OSSB Panther Paws Newsletter
Fall 2019 Wrapup
Ohio State School for the Blind
Important Dates
JANUARY 2020
1-9 World Braille Day
1-15 Early Dismissal - 2:30pm
1-16 Professional Development/ NO SCHOOL
1-17 Teacher Records Day/ NO SCHOOL
1-20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day/ NO SCHOOL
1-24 NCASB Conference/Wrestlers & Cheerleaders @ Arkansas
1-24 Little NC's Sign Up Forms Due
1-27 Little NC Sports Begin (elementary)
FEBRUARY 2020
2-6 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
2-13 Early Dismissal - 2:30pm
2-14 NO SCHOOL
2-17 President's Day/ NO SCHOOL
2-25 25th Annual Chocolate Fair
2-27 Ohio Braille Challenge
OSSB Teachers are Teachers of the Year!
Please congratulate Robin Finley for being named Teacher of the Year by the Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness. The DVIDB Teacher of the Year Award honors a person who is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist in any state approved or accredited day or specialized school, who serves students who are visually impaired, ages birth through 21, with or without additional disabilities.
According to the DVIDB Facebook Page, "Robin Finley has worked in a variety of education roles for over 25 years. She’s a dedicated teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind. She has been a huge advocate for literacy, numeracy, and science for students with visual impairments, contributing to publications, online courses and to technical assistance projects. Her teaching and outreach has had a tremendous impact in Ohio and nationally."
Since its inception in 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom. Earlier this school year, we celebrated with OSSB's Cecelia Peirano who was named 2020 Teacher of the Year for State Board of Education District 6! Mrs. Peirano is a National Board Certified fifth and sixth grade teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind. She uses braille and tactile graphics to teach a diverse student population, including deafblind, English language learners and gifted students!
Congratulations to both Mrs. Finley and Mrs. Peirano for these well deserved awards!
OSSB welcomes Delta Gamma Volunteers to a Day of Learning
On Tuesday, November 19th, the staff of the Delta Gamma National Organization (about 50 adults) came to OSSB from 9:00-3:00 to assist with our school wide emphasis on the Expanded Core Curriculum (Social skills, self-determination, advocacy, independent livings skills such as eating and manners). The Delta Gamma philanthropic mission has been service for the visually impaired for over 150 years, and they have helped our school in many ways. They also consider their 'DG' to be an expectation to their members to Do Good! It was an exciting day for our students to practice the Expanded Core Curriculum skills they have been learning so far this year! ~ Mrs. Ceil Peirano
Alyssa shows proper oven technique to DG volunteers
Miles getting to know a DG volunteer
Brian demonstrating braille math. Jonah and Ms. McCumber work on math at another station
Mrs. Butler, Teaching for more than 60 years at OSSB
The following article appeared in The Columbus Dispatch in early September, 2019.
After more than 60 years, no plans to retire for School for the Blind teacher
By Rita Price
Posted Sep 2, 2019
Mary Butler scrolled through her texts and tapped on her current favorite, laughing again as she read the message sent by the parent of a 9-year-old student.
The mom wanted Butler to know that her son had been bragging to his big brother that he has “the best teacher” this year. Because Butler has been at it so long, the boy reasoned, she must know more than any other teacher.
“They all know how old I am,” Butler said, smiling. “I get different comments about that, depending.”
One student didn’t think he could count that high.
Another just said, “Holy cow.”
Butler is 81. She started teaching at the Ohio State School for the Blind in 1959 and remains on the job more than 60 years later — long enough, a colleague observed, to have retired twice.
“She’s most humble about it,” said Emily Russell, a speech language pathologist at the school. “And wonderful to work with.”
Butler doesn’t care to make a fuss about her extraordinary tenure. She’d rather talk about the North Side school and how it still feels like a family, full of love and laughter and determination to help every child succeed.
“I just think we really are a very special place,” she said.
The Clintonville resident allows that she has a fairly rare perspective on the evolution of education for blind and visually impaired students, having begun her career before classrooms were equipped with computers and other kinds of adaptive technology. There also were no early intervention programs and services to give the youngest blind kids a boost.
Butler once taught 16 students at a time, with no aides in the room. Today, teachers at the School for the Blind have no more than eight at a time, and there’s often help from assistants. Math lessons don’t turn on an abacus.
“Sometimes it seems like decades ago; sometimes it seems like last week,” said Butler, who is teaching third grade this year. “The changes took place gradually.”
The job itself, however, came upon her suddenly. Butler didn’t know a single blind person and was working as a lifeguard at Ohio State University when she met a professor with a project teaching blind children to swim.
In the process, she also began talking to a physical education teacher from the School for the Blind who told her about a job opening. At the time, no special training was required, and teachers were in demand to help with a soaring student population.
“I thought, ’Oh, that would be interesting and fun to do for a year,‴ Butler recalled.
