NM Progress Winter-Spring 2023-24 English

Volume 114 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2023-2024

DREAM! EXPLORE! ACHIEVE!

NMSD ROBO-RUNNERS THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF ROBOTICS

Dream! Explore! Achieve!

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

May 2018

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 2 WINTER/SPRING 2023 - 2024

DREAM! EXPLORE! ACHIEVE! FEATURE

4 THE NUTS & BOLTS ABOUT ROBOTICS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 4 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 21 22 23 24

Superintendent’s Letter Feature Early Intervention & Developmental Services Early Childhood Education: Preschools Elementary Middle School High School Transition Multicultural Education Performing Arts Student Life: Athletics Prom Roadrunner Day Graduation Alumni Community Relations

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SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTER

DEAR NMSD FAMILY & FRIENDS Welcome to the latest edition of the New Mexico Progress, where we explore topics that range from the cutting-edge realm of robotics to the soothing presence of therapy mini horses. In this issue, we continue NMSD’s long standing tradition of expanding knowledge through creativity in teaching and learning.

From the development of AI-driven assistants to the exploration of Mars, robotics continues to redefine what's possible and will be a critical part of our lived experience in the future. We must prepare our students, and in this issue, we celebrate the achievements of our middle school robotics squad.

In this issue, we venture into the heartwarming realm of early childhood education. Every child's journey begins with curiosity, and these early years cement the foundation for lifelong learning. Students in our Albuquerque program explored traveling the world where they “visited” the countries and cultures of their respective families. In our Farmington program students explored and developed critical student leadership skills and young ones in our Santa Fe program enjoyed playing with language.

Next, we find healing in the presence of therapy horses.

Sherman, the mini-therapy horse, visited classrooms where he offered comfort and companionship to students through a connection that transcends words.

Students read to Sherman and during one visit, they painted him and put colorful stickers on him!

Our exploration doesn't end there as we shine a spotlight on the world of our mathletes. Through preparing for competitions sponsored by the Rochester Institute of Technology, our students learned the value of problem-solving and developed life-long skills in mathematics.

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Performing and Literary Arts were center-stage during our annual Winter Variety Show and Feast for the Eyes with skits, poetry and story-telling by talented student and faculty performers, storytellers, and writers. In early Spring Deaf Latinx Artist in Residence, Rolando Sigüenza was with us for a month teaching our students a variety of techniques using various mediums. Our student’s colorful projects illustrated their creativity, which knew no bounds!

This year, we proudly received accreditation from the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). This process started with a self-study and has culminated in a newly formed five-year strategic plan with four identified priority areas outlined on the following page. I look forward to regularly reporting our progress in those areas in future issues of our magazine.

As you flip through the pages of this magazine, may you find inspiration, enlightenment, and moments of pure joy. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jennifer Herbold, Superintendent

2024 - 2029 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

UNLOCKING SUCCESS

BY DR. JENNIFER HERBOLD

A strategic planning retreat was held this past February and had broad representation from various stakeholders including staff, students, families, and alumni. During the retreat, NMSD used information from its recent self-study and accreditation report to develop four main priority areas of focus for the next five years.

NMSD’S FOUR MAIN PRIORITIES •

Cultivating compassion by empowering individuals to create a more equitable world

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Achieving the highest standards of excellence through quality programming

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Expanding and developing our workforce

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Continued and enhanced prioritization of safety in everything that we do

All departments will develop goals and annual benchmarks related to each of the four main priorities and those will drive NMSD to even greater heights.

Progress reports will happen periodically, sharing achievements with the NMSD Community.

