipients, shared how receiving the award impacted them. Bottom right: Students served Civitan members delicious refreshments. Left: Students, 23 staff and club members share what they remember about each other from the ice breaker activity.

ATHLETICS

WINTER/SPRING SEASON VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

Kneeling: Manuelito Velasquez, Manager. Standing from left: Julio Portillo, Antonio Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Jacob Stevens, Waylon Lopez, Johnathan Ludwigs, Alexandro Lucero, Chancey Phillips, Jonathan Garcia and Jeremy Dan.

Kneeling: Cedric Toledo, Manager. Front row from left: Antonia Martinez, Rhiannon Reynolds, Lindsay Hand, Mya Malone, Janell Miller, Sherrena Bob, Andrea Leyba, Jackie Sanchez, and Victoria Baca. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Alison O'Hara and Head Coach Dennis Catron.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

ELEMENTARY BOYS BASKETBALL

Front row from left: Dustin Hand, Jesus Rios, Keanu Yazzie, Kieran Vollmar, Assistant Coach Levi Anderson, Head Coach Mitch Curtis, Waylon Lopez, Daniel Aragon, Stacy Vargas, Ben Hernandez, and Bruce Brewer Jr.

Standing from left: Head Coach Clint Woosley, Julian SoteloAranda, Jesse Haley, Alex Gonzalez, Joseph Rodriguez, Luis Gonzalez, and Volunteer Coach Patrick Ercolino. Kneeling from left: Carlo DeNunno and Adrien Ercolino.

ELEMENTARY CHEER TEAM

ELEMENTARY VOLLEYBALL

Back row: Coach Maribeth Schneider. Front row from left: Front row from left: Adrian Fernandez, Jodie Haley, Adrian Fernandez, Soniya Vigil, Phenix Hastings, Jovi Melendez, Kimora Vollmar, Jesse Crespin, Wendy Fuentes, and Sierra Woosley. Back row from left: Head Coach 24 Makyla Chavez and Josiah Smith.

Brie Burton and Assistant Coach Dominic Harrison.

ATHLETICS

WINTER/SPRING SEASON ACADEMIC BOWL

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Kneeling: Manuelito Velasquez, Manager. Standing from left: Julio Portillo, Antonio Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Jacob Stevens, Waylon Lopez, Johnathan Ludwigs, Alexandro Lucero, Chancey Phillips, Jonathan Garcia and Jeremy Dan.

BLUE TEAM From left: Jocelyn Melendez, Adrien Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar, Dustin Hand, Alex Wilding and Angelica Baldonado

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

BUFF TEAM From left: Jaylynn Moreno, Bruce Brewer Jr, Kieran Ercolino and Daniel Aragon.

VARSITY COED TRACK & FIELD

GREEN TEAM From left: Carlo DeNunno, Ryleigh Robinson, Stacy Vargas and Bria Vigil.

Kneeling: Mya Malone. Back row from left: Chancey Phillips, Assistant Coach Virginia Keeler, Deven Thompson, Head Coach James Litchfield III and Jacob Stevens.

MS COED TRACK & FIELD

STRENGTH CONDITIONING

From left: Dustin Hand, Keanu Yazzie, Jesus Rios, Bruce Brewer Jr, John Hernandez Jr., Head Coach Yana Novikova, Assistant Coach Monique Balcarcel, Stacy Vargas, Victoria Baca, Bria Vigil and Angelica Baldonado.

Front row from left: Jeremy Dan, Julio Portillo, Andrea Leyba, Jonathan Garcia and Waylon Lopez. Back row from left: Head Coach Letty Perez, Antonio Lopez, 25 Johnathan Ludwigs and Assistant Coach Caitlin Velasquez.

ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS BANQUET

ATHLETE SCHOLARS OF THE YEAR

From left: Lindsay Hand, Principal Heather Costner and Bruce Brewer, Jr.

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Janell Miller & Bruce Brewer, Jr.

