New Mexico Progress Winter/Spring 2014-2015 English Edition

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

Volume 105 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2014-15

A FOND FAREWELL

DR. RONALD J. STERN RETIRES AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

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 2 / Winter/Spring 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.

2014-2015 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE

15 YEARS

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.

•

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

CARRIE NICHOLS

ARNOLD PADILLA

LETTY PEREZ

JOSE ROMERO

RODDY CABBAGE

PRISCILLA GUTIERREZ

DR. SHEREE HALL

JOI HOLSAPPLE

EMMA LOZADA

AARON MARTINEZ

10 YEARS

Vision

February 2013

MANNY MARTINEZ

SCOTT MOHAN

ANA TORRES

LISA WILDING

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VOLUME 105 ISSUE 2 WINTER/SPRING 2014- 2015

FEATURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 DR. STERN’S TENURE & RETIREMENT

2 3 6 7 12 21 25 26 27 32 36

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

Like us on

facebook.com/nmschooldeaf

Visual & Performing Arts Family Support Services Student Life Athletics Graduation Retiree & Years of Service

Follow us on

twitter.com/nmsdathlethics

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

DEAR NMSD COMMUNITY This is a hard New Mexico Progress letter to do as this is my last as NMSD Superintendent.

When I retire from my post on June 30th after 15 years, there are many lessons and memories I will take with me and value for the rest of my life – ones made possible by having been at NMSD and in New Mexico. I will also leave with a lot of satisfaction and pride, knowing NMSD is an increasingly viable and effective school and state agency. More than ever before, we have become New Mexico’s foremost resource and difference-maker in the education of the deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH).

We are thankful for the considerable and important Santa Fe campus facelift which is often the first and primary thing outsiders notice about NMSD. Yet, it is what has happened internally that I think is even more substantial and far-reaching. Due to space constraints of this letter, I can only offer a small sampling.

Our student enrollment has jumped by more than 50 percent over the last 13+ years.

This is a clear testament to the increasing quality of teaching and learning at NMSD during the school day and outside it. This also reflects our serious effort to heighten awareness and expectations among parents and professionals/advocates throughout the state for quality D/HH education and whole person development. Furthermore, from a recent meeting with our graduating seniors, they commented across the board that the on-going and spontaneous access to language, communication and “everyone” on campus along with the great education at NMSD were tops separating us from all the other schools and programs they had experienced.

Our Center for Educational Consultation & Training and Early Intervention & Involvement Division have expanded the scope of their services to families, other deaf/hard of hearing children/youth and others in the state resulting in improving outcomes. For example, the average age of babies identified as being deaf/hard of hearing has dropped significantly over the years--from 19 months old to 11 months old. More families and other significant players are participating in an increasing variety of opportunities to learn American Sign Language and other ways to interact with their children more effectively and meaningfully at home.

It is because of you and other members of our incredibly competent, dedicated and passionate community that we have become who and where we are today: a school and statewide agency that has become a much admired model for emulation in the nation. Without question, we are as primed as any other school in the nation to move forward and continue our growing relevance in the field for many years to come. Along with you all, this is bound to happen with Rosemary Gallegos, NMSD’s incoming superintendent.

I am excited about NMSD’s Board of Regents’ historic selection of Ms. Gallegos to take my place. On top of being a native New Mexican, a Hispanic, and a 27 year veteran of the school, she will be the school’s first female superintendent ever. I have come to admire Rosemary and her many outstanding personal and professional attributes having worked with and observed her closely over the years. She is intelligent, knowledgeable and passionate about NMSD and its unique vision, mission and beliefs. Her own personal experiences as a proud Hispanic, as she powerfully shared in her community presentation during the superintendent selection process, allow her to uniquely recognize the importance of empowering the minority voice in practices and decisions that impact their children. Valuing and bringing the Deaf, Hispanic and Native experience is critical alluding to who NMSD serves.

In closing, I cannot thank you all enough for the opportunity of a lifetime that my 15 years here at NMSD and in New Mexico have been. I am humbled to have been allowed to be your Superintendent and a member of this extraordinary community. I hope I have served you well. Wishing you all the very best.

With much gratitude and appreciation and onward

Ronald Stern 2

FEATURE

A FOND FAREWELL

BY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE In 2000, Dr. Ronald J. Stern became NMSD’s 8th Superintendent. The moment he and his wife Hedy Udkovich-Stern set foot on campus that fall, a new excitement and energy ignited not only our main campus in Santa Fe, but also our site-based preschools, our Early Intervention and Involvement Division programs, and our Center for Educational Consultation and Training.

Dr. Stern’s commitment to making NMSD the very best school and statewide agency possible was evident from his first day. Under his exceptional leadership, NMSD was transformed into a state-of-the art campus that valued and implemented high expectations and rigorous academic standards for all students. There was a new feeling of accountability for staff, and a greater belief in what was possible for our students, staff, families, and state.

Dr. Stern’s dedication and passion has never wavered. We are forever enriched by his vision and his commitment. Dr. Stern – please know that your fingerprint and heart print will never be removed! The entire NMSD Family extends best wishes and love as you embark on your next adventure. It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we say farewell!

Top right: Dr. Vasishta, NMSD’s 7th superintendent, welcoming Dr. Stern to his first day as NMSD’s 8th superintendent back in July of 2000.

Right 2nd from top: Mark Ramirez, NMSD alum and staff member, interacting with Dr. Stern during his first year as superintendent. Right 3rd from top: Dr. Stern congratulating NMSD’s 2013-2014 Homecoming Prince and Princess, Immanuel Neubauer and Cheyenne Price.

Bottom right: The new Library and Museum ribbon cutting celebration in August 2014. Top left: Students decided to “pig-pile” Dr. Stern during a basketball game back in 2012! Bottom left: Dr. Stern interacting with parent Darlene Lee and her friend during Community Day 2006.

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FEATURE

INTERVIEWING DR. STERN Students spent several hours interviewing Dr. Stern for this feature article. Here is what they discovered:

JAELYN SANCHEZ: What is your background and what made you decide to make the career shift to superintendent?

I attended Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. and majored in Sociology, and then pursued a Master’s degree in Deaf Education.

I taught at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont (CSDF) for 10 years before becoming principal of the middle school. I then moved back to Gallaudet where I was the Athletic Director for a year, and then back to CSDF as the Director of Instruction. I have always felt that deaf education needs to improve and that I could make positive changes in the field. When I learned that there was superintendent position available at NMSD, I felt that I had enough experiences and enough confidence to apply for the job. And here we are fifteen years later!

RHIANNON REYNOLDS: What are some of the things you’ve accomplished as superintendent?

Since joining NMSD, the educational programs have improved significantly, there’s more qualified staff and more and more graduating seniors going to college. Also, parents are now more aware than ever about the many options available to deaf and hard of hearing children in our state. I have not made these changes alone and thank staff for their contributions towards the school’s many areas of improvement.

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ESTEFANY REYES: Why did you choose to work at New Mexico School for the Deaf?

I had a chance to attend a meeting at NMSD back in 1999. At the same time NMSD was hosting a basketball tournament and my son was playing that weekend. That trip was my first time to Santa Fe, New Mexico and I really liked it and one short year later I applied for the superintendent position.

ROLLIN WARWICK: What were your greatest achievements at NMSD?

I think having renovated buildings, good teachers, and making sure that NMSD’s reputation is well known are but a few, great achievements. We have more students and teachers than we’ve ever had and parents are more eager to send their children here to learn.

FEATURE

INTERVIEWING DR. STERN ESTEFANY REYES: Are you satisfied with your work at NMSD?

AUGUSTA SKOOG: In your 15 years here, what is your most cherished memory?

