Kudos to our leadership students who volunteered their time

to welcome our new families during orientation.

(See the New Family Orientation feature below.)

[image description: Twenty-two high school students in bright orange T-shirts pose around the California School for the Deaf sign. Some of the students are sitting in front of the sign; some are standing beside the sign; and some are sitting on top of the sign. They are with their sponsor, Daniel Girard. ]

[image description: Photo below is a headshot of Clark Brooke. Clark is wearing a black shirt and orange tie (school colors). He is looking at the camera smiling. The background is a professional-looking gray marble screen.]

Greetings from the land

of ORANGE and BLACK !

 

Welcome back! So much has happened since the Class of 2018 graduated from CSD, as it was a busy summer for our students, staff and families! We are thrilled that our graduates have advanced into a new chapter of their lives. In this issue, you will appreciate their destinations of success. As you know, CSD is committed to preparing our students to fulfill their academic and career goals, as well as to become contributing citizens.

 

The recent Summer School and Extended School Year was a rewarding experience for our students, with  S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, the A rts, and M athematics (STEAM) being the main focus of our instructional program. The summer school coordinators, teachers, and residential staff did a wonderful job integrating STEAM into the students' daily activities. There are pictures and information in this newsletter. Enjoy!

 

Throughout the summer, there was an abundance of student and staff representation at a variety of conferences, camps, and advocacy events across the country, such as the National Association of the Deaf Conference (including the Jr. NAD); Deaf Film Camp; American Sign Language: Curriculum Instruction Assessment Conference; National Deaf Education Conference; and the Education Technology Conference. These venues are very important in the development and advancement of our stakeholders and those who work at CSD.

 

Special thanks to our summer staff who worked diligently to make our school programs run smoothly! We are delighted to say that we have upgraded all of our classrooms, common areas, and meeting sites with new Epson interactive projectors and 4K Smart TVs. Our Technology Services and our Maintenance teams are to be credited for this successful project completion. Nutritional services staff is to be appreciated for all of their hard work feeding our students throughout the summer. We cannot forget our support staff who works within the Business and Fiscal Services, Plant Operations, and Human Resources for their persistence throughout the summer in getting the school underway for another successful year.

 

We were fortunate for the opportunity to have three important visitors come to CSD. Dr.   Paddy Ladd came to our campus in early July to discuss how CSD can begin collaborating with him as he continues to write the final part of his book on bilingualism and CSD. Dr.   Robert Davila visited us for a day, and provided us with some leadership advice. Not only that, he shared an interesting personal story with us! Finally, Dr.   Frank Turk spent about seven days with the school, meeting with students, during our first couple of weeks back. Dr.   Turk is going to be with us approximately five times this year to provide consultation to our Student Life and Leadership programs. As he works with us, he is writing a chapter in his new book about the importance of having a well-coordinated Student Life program.

 

If you haven’t read last year’s CalNews, please do reflect on CSD’s successes in and out of the classroom. It is without a doubt that our students, families, and staff worked diligently in pursuit of the school’s mission and expected school-wide learning results. We aim to continue that trend during the current school year. 

 

Our academic departments will be sending out newsletters quarterly to share information about their programs, along with residential program information, and the successes of our students. If you have not been subscribing to their newsletters, please contact the department principal or supervisor. 

 

It is very important to keep in mind that our students attend CSD primarily to be educated bilingually. Inclusion in our after-school activities, such as our Athletic and Student Life programs, is very important in developing their identity, self-esteem, and the actualization of their ability to succeed as they grow into successful adults.

 

By sharing this monthly   CalNews  with you, it is evident that there are so many things going on at CSD! Our students, families, staff, and community members are to be recognized for their commitment towards the school’s mission, serving our students to the best of their ability. Together, we continue to create more opportunities for everyone at CSD.

 

With Eagle Pride,

Clark Brooke, Ed.S.

Superintendent

California School for the Deaf, Fremont

39350 Gallaudet Drive

Fremont, CA 94538

510-344-6010 Videophone

510-823-6071 Spanish Callers

[image description: (left) Liliana Ortiz poses with Linsay Darnall Jr. wh ile holding up her award. (right) Liliana stands on stage signing the letter "F" with a slideshow displayed behind her. (below) Close-up of the Youth Services Award for Liliana Ortiz.]

