[nfbwatlk] Washington State School for the Blind, The Lions Roar, July 2012

[Nightingale, Noel]

Link:
http://www.wssb.wa.gov/Content/news/lionsroar/current.doc

Text:
Washington State School for the Blind
The Lions Roar
July 2012

Inside this issue:
6th Annual Rod Rally                      1
Education Recap                  2-3
Update from the Superintendent                                       4
Pacific Foundation for Blind Children/8th Grade Grad.            5
Powerlifters/Digital Learning                     6
Outreach                    7
Ogden Resource Center                  8
WSSB Services                     9
Upcoming Events/Board of Trustees                    10

People can now connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. WSSB posts updates to these sites which include daily happenings, inclement weather updates, kudos, and other fun and important information. To stay updated, you can find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sch4blind and Twitter:   http://www.twitter.com/sch4blind.

6th Annual Rod Rally
By Janet Kurz, Executive Assistant

On June 7, students at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) participated in the 6th annual spring Rod Rally, hosted by the WSSB and Pacific Foundation for Blind Children (formerly the Washington School for the Blind Foundation). Several car clubs attended the rally with 25+ classic cars taking part in this great event. The "car show/cruise in" provided an opportunity for blind and visually impaired students to learn fun facts about the unique and specialty vehicles.  Activities included were a car trivia, scavenger hunt and several prizes donated by local businesses. After the event, drivers and students attended the WSSB's annual barbecue/Open House.

(pictures of the event:  classic cars, student and guide dog in front seat of classic car, and close up of two classic cars)

Education Department Recap
By Karen Mowry, Principal

We have had a whirlwind spring in the education department. More students graduated from WSSB than have graduated in at least 20 years. Many of those students are headed for colleges, universities and training programs. Seven middle school students are moving up to high school. More students took SAT and ACT tests than ever before. There were Goalball and Powerlifting competitions, a Track Meet and Career Fair.  Some of the traditional activities had new twists and some were traditional favorites.  It has been an exciting end to a year.

The seniors that participated in graduation on June 8 are a great group of young adults that gave much to WSSB and are headed in a variety of directions:
*           Bradley Andrews-McRobert: Brad will be helping his mother and father with their painting business and in August will volunteer as a student teaching assistant in Ridgefield.
*           Sunny Aparece: Sunny will be in the Learning Independence for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) program in the fall and attending classes at Clark College.
*           Diana (DJ) Brewster: DJ loves to draw, write and participate in music class. DJ also loves to knit and work on other craft projects. She was also on the Powerlifting team.
*           Rebecca (Becky) Coomer: Becky was our top sales person for popcorn sales.  She loves music and literature and spending time with her family.
*           Drew Davidson: Drew will be attending the Orientation and Training Center in Seattle.
*           Maria "Ali" Gamez: Ali will be returning to WSSB in the fall for the LIFTT program.
*           Alicia Garcia GiJon: Alicia will be attending Clark College in the fall and living in the LIFTT program.
*           Cody Glenn: This summer Cody will be attending the Bridge program at Eastern Washington University.  He will be attending Clark College and will participate in LIFTT in the fall.  Cody loved participating in the music program.
*           Christopher Green: Chris will be attending Eastern Washington University with a major in sound engineering and music. He was part of the Goalball and Powerlifting teams and loves playing the bass guitar.
*           Brian Hergert: Brian will be back in the fall attending LIFTT and Clark College. He is taking part in the Global Explorers program this summer to hike the Grand Canyon.
*           Kelsey O'Malley: Kelsey will be attending the Edwards Center for supported employment in Milwaukie, Oregon.
*           Markus (Ziggy) Reinhardt: Ziggy, WSSB's 2012 valedictorian, will be heading to Washington State University with a computer science major.
*           Kaylee Riley: Kaylee will be attending Central Washington University. She has been part of the Powerlifting team and is learning to play the guitar.
*           Mark Stewart: Mark will be attending a transition program at Mountain View High School.
*           Kelsey Wedemeyer: Kelsey will be attending college in Walla Walla in the fall.
*           Dalton Williams: Dalton has been the student body President for two years. He will be the Resident Advisor in LIFTT next year and attend Clark College. This summer, he will be working in the SWEP program in Oregon and will be participating in a guide dog training program.

