New Mexico Progress Summer/Fall 2014-2015 English Edition

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

Volume 105 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2014-15

HARVEST DAY CELEBRATION RIPE FOR THE PICKING!

New Mexico School for the Deaf 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. 105 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2014-15

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/Hope Bakker. Designed by Quario Design.

CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

FRONT SIDEWALK/ENTRANCE, DILLON HALL BASEMENT AND NEW LIBRARY/MUSEUM BUILDING 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…

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.

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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

February 2013 Top row from left: Main entrance and new sidewalk, Zia Alumni Plaza and the entrance to the Dillon Hall Basement. Second row from left: Health Center, Center for Educational Consultation & Training and Early Intervention & Involvement Division. Third row from left: Transportation Department, Library Ribbon Cutting, Outside of the new Library and Museum. Bottom row from left: Two shots of the library’s interior and the new marquee.

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Volume 105 Issue 1 SUMMER/FALL 2014- 15

FEATURE

Table of Contents

5 HARVEST DAY

2 5 8 9 14 20 21 22 26 28 29

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

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Student Life Family Support Services Athletics Center for Educational Consultation & Training Community Relations Inside Back Cover - Construction Photos

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SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

DEAR NMSD COMMUNITY This is a hard letter to write.

I have recently informed the Board of Regents that this will be my last school year at NMSD as I will retire effective summer of 2015. This is a difficult decision because my years at NMSD have been extremely rewarding, fulfilling and life-altering. They number among the best years of my life. As a member of this special community, I have learned and grown on many different levels.

I still have that proverbial fire in my belly; however, after much thought, I have decided the time is right for both personal and NMSD reasons.

On the personal front, our family is growing. In addition to our two year old grand-daughter in Washington, D.C., two more grandchildren are coming soon on opposite coasts. I am the only one in our immediate family who has yet to meet our son-in-law who now resides in London - NMSD responsibilities took precedence over the two opportunities I previously had.

I also want to be more available to my parents, who will be 89 and 87 within in a couple of months.

Looking at NMSD’s present and future also tells me that this is a good time to retire. Many legislators and other key individuals with whom I have developed effective relationships over the years have moved on.

Your new superintendent would be well positioned to develop new relationships and sustain them in the next several years.

We are also just about through with our site master plan, what with construction, renovation and funding in place for nearly all aspects. Moreover, with the reconvened statewide task force on the education of the deaf and hard of hearing concluding its work in 2016, the school’s direction as the state’s foremost leader and resource for the field will be further charted. The new superintendent would be allowed to be at least a part of the process as implementation strategies of the task force’s recommendations are discussed and developed going forward.

Owing to how far we have come across the board and our incredible community, NMSD is in a very good place and is as primed as any other school to continue its viable course. The Board of Regents is committed to continuing our rapid progress and recognizes the need to work with the community in an inclusive manner to find the right successor.

Mere words do not suffice but Hedy and I want to thank you for welcoming and allowing us to work and live alongside each of you over the last 14+ years. Santa Fe and New Mexico have long become a special place to us and to our family, one that we are proud to call home. We look forward to our retirement in Santa Fe and continuing as proud members of the NMSD community for many more happy years to come.

Onward with profound appreciation,

Ronald J. Stern

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NEW STUDENTS

WELCOME TO NMSD! ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

santa fe campus

Back row from left: Aubrianna Baca, Demi Padilla, LaRaya Bibler-Dunn. Front row from left: Robert Armenta, Anthony Medina, Charlotte Nguyen. Not pictured: Lesha Franklin.

FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

Lexy Brady and Ailynn Helms

LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

From left: Esteban Avila, Shepard Butler (Ransom Butler, visiting).

Back row: Helen Avila.

Sophie Arenibas and Sofia Dominguez.

Top right: Front row from left: Josiah Smith, Sage Woosely, Gabriel Garcia, Roan Moses and Zeriah Baca. Back row from left: Greyson Lobato, Markay King-Morgan, Aspen Belle Litchfield and Elias Curley.

Middle right: Front row from left: Caleb Chambers, Sierra Woosley and Soniya Vigil. Middle row from left: Sierra Cisneros, Luis Gonzalez, Jayden Vacher and Kaelyn Sluyter-Coffey. Back row from left: Bria Vigil, Stacy Vargas and Adan Sluyter-Coffey. Not pictured: Devon Burrows and Monique Pete. Bottom right: Front row from left: Daniel Aragon, Santiago Mondragon, Jacob Lopez and Maqayla De La Pena. Back row from left: Chancey Phillips, Rhiannon Reynolds, Joseph Montano, Majesti De La Pena, Kimberly Sanchez and Jasmine De La Pena.

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NEW STAFF

WELCOME TO NMSD!