Last November, four student leaders from the California School for th e Deaf, Fremont Jr. NAD chapter attended the Junior National Association of the Deaf biennial conference in Ashland, Nebraska, with Daniel Girard and Sheila Korolev as their advisors. The students were Liliana Ortiz Tapia, Zahra Chauhan, Janeva Mosher and Samantha Medina-Vazquez.

While attending the conference, one of the students, Liliana, signed up to participate in a week-long Ambassador Program where she was required to pick a social issue to support. Liliana picked her Deaf Latinx identity and making Latinx culture more visible in schools. On the final day of the Ambassador Program, Liliana participated in a public speaking competition. She shared about coming from a large Latinx family that was all hearing. She explained that attending the Council de Manos Conference and Youth Líderes Training, for Deaf Latinx youth, changed her life. She found her identity. She shared her vision that schools should have Deaf Latinx role models who are teachers, staff, and counselors; and that schools should include Deaf Latinx clubs and American Latin Literature courses. 

Liliana was surprised to find out that her passionate speech won the competition, and that she had become the 2017-2019 Junior National Association of the Deaf Ambassador! She hopes to utilize social media to spread her message, and that more students will join the Jr.   NAD chapter at CSD Fremont to develop their leadership skills.

On July 3-8, Liliana attended the 54 ^th biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference in Hartford, Connecticut. She had three roles. First, she served as a page, supporting the various workshops by providing assistance with various tasks. Second, she was the emcee for the Youth Luncheon. Third, she received the Youth Service Award for her dedication, vision and leadership on behalf of Deaf youth. Bravo, Liliana!

Liliana said that it was fascinating to sit in on the various workshops at the conference where she learned more about women’s rights, accessibility through the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Deaf Education.

Liliana truly has a passion to support the rights of Deaf Latinx students, and minority cultures in general. She is discovering that she has the power to change the world for the better.

“This was my first time coordinating the Jr. NAD Pages Program, along with Jennifer Campero from Texas School for the Deaf. We had 23 wonderful pages helping out with various events during the 54 ^th Biennial NAD conference. This was an eye opening experience for them, as they had the opportunity to learn how the NAD system operates, and how they can make a difference with their contributions now and in the future.”

—Daniel Girard

[image description: Two rows of high school pages wearing dark blue shirts with Jr. NAD logos on the left pocket. Daniel Girard and Frank Turk are standing in the back row with the pages.]

[image description: Students with brightly colored shirts are picking radishes and lettuce from CSD's environmental farm garden.]

Approximately 75   students attended summer school, where they got the opportunity to do hands-on activities and take lots of field trips. Classes were team-taught so that students could get plenty of individual attention to make them thrive.

 

The theme was STEAM. Students did projects that were creative, while emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math. Some of hands-on projects that the kids enjoyed were making fish b owls that had a live Betta fish inside and a lovely plant growing on the top; wrapping an egg with enough cushioning so that when they dropped it, the egg did not break; and measuring the distance a wheel traveled as they rolled it along the floor.

 

As for field trips, the students went to visit such places as Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, Sulphur Creek in Hayward, Deer Hallow Farm in Cupertino, and Crab Cove in Alameda.

 

Students were introduced to SELF (Social, Emotional, Learning, Foundations) curriculum to develop their social and emotional intelligence combined with literacy skills.

 

Last but not least, students had plenty of time for physical education.

 

Summer School coordinators Joey Baer and Ron Bye said, "We really appreciate our amazing teachers who gave up their summer to work with students in order to make sure that learning was still happening!"

