New Mexico Progress Winter/Spring 2015-2016 English

Volume 106 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2015-16

SPROUTING HEALTHY EATING HABITS

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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

VOLUME 106 ISSUE 2 WINTER/SPRING 2015- 2016

FEATURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 SPROUTING HEALTHY EATING HABITS

2 3 9 10 16 20 23 27 28 29 32

Superintendent’s Update Feature Early Intervention & Involvement Main Campus Knowledge Fair

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Transition Athletics Graduation Center for Educational Consultation & Training Community Relations Construction

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SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE

DEAR NMSD COMMUNITY & FRIENDS The reason I love our New Mexico Progress is because through its stories and pictures it provides such a wonderful sense of the world of opportunity that is available to children and youth who are deaf and hard of hearing.

In education and politics, we often talk about the gap in educational achievement between majority and minority groups. It is widely recognized that opportunity is a key to success and closing gaps in achievement.

Here at NMSD we understand that deaf and hard of hearing children can achieve anything as long as they have the opportunity.

We start with full language and communication access so students are never left out of what is going on around them. They are full members of and completely included in their social and learning environment.

Students also have rich opportunities for on-going, frequent and quality interaction with deaf and hard of hearing adults who, as one our student life educators described to me, “have been there” and can relate their own journeys in becoming successful and happy students and adults.

And what about opportunities for families and students who are attending schools in their local districts?

This spring our CECT department (Center for Educational Consultation and Training) ran Family-to-Family Weekend and Connect Weekend. During this time, families learned from and with each other about opportunities to encourage their child’s growth to potential. Connect Weekend provided a space and time for deaf and hard of hearing students, who don’t attend NMSD school programs, the chance to develop self-awareness by interacting with peers and adults who are also deaf and hard of hearing in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

In this issue you will get a sampling of the abundant opportunities for students to learn, explore, and challenge themselves personally, academically and creatively. From giving back to the community through the Kitchen Angels project, to expressing themselves through poetry and drama, and exploring career options, students have the opportunity to discover how to believe in themselves and how they are important contributors to this diverse world we all share.

Enjoy the “can do” attitude of the youngest to the oldest NMSD students as you read through the Winter/ Spring issue of the New Mexico School for the Deaf New Mexico Progress.

Yours in Education,

Rosemary J. Gallegos

“It is widely recognized that opportunity is a key to success and closing gaps in achievement.”

Rosemary J. Gallegos

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FEATURE - INTRODUCTION

EARLY SPROUTS: STORIES FROM THE FIELD

BY SALLY ANDERSON This August, all four of our NMSD ECE programs implemented the Early Sprouts curriculum. Early Sprouts is the only seedto-table curriculum for young learners to focus on six “Target Vegetables,” and it is proving to be a success in all of our early childhood programs!

Early Sprouts is a natural fit for our Reggio Emilia-inspired childhood program because it is project-based and childfriendly. It employs seven key strategies to influence dietary choices and behaviors of young children. These include: sensory exploration, multiple exposure (to six Target Vegetables), engaging young children in food preparation, eating “family-style,” a focus on intentional language about food, providing only healthy choices, and teachers / families acting as good eating food role models. As you will see from the stories shared within, Early Sprouts also lends itself well to developing early literacy, numeracy, and other pre-academic and social skills in the preschool classroom.

This enables us to answer to numerous NM Early Learning Guidelines, while also encouraging new language. Every program has reported that the children absolutely LOVE cooking with Early Sprouts, and that they are more willing to try something they have prepared themselves. This is one of the most powerful component of Early Sprouts. It helps break down food barriers and “neophobia” (the fear of new foods) in young children.

We believe that encouraging young eaters to be healthy eaters will have a profound impact on the future health of our students. This is the reason we plan to “grow” the Early Sprouts program. Next year we will begin to implement the Early Sprouts sister program, “Active Play Every Day,” into our preschools as well. To read more about the Early Sprouts curriculum, you may visit: http://www.earlysprouts.org/

Top right: Peyton Montoya gets her hands wet washing green beans for a yummy Early Sprouts recipe. Right 2nd from top: RJ Armenta and Anthony Medina pick cherry tomatoes for snack. 3rd from top: Brenna Gonzales enjoys sensory exploration with a big, heavy butternut squash. Bottom right: Nevaeh Garcia attempts to hide behind a large swiss chard leaf. Bottom left: Sybella Radven and Ulises Aranda-Sotelo get their silly green bean mustaches on!

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FEATURE - TODDLERS

TODDLER TASTE TEST!

BY KACEE EDMONDS A taste test is a great way for children to experience new food and to introduce fruits and vegetables which containing crucial nutrients for growing bodies. Tastetesting is our new favorite activity in the toddler class the last few weeks, as our garden is bursting with new “goodies.” We’ve tried carrots (big, small, cooked, shredded) squash, tomatoes (small, big, orange, pear), lemon cucumbers, cucumbers, and a few varieties of green beans, purple beans, and corn.

We start by identifying the vegetable in our school garden, before harvesting the veggie and bringing it into the classroom. Then we talk about what it looks like, before allowing the children to touch, smell, and experience it through their senses - including washing, cutting, and grating. Finally we are ready to taste! The adults try the new food along with the children, and model descriptive language and signs. “It’s juicy!”, “It’s sour!”, or “It’s earthytasting!” We use these three phrases when tasting new foods together: “I like it a lot!”, “I like it a little bit” and “I don’t like it yet.”

We strive to teach children that just because they don’t like something now, it doesn’t mean we won’t like it forever. If we use these phrases consistently it also helps to send the message that one food isn’t better than another, and we will continue to keep tasting new foods!

Sage Woolsey, Zelena De La Pena and Diego RiveraRomero touching and tasting their wontons. They all loved them and asked for more!!

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Top left: Sage Woolsey, Zelena De La Pena and Diego Rivera-Romero touching and tasting their wontons. They all loved them and asked for more!! Middle left: Brody Keller does NOT like tomatoes!! Bottom left: Peyton Montoya loves fresh carrots from our garden.

Bottom middle: Frederik Rye Zellerer and Gabriella Flores tasting green bean wontons. Frederik liked them and Gabriella did not! Bottom right: Fiona Pedersen wasn’t sure she wanted to taste the green bean wontons but Aspen Belle Mohan-Litchfield ate hers all up!”

FEATURE - ALBUQUERQUE PRESCHOOL

VEGGING OUT!

BY AMI MONTOYA & ASHLEY COLLINS Our students have good taste! The ABQ Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes have been experimenting with six “target” vegetables in the Early Sprouts program. The target treats are bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, butternut squash, swiss chard, and green beans. Our students have enjoyed combining them in recipes with other ingredients, some of which these budding chefs have never encountered before!

The vegetables are cooked on a weekly cycle. With each recipe, classroom chefs are exposed to new and delicious ways to eat vegetables. As the students explore textures, seeds, and colors, they become more and more familiar with unique tastes and textures. The kindergarten students can now identify several ingredients based on sight and/or smell alone, as well as make predictions about how a recipe will taste. It has helped expand their vocabulary with previously unknown adjectives. After tasting the finished recipe, we take a vote on who enjoyed the recipe. This helps with one to one correspondence, counting, and comparing numbers.

The students in both classes are excited to help measure, cut, stir, and pour every ingredient into their batch. They improve their fine motor skills, patience, sharing, and social-emotional skills with each week’s preparation. We wait to taste the finished products till everyone has a taste to try - then we count to three and taste together!

