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Volume 107 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2016-17

FAMILIES

THE HEART OF NMSD

1060 CERRILLOS ROAD, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87505

www.nmsd.k12.nm.us

NEW MEXICO'S FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL

THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS since 1909 USPS #381-500 / ISSN #0896-6478 Vol. 107 / Issue 1 / Summer/Fall 2016-17

Published twice during the school year at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. Distributed to parents of students presently enrolled at NMSD and staff. Annual subscriptions are available. If interested, contact Keri-Lynn.McBride@nmsd.k12.nm.us or 505.476.6399 (V/TTY). POSTMASTER: Send address change to THE NEW MEXICO PROGRESS, 1060 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Staff: Editor/Keri-Lynn McBride; Associate Editors/Bay Anapol & Kathy Glyer. Designed by Quario Design.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Vision

Beliefs

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

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

Mission The mission of the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD), New Mexico’s first public school, is to provide for the unique needs of children and students who are deaf/hard of hearing, their families, and professional partners by providing a comprehensive array of school and statewide programs. As a school, NMSD provides an American Sign Language and English bilingual learning environment that includes direct, ongoing access to language and communication in and out of the classroom with a wide range of peers and adults. The students are interactive learners who receive dynamic high quality standardsbased instruction in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities. As a statewide service agency, NMSD collaborates with families, school districts, agencies and communities throughout the state to meet the critical language, communication, and learning needs of children and students in New Mexico who are deaf/hard of hearing, birth through high school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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fostering strong partnerships with families through learning and social opportunities

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

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

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embracing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity

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developing competence in the use of advanced technology

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

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

February 2013 29

VOLUME 107 ISSUE 1 SUMMER/FALL 2016- 2017

FEATURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 FAMILILES - THE HEART OF NMSD

2 3 5 9 10 14 23 24 26 27 28

Superintendentâ€™s Update New Students Feature Early Intervention & Involvement Early Childhood Education - Preschools

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Main Campus Student Life Athletics Center for Educational Consultation & Training Public Relations Construction Update

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SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

DEAR NMSD COMMUNITY & FRIENDS What is “family” at NMSD? Family means so many things. First and foremost, we recognize that a student’s family surrounds them and makes them who they are. We know that families are the first and on-going teachers for their children. Parents give their children life, are awake with them in the middle of the night when they are scared or sick and will be with them throughout their lives – even when a child becomes an adult. Children learn about and develop their identities and their values interacting with their parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. I have so many memories as a child with my primos (cousins) and tios (aunts and uncles) at family events or just visiting in the evenings. I know I was and still am heavily influenced by my interaction with both my immediate and extended family. Because we know how important families are to our students’ education and overall development, this Summer-Fall edition of the NM Progress is dedicated to families. In this magazine we try to capture the many ways we strive to work together with families so that everyone including brothers, sisters, grandparents, and extended family members, have the opportunity to learn sign language, develop strategies for making home environments language accessible, and embrace and celebrate their child. This happens in so many ways. Examples are home visits in our early intervention program, ASL Classes, the Family Housing Program, newsletters, cultural events, parents and staff cheering on the volleyball team together, and IEP meetings. And we can’t forget the regular conversations and interactions between family and NMSD staff that frequently become life-long connections. Often, you will hear NMSD refer to ourselves as a “family.” We are a family that has a common mission and set of beliefs that underscores a commitment to finding the potential, for releasing talents in all the children and students that are part of NMSD. Together, our students’ home families and the family here at NMSD constitute one big family working together to cherish and celebrate each minute and day of learning and caring. Con Alma (With heart and spirit),

Rosemary J. Gallegos

“We are a family that has a common mission and set of beliefs…”

NEW STUDENTS

WELCOME TO NMSD! NEW STUDENTS

ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

From left: Jazlyn Rafael, Madalyne Weeks, Kacee Edmonds (teacher) and E. Rain Lobos.

Felipe Gonzales, Jr.

FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

Johnathan Diaz-Taffola.

LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

Isabella Kennedy. Not pictured: Naatanii Yellowhorse-Montoya.

Samuel Romero and Aubrey Kessel.

SANTA FE CAMPUS

Early Childhood & Elementary: Front row from left: Brenna Gonzalez, Isla Anderson, Liam Mohan-Litchfield and Emmanuel Fuentes. Back row from left: Alex Wilding, Roman Cope, Joel Mejia, Robert “RJ” Armenta, Mark Nelson and Mateo Perez. Not Pictured: Aubrianna Baca, Devon Burrows, Tahliah Joe, Demi Padilla, Aniella Wilding, Kane Wilding.

Middle & High School: From left: Katelyn Sorenson, Jeremy Baldonado, Charity Baca, Zachery Reed, Victoria Baca and Justin Bryant. Not pictured: Daniel Guerra, Jaylynn Moreno and Adam Rylee.

NEW STAFF

WELCOME TO NMSD! NEW STAFF

Sitting from left: Teri Jaquez, Courtney Gunville, Lorenzo Martinez, Carmen Armenta, Sherry Mohan, Misty “Skye” Dreumont, Stephanie Armijo-Anderson, Sterling Crespin, Elisa Delgado, Monica Harms, Jesus Medrano. Standing from left: Stephen Trujillo, Marisa Soboleski, Brianne Catron, Efrain Rodriguez, Candelario Gonzales, Raj Chaudhary, Clemmens Zefferer, David Anderson, Judy Catron, Roderick Stickley, Jordon Ramser, Virginia Keeler.