Joann Pacheco

Front row from left: Mallory Malzkunm, Matthew Smith, Amanda Biskupiak and Courtney Lyons. Middle row from left: Karla (Jael) Sanchez, Cheyenna Wilding, Josie Abbenante, Keri Sluyter, Megan Klusza and Carla Gregory. Back row from left: Jovanna Natale, Trevor Brennan, Preston Ponder, Jesse Woosley, Brooke Buchanan, Rebecca Salter, Lana Pedersen.

Nora Garcia

Luis Quinones, Claudia Hernandez, Jody Paul Herrera and Harold Moya.

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Mark Ramirez

FEATURE

RIPE FOR THE PICKING!

BY KIM BURKHOLDER

Top right: Students using apple pickers to reach and remove apples. Bottom left: From Left: Pamela Kayonnie, Rochelle Garcia and Jose Fernando Silva pressing apples into cider.

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FEATURE

RIPE FOR THE PICKING! Back in 1891, Lars M. Larson began planting fruit trees on land next to what was once called the Red School Building to provide students and staff with fresh fruit. However, the bountiful orchard of apple, pear, peach, apricot, and cherry trees did much more than provide a delicious yearly harvest. It soon evolved into a living classroom providing students with the opportunity to cultivate horticulture and farming skills.

On September 26th, NMSD once again celebrated Harvest Day with a bumper crop of fruit and hands-on student experiences. We welcomed all ages to participate in activities in four different orchard stations. At one station, students picked apples and pears. At another, they tasted and described several different kinds of apples and voted for their favorite. A third station offered a scavenger hunt, where students scouted and identified different kinds of fruit trees by looking at the leaves for clues. Finally, students helped press apples for cider. Everyone had a chance to taste the sweet and delicious fresh cider! This station was definitely a favorite!

Many classes and cottages also enjoyed the fruit in the orchard via applesauce, apple crisp, pies, and dried apples. Some groups of students helped by picking apples for the cafeteria. The cafeteria joined in on the Harvest Day fun by making apple pie a la mode for lunch!

We are fortunate to have such a beautiful orchard of delicious fruit on our campus. We’re thankful to Lars M. Larson for planting the fruit trees that provide so much learning and fun!

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Top photo: Ashley Collins, ABQ Preschool teacher, asking Anesia Gomez if the apple she picked is a good one! Middle photo: Antonio Lopez using a tall apple picker so he can reach apples that are higher up in the tree. Bottom photo: Ursula Smith reading the book Apple Farmer Annie to students.

FEATURE

RIPE FOR THE PICKING! As part of NMSD’s Harvest Day activities, students wrote about apples. Here are some excerpts from three students.

Bria Vigil On Harvest Day I went to the orchard to see all of the pretty red and green apples.

I picked a lot of apples and put them in a bag. When we finished picking, we washed the apples, put them in a pan of water, cooked them and then made apple pies.

Angelica Baldonado This morning I walked to the apple orchard.

In the orchard there are plum, cherry, peach and apple trees. My group picked apples.

Stacy helped me get big apples from the tree.

We kept the ones that were good and had to use a tall apple picker to reach the apples up high. Some fell to the ground and I laughed when the apples dropped down. The bag I used was too heavy and broke. All but six apples fell out so I used two more bags to carry my apples. After we finished in the orchard we cut the apples up for cooking. We also made apple juice with the apples we picked.

Stacy Vargas We made apple sauce with the washed apples. First we cut and peeled the apples.

Then we put the apples in the pan to cook.

After we cooked the apples we squished them. Then we ate the apple sauce. Yum!

Top photo: Apple pressing from left to right: Anthony Hidalgo, Gary Hand, Bria Vigil, Julian Aranda-Sotelo, Angelique Quinonez and Caleb Chamberson. Middle photo: Missy Lamb having students taste and vote on their favorite variety of apple. Bottom right: From left: Guinivere Shorty, Kaleb Larkins and Carla Rodriguez discussing the different varieties of apples found in NMSD’s orchard with Kim Burkholder. Bottom left: Alex Lopez and Jesus Rios sipping on freshly pressed apple cider! YUM!!

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EARLY INTERVENTION AND INVOLVEMENT

KEEPING UP WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

BY JOANNE CORWIN Contracting with the Navajo Nation For nearly 35 years, the EIID Parent Infant Child and Deaf Mentor programs (Step*Hi) have provided direct services to Navajo children and their families through home intervention. Wendy Prouse, PIC Regional Supervisor for the Northwest Region of the state, also provides numerous hours of consultation, training, and collaborative work with agencies serving these children and families. As a result, the Navajo Nation approached our Division with an offer to help offset our costs by contracting with us for up to $100,000 a year for the next two years. The contract has an option to be renewed every 2-5 years. We are extremely grateful for the partnerships we have developed in New Mexico, and for our recognition by the Navajo Nation. Families will continue to benefit from these agencies working together for the support of children.

ECHO Spotlight The national ECHO project spotlighted New Mexico - specifically the leadership provided by NMSD’s EII Division and audiologists - in their summer newsletter.