(photo of the Class of 2012)

What a wonderful group of seniors that graduated from WSSB this spring!

Looking Ahead
It doesn't seem possible that the school year is over. Last fall, I wrote a letter talking about the changes in the Education Department. Those changes are no longer new. Now we have more changes to look forward to in September.

Due to the individual needs of students, the elementary program has been put on hiatus. A new enrichment program to meet the needs of younger students is being designed. This program will meet one afternoon per week to allow elementary aged blind and visually impaired students to take advantage of some of the expanded core areas with specially designed instruction. Parents will be given an opportunity to explore these areas with children and ask questions. Activities will be provided in art, music, library, swimming, and daily living skills. Opportunities for both parents and children to socialize will be an added benefit to this pilot program.

In the coming year, more emphasis will be placed on the expansion of the middle school program since many students are enrolling at WSSB during these years. We may start out the school year with as many as 19 middle school aged students, many of whom are new to WSSB. A new advisory time with planned curriculum will allow students (middle school and older) to work on their transition plan at an age appropriate level. Giving younger students the opportunity to explore careers, do interest inventories and plan for their futures will give them a jump start when they enter high school or transition back to their home districts. Intensive educational opportunities in these middle school years may allow the individual student to develop needed skills necessary for success in high school in their home communities.

Many new faces will be seen around campus next fall. At the writing of this newsletter, eighteen prospective new students have started the application process. After having the largest graduation class in the last twenty years (maybe longer), elementary students transitioning into local schools and a few other students transitioning back home, it appears that our population in the fall will be close to what it was at the end of the 2011-12 school year.

Programs are changing and new classes are being added to meet the needs of the changing population.  In the past year, we have had students take a class entitled "College Boot Camp." This class was designed to meet the needs of the many students headed off to college that had specific skills they needed to hone to make the transition easier. Teachers JJ Isaacson and Steve Lowry put together this class, had visiting college students speak, helped the students with applications, and many other areas that are not part of the typical classroom instruction.  The class was a great success.

Students have been exploring the use of I-Pads and being trained on the different apps that may be beneficial. As the need for accessible math classes becomes more critical and technology has improved many more students are linking on to classes through technology.

So stay tuned. The changes are coming. New students, new programs and new courses will be part of the face of WSSB in the fall.

Have a wonderful summer!

Superintendent's Article
By Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem, Superintendent

It's amazing how fast this past year has gone with all the excitement and anticipation of new programs, legislative actions, new partnerships, great classes and the enjoyment of seeing wonderful growth in the lives of so many students. With so much happening, I thought it would be good to summarize what has occurred.

Last fall we started out the year with a request for additional budget reductions. During the first six months, numerous events occurred that helped shape last year and the years to come:

*           Basic Education-Washington Supreme Court's ruling: Washington's State Constitution states that Basic Education is the paramount duty of the state of Washington. This ruling provided additional protection from budget reductions for public schools, resulting in no additional reductions during the 2011-2012 school year.
*           House Bill 2757: This bill passed both the Senate and House and was signed by our Governor resulting in the ability for WSSB to carry forward, from one fiscal year to the next, most funds remaining at the end of any one fiscal year that are "Private Local Funds" (most funds other than those appropriated by the legislature). This provides WSSB flexibility to make wiser use of resources and allows WSSB to operate with a small fund balance.
*           Growth in Outreach Services has been tremendous with continued expansion up and down the I-5 corridor, to the greater Spokane area and possibly to the Tri-Cities. The only thing slowing growth in outreach is the lack of trained/qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M).
*           Braille Access Center: Braille transcription services continue to grow with additional contracts with numerous states. The growth has resulted in the need to hire more staff and increase certified braille transcribers at our women's prison program.
*           Large graduating class: This year 16 students graduated. Of these graduates, nine have been accepted into college programs, with most remaining students entering vocational rehabilitation programs, continuing their education/work experience, and/or entering some level of employment opportunities.

