OSSB Panther Paws
September 20, 2021 - Weekly Newsletter
~ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ~
SEPTEMBER
- 20-24 - OSSB Read-A-Thon continues - see flyer in this newsletter or your child's backpack for more information about upcoming events, prizes, and more during this fall fundraiser/reading extravaganza!! Students, don't forget to read, and turn in your minutes to Mrs. Kallstrom.
OCTOBER
- 11 - NO SCHOOL/Columbus Day
- 13 - Special Ed Book Club - registration info in this newsletter 7:30 - 9:00 pm
- 14 - Parent-Teacher Conferences - 4-8 pm
- 14 - OSSB Parent Teacher Staff Organization - Zoom meeting 7:30 pm
- 15 - Dismissal at Noon
- 25 - End of 1st Quarter
- 28 - Dismissal at 2:30 pm
- 29 - NO SCHOOL/Staff Records Day
Read-A-Thon is in Full Swing!
OSSB’s first-ever Read-A-Thon enters its second week and has been a hit so far! Thanks to everyone for supporting our students in their reading! We are keeping a running tally of minutes in the hallway above the lockers as we race to the goal of 100,000 minutes.
This week is the Read-A-Thon Spirit Week! We hope students and staff check out the attached schedule and join in on the fun! Today was dress as your favorite mythical creature, followed by Twin Tuesday, Super Wednesday -dress as your favorite super hero, Hat's off Thursday, and Formal Friday! Thanks so much for your support during our first-ever Read-A-Thon!
Donations can be made payable to OSSB PTSF, through the PTSO's Foundation website, or by hovering your smartphone camera over the QR code in the Read-A-Thon packet below. We hope this event encourages student literacy and raises funds to support our students. ~ Mrs. Kallstrom
Photos show OSSB staff dressed up today as a unicorn, a Gruffalo, and a faun!
Ms. Hunnewell as a Unicorn
There's a Gruffalo in the building
Faun Kirk
Social Emotional Learning, What Is It?
Did you know that School Psychologist, Amanda Pickerill joined us last school year?! We are so fortunate she found her way to OSSB. She spends much of her time doing 3-Year Re-Evaluations for students at OSSB, and also sits on the Care and Support Team (CAST) at OSSB, addressing the social and emotional (SEL) needs of students.
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has learning standards by content area, including Social and Emotional Learning standards. The ODE provides the following explanation about SEL:
"Social-emotional learning is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. Research demonstrates that students who receive support for social and emotional learning in schools do better academically, socially, and behaviorally. Social-emotional learning has also been shown to positively impact economic mobility and mental health outcomes..."
Dr. Amanda Pickerill is currently working with some OSSB elementary classrooms using two different curricula, the Zones of Regulation and Social Express. Lessons and activities address the following topics:
· Self-Management (ex. taking care of belongs, good sportsmanship, etc.)
· Conversations & Attentive Listening (ex. joining a group, listening, and taking turns, etc.)
· Conflict Resolution
· Relationship Management (ex. thinking about a friend, admitting when a mistake is made, etc.)
· Critical Thinking (drawing smart conclusions, etc.), and
· Non-Verbal Communication
Please let Dr. Pickerill know if you have questions about Social-emotional learning and your child!
Culinary Students Create 'Signature Sauce'
The first project for culinary students, Maddie and Kurtacee, was to create a signature sauce for Hot Diggity Dogs, run by Mrs. Fichtelman's (formerly known as Ms. P) class. The project started with exploring and identifying subtle flavors within foods. Next, they discussed the flavors of the typical hot dog toppings. Then they were ready to start creating.
Each student created a sauce that was tasted and evaluated. The class agreed that each sauce was not quite right, so Maddie and Kurtacee decided to combine their creations. The result is P'awesome sauce, a hot dog sauce that has the depth of flavor and an unexpected kick at the end! ~Ms. Honse
Mrs. Brinkman's Early Learning Center
Sharing the Swing with a Friend
Matching Braille and Large Print Letters
Biking Friends
Mental Health America - Supporting Students at Home
Special Ed Book Club REGISTER By Tomorrow - September 21st
Join Parent Mentors Tabby Belhorn and Lauri Kaplan for a series of self-lead reading and monthly group discussions this fall/winter featuring Pete and Pam Wrights' books: Special Education Law and From Emotions to Advocacy
Details: Families of OSSB and OSD students are invited to join a monthly virtual book club series with Tabby and Lauri, Parent Mentors. We will meet virtually as a group on
October 13, November 10, January 12, and February 9th.