The superintendent didn’t think she was ready for the older students, so he placed her with the youngest. Butler was young and energetic, but she still ran herself ragged keeping tabs on a bustling roomful of young children who were either blind or couldn’t see well, and who were not yet accustomed to school. “Those first years, I kept saying to myself, ‘There’s got to be an easier way to make a living,’” she said.
Yet she realized she relished the challenge and, even more, the progress that the children made. Having a hand in their growth still feels wonderful.
Butler beamed as 10-year-old Desha Willis read aloud last week, the child’s face and thick glasses all but touching the paper so that she could make out the print. She nailed every word and breezed through the comprehension questions.
“You got it,” Butler said.
“I do got it!” Desha exclaimed.
Asked how she knew how to read Braille, Butler said she didn’t at first. She spent the entire summer before that first school year teaching herself so she could teach kids.
Elizabeth Sammons, a member of the school’s alumni organization, remembered Butler’s style as kind, consistent and effective.
“The foundation that I got in Braille, partly through Mrs. Butler, set up my foundation for success,” said Sammons, now retired from the state agency Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. “What she taught very, very young blind children was giving them literacy.”
First-year Principal Michelle Wagner, who also attended the school as a child, said Butler’s dedication and work ethic are nothing short of amazing.
Butler understands that people inevitably ask when she plans to retire, but she has no particular plan. “I take it one year at a time,” she said.
Her (retired) husband, children and grandchildren remain supportive. Her daughter, a special-education teacher at a different school, teases her mom about quitting so that she can come and work as an aide in her classroom.
Butler is grateful she hasn’t had to make too many concessions to age. She takes a pass on scrunching down in the little-kid chairs, and while she can still bend to tie shoes, “I’d rather they put their feet up.”
Most things work out just fine. She especially cherishes the time students get in the school’s swimming pool. “These kids, all day, have to be on guard. Your cane is only so much protection,” she said. “In the water, they can be free. Our pool is a very vital part of the program.”
Now and then, some students seem to ponder their teacher’s age and what it could mean. They tell her they hope she lives a long time. Butler smiles, or hugs them, or cracks a joke as she advises them not to worry. “It’s all OK,” she said. “I’ve already lived a very, very good life.”
Post Secondary Program completes Giving Project
The students of the OSSB post-secondary program completed a giving project just in time for winter break. The school community supported their efforts in providing 11 baskets of food that were won by 11 lucky OSSB families! The post-secondary students and staff were grateful to be a part of this event. Thank you to Denise Howard for the beautiful bows! ~ Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Nixon, and Ms. Jackson
OSSB Marching Band Outback Bowl Trip
The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band (OSSBMB) spent part of Winter Break in Florida! December 28th through January 2nd, 2020 found members of the marching band, Director Yolanda Johnson, and marching band assistants practicing for the mass band half-time performance at the Outback Bowl, performing in a band competition, and marching in a New Year's Eve parade in historic Ybor City. They also found time to fit in a visit to Walt Disney World, dip their toes in the sand at a Florida beach, and enjoy the fireworks on New Year's Eve at Busch Gardens!
The OSSBMB brought home two trophies from the 2019-2020 National Outback Bowl and Music Festival - 1st Place in the Parade Competition - Category 1, and 1st Place in the Field Show Competition - Category 1. Marching band member, Gabe Stull was interviewed by his hometown television station prior to the trip - here is a link to watch that video. There was other news coverage of the OSSBMB in Florida; check out our website for more information to those links. www.ossb.oh.gov
OSSB Marching Band Banner on the Jumbotron in Tampa, FL
photo credit: Miranda McCall
OSSBMB Warms up for the Outback Bowl Parade
photo credit: Morgan Philbrick
OSSB Marching Band, staff and volunteers at the beach
OSSB Transition Coordinator, Tiffany Margolis
Hello! My name is Tiffany Margolis and I am the new Transition Coordinator at OSSB. I am working with transition-age students (14+) and their families to develop and support student transition needs related to postsecondary education/training, employment, and independent living. I also support student and families in establishing and/or maintaining contact with local support agencies (County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and ODD/BSVI).
A little bit about me... I come to OSSB with 21 years experience in special education. I previously taught as an Intervention Specialist in the Gahanna-Jefferson, Reynoldsburg, and Indian Valley Schools. I have degrees in Elementary and Special Education from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Literacy from The Ohio State University. I live in Bexley with my husband, two sons, and our rescue puppy. I enjoy spending time with my family, Ohio State football, Blue Jackets hockey, reading, Orangetheory fitness, and walking quarter and half-marathons.
I am very excited to be a part of the OSSB family and look forward to meeting you. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any transition related questions you may have. If your child is between the ages of 13 and 21, please fill out the form below, so we can get important members of your child's team together at their next IEP meeting.
Email: tmargolis@ossb.oh.gov
Direct phone line: (614) 468-8902
OSSB office: (614)752-1359
Mrs. Tiffany Margolis,
Transition Coordinator
OSSB Track Team Finishes Strong at NCASB Conference
The OSSB Track Team competed at the 2019 conference championships September 28th and 29th. Both the boys' and girls’ teams overachieved, with each member of the teams setting personal bests in almost every event. This year’s girls’ team members included Autum, Jana, Kurtacee, Hadijah, Emmie, Maddie, Samaya, and Jayla. The boys’ team consisted of Marwan, Gabe, Elliott, Garrett, and Ely.