Laurie Alloca

Tony Dahl

Laurie Anderson

Heather Costner

Na Ling

Clint Woosley

FEATURE

FAMILIES - THE HEART OF NMSD BY KERI-LYNN McBRIDE NMSD’s Educational, Residential and Statewide Services value and cherish families as the primary influence in their child's life. The reciprocal partnership between NMSD’s staff and service providers and a child's family is a critical element of our programs. NMSD provides comprehensive statewide programs, services and environments in which families and professionals work together to achieve shared goals for its infants, toddlers and students. NMSD’S PROGRAMS & SERVICES NMSD’s Early Intervention and Involvement Department (EIID) include the Parent Infant Child (PIC) and the Deaf Mentor Programs. Both are state-wide, homebased, family centered programs for parents and their infants and young children, birth through 6 years of age. EIID’s professional teams works with families to build a rich, natural language and communication environment. This is critical to realizing their child’s potential and becoming a full member of their family and community. Staff also supports families in developing the strategies, services, and technologies best matching their child’s development and family culture and routines. NMSD’s main campus is in Santa Fe and provides comprehensive services for children and youth 18 months – 21 years of age. 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. Students are interactive learners who receive dynamic high quality standards-based instruction in a variety of curricular and extracurricular activities. NMSD's site-based preschools and kindergartens, located in Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces and Santa Fe, are places where children experience a fully accessible and stimulating language and communication learning environment that fosters the development of their full potential - cognitively, socially, linguistically, and emotionally. As they play, grow, and learn, all children are supported and embraced for their unique characteristics and home languages. NMSD’s residential program, Student Life, supports the development of each student’s full potential in a home-like, nurturing environment. As a partner in each student’s education and growth at school, the Top: The Toledo Family - Hattie, Cedric and Everette. 2nd from top: As part of the PIC program, mom Kimberly has learned how to read books in ASL to her daughter Kendall. 3rd from top: Students and their parents are an important part of IEP meetings. Bottom: Dean Garcia and his mom, Erlinda, get ready to enjoy some tea at the Santa Fe Preschool’s Mother’s Day Tea Party.

FEATURE program provides both residential and day students with quality ongoing access to communication, language, literacy, and after school programs such as tutoring, athletics, multi-cultural activities and more. Families are always welcome and widely attend extracurricular activities and events such as “Feast for the Eyes,” athletics, and theater productions. These opportunities to socialize together foster strong family to family networking. NMSD’s Center for Educational Consultation and Training (CECT), and Educational Consultants (ECs), work collaboratively with families, schools, and agencies to provide individualized consultation designed to meet the unique learning, communication, and language needs of deaf or hard of hearing children and youth being educated in local school districts and communities. ECs attend IEP meetings, facilitate discussions related to communication considerations, social-emotional and literacy development, demonstrate lessons, and provide Part C to Part B and post-secondary transition support. CECT also provides access to a variety of classes, workshops, and training opportunities for both families and educators throughout the state. The following are but some of the many ways that NMSD and families work together for children:

• NMSD’s Family Support Specialist serves as a liaison

between the school and families of students who attend NMSD. Some of the primary responsibilities include making families feel welcome and included at NMSD and facilitating communication between the school’s programs/staff and the families. The Family Support Specialist also facilitates tours, supports the enrollment process for potential families and students, coordinates the New Family Orientation each fall and is responsible for parents’ monthly Roadrunner Newsletter and NMSD’s Digital News to keep families informed.

• Family Housing Program allows families of young

deaf and hard of hearing children to live on campus so their child can attend NMSD’s Toddler and Preschool programs. Family members learn ASL, attend classes, trainings and meetings, and volunteer within their child’s classroom and campus departments. They are responsible for planning and implementing activities such as the Early Childhood’s Spring Carnival. The Family Support Specialist is their primary contact person.

• NMSD’s Four Preschools host Fall & Spring Family

Gatherings, Friday Family Fun Days, Friday Play Groups, field trips, Thanksgiving Dinners, Mother’s Day Tea Parties, carnivals, and end-of-year festivals.

Top: Erminia Tapia, Juan F. Tapia III and son Juan F. Tapia IV, share how appreciative they are of the critical services their family receives from NMSD’s Parent-Infant-Child and Deaf Mentor Programs, with U.S. Senator Tom Udall. 2nd from top: Dan Timlen, NMSD’s Family Support Specialist, welcoming families to last August’s New Family Registration. 3rd from top: Educational Consultant, Priscilla Gutierrez, interacting with members of the Schneider family at the Fall Family gathering in Farmington. Bottom: Anthony Medina and his mom, Teresa enjoy learning about hot air balloons during an ABQ Preschool field trip to the Balloon Fiesta.

FEATURE • Family Workshops are offered on campus,

at our preschools and statewide to support families. These workshops provide information on language and communication, family dynamics, maximizing a child’s learning potential, educational programming and considerations for the future. Topics include: “How to read with your deaf/hard of hearing child,” “How to understand your child’s IEP,” “Developing Quality Transition Plans,” and “Family Math Night.”

• American Sign Language (ASL) training is

offered to families and school programs to increase access to communication. They’re offered in the form of interactive, challenging, and fun ASL classes, ASL Immersion, and rural instruction via its ASL Service Corps Program. ASL Immersion is a concentrated program in ASL allowing participants to understand how it feels to depend on one’s eyes rather than one’s ears to communicate and interact with the world. The ASL Service Corps Program provides ASL Tutors to teach ASL to families and school programs in communities where deaf children live.

• Family to Family Events are packed with family-

relevant workshops and ASL learning activities for children and family members. Families of deaf and hard of hearing children mingle and learn in an informal environment, learning from energetic instructors. Workshop topics are chosen to address family-specific communication. While adults attend workshops, deaf and hearing children have a chance to play and learn together in a comfortable environment. Families also benefit from sharing their own stories with each other!

