OSSB Panther Paws
October 18, 2021 - Ohio State School for the Blind - Weekly
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER
- 21 - OSSB Marching Band - Circleville Pumpkin Show Parade
- 25 - End of 1st Quarter
- 27 - Residential Life Presents 'Trunk or Treat' <<<<<Sign up Here
- 28 - Early Dismissal at 2:30 pm
- 29 - NO SCHOOL/Staff Records Day
NOVEMBER
- 1 - First Day of Cheer Season
- 12 - NO SCHOOL/Veteran's Day
- 15 - NO SCHOOL/Scope Day for Teachers
- 23 - Early Dismissal at Noon
- 24 thru 26 - NO SCHOOL/Thanksgiving Break
OSSB Read-A-Thon Wrap-up and Thanks!
~ Mrs. Lauri Kaplan
Mobility Week at OSSB - It Takes A Village!
Mr. James Prater, Maintenance Services at OSSB, helped out by letting kids get up close with one of the vehicles used on campus. While obstacles were placed around the outdoor area, students used their canes and hands to explore everyday items, like hula hoops, a bike, a car, street lights, big yellow signs, and even a crosswalk signal button. Kids had to use their canes to maneuver around the 'obstacles'. Mr. Prater explained that he "talked with them about the gator, and I told them about the different features on it and also let them touch them controls." Special thanks to everyone who made Mobility Week a wonderful success!
~Mrs. Lauri Kaplan
Photos below show Mr. Prater standing in front of a John Deere Gator alongside K/1 students holding their white canes, Farhiya and Mrs. Smith finishing a coloring page of a white cane and it's parts, Emmie and Ms. Kirk making beaded earrings, and Lucas and Christian exploring a green three-wheeled bicycle. Newsletter background photo shows Dr. Pickerill on the obstacle course in front of the dorms at OSSB.
OSSB Mobility Week
O&M’s Mrs. Smith and Farhiya color a White Cane
Emmie and Ms. Kirk check out the Finished Earring
Ms. Mycah, Lucas, Christian, Ms. Britt and Mrs. Smith explore a Bicycle
Updated OSSB Sports Schedule
All events are subject to change
Virtual Forensic season October 4 - Dec 9, 2021
- Nov. 8-10th OSSB host virtual one round practice
OSSB Swim Season October 4 - Dec. 9, 2021
- Swim Final Meet for OSSB athletics Dec. 9th
Wrestling and Cheerleading November 2021 - January 22, 2022
- January 21-22 Conference Competition in KY
Goalball season March 14, 2021 - April 29-30, 2021
- NCASB Conference Championships at ISVI
Residential Life Invites Students and Staff to Trunk-or-Treat Night - October 27th
The OSSB Residential Department would like to extend an invitation to all OSSB staff, students, and families to join us for Trunk-or-Treat night on Wednesday, October 27th at 6:45 PM. If you are interested in attending, please take a moment to fill out the Google Form below. We hope to see you there! ~Mrs. Taylor Crokie
OSSB Cheer/Pep Team Starting Soon!
Hello Panthers!
Coach Knight and Coach Traucht would like to welcome you to a brand new year of CHEER! Come be a part of our Cheer/Pep team during the 2021-22 school year.
Your coaches expect you to attend all agreed upon practices. We are scheduled to practice Monday through Thursday each week, or as determined by the school calendar. Your coaches expect you to communicate effectively and work together. We are a team and will act as such to create a squad that supports one another. Your coaches expect you to come prepared for each practice. Please wear athletic gear and appropriate footwear as we will be active each day.
November 1, 2021 is the official first day of cheer. We will hold practice in the gym from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM daily. You are required to wear a mask. The cheerleading season runs from November 1st – January 22nd. We are tentatively scheduled for a conference competition at KSB from January 21st to the 22nd, but this could change.
Please ensure that all Final Forms are completed by students and parents prior to our first practice. Also, in order to participate your athlete will have to sign up for Color Home (see link below)
https://home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=TF-OHI-19-students
Color Home
home.color.com
Permission to stay after school form:
https://forms.gle/eqrQscNtYJDkHwS29
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Traucht or Ms. Knight.
Good luck! We look forward to seeing you November 1, 2021 at 3:30 p.m.
Photo shows a previous years' OSSB Cheer team striking a pose. In front is Amina, second row: Sumeya, Kayla, Maddie, Jayla, Makayla and Nolan, third row: Assistant Coach Swisher, Autum and Assistant Coach Knight
Donations to the EDGE Panther Resource Center
The EDGE program is accepting donations. We are accepting shelf-stable food, and personal care items. Our own OSSB students can shop for food and clothing to meet their needs. Donation boxes are located in both the new and old lobbies at the Ohio State School for the Blind. Thank you for any support you can provide!
