Wishing the best for the Clarke community!
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During the COVID-19 health emergency, we are grateful for the ongoing commitment from families and the generous contributions from our partners and supporters. Despite the closure of our physical locations, our work continues in all locations via
teleservices
. We wish everyone good health and well-being.
To Clarke families near and far...
We celebrate all that Clarke students and families have accomplished in recent weeks. Engaging with students and families via remote and virtual services motivates us each and every day.
To fellow educators and service providers...
Your efforts are heroic. We wish you continued strength to lead and support districts, schools, programs, classrooms, families and students.
To our partners and supporters...
As we strive to offer uninterrupted teleservices for all students and families, your support of and investment in our mission matter more than ever.
In partnership and with gratitude,
The Clarke Team
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Preschoolers Spread Cheer with Rainbow Art
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Meet the Cherney family from Philadelphia.
Elyssa is a
rabbi and
Alan is an ER doctor at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Like many other parents, they are doing their best to raise their daughter Ava and her baby brother Zeke during this pandemic. Alan is currently staying away from home to keep his family safe.
"We're finding it challenging to take care of our communities and family simultaneously," shared Elyssa. The Cherney family feels fortunate to have the support of neighbors and the team at
Clarke where Ava, who has profound sensorineural hearing loss, is learning to listen and talk.
As schools announced extended closures and hospitals became increasingly taxed, Elyssa suggested Ava and her Clarke preschool classmates—now learning via
teleservices—make rainbow drawings to send to essential workers at Jefferson Hospital to share some cheer and positivity.
Enjoy these photos of Clarke Philadelphia preschoolers' vibrant rainbow artwork, and the Jefferson Hospital healthcare workers who received them!
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- Embracing Teleservice: On our latest Hear Me Out blog post, Clarke Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Heather Stinson (CAGS, MED, S/LP-A) offers tips and resources she's used successfully to make the most of remote learning.
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In an effort to support and reach more families and professionals, we're launching our official Instagram handle
tomorrow, Friday, May 1. Don't miss a beat and join the conversation by sharing your favorite at-home learning moments on Instagram with the hashtag
#ClarkeAtHome.
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May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
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Utilize our
listening and spoken language activity calendar and consider setting a family goal to participate in some language-building activities suggested during the month of May. Let us know how you are celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month by using the hashtag
#ClarkeAtHome on social media.
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Celebrate Educators with #ClarkeChalkWalk
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Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated nationally on Tuesday, May 5. Join Clarke in writing or drawing a message of encouragement for your child's support team. All you need is chalk, a sidewalk and a kind message or picture. No chalk? No problem! Draw a picture or write a note using markers and paper. Share your message with
#ClarkeChalkWalk on social media.
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A Note to Clarke Alumni Who are High School Seniors
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You are shining examples of hard work and triumph. We celebrate your perseverance. While special milestones may not occur the way you imagined, know that we are cheering for you—even from afar.
— Your friends at Clarke
#CollegeSigningDay is celebrated annually on May 1 to honor students committed to continuing their education past high school. Join us in cheering for Clarke alumni!
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#GivingTuesdayNow will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5:
Support Clarke
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The Bright Spot: Uplifting Stories from Our Community
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While Clarke locations are physically closed to students and families, nearly all programs have implemented virtual services to keep learning alive and families fully engaged!
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Valyn, a Clarke preschool student working in a virtual session with Alisa Demico, co-director of Clarke Jacksonville, reminds us of an advantage of teleservices — pajamas all day!
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Virtual Preschool in Action
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Judy Sexton, director of Clarke Philadelphia, explains how preschool children are adapting to virtual learning and says, "Children truly enjoy working with their friends each day—we have a challenging time getting them to leave the virtual meeting!"
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#ChalkYourWalk with a Listening and Spoken Language Twist
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Landon, a Clarke preschool student in Florida, and his family got creative and brought learning fun outside. Check out this
#ChalkYourWalk
and
#ClarkeLSLTip activity with a listening and spoken language twist!
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"This [teleservices] will be good for us. It gives us ownership"
— Logan, father of a Clarke preschool student
We close each issue of Clarke Connection with a special quote from a member of the Clarke community. To become the next featured Clarke Voice, send your quote to
communications@clarkeschools.org
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Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As an IRS qualified charity, gifts to Clarke are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Work
.
Our Reach
.
Your Role
: New and increased donations will go even further thanks to a partial matching grant from a generous funder.
Since 1867, Clarke has provided children who are deaf or hard of hearing with the education needed to succeed in a hearing world. Clarke has evolved to best meet the needs of children and families today though our infant-toddler, virtual tVISIT, preschool, K-8, mainstream and summer programs, as well as through our hearing center, comprehensive educational evaluations and research and professional development.
Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech
| 45 Round Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060
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