Panther Place Residential News
Fall Edition 2019
Welcome Students and Families!
In August, we mailed each family our first annual Residential Welcome Packet. It included a welcome letter with dorm and staff contact information, an overview of student progress tracking and a packing list. We also provided a Residential Program Overview detailing program information and policies.
If you have any contact information or address updates to share, please contact the Residential Services Department.
Meet the Director
Daniel has spent his career working in the non-profit and afterschool sector with disadvantaged youth. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Human Nutrition & Dietetics in the College of Education & Human Ecology, he completed a full-time year of service with AmeriCorps at Children’s Hunger Alliance. There he led afternoon nutrition and physical education in Columbus afterschool programming throughout the city. Daniel then accepted a role working directly with youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus focusing on nutrition and wellness in the Westside and Milo-Grogan communities. In 2014, he opened a teen-focused Boys & Girls Club on the South Side of Columbus focusing on teen employment and post-secondary opportunities. One year later, Daniel and the teens moved into the Reeb Avenue Center and opened the South Side Boys & Girls Club – a full-service afterschool program serving kids in the community from ages 5-19 years old. After serving as a Site Director for two years, Daniel transitioned into the role of Director of Programs & Club Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus from 2016-2018. In this role, Daniel oversaw the operations of ten sites and increased organizational impact by doubling youth attendance. In 2019, Daniel joined Ohio School for the Deaf and Ohio State School for the Blind in a Special Projects role providing grant and funding support across both campuses before accepting a position as Director of Afterschool Programming & Student Resources.
Daniel’s hobbies include attending concerts, building furniture in his DIY garage-workshop, cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes and spending time with his cockerspaniel-poodle mix dog, Charlie.
Email: dcuster@osdb.oh.gov
Phone: 614-728-1420
New Residential Staff
Tammy Bumgardner
John Semones
Rhonda Justice
Student Goal Tracking and Progress
After School Program
The after-school program has just started Session Two of quarterly programming. There are a total of 12 clubs being offered including Jewelry, Blind Soccer, Improv, Cooking, Fitness, Game On, 3D Models, Explorer's, Podcast and Playgroup. We are also continuing Homework Center and adding a reading/homework incentive program.
Stepping into Adult Life
Recreation and Leisure
Residential students enjoyed the following all campus recreation activities:
Halloween Bash
We had a spook-tacular time in the OSSB gymnasium on October 29 as students celebrated Halloween early during the Halloween Bash. Students dressed in costume and enjoyed dancing and treats. Top prizes were awarded during group games including "Bone-Chilling Relay Race" and "Best Boo Contest". The night ended with a trip through our second annual "Haunted Hallway" where students traveled through themed rooms for a frightful good time. A special thank you to students from STEP who helped make the event a success!
Pigeon Roost Farm
Pumpkins, a petting zoo and just plain fall fun were found at Pigeon Roost on October 23.
Hot Dog Roast
Students were in for a real treat on October 9 when the The Lion's Club hosted their second annual hot dog roast near the ravine. The evening was complete with campfire s'mores.
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Social
Thursday, Nov 21, 2019, 06:00 PM
OSSB Dining Hall
Winter Concert
The Ohio State School for the Blind Music Department is pleased to present the 2019 Winter Concert on December 12. Formal dress attire is encouraged of student participants; residential students participating in the concert should return with dress clothing on December 8. Dinner will be hosted in the gymnasium from 4:30-6:00 pm. Please watch for additional details including an invitation and RSVP request for this special event. We look forward to seeing you!