The below partnerships are a few examples of what has been going on at WSSB over the past year or so:

Expansion of Research Partners:
*           Southern Illinois University: Computer programming for blind/visually impaired (BVI) students. (Dr. Andreas Stefik) National Science Foundation Grant.
*           http://lumivid.com/siue/grad-school/stefik.mp4
*           Purdue University and other partners: Development of an accessible online Algebra class using math speak. (Dr. Emily Bouck) Steppingstones Grant.
*           Educational Testing Services (ETS): Expanding Audio Access to Mathematics Expressions by Students with Visual Impairment via Math ML. (Dr. Louis Frankel)
*           University of Oregon: Tactile Mapping (Dr. Amy Lobben)
*           University of Washington: V-Braille (Dr. Richard Ladner)

Additional Partnerships:
*           Northwest Chapter of Safari Club International: Sensory Safari-Tactile Museum of Natural History http://couv.com/community/sensory-safari
*           Microsoft Lync Software: Online math program using Lync-interest shown by Microsoft with applications for BVI
*           http://www.wssb.org/Content/offcampus/Content/videoclips/lync/lync_02.wmv

This has been a busy year and staff has done an amazing job of keeping everything on an even keel. It takes great staff, students, families, partners and local districts in pulling all the pieces together in order to accomplish many of the things that have occurred.

I want to thank everyone for a job well done and especially want to congratulate all the seniors both on-campus and throughout our state that are moving forward into the next journey in their lives.

Pacific Foundation for Blind Children (PFBC)
By JaReda Webb, Executive Director

The PFBC is partnering with the Vancouver Lions Club and WSSB on an exciting project scheduled to launch this fall. Led by longtime photographer, WSSB volunteer, and Lions Club member, Gary Scott, the Vancouver Lions Club is producing a calendar featuring the photography of WSSB students. The 2013 calendar will be available late September through the Vancouver Lions Club or PFBC.

The project is unique in that all the photographs are the work of blind or visually impaired artists, our very own WSSB students. A couple years ago, Scott started an afterschool, hands-on photography class for WSSB students.  Since then, there have been several students who have completed the course and discovered another outlet for self-expression. Relying on their senses, such as hearing, touch, smell and orientation, the students are able to capture photographic images they see in their mind's eye.

The Vancouver Lions Club and PFBC donated all the materials and equipment needed for the classes. The results have been astonishing. The photo pictured in this article, and also featured on the cover of the calendar, was taken by blind student Jackie Patching. Jackie used her sense of hearing and smell to capture this photo of a bee buzzing around a lavender plant at just the precise moment.

As mentioned, the calendar will be available for purchase starting in late September at www.vancouverlions.org<http://www.vancouverlions.org>. You may pre-order your copy by writing to the Vancouver Lions Club at PO Box 441, Vancouver, WA, 98666. The calendar will sell for $15.

Eighth Grade Graduation
By Pat Wilber, TVI

On a rainy morning in June, a group of eager 8th grade students celebrated completing their middle school years.

The celebration was held in the Fries Auditorium. Seven students listened to staff congratulate them on their respective accomplishments and provided encouraging words as they step out toward high school. As individuals, they have accomplished personal goals; as a group a trait they all possess a caring heart.

Congratulations Alexann, Heather, Erick, Juan, Song, Nathaniel and Tanner! Tanner was home due to recent surgery; although he was there in spirit!

(photos of the 8th grade class and cake)

WSSB Powerlifters Compete on World Stage-Summer 2012
By Lions Coaches Koch-Smith, Lowry, and Isaacson

Seven members of the varsity powerlifting squad will be competing July 2-7 in Orlando, Florida, at the International Blind Sports Association's (IBSA) World Powerlifting Championships with Coaches Judy Koch-Smith and Steve Lowry. Our sports teams have been fundraising to help our Goalball and Powerlifting teams attend these national and international levels of competition; a special THANKS to all of our supporters out there!