Following the tasting, the pre-school class draws a happy or sad face to indicate if they liked it or not. This helps them with their sequencing, retelling, and pre-writing skills. The drawings are compiled into a student cookbook (with a copy of the recipe) for them to take home to share and try with their families.

Both classes have happy, hungry eaters and picky, finicky eaters. However, the process encourages even the pickiest eaters to taste what they’ve worked so hard to cook!

Top right: Iesha Franklin and Gabriel Ibarra help peel the carrots for our honey glazed carrots. Right 2nd from top: Joel Mejia and Abril Reyes-Cabrera cut the stems off Swiss Chard to use in a pizza pita pocket recipe. Right 3rd from top: Joel Mejia peel husks off to reveal…CORN! Bottom right: Aubrianna Baca devours the green bean wontons. Bottom middle: Brenna Gonzales is hesitant to taste the first recipe of the week. After tasting it, she decided she liked it! Bottom left: Abril Reyes-Cabrera and Demi Padilla try their carrots with a cinnamon yogurt dipping sauce!

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FEATURE - FARMINGTON PRESCHOOL

HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE

BY MARY HELEN PEREZ We’re happy to report that the Early Sprouts curriculum - where students try 24 different recipes from six target vegetables - is a great fit for our Reggio Emilia inspired preschool! The activities accompanying each recipe spurred the children to try each of the six target vegetables, and eventually they learned to like vegetables “a lot!” The Early Sprouts systematic approach of repeated exposure to target vegetables helped convince our most finicky students to enjoy new foods. By January, all of the students were regularly enjoying raw butternut squash, carrots, green beans, dehydrated tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and our class-grown mung bean sprouts.

In a world of processed, plastic-wrapped food, it is important to enjoy food from a known source. Our classroom will soon harvest our own cherry tomatoes from our small hydroponic garden. The students have also been observing how plants grow, and measuring progress with plastic links and rulers. We’re also excited that a community garden will be installed on our playground after spring break. The children had first-hand gardening experience this fall at teacher Mary Helen Perez’s home garden, as well as at a pumpkin patch. A garden on site will further strengthen the children’s connection to their own food. Early Sprouts has helped our entire class open our minds to healthier food choices!

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Top right photo: Logan Lovato-Benally helps harvest and prepare kale chips. Right 2nd from top: I’Ana Gordon takes her first tentative taste of snow peas. Right 3rd from top: Logan Lovato-Benally, I’Ana Gordon and Lexy Brady (top to bottom) gather to study a green bean recipe with teacher Mary Helen Perez. Bottom right: I’Ana Gordon helps to mix a delicious birthday cake using beets! Top left: Dallas Benally inspects produce before the class makes “stone soup.” Bottom left: Lexy Brady and I’Ana Gordon debate whether they liked the kale chips “a little bit” (Lexy) or “a lot” (I’Ana).

FEATURE - LAS CRUCES PRESCHOOL

NOW WE’RE COOKING!

BY KIM BOYKIN NMSD Las Cruces recently instituted the Early Sprouts curriculum into our classroom, introducing our students to trying and tasting different vegetables. We’ve also learned how to cook and how vegetables get to our tables. Our students have fully embraced learning to cook, and they’ve really enjoyed taking an active role in creating enjoyable meals.

It’s been a pleasure to observe their excitement about cooking lessons! The children are provided with kid-safe cooking tools, fresh vegetables, healthy ingredients, and kid-friendly recipes. They now know how to handle kitchen tools safely, and the best cooking techniques for various vegetables. For example, cutting a tomato is very different from slicing a carrot. Students have also worked on their literacy skills in order to follow the pictures and text on recipes. They’ve learned the nuances of cooking, including the gentle way to mix yogurt and cinnamon in a bowl so as not to make a mess!

All aspects of the ES curriculum have been wonderful additions to our classroom. We’ve enjoyed preparing soil, planting vegetable seeds, and tasting our creations.

But our favorite part of Early Sprouts has been the act of cooking. Watch out Food network! Here we come!

Top right: Helen Avila and Sophie Arenibas wash cherry tomatoes to prepare them for cooking. Right middle: Ethan Azure and Helen Avila wait their turn as Sophie Arenibas cuts red and yellow tomatoes. Bottom right: Ethan Azure adds tomatoes to the bowl. Top left: Ethan Azure, Helen Avila, Sophie Arenibas, and Arlene Galindo take turns stirring a yogurt dip. Bottom left: Red and yellow tomatoes with yogurt dip ready for tasting!

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FEATURE - SANTA FE PRESCHOOL

ADVENTUROUS EATING!

BY KRIS EATON The NMSD Santa Fe preschool and kindergarten classes have been exploring, cooking, and tasting six target vegetables. The students have shown a greater interest and willingness to taste vegetables when they’ve had a chance to learn about and explore the vegetable first.

Through this exploration, students have learned many new adjectives to describe the vegetables such as bumpy, sweet, soft, big, sour, curvy, salty and round.

Students used sight, smell, touch, and taste to experience the vegetables, and then shared their observations with each other. Then we cooked them! We needed to read recipes, measure ingredients, chop and stir before we could sample our creations. As a result of our handson exploration and cooking activities, students have become more open to trying new foods in the classroom, in the dining hall, and in their homes.

We’ve also discussed how taste buds change and develop as we get older. Ulises Aranda-Sotelo decided to survey his classmates about whether they thought they would like a certain vegetable as they got older. This dialogue has carried over into our school cafeteria as well.

Every Friday, several students from my class survey other students to see what they think about their food! Clearly, our students are sprouting healthy habits as a result!

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Top right: Celeste Robles-Perez and Markay King-Morgan discovered the seeds that are clumped together inside a red pepper. Right second from top: Elias Curley and Arthur White help cut up vegetables. Right third from top: Greyson Lobato and Tavian Plonski use a magnifying glass to take a closer look at Swiss Chard leaves. Bottom right: Ulises Aranda-Sotelo is taking a survey on if students like the food they are tasting. Top left: Chanelle Hobbs watches as Neeva Goff pulls a carrot out of the soil. Bottom left: From left: Lorena Gutierrez, Esteban Ruiz, Jason Quinonez and Tavian Plonsk ilook on as Kim Hand reads the next ingredient listed on the recipe they are making.

EARLY INTERVENTION & INVOLVEMENT

HANDS ACROSS THE OCEAN

BY ANN SWANSON There is an ocean between NMSD and the schools for the Deaf in Nigeria, Africa. Not only are the schools thousands of miles apart, but everything from climate to clothing is distinctly different. But some things are the same. Just as at NMSD, the schools for the Deaf in Nigeria seek to give students a first-rate education. They, too, are hoping to acquire language, critical thinking skills, the ability to read and write, and a chance for a brighter future. Many of these students make great sacrifices to attend these schools, which serve more than 600 students.

This past February, native Nigerian Dr. Emma Asonye, visiting scholar at the University of New Mexico, spent a day on our Santa Fe campus learning about our educational and statewide programs. He observed a wide range of classrooms, as well as meeting with our principals and the Director of our Center for Educational Consultation and Training. He visited the ABQ Preschool where he met with staff and observed classrooms.

Dr. Asonye also met with Lorraine Crespin, one of NMSD’s Regional Supervisors of our Early Intervention and Involvement Department. She took him on some home visits to experience first-hand the services provided to families with infants and toddlers.