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FEATURE

THE NUTS & BOLTS ABOUT ROBOTICS

BY SHERRY MOHAN

New Mexico School for the Deaf takes great pride in introducing a dynamic addition to our middle school curriculum – the integration of robotics as a sport, championing the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.) Our commitment to promoting STEAM education partners with our dedication to fostering innovation and creativity among our students. By embracing robotics as both a sport and an educational endeavor, we empower our students to explore the intersection of technology, engineering, and creativity while honing critical problem-solving skills.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf Regional STEM Center (NTID NRSC) for their invaluable contribution in providing us with the necessary training, equipment, and support to introduce Robotics at our school. Our equipment is from VEX Robotics company. VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving among groups. They focus on Pre-K to high school, with each robot designed to accommodate specific grade groups. We can now envision a world where every Deaf and HOH student is inspired by the excitement of hands-on STEAM learning and the joy of creating with technology.

Our robotics team members shared their amazing skills - from collaborating to designing and building the robot, coding the robot, and writing in their engineer notebooks.

Our goal with the robotics team was to emphasize their commitment to promote teamwork, problem-solving and technological literacy. The students engaged in lively discussions, proposing various names before collectively agreeing upon ‘NMSD Robo-Runners.’

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FEATURE Our team consisted mostly of seventh graders, and it was truly inspiring to witness their immense enthusiasm at the start of the semester. As the weeks progressed, their dedication grew as they built the robot, practiced their driving skills by maneuvering around the game field, and scored in the goalposts to earn points. In November, we had the privilege of participating in the New Mexico VEX IQ Regionals Competition in Albuquerque. To our surprise, our team brought home not one, but two awards: the Teamwork Challenge and Robot Skills.

But our journey did not end there. We also had the incredible opportunity to attend the NRSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing National Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our exceptional students showcased their hard work and determination, forming a remarkable alliance with students from other schools. Despite facing tough competition from thirty-eight other schools, our team secured an impressive third place finish, following a tie for second place.

As a first-year coach, I could not be prouder of my students and their achievements. My role as a coach is to provide guidance and advice, but it is the students who have put in the effort and hard work.

We eagerly anticipate their ongoing growth, and we look forward to the New Mexico VEX IQ State Championship competition in March, with our sights set on attending the VEX IQ Worlds Championship in Dallas, Texas!

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EARLY INTERVENTION AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

GALLUP-ING TOWARDS NEW RESOURCES!

NMSD & NAVAJO NATION COLLABORATIVE

BY JOANNE CORWIN

In 2009, NMSD started planning with other community partners to assist in the early identification of Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants. A tele-audiology pilot was instituted, but unfortunately, we did not have the infrastructure to support this endeavor at the time. But the effort was reignited in 2018, and recently became a reality. On March 4 NMSD and the Navajo Nation hosted a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the opening of the Tele-audiology Center which will be serving the Greater Gallup area.

Newborns from this region will now be diagnosed without the need to go to Albuquerque for services. The goal of tele-audiology is to provide early diagnosis of hearing differences so that all babies – even in the most rural areas - have timely access to language. If a child is identified early and has access to specialized services provided through NMSD, they can maintain a typical developmental trajectory in language, cognition, and social-emotional skills. What an exciting innovation!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – ALBUQUERQUE

ROUND-THE-WORLD

BY EMILEE FECHT

The kindergarten class of NMSD’s Albuquerque ECE Program have been traveling the world this school year! The rich and diverse cultural heritage of our students inspired the countries and cultures we studied. Students learned about their current homes in New Mexico, and their heritages in Mexico, India, Australia, Rwanda, and Afghanistan.

Our students learned about the norms, traditions, and day-to-day habits of each country, including clothing, foods, music and dance, geography, types of homes, sports, animals, languages, weather, holidays and celebrations, history, famous architecture, and much more.

At the end of our study, students created beautiful art to show what they learned. They also built a classroom-sized airplane they used to travel from country to country!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – FARMINGTON

LEADING THE WAY!

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ

Our student leaders are learning by taking on the role of teacher and caregiver. Marshall Aragon loves to flash the lights and give directions, while Summer Johnson reads to her dolls and types on her laptop during imaginary Circle Time. A donated cradle provides new inspiration for tending babies in the Dramatic Play Center, and Marshall and Summer display teamwork and compassion as they care for the babies.