EDGE Participants
Photo shows EDGE students Evan and Peggy enjoying a walk at a local park.
Unique Boutique at OSSB
The OSSB Horticulture students would like to share their order form for their wellness product store, Unique Boutique. They hand-make their products and grow their own succulents. Purchases help support the Horticulture program. Please use the following link to place your order. Orders may be picked up at OSSB.
The Horticulture class - Joey, Jayden, Helena, Jonathan S.
~ Ms. Val Kirk
OSSB Cafeteria Menu - October 18 thru October 22
RESOURCES & WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
TONIGHT!! Lighthouse Guild: Tele-Support Presentation: Adjusting to a Vision Diagnosis for Children
When: Monday, October 18, 2021, 8:30-9:30PM EDT
Speakers: Dr. Linda Gerra
Finding out your child is blind or has a visual impairment can turn your world upside down. You may feel lost and alone, unsure of what your child needs, let alone how to meet those needs. You are not alone! Join Dr. Linda Gerra for a discussion on helpful resources, support services, and strategies for overcoming obstacles to ensure your child reaches their full potential. During this call, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and speak with other parents with similar experiences. This call is open to all parents in the United States.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Linda Gerra’s expertise in the field of blindness and visual impairment encompasses a variety of areas. For many years, she administered programs for children and young adults with visual impairment at Lighthouse Guild in New York City. As a teacher of the visually impaired, she has taught children of all ages. Currently, she serves as a resource for parents, teachers, and administrators working with children with visual impairment and is a consultant for the Perkins Compass College Success Program. Dr. Gerra holds a Doctorate in Blindness and Visual Impairment and a Master’s in Early Childhood Development.
Parents - Check out this Opportunity!! State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC) Accepting Applications Through October 31st
OSSB Parents - Please consider getting involved with Special Education at the State level by applying to be a member of the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC). They are accepting applications through October 31, 2021. See more information below provided by the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children!
The State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC) is accepting applications for membership through Oct. 31, 2021 for the 2022-2023 school year. The panel is seeking members to represent the categories of parents of children with disabilities and individuals with disabilities. For the membership application and additional information on the panel, visit the Ohio Department of Education website (http://education.ohio.gov), search SAPEC or click here to access the application.
For more information please contact:
- Parise Callahan at Parise.Callahan@education.ohio.gov or
- Sandy Kaufman at sandy.kaufman@education.ohio.gov.
Please remember applicants must be a resident of Ohio, at least 18 years of age, and meet criteria in at least one of the following categories:
- parents or legal guardians of children/persons with disabilities (ages birth through 26);
- individuals with disabilities;
- teachers;
- representatives of institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel;
- administrators of programs for children with disabilities;
- representatives of other state agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities;
- representatives of private schools and public charter schools;
- representative of a vocational, community or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities;
- representative from the state child welfare agency responsible for foster care;
- representatives from the state juvenile and adult corrections agencies.
Thank you,
Office for Exceptional Children
Information courtesy of the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children
Four Part Series Features OSSB Alumna, Michelle Motil’s Journey Towards Independence
Meet Michelle
October 27, 2021, 4-4:30pm
Get to know Michelle and hear her disability story, one that is similar to that of many other families. Can you relate? Michelle, her mom, and sister will share their authentic perspective of their disability experience, including their challenges and successes. Come share your story as well! Follow Michelle on her Journey towards Independence. First episode airs on October 27th. Register for this series here.Information made available from the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness. See introduction video below in this newsletter.
Envision Fall Event - Columbus, Ohio Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 - REGISTER by October 19th!
Envision Fall Event this Wednesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm. If you happen to get there later than the start time, no worries! This is for all youth ages 3-17. Please sign up through the google link or email/ text me ASAP if you still would like to attend. I need to know by Tuesday, October 19th. Looking forward to our hike and pumpkin carving.
Link: https://forms.gle/aKuPDMt33iDj8jw76
Katie Smith Katharineatkinso6@gmail.com
American Council of the Blind of Ohio Statewide Conference, October 29-31, 2021
American Council of the Blind of Ohio - Statewide Conference Information
Do not need to be a member to attend convention or participate in local Chapter meetings.
ACBO State Convention
https://www.acbohio.org/convention/
When: October 29-31, 2021
Where: Crowne Plaza North
6500 Doubletree Ave, Columbus 43229
Registration $80, includes 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday
Zoom links will be provided to registrants who do not attend
Mask wearing recommended
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Statewide Conference, November 5-6, 2021
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio - Statewide Conference Information
NFBO State Convention
https://nfbohio.org/nfb-ohio-75th-annual-convention/
When: November 5-6, 2021
Where: Online Via Zoom
Registration is Free
Happenings at Highbrook - Highbrook Lodge Newsletter
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/