Recent three-lift totals for each of these athletes attests to the high levels of training they have been through with all three coaches including Assistant Coach JJ Isaacson in the Squats, Bench Press and Dead-lift events. In the weight class of "under 114 pounds", 17-year old Brian S. lifted 539 pounds total; 17-year old/132 pound Novice lifter Justen C. had a 3-lift total of 529 pounds; 18-year old TJ B. lifted 628 pounds in the same weight class. Our female athletes lifted close to three times their body weight: 14-year old Alexann T. lifted 347 pounds, and 16-year old Novice lifter Kazia S. exceeded 385 pounds in her first 3-lift meet in Aberdeen in April. Our two "big boys" had impressive numbers: 19 year old Chris G. (165 pound wt. class) had over 837 pounds, and 17-year old Nathan P. (weighing just under 220#) topped out at 948 pounds at the spring meet in Aberdeen, WA.

We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of all lifters this season!

(photo of the WSSB powerlifting team)

Digital Learning Takes It's Show On The Road
By Sherry Hahn, Digital/Distance Learning Coordinator

Mathematics is a challenging subject for BVI students because it requires specialized instruction to meet their unique accessibility needs. Access to specialized instruction is extremely limited due primarily to a shortage of TVIs qualified to teach math.

At WSSB, we have developed a unique and effective program built on Microsoft Lync that provides specialized math instruction to BVI students anywhere. Our math TVI uses video conferencing to instruct her classes to any student with a Lync client and an internet connection. Specialized instruction is possible because Lync works seamlessly with assistive technologies such as Braille Displays and screen readers; which enables lecture, whiteboard, and other class materials to be delivered in accessible formats (e.g. Braille, large print, and/or audio). For 1:1 instruction, the students can easily share their work, ask for help, or submit classwork to the teacher using desktop sharing, instant messaging, and file transfer delivery system.

In an effort to refine and extend services WSSB will be presenting our Teacher-In-The-Box class at two conferences. On July 19, Robin Lowell, TVI high school math teacher, and Sherry Hahn, Digital Research and Curriculum Coordinator, will demonstrate at the AER International Conference in Bellevue Washington. AER International is an organization whose mission is to support professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments, offering professional development opportunities, publications, and public advocacy. A week later we journey back to Bellevue to participate in Microsoft Partners in Learning Schools Program which helps school leaders discover and share best practices to foster a culture of innovation.

Outreach Update
By Craig Meador, Director of Outreach

WSSB has been providing Outreach services for over a decade. Through this system, districts have been provided the support of Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services. This has helped students' progress through IEP goals.

But what is Outreach exactly? Some of the most common images of Outreach services are a TVI working one on one with a student at a braille writer, or an O&M specialist trailing behind a student as they move down a school hallway. Outreach is more than direct service to students.  Outreach services at WSSB impact classrooms, schools, parents, future teachers and para educators, and policy at local and state levels. Outreach is more than direct services to students.

Consultation
Washington has an abundance of strong educators in specialized settings but many of them have never worked with a student that has vision loss. The idea of changing instruction to address vision loss can be daunting. The consultative outreach delivery model helps teachers review current educational practices within a classroom or center and provides support and suggestion to enhance learning opportunities. The Outreach teacher is often an encourager and support to the classroom teacher.

Liaison for Parents
A big part of the Outreach teacher's job is to connect with families to help them understand the big picture for their student. There is considerable time talking about student progress and next steps. The Outreach teacher helps families understand the educational system and support them as they search for answers. The Outreach teacher often serves as sounding board because of their investment in the student's program.

Recruiter for the Field
Many TVIs in the field are there because of contact with other TVIs. Outreach teachers help classroom teachers and para educators understand the impact of vision loss on a student's education.  They also help to emphasize the growing need for qualified instructors in this field.  Outreach teachers seek out viable candidates and encourage them to pursue an endorsement in the education of blind and visually impaired students. Many classroom para educators have gone forward to pursue a teaching credential or have become certified Braillist as a result of their contact and work with an Outreach teacher.

