iowa hawkeye - Iowa deafLong Hall Science Center, please send your donation by March 31. Fame with your NAME Gotta hand it to ‘em– During the grand opening ceremony, glass science

The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010

VOL. 131 • ISSUE 1 2010-2011

I O W A S C H O O L F O R T H E D E A F

campus news for families, alumni and friends of isd

hawkeyeiowa


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The Iowa Hawkeye is published by

Iowa School for the Deaf.

Vol. 131, No. 1

Jeanne Prickett, EdDSuperintendent

Cynthia AngerothEditor/Design

Cindy SchrumEditorial Support

Additional photos provided by various staff of Iowa School for the Deaf.

Contact UsIowa School for the Deaf

3501 Harry Langdon BoulevardCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503

712.366.0571www.iowaschoolforthedeaf.org

On the CoverNeed to corral 26 energetic bodies for a photo? Call in Cassie Contreras, yearbook photographer! Contreras decided on a creative route when it was time to design the sophomore yearbook page, and wanted a group shot of her grade. Yearbook teacher Beth Chadwick gave a nod of approval- with the understanding Contreras was to get approvals, schedule the shoot and manage to have everyone show up. Photos, of course, are by Contreras. Sophomores Ty Waits (left) and Jacob Bradley enjoy a chase through campus.

PUBLIC PAW ART

ublic art in the form of Bobcat mascot heads were created by

Iowa School for the Deaf is a referral-based education option for eligible pre K-12 students in Iowa

and Nebraska. The school is dually accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and the

Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and

Programs for the Deaf.

facebook.com/ISDOFFICIAL PAGE

The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/20112

pISD students this fall. Art students learned

public art is original art in any medium for display outdoors

or indoors. Public art gives a view of the past, connects to the present and gives hope to the future. Art teacher Cindy Soppe and other teachers worked with their students to finish the public art projects in time for homecoming. Many are still on display in classrooms.

See the public art in this issue!


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GirlsLivingintheDormsSeeWorldofNails

t was all about the art of being a nail technician for 10 high school girls in late November. They ventured to the College of Nail i

Thereisnopricetobeingnice!It may be a decade since Haley Joe Osmont became determined to change the lives of three people on the big screen, but the film’s underlying theme still applies: Do something nice for someone and don’t expect anything in return. Two ISD initiatives are encouraging students to think of others first.

Pay It Forward- Students living in the girls’ dorm are recording their acts of kindness around campus. Girls who have the most documented records of kind acts were rewarded in early January. They were Madison Healy, Shayla Dobias, Brianna Vargo, Kalynn Coulter, Cassie Contreras, Jocelyn Calderon, Hilary Fink and Carly Weyers. Staff winner was Dolly Murray. Acts of Kindness- The elementary/middle school is posting good deeds students do for others on the wall near the main entrance.

Polishing Up On Careers


Design in Omaha for a tour and post-graduate exploration.

The director of the college gave a tour of the facilities and explained the curriculum. The girls learned about acrylic nails, gel nails, nail design, nail diseases, manicures, pedicures and building a clientele.

The girls learned how students pay for this school, its schedules and curriculum. The girls also learned the students from the college use their skills to “Pay it Forward” at an area nursing home where they give manicures to residents. When asked what was most interesting about their visit to the College of Nail Design, the girls had the following comments:

•“The 3-D nail design was awesome!”

Seeing the nail technicians at work, learning how they use chemicals to make different gels.”

• “The teacher really enjoys watching students learn to do nails well.”

• “Learning about the different techniques they use to do nails.”

• “Everything was so amazing! Seeing the acrylic nails and the nail designs was cool!”

• “So many things they teach at the college, very cool.”

more public art3


iane LeDoux’s greenhouse and foods students got the dirt on soil this fall. The classes visited the Durham

Students Dig Exhibit• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Did you know there are 70,000 different types of soils?

pesticides and fertilizers on the soils, on our food supplies and our health. “They now understand that soils are not made by humans, and it takes thousands of years to form fertile, healthy soils,” she said.

Videos and exhibit photography explained how we can help the earth and how each one of us is responsible to protect what we have, said LeDoux. Students went on a treasure hunt to find the answers to 20 questions that were hidden within the exhibit. Want to know more? Go to the website www.soils.org and do your own “digging” into soils.

Gettin’ GourdgeousGreenhouse students made birdhouses from name of gourds. The gourds were do-nated by middle school teacher Sue Meidlinger


Museum in Omaha to study the “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” exhibit.