I am never 100% satisfied and feel that there is always room for improvement.

This is an important mindset to have and I feel positive about the many things that have been accomplished during my tenure.

RHIANNON REYNOLDS: How have you grown as a person by being NMSD’s superintendent?

Two of my most cherished memories are when NMSD placed 2nd in the nation at the Gallaudet University’s National Academic Bowl in 2012 and when we won the state championship in football in 2006.

ROLLIN WARWICK: What advice do you have for the next superintendent?

Being superintendent has allowed me to become more comfortable in my own skin. I feel more grounded, down to earth, optimistic, and patient.

NMSD has helped change me into the person I am today. I am a much more culturally sensitive individual now, given the diversity within the Native American and Hispanic/Mexican cultures that I’ve been exposed to and involved with.

My advice is to have high expectations for students. The new superintendent must also interact with students personally and get to know them so that he or she can make the right decision based on students’ needs. The new superintendent will also have to build relationships with legislators, the governor, and the community to ensure that funding is secure for NMSD. I have lots more advice for sure, but this is a good start.

AUGUSTA SKOOG: As you prepare to retire, do you have any parting words of advice for the staff, students, and community?

Continue to be a wonderful community, one that works together and deeply values each other and the students. I also want to thank the students for making my years at NMSD such wonderful years— the best 15 years of my professional life. You have changed me as a person.

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EARLY INTERVENTION & INVOLVEMENT

STAYING INVOLVED WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

BY JOANNE CORWIN WESTERN REGIONAL EARLY INTERVENTION CONFERENCE (WREIC) We’re live! Registration for NMSD’s Ell Division WREIC Fall Conference is now open. The Western Regional Early Intervention Conference (WREIC) is designed to support professionals working with children from birth to five who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind - as well as their families. The WREIC has been in place for over 30 years, making it one of the longest ongoing early intervention conferences in the nation. Speakers and workshops have always focused on the most current research, technology, resources, and practices in our ever-evolving field. Given this rich history, and the exciting current and future possibilities in this field, the theme for the 2015 WREIC is Traditions and Innovations: Serving Families Whose Young Children are Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind. Families and professionals working with young children who are deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to attend. For registration information, visit: http://www.nmsd.k12.nm.us/publications/WREIC2015HomePage.htm

DAYS AT THE ROUNDHOUSE During the recent Roundhouse legislative session, the EII Division hosted an information table for two days. It provided the community and legislators with an opportunity to become more familiar with NMSD’s Early Intervention and Involvement programs. Kristi Halus, EIID North Central/Northeast Regional Supervisor, fielded questions ranging from enrollment criteria to availability of sign language classes. Kristi received several compliments about how beautiful our campus is, what a great resource NMSD is statewide, and what a vibrant learning community the main campus provides!

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Top left photo: Baby Fiona and her father receiving EIID services from Bettie Petersen. Top right photo: A mom and baby from Albuquerque going through the identification process. Bottom photo: Kristi Halus sharing information about NMSD during Disability Day at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - TODDLERS

GAK ATTACK!

BY EMMA LOZADA When our toddlers showed a natural curiosity about gak and playdough, we decided to establish two learning centers in our classroom. These exploratory centers provided them with the opportunity to touch, feel, observe, experiment, and play with these two very different types of sensory materials.

The learning center activities support the development of large and fine motor skills, visual perception skills, creativity, vocabulary, as well as concept development in our toddlers. They discovered that gak feels cool, while play dough feels warm. The students placed the materials on their hands and cheeks and responded “cold” or “warm." They also identified how the materials might be used given that they are nearly opposite in texture, stiffness, and flexibility. Toddlers and staff alike had a fun and educational time!

GAK RECIPE:

Mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of Elmer glue.

Add ½ cup and 1 teaspoon Borax to the water/glue mix.

Use hands to mix all ingredients together.

Play and have fun! (But do not eat!!)

Top left: Students using critical thinking skills as they try to figure out how to get the GAK off their fingers. Top right: Is this gum? Is it glue? Is it marshmallow? No!! It’s GAK!! Bottom left: Wouldn’t it be cool if I could walk through this Gak forest? Bottom right: Students describing and placing colorful plastic manipulatives (animals, shapes, etc.) on Gak.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

BY SALLY ANDERSON

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

At the NMSD Preschool, Friday afternoons are dedicated to professional development and team building activities. We not only benefit from serving together, but our students also benefit by observing our example.

With this in mind, the Albuquerque Preschool staff decided to start 2015 off by serving at the Roadrunner Food Bank.

On a clear Friday in January, we donned our warmest work clothes to show up at the largest food bank in the state. We were placed in the produce department in a giant warehouse that literally receives tons of food donations a week! The Roadrunner feeds thousands via an organization run primarily by volunteers. Roadrunner staff were happy to welcome us!

We spent our volunteer time lifting heavy boxes, sorting several varieties of fruits and vegetables, and pouring buckets of food waste into a huge receptacle that is later shared with some well-fed local pigs (the Roadrunner embraces a “zero-waste” policy). Our work made it possible for the small Roadrunner staff to disperse hundreds of pounds of perfectly edible food to other local food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters for the homeless the next day! We learned that we were the first group of volunteers at the Roadrunner including Deaf adults, giving us all an opportunity to share and grow.

We were humbled by the efforts Roadrunner makes to feed so many New Mexicans. and warmed by the knowledge that we had made a small contribution to their operation. We hope to be able to make a habit of “paying it forward” twice a year at the Roadrunner Food Bank as an NMSD team. We encourage YOU to make a difference in your community by volunteering in 2015!

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Top right: Pethai Anderson and Heidi Miranda “smile” while they sort overly ripe bananas at the Roadrunner Food Bank. Middle right: Sally Anderson shoveling food waste into a large bin to be shared with some lucky local pigs while a Roadrunner staff member looks on.

Bottom right: Heather Huizar juggling citrus while volunteering at the Roadrunner Food Bank. Bottom left: The ABQ Preschool staff!

Heather Huizar juggling citrus while volunteering at the Roadrunner Food Bank.

Pethai Anderson and Heidi Miranda “smile” while they sort overly ripe bananas at the Roadrunner Food Bank.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

HAIR-RAISING PLAY!

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ When our student, I’Ana Gordon, expressed curiosity about hair-styling, we created our own classroom salon! We collected a wide variety of hair styling tools (without electrical cords), hair accessories, and dolls. Then we set up a chair and mirror, and secured a cape to drape over “customers.”

The children loved this dramatic play area so much that we decided to visit a real hair salon. Our class went to Salon West in Aztec, NM where the owner and stylist, Jessica Radojits, gave us a tour. Jessica, who is also Deaf, showed us her equipment, washing area, and shelves of product. She also gave Lexy Brady a new hair cut as her classmates watched in amazement. Upon returning from the salon, our hair salon was extremely busy! As a result of the study, the children are more observant of each other and make spontaneous comparisons of each other’s hair styles.

Top right: Keona Joe makes over Dora the Explorer in the salon chair. Top left: Ailynn Helms and Keona Joe take a team approach to styling Dawn Ward’s hair. Middle right: I’Ana Gordon pretends to flat iron Dawn Ward’s hair. Bottom left: I’Ana Gordon, Ailynn Helms, and Lexy Brady watch as stylist Jessica Radojits explains the chair with the wash basin. Bottom right: Ailynn Helms and I’Ana Gordon sweep up Lexy’s locks from the salon floor.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

SPREADING THE LOVE!

BY KIM BOYKIN St. Valentine’s Day at Las Cruces preschool is about something more important than chocolate - it is an opportunity to create heartfelt Valentines that celebrate our feelings for friends and family.

