ISD 917 D/HH Newsletter
October 2019
IN THE NEWS
California Teacher Designs Glittery Hearing Aids on Dolls to Make Deaf Students Feel Represented
Genesis Politron is a preschool and kindergarten teacher in Watsonville, California, who works with students who are deaf and hard of hearing. While shopping for toys for her class, Politron realized there weren’t any dolls that resembled her students with hearing devices. So she decided to craft some on her own. Using creativity — and a lot of glitter — the teacher added hearing aids and cochlear implants to the new baby dolls for the school.
“Children’s minds are extremely malleable, and I believe it’s our jobs as adults to mold them into empowered, confident, and most importantly happy little people as best as we can.”
Source and full article: KTLA.com
High School Students Perform in Percussion Class
At Governor Livingston High School there are fascinating developments happening within the already exciting Deaf & Hard of Hearing Percussion Program. The program instructor, Mr. Josef Ellis, and the Educational Interpreters have been working to find ways to make the class and performances a more visual experience for both the performers and audience members.
As anticipated, they were able to start the school year off with a bang! At Mr. Ellis’ request, the school district ordered sound-activated lights over the summer and the class was able to give them a try on Tuesday, September 10th.
See the video above for the amazing performance!
Source and Full Article: Tapinto.net
EVENTS
Transition Fair
When: Friday, October 25 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm AND Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Metro Deaf School, Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul, MN
Any questions? Please contact Kathy Manlapas - kmanlapas@mdsmn.org
Family Tree Clinic Presents: Parents are Sexuality Educators
Cued Speech and Language Development in Early Childhood (3rd in a series)
RESOURCES
Waking Up with Sonic Alert
The Sonic Alert is a device that can connect to an alarm clock or your phone and is place usually underneath the bed. Rather than waking up to "ding ding ding!" you/your child can wake up to feeling "bzzz bzzz" under the bed.
Check out the video review here from the ladies of ASL Stew.
Hands and Voices Minnesota Newsletter
Fire Safety Month
READING ROOM
Book Recommendation
The Mitten String
When her family invites a deaf woman and her baby to stay, Ruthie, a talented knitter of mittens, wonders how the mother will know if her child wakes in the night. The surprising answer inspires Ruthie to knit a special gift that offers great comfort to mother and baby—and to Ruthie herself. With language and imagery reminiscent of stories told long ago, this modern Jewish folktale will resonate with those who love crafts, anyone who's encountered someone with physical differences—and with everyone who has ever lost a mitten in the depths of winter.
KEEPING UP WITH THE KIDS
Slang Term of the Month
Basic : Outside of chemistry class, basic describes something (or someone) extremely mainstream. Things that are basic include: Starbucks lattes, Taylor Swift, and blue J. Crew button-downs. It is not necessarily a put-down but could be used in that way in certain contexts.
Example:
1) Could Jessica be more basic? Do you have to have a pumpkin spice latte every day?
2) Your outfit is so basic.