• Connect Weekend gives an opportunity for deaf

and hard of hearing middle and high school students from all over the state to come together for learning, fun, and connection. Students get new insight on academic content, the power of peer learning, and the leadership of deaf adults and self-awareness.

• CASA Deaf Education Conference is for families,

educators, support personnel, early interventionists, K-12 interpreters, and community members involved in the education of children and/or students who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind. Pertinent and current information in the field of deaf education is geared to the specific needs of New Mexico. The gatherings provide social and professional interactions to both longtime members of the field and those entering the conversation for the first time.

Top: Felita Natani and her sons at the NMSD Farmington Preschool’s Fall Gathering. Antarious, in blue is a student at the preschool. 2nd from top: ASL Immersion Family Class where Dee Anaya supports mom, Jennifer, who’s learning how to read books in ASL to her child Roman. 3rd from top: Family members bravely riding the zip line during Family to Family Weekend! Bottom: A team building activity during a Connect Weekend for students and their siblings.

FEATURE • New Mexico Deaf & Hard of Hearing Career Expo, a

partnership between NMSD’s Transition Department and CECT, is an event for middle and high school deaf and hard of hearing students, families, and professionals. Experts in the field of post-secondary transition, local employers, and employment agencies provide information and workshops at this event to support the planning and preparation for life after high school.

• The Resources & Lending Library houses and

maintains an extensive catalogue of books, DVD’s, CDs, and other items in its lending library, on a variety of topics such as American Sign Language (ASL), cochlear implants, integrated education, parenting a deaf child, and interpreting practice. The online and on-site library resources are available to family members of deaf or hard of hearing children, educators, and related service providers as well.

• Interpretation and Translation services are provided

for families who speak, read, and write in languages other than English for meetings such as IEPs, and documents such as letters, report cards, IEPs, Roadrunner Newsletter, and NM Progress Magazine.

NMSD is also most fortunate that families collaborate to support NMSD’s programs by volunteering! They participate in planning and implementing activities and events such as our Early Childhood Spring Carnival and Friday Play Groups, chaperone during field trips, serve on Art in Public Places and accreditation committees, collect entry fees at athletic games and events, assist with multicultural events such as Native Feast Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Mexican Independent Day’s Folklorica performance, cook family recipes during Student Life Cultural Dinner Nights, and much more. NMSD’s comprehensive array of programs, services, educational and social activities give families a priceless opportunity to engage with their child’s learning and growing. Families are at the heart of NMSD, and we look forward to the continuation and strengthening of this essential relationship.

Top: Students, staff and family members checking out the various display booths at the Career Expo. 2nd from top: Athletic Banquet “Family Volunteers of the Year” recipients (from left) Olga Nunez, Elisa Luna, Kim Hand and Gary Hand. 3rd from top: Might Pinto, a dad from the Family Housing Project, runs the fishing game during last spring’s Early Childhood Carnival. Bottom right: Jayden and his mama during a home visit with one of NMSD’s Early Developmentalists. Bottom left: The Butler Family had a wonderful time on a field trip to the pumpkin patch with the Las Cruces Preschool.

EARLY INTERVENTION & INVOLVEMENT DEPARTMENT

HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY, EIID! BY JOANNE CORWIN, DIRECTOR, EIID The New Mexico School for the Deaf’s Early Intervention and Involvement Department is the oldest, continuously operating early intervention program in the state of New Mexico. In fact, it was one of the first early intervention programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families in the country! NMSD started the statewide early intervention program in the fall of 1981, long before early intervention was entitled under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our early intervention program grew from serving just seven families to nearly 300 families annually. Formerly housed under the STEP*HI or Step*Hi Program name, the program has grown to incorporate two sister programs under the EII Department. They are the nationally recognized Parent Infant Child Program (PIC) and the Deaf Mentor Program (DMP). These programs serve families whose children are deaf or hard of hearing, birth through age 6. Happy 35th birthday, EIID - and many, many more!

Top: Leah, Jason and Jennifer, one of the many families served by NMSD’s Parent Infant Child and Deaf Mentor Programs. Middle: Fiona signing “mom” while her dad and Early Developmentalist, Bettie Petersen watch on. Bottom: Lorraine Crespin, PIC Regional Supervisor, signs a song trying to elicit an anticipatory response from Jayden and his twin brother Jordon watches.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

PROUDLY SERVING PRESCHOOLERS BY SALLY ANDERSON Last spring marked the Albuquerque Preschool’s 50th year in operation, and our 20th year in the current facility at Hermosa Drive! We celebrated this momentous occasion by hosting a large party, inviting all past preschool graduates, current preschool students and their families, prior preschool staff and dignitaries, as well as current state leaders and NMSD administrators and staff. The special event was held on May 19th, beginning with a welcome by Superintendent Rosemary Gallegos and Principal Scott Mohan. Former Principal Elaine Wirth shared fond memories of the old preschool site, known as the Red School, and the newly built site at Hermosa Drive. Former students BoMee Corwin Rittenhouse and Jayden Vascher also shared their recollections about their time at our ABQ Preschool. After memories were shared, preschool students were invited to the stage to blow bubbles to commemorate NMSD’s 50 years of providing services to families in the Albuquerque area. Then everyone entered the preschool to look at photo albums, scrapbooks, and a display of photos from days gone by - including our Hermosa Drive’s grand-opening in 1995. Visitors also had the chance to tour classrooms. Then the real party began! Every year, we host a “Kids Festival” complete with games, activities, jumpy castles, and delicious treats. We decided to combine these two events to make our 20/50th birthday celebration even more festive. Current and past students young and old had the opportunity to chat, catch up, share heartfelt memories and most of all, have fun together. Here’s to many more years for the NMSD Albuquerque Preschool!