The students were able to see samples of different layers of soils from around the United States and discovered each state has a name for its type of soil.

“Foods students did not understand why they were included in the field trip,” said LeDoux. “Then they learned healthy soil produces healthy food from animals and plants they eat.”

LeDoux said all students learned soil can be destroyed quickly by not caring for the earth. Students saw effects of pollution, erosion, 4

Diane LeDoux’s first trimester greenhouse students were so plentiful and efficient, they cleaned up the greenhouse ahead of schedule this fall.

This provided the students an opportunity to recycle some gourds LeDoux was given a few years ago by speech language pathologist Sue Miles. LeDoux dried and bleached the gourds. Students cleaned and sanded them before creating designs and painting them onto the gourds.

LeDoux noted the gourds are used for outside bird nesting but saidmost of the students are using their finished work as interior decorations.


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ISD Helps Set Guiness World Record

Dalton “Rush” Rosch scrambles to beat the clock in a cup stacking event held through Karen Lechner’s physical education classes. Stephanie Perez is ready to tackle her next station.

ISD students joined more than 300,000 people across the world who created a 2010 Guiness World Record called “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day.” The historic day was Nov. 18.

Sport stacking enhances basic motor- skills, hand-eye coordination and accu-racy. It promotes bilateral proficiency (equal skill with right and left hands). Improved concentration and reaction time may also be improved with sport stacking.

Become Our Fan!Help us make 1,000 fans!

more public art


If you aren’t already a fan of Iowa School for the Deaf’s Facebook page, you are invited to become one. There are several pages with ISD’s name on it, but only one is the school’s page. Find us at facebook.com/ISDOFFICIALPAGE. While you are there, click on the upper right bar “Join My Mailing List” to receive the monthly Bobcat newsletter and other updates. E-mails average two per month, so you won’t be overwhelmed.

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Bubbling with Excitement

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What better way to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Iowa School for the Deaf than

with the opening of a new wing?

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A. Hallway contains permanent inlaid graph in floor, display areaB. Student restroomsC. High school classroomD. Faculty restroomE. Chemical storageF. High school laboratoryG. Middle school laboratoryH. Dark RoomI. Middle School classroomJ. KitchenK. Middle School storageL. Future Elementary classroomM. Future Elementary restroom

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umScience Center Brings Opportunities to ISD Students

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Photos by ISD Yearbook

t emperatures in the high 70s on Oct. 1 provided perfect weather for the grand opening celebration of Iowa School for the Deaf’s Long Hall Science Center. Housed in the area formerly occupied by a swimming pool and locker rooms, two modern laboratories and two classrooms have transformed the 5,000 sq. feet.


After a demonstration involving the science of bubbles, audience members officially opened the science center by making their own bubbles from individual bottles. Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Prickett, senior Ricky Burgess and special guest speaker Derek Braun of Gallaudet University led the crowd.

The modern space is replete with today’s technology, from white boards in each lab and classroom to electronic microscopes. The former middle school classrooms lacked space for traditional science favorites, such as an aquarium and terrarium. Both are now features in the new middle school classroom.

The 1930s lab space in the high school could not be altered to accom-modate fume hoods and safety showers- elements essential when conducting experiments with natural gas. New gas hookups now allow teachers to expand their experiment possibilities. Adequate storage will mean teachers have organized access to myriad supplies. With both schools on campus sharing the space, there will be a reduction of duplication in materials and equipment.


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Plaques bearing names of donors to the Long Hall Science Center will hang on the wall in the new facility. The plaques will be finalized soon.If you would like to have your name on the permanent plaque in the Long Hall Science Center, please send your donation by March 31.

NAMEFame with your

Gotta hand it to ‘em– During the grand opening ceremony, glass science cylinders engraved with the ISD logo were presented to corporate donors.

It’s a motivator– Teachers comment students are always on time to class now, due to their enthusiasm for learning in the new space. Students claim they are also on time because they don’t have to climb another flight of stairs!

Seeing purple– Students and staff were provided ISD Long Hall Science Center t-shirts in celebration of the historical day.

Thank you for supporting us!

Mail check to:ISD Foundation3501 Harry Langdon BoulevardCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503

Or use PayPal:iowaschoolforthedeaf.orgclick community/professional resourcesand the donate button.

Science center donors to date:n 111 Individualsn 23 Community Organizations & Businessesn 7 Foundations



onathan Sanchez’s favorite super hero is Spiderman. He would like to be a chef when he grows up. And if Jonathan ever forgets what he liked as an 8-year-old, he can always refer to his book.