ECHO supports hearing screenings for children in Early Head Start programs, a vital safety net for those children “lost to follow-up” through the newborn hearing screening program. Kristi Halus has helped organize key statewide stakeholders, such as the Children’s Medical Services, Head Start, and New Mexico’s midwifery association. This will allow for hearing screening resources to families whose babies are born at home. The Parent Infant Child (a program of EIID) Regional Supervisors have been providing training in all five regions of the state, and feedback has been tremendous. As the ECHO newsletter put it, “Stay tuned in the months to come to hear about the benefits that children and families in New Mexico reap as a result of this planning and planting!”

New Staff Have you seen some new faces on campus? Two programs of the EII Division, the Parent Infant Child Program and the Deaf Mentor Program, have added new staff. Our staff has grown from 12 to 16!

We are thrilled to welcome Carla (Jael) Sanchez, Brook Buchanan, Mark Ramirez, Kathy Encinas (transferred staff), and Carla Gregory. The number of children served by the EII Division has more than doubled in the last ten years, and the number of home visits provided have more than tripled. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication these new employees bring to their positions!

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Top right: Parent Advisor Karla (Jael) Sanchez on a home visit with Marques Jackson’s family. Middle left: A three month old baby receiving a hearing test screening. Bottom right: The amazing Early Intervention and Involvement Division Staff (Mark Ramirez not pictured).

ON

EARLY CHILDHOOD - TODDLERS

IN THE SHADOWS

BY EMMA LOZADA The toddlers were puzzled as they gazed at an image of a stuffed spider projected on the classroom wall. I pointed to our new projector, and they quickly gathered around to see the spider sitting placidly on top with a light shining down upon it. They were excited and curious to see what else would show on the wall if other objects were placed on the screen!

Soon bits of paper, colored blocks, small shells, and more made their way to create shadowy shapes on the wall. We then moved to the light table in our classroom where the toddlers began experimenting with other objects. Their big smiles said it all! The conversations we had about light and shadows were not only delightful, but also provided an opportunity to develop lots of new concepts and vocabulary!

Top right: Markay King-Morgan, Aspen Belle Mohan-Litchfield and Roan Bruton-Moses gathering around the overhead projector.

Bottom left: Roan Burton-Moses and Markay King-Morgan checking out the shadows of some of the items they placed on the projector. Bottom middle: Aspen Belle Mohan-Litchfield creating shadows using a variety of manipulatives. Bottom right: Roan BurtonMoses and Aspen Belle Mohan-Litchfeid having great fun with the wall shadows as Angel Sanchez and Sage Woosley watch on.

Markay King-Morgan, Aspen Belle Mohan-Litchfield and Roan Bruton-Moses gathering around the overhead projector.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - ABQ PRESCHOOL

FRIDAY FAMILY FUN DAY

BY SALLY ANDERSON We’ve kicked off a new event at the Albuquerque Preschool called “Friday Family Fun Day,” held on the first Friday of the month. It offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and siblings to have fun while learning new signs and supporting their deaf child’s language development.

There are plans to begin a parent group as well.

In October, we hosted our first Friday Family Fun Day of the school year with a Hot Air Balloon theme - October is Balloon Fiesta time! Early Friday morning some of our families and most of our students assembled at the Hodgin Elementary Field adjacent to the preschool to see two Hot Air Balloons in action, sponsored by the Albuquerque Aloft program.

One of the crew members on one of the balloons works as an ASL Interpreter in Austin, Texas so she was able to communicate directly with our students. A local newsman filming the Albuquerque Aloft caught on to this serendipitous coincidence, and we ended up on the 10 pm evening news that night!

Following this exciting start, we returned to the Preschool to enjoy a variety of balloon-related activities with our friends and family. We are looking forward to more Friday Family Fun Day events!

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Top right: Abril & her mom Erika decorating hot air balloon-shaped cookies together. Middle right: Lina & Lacey waiting their turn to inflate a balloon using a baking soda & vinegar mixture. Bottom right: Sako & Aubrianna inside a hot air balloon basket at the International Balloon Fiesta. Top Left: Demi & her mom Terry creating transparent “night light” balloons. Bottom left: Aubrianna enjoying a balloon ride with her family.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

DRUMMING ON!

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ Recently the Farmington preschool class not only welcomed two new students this fall - Alexis “Lexy” Brady and Ailynn Helms - we were also gifted with a set of professional musical instruments. Albuquerque Preschool teacher, Haley Tucker, challenged us to explore the instruments and their sounds. She also urged us to document the concepts introduced, taught, and mastered. Inspired by a Boulder Journey School workshop, Haley shared research linking rhythm and music to increased literacy.

The journey with our musical instruments began by demonstrating how to play the instrument, and passing it around the circle. The children were excited to watch their classmates play and use the instruments in interesting ways. I’Ana put her head into the barrel of the drum as it was being played. Logan held the sides of the drum as a friend played it. New student Lexy was calmed by playing the drums and exploring the basket of other instruments. The children bobbed their heads, danced, spun around, and jumped in response to the music.