After his visit, Dr. Asonye began planning and organizing workshops and trainings for students and educators in Nigeria. I am a part-time Parent Advisor and former Regional Supervisor with NMSD’s Early Intervention and Involvement Department, and had the great pleasure of traveling to Nigeria with Dr. Asonye, where I was able to share my expertise and provide support to the workshops and trainings. NMSD also sent educational materials such as pens, pencils, notepads, and tote bags with Dr. Asonye. Superintendent Gallegos sent an inspirational letter about the importance of education in the lives of all children. We wish all the Nigerian students the very best from the Roadrunners at NMSD!

Top left: Ann Swanson presents materials donated by Dawn Sign Press to Joanna, the principal of the inclusion school at Kuje Abuja. Middle left: Dr. Emma Asonye, Ann Swanson, and a group of S-DELI Community Service project volunteers comprised of optometrists, a med-lab technician and an, interpreter of the Deaf. Bottom left: Ann Swanson and Dr. Asonye present a gift bag from NMSD to Mrs. Okoroma, the principal of the Imo State School for the Deaf at Orlu. Top right: Kuje Abuja’s leadership group, founded by Dr. Emma Asonye, is made up of parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Bottom right: Students form the inclusion school at Kuje Abuja signing the Nigerian National Anthem.

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ELEMENTARY

EATING HEALTHY FOR LIFE

BY KIM BURKHOLDER The New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) is tackling the issue of childhood obesity head on. Laurie Allocca, NMSD’s new Food Service Manager, and our teachers are on a mission to help our students make healthier choices and to better understand nutritional value and portion control.

As a result, NMSD’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus have been enhanced to include new and delicious healthy items.

We now enjoy Carrot Quinoa Muffins, Hot Amaranth Cereal w/ peach compote, Vegetarian Chili Boats w/ fresh baked Corn Muffins, Sloppy Lentil Joes, Curried Chicken Casserole, and more. The dining hall staff is also making low sodium ketchup from scratch with no corn syrup. The homemade fruit compotes for our whole wheat pancakes and French toast are also low in sugar.

In March, the elementary students also participated in our monthly Cooking with Kids event. Students worked in small, mixed-age groups to prepare healthy recipes. One of the recipes, Chicken Stir-Fry, was a recipe they piloted for the cafeteria. The cafeteria then prepared it for lunch the following week. After cooking, all the student groups gathered with the foods they had made and tasted everything. Laurie Allocca, our Dining Hall manager, talked with the students briefly about what it means to eat healthy foods, and the difference between whole foods and processed foods. She explained some of the changes she has made in the cafeteria to help students enjoy healthier meals. We plan to continue this collaboration between school programs and the cafeteria to educate students about nutrition, expose them to more whole foods (especially fruits and vegetables), and to help them learn to make healthy choices for themselves.

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Top right: Occupational Therapist Ellen Stone helps Serenity Hardy pour soy sauce into the bowl. Right 2nd from top: Soups on!!! Right 3rd from top: From left: Claire Stephens, Lori Clay-Markowski, Jodie Haley, and Bonny Vanatta make spring rolls. Bottom right: Julian ArandaSotelo and Carlo DeNunno enjoy tasting food students made for each other. Carlo gives a big thumbs up! Bottom left: Laurie Allocca, NMSD’s Dining Hall manager, teaches students about the difference between processed foods and healthier foods.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

DIGGING HISTORY

BY JEREMY WAGONER & DOMINIC HARRISON The construction company creating a new parking lot next to the James A. Little Theater unearthed treasure: A trash site full of artifacts. Construction was halted so that Harold Moya, NMSD’s Construction Project Manager, could reach out to the Museum of New Mexico’s Center for New Mexico Archeology. Rick Montoya, Archaeologist and Crew Chief, met with Harold out at the site to formulate a plan that included inviting archaeologists and Outreach Educators, Susan Moga and Mollie Toll, to work with our students.

In January, Susan met students and staff at the site to show us the process of properly handling artifacts.

Collecting began in earnest, and students had the task of washing and removing layers of dirt and rust from the artifacts in preparation for Susan and Mollie’s workshop about categorizing and cataloging the items. During the workshop, all the items were carefully analyzed, sorted, and recorded. There were cow, sheep, and turkey bones, bottles, canning jars, metal objects, bricks, ceramic tiles, and a porcelain faucet handle. From the broken dishes we unearthed we discovered that the Mayer Company in Pennsylvania had made the NMSD china that was used in our dining hall.

Bruce Brewer, Jr. shared, “I didn’t realize that we used to have a trash site at NMSD where several cool artifacts were tossed.”

Evelyn Johnson commented, “I enjoyed learning what it is like to be an archeologist.” Lindsay Hand said that “It was really interesting to see how archeologist classified the artifacts.” Mya Malone added, “I did not know that we had plates and bowls that had school for the deaf imprinted on them.” Clearly this experience afforded our middle school students and staff the opportunity to “dig in” to NMSD history, as well as experiencing what it is like to be amateur archaeologists.

Top right: Susan Moga orients students and staff on how to dig up the artifacts. Middle right: Students and staff unearth various objects such as cow and turkey bones, bricks, metal objects, bottles, and dishes. Bottom right: Artifacts found buried under layers of dirt.

Bottom middle: Luis Villalobos and Andrea Leyba carefully wash the dirt off of a bone. Top left: Susan and Mollie assist Dustin Hand, Evelyn Johnson, Mya Malone, and Jeremy Wagoner with the categorizing of artifacts. Bottom left: Pieces of the NMSD china bought and used in the 1930’s. There are many intact pieces of this china in NMSD’s Kenneth Brasel Centennial Museum.

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HIGH SCHOOL

STEPPING IT UP IN EUROPE!

BY INTERNATIONAL STUDIES STUDENTS, JOI HOLSAPPLE AND SCOTT MOHAN 223,001 steps or 22 miles in 13 days! That’s how much the International Studies Program walked while we explored France and the Netherlands. Our trip was not only a culinary adventure - tasting escargot in Paris and Dutch fries with mayonnaise in Holland - it was a historical adventure as well.

We toured museums and gazed at stunning architecture and ancient scenery. Students also learned how to adapt, how to communicate with people who do not sign/speak either ASL or English. We invite you to experience it with us, via our travel blog on http://nmsdisc.blogspot.com.

Here’s what students had to say about the trip. “My favorite part of the trip was visiting Paris. I loved walking the streets, exploring and looking at old buildings and visiting the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.” ~ Vergena Chee “I enjoyed the beautiful view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. I also loved shopping in Paris and sampling different food in France. I loved chocolate crepes, but I didn’t like the cheese!” ~ Margaret Appa “This was my first trip to Europe and I enjoyed myself. In particular I loved Paris, and I also liked riding bikes in the Zaanse Schans area in the Netherlands where we saw windmills.” ~ Lucille Gregory “I enjoyed learning about the history of Paris. Versailles was fascinating to me knowing that the King and Queen lived there many years ago.” ~ Alex Lucero “While traveling in Europe, I learned to be flexible, to be fully prepared to expect the unexpected, and how to comfortably use the public transit system. I can say that crossing the streets and using the public transit system here in America seems quite easy after traveling abroad!” ~ Augusta Skoog “I enjoyed everything about the trip but in particular, visiting the Eiffel tower in Paris because of the beautiful view from the top.