This year, we set up a post office in the dramatic play area.

We included mailboxes, mail delivery clothing, delivery bag, and a multitude of envelopes, hearts, cards, stamps, and writing implements to write a Valentine to a classmate.

We also discussed what it means to love our families. The students made wreaths, hearts, cards, wrapping paper, and wooden photo holders to give to family and friends as special Valentine gifts.

Lastly, we had a Valentine’s Day party! We passed out Valentines, shared delicious healthy goodies - as well as cookies - with our classmates. We experimented with red play dough and read some of our favorite Valentine stories. All in all, it was a wonderful way to spread the love!

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Top right: Sophie Arenibas uses Karo syrup and food coloring to paint a sticky, shiny heart. Middle right: The students decorated a multitude of hearts using various mixed media of their choice. Bottom right: Ethan Azure creates a valentine to put in a mailbox at the NMSD Post Office center. Top Left: We were all about the party with plenty of yummy goodies to eat and we celebrated our friendships! Bottom left: Gifts were created and wrapped for delivery to their special family valentines.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR - ENERGY!

BY KRIS EATON After watching the Disney movie Monster’s Inc, the NMSD Kindergarten class became fascinated by the study of energy and natural resources for our planet.

First, we made a poster to show how scream energy and laugh energy could power lights, heat homes, and gas cars in the monster world. Then we looked at the human world. We discussed how we need electricity for lights, ipads, computers, and gas for cars and cooking. Students realized that energy is not free!

Once we determined how both the monster world and our own world uses energy, the students wanted to know how light switches work. Randy and Kenny, from the maintenance department, came to class to discuss how electricity is used in our building. We toured the areas where the building is heated and cooled, and saw where computers are connected to the Internet.

During this discussion, a student asked how electricity is made. Randy and Kenny explained it could be made from water, wind, or the sun. This led us to the discussion of what natural resources we can use to create electricity and gas.

We already knew that the monsters in the movie used “screams” and “laughter,” but we had yet to discover what our own natural resources are. We watched several Sesame Street movies before we concluded that natural refers to something from the Earth, and man-made means something produced in a factory. We went on a short field trip around the school to find other natural or man-made resources. We found interesting items like water/ice, the sun, the wind, rocks, trees, and bushes.

I challenged the students to think of creative ways to collect resources such as the sun, the wind, and the water to make electricity. Here are some of their responses: “I will lasso the sun with a rope.” ~ J.J. (6 yrs. old) “I will pour glue on the grass and the wind will stick to the grass.” ~ Sierra (5 yrs. old) “I will build a ladder to the sun. I will climb up the ladder with two cooking pots in my belt. I will use the pots to capture the sun.” ~ Kimora (6 yrs. old) “I will use big gloves to grab the sun.” ~ Wendy (6 yrs old)

Top right: Students look on as Randy demonstrates how to turn a light off and on by the touching two wires behind the light switches.

Middle right: Wendy Fuentes adding in a white line to show the connection between the sun and how we collect its energy using solar panels. Bottom right: Isac Velo-Tarin owns his own electric company. He charges students $2 to use 5 minutes worth of electricity with the Ipad. Bottom left: Jodie Haley adding in a white line to show the connection that a child’s laughter is collected into the canisters.

Jodie Haley adding in a white line to show the connection that a child’s laughter is collected into the canisters.

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ELEMENTARY

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

BY BONNY VANATTA n a chilly January day, NMSD classes were lucky enough to head to one of the city’s most interesting field trip destinations: The Santa Fe New Mexican. This field trip, dreamed up by teacher Emilie Wilding, was not only about a visit to the press, however. Students would have the opportunity to create their very own elementary newspaper!

Touring the facility was fascinating, and students asked many intelligent questions along the way. We learned that the 1,500 pound rolls of newsprint stacked up in their warehouse were 12 miles long. That’s two miles farther than the distance back to our school! We also learned that the newspaper only uses four colors: Cyan (blue), magenta (pink), yellow, and key (black), and they print them separately, and in that order. And, finally, to the amazement of the students, we learned that the building never closes because people always need the news.

After gathering all of the information and motivation, the elementary students focused on their own newspaper projects. We split into the lower elementary (grades 1st and 2nd) and upper elementary (grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th). The lower grades created comics, interviewed people on campus about their New Year’s resolutions, and interviewed Terry Wilding about his new baby.

The upper grades also created comics, drawings, and wrote articles about science, the weather, and our recent field trip. Powered by NMSD’s famous fruit pizza, the students worked hard and turned out a thoughtful product. The papers hit the stands around campus, and were read by all!

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Top photo: Look at the huge rolls of newsprint that will eventually become newspapers. Middle right: Students learning about how the New Mexican recycles the papers after they’ve been in the baler. Bottom left: Jesus Rios and Carlo DeNunno discussing their plans for their own sports article. Bottom middle: Julian Amanda Sotelo and Angelique Quinonez interviewing Transportation Supervisor Michael Vigil about his New Year’s resolution. Bottom right: Dennis Catron explaining the afternoon’s activities related to newspaper writing.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!

BY MALLORY MALZKUHN How would you use images to describe peace? Lions Clubs across the country ask children to answer this question through their yearly peace poster competition for pre-teens. This year’s theme was “Peace, Love, and Understanding.” Posters are judged on originality, artistic merit, and expression of the theme.

Our middle school students went to work - using crayons, colored pencils, markers, and watercolors to capture the theme. Two members of the staff, along with middle school principal Terry Wilding, judged the student work. They were impressed with all the applicants. When the votes were in, Julio Portillo was announced 3rd place winner, Keanu Yazzie’s work won 2nd, and Andrea Leyba’s poster took 1st! Her poster was entered in the state competition. If declared the winner, Andrea will have a chance at the International grand prize - or as one of twenty-three merit award winners.

The winners were revealed at a ceremony attended by the president of the Capital City Lions Club, Janet Valdes, and Co-Chair of the Peace Poster Contest, Mary Clyde. A wonderful and “peaceful” time was had by all!

Top: Capital City Lions Club members Janet Valdes and Mary Clyde with NMSD winners Julio Portillo (3rd place), Andrea Leyba (1st place), and Keanu Yazzie’s (2nd place). Bottom left: Mallory welcoming Lion’s Club members to an assembly of middle school students so winners of the local contest can be announced. Bottom right: Congratulations to Andrea Leyba for winning first place in the local contest.

Mallory welcoming Lion’s Club members to an assembly of middle school students so winners of the local contest can be announced.

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HIGH SCHOOL FRAME 1" X 1-1/2" STUDS

DOG-GONE COOL!

22-1/2"

41"

BY ANDREW PARKER

22-1/2"

Last year, NMSD middle school special needs students volunteered at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Human Society (SFASHS) to volunteer once a week - and we all admired the display of different doghouses in the lobby. This year, when I decided to teach the high school students in my Industrial Design class various methods for framing a house, I thought of the doghouses I had seen at the SFASHS. I offered my high school class the opportunity to design, build, and donate an insulated doghouse to the SFASHS’s Adoption Center. They loved the idea!