Tronson Eltsosie uses the play hammer and nails during our Center Time. He explores an activity, cleans up, and moves on to the next with ease.

Snowy weather provided many opportunities for exploration. After reading Penguins Love Color, students painted snow just like in the story. Wyatt was excited to see the color change when he added yellow to blue - he signed “green.” After reading Penguin Pete, the students wanted to try ice skating. A laminated sheet of white paper provided a skating surface for our little penguins.

Students twirled, slipped, and slid on our “ice.” Summer suggested sledding, so we used a scarf and some blankets to go sledding inside!

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – SANTA FE

PLAY I NG WITH LANGUAG E

BY DIANA HUIZAR

Language is a fundamental tool for communication and cognitive development in children. For Deaf children, access to language is crucial for overall growth and well-being. By providing language access through play and modeling, we empower young Deaf learners.

Play is the natural language of children.

For Deaf children, it serves as a powerful medium for learning and expression. Through play, Deaf children can explore their environment, engage in imaginative scenarios, and develop essential cognitive and social skills.

Incorporating sign language into play activities helps bridge communication gaps, allowing children to express themselves, build vocabulary, and establish a foundation for future language development.

Children, especially young children, learn by observing and imitating. Deaf children benefit immensely from exposure to language models – individuals proficient in sign language or other communication modalities. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a pivotal role in modeling language for Deaf children, providing them with examples of correct grammar, vocabulary, and communication etiquette. This modeling not only fosters language acquisition but also strengthens the bond between the child and the language models.

Our preschool programs here at the New Mexico School for the Deaf provide that access. Our classrooms, teachers, and service providers crea te an environment for our young Deaf children that also allows them to socialize with their peers through ASL. Here’s to a playful future!

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ELEMENTARY

MINI-CUTENESS

BY ASHLEY COLLINS

The New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding (NMCTR) specializes in equine therapy - even offering a miniature horse as a therapy "provider.” NMCTR has welcomed students from our elementary alternative curriculum classrooms to their ranch in the past. This year, however, miniature therapy horse Sherman came to NMSD's Santa Fe campus, accompanied by NMCTR staff and volunteers who support student and therapy-horse interactions.

Students and staff were excited to meet a miniature therapy horse! Students could interact with Sherman during less structured activities as well as ELA and math lessons. Sherman helped students count manipulatives in math, create beautiful artwork, and patiently watched a read-aloud presented by students.

Sherman appeared to seek out otherwise anxious students who grew calmer when he put his head on their arms. He was the picture of patience with the students’ abundant curiosity!

He helped students learn about the care required for miniature horses and furthered their understanding and development of responsibility, leadership, empathy, and trust.

NMSD hopes to continue to work with NMCTR and other organizations that provide service animals in a classroom environment, supporting students who are unfamiliar with animals or have difficulty expressing themselves and letting their guard down. This is another example of NMSD helping students grow holistically, not only academically.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

VICTORIES ADD UP FOR MATHLETES!

BY ADRIANA MARTINEZ

The NMSD mathletes were hard at work all year long preparing for the regional competition at University High School in California. Our hard work paid off when the team placed in the Top 6 and competed for the Top 4. Only the top four teams from each region compete in the National Math Competition so we cheered on all the teams that advanced!

NMSD showed their skill by earning second place, guaranteeing them a spot to compete in the National Math Competition at RIT in New York.

Although the team didn’t place in Nationals, they gave it their best effort. Making it to the National Math Competition is a huge accomplishment. Our mathletes’ skills continue to multiply, and we look forward to next year’s competition.

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HIGH SCHOOL

POETRY IN MOTION

BY LAURIE ANDERSON

November 15th was a special day as a group of high school students participated in a special poetry event led by Janna Lopez, 2023 Santa Fe Poet Laureate Ambassador. The workshop allowed students to write poetry alongside a professional writer, incorporating what Janna shared as the three most essential elements to writing poetry: observation, curiosity, and invitation.