I learned to appreciate different cultures and that tourists must adapt to, and follow, the cultural norms of the country one is visiting.” ~ Estefany Reyes

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Top right: From left: Margaret Appa, Estefany Reyes, Lucille Gregory, Alexandro Lucero, Vergena Chee and Augusta Skoog sit amongst the stunning tulip garden at Kenkouhof Gardens. Right 2nd from top: From left: Estefany Reyes, Vergena Chee, Lucille Gregory, Margaret Appa, and Alexandro Lucero at the Palace of Versailles. Right 3rd from top: From left: The group at Zaanse Schans visit windmills in the Netherlands. Bottom right: From left: Joi Holsapple, Alexandro Lucero, Margaret Appa, Estefany Reyes, Vergena Chee, Augusta Skoog, Lucille Gregory, and Scott Mohan visit the Arc De Triomphe. Bottom left: From left: Joi Holsapple, Vergena Chee, Estefany Reyes, Lucille Gregory, Margaret Appa, Alexandro Lucero and Scott Mohan in front of the amazing Eiffel Tower.

COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

A SLIPPERY SLOPE!

BY ELIZABETH FRY Our Middle School CBI students have been very fortunate to participate in the Adaptive Ski Program at the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The Adaptive Ski Program’s volunteer instructors work directly with students on developing the skills to ski safely, and for those who are more advanced skiers - improving their technique.

It also allows our students to develop communication skills, as they interact with instructors through ASL interpreters. Several of the instructors have been inspired to learn ASL to connect directly with our students during ski lessons. Virginia, a volunteer working with Keanu Yazzie, learned ASL via YouTube sign videos.

Each week we’d return to the Ski Basin, she signed a new phrase to Keanu. Some of the volunteers have expressed interest in taking ASL classes in the community.

It’s been amazing to see our students progress from their first day to actually skiing by their third lesson! Their self-esteem has grown, and their enormous smiles say it all! We want to thank our donors and the Santa Fe Adaptive Program for their generous support in making this program possible. What a great partnership!

COOKIE LOVE

BY SUZANNE BONO Kitchen Angels, a local nonprofit organization in Santa Fe, provides meals to those who are hungry, homebound, or have a health crisis. A massive team of volunteers at Kitchen Angels prepare, pack, and deliver meals daily to their clients. For the past 22 years, NMSD students have decorated cookies to include in their Valentine’s Day meal. This year our High School CBI students headed up the decorating project.

Students decorated the heart shaped cookies with a vast array of vibrant and colorful sprinkles, hearts, flowers, and more! We also had an opportunity to bag the cookies. As always, the director and staff greatly appreciated our beautiful cookies and volunteer efforts They shared that their clients always get HUGE smiles on their faces when they see their colorful dessert! We look forward to helping again with this heartfelt community service project next February!

Top left: Waylon Lopez works with two Adaptive Ski instructors. Top middle: Instructors teach Keanu Yazzie and Jesus Rios- Pena how to stop. Top right: All the student participants in the Adaptive Ski Program. Bottom left: Ricardo Salmon-Medina and one of the many cookies he decorated. Bottom middle: Volunteering - Guinevere Shorty, Joshua Armendariz and Johnathan Ludwigs bag cookies at Kitchen Angels. Bottom right: Superintendent Rosemary Gallegos chats with Melinda Johnston about her beautiful cookies.

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MULTICUTURAL EDUCATION

NATIVE ROLE MODEL!

BY SCOTT VOLLMAR James Wooden Legs, a Deaf Native American, recently visited NMSD to give workshops to several elementary, middle, and high school classes. He shared many artifacts and stories about Native American culture and traditions with students. James also told us about his great-great grandfather’s experience of being in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It’s vital to our students’ overall development that they interact and learn from positive Deaf role models. James Wooden Legs is just that, and it was powerful having him with us.

I HAVE A DREAM!

BY MEGAN KLUSZA On Friday, January 15th, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Guest presenter April JacksonWoodard from Washington, D.C. came to NMSD to work with our students. April is known for her storytelling and acting skills, and she put them to good use in our classrooms! She also shared Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Six Principles of Nonviolence” with students, and helped them make connections between the powerful principles and their daily lives. Our students were mesmerized by April’s presence and presentation!

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Top right: James Wooden Legs explains the earth’s four seasons to students. Top bottom left: James brought lots of wonderful artifacts for students to explore! Top bottom right: Students and James take a moment for a group photo. Sitting from left: Sherrena Bob, Margaret Appa, Guinivere Shorty. Standing from left: Shawn Billie, Lucille Gregory, Waylon Lopez, James Wooden Legs, Vergena Chee, Carla Rodriguez and Jeremy Dan. Bottom left: April Jackson-Woodard began her presentation sharing information about the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bottom right: April Jackson-Woodard presents the “Six Principles of Nonviolence” to students.

MULTICUTURAL EDUCATION

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER!

BY CLAUDIA MANSILLA Recently, members of NMSD’s Youth of Color organization had the chance to attend the Educating Children of Color Summit (ECOC) in Colorado Springs, CO. The summit’s mission is to “dismantle the cradle-to-prison pipeline for children of color, and children in poverty through education.” The theme for this year was “Embracing Choices and Challenges.”

The keynote speaker was the well-known author Clifton Taulbert—even South Africa’s President Nelson Mandela requested a copy of Taulbert’s book upon his release from prison. Mr. Taulbert shared not only his successes, but also his journey as a black child from a small town in Mississippi Delta during segregation. He delivered an inspiring speech, and gave our students one of their favorite memories of the trip.

Students were also able to participate in a workshop provided by leaders in the Deaf community at ECOC. The leaders were Rogelio Fernandez, president of Council de Manos; Tawny Holmes, lawyer from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD); and Talila Lewis, a lawyer and director of Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf (HEARD). All three presentations were very powerful and provided our students with useful guidance.

ECOC has become an annual activity for NMSD, which we hope to continue in years to come. Our participating YOC students found the experience meaningful, and would like to see other students experience it as well! Another team building activity.

Top right: NMSD'S Youth of Color students and Tawny Holmes from NAD at the Educating Children of Color Summit in Colorado Springs.

Second from top: The YOC's students learn about communication strategies and teamwork during this fun team building activity. Third from top: Margarita Garcia teaches students how to make red chili – YUM!! Bottom left: From left to right: Jeremy Dan, Antonia Martinez, Vergena Chee, Janell Miller, Joseph Hicks, Estefany Reyes, Patricia Lopez, Rhiannon Reynolds, Joseph Montano and Margaret Appa at the International Folk Art Museum where they experienced a wide variety of cultures through the folk art on display. Bottom right: Another team building activity - creating a human pyramid!

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KNOWLEDGE FAIR

POETRY IN MOTION

BY SHIRA GRABELSKY NMSD’s yearly Knowledge Fair rotates between such areas as Social Studies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). This year we celebrated Authors and Illustrators. The fair’s theme was “Poetry,” and our poetry studies leading up to the event centered around the way poems can touch upon a range of themes using different forms, devices, and languages.

As students were learning about poetry in their classes, we enjoyed learning about ASL poetry from Cara Barnett, a teacher from the Indiana School for the Deaf who has done intensive studies in this area. During her daylong visit to NMSD on March 11th, she generously led morning poetry workshops for our students. In the afternoon, she led workshops for teachers about incorporating ASL poetry into classroom instruction.

After Cara’s workshop, classes across the campus continued to explore poetry, finding the inspiration to create their own poems. These were proudly displayed during the Knowledge Fair, when students also had the opportunity to attend workshops with Guest Artist Sabina England, a Deaf Indian poet and playwright.