[image description: (1) Counselor Bonnie Morrison is leading an activity. One line of students is standing and another line of students is sitting. They are in an elementary school classroom. (2) Students are racing on rolling carts in the gym. (3) Two students are racing in rolling carts in the early childhood education building. They are holding onto a spoon which is balancing an egg while they are racing. There is a line of cones separating the two students. (4) An early childhood class is sitting around a table. A boy who is sitting at the end of the table is signing "mom". A male and female teacher are sitting on either side of the boy watching him. Two other students are with them. (5) A boy and a girl are holding onto a couple of ribbons that are attached to the ceiling on one end and a table on the other end. The girl is kneeling on the table. (6) A boy is trying to balance a paper butterfly on the end of a pencil. (7) A girl has her hand overhead balancing a paper butterfly on the end of a pencil. A man is sitting behind her watching. (8) A student has just made a gigantic bubble with a rope bubble blower and some soapy water. Four students and teacher Kate Kovacs are watching. They are in front of the school by the Bear Hunt statue. (9) A girl is sitting in a brightly colored cloth beach chair. (10) Two girls are pointing proudly at their colorful painting. (11) A girl is holding up her painting of a heart.

One of our summer highlights...



Deaf Can Dance video

Enjoy!

CSD staff pose in the shape of an eagle

at the National Deaf Education Conference

[image description: (top) Staff pose in the shape of an eagle. (above) Large audience looks up a the sign that reads "54 ^th Biennial NAD Conference, July 3-7, 2018, Hartford, Connecticut. (below) Big NAD sign on marquee in front of the Connecticut Convention Center.

Susana Acosta attended the NAD/NDEC Conference

Michele Berke attended the National Deaf Education Conference

Cindy Bronson served on the College Bowl Committee

Stacy Eilbert coordinated Social Studies track under National Deaf Education Conference and gave workshops

Kyle Emard  attended the NAD/NDEC Conference.

Allison Gibbons attended the NAD/NDEC Conference

Daniel Girard (& Jennifer Campero) were the Jr. NAD Pages Program Co-Coordinators; they presented a workshop on Education Advocacy: Spotlight on Deaf Youth's Experience

Katherine Greene attended the NAD/NDEC Conference

Stephen Peterson worked as a Certified Deaf Interpreter

Andrew Phillips was on the College Bowl Committee

Julie Rems-Smario was a delegate for the NAD Conference; presented a workshop on Academic Language: California SB 210 - LEAD-K in California - Success!

“ This was my first time going to a National Association of the Deaf conference. I enjoyed seeing people working together to improve the lives of people in Deaf America, through workshops, council meetings for representatives, and booths that provided opportunities and resources. I loved seeing NAD partner in providing workshops with the National Deaf Education Conference, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and Deaf In Government. I worked as an interpreter all week. I made sure to let people know that my primary job is an educator at CSD-Fremont. I loved seeing many CSD staff there in different roles!”

— Stephen Peterson

“ I served on the College Bowl committee along with Cindy Bronson. College Bowl is an event where colleges and college programs serving Deaf students compete against each other in answering questions that test their knowledge. As part of the committee, we wrote questions for the matches and helped put on the College Bowl events at the conference. It was wonderful being a part of the conference and seeing so many others from CSD there.”

—Andrew Phillips

“ This was my third NAD conference and also my third NDEC conference. I, along with another social studies teacher from a different deaf school, have been working in partnership with NDEC to set up a nationwide network of social studies teachers who work with deaf students, which we call 'Social Studies That'. This was our second year together, and it has been great making connections with other educators, especially in the social studies concentration! We kicked off with a town hall meeting for social studies teachers, and at the end of all the workshops on Saturday afternoon, we wrapped up with another meeting. I also had the opportunity to give a presentation at NDEC titled “Finding Your Roots in the Classroom” which focused on teaching strategies to help students merge their personal family history research with events happening in the United States, for their US History classes.”

—Stacy Eilbert

“ I found the National Association of the Deaf conference to be a great place to meet and network with other teachers and Deaf community members. I gained new friends, resources, and inspiration! I am already looking forward to attending the next one in Chicago!”

— Allison Gibbons

“ I’ve been going to NAD since I was a kid, so it always has a ‘ reunion ’ type of feel…seeing old friends and colleagues, as well as having the personal and professional stimulation of all the thought-provoking workshops.”

—Dr. Michele Berke

“ I have loved attending National Association of the Deaf/National Deaf Education conferences since my first NAD convention in 1980. I always learn something new that I can apply to my personal/career experience from each convention.”

—Katherine Greene

“ The National Deaf Education Conference is a great place to meet other social studies educators, like me, to share our ideas and resources on how to engage our challenging 'techy' students!”