Top right: Elaine Wirth, former principal of the ABQ Preschool, shares memories as principal Scott Mohan looks on. 2nd from top: BoMee Corwin Rittenhouse shows a sweatshirt she wore when she attended the ABQ Preschool many years ago! 3rd from top: NMSD Students celebrate with bubbles! Bottom right: Lisa Rutland, our NMSD Roadrunner mascot, staff, students, alumni, parents, and many visitors celebrate our 20/50 celebration! Bottom left: Greyson Lobato enjoys some cotton candy.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

FALLING IN WITH FAMILIES BY MARY HELEN PEREZ Parents are a childâ€™s first teacher. This is why working with parents and inviting families into the classroom is so important. One example might be sleep routine trouble. When parents expressed this as a problem, we developed a visual schedule for home, and a personalized story for the student to emphasize the importance of sleep. We also role-played at school during circle time to develop language to describe and understand the situation. Our Reggio Emilia designed classroom is meant to mirror the inviting feeling of home - complete with plants, throw rugs, and soft pillows. Families are welcome and celebrated, as witnessed by the many pictures and collages on the walls. Families are also always invited to our field trips. We have a tradition of visiting the Sutherland Farms Pumpkin Patch every fall to celebrate the beauty of the changing seasons. This year Tabitha Kennedy, mother of Isabella, and Jeanelle Bennett, mother of Willie (Junior), joined us as the children picked their own pumpkins, played in the huge corn pit, rode the barrel train, went on a hayride, and shared popcorn and lemonade. The field trip was great fun for all! Our classroom enjoys cultivating our own food, and we are growing a salad in our tower garden. The children planted the seeds, and have been tracking the growth in our tower garden journal. Many goals in literacy and numeracy are being met this way. We held a studentled, school wide lettuce taste test. Our class gave out samples, and then asked their friends and staff to cast their vote on a poster board. An overwhelming majority liked the salad. Weâ€™ve used the lettuce to enhance the school lunch salad of iceberg lettuce, and fresh basil from the tower to brighten the flavors in pizza and pasta dishes. Delicious! The crop of cherry tomatoes from our raised bed were a hit during recess, and the children quickly learned that red tomatoes are better than green!

Top right: Antarious Natoni, Isabella Kennedy, and Willie, Jr. Lopez in the barrel train at the pumpkin patch. Middle right: Lexy Brady cleans our tower garden. Bottom right: Our outdoor garden is thriving. Bottom left: Our class and parents at the Pumpkin Patch. (Front row from left: students Antarious Natoni, Willie Jr, Lopez, Lexy Brady, Isabella Kennedy, and Logan Lovato-Benally. Back row from left: 11 Dawn Ward - Educational Assistant, Jeanelle Bennett - mom; Cheryl Ward - Lunch Assistant; Mary Helen Perez - teacher; Tabitha Kennedy with baby Samantha.)

EARLY CHILDHOOD - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

MONKEY BUSINESS BY KIM BOYKIN The Las Cruces Preschool recently finished a study of monkeys - and it led to a lot of monkey business! Our students enjoyed both “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” and “Five Little Monkeys Swinging in the Tree!” They especially liked pretending to jump on the bed and pretending to be alligators! They also made excellent monkeys! We learned about Curious George, and discussed whether real monkeys live with a man in a yellow hat, can call firefighters, or fly away on balloons. It was fun to see how much mischief one little monkey can cause! We also learned what monkeys eat and where they live - including in zoos. We continued “monkeying around” by completing various cooking and art projects. We mashed ripe bananas to make banana muffins, and it was fun trying to smash them into softer, smaller pieces. We love to bake, so mixing in flour, salt, and other ingredients always makes for a fun day! We also deviated a bit from healthier options to make a frozen banana treat! We peeled and cut bananas, and froze them on sticks. Once frozen, we rolled them in melted chocolate chips. What a delicious mess! All in all, we had a blast! We learned a lot about primates, and enjoyed going a little crazy while we did!

Top right: Samuel Romero enjoys a frozen banana treat! Middle right: Arlene Galindo makes a perfect monkey. Bottom right: Shepard Butler and Ethan Azure work on smashing bananas for banana muffins. Left: Ethan Azure practices hangs from play equipment like a monkey!

EARLY CHILDHOOD - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

SAFETY FIRST! BY KRIS EATON This year, NMSD Kindergarten students learned our new school motto to develop safety awareness on campus Safety First! - as soon as school began. Our rules about Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, and School Evacuation Drill, were reviewed and discussed as a class. We practiced each drills as though it was really happening. As a result, students became more aware and comfortable with safety rules and procedures. Finally, they worked together on a presentation about what they had learned. The class was divided into three drill topic groups, with each group creating a powerpoint presentation with the help of a teacher We invited Harold Moya, NMSD’s safety staff member, to view our presentations for feedback. Then we were ready to present to the other ECE classes. The students chose costumes to represent different emergency workers. It’s safe to say that we now consider “Safety First!”

Top right: Tavian Polonski shows the sign for fire fighter to his classmates. Middle right: Tavian Plonski, Greyson Lobato, & Hunnah Siv Catron in their Safety First costumes. Bottom right: Mateo Perez, Lorena Gutierrez and Tavian Plonski present to Emma and Sha’s class on Fire Drill safety. Top left: Neeva Goff presents her PowerPoint on school evacuations. Bottom left: Greyson Lobato presents his PowerPoint presentation on lockdown to Harold Moya.