Impact on Policy/Practice
As Outreach teachers educate classroom and building staff about the impact of vision loss, it becomes apparent that some school practices need to be changed to accommodate the learning needs of students.  Sometimes this is as subtle as allowing extra time for a student to finish a task. Often times building administrators will use Outreach as a resource to educate the entire school building about vision loss and creating an environment that fosters independence rather than co-dependence.

These are just a few examples of the impact Outreach services can have on a district. The goal is always to improve the learning environment for the student and to support the educational team.

Ogden Resource Center Update
By Colleen Lines, ORC Manager

WSSB says "So Long, Farewell to Judi Sorter!"

Judi Sorter, a precocious little red haired girl, first came to WSSB in the winter of 1951 when she was four years old. She was supposed to come to school for half-days, but when they tried to make her go home she cried.  So they let her stay all day! Her hunger for knowledge has never ceased.

She loved everything about school, except for music and math. The library was her favorite, even when it was only a couple of shelves in what is now the Dining Room in the Old Main building. In the second grade she won a contest on who could read the most books, and my guess is she's been reading the most books ever since. Her knowledge and expertise in literature and history is amazing! She should be on Jeopardy!

One quarter when she wasn't doing well in math, well half the papers she'd turned in were A's and the rest were B's, but she hadn't turned in enough papers, so they forbade her to use the library. She says it was awful, but effective! Even though she claims not to like math, she learned three different math codes over the years and she can proofread calculus. She must have learned something, in spite of her dislike of math.

Judi started writing stories and poems when she was about eight years old. The first story she can remember writing was "Wanda the Witch" only she spelled Wanda -- Wonda because she'd never seen it written. Judi has continued to write poems and stories throughout her life. In retirement, she hopes to have some of them published.

Judi graduated in '64 when she was 16. She went to the University of Washington, majoring in history, always one of her favorite subjects. After living in Seattle for several years she moved back to Vancouver and started volunteering at the school.

In '77 she was hired as a teacher's aide in the Ahlsten program. She worked at every grade level and in every program since. She taught Braille to literally hundreds of students and staff around the state. She loves those little dots and the words they make.

Judi is ending her career at WSSB working in the Ogden Resource Center, READING! "Imagine getting paid to read!" she says, "It doesn't get better than this."

Not only has Judi proofread several hundred thousand pages of literary, math and science, but also proofread French, Spanish and German foreign languages. Judi was instrumental in setting up the Braille transcription project at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. She traveled up and down I-5 every other week, teaching Braille to the initial group of offender transcribers for several months.

After 35 years of employment, and 12 years as a student, Judi is leaving WSSB. We will miss her greatly and wish her the best in retirement. We thank Judi for her dedication and service to the education of the blind.

A Redoubtable Old Lady
A Poem By Judi Sorter

I'm going to be a redoubtable old lady.
Redoubtable I say!

The kind of old lady that nobody crosses
And I'm going to begin today.
I determined way back in my twenties,
Redoubtable I would be.

Not Sweet, not Kind,
Are you out of your mind?
Redoubtable's the word for me.

So when the time comes to be an old lady
You'd best not dither in my path.
A redoubtable lady, no ifs, buts,
Or maybe: will dispense redoubtable wrath.

So I'm going to be a redoubtable old lady
Though the time hasn't come just yet;
I'll give you a tip, just button your lip,
I'm not an old lady till I say.

(photo of Judi Sorter)

Washington State School for the Blind
Statewide Service Delivery Model - Thousands served through effective partnerships

2214 East 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 696-6321
www.wssb.wa.gov<http://www.wssb.wa.gov>

WSSB:
Human Resource Assistance to School Districts
Pacific Foundation for Blind Children
Research and Development
Professional Development
Intensive On-Campus Programs
Statewide Assistive Technology Services and Training
Instructional Resource Center; Regional Library/Support
Braille Access Center; Braille Production Partner with CI/Corrections
Accessible Online Learning Curriculum Development
Lions Low Vision Clinic/Services
Outreach Direct and Consultative Service
Specialized School Programs for Students