Music was incorporated into our school day in other ways, too. Students used the face of the drum to place eyes, eyebrows, a nose, mouth, ears, and hair.

They took turns hitting the drum and watching as the vibration moved the pieces off of the drum. Our circle time now begins with a song, and the children use scarves to toss into the air and show off new dance moves! We also invited a local African-style drum group to perform for the school. The children loved shaking their homemade shakers and dancing to the rhythms. Later, students were invited to play drums carved from trees! The exploration continues for both teacher and students.

Top right: Logan Dixon placing the parts of the face on the drum and exuberantly sends them flying, again and again. Middle right: Teacher-Mary Helen Perez, Logan Dixon, I’Ana Gordon, Lexy Brady, Junior Lopez and Ailynn Helms enjoying music exploration together.

Bottom right: Everyone enjoying the drumming performance. Back row from left Dallas Benally and Carla Gregory, NMSD EIID parent advisor. Front row: Jr. Lopez, I’Ana Gordon and Lexy Brady give the drum group their full attention. Bottom left: Dallas Benally playing the tambourine during circle time.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

THINK PINK!

BY KIM BOYKIN Pink Ribbons, Pink Pumpkins, Pink Week While the weather is cold in Las Cruces, the town is painted in spring pink! New Mexico State University is leading local school districts and businesses in raising awareness for breast cancer issues and research. Awareness celebrations took the form of football games, fashion shows, school decorating contests, and dress up days.

The NMSD LC Preschool is housed at Mesilla Elementary School. Last year, we lost a former Mesilla teacher to breast cancer. Mrs. Flores loved all the students at Mesilla, and was a bright spot in many lives. This year we honored Mrs. Flores, along with many others who have battled this disease so bravely.

Our school decided to paint pink pumpkins to add to our Mesilla display of corn stalks, tractors, hay bales, and scarecrows for the district-wide decorating competition. Mrs. Flores always loved bling, so many classes added a bit of bling to the pink pumpkins. The preschool class had a great time painting our pumpkin pink, coating it in glitter and gluing on sparkly jewels.

We even added a big pink bow! Another class made and sold pink ribbons. All money collected from the sale of ribbons and other collections went to Cowboys for Cancer Research. We raised over $16,000 as a district!

The week was a wonderful way to honor those battling cancer, and participate in raising funds and awareness.

Let’s all remember to continue to think pink!

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Top photo: The NMSD LC class with our painted pumpkin. From left to right, Sophie Arenibas, Esteban Avila, Shepard Butler, Helen Avila, and Ethan Azure. Middle right: Esteban Avila purchasing a pink ribbon while Sophie Arenibas, Ethan Azure and Helen Avila wait to pick out their ribbons. Bottom left: Our most beautiful, blinged out pink pumpkin. Bottom right: Our completed display for the district decorating contest. More photos can be seen at lcps.k12.nm.us

EARLY CHILDHOOD - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

DEVELOPMENT AT PLAY!

BY SHA REINS The Early Childhood Education (ECE) department playgroups decided to host playgroups to bring together families of deaf and hard of hearing children under 18 months old. Playgroups offer open interactions among children, parents, families and staff - along with the opportunity to investigate themes, such as Families, Homecoming/Sports, Fall, and Halloween. We also host Parent/Teacher time, participating in events like Pep-Rally, Halloween Trick-or-Treating, Reggio Emilia workshops, and much more.

During playgroups, many important things happen! Parents have the opportunity to meet and interact with each other, developing strong connections through shared experiences. Some parents are able to practice their signing skills.

Others participate in running learning centers during their children’s investigation time. Parents have the opportunity to interact with all the ECE teachers and staff. Our Friday playgroups have been tremendously enriching and successful, and are having a marvelous impact on our youngest students and their family development!

Top right: Parents, families and teachers playing the ‘Headbanz’ game. Middle right: Decorating Elias’s dad with leaves! Bottom left: Kyra’s mom, Lillian, running a center where she is showing the children how to make prints of leaves. Bottom right: Elias’s parents leading the ‘Halloween Masks Galore’ center.

Parents, families and teachers playing the ‘Headbanz’ game.

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MAIN CAMPUS

WILD, WILD WEST!

BY RODDY CABBAGE The Wild West is very much alive here in Santa Fe, especially during our NMSD Summer Program: New Mexico Challenge, The Wild West! Seventysix students joined us for two educational and fun-packed weeks studying the cultures and lifestyles of the 1800’s. It spurred creativity and collaboration amongst students and staff alike.

Students concentrated on Native American, Spanish, and Cowboy cultures. They enjoyed Archery, Roping, Branding, Crafting, Old West Literacy, Cooking, Appreciation of Nature, Swimming, Hiking, Visiting historical sites, and many other “unplugged” activities.