25-1/2"

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PANELS 3/8" PLYWOOD

1" BLUE FOAM INSULATION

41"

18-1/4"

14

PROJECT TITLE:

ANDREW PARKER

FLOOR

11/03/2014

3/8" AB PLY-WOOD FRAME MILLED 2X4'S 3" WOODS CREEWS PANELS (X2) 1/2" BRAD NAILS INSULATION (X2) 1" BLUE INSULATION FOAM

DATE:

DRAWING NUMBER:

S-00001

12-51/64"

14-51/64"

NAME:

PROJECT TITLE:

ANDREW PARKER

DOGHOUSE - ELEVATIONS

11/03/2014 EXTERIOR WALL DRAWING NUMBER: 3/8" PLYWOOD S-00001 SCHOOL CODE:

GRADE:

3/8" AB PLY-WOOD 12-51/64" MILLED 2X4'S 3"23-13/16" WOODS CREEWS OVERALL DESIGN INTERIOR WALL 1/2" BRAD NAILS 3/8" PLYWOOD 1" BLUE INSULATION FOAM 14-51/64"

NMSD

STAFF

1":1'

DATE:

SCHOOL CODE:

GRADE:

NMSD

STAFF

MATERIALS:

SCALE:

1":1'

DESCRIPTION:

SHEET 3 OF 8

6-3/64"

MATERIALS:

DESCRIPTION:

SCALE:

20-27/32"

SHEET 1 OF 8

2-19/32" 19-3/32"

12-51/64"

12-51/64"

33-13/32"

18-51/64" 32-51/64"

12-51/64"

3-41/64" 12-51/64" 19-41/64"

19-41/64"

14-51/64"

16-13/32"

The students spent three weeks designing the structure and selecting materials, with elementary and middle school students helping to paint second coats on the assembled doghouse. The most challenging part was working around the roof’s angle and trimming the walls and door with a router, but students learned quickly. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society was thrilled to see the completed dog house - which was then auctioned off as part of a fundraiser! Now that is dog-gone cool!

NAME:

NAME:

PROJECT TITLE:

ANDREW PARKER

FRONT WALL

11/03/2014

3/8" AB PLY-WOOD FRAME MILLED 2X4'S 3" WOODS CREEWS PANELS 1/2" BRAD NAILS INSULATION 1" BLUE INSULATION FOAM

DATE:

32-51/64"

FRAME 1" X 1-1/2" STUDS

1" BLUE FOAM INSULATION

DRAWING NUMBER:

S-00001

SCHOOL CODE:

GRADE:

NMSD

STAFF

MATERIALS:

SCALE:

1":1'

DESCRIPTION:

SHEET 6 OF 8

Top right: The architectural plans designed by the three students. Middle right: Fernando Silva painting the trim. Bottom left: Kendrick Skeets putting the interior frame of the roof together. Bottom middle: Alex Lucero applying weather resistant stain to the front deck and foundation. Bottom right: Andrew, Fernando, Kendrick and Alex delivering the dog house to the Animal Shelter.

COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

RECLAIMED BEAUTY!

BY MALLORY MALZKUHN Every year, NMSD’s talented students participate in Santa Fe’s Recycled Art Festival. This year, the Elementary and Middle School Community Based Instruction (CBI) classes as well as kindergarten, and 1st grade classes all proudly shared their creativity in the festival’s Student Gallery.

Students participated in a variety of cool activities, resulting in stunning recycled art. Weaving Into Colors was created from used twisted old magazine pages, woven onto a small piece of cardboard and decorated with colorful paint. DVD Dreams involved decorating old CDs and DVDs with used keyboard pieces, feathers, buttons, and Sharpies. The colorfully transformed disks were then hung from a large wooden stick. Paper scraps formed the basis for Midnight Owls recycling scraps for the owl bodies, moons, and stars. Drawn By Space was designed by students painting leaves on old book pages, gluing twigs as frames, and then neatly tying all the artwork together with balls of yarn.

NMSD’s Weaving Into Colors won 2nd place in the Child Division, and Drawn By Space won 2nd place in the Middle School Division!

Here are some comments the students made about their art projects: “I enjoyed twisting magazine pages for the Weaving Into Colors project.” – Claire Stephens. “I liked the Midnight Owl project because owls are my favorite animal.” -Leilani Crespo. “I liked doing the Weaving Into Colors project because it was fun!” – LJ Hernandez. Turning trash into a thing of beauty is not only creative, it is transformative!

Top right: Claire Stephens is twisting old magazine pages for the “Weaving Into Colors” project. Right, second from top: Keanu Yazzie is hot-gluing the twigs onto the old book pages for the “Drawn By Space” project. Right, third from top: Antonio Lopez-Zavala and Ricardo Medina painting leaves on old book pages with watercolor paint. Top left: Melinda Johnston is painting the twisted magazine pages for the “Weaving Into Colors” project. Bottom left: The “Weaving Into Colors” artwork. Bottom right: From left: Ricardo Medina, Jade Cruz, Keanu Yazzie, Waylon Lopez, Angel Cabrera and Antonio Lopez-Zavala holding their 2nd Place Middle School Division Award Certificate and the artwork, “Drawn By Space.”

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BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

BRING IT OUT!

BY CINDY TIMLEN NMSD enjoyed the rarity of three teams in this year’s Battle of the Book: Green, Blue, and Buff. Each and every student involved (from grades 5-8) deserves praise for their commitment to reading three books for the preliminary competitions. Buff team members Samuel Boyd, Lindsay Hand, and Jacob Stevens were proud to make it into the playoffs. However, the Blue team forged ahead into the Nationals!

We had no idea we would be flying to Washington, DC to compete in the National Battle of the Books at Gallaudet University this year. Three of our fifth graders, Bruce Brewer Jr., Kieran Ercolino, and Dustin Hand, were even participating for the first time in the Battle of the Books. They sailed through the preliminary matches, clinched a spot in the playoffs, and onto the Nationals!

They were fearless competitors through all three games, and qualified for the Blue Division Championship match.

They were finally defeated by a mere three points.

Coming in 2nd place out of twenty-four teams is definitely commendable! The team’s All-Star award went to Bruce Brewer Jr. All of our Roadrunner readers are looking forward to competing again next year!

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Top right: Dustin, Bruce Jr. and Kieran in front of the famous sculpture of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Alice Cogswell on the Gallaudet University campus. Middle right: Our winning team was welcomed home to campus in style by Amberley Luna, Victoria Ortiz and the rest of our student body and staff! Bottom right: The Buff Team (from left) Jacob Steven, Samuel Boyd and Lindsay Hand excelled during the preliminary rounds and advanced to the playoffs. Top left: Kieran, Dustin and Bruce Jr. answering a question during the national competition at Gallaudet University. Bottom left: The Green Team (from left) Julio Portillo, Olivia Haley, Evelyn Johnson competing on NMSD’s campus.

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

TEACHING YOUTH TO ACT

BY JOHN JARRET This year, members of NMSD’s Youth of Color (YOC) club traveled to Colorado Springs to attend the Educating Children of Color conference (ECOC). The students attending were Jaelyn Sanchez, Victoria Ortiz, Amberley Luna, Estefany Reyes, Joseph Hicks, Kaleb Larkins, Samuel Valverde, and Cedric Toledo. Students from varied schools and backgrounds also attended the conference.

This year’s theme was “Act Now for YOUth!” and the weekend included keynote presentations, educational workshops, and lots of time for socializing and personal growth. Keynote speakers Marquis Govan and Ian Humphrey shared powerful, personal experiences.

All of the YOC participants attended three workshops. We were thrilled that this year’s ECOC conference featured three Deaf presenters, including NMSD students and staff. The first workshop, led by Mark Ramirez, focused on “isms” in today’s society – racism, sexism, audism and so on. The second workshop, “Multicultural and Multi-identities of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Children” was led by Stephanie Johnson and De’Lasha Singleton. The third workshop was a hip-hop dance class led by Suave! Students and staff had a blast learning new dance moves. As a special treat, several students, including NMSD students, went on stage to perform together during the closing ceremony.

The weekend fostered new insights and understandings.