ELEMENTARY

WASTE NOT BY KIM BURKHOLDER In April of 2016, NMSD launched a composting program to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill. The NMSD Sustainability Committee worked closely with the cafeteria staff and Santa Fe’s ReUnity Resources to get the program up and running. Our students sort their own trash and food waste after each meal, and the cafeteria staff takes the compostable material to large bins. ReUnity Resources picks up those bins and makes compost that is used to grow new food. We plan to use some of the compost in NMSD’s orchard soon! We have kept many pounds of food waste out of the landfill, and our students have learned about composting and caring for the earth! My students wrote the following: 1ST GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS: How does NMSD compost in the dining hall? First we put our food in the gray bins. We put our milk or water in a white bucket. We put plastic cups and milk cartons in the trash. We put our plates, spoons, and forks in a gray bin. We put our trays on the rack. 2ND GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS Composting is recycling food waste. We compost because it is good for the earth. If we throw food waste in the trash, that is bad for the earth. Food waste becomes soil. In the compost at school, we put stuff in like food, paper, plants, and seeds. At home you can compost food too, but no cheese or meat. You mix food waste with paper, leaves, and other things. Bugs help eat the food and break it down. It becomes soil. Composting helps plants grow better so we can have healthier food to eat.

Top right: Sybella Radven has scraped the food waste off her plate and is putting it in the bin. Right 2nd from top: Aubrianna Baca emptying her water into the white bucket. Right 3rd from top: Arthur White puts his dirty forks in the right bin. Bottom left: Ulises ArandaSotelo puts his empty tray on the rack. Bottom middle: Kane Wilding puts his food waste into the gray bin. Bottom right: Huda Ali pouring the milk she didn’t drink into the white bucket.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HANDS ON! BY DENNIS CATRON This past fall, middle school students went to work constructing toolboxes from recycled pallets. They developed numerous skills such as measuring, cutting, assembling, gluing, nailing and sanding pieces of wood together with the end result – a toolbox! After the toolboxes were completed, students then gathered and filled them with tools to make bird houses. Woodworking projects promote the use of everything from math to muscles, and students feel a great feeling of accomplishment using their hands! Jill Tiedemann leading a discussion with students about how best to manage their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed.

PILOTING THROUGH THE TEENAGE YEARS BY NATHAN HARRISON Our 7th and 8th grade classes this year are piloting a new program: the DBT Workshop. DBT stands for “Dialectic Behavioral Therapy,” and it is a set of skills teaching students how to regulate emotions and deal with overwhelming situations. We invited a highly skilled therapist, Jill Tiedemann, to come to NMSD to work with our pilot group. She is focusing on mindfulness skills, distress tolerance skills, emotion regulation skills, Interpersonal effectiveness skills, and walking the middle path skills to reduce conflicts. Teenage years are full of stress and overwhelming situations, and DBT can help NMSD’s Deaf and Hard-of-hearing students learn how to positively deal with their growing sensibilities. We hope this pilot program provides the school with feedback on how to best use and perhaps expand this program for other students in the future. Jill Tiedemann leading a discussion with students about how best to manage their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed. Top left: Zachary Nichols levels out his board with a hand plane. Top middle: Jade Cruz uses a Try Square to make a straight line. Top right: Sierra Cisneros uses a hand drill to make some holes. Bottom right: Jill Tiedemann leading a discussion with students about how best to manage their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed.

HIGH SCHOOL

POWER TRIPPING! BY ELIZABETH FRY On September 21st, our High School New Mexico History class went on a field trip to the Bradbury Science Museum in Los Alamos. We were there to learn more about the history of Los Alamos and how it came to be where scientists built the first atomic bomb. Students also learned that people that lived in Los Alamos were impacted in many ways and found it surprising to discover that this was a top secret mission and that it made it possible to end World War II. While at the museum, we also learned about the many important people who were involved in this mission. They included: Albert Einstein, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Robert J. Oppenheimer, who led the Manhattan Project. It was an informative field trip and students left with a better understanding of the central role the community of Los Alamos played in history.

Top right: From left: Mya Malone, Lindsay Hand, Samuel Boyd, Jacob Lopez, Jacob Stevens, Rhiannon Reynolds and Ty Tahe at the Los Alamos Security Gate - where everyone had to show an ID or PASS to enter. Middle right: Lindsay Hand and Samuel Boyd talking about the atomic bomb after checking out the “Atomic Age” display at the museum. Left: Jacob Stevens and Elizabeth Fry discuss how the lives of Los Alamos residence were affected by being kept in the dark about the atomic bomb while Rhiannon Reynolds reads about residents’ experience and how they felt when they learned about the atomic bomb being created and tested in their community. Bottom: From left: Jacob Stevens, Jacob Lopez and Lindsay Hand take pictures of artifacts from WW II and the Manhattan Project housed at the Bradbury Science Museum.

COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

MAPPING THINGS OUT! BY SUZANNE BONO Our High School CBI classes are taking a different route to learn mapping skills! We used Google to find aerial maps for the inside of stores such as Walmart, Smiths, and Albertsons. Students can then search each map to find out where different items are located within the store. Students made flashcards with pictures, words and ASL signs to bring with them for our store visits. Using the store maps and the flash cards helped students identify the location of the items they were seeking. Some students, in addition to using the techniques described above, also brought word worksheets to assist them during their shopping trip. These mapping activities are used to help students understand and conceptualize that all store interiors are different, and that departments and items they want are not located in the same place in every store. Visiting stores has not only expanded student mapping skills, but also has made a big difference in promoting timely and productive shopping excursions.Â

Top right: Antonio Lopez-Zavala makes a list of items and prices at the store. Bottom right: Pamela Kayonnie and Angel Cabrera look for an item that their teacher, Suzanne Bono, has asked them to find. Top left: Angel Cabrera uses his flashcard showing a laptop computer to locate the electronic department on the aerial map of Walmart. Bottom left: Mariah Martinez uses her flash cards in the shoe department.