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD

From left: Coach Jimmy Litchfield, Comeback Player: Janell Miller, Most Outstanding Player: Deven Thompson, Most Improved Player: Chancey Phillips and Coach Virginia Keeler. At the State Championship Track Meet, Janell Miller took 2nd Place in Discus and 4th Place in Shot Put and Deven Thompson won the State Championship in Discus and took 2nd Place in Shot Put.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTSMANSHIP

From left: Coach Mitch Curtis, Stacy Vargas, Jesus Rios and Coach Yana Novikova.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2016-2017 COACHES From left: Gary Hand, Bruce Brewer, Sr., Superintendent This year’s dedicated coaches!

26 Rosemary Gallegos, Teyo Brewer and Kim Hand.

PROM 2017

"AFTER GLOW"

Top left: Megan Klusza doing May Malone’s makeup for the prom! Top right: All of this year’s prom attendees looking so beautiful and handsome! Middle left: Students heading out to dinner at local restaurants in transportation generously donated by World Travel of Santa Fe! Middle right: Arriving back from dinner and heading into the prom. Bottom left: Students and staff having a great time dancing. Bottom right: This year's Prom King and Queen, Manuelito Velasquez and Charity Baca.

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HONOR NIGHT

CELEBRATING STUDENTS!

WRITING AWARD

CITIZENSHIP AWARD

VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

MATHEMATICS AWARD - MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

“THE HANDS THAT TOUCHED” WILDING FAMILY AWARD

STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Front row from left: Phenix Hastings, Kane Wilding, From left: Samuel Boyd, Ricardo Salmon-Medina, Ulises Aranda-Sotelo, Caleb Chambers, Kimora Vollmar Kimora Vollmar and Claire Stephens. Back row: Dr. and Jovi Melendez. Back row: Lana Pedersen.

Jennifer Herbold.

Front row from left: Pamela Kayonnie and Andrea Leyba. Back row: Jesse Woosley and Suzanne Bono.

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From left: Sebastian, Diego and Veronica Rivera; Don, Kane and Alex Wilding; Kim Olivas and Andrea Leyba.

From left: Lisa Craig, Kieran Vollmar, Jonathan Garcia and Daniel Heinze.

From left: Manuelito Velasquez, Lindsay Hand, Jesus Rios-Pena, Bruce Brewer, Jr., Adrian Fernandez and Superintendent Gallegos.

GRADUATION

SENIOR CLASS OF 2017

CLASS COLORS

CLASS FLOWER

Blue and Gold

Tulip

CLASS MOTTO

CLASS SONG

“And though we're off to different worlds, somehow we're together...because deep within our heart...these memories are made forever." ~Mystic Pizza

“Hold Onto The Memories”

by Corey Tynan

Top: Front row from left: Superintendent, Dr. Rosemary Gallegos and Graduates Eloy Garcia, Jaqueline Sanchez and Manuelito Velasquez.

Back row from left: Regent John Robertson, Regent Nathan Gomme, Regent Lynann Barbero and Regent Ricardo Gonzales. Middle: Corina Gutierrez, Graduation speaker and NMSD Alumna, encouraging graduates to Never give up on their dreams and passion, that they Must believe and trust in themselves, to Succeed by working hard and to Decide to achieve their goals. Truly inspiring! Bottom left: Manuelito Velasquez, Senior Class Speaker, shared many fond memories about his fellow graduates and staff who have impacted his life the past 17 years, ending with a huge “I Love You” to all. Bottom middle: Manuelito Velasquez and Eloy Garcia displaying the Senior Class of 2017’s gift to NMSD. This beautiful granite tile will be placed outside NMSD’s new aquaponics greenhouses. Bottom right: Blue and gold balloons showering our recent graduates in celebration!

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CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION & TRAINING

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION: FORGING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

BY CINDY HUFF The guiding force behind our work at NMSD’s Center for Educational Consultation and Training (CECT) is the principle that effective changes evolve from foundational relationships.