As you read some of our students’ thoughts, we hope you will feel inspired and energized, too. Amberley Luna- “It was an awesome experience and inspirational to hear other people’s stories.” Victoria Ortiz- “The keynote speakers were my favorite because sharing their stories on how they made it through tough times and succeeding impacted me.” Joseph Hicks- “I liked Marquis Govan’s speech. His passion to become President one day was impressive.”

Top right: Mark Ramirez leading a workshop discussing “ISMS” in society. Middle right: Jaelyn Sanchez and Victoria Ortiz plus other students showing the audience the dance routine they learned from Suave at the closing ceremony. Bottom left: Amberley Luna, Victoria Ortiz and Jaelyn Sanchez waiting for the opening ceremony to start. Bottom right: Ian Humphrey speaking about how a teacher changed his life 17 and gave him hope to succeed.

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

NMSD MUSEUM

RICH WITH HISTORY

BY AUGUST SKOOG, SENIOR The Dr. Kenneth Brasel Centennial Museum was originally established in 1987 to honor NMSD’s 100th birthday.

Recently, our beloved museum moved to the same building as our new library and museum, providing a unique opportunity for students to be involved! This herculean task was headed up by our “museum ladies” Espie Latimer, Linda Quintana, and Sara Roybal. As part of our Job Preparation Program - and with the support of Jennifer Herbold and Gary Hand - fellow students Estefany Reyes, Jaelyn Sanchez, Joseph Hicks, Victoria Ortiz and I helped move the vast collection of historical documents, photos, artifacts into the beautiful new space. Our efforts paid off as the new museum stunningly showcases our school’s history. We also wrote essays about NMSD’s eight superintendents. Students, staff, or alumni supplied filmed narrations to include in the museum’s interactive video kiosks!

The museum also features a rotating window display and a digital roll call for every student ever enrolled, as well as a vast array of artifacts. These include a printing press, dishware used in the old dining hall, antique TTY machines, an antique dentist chair, and many other cherished items.

In early December we hosted three grand openings. There was one for the whole community, and two for the NMSD student body. At the community grand opening, Dr. Stern welcomed students, staff, alumni, retirees, Dr. Gilbert Delgado (our 6th superintendent) and many other dignitaries. Joseph Hicks brought 'Lars M. Larson' back to life with his acting, as did Victoria Ortiz as 'Belle Larson,' and Jaelyn Sanchez as 'Cora Larson,' Larson’s second wife.

Dr. Stern also honored Tommie Brasel, former NMSD teacher and widow of Superintendent Kenneth Brasel. Tommie shared that Dr. Brasel was smiling down at us, proud of our dedication to preserving NMSD history. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! After the opening celebration, guests were allowed into the museum for a few hours to enjoy both the exhibits and the delicious 19th century style shortbread cookies.

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Top left: Dr. Stern thanking those involved for their hard work as Belle, Cora and Lars Larson eagerly look on. Middle left: Unveiling the museum. Bottom left: The excitement! Everyone’s ready to go check out the new Museum! Bottom right: From left, Sara Roybal, Tommie Brasel, Espie Latimer, and Linda Quintana at the front entrance of the museum.

NMSD MUSEUM

RICH WITH HISTORY We would like to invite you to visit our new museum! If you have stories, pictures, or videos you would like to share with us, we would love to add your memories to our museum. Contact us at 505-476-6300.

Here are some of our thoughts: “I enjoyed helping pack boxes, taking things off the walls, and scanning pictures. It was nice helping and knowing it relieved some of the stress for the museum ladies. The new museum is nice, but I wish it could have stayed above the cafeteria because there is a lot of historical information about NMSD that we could have kept.” ~ Estefany “I think it was best for the museum to move because of safety reasons. If there were an emergency, there could be real danger because the old location isn’t equipped with water sprinklers and other safety features. Another thing to consider is the disabled— those who are confined to wheelchairs or have a hard time maneuvering stairs. It’s better now because the museum is on the ground floor. While working with the museum, I enjoyed learning about each superintendent and other historical facts related to the school.” ~ Jaelyn “I think moving the museum was best because there are a lot of disabled people who want to see the museum who couldn’t get up the stairs to see it in the old location. I loved helping etch the names of the superintendents on the walls while working with the museum.” ~ Joseph “I think it was good for the museum to move because it is now more open and visual. While moving the museum, I enjoyed all the research and information about the superintendents. Working with a team was fun.” ~ Victoria “I was sad to see the museum leave its traditional location above the cafeteria, but I am happy that we could move it to a more accessible and convenient location. I loved being able to work on the superintendent biographies, and work as a team with my fellow classmates to complete a big project.” ~ Augusta

Top right: Students looking at the video kiosk on the wall that is dedicated to Dr. Stern’s tenure. Middle right: Alumnus Faye Falvey remembering eating dinner off the special dishes that were made for NMSD. Bottom left: Gary Hand describing what an old-fashioned icebox is to Dustin Hand and Jesus Rios-Pena. Bottom right: From left Jesus Medrano, Kendrick Skeets and Cedric Toledo, checking out one of the exhibits.

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JOB PREPARATION

PREP’D FOR JOB PREP!

BY JESSE WOOSLEY We’ve had a busy winter and spring in the Job Preparation Program! In addition to our normal activities and testing, our students, teachers, job coaches, and guest speakers were all preparing for Career Day. It was clear the day was worth all the effort!

Our Career Day gave students an opportunity to learn about the world of work, career opportunities, community resources, and planning for their future.

High school students showcased their career knowledge and skills by participating in creating a career display board, public speaking, interviewing, and cover letter writing competitions. Middle school students participated in a career awareness workshop with our transition teacher, Keri Sluyter. They also voted on their favorite career display boards.

Elementary students met with guest speakers from the New Mexico workforce community to learn about healthcare, public safety, environmental science, and educational career topics.

Senior students also volunteered their time and labor at a Habitat for Humanity home site in Santa Fe, contributing to the construction of a home for a low-income and traditionally underserved family. We learned about more than careers - we learned the importance of volunteerism and giving back. Thanks to all who helped make this spring a productive season!

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Top right: Laura Brown from NM’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) shares the types of services available to students with them. Middle right: A group picture from the Habitat for Humanity home site in Santa Fe. Bottom right: Elementary students with guest speakers Elizabeth Peters- Pharmacist from SFIHS, Mike Barrett- ASL professor from UNM, members of Santa Fe police department, and Cindy King- hydrologist from Fish and Game. Bottom left: Jesus Medrano presenting his PowerPoint on technology and web-designing.

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

A SEASON OF STORYTELLING!

BY MEGAN ERASUS This year’s Winter Variety show took the season by a colorful storm! The entertaining evening was filled with lively stories and folklore, animated performances, and some serious dancing and song skills. It gave the much-loved show a magical feeling. Nearly every member of the NMSD community was involved with the grand spectacle. Students, teachers, and Student Life staff captured the essence and the joy of the Deaf community through their storytelling. It was a night to remember, and the best part was the $401.00 donated at the door for the Santa Fe Empty Stocking Fund! Tis the season, indeed!

Top left: Mya Malone and Lindsay Hand performing “Girls On Fire” by Alicia Keyes. Top right: From left: Sonja Vigil, Angelique Quinonez and Jesse Haley as Birds performing “How the Rainbow Was Made,” a creation tale from the Ojibwe Nation. Middle left: From left: Kieran Ercolino, Olivia Haley, Kieran Vollmar and Bruce Brewer in the 5th Grade Class skit, “The Perfect Rice Cakes.” Middle right: Kaleb Larkins retelling the tale of “The Polar Express.” Bottom left: From left: Lorena Gutierrez, Kane Wilding, Margarita Garcia, and Elias Curley performing their skit based on “The Shoemaker and the Elves.” Bottom right: From left: Student Life staff members Mary Lynn Bransford, Melanie Seaman and Preston Ponder sharing the story of “The Miracle of Farolitos.’