HARVEST DAY

ABUNDANT HARVEST! BY KIM BURKHOLDERâ€™S 2ND GRADE CLASS On September 23, we held our annual Harvest Day celebration. Although the fruit trees in the orchard grew lots of fruit, rain made the orchard too muddy to hold the event. Instead, our High School students picked apples and pears and brought them to the Student Life Courtyard, where we enjoyed an animal scavenger hunt, games, a story, and ASL poetry. We also made delicious apple cider by pressing red and green apples.Â YUM!

Top right: From left: Ryleigh Robinson, Amado Corral, Kane Wilding and Lacey Gilpin washing apples before they are put into the cider press. Middle right: Johnathan Ludwigs signs a poem he spontaneously created about apples. Bottom right: From left: Cedric Toledo, Eloy Garcia and Pamela Kayonnie press apples into cider as Nathan Harrison and Jimmy Litchfield supervise their efforts. Top left: Sybella Radven gets ready to throw an apple during the apple toss game. Middle left: From left: Emma Lozada shows a worm to Angel Sanchez, 18 Isla Anderson, and Aspen Mohan-Litchfield during the animal scavenger hunt activity. Bottom left: From left: Stacy Vargas, Jesus RiosPena and Keanu Yazzie try to get their apples to stay on top of each other during the apple stacking contest.

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY BY CLAUDIA MANSILLA The New Mexico School for the Deaf student population represents a rich and varied mix of cultures and ethnicities. One of our largest groups of students are of Mexican heritage. On September 21st NMSD honored Mexico Independence Day with a special celebration! Four of our students—two from the elementary school and two from high school—gave up their time to practice diligently with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet in order to perform for the entire NMSD community. The evening began with Antonia Martinez and Jaqueline Sanchez giving a presentation about the history of Mexico’s independence from Spain. This information gave our community a better understanding of our students’ roots. Afterwards, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet - together with our students - performed a beautiful presentation of Mexican folk dances. Finally, our alumna Corina Gutierrez, president of the NMSD Alumni Association, co-presented with Jaqueline about discovering their Mexican and Deaf identities. Afterwards, they invited us to a mini fiesta, where students enjoyed piñatas, music, delicious desserts, and time with family and friends. Throughout this event, our Mexican and Mexican-American students were able to reconnect with an important part of their culture. They were proud to share this with their peers, teachers, and staff. Most importantly, they developed a deeper desire to learn more about their unique culture!

Top right: Corina Gutierrez, President of NMSDAA, and Jaqueline Sanchez, NMSD senior, kick-off the Fiesta at the Roadrunner Activity Center. Right, 2nd from top: NMSD students, Julian Aranda-Sotelo and Angelique Quiñonez (front row) and Antonia Maria Martinez and Jaqueline Sanchez (back row) dancing to their interpretation of “La Bamba,” a Mexican folk song. Right, 3rd from top: Alexander Manzaneres, dance instructor, and Efrain Rodriguez, trilingual staff interpreter, during Alexander’s presentation about the variety of regional folklórico dances in Mexico. Bottom: Members of the Folklórico dance troupe from Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and NMSD students (from left) 19 Jaqueline Sanchez, Antonia Maria Martinez, Angelique Quiñonez and Julian Aranda-Sotelo.

SITE SANTA FE

MOEIBUS PATH BY SHIRA GRABELSKY AND LAURIE ANDERSON SITE Santa Fe, a local museum, recently reached out to NMSD to collaborate on a student project. The collaboration was a part of SITE Santa Fe’s “much wider than a line” Biennial installation, and is the brainchild of Francisca Benitez - a Chilean artist with a focus on building communities. Moebius Path was a unique effort to build connections between different aspects of the Santa Fe community – students, teachers, and SITE Santa Fe community members. Students shared NMSD’s history via the Kenneth Brasel Centennial Museum, identifying the specific component in the museum that inspired them to create their own creative works. The sharing of Moebius Path took place on Friday, September 30th at both NMSD and SITE Santa Fe. Community members met at SITE Santa Fe and then traveled through the railyard to NMSD’s Museum, where they went from student to student to view their creative flair and inspiration. The process resulted in a beautiful display of compositions. Their form and medium ranged from clay structures to dance, from ASL Poetry to written English essays, and from written English poems to biographical narratives. Many Elementary and High School students were there to perform live, and many others, who were not able to be present, shared their art through videos displayed on laptops throughout the Museum. Since the process centered around helping students to think artistically and to take on the vision of composing thought-provoking works, we also made a field trip to Site Santa Fe followed by a visit to the Kenneth Brasel Centennial Museum. Our museum visits, paired with meetings and work sessions with their teachers, made the process of developing the students’ poems, stories, and essays an enjoyable and enriching experience. Students had the opportunity to think about and develop the messages they wanted to share with people outside of the NMSD community to help others understand and develop an appreciation for Deaf culture, the New Mexico School for the Deaf and specific historical events and themes connected to the deaf school, as well as the language of ASL. Seeing the students’ ideas evolve from small seeds of thought to inspiring messages appreciated by different audience members was most rewarding!

Top: Jeremy Baldonado sketches the listening devices display at the Dr. Kenneth Brasel Centennial Museum. 2nd from top: Jocelyn (Jovi) Melendez commenting on one of the installations at SITE Santa Fe’s “much wider than a line” exhibit. 3rd from top: Lindsay Hand using A-Z and Z- A handshapes to tell the history of NMSD being established in 1885 as well as our recent renovations. Bottom: Phenix Hastings stating that she and the Community cherishes Lars M. Larson, NMSD’s Founding Father and first Superintendent.