Older participants had the opportunity to spend a weekend camping at Elephant Butte Lake.

They agreed there’s no better way to cool off during a summer in southern New Mexico than waterskiing, swinging, blobbing, and tubing!

Competitive and team building activities led to a non-stop weekend of laughs, smiles and bonding, capped by evenings in front of a fire, sharing stories and S’mores.

Everyone had an outstanding time in the Wild, Wild West, and gained a new appreciation for the comforts we currently enjoy in contemporary New Mexico!

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Top right: Lance McKinley demonstrating lasso techniques to Claire Stephens. Middle right: Older students having fun during one of the many “electric-less” and team building activities during the NM Challenge: The Wild West. Bottom right: Kactus Kids and staff cooking hot dogs on a stick! YUM! Bottom left: Our Lil Outlaws eagerly watching a weaving demonstration at Los Golondrinas.

WORMING OUR WAY THROUGH SCIENCE

ELEMENTARY

BY EMILIE WILDING & KIM BURKHOLDER Students in our first grade class have been studying plants and animals as they explore what makes something alive. We started by investigating a worm farm in our classroom. Students fed fruit and vegetable scraps to the worms, and enjoyed watching them wiggle and hide from the light. We also had fun comparing real worms with gummy worms - although we only tasted the delicious gummy worms!

Following our study of worms and animal habitats, we learned about a unique habitat or ecosystem called Aquaponics. We observed that goldfish and plants can live together and help each other survive. The goldfish waste provides food for plants, and the plants clean water for goldfish. Students learned to name the different parts of plants and fish, and what each needs to survive. They discovered that one change can change the entire ecosystem. For example, if the fish disappeared, the plants would die without food.  Our study of worms and Aquaponics was not only enlightening - it also made us more observant of how everything in our world is connected!

Top left: Kim Burkholder showing Caleb Chambers and Alex Gonzalez-Lopez the roots of an aquaponic lettuce, while Luis Gonzalez and Soniya Vigil look on. Top right: Luis Gonzalez & Kaylee Paul investigating real worms with gummy worms. Bottom left: Jayden Vacher comparing the size of a worm to a large paper clip. Bottom right: Soniya Vigil exploring a real worm and how it feels.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

CYCLING THROUGH SCIENCE

BY CHEYENNA WILDING The NMSD middle school science classes are covering three different topics. One group is learning about biomes and food webs. Another is learning about the water cycle. And the last group is learning about the carbon cycle.

The first group just finished learning about grassland biomes. They compared two different grassland biomes - temperate grassland and savanna. They also studied the kinds of animals and plants that are found in each of these grassland areas. In addition, they also compared the difference between deciduous and evergreen plants.

The second group learned about the major elements of the water cycle. These include evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. They researched the impact humankind is having on the water cycle. In doing so, students investigated oil spills, the impact they have on the environment, and how to clean the affected water.

The third group focused on how the carbon cycle works.

They also learned what produces carbon, and what absorbs carbon. They explored how the effects of excessive carbon on the planet. Students developed inventions designed to return carbon levels back to normal.

As a result of their studies, students gained a greater awareness of the role they play in being good stewards of the environment.

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Top right: Lindsay Hand presenting about her Carbon Cycle project while others look on. Middle right: Julio Portillo presenting about his molecule- Xenon Fluoride. Bottom right: Jacob Lopez presenting about his Carbon Cycle Project. Bottom left: Andrea Leyba, Deven Thompson, and Calypso Tucker working on adding color on the areas of the rainforest biome on their map.

HIGH SCHOOL

CREATING A DIGITAL CLASSROOM

BY JOHN JARRETT This past fall, I transformed my Language Art classroom into a digital classroom. Students now use “Edmodo,” a digital classroom website, to collaborate with other students and teachers. They can also download and work on assignments, post them on the website, and watch videos to enhance their learning experience. Edmodo is Internet accessible on computer and mobile devices. Students can stay connected to their classes at school or at home.

Along with Edmodo, we use iBooks, iPads, and Apple TV to make reading and learning literature a visual experience – so critical for our visual learners. Students are currently reading the novel To Kill A Mockingbird in book form. An ebook version of the novel supports their learning. With iBooks, teachers can highlight excerpts, define words while reading, and search the Internet when needed. This makes guided reading, shared reading, and using microtext strategies easier and more efficient.

Students are enjoying this new approach to reading and literature studies!

Top photo: Kendrick Skeets writing an essay from a prompt that John posted in Edmodo. Bottom left: Amberley Luna and Jesus Medrano reading and discussing the novel “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Bottom right: John is utilizing the Edmodo and Smart Board technology to 17 facilitate the lesson.

John is utilizing the Edmodo and Smart Board technology to facilitate the lesson.

COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

DIGGING IN TO GARDENING LESSONS

BY ELIZABETH FRY NMSD’s Middle School Community Based Instruction (CBI) students recently had an opportunity to volunteer at the Santa Fe Community Farm. Volunteering students learned plant names while enjoying an enriching, handson experience. They worked alongside other friendly and helpful volunteers doing tasks like pulling weeds and transporting them to the compost heap. Students also learned the right way to harvest carrots - and feed them to grateful goats!

Classroom lessons included learning about food groups and seeding cycles. Students were able to apply their knowledge as well as learn new gardening and farming skills. We are very thankful to the Santa Fe Community Farm organization for the opportunity to be part of their volunteer team!

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Top right: Ricardo Medina proudly showing all the carrots he helped pull out. Bottom right: Washing carrots! Left photo: Working hard along-side volunteers at the Santa Fe Community Garden. Bottom left: Keanu Yazzie feeding the goats with the stem from the carrots.

TRANSITION

“PREP” SCHOOL

BY JESSE WOOSLEY The Job Preparation Program (JPP) at NMSD has been busy this fall. We’ve managed student work placements on and off-campus, IEP’s, career readiness classes, post-secondary program recruitments, scholarship presentations, meeting with DVR counselors, employment issue workshops, and Senior seminars. Our collaborative team approach supports all of our students to meet their transitional goals for independent living, college, and employment. We also congratulated Kendrick Skeets for becoming our September JPP student worker of the month. Kendrick works as an auto mechanic assistant at Rafa’s, and is an excellent example of a successful student worker.

Hands-on experience and work training is a valuable way for students to expand their understanding of careers and help prepare for the world of work. Our job coaches provide on-the-job support to give real time feedback and support with basic work skills such as work ethics, job tasks, and communication skills. Students have been successfully employed at the NMSD cafeteria and maintenance departments, as well as at Party City, K-Mart, and Food Depot. Providence Place, CSUN, NTID, and Gallaudet also met with our upperclassmen to talk about post-secondary programs, and the diverse opportunities available to students despite different career goals, learning styles, and skill levels.

Check out our JPP bulletin board at Connor Hall for updates, pictures, and employment information!

Top right: Jaime Lopez-Ramirez, Student Worker of the Month for October 14, watering trees at Newman’s Nursery in Santa Fe. Middle right: Students working on timesheets to practice calculation of minutes worked, earnings, and deductions. Bottom left: Job coach Trevor Brennan reviews safety issues with student worker Rollin Warwick before hanging up pinatas at the ceilings of Party City.

Bottom middle: Kendrick Skeets replaces bolts on an engine block at Rafa’s Garage where he has been picking up new skills that will help him become employed in the automotive industry after graduation. Bottom right: Students at the Food Depot are counting, sorting, and packing food items to be shipped out to non-profit agencies that help the needy in Northern New Mexico.

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STUDENT LIFE

MUDDY FEET AND BIG HEARTS!

BY DAVID ANDERSON Robert “Mud Man” Johnson needed help improving and repairing the labyrinth at Frenchy’s Park for International Peace Day. We decided that the upper elementary students would assist him as one of their After-School-Program events.

On Sept. 17th, we met “Mud Man” at the labyrinth. He provided a tarp, wheelbarrow, shovels, and buckets of water so that students could mix mud with water.

We danced in circles, and mixed the mud between our toes - what an experience!

After mud mixing, students laid stones and made hearts in all shapes and sizes to lay on a huge heart shaped foundation. Other volunteers continued to make hearts. They covered the structure to create one big heart to dry and then bake in the sun. Later, students gathered to eat pizza and enjoy the playground. As the sun began to set, we honored the day’s events by sharing a moment of thankfulness before returning to NMSD.

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Top left: From left: Preston Ponder, Sierra Cisneros and Caitlin Velasquez mixing hay with dirt and water to create mud. Middle left: From left: Olivia Haley, John (LJ) Hernandez, Evelyn Johnson, Adan Sluyter-Coffey, Angelica Baldonado and Claire Stephens making hearts from mud! Bottom left: Mud hearts made with love! Top right: Muddy feet! Bottom right: The whole gang had a wonderful time helping with the heart labyrinth.

FAMILY SUPPORT

ALL IN THE FAMILY!

BY DANIEL TIMLEN School year brings many fresh faces to campus, with new students, staff, and families. Along with Kim Olivas of Student Life, I welcomed four families to the NMSD Family Housing Program to our August Orientation. The families got acquainted during a presentation about the Family Housing Program’s policies and expectations. The Housing Program families are now ready to join the NMSD community in assisting their children in academic and life pursuits!

In addition to our Family Housing Program Orientation on Registration Day, Social Worker Jennifer Harrison and I hosted sixteen families for New Family Orientation. Superintendent Dr. Stern also welcomed a RAC of new students, parents, siblings, and family members to NMSD. The orientation proceeded with administrators from various departments and programs explaining the services and support each NMSD student receives.

Workshops are held every other Friday for Preschool and Kindergarten students and families. Future workshops are planned for elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Be sure to read the monthly RoadRunner Newsletter for helpful articles and future events!