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

GOOD EYES!

BY PAMELA MACIAS Our 10th Annual ASL showcase, “A Feast for the Eyes,” was a special celebration - we were the entertainment for a statewide conference for those who work with deaf children (CASA). The dazzling location for the ASL showcase was the Farmer’s Market Pavilion!

We were thrilled to have Maryland’s Ursa Rewolinski as our guest storyteller. She held different workshops with all our students – from elementary to high school, focusing on A-Z stories and creativity. She also worked with Teen Casa participants on improvisational skills.

Students and staff had an amazing experience sharing their stories, poems, humor, and other cultural lore that has been passed on by generations of ASL. We can’t wait till next year!

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Top right: Kimberley Sanchez, Jojo Montano, Rollin Warwick, and Carla Rodriguez doing ASL tandem -- where a person goes behind another person to sign - hilarious to watch! Right, second from top: Ursa Rewolinski and Joi Hollsapple wowing the audience with their improv skit. Right, third from top: NMSD’s AmeriCorps members doing an ASL skit about mafia and the lost money! Top left: Jesse Crespin, Kaelyn Sluyter-Coffey, Kimora Vollmar, Jolie Haley, and Sierra Woosley doing rock climbing in a numbering story! Bottom: The entire Feast for the Eyes cast.

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

ARTSIGN 2015

BY MEGAN ERASMUS Despite the snow and delayed flights, students and staff from the Texas School for the Deaf, Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf successfully made their way to the NMSD campus for this year’s ArtSign Festival. As this year’s host school, NMSD was blessed with a remarkable ArtSign Committee.

Thanks to them - the whole experience was magical!

The theme for this year’s festival was ELEMENTAL SIGNS, honoring the organic elements and artistry of ASL in Art, Theatre, and Literature. During the festival weekend, Deaf and hearing artists held interactive workshops.

They shared their talent and skills with students in the areas of drawing, printmaking, wax painting, bookbinding, acting and improv, film-making, dancing, photography, ASL expression, and wood-burning. Students also went on field trips to the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture.

One of the most exciting aspects of the ArtSign Festival weekend was the sharing of student’s art work! On Friday evening, we gathered at the James A. Little Theater for a public art showcase. The evening also featured our guest artist, Dack Virnig, a Deaf actor, storyteller, comedian, and artist. He performed a variety of skits with our students!

It was amazing to witness the growth of our young artists. It gave us an important glimpse of the vibrant future of Deaf artists! The weekend’s experience was inspiring as we learned about how art can connect with ASL. Here’s to another successful ArtSign Festival!

Top left: Painted hands create the handshapes to represent a river, a sunny forest, a bird flying and a hopping rabbit! Middle left: Students working hard to create individual tiles for the weekend’s collaborative project. The tiles will be added to the ArtSign wall that was built next to Delgado Hall back in the 90’s when NMSD hosted ArtSign. Bottom left: Checking out a display while at one of the local museums. Top right: Dack and Janell doing an improvised skit in the Jal - a very challenging and brave thing to do! Bottom right: Cindy Huff demonstrates how to create beautiful art using heated wax.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

THE (MIS)ADVENTURES OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN!

BY MALLORY MALZKUHN This year, NMSD’s spring play sprung from the creative minds of students and directors! It was a masterpiece of slapstick comedy about Charlie Chaplin and his mishaps. In the first act, Charlie landed a job as a substitute teacher. He was hired by a vain and eccentric principal who valued his portrait painting more than anything else. The students – a jock, an artist, a goody two shoes, and a pair of mischievous twins – threatened destruction of the principal’s portrait painting. In the end, it was Charlie who destroyed the painting!

In the second Act, Charlie went to a restaurant to meet a date.

He ended up forced to work at the restaurant because the cook walked out, and the worried chef was preparing dinner for a food critic. An older couple arrived, and Charlie thought the wife was the food critic. The actual food critic arrived later with her husband, and both were horrified by Charlie’s lack of service, etiquette, and fumbled food order. Charlie’s date also arrived and added to the confusion. Just like the principal in the first act, the chef wasn’t happy with Charlie at all!

Based on the roars of laughter in the JAL Theater, the play was clearly a big hit with all who attended!

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Top right: Food Critic (Estefany Reyes) gasping out of shock as Charlie Chaplin (Alex McCullough) messes up her wig while her husband (Jesus Medrano) freaks out and gets ready to fix her hair. Old Man (Kendrick Skeets) is clearly amused by all of this. Middle right 2nd from top: Double Trouble #1 (Victoria Ortiz) and Double Trouble #2 (Jaelyn Sanchez) performing a little dance to cover up their mischievous side. Middle right 3rd from top: Principal (Jesus Medrano) desperately searching for his cigar and blaming Goody Two Shoes (Estefany Reyes) for stealing it as Charlie Chaplin (Alex McCullough), Jock (Antonia Martinez), and Artist (Kendrick Skeets) look on. Bottom right: Old Woman (Jaelyn Sanchez) and Old Man (Kendrick Skeets) entering the restaurant as Butler (Antonia Martinez) looks on. Top left: The cast and crew (front row from left) - Charlie Chaplin (Alex McCullough), Goody Two Shoes (Estefany Reyes), Artist (Kendrick Skeets), Jock (Antonia Martinez), Double Trouble #1 (Victoria Ortiz), Principal (Jesus Medrano), Double Trouble #2 (Jaelyn Sanchez), Director Amanda Biskupiak. Back row from left: Assistant Director Julie Nagle, Assistant Director Mallory Malzkuhn, Secretary (Margaret Appa), Lieutenant (Joseph Hicks). Bottom left: Chef (Victoria Ortiz) is extremely irritated as she tries to pull the fish out of Charlie Chaplin (Alex McCullough)’s fingers in the kitchen. Middle bottom: Charlie Chaplin (Alex McCullough) accidentally poking a hole in the sacred portrait of the Principal.

FAMILY SUPPORT

IT’S FAMILY TIME!

BY DANIEL TIMLEN

The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes of their time each day.

- M. Grundler Three cheers for our Family Housing Program (FHP) participants! (Wave your hands!). Since August 16, 2014, our FHP parents and guardians have been actively involved in their children’s academic and social developments. They work tirelessly to provide the best home environment for their children. They study ASL at NSMD or in local programs, participate in Family Playgroups and Workshops, and attend regular after school meetings with various NMSD support services.

This year’s group of FHP participants are even planning a carnival for the Kindergarten and Pre-K classes! This is in addition to bringing coffee and snacks to parent workshops, creating art activities for other students, and volunteering in classrooms helping teachers with various projects. It’s clear these families are bent on finding ways to give back to the entire NMSD community. Keep an eye out for FHP volunteers at events and workshops, and welcome them to our “neighborhood”!

Top right: Krystle Curley demonstrating to students and parents how to make cookie fry bread at one of the learning stations.

Middle right: Markay and Kyra playing with green objects on the light table while mom looks on. Bottom left: Kyra and Markay and their mom Lillian, watching a story signed by Bria Vigil during a reading session with our elementary students. Bottom right: Tim and Krystle Curley cooking the cookie fry bread the students made earlier during play group time.

Kyra and Markay and their mom Lillian, watching a story signed by Bria Vigil during a reading session with our elementary students.

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STUDENT LIFE

WILD THINGS

BY MITCH CURTIS The Student Life department was thrilled to spend an evening with Stephanie ‘Durga’ Kaylan, Founder and President of the Wanagi Wolf Rescue and her wolves. Stephanie brought two of her wolf ambassadors to campus – Bindi, a mix of coyote, husky, and wolf, and Milagro, a mix of Akita, husky, and wolf. Stephanie shared a lot of information with us about the interbreeding of wolves and dogs.