Relationships forged with school district staff and families, developed over time, leads to progress and change. The CECT staff strive to build connections with all educational team members serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Understanding and appreciating each unique school and surrounding community’s culture helps the consultant to have increased impact and influence on student success.

We feel strongly that families are crucial to their child’s success.

As a result, CECT builds relationships through IEP attendance, local and regional events, Family to Family events and ASL learning opportunities. Strong rapport grows through shared energy and commitment.

CECT’s veteran consultant, Jolee Joos, is a model of relationship building, and a natural at putting people at ease. Her warm and accessible approach results in positive outcomes: “Jolee Joos has been an excellent support for our school district and has definitely provided insight regarding students’ needed services and also helped staff to understand important accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

“Jolee has been a great support to me, the district audiologist, in providing information to staff about the importance of providing modifications to students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. She also has been helpful in describing the challenges that those who are deaf and hard of hearing face.”

“Jolee has a warm smile and happy attitude that is welcoming in any home that she walks in to.”

“A repository of knowledge and wisdom (a rare combination), Jolee has the unmatched ability to help those around her achieve reason in spite of themselves. Her ability to thrive (and to help others thrive) in the hearing and deaf worlds is the epitome of what we now label as "diversity" - she's the poster child!”

“Jolee Joos was a wealth of information and really took the time to explain things.”

“Jolee has done an excellent job of addressing the Communications Considerations Addendum for several students and has provided comprehensive information for that portion of the IEP.” As Jolee leaves the CECT team for retirement, she continues to positively influence our work. We are grateful for her years of service, and dedication to families and school districts around the state!

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Top: Jolee and Priscilla Gutierrez at the registration desk at CECT’s mini-CASA 2015 event in Roswell. 2nd from top: Jolee participates in a family focus group during a family gathering in the Four Corners in 2008. 3rd from top: Jolee and one of the many children she has supported over the years during Family-to-Family Weekend 2012. 4th from top: Jolee and other staff at an evaluation team meeting in 2009. Bottom: Happy Coordinator…Happy Participant at Family-to-Family Weekend 2017.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

STOCKED UP ON LOVE!

BY KERI-LYNN McBRIDE December 16th marked NMSD’s annual “Winter Feast for the Eyes.”

Performances by students and staff included ASL poems and songs, comedy acts, dances, and much more!

In keeping with the school’s annual tradition, the show’s proceeds were donated to the New Mexican’s Empty Stocking Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Students raised $441.17 for the New Mexican’s Empty Stocking Fund. Such a beautiful way to give back and make a difference in the Santa Fe Community!

CELEBRATING A LIFE WELL LIVED

BY KERI-LYNN McBRIDE Late November, Shanny Mow’s sisterin-law Lily contacted us to explore the possibility of giving a $15,000 donation to NMSD in loving memory of Shanny.

Shanny was a well-respected actor and playwright who taught at NMSD, as well as writing and directing several of NMSD’s spring plays. He was also a regular on Sesame Street, besides being a beloved member of the Deaf Community and the National Theater of the Deaf.

Donations from Shanny’s family and friends were added to NMSD’s Postsecondary Scholarship Endowment housed at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. To date, a total of $16,450 has been contributed to the fund.

Shanny and his gentle spirit and bright smile is something we will always remember. He would be so pleased to know that our students will benefit from his life and legacy! Thank you to the Mow family for making a difference for our students and school.

Top: Standing from left: Jane Egan, Megan Klusza, Jacob Stevenson, Alberto Granados, Chad Gasper and Jane Yates. Sitting: Diane Hamamoto and Maddie. Middle: Shanny Mow (far left) with the co-directors and the cast of NMSD’s 2001 spring play, The Woman Who Wins Every Bet. Bottom: Keri-Lynn McBride and Shanny’s niece, Alida Birnam, during her visit to Santa Fe in March.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS

2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL THANK YOU – Thank you - Gracias - Merci - Diky - Bedankt - Vielen Dank - Obrigado - Huala Grazie HONOR ROLL OF DONORS The following donations were received from January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016. Great care is given in preparing the Honor Roll of Donors. Any omissions and errors are unintentional. Corrections and/or questions should be addressed to Keri-Lynn McBride at 505-476-6399.