Janna first wanted to establish a sense of trust, creating an open and welcoming space to write as well as think about how writing serves the students as individuals. The class took time to read, analyze, and discuss various sample poems and themes. We looked through magazines to find pictures that might spark curiosity. This helped students narrow down what they wanted to write about. The goal was to create "self-portraits" based on the words and images revealed through their poetry.

In a second session, students focused on observing their surroundings to discern their inner thoughts and invoke ideas. Janna helped students use magnetic poetry to play with words, a hands-on activity provided a nice segue into authoring their poems. As students quietly jotted down ideas and drafted poetry in their notebooks, Janna reminded them of the power of theme and imagery. Through drafting, sharing, rethinking, revising, and writing again, students developed their own unique and beautiful poems.

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The class decided that the students’ poems would be collected into an anthology of poetry. They published a book entitled Wings of Our Own which beautifully captures how this unique writing opportunity allowed the students to see themselves reflected in their words, while simultaneously showing the reader how the students see the world. The opportunity to work with Janna taught the students to fully embrace poetry, a life-force dance with words, while helping them to deepen, heighten, and appreciate self-discovery.

TRANSITION

REACHING HIGHER

BY JESSE WOOSLEY

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education is a practice and area of research that strives to expand opportunities with higher education for students with intellectual disabilities (learn more at www.thinkcollege.net.)

Support and coordination between NMSD and organizations including Los Alamos Foundation, Assistance Dogs of the West, NM-Division of Vocational Rehab, and NM Commission for the Blind made it possible for several students to attend the Student Leadership Conference while their parents and staff attended the State of The Art Conference on Inclusive Post-Secondary Education in Colorado Springs.

Parents and school staff attended various workshops at the Antlers Hotel while students attended leadership training at the University of Colorado.

Some of the workshop topics covered were:

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Engaging Educators, Families, and Students in the IPSE Preparation Process Partnerships and Engagement - Harnessing the Power of Collaboration!

Inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability: What we know from the most recent data Becoming A Self-Advocate for Meaningful Inclusion The Importance of Having Study Skills and Habits Relationships and Friendships Life After College

Students also participated in a Karaoke Event and enjoyed socializing with their peers.

Overall, the conference was an informative, eye opening, and inspiring event! It supported our ongoing effort to provide more quality opportunities for Deaf/HH youth with disabilities in Inclusive Higher Education in New Mexico.

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MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION – INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

GATHERING TRADITIONS

BY ELIZABETH & DAVID GORDON, COCHITI PUEBLO In autumn, we joined NMSD for a day to celebrate Native American culture. Early that morning we prepared our customs and rehearsed the eagle dance. Later, in Larson Gym, we welcomed a group of distinguished guests for a day filled with dances, engaging activities, and enlightening learning sessions.

Elizabeth, an Educational Assistant at NMSD, performed her spectacular eagle dance with her husband David drumming. Blessings were offered by David and James Wooden Legs of the Cheyenne Nation.

Tim & Krystal Curley, Navajo Nation and NMSD parents, set up a weaving center for students to learn and practice weaving with cardboard looms and yarn.

Cotillion Sneddy, the Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Education, captivated younger students by leading a storytelling circle. She shared a delightful book about fry bread; engaging and entertaining the children.

Zoel Ybarra, 5th grade teacher and member of the Arizona Yucca tribe, shared a magnificent feather headdress with students, answered questions, and shared books about the use of plants for food and medicine.

Vice President of the Navajo Nation, Madam Richelle Montoya, shared her journey as the first woman to hold the office.

After the festivities, students snacked on frybread, blue corn mush and chili popcorn made traditionally by NMSD native staff.

Learning centers set up around the gym allowed students to grind corn, experience the touch and feel of headdresses and costumes, and practice drumming on a large traditional drum.

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The day’s heartwarming celebration of Native American culture ended with a closing circle healing dance with over a hundred staff and students participating.