—Susana Acosta

Marla Hatrak shared her Senate Bill 210 experience at Julie Rems-Smario’s workshop, about Senate Bill 210 data that focuses on Deaf children’s language acquisition and development.

Ken Norton's Deaf Historian video

shown during the National Association of the Deaf Conference.

“California School for the Deaf-Fremont is among the nation's truly special flagship schools for the Deaf. CSD is loaded with caring ‘ students first, others second ’ people, on and off campus, who have a sense of responsibility for nothing but the very best for the students. I am particularly impressed with the school's cooperative culture – its power to signal that they all are in it together and that they help each other to accomplish their respective goals. The famous Chinese proverb: ‘ Because we are traveling on the same ship, we will either sail or sink together, ’ dominates the campus atmosphere.” 

—Dr. Frank Turk

(photo right) Superintendent Clark Brooke welcomes our distinguished guest Dr. Frank Turk on the stage.

“ If I had to choose one favorite summer experience, the choice I would make without a doubt is Deaf Film Camp (DFC), at Camp Mark Seven, in Old Forge, New York. I learned a lot and was involved in many activities like photography, film making, editing and so much more. It also showed me what my future could be as a filmmaker or an editor. I was the editor for ou r final movie. I enjoyed the experience a lot. If I had to choose what my future could be from what I learned at DFC, I would choose to be an editor. I also made lots of new, awesome friends! There are many words I could use to explain what DFC is to me but if I had to choose one word, it would be "Home". DFC turned into my 2 ^nd home. (I was actually devastated to go home.) I love Deaf Film Camp so much that I'm definitely going again next year!”

—Landen Gonzales

“ Deaf Film Camp (DFC) was truly an amazing experience for me. I learned a lot from professionals from all around the world. I got an opportunity to try out some equipment that I don’t usually use in my daily life. I actually used a mirrorless camera (DSLR) for filmmaking, an Osmo, GoPro, and Final Cut Pro to make short films. The procedure of making our films included brainstorming the logo, team names, and animation. Everything was run like an actual Hollywood film. After our logo and team names got approved, we decided on our roles and pitched our stories. Our first attempt was such a failure that not everyone was paying attention. After one of the teachers pitched his story, we got so hyped! The first few days of filming were a disaster. We didn’t know how to organize our time or our script. However, after those first few days, our production ran smoothly. Finally, we admired our finished product. It was a great experience for me. I got to meet a lot of new friends along with doing some fun activities.”

—Chang-May Tan

[image description: (1) Landen holds a camera and looks to the film teacher for direction. (2) Campers are sitting out by a scenic lake. (3) Landen and Chang-May sit together with the legs in front of them wearing tennis shoes. Chang-May is holding one of her legs and Landen is looking at her. (4) Four campers sitting together looking at a phone that one of the girls is holding.]

From our students who attended Youth Leadership Camp

From left to right:

[image description: Four students arm-in-arm smiling. They are wearing YLC sweatshirts. They are posed against a festive backdrop decorated with stars, and a YLC 2018 sign overhead that is partially cut off in the picture.]

Janeva Mosher

Senior, California School for the Deaf

“This past summer, I spent a month at Youth Leadership Camp (YLC), in Stayton, Oregon. It was the best month of my life! I learned so much about leadership and how to build others into leaders. YLC became my second home and gave me a new family. I reaped a lifetime of benefits, experiences, and memories. All I can say is, ‘Long Live YLC ‘18! ’ I want to thank CSD for making it possible for me to attend.”

Brent Fuentes

Senior, California School for the Deaf

“ Last March, I got a letter saying that I was accepted to attend the Y outh Leadership Camp (YLC) . After that, I worked hard at my job so that I could get the money for my trip. Thankfully, my parents helped me with it, too.

On the first day of my trip, even though I was scared of leaving my family and my home for a month, somehow I knew it would be fine. And I was so excited, too. When I arrived, the camp welcomed me. There were a lot of the workshops with guest speakers, and many activities such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, gaga ball, social time, and campfire. I learned so much and had a great time with friends. In addition to staying at the campground for the month, I went to the mall, beach, downtown, and Silver Falls.