Top right: New and current students, along with NSMD staff, having fun getting to know each other during one of the many play groups that took place over the weekend. Middle right: The Lopez’s, one of our new families, during Student Registration Day. Bottom: Daniel sharing information on play groups and the Reggio Emilio philosophy of learning with families who are part of NMSD’s Family Housing Program.

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ATHLETICS

SUMMER & FALL SEASON VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Kneeling from left: Managers Cedric Toledo and Victoria Ortiz. Standing from left: Assistant Coach Crystal Mitchem, Rhiannon Reynolds, Estefany Reyes, Majesti De La Pena, Janell Miller, Kimberly Sanchez, Sherrena Bob, Amberley Luna, Jaelyn Sanchez, Margaret Appa and Head Coach Amanda Lujan.

VARSITY BOYS FOOTBALL

Kneeling from left: Alex McCullough, Johnathan Ludwigs, Jonathan Garcia, and Manager Manuelito Velasquez. Standing from left: Coach AJ Williams, Eloy Garcia, Deven Thompson, Joseph Hicks, Alex Lucero and Assistant Coach James Litchfield. Not pictured: Joseph Montano and Manager Kendrick Skeets.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL Kneeling from left: Standing from left: Head Coach Brie Burton, Lindsay Hand, Mya Malone, Sherrena Bob, Andrea Leyba, Rhiannon Reynolds and Assistant Coach Di Berrigan. Sitting from left: Saira Santillanes and Calypso Tucker.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL Front row from left: Kieran Ercolino, Bruce Brewer Jr., Julio Portillo, Dustin Hand and Santiago Mondragon. Middle row from left: Lindsay Hand, Jacob Stevens, Manager Keanu Yazzie and Daniel Aragon. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Mitch Curtis, Jacob Lopez, Waylon Lopez, Luis Villalobos and Head Coach Levi Anderson.

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ATHLETICS

SUMMER & FALL SEASON FALL CHEER TEAM

From left: Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea, Joseph Montano, Estefany Reyes, Manager Victoria Ortiz, Patricia Lopez, Joseph Hicks and Head Coach Lisa Ortega. Not pictured: Jaelyn Sanchez.

U9-10 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

U6-8 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Back row from left: Coach Hilary Huerta and Coach Cheyenna Wilding. Front row from left: Sierra Woosley, Serenity Adams, Jesse Crespin, Kaelyn Sluyter-Coffey, Kimora Vollmar and Adrian Fernandez.

U11 ELEMENTARY Soccer

From left: Coach Hilary Huerta, Adrien Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar, Adan Sluyter-Coffey and Coach Cheyenna Wilding.

From left: Coach Cheyenna Wilding, Dustin Hand and Coach Hilary Huerta.

ACADEMIC BOWL

Sitting: Coaches Nathan Harrison and Carrie Nichols.

Standing from left: Jasmine De La Pena, Victoria Ortiz, Estefany Reyes, Rhiannon Reynolds, Jaelyn Sanchez, Augusta Skoog and Rollin Warwick.

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ATHLETICS

SPIRIT WEEK

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Goth Day kicked off Spirit Week and Homecoming activities.

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Albuquerque Preschool staff letting the sun shine with their NMSD pride on Hippie Day.

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High school students displaying class spirit on Class Color day.

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Our lil’ rascals riding along with the Roadrunner spirit of Cowboy Day!

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On Red & White day - We are NMSD! Go Roadrunners!

ATHLETICS

HOMECOMING

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Jaelyn Sanchez signing the Star Spangled Banner.

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The Roadrunner dance done to perfection to stir up the Homecoming crowd.

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Pressing towards the goal in the game against Hondo.

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Lady Roadrunner, Majesti De La Pena, serving the ball.

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Roadrunner fans, Mya Malone, Andrea Leyba and Lindsay Hand, cheering on the Lady Roadrunners as they took on ASDB.

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The NMSD Crown Bearers, Wendy Fuentes and Ulises Aranda-Sotelo.

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Our 2014-2015 Homecoming King Kendrick Skeets and Queen Amberley Luna

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THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

FAR-REACHING IMPACT! BY cindy huff, director 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 students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing. Here are several initiatives that are having a far-reaching impact on the lives of many.

AmeriCorps’ Program Last year’s AmeriCorps team, comprised of six members, concluded their service year playing key roles in our summer American Sign Language (ASL) Immersion Program.

Throughout their program year, they served 156 deaf and hard of hearing children around the state by teaching approximately 625 individuals surrounding those children (teachers, interpreters, aides, peers, cousins, grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles)! The support they provide has made a profound difference and I’m thrilled to share that NMSD has been awarded $93,098 to operate its fifth year of AmeriCorps programming. This critical funding allowed NMSD to bring on board seven new members to provide ASL instruction statewide to families and school programs. Training took place last September and members began serving many rural communities throughout New Mexico this past October.