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION – HISPANIC HERITAGE DAY

THE SIGNS OF A PROUD HERITAGE

BY MONIQUE JOHNSON

As part of NMSD’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Artist-in-Residence Rolando Sigüenza and NMSD staff member Margarita Garcia presented Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) – Mexican Sign Language to our K-12 students. Students learned LSM signs for colors, animals, sports, and more! Margarita signed in ASL and Rolando signed in LSM to show the difference between the two sign languages. The students had a fantastic time learning and signing LSM.

Students in our elementary, middle school and high school departments also learned how to make salsa under the guidance of Claudia Hernandez, Nataly Fonseca, and Margarita Garcia. Everyone helped wash and chop tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapenos. They mixed these fresh ingredients into a spicy, delicious salsa perfect with tortilla chips! Everyone had a wonderful time sharing in our Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

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PERFORMING ARTS – WINTER VARIETY SHOW

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE WINTER

BY KIMM WIENS

NMSD stepped into the whirlwind of holiday festivities at this year's Winter Variety Show! Despite the temporary closure of the iconic James A. Little Theater for renovations, the spirit of celebration was alive and well as families, staff, and students cozied up in the Larson Gym's bleachers for an evening of talent and cheer. From heartwarming acts to side-splitting skits, the gym came alive with performances that heralded the arrival of the holiday season in a joyous and festive fashion.

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LITERARY ARTS – A FEAST FOR THE EYES

A FEAST FOR THE EYES FOR THE AGE

BY SCOTT VOLLMAR

This year’s Feast for the Eyes logo

Yarn / Hilo Storytelling

Michael Jordan Visual Vernacular

On April 9th, 2024, NMSD enjoyed the brilliant performers of an ensemble of ASL Masters ranging from toddlers to high school students and alumni. We also welcomed our youngest Master of Ceremonies, Aniella Wilding, and our youngest T-shirt/logo designer Aspen Mohan-Litchfield. The annual ASL Literature performance event, held at the Espie Auditorium, was livestreamed for the first time, featuring seventeen incredible performances about Deaf humor, ABC stories, storytelling, and unforgettable poetry.

We can’t wait to feast again!

Communication Joke - Deaf Humor

The Roadrunner and the Coyote - Group Narrative

This year's performers

Shopping for Takis - Group Narrative

Walking in the Cemetery ABC Story

King Kong Battle - Visual Vernacular

Zia - Poetry

Hedy Udkovich Stern History of A Feast for the Eyes 17

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

ARTISTS & ANGELS

BY CINDY ULMER-TIMLEN

The New Mexico School for the Deaf was honored to host a March visit from Deaf Latinx “Artist-in-Residence,” Rolando Sigüenza. Rolando Sigüenza was born in Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico and resides in Mexico City. Losing his hearing changed his approach to life, and he often paints angels to send messages through his work.

Rolando worked with students from toddlers through Grade 12, sharing both his talent and his warm, positive personality. Colorful works of art took shape on pieces of fabric stamped out by the younger students. The older students used linoleum printmaking to create personal works of art.

In addition to individual student projects, Rolando guided students through a series of community projects which are now displayed on campus. He engaged students of all ages to create art on form tubes and paintings of his signature hand-drawn people with animal masks.

The figures in animal masks sign “CHILE, PAH!, CHAMP, ZOZOBRA, COMMUNICATION, DREAM, ROADRUNNER” representing a blending of Deaf community values with New Mexican culture.

During Rolando's time on campus, we observed how much he enriched our students’ lives with his love for art.

One middle school student recently told me she missed Rolando and signed "cry.” We were so fortunate to welcome this unforgettable artist to NMSD. 18

STUDENT LIFE – ATHLETICS

ATHLETIC BANQUET & AWARDS

Jesse Dimas, MC, and guest speaker, Cheryl Padilla, Class of 1997

Middle School Track & Field Exceptional Athlete Award recipient Elias Curley with Coach Richie Moses

NDIAA Division II Cheerleading Team of the Year. Front row from left: Assistant Coach Adriana Martinez, Head Coach Skye Dreumont and Sirrah Wilding. Back row from left: Tamryn Smith, Serenity Adams, Alex Wilding, Madison Bunch, Julian Aranda-Sotelo, Angelique Quinonez and Kimora Vollmar.