By the last day of camp, all of the YLC peeps had formed such a strong bond. We had a very hard time letting each other go. It truly broke my heart to leave the camp at the end.

YLC gave me a rich experience. I met 62 new friends and some staffers, too. I learned about being a leader and more about myself. I left my heart at YLC! It was the best summer of my entire life. This is something that I can’t even explain in words. I’m very honored and proud to be among the YLC ’18 alumni! I strongly recommend anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing go to the Youth Leadership Camp to have a great summer experience.”

Zahra Chauhan

Senior, California School for the Deaf

“At Youth Leadership Camp (YLC), I met a lot of Deaf leaders from different backgrounds. There was an amazing list of guest speakers who came to share their knowledge about various topics related to leadership. From their workshops, I gained more knowledge about myself as a leader. YLC definitely helped us prepare for our future careers, and it helped us develop networking opportunities. Two things impacted me deeply: First, I learned that communication is the key to our future success and to our lives in general. Second, I learned that being a leader is not like a boss; each one of us is a leader in our own way. I want to say thank you to Dr. Frank Turk and other guest speakers who shared their leadership experience with us. I highly recommend YLC for students to experience before graduation.”

Emily Anthony

Senior, California School for the Deaf

“ Attending the Youth Leadership Camp was the best decision I ever made. I was able to discover myself, and now I can share that with the world. If it wasn’t for California School for the Deaf supporting me, I wouldn’t be a leader, nor would I have attended the Youth Leadership Camp. California School for the Deaf has helped me become a leader by supporting me going to the Junior National Association of the Deaf, and by giving me the opportunity to become Student Body Government President. Big thanks to California School for the Deaf for the endless support they have provided me. ”

[image description: (above) Group photo on the sand with trees in the background. Several campers in the group have their hands raised or are signing. There is a circular NAD logo in the center of the group. (below) Campers form the letters YLC with their bodies as they sit on a sandy beach. The ocean is in the background; a few blades of grass in the foreground.]

Ribbon Cutting 🎀 Ceremony

Grand reopening of our Klopping Theatre after two years of closure for renovation!

CSD Eagles staff on stage with Superintendent Clark Brooke:

Hand waving!

[image description: (video left) Clark Brooke standing signing with a line of staff next to him. (video right) Audience all signing "eagle" with both hands in the shape of the talons. (photo right) Clark and Len on top; with Barbara, Ethan and Alphonsus on the bottom--each one signing. There is a black background behind them.]

Eagle Talons!

Check out this video of CSD teachers and staff waving to YOU. We wish you all an amazing 2018-2019 school year. Go Eagles!

CSD Cabinet team welcomes CSD Eagles teachers and staff with great visions for 2018-2019.

Become more involved with our school

Join the Community Advisory Committee

Watch the video for more details on how to become involved, or check out our webpage at csdeagles.com/cac

[image description: (video left) Roberta Monroe is signing and Lilly Benedict is standing next to her watching .]

New Family Orientation is an opportunity to network with other families, student leaders, and CSD staff. The goal is for families to leave at the end of the weekend fully confident that the students are being provided with the services they need, knowing that their children are in good hands, in a safe place where they will thrive. We want parents to leave feeling good!

—Lilly Benedict, NFO Coordinator

P arents attend an evening workshop on using the video relay service, presented by JAC Cook. Interpreters are Paula Valbuena León (Spanish) and J acelia Washington (ASL).

NFO Coordinator Lilly Benedict divides families into groups according to the children's ages.

ASL and Spanish interpreters facilitate communication throughout the weekend.

Kids enjoy playing foosball while their parents attend workshops.

Children's activities include lots of recreational games in the gym, where they have the opportunity to meet our student leaders.

Bonnie Biser shares her experience as a CSD parent during the parent panel.

Twenty-two of our student leaders helped with various tasks during the New Family Orientation weekend. They gave a warm welcome and provided support to our new students and their families, as the families dealt with their transition to CSD from their former school and home. During the NFO weekend, the student leaders were easily visible on campus with their bright orange CSD T-shirts. They assisted the new students and their families with the NFO schedule; interacted with them during meals; participated in activities with the new students; facilitated the student leaders panel and shared helpful information to the group; socialized with students during their free time; and helped with setup & cleanup tasks. All of our student leaders deserve HUGE eagle talon waves for volunteering their time to support the New Family Orientation weekend event.