SITE SANTA FE After the tour of the Museum, everyone returned to SITE Santa Fe for a night of ASL Poetry and Storytelling by Douglas Ridloff who hosted Santa Fe’s first ASL Slam event. Douglas, an artist and an educator from New York City, presented a dynamic performance interweaving audience participation with original ASL works and incorporating items from “much wider than a line” at SITE Santa Fe. The energy in the room and the audience’s wide-eyed attention proved that the thrill of creating and performing ASL literature in the Deaf community will never die. As SITE Santa Fe’s lights were shut off at the end of the night, it was clear that this busy and successful month of preparing for Moebius Path is now part of NMSD’s proud history.

Top right: Douglas Ridloff talks about the importance of facial expressions while standing in front of a huge wall of faces that embody many different emotions through their facial expressions. Right 2nd from top: Maria Antonia Martinez is showing how she signs “loyal as a dog” while Mya Malone and Douglas Ridloff look on. Right 3rd from top: Everyone gets in on the action of becoming a tree, growing tall and strong. Top left: Number story “Flower--Vertigo”. From left: Shira Grabelsky, Francisca Benitez, Douglas Ridloff, Scott Vollmar and 21 Dustin Hand. Bottom: Group Shot - Douglas Ridloff, students, staff, family and community members at the end of the amazing evening.

TRANSITION

NMSD IS ON THE JOB! BY JESSE WOOSLEY In our nation’s labor market, the fastestgrowing occupational fields require high levels of math, science, and technology skills. Following the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability’s (www.nwcd-youth. info) guidepost “career preparation and work-based learning experiences,” the Job Preparation Program at NMSD uses PaxtonPatterson’s Learning Systems (http://www. paxtonpatterson.com/) in our Career Lab and Industrial Arts classes. These provide students with hands-on project based instruction to prepare for careers. Some of the topics students have studied this year include: Electricity and Electronics, Facilities and Maintenance Planning, Caregiving, Computer Graphics and Animation, and the Building Skills Program. The Paxton Patterson curriculum is designed to teach students how to engage problems with critical thinking, to develop planning skills to complete projects, and to practice careerrelated math and vocabulary with real-world technology. Everyone is invited to visit our Job Preparation Program and Industrial Arts classrooms in Connor Hall to experience some of our students’ lab modules and projects. On March 9th, our Career Expo will be hosted in Albuquerque. The theme will focus on technology to break down barriers, as well as technology for STEM careers. We are also excited about partnering with New Mexico Technology Assistance Program for our Career Expo! Finally, we’d like to recognize some of the community employers and organizations who provide our students in the Job Preparation Program with valuable work experience, training, and service learning opportunities. These hands-on learning opportunities are invaluable experiences. A giant thank you to: Victoria and Sebastian Rivera at Chocolate En La Plaza; Christy Downs at The Railyard Park Conservancy in Santa Fe; The Santa Fe Animal Shelter; and The Food Depot.

Top right: Antonio Lopez and Vicente Garcia Spillman work together to assemble plumbing pieces as part of project based instruction. Bottom right: Eloy Garcia and Cedric Toledo work on a “wiring electrical lights” project using the Paxton Patterson program. Bottom left: Pamela Kayonnie, Cedric Toledo, and Angel Cabrera hard at work at the Food Depot.

WRAPPED IN LOVE

STUDENT LIFE

BY KERI-LYNN McBRIDE On Wednesday, September 7, the Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild (NNMQG) shared 96 colorful quilts with the New Mexico School for the Deaf’s (NMSD) students who live in the residential cottages during the week. Students had the opportunity to choose their own quilts and, upon graduation, will take their quilts home as a personal gift from the guild. When NMSD approached NNMQG with a request for the quilts, members sewed up the challenge of producing dozens of twin-sized quilts in a matter of months. Milly Young, chair of the guild’s community service committee, organized efforts, including a special “sew-in” day to kick-off the project. By early August, the quilts were completed. Valued at $250 each, the quilts represent a $24,000 in-kind donation to the school. “There are few things in our lives that warm our hearts and make us feel secure,” noted Dr. Rosemary J. Gallegos, the school’s superintendent. “One of those things is a special quilt. NMSD thanks the Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild for these special quilts that will be long cherished by each of our students and make their bedrooms at NMSD a wonderful place to live, rest, and dream.” The smiles on students’ faces says it all – the quilts have clearly added beauty and color to their bedrooms and lives. Roddy Cabbage, Director of Student Affairs, shared “The handmade quilts not only keep our students warm, they provide comfort and beautify their rooms. Northern New Mexico Quilt Guild - You’re the best!” David Anderson, Supervisor of Student Life, agreed with Roddy and went on to say, “Students are still talking about their quilts and as I made rounds, I noticed students were putting their new quilts on their beds. The quilts transformed their rooms into more colorful and cozy spaces. Again, thank you members of the Quilt Guild for all you have done for our students and school. It is an experience that will remain in our hearts forevermore!”

Top right: Just a few of the amazing members of the Quilt Guild that came to NMSD to present students with their beautiful quilts! 2nd from top: The smiles on Angelica Baldonado, Jaylynn Moreno and Mya Malone’s faces say it all!! 3rd from top: Rochelle Garcia thanking Quilt Guild member Rosie Mott for the quilt she made! Bottom right: Pamela Kayonnie, Vicente Garcia Spillman and Keanu Yazzie LOVE their colorful quilts! Left: Students clearly are thrilled with their new quilts. (Front row from left: Ricardo Salmon-Medina, LJ Hernandez, Katelyn Sorenson, Mariah Martinez, Angel Cabrera. Back row from left: Quilt Guild member Fran Holden, Waylon Lopez and 23 Superintendent Rosemary Gallegos.)