Scott Vollmar and Letty Perez with Offensive Player of the Year Tyler Todorovic, All-Around Player Adrien Ercolino, Defensive Player of the Year Jesse Dimas and Letty Perez

Mollie Sachs with High School Roadrunner Pride Award recipients Joshua Esquibel and Aleah Hernandez

Letty Perez and Aidan Lopez, Manager of the Year Award recipient

Principal Maureen Yates with Middle School Scholar-Athlete of the Year Greyson Lobato

Principal Maureen Yates with High School Scholar-Athletes of the Year Alex Wilding and Sirrah Wilding

Varsity Girls Basketball Roadrunner Classic Champs from left: Winnifre Johle, Tamryn Smith, Serenity Adams, Aleah Hernandez, Lacey Gilpin, Angelique Quinonez, Sirrah Wilding, Head Coach Monique Johnson and Kimora Vollmar. On floor: Assistant Coach Sabrina Lozada-Cabbage

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SENIOR PROM

UNDER THE SEA

BY NATALY FONSECA-COLE & DOMINIC HARRISON

The junior class of 2025 was ecstatic to extend a special invitation to their high school, peers and to host an unforgettable underwater-themed prom at the Delta Event Center in Espanola, NM. Students reveled in an evening filled with socializing, games, and dancing. The event was a resounding success with congrats to our prom royalty for this year, seniors Adrien Ercolino and Alex Wilding!

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ROADRUNNER CELEBRATION DAY

PROMOTIONS Kindergarten to 1st Grade

5th Grade to Middle School

From left: Lucas Lujan, River Mora, Levi From left: Gabriel Garcia, Daniel Mendoza, Martinez and Avalon Lovelace Micah Gutierrez, Aspen Mohan-Litchfield and Asher Reyes

8th Grade to High School

Front row from left: Demi Padilla, Aniesa Gomez, Kane Wilding, Lacey Gilpin, Mackenzie Horner, Dean Garcia, Jesse Martinez and Elias Curley Back row from left: Joel Mejia, Arthur White, Deven Burrows, Dashoya Crowe, Nevaeh Garcia, Ulises Aranda-Sotelo, Emilia Van Gunten, Aubrianna Baca and Esteban Ruiz

HONOR AWARDS Students of the Year

Residential Students of the Year

From left: Roddy Cabbage with Lacey Gilpin, Emily Jaquez-Gonzalez and Micah Gutierrez.

From left: Dr. Herbold with Aspen Mohan-Litchfield, Elias Curley, Claire Stephens and Alex Wilding (Not pictured: Khadija Shandor)

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Alicia Waseta Award

Jesse Woosley and senior Deangelo Frank

Benavidez Family Scholarship

NMSDAA Scholarship

Christina Benavidez and senior Emily JaquezGonzalez

Alumni Richard Pearson, senior Adrien Ercolino and Alumni Roy DeHaven 21

GRADUATION

SENIOR CLASS OF 2024

Adrien Ercolino

Jocelyn “Tori” Melendez

Deangelo Frank

Jose Miranda-Sarabia

Emily Jaquez-Gonzalez

Zachary Nichols

Precious Jones

Jesus Rios-Pena

Alex Wilding

ABOUT THE SENIOR CLASS OF 2024 CLASS COLORS: Viridian & Lavender CLASS FLOWER: Fuchsia CLASS SONG: “I lived” by One Republic CLASS MOTTO: “Be weird. Be random. Be who you are because

you never know who would love the person you hide.” ~ C.S Lewis

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This year’s class speakers Adrien Ercolino and Alex Wilding

Class of 2024

Graduation speaker Diego Gonzalez, NMSD Class of 1993

ALUMNI

ALUMNI IN ACTION

BY KENNETH LITHERLAND

Many alums think of NMSD as their home away from home, and we hold our Alumni in an extraordinary place in our hearts. NMSD is where they grew up, gained an education, made life-long friends, and built happy memories. Below, Ken Litherland shares about his time as a student at NMSD and what he is currently up to.