Once Stephanie finished her presentation, students from toddlers to high school kids moved onto the Larson Gym floor and formed long rows. Stephanie walked her wolves past the students, and encouraged everyone to touch, pet, and hug the wolves. Everyone was taken by the gentle animals, and loved interacting with them. Stephanie and her volunteers also sold items with all proceeds used to support the wolves.

Stephanie shared the following in an email the next day – “In my twenty-two years of being involved with wolf and wolf-dog rescue, and doing numerous events all over the state, this event with NMSD students, staff and families was the best event I have ever been a part of. It was the most loving, joyful, blessed time I've ever experienced in my life!!!! EVER!!! I had to hold back tears of joy many, many, many times throughout the evening. NMSD students, staff and families were simply amazing and they had great questions, great energy, great laughs!”

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Top right: Stephanie Kaylan, Founder and President of the Wanagi Wolf Rescue, orienting students on how to interact with her rescue wolves. Second from top: Shawn Billie and Alex Lucero patting Milagro. Third from top: Bindi greeting Joseph Hicks. Bottom right: Milagro getting some serious love from Precious Jones and Makyla Chavez. Bottom middle: Maria “Antonia” Martinez, Kendrick Skeets and Jesus Medrano checking out items on sale from the Wanagi Wolf Rescue. Bottom left: Wanagi Wolf Fund and Rescue Banner.

WINTER / SPRING TEAMS VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

Front row from left: Jonathan Garcia, Manager Samuel Valverde, Manager Manuelito Velasquez, Manager Jesus Mendrano and Johnathan Ludwigs. Back row from left: Head Coach Dennis Catron, Eloy Garcia, Alex McCullough, Deven Thompson, Joseph Hicks and Assistant Coach Leo Gutierrez. Not pictured: Alex Lucero and Kendrick Skeets.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Front row from left: Julio Portillo, Santiago Mondragon, Daniel Aragon and Keanu Yazzie. Back row from left: Head Coach Mitch Curtis, Antonio Lopez, Jacob Stevens, Waylon Lopez, Jacob Lopez, Luis Villalobos, and Assistant Coach Levi Anderson.

ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL TEAM

Coach Caitlin Velasquez, Angelica Baldonado, Adan SluyterCoffey, Carlo DeNunno, Bruce Brewer, Stacy Vargas, Kieran Vollmar, LJ Hernandez, Kieran Ercolino, Jesus Rios-Pena, Dustin Hand, Adrien Ercolino, Coach Preston Ponder. Not pictured: Miguel Valencia.

ATHLETICS

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

Kneeling from left: Jaelyn Sanchez, Antonia Martinez, Rochelle Garcia and Margaret Appa. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Benny Gallegos, Manager Cedric Toledo, Majesti De La Pena, Kimberly Sanchez, Janell Miller, Amberley Luna, Manager Victoria Ortiz and Head Coach Letty Perez.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Kneeling from left: Rhiannon Reynolds, Maqayla De La Pena and Saira Santillanes. Standing from left: Coach Yana Novikova, Andrea Leyba, Sherrena Bob, Mya Malone, Lindsay Hand and Coach Assistant Preston Ponder.

ACADEMIC BOWL

From left: Co-Coach Nathan Harrison, Estefany Reyes, Jaelyn Sanchez, Victoria Ortiz, Rhiannon Reynolds, Augusta Skoog and Co-Coach Carrie Nichols.

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ATHLETICS

WINTER / SPRING TEAMS WINTER CHEER TEAM

ELEMENTARY CHEER TEAM

Front row from left: Jaelyn Sanchez and Estefany Reyes. Back row from left: Patricia Lopez, Jonathan Garcia and Antonia Martinez.

Not pictured: Head Coach Lisa Ortega, Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea and Manager Victoria Ortiz.

Front Row: Angelica Baldonado. Middle Row: Monique Pete and Bria Vigil. Back Row: Olivia Haley, Stacy Vargas and Evelyn Johnson.

Not pictured: Head Coach Lisa Ortega and Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea.

VARSITY TRACK

From left: Assistant Coach Marisa Soboleski, Antonia Martinez, Margaret Appa, Amberley Luna, Janell Miller, Deven Thompson, Alex Lucero, Jonathan Garcia , Manager Kendrick Skeets, Assistant Coach James Litchfield and Head Coach Preston Ponder.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK

Front row from left: Julio Portillo, Lindsay Hand, Jacob Stevens and Antonio Lopez. Back row from left: Head Coach Preston Ponder, Jacob Lopez, Andrea Leyba, Waylon Lopez, Mya Malone and Assistant Coach Yana Novikova.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Front row from left: Santiago Mondragon, Angel Cabrera and Keanu Yazzie. Back row from left: Head Coach Orlando Obeso, Johnathan Ludwigs, Alex McCullough, Sherrena Bob and Assist Coach Levi Anderson.

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ATHLETICS

SPORTS BANQUET

Coach Levi Anderson and Coach Mitch Curtis with this year’s Flag Football Coaches Award recipient, Lindsay Hand and All-Around Player Award recipient, Luis Villalobos.

Coach Clarissa Perea and Coach Lisa Ortega honoring Patricia Lopez, the recipient of this year’s Most Motivated Cheerleading Award.

Coach Mitch Curtis and Coach Leo Gutierrez presenting the Sportsmanship Award to middle and high school students (from left) Alex Lucero, Jaelyn Sanchez, Sherrena Bob and Antonio Lopez.

Letty Perez, Athletic Director and Terry Wilding, Principal, congratulating Scholar-Athletes of the Year, Janell Miller and Julio Portillo.

Amberley Luna, NMSD’s Athlete of the Year and Dr. Ron Stern.

All of the 2014-2015 coaches fooling around during the group shot with Dr. Stern.

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SENIOR PROM

ROARING 20’S

Dr. Stern and Hedy surrounded by all of the students who attended this year’s prom. A great time was had by one and all!

The much beloved game of musical chairs! Too much fun!

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Getting their groove on!!

Jesus Medrano and Victoria Ortiz, this year’s prom King and Queen!

From left: Joseph Hicks and Victoria Ortiz, Jesus Medrano and Jaelyn Sanchez and Kendrick Skeets and Amberley Luna in front of a convertible sports car!!

Still getting their groove on!

HONOR NIGHT

CELEBRATING STUDENTS!

Courtney Lyons (center) and this year’s middle and high school Writing Award winners Sherrena Bob and Ty Tahe.

Christina Benavidez-Malone and Amberley Luna, who’s the first recipient of the Benavidez Family Senior Scholarship Award established by Christina’s dad, sister and herself in loving memory of Christina’s mom Sylvia Benavidez.

Andrew Parker and Manuelito Velasquez, this year’s Vocational Excellence Award winner.

Dr. Stern joking around with the class of 2015!

Look at all of our mathematicians!! Front row from left: This year’s Math Award recipients Kieran Vollmar, Dustin Hand and Caleb Chambers. Middle row from left: Diane Berrigan, teacher, Julio Portillo and Adrien Ercolino. Back row from left: Nathan Harrison, teacher, and Augusta Skoog.

Don and Emilie Wilding and their children honored the Curley family (Krystle and Elias on left, Dad, Tim, not pictured) with The Hands That Touch Award, given for being such exceptional 31 parents and role models for other families.