—Sulghi Hong, High School Administrative Principal

Our Student Leaders:

Monthly ASL Storytelling Video

Pig's Egg

Told in ASL by Katherine Greene & Pat Bernstein

Video by Paul Rosa

Rory Osbrink reviews the kindergarten through 12 ^th grade ASL standards. 

Adele Ann Eberwein and Kelly Krzyska share the Guided Viewing framework for leveled viewing texts. 

USA wins first place gold medal.

Congrats to CSD senior Malia Zornoza (#9)!

[image description: (left) Girls team, wearing their USA jerseys, are signing #1. The row that's standing in he back holds up an American flag. The front row is kneeling in front of the flag. Coaching staff that flanks the back row are wearing their red shirts and black pants. (right) Photo of Malia Zornoza wearing her jersey and carrying a backpack.]

California School for the Deaf football and cheerleading teams traveled to Lake Tahoe to play against the Lakers at North Tahoe High School. Our student-athletes had an incredible time, learning more about each other and appreciating our surroundings. We first practiced at Baldwin Beach, then saw the stunning scenic bypass at Emerald Bay, before playing at North Tahoe High School. North Tahoe had a stunning field that resembled the infamous field at CSD Berkeley.

The Lakers senior-heavy squad started off strong, led by their 4-year starting quarterback, running back, and three massive linemen that stood at around 6’6 and 300 pounds. By the end of the first quarter, the smaller CSD Eagles squad was facing a deficit. The players were absolutely gassed from chasing those elusive athletes and blocking players twice their weight, from a larger roster with numbers at 6,300 feet above sea level. Everyone wondered whether the 19 players in uniform would even last the entire game, much less leave with a victory.

The Eagles squad somehow kept on battling. ‘They had each other’s back ’, and made some great plays. Toward the end of the game, the Eagles prevailed, winning 44-23, and improved to 2-0 in the young season. The cheerleaders, coaches, and fans were in awe. They kept mentioning how proud they were of the Eagles team after witnessing such a gutsy performance.

[image description: (1) Coach Warren, who is wearing sunglasses, is with his players, who are gathered around him on the football field. (2) Cheerleaders are up in mid-air, in a high kick, with their pom poms. (3) Football players are running during a game. (4) Two football players sit on a fence with the lake behind them. (5) Cheerleaders are staggered as they sit on a rocky hill, posing with their arms outstretched. There are trees behind them.]

Four of our Eagles Class of 2018 soar to RIT for their first year of college

We wish you a fabulous year at RIT!

CSD Eagles running back and middle linebacker Calel Aramboles attends the UCLA high school football camp.

Leader in the field of Deaf education & and inspiring role model for our students

Dr. Robert Davila

visits CSD

By Clark Brooke

Pictured left:

Dr. Robert Davila & Ken Norton, accomplished CSD Alumni & a part of our school history

Dr. Robert Davila spent several hours with us on July 26. Dr.   Davila was in town to visit his longtime friend, mentor and classmate, Ken Norton. There was an opportunity for us to sit down and chat with Dr. Davila to get some leadership feedback, and listen to his experience as an educational administrator and change agent in the field of Deaf and post-secondary education.

Dr. Davila also shared two interesting tidbits about when he was growing up as a CSD student…  Back then, CSD was the only Deaf school in the state. Davila lived south in Carlsbad and took the train to CSD every weekend. One day, he arrived at the Los   Angeles Union Station and waited for the next train overnight. A policeman found him sleeping on the bench and took him to the police station. He was worried that he had missed the train, but was able to get to CSD on time. The next time he arrived at the Union Station, he hid in the bathroom overnight so that he would not get picked up again.

(photo left) Young Davila hid notes in this inset so that he could communicate with his girl of interest, since boys and girls were not allowed to fraternize in the early days. This inset is still proudly standing in the front of the Administration building.

[image description: Photo of a patinated metalic hand at the Bear Hunt statue.]