Sabina’s workshop was designed to instill the notion that ideas can be expressed in various creative ways.

Her workshop included theatre-based exercises and creating physical interpretations of student poems.

Later, Larson Gym bustled with activity from authors and illustrators to visitors. Among the visitors were teachers, students, families, and four judges: Rosemary Gallegos, Ricardo Gonzales, Joanne Corwin, and Ursula Smith.

The poems ranged from the humorous to the profound, from acrostic poems to slam poems, free verse poems, and everything in between. Poems were presented in American Sign Language, in books, on sculptures, and many other creative means. This was an inspiring day, and we look forward to students continuing to explore creativity and poetry!

Top right: Jim Vigil high fives Aidan Lopez for doing a great job performing his poem about summer. Right Middle: Janell Miller watches Manuelito Velasquez filmed poem about basketball. Bottom left: Jesse Crespin shares his poem about his love for pizza with judge Joanne Corwin. Bottom middle: Superintendent Gallegos and Sage Woosley discuss the T-Rex poem Sha Rein’s preschool class wrote, as Jesse 16 Haley looks on. Bottom right: Victoria Rivera, Sebastian Romero and their son Diego Romero-Rivera explore Deven Thompson’s poem about fishing.

KNOWLEDGE FAIR

SAMPLING OF STUDENTS’ SPECTACULAR POEMS

Lindsay Hand

Sybella Radven

Sierra Woosley

Sherrena Bob

Leilani Crespo

Kim Hand’s Preschool Class

Julio Portillo

Johnathan Ludwigs

Gabriel Gonzalez

POETRY IN MOTION Deven Thompson

Bria Vigil

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BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

FEELING BOOKISH!!

BY CINDY ULMER-TIMLEN For the second year, NMSD had three divisions participate in the annual Battle of the Books competition: Green, Blue, and Buff. Each and every student involved (from Grades 5-8) deserves congratulations for their commitment to reading three books in preparation for the preliminary competitions. From there, the Green and Buff divisions proceeded to the playoffs. The Green division missed qualifying for the Nationals by a single point! The Buffs were elated to go forward and compete in April’s National Battle of the Books at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Our competition newcomer, Daniel Aragon (7th), and our two veteran players, Bruce Brewer Jr. (6th) and Kieran Ercolino (6th), competed in a pool of eight schools, placing 6th overall (an excellent result, considering we are such a young team going against many 8th graders!).

An extra challenge was added to this year's format. Round 2 became an individual answering format, whereas in the past the students were allowed to answer as a team. All three boys did very well in all three rounds. This year's All-Star award for NMSD went to Kieran Ercolino for his dedication to diligently reading four books, and for his outstanding performance answering the presentation questions in Round 3. Kieran received a beautiful star trophy for his hard work. In a wonderful surprise, NMSD also received the Sportsmanship Award for the Buff division!

It is always rewarding to witness the students’ love for reading grow during this annual NMSD event. Several students are looking forward to reading and competing again next year! Bonny Vigil, my fellow Battle of the Books coach, and the entire NMSD Community are so proud of the Buff team and and their accomplishments!

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Top right: From left: The Green team, Bria Vigil, Julio Portillo and Evelyn Johnson, during the battle held via video-conferencing technology back in December. Right 2nd from top: From left: Blue team members Kieran Vollmar, Angelica Baldonado and Dustin Hand show their excitement at winning against the Washington School for the Deaf. Right 3rd from top: Team photo in front of Chapel Hall at Gallaudet University. From left: Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, Bruce Brewer Jr., Kieran Ercolino, Daniel Aragon, and Bonny Vigil. Bottom right: The Buff team from left: Kieran Ercolino, Bruce Brewer Jr., Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, and Daniel Aragon gear up for Match #1 at the National Competition!

Bottom left: The Buff team in front of the famous Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Alice Cogswell statue on Gallaudet University’s campus.

(From left: Cindy Ulmer-Timlen, Kieran Ercolino, Daniel Aragon, Bruce Brewer Jr., and Bonny Vigil).

ACADEMIC BOWL

BOWL’D OVER!

BY NATHAN HARRISON nThis was a busy year for the NMSD Academic Bowl team!

Players Augusta Skoog and Rhiannon Reynolds returned, and were joined by newcomers Joseph Hicks, Jacob Lopez, Jacob Stevens, and Samuel Boyd. Having a fairly inexperienced team meant that the first couple of months had a steep learning curve for the new players. The team needed to come together as one. However, with the strategic leadership of Coaches Carrie and Nate, the team began to stretch their academic muscles. Our first games were part of the Western Academic Bowl League, formed from eight of the best western teams, and despite the tough opposition, we finished mid-pack.

We also played two mini-tournaments this fall. The Great Plains Schools for the Deaf (GPSD) tournament was held at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Our traveling team was Augusta, Joseph, Jacob, and Samuel. The boys had their first real taste of the tiring hours of back to back games, but we still took 3rd place, with Joseph stepping up as a great complement to Augusta. The Roadrunner Classic (RRC) held a mini round robin tournament in December. The entire team rotated through the games, and we took 2nd place after a strong showing by the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf.

This year’s regional tournament was hosted by the California School for the Deaf – Fremont, March 4-5. We’d like to offer special thanks to Scott Vollmar for filling in for Coach Nate, who was unable to attend the tournament. The regional team was made up of Augusta, Joseph, and Jacob. They wound up with an impressive 2nd place in their pool, leading to a 4th place finish among all the teams in the region. NMSD is typically part of the Southwest region, but we attended the West region due to school calendar conflicts. This ended up being helpful, as Gallaudet has redrawn boundaries, and NMSD will be permanently part of the West region next year. Our 4th place win guaranteed us a place at the yearly Nationals.

Nationals were held April 23-26 at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Following Gallaudet rules, the winning regional teams automatically became the Nationals teams.

We were able to explore Saturday morning, visiting the National Mall and several historic sites. This was Joseph and Jacob’s first trip to DC, and they thoroughly enjoyed witnessing history!

Nationals were an amazingly tough competition between the top 24 teams from the regional competitions. We were able to pull a respectable 4th place in our pool, and were very happy with being considered a top team in the country - continuing NMSD’s long history of Nationals! nTop: NMSD's 15-16 Academic Bowl team and coaches. Bottom row from left: Jacob Stevens, Jacob Lopez, Samuel Boyd, Rhiannon Reynolds. Middle row from left: Joseph Hicks, Augusta Skoog. Top row from left: Co-Coach Nathan Harrison and Co-Coach Carrie Nichols. Not Pictured: Estefany Reyes. Second from top: NMSD's Academic Bowl team took 4th place at the regional competition held at CA School for the Deaf - Fremont and qualified to compete at the Nationals in D.C. Sitting from left: Joseph Hicks, Jacob Lopez, Augusta Skoog Standing from left: Pam Snedigar (Gallaudet Western Region Director), Coach Carrie Nichols, Roberta Cordano (Gallaudet President), Sub-Coach Scott Vollmar. Third from top: We met Nyle DiMarco, America’s Top Model winner and current contestant on Dancing With the Stars, at the National Tournament held at Gallaudet! From left: Carrie Nichols, Jacob Lopez, Joseph Hicks, Nyle DiMarco, Augusta Skoog, and Nathan Harrison. Bottom: From left: Nathan Harrison, Augusta Skoog, Carrie Nichols, Jacob Lopez and Joseph Hicks take advantage of a rainy day to see one of the famous National Mall sites - the Jefferson Memorial.