ATHLETICS

FALL SEASON VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

From left: Antonia “Maria” Martinez, Andrea Leyba, Lindsay Hand, Mya Malone, Kimberly Sanchez, Janell Miller, Jaylynn Moreno, Jaqueline Sanchez and Victoria Baca.

Standing from left: Bria Vigil, Coach Briean Burton and Stacy Vargas. Kneeling: Angelica Baldonado.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM

Front row from left: Bruce Brewer, Jr., Angelica Baldonado and Keanu Yazzie. Back row from left: Victoria Baca, Bria Vigil and Stacy Vargas.

U6 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Tavian Polinski & Hunnah Siv.

ATHLETICS

FALL SEASON U7 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Mateo Perez, Greyson Lobato and Neeva Goff.

U10 BOYS ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Jesse Crespin.

U10 GIRLS ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Kimora Vollmar, Angelique QuiÃ±onez and Soniya Vigil.

U12 ELEMENTARY SOCCER

Adrien Ercolino.

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION & TRAINING

IN THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE BY MARIA KLEIN AND DEAN KROHN NMSD’s ASL Service Corps’ (ASC) statewide program provides sign language instruction for families and educational teams in rural regions. The program has three new ASL Tutors this year - based in Gallup, Roswell, and Carlsbad. Their role is to increase communication access between deaf children and their parents, school staff, and peers. In August, ASL Tutors began their work with training at NMSD to build ASL teaching skills, increased awareness of NM culture, family systems, and school programs. As a team bonding activity, we held a hugely successful community service day. The group decided to plan a service activity each time they gathered for a training or meeting. On Monday, August 15th, CECT Educational Consultants, ASC Coordinators and ASL Tutors assisted the Santa Fe Community Farm in pulling weeds, harvesting green chili peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Another highlight was feeding goats! Everyone felt inspired by our work helping to end hunger in Santa Fe. We met for our second service day on Saturday, October 1st, at the Horse Shelter, helping with mucking, brushing, and walking the horses. We met two adorable three-month-old foals, and it was great fun petting them! ASL Service Corps will continue to show the spirit of service in our daily work, as well as providing community service whenever we have the opportunity.

Top right: The CECT team at the Community Farm. (Sitting: Taiya Getman. Kneeling from left: Priscilla Gutierrez, Jordan Ramser and Dean Krohn. Standing from left: Judy Catron, Donna Clark, Cindy Huff, Joanne DeBee, Misty Sky Dreumont, Maria Klein and Leah Gregg. Right 2nd from top: Dean Krohn transports peppers! Right 3rd from top: CECT Director Cindy Huff spreads a little peace! Bottom right: CECT Team members groom horses. Top left: Taiya Getman and Maria Klein give some love to one of the horses! Bottom left: From left: Misty Sky Dreumont, Maria Klein, Jordan Rasmer and Taiya Getman work with horses at the Horse Shelter.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

STRONG PARTNERSHIPS & BOND C BY KERI-LYNN McBRIDE “Alone we can do so little: Together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller No truer words have been written when it comes to the amazing partnerships NMSD shares with so many in New Mexico and beyond. Throughout the late summer and fall season, Dr. Gallegos has been hard at work spreading awareness and gaining support for the General Obligation Bonds for Education within our entire community. In doing so, stakeholders including staff, families, friends, civic and community groups, legislators and state leaders, and the greater New Mexico community, came to understand what was at stake for the GO Bond C to pass on election day. For NMSD, that meant being the recipient of two million dollars in funding to renovate Delgado Hall, built in the 1930’s. The building has long needed serious infrastructure upgrades and a comprehensive make-over that, without these critical funds, would not be possible. In addition to spreading the good word about the importance of Bond C through staff orientation, student/family registration day, email blitzes, NMSD’s social media platforms, and local media opportunities, Dr. Gallegos and I spoke at numerous civic group meetings. We had the great pleasure of meeting with the Santa Fe Civitans, Rotary Club Centro, Rotary Club del Sur, Capital City Lion’s Club, and the Duke City Optimist Club. Dr. Gallegos also participated in a KSFR radio interview with Dr. Martin, the President of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). Having this opportunity afforded us the platform to highlight the many happenings at NMSD, and to inform members about Bond C. We were met with enthusiasm and great interest by every group, strengthening our ties with the community. Our constituents indeed rallied around NMSD and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as New Mexico’s colleges and universities. In doing so, Bond C passed on November 8, 2016 and NMSD’s goal of renovating Delgado Hall will be realized. Our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude is extended throughout all corners of our great state – YOU supported our state’s specialty schools and universities! YOU value and cherish the students and the educational institutions in New Mexico that are charged with educating them! I refer back to Helen Keller’s powerful words – “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” On behalf of every one of our students and their families, we say THANK YOU! Top right: Dr. Gallegos shares with members of Santa Fe’s Rotary Centro. 2nd from top: Dr. Gallegos with Santa Fe Civitan Co-Presidents, Sandra Levine and Peter Martinez. 3rd from top: Dr. Gallegos and Dr. Martin spread the good word about Bond C, NMSD and the IAIA during the KSFR radio interview. Bottom: Members of the Capital City Lion’s Club learn about NMSD and Bond C.

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE NMSD has completed Site Phase 2 of its renovation project. The photos show the new JAL Theater entrance and parking lot, playing field and pavilion, open space with walking paths, dome greenhouses, historic entryway of our former Health Center, and the ribbon cutting that took place on Sunday, August 14, 2016.