Independence, Opportunities, Advocacy, Confidence Building and Success

2012-2013

Upcoming Events

New Employee Orientation            August 23
Safety Training/Fall Workshops    August 24

Labor Day     September 3
Student Registration (no transportation)  September 4
First Day of School  September 5
Welcome Students Ice Cream Social        September 13 (2:30pm)
Board of Trustees Meeting September 14-15

National White Cane Awareness Day       October 15
Open House  October 18 (6:30-8:30pm)
National Federation of the Blind Convention     October 19-21

Washington Council of the Blind Convention    November 1-3
End of 1st Quarter    November 2
Veterans Day Holiday (observed) November 12
Board of Trustees Meeting November 15-16
Thanksgiving Holiday         November 19-23
Tree Decorating        November 29 (2:00pm)

WSSB Board of Trustees

Congressional District 1:  Ed Snook, Vice Chair, 8301 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 814-1716
Congressional District 2:  John Glenn, 7 Woodrush Ct., Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 715-9162
Congressional District 3:  Steve Rainey, 15313 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vanc, WA 98683 (360) 253-5844
Congressional District 4:  Jim Kemp, Chair, PO Box 117, Cowiche, WA 98923 (509) 678-4601
Congressional District 5:  Lorna Walsh, 4046 S. Madelia, Spokane, WA 99203 (509) 939-5114
Congressional District 6:  Sherry Perry, 79 Clear View Place, Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 437-1355
Congressional District 7:  Open
Congressional District 8:  Yang-su Cho, 322 243rd Avenue SE, Sammamish, WA (425) 557-0966
Congressional District 9:  Elaine Akagi, 7414 South 128th Street, Seattle, WA 98178 (206) 772-7192
Congressional District 10: Denise Colley, 2305 Maxine Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 438-0072

WSSB Ex-Officio Members

Teachers: Doug Trimble, 2214 East 13 Street, Vancouver, WA 98661 (360) 696-6321
Washington Council of the Blind: Berl Colley, 2305 Maxine Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 438-0072
WFSE Local #1225: Scott Hone, 2214 East 13 Street, Vancouver, WA 98661 (360) 696-6321
National Federation of the Blind of WA: Mike Freeman, 3101 NE 87 Ave, Vanc., WA 98662, (360) 576-5965
Parent Rep.: Denise Vestman, 16951 Lemolo Shore Dr. NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370 (360) 265-8168

The Lions Roar Newsletter is produced three times per year at the Washington State School for the Blind, 2214 East 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661-4120.  Phone 360-696-6321 Fax 360-737-2120
E-mail: admin at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:admin at wssb.wa.gov> / Website: www.wssb.wa.gov<http://www.wssb.wa.gov>

Dr. Dean Stenehjem, Superintendent, dean.stenehjem at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:dean.stenehjem at wssb.wa.gov>
Craig Meador, Director of Outreach Services, craig.meador at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:craig.meador at wssb.wa.gov>
Karen Mowry, Director of On-Campus Programs, karen.mowry at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:karen.mowry at wssb.wa.gov>
Wayne Oshiro, Associate Principal, Education Program, wayne.oshiro at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:wayne.oshiro at wssb.wa.gov>
Lori Pulliam, Director of Transition Services, lori.pulliam at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:lori.pulliam at wssb.wa.gov>
Colleen Lines, Manager, Braille Access/Instructional Resource Center, colleen.lines at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:colleen.lines at wssb.wa.gov>
Bruce McClanahan, Assistive Technology Specialist, bruce.mcclanahan at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:bruce.mcclanahan at wssb.wa.gov>
Sherry Hahn, Digital/Distance Learning Coordinator, sherry.hahn at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:sherry.hahn at wssb.wa.gov>
Danya Borowski, Information Services Manager, danya.borowski at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:danya.borowski at wssb.wa.gov>
Janet Kurz, Publication Editor, janet.kurz at wssb.wa.gov<mailto:janet.kurz at wssb.wa.gov>