About Robert Davila

Davila received only a sporadic education when he was a young child, but from the time he became a student at CSD, he soared. After graduating with honors from CSD, Davila entered Gallaudet University where he obtained a bachelor's degree, in 1953, followed by master's and doctorate degrees in Education from Hunter College and Syracuse University, respectively. 

Dr. Davila was a mathematics teacher before becoming a school administrator. He started as an assistant principal and later became the K-12 Superintendent at New York School for the Deaf. He also served as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for the US Department of Education. After his service at the federal level, he assumed the CEO role at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and then became the ninth President of Gallaudet University.

Uxmal Alcaraz Rodriguez

Work Readiness Program &

working 2 community jobs

Sergio Avalos Ruiz Jr.

Adult Transition Program

Doaa Ayoub

Adult Transition Program

Dawsen Bashaw

Considering enrolling at Gallaudet University

Marcela Brentham

Studying to become a Vet Tech in Texas

Gabriel Burns-Vasquez

Work Readiness Program &

working 2 community jobs

Valeria Campos Martinez

Ohlone College

Iliana Cerna

Ohlone College

Jahmai Davis

Work Readiness Program &

Ohlone College

Kristina Diaz

Considering enrolling at

Berkeley City College

Noe Dominguez

Adult Transition Program

Ana Garcia Rodriguez

Ohlone College

Veronica Gonzalez-Morales

Ohlone College

Tyler Harmount

Gallaudet University

Biverly Huff

Ohlone College

Lakota'a Ingram

Considering enrolling at

Ohlone College (for Spring 2019)

Amanda Inthavong

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Aidan Kutsov

Gallaudet University

Tivon LeMaster

Searching for employment

John Leslie

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Raven Lynch

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Marcio Maldonado Vega

Adult Transition Program

David Musselwhite

Ohlone College

Francisco Ochoa

Searching for employment

Maria Ortiz-Cardenas

Adult Transition Program

Alicia Patron

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Melissa Potapova

American River College

Josue Romero

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Damon Shyne

Adult Transition Program

Kobi Sittman

Ohlone College

Scott Stadnisky

Work Readiness Program

Mariesh Tayo

Adult Transition Program

Soliyana Tesfasilasie

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Teresa Truong

Ohlone College

Maribel Vargas

Ohlone College

Thuy Vo

National Technical Institute for the Deaf / Rochester Institute of Technology

Hannah Wetzel

Gallaudet University

DaiJuhnae Williams

American River College

Many of our graduates continue to receive services from California School for the Deaf after they have graduated. Through the CSD Career Center, students have access to our Transition Specialist, Adult Transition Program and Work Readiness Program. These resources provide students with a wide range of support and are made possible by the Transition Partnership Program, a partnership between schools and the California Department of Rehabilitation.

Transition Specialist Mimi   Aguilar, assists students in developing their skills in communication, collaboration and self-advocacy. She provides them support with Department of Rehabilitation information, decision making, family meetings, transportation to different appointments, and getting them immersed through independent living skills-related hands-on activities. She encourages them to become lifelong learners and have a sense of financial freedom.

The Adult Transition Program (ATP), led by Michelle Kooyman and Brian Morris, focuses on developing Independent Living Skills and job preparation through community based learning. The mission of the ATP is to support and guide students through their journey to independence.

Similarly, the Work Readiness Program (WRP), led by Amy Eshelman and Shelby Cook, provides opportunities for students to focus on their post-secondary education and employment goals, by fostering independence through off-campus training, activities, and work experience. The aim of WRP is to allow and encourage eligible Deaf students to explore the real world, while still enjoying the safety, security, structure and support unique to California School for the Deaf.

CSD student athletes greet staff as they enter the newly renovated Klopping Theater for the Welcome Back message.  

CSD has had an Induction Program in place since 2010. A review process ensures that CSD’s Induction Program remains eligible as a way for our teachers to clear their credentials. Recently, CSD received full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation, which oversees the accreditation system for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. We will continue to offer this program to our teachers through weekly meetings and designing Individual Learning Plans to provide the support they need during the first part of their teaching careers. The Induction Program Standards, along with mentoring, are important aspects of the program. This program is unique since we focus on Deaf Education and Deaf pedagogy, with an emphasis on Equity. 