From 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, we will review our readings, ask questions and learn from each other. The books will be provided to you at no cost and are yours to keep!
Registration closes on September 21st - CLICK HERE to register
OSSB Vending Program offers Varsity Letter Jackets
If your student is interested in a Varsity Jacket, our Vending Department has set up a partnership with Egelhoff Sports in Northern Columbus. The jackets will represent the school colors of dark royal with white sleeves and red with white trim lettering.
- Jackets with vinyl sleeves start at $165
- Jackets with leather sleeves start at $225
At the time of ordering, an in-person fitting along with a downpayment of half of the total bill is necessary. Orders should be placed soon, allowing at least six weeks for completion.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Grim or one of our vending students. sgrim@ossb.oh.gov or 614-468-8880.
RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Sign Up To Learn . . . A Touch of Braille!
October 4th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Refresh your braille skills with A Touch of Braille! This introduction to braille workshop was developed to assist those who support students who are visually impaired by providing an introductory level of understanding braille. This one-day, hands-on training for paraprofessionals, general educators, other school staff, and parents/families.
Visit https://ataem.org/a-touch-of-braille for more information and to register!
Information and photo shared courtesy of the AT & AEM Center.
Columbus Recreation and Parks- Therapeutic Rec Blind Sports/ Rec FALL PROGRAMMING
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Canoeing, Kayaking & Fishing on September 24th
· Youth (6-17) 4:30-5:30pm
· Location: Antrim Park 5800 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, OH 43235
Bird's Harvest on November 4th
· Youth (3-17) 4:30-5:30pm
· Location: Wyandot 3228 Indian Village Rd. Columbus, OH 43221
· Activities: How birds harvest in the fall. Hiking and Crafts
Envision Fall Event
Hiking, Campfire, Pumpkin Carving on October 20th from 4:30-6:30 pm
· Youth (3-17) 4:30-6:30pm
· Location: Ottawa 3200 Indian Village Rd. Columbus, OH 43221
· Other Activities: Pumpkin Carving, Apple Cider, Smore's and Doughnuts
Blind Soccer
· Location for Sept. practice: Blackburn Community Center 263 Carpenter St. Columbus, OH 43205
Sept.21st:
· Youth 6-7:00 pm
Oct 26th
· Youth 6-7:00 pm
RSVP through the link below or the emails below:
Link: https://forms.gle/aKuPDMt33iDj8jw76
Outdoor Ed: outdooreducation@columbus.gov
Envision & Soccer: Katharineatkinso6@gmail.com
"EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING: A SERIES ON SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING" WITH JONATHAN MARTINIS
State Support Team Region 11 is excited to host Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy for the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, for four, 1.5-hour virtual speaking engagements focused on education, employment, and independent living for people with disabilities.
This series includes 4 sessions on 4 different dates. You will be able to register for all sessions from this page. The first session is on October 6th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. This special event will be recorded. Registered attendees will be sent a free copy of "Supported Decision Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All!"
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/education-employment-independent-living-with-jonathan-martinis-tickets-168723633931
Weekly Updates from the Ohio Center for Deafblind Education
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Blind/Low Vision/Visually Impaired Students and Their Parents/Guardians
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBO) wants to know about the experiences of families of visually impaired and blind students during COVID-19 in our state. They have created a survey to help determine how students have been impacted and to help guide future decisions regarding virtual instruction. They also want to hear of any new techniques that students have developed during virtual learning.
If you are a BVI student (K-12), or you are the parent/teacher/guardian of a BVI student (K-12), the NFB wants to hear from you! Please fill out this survey by October 1, 2021.
Examples of factors that could have been affected during the pandemic may include
internet access and reliability, Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), availability of resources (such as braille, large print, access technology, instructors, etc.), teaching style (in person, online, hybrid), level of participation in class, virtual platforms where class was conducted (Zoom, Skype, etc.), roles of parents and caregivers (supporting student technology and accessibility needs) and more.
Please complete the Google Form survey by October 1, 2021.
Suzanne Turner, Ohio Affiliate Vice President
Cleveland Chapter, President
(216) 990-6199
Ohio State School for the Blind
Michelle Wagner, Director of Teaching and Learning
Alison Brewer, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
Lou Maynus, Superintendent
Al LaBarre, Executive Director of Statewide Services
Email: lkaplan@osdb.oh.gov
Website: https://www.ossb.ohio.gov
Location: 5220 North High Street, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-752-1359
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioStateSchoolfortheBlind/