OSSB Panther Paws News
Monday - May 24, 2021
Ohio State School for the Blind
Principal, Michelle Wagner
Assistant Superintendent, Al LaBarre
Superintendent, Lou Maynus
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/
~ IMPORTANT DATES ~
MAY
- May 3-27 - Little NC Afterschool sports
- May 31 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
JUNE
- June 3 - Graduation 10:30am - Seniors and families only - Livestreaming for everyone else! Watch future newsletters for the live stream link. Photo shown with permission, is 2009 OSSB graduate, Val and her family.
- June 4 - Last Day of School
- June 7 - 18 - Extended Learning Plan - more information coming soon!
Students Sign and Speak to Astronauts in Orbit
Last Wednesday, space-savvy students from across the nation who are deaf, blind, hearing and visually impaired and their mentors had a unique opportunity to connect with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The Earth-to-space call aired live at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.
NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet answered prerecorded video questions collected by SciAccess, which works to promote disability inclusion in astronomy and STEM, and the Ohio State University Department of Astronomy. SciAccess and Ohio State have partnered to create Zenith, a mentorship program for blind high school students who are passionate about space.
OSSB elementary student, AJ, and high school teacher, Ms. Lynsi Woods, submitted their video questions to SciAccess on May 10th, and their questions appeared live on May 19th! AJ participates in OSSB's 21st Century After School Club, 3-D Model Club, and Mrs. Ceil Peirano, club leader helped him film his question for the astronauts.
The call was designed to promote inclusion in space and announce Mission: AstroAccess, the newest SciAccess project, which aims to pave the way for space explorers with disabilities. The Zenith scholars, and students and teachers from schools serving learners across America who are deaf or blind, submitted questions for the call.
Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance, and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellites.
For more than 20 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked on the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing the skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Through NASA’s Artemis program, the agency will return astronauts to the Moon, with eventual human exploration of Mars. Inspiring the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation – ensures America will continue to lead in space exploration and discovery.
Press release information courtesy of SciAccess. Photos below are screenshots from Mrs. Kaplan's computer - left to right, AJ asking his question, ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, Ms. Lynsi Woods wearing a headset asking her question.
AJ asks about 3D Printing
Astronauts Explain Communication on the ISS
Ms. Woods poses a question
Night Under The Stars - OSSB 2021 Prom
After-Prom consisted of s'mores over a fire, snow cones and impromptu singing! A special thanks to the Prom Committee - Yolanda Johnson, Cindi Swisher, Adam Schwamburger, Jenny Riggs, Michelle Cecil and Michelle Tolle. This team really made it happen for all prom attendees. Also a special thanks to Nikki O'Bryan, Sally Williams, and Brian Wagner for all their help with decorating. Thank you to Mrs. Wagner for getting it approved. Thank you James, Henry, and Craig for setting up tables and chairs. Shout out to Mr. Grim and the graphics department for the key chains and Mrs. Peirano and the 3D Model Club for the Prom favors. Thank you OSSB Food Service for lending us some items as well. All of you rock! ~Ms. Olivia Swisher
Photo shows D'Arionna in her beautiful prom gown at the photo booth with a sign that reads Reach for the Stars! Group photo includes almost all of the prom attendees standing near a large tree with the OSSB school building in the background (not shown are Jason and Dee). Photos courtesy of the Prom 2021 PhotoCircle.
Prom Photo Mini Gallery
Hands-Only CPR
Limited Spots Available for OSSB Preschool Day Camp
The Ohio School for the Deaf/Ohio State School for the Blind at the Early Learning Center (on OSD campus) is offering thematic educational learning opportunities that include new concept and vocabulary development, hands on learning activities and experiments, language development opportunities and BIG ADVENTURES for preschool aged Blind and Visually Impaired children.
Click here to register preschool students who are blind or visually impaired for camp. Limited spots available!
OSSB Podcast - Special Edition with Major Jon Turnbull
The end of the year is an exciting time where a lot of things are happening. This month we were able to welcome back to the podcast Major Jon Turnbull. We spoke with him in 2019 as he was completing rehab with the Veteran's Administration (VA). Major Turnbull continued his career in the army and it was a great experience to follow up with him. We hope you enjoy our interview with Major Turnbull.
We will be back at the end of the month to showcase our graduates and much more. ~Mr. Dan Kelley
OSSB Social Media
Resources and Workshops for Students and Families
Transportation Equity Survey for Ohioans with Disabilities
Finding safe, affordable, and appropriate transportation options can be difficult for Ohioans with disabilities. Limited access to transportation prevents people with disabilities from getting to medical appointments, work, school and community events.
The Government Resource Center, with support from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council), is surveying Ohioans with disabilities, transportation service providers who serve Ohioans with disabilities, and agencies and advocates for Ohioans with disabilities about transportation experiences and barriers.
The 2021 survey is now open! If you are a person with a disability over the age of 19 or a transportation provider, take the survey here.
Information shared by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and The Government Resource Center.
Blind Sports Updates from Katie Smith
I wanted to reach out on a few updates. We have changed a few dates for the run/walk program to expand the outreach of participants and gather more volunteers. All date changes are on the flyer and google form link. You still are able to reach me via email below.
We also have an amazing opportunity to Try Golf on June 27th from 12:30-4PM at Champions Golf Course. Look forward to working with some of you this summer.
Finally, If you want to get out and do more outdoor recreation activities there is an amazing program called the Adaptive Sports Connection. They have cycling, kayaking, water skiing, rock climbing, paddle boarding, sailing, and boating. If interested here is their website: https://adaptivesportsconnection.org/sports-programs/
Blind Sports Sign up link: https://forms.gle/YX1ZQziY95cjpT388
Adaptive Golf Try it sign up link: https://forms.gle/9VL7Fv8jCLEYr2ev8
Katie Smith