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INDIVIDUALS David & Laurie Anderson Frank & Rebecca Anderson Patricia Anderson Lynann & Andy Barbero William Benavidez & Family Marcia & Ted Berridge Elspeth Bobbs & Family Andy & Melinda Carrillo Linda Clancy Manuel Duran & Karen Chadwick Joanne & Kim Corwin Patricia Delaney Jennifer Dent Rosemary & Robert Gallegos Nora Garcia Katharine H. Glyer Kathy Glyer Ricardo & Dolores Gonzales Wendy Gordon Maxine Hickox John J. Hooper Melinda Johnston Sheila Ketcham Julie & Ken Kirk Mary & James Lambourne Ray & Joyce Litherland Paul & Elizabeth Lucero Julio & Brenda Martinez Dr. Michael & Sheri Milone Keri-Lynn McBride Patricia McBride Laurie Meyer Gayle Mohorich Paul & Judith Moriarty Theresa & Matthew Padilla Margie Propp Wendy & Bradley Prouse Randall Rael Fred & Nikki Rickert-Renoux Sarah Rinehart Ted Salazar Lance Salo Frankie Serrano Jerry Seth

Ronald & Hedy Stern Harriet Waseta Bruce & Joanne Watson Gail & Owen Williams/Kunkle BUSINESSES & CORPORATIONS Albertsons Burlkraft Camino Real CJ Higgins Clafoutis French Bakery El Farol Restaurant Jurassic Pets La Choza Los Chileros Real Pranzo The Ranch House Santa Fe Basket Company Santa Fe School of Cooking Santa Fe Spirits The Pantry The Teahouse Restaurant Tomasitas's Restaurant Trader Joe's Whole Foods Wild Birds Unlimited FOUNDATIONS Walter Scott Foundation CIVIC & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Elk’s Lodge #460 Deaf Senior Citizens of Greater Albuquerque NM Hispanic Council NMSD Alumni Association Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild Phi Kappa Zeta Quota International of Santa Fe Rotary Club of Santa Fe Foundation, Inc. St. John’s United Methodist Women Santa Fe Civitans Santa Fe Institute Santa Fe Women’s Club & Library Association

2016 -2017 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE RETIREE

RETIREE

Jolee Joos

Ken Miera

2003-2017

Vision

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.

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

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.

Mary Jane Miera 1998-2017

30 YEARS

RETIREE

JoAnn Montoya

25 YEARS

Evelyn Barela-Pettis

1993-2016

Mary Lynn Bransford

20 YEARS

•

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

Brenda Archuleta

Nadine Henning

15 YEARS

Tony Apodaca

Gary Valencia

Lupe Salazar

10 YEARS

Lorraine Crespin

Briean Burton

February 2013

Margarita Garcia

Joe Gonzales

Veronica Crider

Sally Ann Anderson

Kris Eaton

Jeff Bailey

Leah Gregg

Bruce Brewer

Jose Gutierrez

10 YEARS

Mission

1992-2017

RETIREE

Liliana Macias

Gayle Mohorcich

Richie Moses

Jean Scotten

Scott Vollmar

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Presorted Marketing US Postage Paid Permit 1893 Albuq.NM

Volume 107 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2016-17

Dream! Explore! Achieve!

HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

1060 CERRILLOS ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87505

www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

NEW MEXICO'S FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL

THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS since 1909 USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 107 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2016-17

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. Annual subscriptions are available. If interested, contact Keri-Lynn.McBride@nmsd.k12.nm.us or 505.476.6399 (V/TTY). 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 & Kathy Glyer; Mailing/Distribution/Hollie Fleming. Designed by Quario Design.