GRADUATION

SENIOR CLASS OF 2015

CLASS COLORS

CLASS FLOWER

White & Orange

Roses

CLASS MOTTO

CLASS SONG

“Do not follow where the path leads. Rather, go where there is no path and leave a trail.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Firework by Katy Perry

Top photo: The class of 2015 (front row from left) Guinivere Shorty, Jaelyn Sanchez, Victoria Ortiz, Amberley Luna, Jesus Medrano and Perla Parra-Dominguez. (Back row from left) Fatima Esquivel, Kendrick Skeets, Jaime Lopez-Ramirez, Jose Fernando Silva, Samuel Valverde-Garcia, Augusta Skoog, Monissa Smiley. Middle left photo: Graduation celebration. Bottom left: Lynann Barbero, Board of Regent President, and Dr. Stern presenting Senator Nancy Rodriguez with the very first NMSD Champion Award. Middle Bottom: This year’s graduation commencement speaker, superintendent Dr. Ronald Stern, encouraging the class of 2015 to be passionately 32 committed to life-long learning. Bottom right: Jaelyn Sanchez, senior class speaker, encouraged her fellow grads to pick themselves up and dust themselves off if they fall and to never give up.

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION & TRAINING

SWITCH TO SUCCESS!

BY SUSAN JOJOLA Transition planning and services are integral to any student’s success past high school. However, deaf and hard of hearing students have specific needs and resources available to them. A statewide collaboration of agencies works diligently to make sure that public school staff, students, and parents are aware of the esources and services available to support students on their journey. NMSD’s Center for Educational Consultation and Training (CECT) Department works jointly with the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NMCDHH), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Department of Workforce Solutions (WFS), and the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) to achieve these goals.

Many of the agencies listed above have participated in a series of annual summits, Building State Capacity to Address Critical Issues in Deaf Education: Transition from Secondary Education to Postsecondary Options. The summits are hosted and funded by Pepnet 2 (pn2)- a federally funded project whose mission is to increase the education, career, and lifetime choices available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. With the goal of improving service to deaf and hard of hearing transitioning students, the New Mexico team is developing a Memorandum of Understanding to share data between service agencies. We are also providing training on working with deaf and hard of hearing students in transition for DVR and WFS. CECT and NMCDHH have provided these trainings to local education agencies for five years - it’s wonderful to have the other agencies on board to expand content and interagency collaboration!

Top: Susan Pepper-Jojola and Katelyn Jurney (NMSD AmeriCorps member for Las Cruces) demonstrate self-advocacy skills during a Transition Training for Las Cruces Public Schools. Bottom: Richard Bailey from the Commission for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Susan Pepper-Jojola conducting a transition training for high school students at Onate High School in Las Cruces.

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS

FULL STOCKINGS, FULL HEARTS!

BY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE We want all of our students to experience the joy of giving to others, and we are always looking for ways to foster this important value. Every year, we donate funds collected for the December Winter Variety Show to the Empty Stocking Fund - established decades ago by the Santa Fe New Mexican to benefit those facing financial challenges. This year, we raised $401.17. Jerry Jones, President of the Santa Fe Community Foundation (SFCF) was touched by our students’ giving spirit, and expressed his gratitude. He enthused: “What a beautiful way to pay it forward and make a difference in the community!”

THANK YOU - THANK YOU!

BY HOPE BAKKER In January, NMSD was thrilled to welcome the Santa Fe Civitan Club to lunch and a visit to our new museum.

The Civitan Club has supported our students and school for decades, and we were pleased to offer them a small token of our appreciation. Dr. Stern, directors and principals joined the luncheon to share information about our school and programs. Club members were so impressed by the rich history of our museum! Dr. Stern shared that, “The support that the Santa Fe Civitan Club has provided over the years is deeply appreciated.

Know that you all have made a world of difference for our students and NMSD.” Thank you Santa Fe Civitans!!

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Top: It is always heartwarming to deliver the funds collected to the Santa Fe Community Foundation. From Left: Keri-Lynn McBride, NMSD’s Director of Development & Community Relations, Amberley Luna, Jerry Jones, SFCF President and Victoria Ortiz. Bottom left: Dr. Stern sharing many of the exciting activities and events that are happening at NMSD with Civitan members during the luncheon.

Bottom right: From left: Johnathan Ludwigs, Jaeyln Sanchez, Kenrick Skeets and Cedric Toledo stopped by the luncheon to say hello.

Each of them were honored back when they were in eighth grade at the Civitan’s annual Citizenship Awards Banquet.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

DONOR HONOR ROLL THANK YOU – Thank you - Gracias - Merci - Diky - Bedankt - Vielen Dank - Obrigado - Huala Grazie HONOR ROLL OF DONORS INDIVIDUALS James B., Jr. & Elizabeth Alley Frank & Rebecca Anderson Patricia Anderson Aracely Atilano Lynann & Andrew Barbero Marcia & Ted Berridge Elspeth Bobbs Beatrice & Stephen Burke Stephanie Butler Gloria Candelario Andy & Melinda Carrillo Michael & Amy Clarke Anonymous Patricia Delaney Marina Encinias Steve & Judy Ercolino Elizabeth Fry Rosemary & Robert Gallegos Nora Garcia Bruce & Gretchen Garnand David Glyer Michael Glyer Kathy Glyer Katharine H. Glyer Ric & Dolores Gonzales Wendy Gordon Presiliano Gurule Anonymous Mark Hermeling Parks Hilliard Dean & Sandy Hoy Roger & Connie Jasso James & Nene Koch Missy & Chris Lamb Allen Lewis Ray & Joyce Litherland Marty Martin Julio & Brenda Martinez Keri-Lynn McBride Patricia McBride Dr. Michael & Sheri Milone Paul & Judith Moriarty

Edward Peltier Margie Propp Randall Rael Sarah Rinehart Nicola Renoux & Fred Rickert Frankie Serrano Jack Sherman John & Elizabeth Schultze Lena Stavely James & Ruth Stern Dr. Ronald Stern & Hedy Udkovich-Stern Olivia Timpson Theodore H. Waddell Harriet Waseta BUSINESSES & CORPORATIONS Albertsons Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Santa Fe General Mills: Box Tops for Education Lifetouch National School Studios Nestle Community Care Campaign Sorenson Communications, Inc. Stand Sure Farms Veterinary Relief Vigils Auto Sales Walmart FOUNDATIONS Walter Scott Foundation CIVIC & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Box Tops for Education Deaf Senior Citizens of Greater Albuquerque GUAA NMSDAA Rotary Club of Santa Fe Santa Fe Civitan Club United Way of SF County The following donations were received from January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014. Great care was 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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2014-2015 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE

RETIREES

ANGELA LUCERO

VICKI MASSO

RON ORTIZ-DINKEL

1989 – 2015 (26 years)

1992 – 2015 (23 years)

2010 – 2015 (5 years)

CHARLENE SANDOVAL

JACK SHERMAN

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DR. RONALD STERN

KAREN YARDMAN

2000 – 2015 (15 years)

1995 – 2015 (20 years)

15 YEARS

20 YEARS

1999 – 2015 (16 years)

KIMBERLY BOYKIN KIMBERLY BURKHOLDER

2014-2015 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE

15 YEARS

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.

•

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

CARRIE NICHOLS

ARNOLD PADILLA

LETTY PEREZ

JOSE ROMERO

RODDY CABBAGE

PRISCILLA GUTIERREZ

DR. SHEREE HALL

JOI HOLSAPPLE

EMMA LOZADA

AARON MARTINEZ

10 YEARS

Vision

February 2013

MANNY MARTINEZ

SCOTT MOHAN

ANA TORRES

LISA WILDING

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

Volume 105 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2014-15

A FOND FAREWELL

DR. RONALD J. STERN RETIRES AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

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 2 / Winter/Spring 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.