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TRANSITION

EXPOsing NEW CAREERS

BY JESSE WOOSLEY & SUSAN JOJOLA Our first annual 2016 NM Career Expo for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at the Higher Education Center in Santa Fe was judged a resounding success!

More than 150 participants from every corner of the state gathered together to learn, share, and collaborate. The Career Expo focused upon Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth-in-transition - from students planning for the future to families learning about available NM resources, to professionals seeking best practices in supporting transition outcomes.

Our dynamic keynote presenter, Dr. Carla GarciaFernandez, an NMSD alumni, enlightened Career Expo audiences with workshops on ‘Empowerment through Self-Advocacy.’ Dr. Garcia-Fernandez also participated in our panel discussion group, and helped facilitate the stakeholders meeting. We are very grateful for Dr. GarciaFernandez’s commitment to supporting the Career Expo!

The Career Expo also recognized valuable resources and service providers in our community. The NM Commission for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and NM Technology Assistance Program all exhibited their commitment to helping to develop transition-based projects. They are key to expanding opportunities for the successful transition of Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth in NM. Many other groups, higher education programs, and individuals made important contributions to the Career Expo as well. We welcomed diverse workshop providers, panelists, booth table vendors, volunteers, and stakeholders. The 2016 Career Expo was made possible through the NM Public Education Department’s Perkins Grant, the cooperative teamwork of all involved, as well as the shared vision of working to improve independent living and gainful employment outcomes for our youth.

We have already begun planning the 2017 Career Expo event in Albuquerque, and we look forward to seeing you there!

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Top right: Dr. Carla Garcia Fernandez, Keynote Speaker, stresses how critical it is that the whole community support students’ transition to independence and success. Right 2nd from top: Keri Sluyter leads a workshop on the difference between soft and hard skills in the workplace. Right 3rd from top: A bird’s eye view of the Career Expo’s exhibit hall. Bottom right: Jim Vigil facilitates the Latinx panel where members discuss their personal experiences related to their identities. Bottom left: The Stakeholder group, represented by individuals from many different agencies, met to discuss the importance of collaborating on the annual Career Expo.

PERFORMING ARTS - WINTER VARIETY SHOW

WINTER WONDERFUL!

BY MEGAN KLUSZA Once again, NMSD hosted the annual Winter Variety Show - and enjoyed another successful event! The theme was “Winter Wonderland,” and included a variety of skits, storytelling, songs in ASL, Hip Hop dancing, juggling, a trapeze act and more! Our Masters of Ceremonies were 8th grader Mya Malone and Preston Ponder, one of our Student Life Educators. This year’s show boasted the most attendees in recent history, and we collected a record $569.44 for the Empty Stocking Fund, to assist those in need during the holiday season.

Thank you to our families, friends, and everyone in the NMSD community for supporting our students and the Empty Stocking Fund by attending the program!

Top left: This year’s Masters of Ceremonies, Mya Malone and Preston Ponder did an outstanding job keeping things moving! Top right: Melinda Johnston and Evelyn Johnson sign their version of “Finally Me!” Middle left: Lorena Gutierrez signs “I’m a Gingerbread Girl! Catch me if you can!” to the cat (Kyra King-Morgan) chasing her around. Middle right: Bruce Brewer Jr., Janell Miller, and Jasmine de la Pena love Hip Hop! Bottom left: Our preschoolers and kindergarteners perform their “10 Little Snowboys/Snowgirls Jumping on the Ice” – an adaptation of “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.” Bottom right: Samuel Boyd performed the song “Shoulders” by King and Country in ASL.

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PERFORMING ARTS - SPRING PLAY

PLAYING OUR PART!

BY DOMINIC HARRISON, SCRIPT WRITER & LEVI ANDERSON, DIRECTOR This year’s spring play, “Roadrunner Sign Show with Carla!”, was presented in television talk show style.

Carla Rodriguez was the show’s hostess. The “program” featured a series of monologues in ASL with cast members based upon Stephen Curry, Ariel, the Little Mermaid, and Michael Jackson.

The play was a highly entertaining and interactive experience between the actors and the audience! In addition to monologues, there were vignettes about Prince Charming, food buffets, and an “Origins of Monologues” sketch written by D.M. Larson. There were also improvisational games involving bowling and a dance competition. A few audience members sprayed Ariel, the Little Mermaid, with water! It was a very cool experience to be able to actually participate in the play, too!

We were lucky to witness nine great actors and actresses who did an outstanding job learning their parts in a very short time. They also honed their improvisational skills, and were able to add their sense of humor to the proceedings. Thank you to Norah Matthews, our theater coach, Jack Sherman, our stage and light designer, and Amanda Lujan, our dance choreographer. We also thank the NMSD community for their ongoing support!

Top left: The Cast & Crew. Bottom Row: Leilani Crespo. Second Row: Audience Participant, Angelique Baldonado, Jocelyn Melendez, and Carla Rodriguez. Third Row: Makyla Chavez, Antonia Martinez, Carlo DeNunno, and Janell Miller. Fourth Row: Dustin Hand, Julio Portillo, Patricia Lopez, and Jaqueline Sanchez. Fifth Row: Levi Anderson, Lindsay Hand, Keanu Yazzie, Estefany Reyes, Vergena Chee, and Dominic Harrison. Bottom left: Phenix Hastings and Leilani Crespo spraying water on Ariel (Vergena Chee) during the interview with Carla. Top right: Carla Rodriguez, the Roadrunner Show's hostess, interviews famous basketball player Stephen Curry (Janell Miller). Right 2nd from top: Roadrunner Play Song - From left: Lindsay Hand, Dustin Hand, and Keanu Yazzie kick off the show by getting the audience revved up with NMSD’s Roadrunner Play song. Right 3rd from top: Michael Jackson (Antonia Martinez) performs Selena Gomez’s song 22 “Walk Like a Champion” as others dance along. Bottom right: A scene from “I Hate Buffets”. From left: Patricia Lopez (Chef), Jaqueline Sanchez, Vergena Chee, and Maria Martinez (Restaurant Goers).

ATHLETICS

WINTER / SPRING TEAMS VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

Front row from left: Gabriel Gonzalez, Antonio Lopez, Luis Villalobos, Deven Thompson, Johnathan Ludwigs, Jacob Stevens, Jonathan Garcia, and Julio Portillo. Not pictured: Alex Lucero, Manager Manuelito Velazquez, Cedric Toledo, Assistant Coach Leonardo Gutierrez and Head Coach Letty Perez.

Kneeling left to right: Margaret Appa and Andrea Leyba.

Standing from left: Jackie Sanchez, Antonia Martinez, Sherrena Bob, Janell Miller, Assistant Coach Sofia Lindevall, Head Coach Benny Gallegos, Kimberly Sanchez, Mya Malone, Vergena Chee and Patricia Lopez. Not pictured: Lindsay Hand.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Kneeling from left: Angel Cabrera, Kieran Ercolino, Bruce Brewer Jr, Dustin Hand, Jesus Pena-Rios and Ricardo Salmon. Standing from left: Head Coach Mitch Curtis Keanu Yazzie, Daniel Aragon, Waylon Lopez, Jeremy Dan, Santiago Mondragon and Assistant Coach Levi Anderson.