The boys’ team scored 78 points, placing 6th out of 10 teams. This is a real accomplishment for a team with only 5 athletes. The girls got the most out of their team, scoring 141 points and winning the Conference Championship.
The boys’ highlights include 1st time members Ely and Gabe, setting personal bests in all of their events. Ely set his PB’s in Class C 60 meters, 400 meters and long jump. Gabe set his in the Class B 600 meters, long jump, 3 con, and triple jump. Elliott set PB’s and made the finals in both Class C 60 meters, and 400 meters. Garrett won the championship in the Class C 800 and 1600 meter races. Garrett also placed in the Class C long jump and triple jump. Marwan was named outstanding male track athlete in the conference this year. Marwan won the class B 60 and 600 meter races. He also placed 4th in a very competitive Class C 400 meter race.
The girls’ team had an outstanding meet. Coach Bailey’s Lady Panthers had contributions from every member of the team. In Class C, Maddie took 4th place in the shot put in the last field event of the meet, to help put the girls’ team over the top. Sumaya Hassan placed 2nd as part of the girls tandem with Autum. She also set personal bests in the 400 and 60 meters, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively. Sumaya dropped 20 seconds off her 400 meter time. Jayla had an outstanding meet, placing 1st in the 60 and 400 meters, and the triple jump. She also placed 2nd in the Class C long jump. In Class B, we had four girls, Jana, Kurtacee, Hadijah, and Emmie. Jana placed in both the 600 meters and long jump. Jana’s big event was winning the 1600 meters with a new personal best, dropping more than 30 seconds off her previous time. Kurtacee placed second in the 60 meters and the shot put, scoring 16 points for the team. Hadijah placed 3rd in the long jump and 6th in the 600 meters, while Emmie placed 7th in both the same events earning valuable points for the team. Our final athlete is Autum who participated in Class A for students who are totally blind. Autum is also our only senior on this year’s team. Autum has been on the track team for many years, as well as many other extracurricular activities. This year, Autum placed 1st in the 600 meters, 2nd in the 60 meters, 2nd in the tandem and 5th in the long jump. To cap off Autum’s senior year in track, she was voted the outstanding female athlete at this year’s championships.
Coach Bailey and Coach Heath are extremely proud of both the boys’ and girls’ teams. Both teams improved tremendously from the beginning of the season. Considering how young the teams are, there is great anticipation for the future.
New Staff Join OSSB This School Year
We are jumping for joy (like the deer in front of OSSB in the photo, right) and want to welcome our new staff:
Allison Kallstrom, Librarian;
Adam Schwamburger, Social Studies Teacher
Marie McCumber, Elementary Teacher
Angela Welch, IEP Coordinator
Michelle Tolle, Administrative Staff
Rhonda Justice, Youth Leader
Marie Odoms, Teacher Aide
Rachel Martin, School Psychologist
Olivia Watts, Speech Language Pathologist
Nolan Markle, Educational Consultant
Tiffany Margolis, Transition Coordinator
Tammy Bumgardner, Youth Leader
John Semones II, Youth Leader
Sheila Davis, Intermittent Food Service Worker
Sha’ra Simmons, Substitute Teacher
OSSB employees in new positions this year:
Tami Fisher, Post-Secondary Teacher
Kerry Nixon, Post-Secondary Teacher
Sally Williams, Program Administrator
Kate King, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
OSSB departures:
Ru'Seanna Harlan, Administrative Professional 2
OSSB Podcasts - December 2019
We are excited to bring you two podcasts from December 2019. Below you will find links to the OSSB Podcast club’s podcast, and the OSSB December podcast. Enjoy and thank you for your continued support of our student’s work.
Podcast club Podcast
Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/user-997236276/ossb-podcast-club-podcast
iTunes link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ossb-podcast/id1168729166?i=1000460265427
OSSB December Podcast
Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/user-997236276/december-podcast-2019
iTunes link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ossb-podcast/id1168729166?i=1000460265428
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN . . .
Skiing for the Blind, Lawrenceburg, IN - January 24-26
Katie Atkinson, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with Columbus Recreation and Parks, and Ohio Blind Soccer Coach will be taking up to 12 individuals with visual impairments (any age) to Lawrenceburg, IN for a ski weekend at perfect North Slopes. Any family/ participant interested can RSVP to Katie at katharineatkinso6@gmail.com or by phone at 513-460-9785. Cost is $60 per person. If financial assistance is needed please reach out to Ms. Atkinson.
Katie Atkinson
Columbus Recreation and Parks- Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Ohio Blind Soccer Coach
katharineatkinso6@gmail.com
513-460-9785
(This trip is not sponsored or endorsed by the Ohio State School for the Blind.)