Write Me a StoryJonathan Sanchez and junior Cheyenne Terry discussed Sanchez’s favorite super heros, foods and pastimes. Terry and his classmates later wrote books starring the younger students.

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students, so Watson’s students could glean information about the younger pupils and create a personalized

direct and use simple words, and can’t be as descriptive as you would want it to be for an adult.” Watson experienced satisfaction as she watched the projects evolve. “The elementary students look up to the high school students and were in awe,” she said. “My students exceeded my expectations. They were very involved and did a great job.”

Sanchez and other 3rd and 4th graders at ISD met with Jeanette Watson’s high school English students this fall. The high school students traded a final exam in Watson’s class for a project demonstrating their knowledge of sentence structure, plots, narratives and other aspects of creative writing. Books penned by her students, decided Watson, would be the perfect project to combine all those elements.

Research for the books began with pairing high school and elementary

book for them. Elementary students provided a piece of artwork for inclusion in the book.

Cheyenne Terry, who was paired with Sanchez, smiled as he recalled his interviews with the younger boy. “He’s very communicative, loves to talk– a real social kid,” Terry said. Sanchez’s book was about Spiderman. Although the meetings went well, Terry said the project was not simple. “Writing a children’s book is not as easy as you might think, “he said. “They’ve got to be


Homecoming ‘10• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spring it on us– Josh Knudson, Class of ‘06, entertained the crowd before kickoff with his jumping stilts.

4th Poker Run Aids School- Eight participants rode in the 4th ISD Homecoming Poker Run, held Oct. 2. The event was organized by Michael Friesen. Thank you for your donation to the ISD Foun-dation! Participants: James Buettner, Joey Meyer, James Larson, Julie Redondo, Doug Collicot, Tony Nacarelli, James Luttrell and Mike Friesen.

ISD Hall of Fame Adds Two to Wall- Francis Jacobson was honored posthumously with the Distin-guished Service to the Community Award. Jacobson started the first football team in 1921 with his own funds. Donald Miksell, Class of ‘84, received the Distinguished Service to the Community Award. Miksell is involved in myriad state deaf events and committees.

The photos and biographies of the men are displayed on the main floor of the ISD Adminis-tration Building and will take a permanent spot in the ISD Museum hallway next fall.

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This year’s opponent was the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Firebirds. Coach Karen Lechner pro-vided a fireman skit at the pep rally to ‘douse’ the Firebirds’ flames. Although the homecoming opponent has often been invited to watch the pep rally, this was the first year some of the Firebird athletes participated in the night’s games. Royalty crowned at the pep rally were King Shannon McArthur, Jr. of Nebraska City and Queen Carly Weyers of Waverly, Neb.

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this school year, ISD transition coordinator Kristi Wills was interviewed by National Public Radio (91.5 KIOS FM in Omaha) and KMA (99.1FM/960 AM in Iowa) regarding the 4PLUS program’s success. Currently the program has 10 students. Students work in competitive employment, attend college or both. 4PLUS teachers Wendy Rustad and Wills provide job coaching, life skills education, one-on-one

tutoring and more. Pictured is David Grandberry, who found a job through 4PLUS and has recently been promoted at his workplace.

Get More News!To be sure you are receiving more news and publications about Iowa School for the Deaf, sign up to receive information electronically! We send about two e-mails per month, via Constant Contact.

Here’s how to sign up:1. Send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know of your wishes OR2. Go to Facebook.com/ISDOFFICIALPAGE and click on “Join our mailing list” at the top.

It’s a Tie! Student volunteers attempt a magic rope trick when Matthew Magic Morgan’s show came to town in September. Left to right are Jonathan Sanchez, Elisa Perez, Nobuo Kamizuru of the magician troupe, Brandon Dunlap and Elizabeth Van Camp.

The 4PLUS student center has been relocated to the north side of the careers building. The new kitchen and lounge area was perfect for the program’s first Thanksgiving feast, providing lessons in nutrition, budgeting and cooking.

t4PLUS is the only transition program in Iowa exclusively for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Tuning in to 4PLUS

Computers for all– High school students received new HP Mini Netbooks at the start of the school year. The units weigh about two pounds, are 1” thick and smaller than a sheet of notebook paper. The computers are for in-school use, and may be used in the dorms. Students are using the netbooks to take notes, perform internet searches, write papers and more. Teachers have the final say if the units are on or off during class, however. They can instantly set the students’ machines to a black screen, to be sure all eyes are on the lesson.


