OSSB Panther Paws
September 13, 2021 - Weekly Newsletter
~ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ~
SEPTEMBER
- 13-24 - OSSB Read-A-Thon - 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!!
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
OSSB Read-A-Thon September 13th - 24th
September 13-24, we are kicking off OSSB’s first-ever Read-A-Thon!
We are excited to have students AND staff dive into reading this week. Students will track their reading minutes for prizes and request donations from family and friends to fuel their reading journey! This will be the OSSB Fall Fundraiser that helps sponsor student activities throughout the year.
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. Thank you so much for being so supportive! ~ Ms. Bardon and Mrs. Kallstrom
Bennett Comes to OSSB on National Teddy Bear Day
Two OSSB Students In The News, This Week!
Meet Allan, an OSSB 10th grader who was featured on Fox8.com doing something pretty amazing at his local high school on Friday nights, announcing the High School Football game! According to Allan's mom Kim, " Allan definitely had celebrity status at the game tonight!"
And Stephen, a 7th grader who joined OSSB this school year, and was recently featured on ABC 6 On Your Side Problem Solvers after years of trying to get a sign in their neighborhood to help slow traffic.
OSSB 5th graders Gear Up for Science
Jayven uses the Seeing AI app on his iPad to take a picture while Brenna works at a picnic table nearby.
Wesson and Scotty use their iPads to take pictures of the swings. Mikaia holds her iPad and looks at a student off camera.
Parent Mentors Offer Special Ed Book Club
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. Each month will have required reading at your own pace and optional videos to reinforce concepts. 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 17th - CLICK HERE to register
OSSB Back Entrance Closed until September 16th
Through September 16th the back entrance to OSSB off Foster Avenue will be closed. The asphalt is being paved and repaired. All student pick-ups from the back will be rerouted to the front of the school building. Please contact the front office with any questions!
RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
It's Not Too Late to Register for this Science Mentorship Program for Blind and Low Vision Students
"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
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
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
OCALI InspirED Video Gallery
Newly Reorganized Video Gallery
The InspirED Video Gallery has recently been reorganized by audience – for families and professionals – and by topic, including accessibility, autism, early childhood, family and community, PBIS, remote learning, transition, universal design for learning, wellbeing, and self-care, along with assessment and data for professionals. As always, all sessions include interactive transcripts, audio description, supporting materials, and the opportunity to earn a professional development certificate by completing a survey at the end of each session. Check them out!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/