A new logo has been designed for the program! (See above.)

— Kate Kovacs, Upper Elementary & MS Literacy Coach/Induction Coordinator

Retired PPS Director Steve Orman shares about the influence educators have on their students that can last a lifetime.  

Retired CSD Teacher Stan Smith appreciates being connected with CSD.

Retired Dean of Students & CSD Alum Ken   Norton explained that a lthough his career brought his family elsewhere over the years, his heart has always been with CSD. 

(above) Former Secretary to the Director of Instruction Margie Bella expresses her appreciation for the positive impact CSD has had on generations of her family. 

(left) Retired Director of Instruction Pat Moore shared how important it is to keep students feeling safe and protected at school no matter what is going on out in the world.

[image description: Crowd of people with protest signs. Julie Rems Smario and Lorraine Flores are standing arm-in-arm near the front of the crowd. They are wearing sun glasses and ethnic-style shirts. Each of them has one arm raised.]

I invited a presenter from Service, Immigrant Rights and Education Networks (SIREN) to come to our school campus to give a “ Know Your Rights” presentation last May. The purpose of the presentation was to inform and educate our CSD community about knowing your rights when an ICE officer approaches those of us who are immigrants. Our families and students attended the workshop. They learned so much from the event.

A few weeks later, there was a National Day of Action with the message that “Families Belong Together.” Several of our CSD families, teachers and staff participated in the rallies, in both San Jose and Fremont, to show our heartfelt support for families. In the end, I know it is not an easy path. And we are not giving up! Most importantly, we are showing our support to our students. They are here to value our education.

[Image description: Frank Lester, wearing teal colored t-shirt saying, “Celebrate DEAF Celebrate Humanity”. A white male with salt and pepper beard is standing under a ten,t behind a booth, getting ready for a busy day of sale. In the background is a burgundy-colored banner reading “Deaf Counseling, Advocacy, and Referral Agency” with a logo.  About six other people are also in the photo.]  

Frank Lester attended this year’s LGBT celebration at the 2018 San Francisco Pride, themed “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Generations of Strength” by participating as a volunteer. 

On Sunday, June 24 Frank joined staff members, volunteers and community members from Deaf Counseling Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA) working at a booth in the middle of the San Francisco Pride celebration, at the Civic Center, where the San Francisco City Hall, State of California and Federal buildings stand tall. 

Volunteers worked all day, from morning to night, checking identification cards, collecting cash, and pouring drinks . Long lines were seen at the booth, as the day was hot and festivity was energetic. A certain percentage of the sales, along with 100% of the tips that were raised, will go to fund DCARA's programs and activities. 

Across the street, was another booth, run by the Northern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Many signing people were visible on the streets, greeting “Happy Pride” to each other. What a great day to celebrate Pride, and at the same time volunteer for good causes! Everyone had fun and got sunburned.  

Our technology team worked long days for two solid months to install an Epson interactive projector in each classroom on campus. The interactive projectors make it possible to show ASL videos and the Internet, along with class projects and files for group discussions. It is an essential tool for our visual learners!

Special thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly alongside our technology experts replacing outdated SMART Boards with the captivating new interactive projectors.

The school's new projectors interact with a whiteboard at the front of the classroom, for an amazing viewing experience (see photos). Each projector has a sensor that emits an invisible laser. That laser scans the surface of the whiteboard, thousands of times per second, to detect movement on the board (such as touching the screen to make a selection or using a pen) which makes the viewing experience interactive. The projectors have 4K   lumens of brightness that translates into super high resolution images, with lots of detail, to engage our students and take them into another world. Ironically, the lights on the new projectors can be replac ed for one tenth the cost of the old projectors, which will save the school lots of money down the road.

 

The projectors will soon be connected to Apple TVs. In addition, students will be able to share presentations from their Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads and iMacs, making sharing their classwork that much easier. Devices not manufactured by Apple are not out of luck, as the projectors have connection methods to directly connect to the projectors themselves outside of the AppleTV method.

Click on flyers below for readable, printable version

Meta Metal , Editor | JAC Cook ,  Reserve Editor

Clark Brooke , School Superintendent