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Top photo: New Mexico AmeriCorps 14-15 members. Sitting from left: Monique Balcarcel, Esty Hoffman, Cecilia Coleman and Sarah Miller. Standing from left: Hillary Frankowiak and Casey McCullough. Bottom left: Cindy Huff orienting the new AmeriCorps members to the regions they will be serving throughout New Mexico. Bottom right: Priscilla Gutiérrez and Emilie Wilding presenting, “I’ve Got Something to Say,” during Family to Family weekend, which gave parents ideas on how to expand their child’s language and communication development.

THE CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

FAR-REACHING IMPACT! Family to Family Weekend Last June, fifteen families joined us in Santa Fe for our annual Family to Family event. This year’s theme was “Beyond Chatting: Communication to Support Future Success.” Several workshops and presentations were offered during the weekend with a primary focus of supporting parents in ways to expand the complexity and depth of their interactions with their deaf child. The event provided a nice mix of content, fun and parent interaction.

This year’s vibrant children’s program also allowed adults to focus on their learning while deaf children and their siblings expanded their language skills through play and exploration.

ASL Immersion Program Two immersion programs were offered this past summer and the adult classes were as stimulating as ever! Participants benefited tremendously from instruction tailored to their skill level. Our schedule rotated in a way that gave students a chance to interact with many of our talented staff. This allowed students to see a variety of signing and instructional styles.

Always a highlight, the Deaf Panel featured great questions from the participants themselves and gave attendees an increased awareness of Deaf Culture and varied perspectives in the Deaf Community.

The children’s program has also blossomed through the years – it is no longer childcare, but rich children’s programming! Deaf and hearing siblings, learning together, increased their ASL skills through a wide variety of stimulating activities such as “movie making” (acted out and retold children’s books in ASL) – DVDs of the movies were given to families at the end of week; cooking classes incorporating vocabulary in ASL; field trip and picnic at the Farmer’s Market and Railyard Park, Water Game Day; creating and performing A-Z and Number Stories; craft activities that incorporated ASL vocabulary (tiedye, jewelry-making, etc.); sports and games that incorporated instructions and vocabulary in ASL and daily story time in ASL.

Top photo: The children who participated in Family to Family Weekend are off to Railyard Park with Orlando Obeso and Bonny Vanatta.

Middle photo: Scott Vollmar and his class having fun learning together during ASL Immersion. Bottom right: Members of the Deaf Panel sharing their experiences with ASL Immersion participants.

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community relations

Make a wish!

BY keri-lynn mcbride Birthdays are special to Katharine H. Glyer.

On October 8, 2014, Katharine celebrated her 88th year on the planet with family. In lieu of presents and in the spirit of giving, family members made a donation in her honor to NMSD. As an avid life-long reader, Katharine knows the power of words and books and knows that the ability to read is central to being successful. In support of developing strong literacy skills in our students, and having a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others, funds generously given were used to purchase eighty books for them. One would have thought it was our students’ birthdays by the HUGE smiles that spread across their faces when they opened the boxes of books! Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Katharine for making a wish and blowing out the candles and to Michael, David and Kathy Glyer for making their mother’s birthday wish come true!

let’s do lunch!

BY hope bakker NMSD hosted a celebratory luncheon this past fall for members of Quota International of Santa Fe as a way to honor them for the important work they do. The Quota’s have hosted an annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraising dinner for many years and the funds generated are used to provide postsecondary scholarships for NMSD graduates.

This amazing group of individuals has been doing this for upwards of twenty years.

Their dedication and generosity has made an enormous difference in the lives of the students who have benefited! In the words of Dr. Ronald Stern, “We cannot thank you enough for your loyal, genuine support and interest over the years.” We are looking forward to this year’s St. Patrick’s Dinner which will take place on March 14, 2015 from 5-7 pm in the NMSD Dining Hall. Please join us!

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Top right: Katharine H. Glyer and her three children (from left) Michael, Dave and Kathy. Middle right: Cedric Toledo and Janell Miller opening up the box of books purchased with donations from the Glyer Family. Bottom right: Dr. Stern thanking members for their continued support of students and NMSD.

CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

FRONT SIDEWALK/ENTRANCE, DILLON HALL BASEMENT AND NEW LIBRARY/MUSEUM BUILDING 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…

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.

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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

February 2013 Top row from left: Main entrance and new sidewalk, Zia Alumni Plaza and the entrance to the Dillon Hall Basement. Second row from left: Health Center, Center for Educational Consultation & Training and Early Intervention & Involvement Division. Third row from left: Transportation Department, Library Ribbon Cutting, Outside of the new Library and Museum. Bottom row from left: Two shots of the library’s interior and the new marquee.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

Volume 105 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2014-15

HARVEST DAY CELEBRATION RIPE FOR THE PICKING!

New Mexico School for the Deaf 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. 105 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2014-15

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/Hope Bakker. Designed by Quario Design.