Oftentimes, November can feel like the end of things – the end of a calendar year, the end of a fiscal year, or the end of a season. But at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf, we’re just getting started! This season marks a time of reflection and momentum as we continue to deepen our connections, grow our programs, and celebrate the milestones of our school and community.

Professional Development for Our Team

At SFDS, we’re committed to continuous learning to provide the best environment for our students. Recently, our talented Teaching Assistants (TAs) participated in a valuable training session as part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Led by our in-house trainers, Janelle and Chelsey, the TAs learned critical Safety Techniques from Safe & Positive Approaches, equipping them to support our students with confidence and care.

In another professional development session, we were joined by Dr. Kristin Rainville, a consultant from Sacred Heart University, who facilitated a workshop on Peer Coaching. This ongoing work is helping our staff foster stronger collaborative relationships, building a network of support and feedback that enhances our teaching & therapeutic  practices.

Sharing Our Multimodal Multilingual Planning 

Our Executive Director, Dr. Jodi Falk, and Communication & Language Supervisor, Janelle Brown represented SFDS at the ASDC Literacy Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. They presented our innovative language profiles & allocation plans, connecting with educators from across the country who are dedicated to empowering Deaf students. We are proud to contribute to this inspiring community, sharing our multimodal multilingual approaches and learning from others.

Groundbreaking DeafBlind Program in Partnership with Perkins

Three years ago, SFDS embarked on a transformative partnership with Perkins School for the Blind to develop a specialized program for DeafBlind students. Spearheaded by Dr. Falk, this journey included monthly professional learning & coaching sessions and grant-funded resources, culminating in the creation of an 'Active Learning' room equipped with tools inspired by Dr. Lilli Nielsen’s methods. This program has set a new standard in DeafBlind education, allowing SFDS to better serve the unique needs of our students. You can read more about our journey in TX SenseAbilities: article

Celebrating Heritage and Diversity

In September, we celebrated our 64th anniversary, honoring our history while looking forward to the future. We’re thrilled to announce that next year, we’ll be commemorating our 65th anniversary with special events, including the opening of our very own Deaf Archives Museum! This museum will preserve and celebrate the rich history of Deaf culture and the contributions of our community.

Throughout the fall, we’ve recognized important cultural moments within our community. In October, we celebrated Deaf Awareness Month, honoring Deaf culture and advocacy. For Hispanic Heritage Month, we launched a campaign highlighting the inspiring stories and contributions of Hispanic community leaders.

This November, we are proud to recognize Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, traditions, and resilience of Native American communities. We celebrate the unique history and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

We’re Growing – Join Our Team!

As we continue to expand our programs, SFDS is hiring! We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help us fulfill our mission. If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of Deaf, DeafBlind and Deaf Disabled students, check out our open positions here: OLAS Careers.

The Holidays are Just Around the Corner!

As we grow and serve more students, your support is crucial. Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission of providing an inclusive, enriching, and empowering educational environment for Deaf & DeafBlind children. Together, we can create lasting impact in our community and beyond. Donate Now

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to many more incredible moments ahead!