ELEMENTARY VOLLEYBALL U8

From left: Kimora Vollmar, Jodie Haley, Nirveli Smith, Jesse Haley, and Kaelyn Coffey-Sluyter. Back row: Coach Brie Burton. Not pictured: Sonyia Vigil.

ELEMENTARY BOYS BASKETBALL

From left: Head Coach Preston Ponder, Carlo DeNunno, Adan Sluyter-Coffey, Adrien Ercolino, Kieran Vollmar and Assistant Coach Virginia Keeler.

ELEMENTARY VOLLEYBALL U9-10

From left: Makayla Chavez, Angelique Quinonez, and Adan CoffeySluyter. Back Row: Coach Dominic Harrison.

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ATHLETICS

WINTER / SPRING TEAMS VARSITY CHEER TEAM

ELEMENTARY CHEER TEAM

Front row: Estefany Reyes. Middle row from left: Janell Miller and Vergena Chee. Back row from left: Assistant Coach Clarissa Perea, Kimberly Sanchez, Antonia Martinez, Mya Malone and Head Coach Lisa Ortega. Not pictured: Jonathan Garcia-Valladarez, Rhiannon Reynolds, Jacob Stevens.

Front row from left: Serenity Adams, Jocelyn “Jovi” Melendez, Angelica Baldonado, Phenix Hastings and Makyla Chavez.

Middle row from left: Julian Aranda-Sotelo and Carlo DeNunno.

Back row from left: Stacy Vargas, Bria Vigil, Coach Clarissa Perea, Coach Lisa Ortega, Melinda Johnson and Evelyn Johnston. Not pictured: Monique Pete and Angelique Quinonez.

VARSITY COED TRACK & FIELD

Front row from left: Managers Antonia Martinez and Lindsay Hand.

Back row from left: Julio Portillo, Jonathan Garcia, Waylon Lopez, Head Coach Andrew Parker, Deven Thompson, Assistant Coach Jimmy Litchfield, Sherrena Bob, Mya Malone, and Janell Miller. Not pictured: Jacob Stevens and Luis Villalobos.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

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Buff Team from left: Coach Cindy Timlen, Kieran Ercolino, Daniel Aragon, Bruce Brewer Jr., and Coach Bonny Vanatta.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COED TRACK

From left: Jesus Rios, Bruce Brewer Jr., Assistant Coach Yana Novikova, Dustin Hand, Head Coach Jeremy Wagoner, Keanu Yazzie and Evelyn Johnson.

SPRING TRAINING

From left: Assistant Coach Virginia Keeler, Patricia Lopez, Kimberly Sanchez, Andrea Leyba and Head Coach Orlando Obeso. Not Pictured: Margaret Appa, Angel Cabrera, Gabriel Gonzalez, Olivia Haley, Evelyn Johnson and Antonio Lopez.

ATHLETICS

SPORTS BANQUET ATHLETE SCHOLARS OF THE YEAR

Estefany Reyes and Bruce Brewer, Jr. with Principal Terry Wilding.

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL ROADRUNNER PRIDE AWARD

VARSITY FOOTBALL AWARD

From left: Coach Jimmy Litchfield, Jonathan Garcia (All-Around Player Award), Julio Portillo (Defensive Player Award), Jacob Stevens (Offensive Player Award) and Coach Preston Ponder.

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD

From left: Mitch Curtis (MS basketball coach), Alex Lucero, Rhianna Reynolds, Evelyn Johnson, Jesus Rios and Briean Burton (MS volleyball coach).

From left: Coach Jimmy Litchfield, Janell Miller (Coaches’ Award), Mya Malone (Varsity Girls Most Improved Player), Deven Thompson (Coaches’ Award), Jacob Stevens (Varsity Boys Most Improved Player) and Coach Andrew Parker.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

2015-2016 COACHES

From left: Dominic Harrison, Lisa Wilding, Athletic Director Letty Perez, Shelly Lilly, and Kimberly Olivas.

All coaches with Principal Terry Wilding.

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HONOR NIGHT

ALL STARS ALL AROUND

BY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE NMSD’s annual Honor Night recognizes students for their achievements throughout the school year. This year’s celebration was attended by students, staff, family, Honor Night donors and a special guest, Mr. Nez, the Vice President of the Navajo Nation. Appreciating our student’s efforts is a cherished tradition, and we are proud to celebrate their talent and ability. It’s always exciting to witness! After the awards, everyone socialized while enjoying delicious dessert.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to the individuals and organizations for the donations that made this event possible: Frank & Becky Anderson, Lynann Barbero, Benavidez Family, Elspeth Bobbs, the late Robert & Irene Clingenpeel, Deaf Senior Citizens of ABQ, Elk’s Lodge #460, Gallegos Family, Kappa Gamma, Ray & Joyce Litherland, NMSD Alumni Association, NM Hispanic Council of the Deaf/HH, Phi Kappa Zeta, Quota International of Santa Fe, Rotary Club of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Civitan Club, St. John’s Methodist Women, Dr. Ron & Hedy Stern, Harriet Waseta & Family, and Emilie & Don Wilding. Bravo to our All Stars!

ANDERSON FAMILY SCIENCE AWARD

Front row from left: Erickson Sierra, Makyla Chavez, Bruce Brewer, Jr., Kaelyn Sluyter-Coffey, Jocelyn Melendez. Back row from left: Levi Anderson and Deven Thompson.

NMSD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

ELEMENTARY READING AWARD

Alumna Amy Lucero (left) and Alumnus Roger Robb (right) with senior Margaret Appa.

From left: Sierra Woosley, Kim Burkholder, Nirveli Smith, Adrian Fernandez and Jodie Haley.

STUDENTS OF THE YEAR AWARD

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From left: Vicente Garcia Spillman, Dr. Rosemary Gallegos, Superintendent, Johnathan Ludwigs, Daniel Aragon, Bria Vigil and Estefany Reyes.

RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Front row from left: Shelly Lilly, Angel Cabrera, Evelyn Johnson and Mary Lynn Bransford. Back row from left: Mitch Curtis, Roddy Cabbage and Preston Ponder. Not pictured: Stacy Vargas and Carla Rodriguez.

GRADUATION

SENIOR CLASS OF 2016

CLASS COLORS

CLASS FLOWER

Purple and Silver

Hibiscus

CLASS MOTTO

CLASS SONG

“Our lives are before us. Our paths are behind us. But our memories are forever with us.” ~Anonymous

“See You Again”

by Wiz Khalifa

Top photo: Class of 2016 sitting from left: Cedric Toledo, Joseph Hicks and Joseph Montano. Standing from left: Patricia Lopez, Lucille Gregory, Estefany Reyes, Carla Rodriguez, Jasmine de la Pena and Margaret Appa. Middle left photo: Dr. Rosemary J. Gallegos, Superintendent, imparted with our graduates that their “futures are so bright” and to “keep your dreams alive and never give them up!” Bottom left: Estefeny Reyes, Class of 16 speaker, shared that “without NMSD I would not be who I am today” and continued by thanking her parents, staff and friends for supporting and believing in her. Bottom Middle: This year’s graduation speaker, Mr. Melvin Patterson, urged seniors to “seize and own each and every opportunity to learn and grow” and reminded graduates that they control their destiny and success! Bottom right: The Senior Class presented NMSD with a Roadrunner flag that can be used at Homecoming, games and other NMSD events. Thanks Seniors!

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CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION & TRAINING

CONNECTING!

BY LEAH GREGG Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing teens from around the state had the opportunity to form strong bonds with deaf adults and each other during one of our new events: Connect Weekend at Glorieta Camp in Glorieta, New Mexico. We welcomed ten students from all over New Mexico.

The goal of the weekend is for students to connect through groups, hands-on projects, and outdoor activities. This year, students designed and created projects from nature, inspired by the game Minecraft. They also wrote, filmed, starred in, and edited their own short movies.

The students bonded with each other through activities like zip-lining, low-ropes courses, and much more. Many students faced new challenges while creating powerful connections with other youths and adults.

Lasting friendships and memories were certainly kindled!

We hope to continue hosting Connect Weekend every spring.

Top right: Alanna, a student attending Connect Weekend, works on her project. Right middle: Students work together to untie themselves from a knot. Bottom right: The group completes a team building exercise at Glorieta Camp. Top left: The group gathers together by the

28 fire, and for more team building. Left middle: Students wait their turn on the zip drop to drop off the ledge! Bottom left: Everyone had a blast at the Glorieta Connect Weekend!

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

OUTSTANDING TEAM “MAINTAINS” ACCOLADES!

BY DR. ROSEMARY GALLEGOS Congratulations to our Maintenance Department and Randy Oglesby for their outstanding work.

Our maintenance team received the “NM Public School Facilities Authority Ben Lujan Award” for maintenance achievement. They are commended for making exceptional progress in maintenance programs, remediation of outstanding deficiencies, for creating a safer, more attractive and sustainable learning environment for students and staff, and for continuing to improve the quality of our facilities.

Randy Oglesby received individual recognition of his skills and commitment to facility maintenance and operation, noting that his resourcefulness and dedication to NMSD students and staff have yielded improved facilities.

Because of their fine work, NMSD is ranked in the top 5 schools out of 95 New Mexico school districts for our facilities. Ken Miera and his team are still “shooting to be #1.” Thank you for being such an inspiration to staff and students!

Top: Randy Oglesby proudly displays his award! Bottom: NMSD’s Outstanding Maintenance Team. Sitting from left: Gary Valencia, Manuel Martinez, Leonard Benavidez, Martin Gutierrez, and Randy Oglesby. Standing from left: Pedro Cardoso, Ken Miera, Stephen Trujillo, Hugo Gonzales, Elias Montoya and Jose Romero.

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS

THE WORLD AT OUR FEET

BY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE Sarah Rinehart’s beloved Uncle Joe and Aunt Helen Dyer were seasoned world travelers, embarking on many adventures in their lifetime. They were also Deaf.

When Sarah learned that NMSD has an International Studies Program to send students to other countries bi-annually, she expressed her interest in supporting the program as a way of honoring the memory of her late uncle and aunt.

Over the years Sarah has given several generous donations to the International Studies Program. In March, she attended the Culinary Challenge and Auction Fundraiser students held.

This year, students traveled to France and The Netherlands. Sarah had the great pleasure of visiting with students to learn more about their exciting adventures, and to see photos from their trip. To express their deep gratitude, students presented Sarah with a gorgeous, tulipcovered scarf from Holland. Sarah was touched by the gesture. We know that her uncle and aunt are smiling down on our students, and applauding her part in making their trip possible!

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Top right: Alex Lucero shares information about their trip down the Seine, while Estefany and Augusta look on. Middle right: Sarah was clearly delighted with the gorgeous scarf students presented to her in appreciation of all her support! Bottom left: From Left: Joi Holsapple, Augusta Skoog, Sarah Rinehart, Estefany Reyes, Alex Lucero, Lucille Gregory, Scott Mohan and Dr. Rosemary Gallegos.

Not pictured: Vergena Chee. Bottom right: Augusta Skoog, Estefany Reyes, Sarah Rinehart and Kim Hand at the International Studies Culinary Challenge and Auction Fundraising event.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

DONOR HONOR ROLL THANK YOU – Thank you - Gracias - Merci - Diky - Bedankt - Vielen Dank - Obrigado - Huala Grazie HONOR ROLL OF DONORS The following donations were received from January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. Great care was given in preparing the Honor Roll of Donors. Any omissions and errors are unintentional. Corrections and/or questions should be addressed to Keri-Lynn McBride at 505-476-6399.

INDIVIDUALS Josie Abbenante Patricia Anderson Aracely Atilano Lynann & Andy Barbero Willie Benavidez Marcia & Ted Berridge Elspeth G. Bobbs Kim Burkholder Patricia Delaney Dr. Gilbert Delgado Karin Chadwick & Miguel Duran Robert Durio Tim & Krystle Curley Rosemary & Robert Gallegos Margarita & Tim Garcia Michelle & Santiago Garcia Nora Garcia Katharine H. Glyer Kathy Glyer Ric & Dolores Gonzales Sophia Gonzalez Wendy Gordon Presiliano Gurule Daniel Heinze Maxine Hickox Park Hilliard John Hooper Leticia & Melinda Johnston Missy & Chris Lamb Mary & James Lambourne Esperanza & Roman Latimer Ray & Joyce Litherland Rosalie Lopez & Gary Valencia Julio & Brenda Martinez Michael & Sheri Milone Keri-Lynn McBride Patricia McBride Crystal Mitchem Scott Mohan Gayle Mohorcich Paul & Judy Moriarty Orlando Obeso

Edward Peltier Margie Propp Adriana Reyes Fred & Nikki Rickert-Renoux Howard & Elizabeth Roberts Ted Salazar Becky Salter Frankie Serrano Sylvia Serrano Jerry Seth Lee Sides Leslie & Aurora Solomon Dr. Ronald & Hedy Stern Gina Thomas Rich Tylinski Michael Vigil Harriet Waseta Gail Williams BUSINESSES & CORPORATIONS A-1 Lawn Maintenance & Service, LLC Albertsons Dark Horse Investments Sam’s Club Stand Sure Farms Veterinary Relief Starbucks SVRS - Sorenson Communication Trader Joes Whitehawk Associates, Inc. Whole Foods FOUNDATIONS Walter Scott Foundation CIVIC & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Elks Lodge - #460 Deaf Senior Citizens of Greater Albuquerque NMSD Alumni Association Old Town Optimist Club Quota International of Santa Fe Rotary Club of Santa Fe Santa Fe Civitans Santa Fe Institute St. John’s United Methodist Women

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

A new security station is being completed at NMSD’s main entrance to better assist visitors and staff as they enter campus.

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A view of the James A. Little theater from the center of the open space between the Delgado Hall administration building and the Roadrunner Activity Center.

The open space between the Delgado Hall administration building and the Roadrunner Activity Center that includes the facade of the former Health Center.

New exterior walkways adjacent to the new parking areas in front of the James A. Little Theater.

Our new parking area as viewed from the North side of campus.

The ArtSign wall area is being renovated to accommodate better walking traffic and to blend with the new open space landscaping.

2015 -2016 RETIREES & YEARS OF SERVICE

RETIREE

20 YEARS

Mary Lambourne

Joanne Corwin

1995-2006 & 2011-2016

Robert Huizar

15 YEARS

Kacee Edmonds

Randy Oglesby

10 YEARS

Mark Apodaca

Cindy Timlen

Amanda Lujan

Daniel Timlen

Wendy Prouse

Don Wilding

Emilie Wilding 33

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1029 ALB, NM

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. 106 / Issue 2 / Winter/Spring 2015-16

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