WHAT TOWN ARE YOU FROM, AND WHAT YEAR DID YOU ENROLL AT NMSD? I was born in San Franciso as my father was in the military and stationed there. He's originally from Colorado, and my mother is from northern New Mexico. She grew up on the same ranch where we live now in Rociada, NM near Las Vegas, NM. I enrolled at NMSD in 1973 when I was 10 years old.

WHO WERE YOUR BEST FRIENDS WHILE AT SCHOOL? My best friend while at NMSD was Roy DeHaven. We built model rockets together while at NMSD and after graduating from college remained friends.

We still build PRS (power racing series -- tiny DIY electric ride-on racing machines together. We took our machine to the Maker Faires in Boulder, Colorado, San Mateo, California and Kansas City, Missouri. I was Roy’s best man at his wedding.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECTS WHILE AT NMSD? My favorite subjects were math and computer science.

IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU STAYED CONNECTED WITH NMSD? I’ve stayed connected to NMSD by serving on the Board of Regents for 2 terms. I also attend football and basketball games and attend the NMSDAA reunions.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY UP TO IN YOUR LIFE? Since graduating from NMSD, I’ve had many adventures. I climbed Mount Everest within 800 feet of the summit with famed mountaineer Vern Tejas. I summited Denali in Alaska on my 23rd birthday.

I summited Mt. Aconcagua by carrying my mountain bike up and riding it down.

I competed in the Winter Deaflympics in four alpine ski racing disciplines in six consecutive games in Italy, Norway, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden, and was chief of the alpine races for a 7th in the USA. I still train and race while helping out with the Santa Fe Ski Team along with my wife, Carol.

WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS OR STAFF MEMBERS, AND WHY? There were many that I admired but my favorite teachers were Espie Latimer and Robert Clingenpeel. Espie inspired me to work hard academically.

Although Robert Clingenpeel was my science teacher, he helped me improve my reading skills.

WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES WHILE A STUDENT AT NMSD? My fondest memory was when my football team won the homecoming game against Vaughn in 1980. It was the first time in NMSD history!

WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE FROM NMSD? I graduated in 1982.

AFTER YOU GRADUATED, WHAT COLLEGE DID YOU ATTEND, AND WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR? I attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and I majored in Mathematics and Computer Science. After receiving a BA degree, I attended a graduate program in Computer Science at the University of New Mexico (UNM). I didn’t complete the graduate program as I started a job at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) instead.

Carol and I have raised two beautiful daughters, Christina and Nicky, while living on our ranch in the mountains in Northern New Mexico and have had many great times together. We live in Las Vegas, NM while we recover from the Hermit Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. In addition to being outdoors where I ranch, hunt, camp, hike, and climb, I also enjoy woodworking and LEGO robotic programming.

I have been working at NMHU for 32 years as a Programmer/ Systems Analyst and I really love my job. I haven’t thought about retiring yet.

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS

2023 DONOR GRATITUDE REPORT GRATITUDE

GRATITUDE Thank you to all of our donors for supporting our students.

There is no limit to what they can Dream! Explore! & Achieve! with your generosity.