Cup of Joe to Go ASTRA service club students provide an array of coffees, hot chocolate and cider once a month to staff as a fundraiser for area homeless shelters. About $25 is brought in at each sale.


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ISD Nurses Are There!When medical or dental appointments can’t wait for homegoing, ISD’s health center ensures students receive the necessary services. Geri Knoebel, a licensed interpreter, is the ‘go between.’ Knoebel provides transportation and interpretation for students at medical appointments in Omaha and Council Bluffs. She relays information about the appointments to the health center nurses, who follow-up with parents.

hen an ISD student becomes ill or injured, staff at the ISD

n Set up yearly dental and vision screenings.n Offer influenza vaccination for

students and staff.n Schedule in-house consultation

with a sports therapist for assessment, treatment and referral.n Work closely with the Green Hills

AEA audiologist, Boys Town National Research Hospital, and local audiology service providers to meet students’ audio, hearing aid, and cochlear implant needs.n Maintain ongoing communication

and referral with the occupational and physical therapists, vision specialist, and psychologist at Green Hills AEA.n Write Health Reviews to be

included in the IEP and participate in IEP evaluations.n Develop IHP’s (Individual Health

Plans) for students with special medical or physical needs. n Offer health information and

education to students and staff through: v Classroom and dormitory presentations. v Individual/group discussion/information. v School Health Council education and

programs. v Education, information, and weight loss


wHealth Center provide professional care round the clock! Registered nurses tend to all health needs, from administering medication to scheduling dental and eye screenings. A local pediatrician and pediatric nurse practitioner provide examination and evaluation services on campus and are available at all hours for consultation.

School nurses do a lot more than dispense medication and apply

bandaids!

and fitness programs for staff by the Staff Wellness Committee.v Set up CPR and

First Aid training in-services for staff with the American Heart Association.v Bloodborne

Pathogen training and Medication Manager clinical certification.

Dee Willer, R.N., shows Madison Plager her weight.

The Go Between

“We put a little TLC in everything we do!”

-Diane Knigge, Health Center

Above, Knoebel dons “over-the-top” protective gear while filling environmentally-friendly disinfectant bottles for distribution to campus departments.

Knoebel’s health center duties keep her on the go. Twice a year, she refreshes bloodborne pathogen kits throughout campus. She also assists with annual staff bloodborne training, by demonstrating proper glove doffing technique as well as how to wear protective gowns and masks. (Knoebel has been known to offer advice on how to accessorize such an outfit!)

Knoebel is also the face of Celebrate ISD, the senior breakfast, Red Wheel fundraiser and other campus special projects.

Other services provided through the health center:n Medical assessment and

treatment.n Maintain concise health and

immunization records for each student.n Offer short-term or overnight

accommodation to ill and recuperating students.


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NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDOMAHA, NE

PERMIT NO 546

3501 Harry Langdon Blvd.Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Watch us make some

A new sign was purchased by the Class of ‘10. It is near the football field’s concession stand at the north campus en-trance. A few members of the Class of ‘10 (all whom are 4PLUS students now) are pictured: (left to right) Bryiona Brooks, Alica Vargas, Mike Fick, Peter Schwietz and Alba Lavrenz.

Nearly 40 stakeholders in deaf education across the state attended the symposium, “What Do We Need to Know About Deaf Education,” held Aug. 31 in West Des Moines. Invited audience members included parents, alumni, legislators, Regents, superintendents, teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, students and representatives from various agencies which interact with facets of deaf education. The afternoon was hosted by Iowa School for the Deaf and the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.Claire Bugen, superintendent at Texas School for the Deaf, gave the presentation, “Changes in the Landscape of Deaf Education and Schools for the Deaf.” Sean Virnig, deaf education consultant from Minnesota, gave the presentation, “Deaf Education. Achievement. Outcomes. Best Practices. What? How?”Following the presentations, participants separated into groups to discuss ideas and challenges regarding deaf education in Iowa.

The Paw Factor

What We Need To Know


Other Bobcat news- (fall sports records) football, 1-7; volleyball, 9-14. Deaf Digest All-American Football First Team: Zach Raes, offensive line; Deaf Digest Volleyball All-American First Team: Carly Weyers.

Documents

iowa hawkeye - Iowa deafLong Hall Science Center, please send your donation by March 31. Fame with your NAME Gotta hand it to ‘em– During the grand opening ceremony, glass science