BRONZE ROADRUNNER ($1-$49)

Julie Nagle Carrie Nichols Orlando Obeso Kristen Ogden Devin Pacheco Molly Palmer Heather Park Letty Perez Shashonie Reins Yadira Reza Kevin Rittenhouse Velda Romero Candace Sanchez Johanna Scherling Delinda Smith Lena Stavely Stefan Vest Kimm Wiens Cheyenna Wilding Emilie Wilding Jesse Woosley Maureen Yates

Laurie Allocca Suzanne Bono Bonnie Bowers Christina Brewer Andy & Melinda Carillo Gabriela Cerda Gary Chapman Lorena Davilla-Quilles Jennifer Drouillard Kris Eaton Sara Eaves Laurie Evans Dena Fahlquist Emilee Fecht Dana Fields Leonard Flores Edwardo Galindo Emilio Garcia Rick Garcia Kris Gathings Cathrael Hackler SILVER David Holmes ROADRUNNER Joi Holsapple ($50-$99) John Hooper David & Laurie Anderson Diana Huizar Michael Baker Dean Krohn Tommie Brasel Mary & James Lambourne Joanne & Kim Corwin Kate Lee Deaf Senior Citizens of Greater ABQ Rachel Lepage Patricia Delaney Sheng Li Jen & Peter Dent Dale Loper Rosemary & Robert Gallegos Jesus Medrano Aaron Garcia Scott Mohan Adam Greenwood Megan Montoya Dr. Sheree Hall Sam Montoya Bob & Pat Herbold Daniel Moreno Jennifer Herbold Richie Moses

24

Kevin Kramer Ken & Carol Litherland Keri-Lynn McBride Patricia McBride Paul & Lu McComb Stephen Parson Ted Salazar Frankie Serrano Hilda Torres United Way of NM Scott Vollmar Karen & Sperry Wilson Zoel Ybarra

DIAMOND ROADRUNNER ($5000 AND UP) City of SF Art Division

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Backroad Pizza Benevity Community Impact Fund Bobbs Family Fred Cleveland Cowgirl Kris Eaton GOLD Rosemary & Robert Gallegos ROADRUNNER Harry's Roadhouse La Choza ($200-$999) Don Lopata Dr. Rebecca Anderson Julie Nagle Lynann & Andy Barbero NMSD Athletics Donald Bunch Paper Dosa Cap City Quota Lion’s Club Pranzo Italian Gril Francis & Denise Ercolino Claudia & Luis Quinonez Sally Evans Quota Club Cindy Huff Restoration Pizza Dr. Michael & Sheri Milone Patty Rogoff & SF Baskets Margie Propp Rustica Donna Riley Santa Fe Brewing Company Rachael & Jason Sanchez Santa Fe Company Dr. Ronald Stern & The Pantry Hedy Udkovich Stern Tomasita's Violet Crown PLATINUM Candy Walters Weck's ROADRUNNER Lisa & Terry Wilding ($1000-$4999) Alex Wilding Emily Hawkins Jewish Communal Fund Julia Hecht James Stuterman

Donations were received from January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023. Great care is given in preparing the Donor Gratitude Report. Any omissions and errors are unintentional. Corrections and/or questions should be addressed to Keri-Lynn McBride at 505-476-6399 or keri-lynn.mcbride@nmsd.k12.nm.us.

2023 - 2024 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE RETIREE

RETIREE

RETIREE

RETIREE

RETIREE

Mark Apodaca 18 years

Lori Clay 15 years

Jennifer Harrison 25 years

Manuel “Manny” Martinez 20 years

Keri-Lynn McBride 31 years

25 YEARS

Elizabeth Gordon

Jennifer Herbold

Shannon Loper

Graciela Maturin

15 YEARS

20 YEARS

Cindy Huff

Dale Loper

Sha-Shonie Reins

Jennifer Dent

Christina Miller

Sam Montoya

10 YEARS

Carla Gregory

Harold Moya

Jael Quinn

Cheyenna Wilding

Jesse Woosley

Trish Rich

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 Vol. 114 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2023-24

Published twice during the school year at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505.

Distributed to parents of students presently enrolled at NMSD and staff. POSTMASTER: Send address change to THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Staff: Editor/Keri-Lynn McBride; Associate Editors/Bay Anapol and Kimm Wiens.

Design/Hollie Fleming and Kimm Wiens.