A Publication of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech | July 2020
Celebrating Clarke Students Moving Up and Moving On
Graduation and end-of-year ceremonies may look different this year for Clarke students — but the special moments remain.

Meet Christian , a recent Clarke preschool graduate, and hear his mom's inspiring tribute.
Find details about upcoming commencement ceremonies at clarkeschools.org/events .
Calling All Alumni... We Want to Hear from YOU!
We are now accepting submissions for the Class Notes section of Clarke Speaks, our annual magazine. Share what's new in your life, a recent milestone, a job promotion, an addition to the family or a noteworthy adventure! Deadline is August 7, 2020.
Resources

  • Maintaining Language-Rich Environments at Home: We've assembled a list of LSL activities and resources to help maintain fun, language-rich environments at home during the summer. Check out #ClarkeLSLTip and #ClarkeAtHome posts on social media to follow along.

  • Managing an Unusual End to the School Year: On our latest Hear Me Out blog post, Clarke Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Heather Stinson (CAGS, MED, S/LP-A) shares tips for professionals managing an unusual end to the school year.
In Solidarity with those Demanding Change
We're building a library to begin, support and enhance learning and family conversations related to anti-racism. Do you have resources to share? Make recommendations and learn more at clarkeschools.org/antiracism.
Advancing Clarke
Clarke Leaders Present at AG Bell Virtual Listening and Spoken Language Symposium
Sherri Fickensher, LSLS Cert. AVEd, teacher of the deaf at Clarke Philadelphia, and Barbara Hecht, PhD, director of Clarke Boston, presented at the AG Bell Global Virtual Listening and Spoken Language Symposium. Sherri addressed adapting and optimizing learning for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families in virtual environments. The following day, Barbara co-presented the framework for early intervention using a social ecological model.
Clarke Florida Hosts Virtual Parent Education Night

More than 20 Florida families joined together for a virtual parent education seminar called "Life in the Mainstream: The Early Years." The session featured a panel of three Clarke alumni students and their parents who shared successes, challenges and lessons they learned as they transitioned to mainstream elementary schools.
The Bright Spot: Uplifting Stories from Our Community
Clarke Northampton Hosts a Parade for Preschool Families
The Clarke Northampton team decked their cars with balloons and signs and hosted a parade for preschoolers, traveling over five hours throughout the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts to spread cheer. Preschool families greeted their support teams from a distance — and one family even decorated their yard with several potted plants in honor of each educator!
Clarke Philadelphia Hosts Virtual Clarke Buddies Gathering
The first virtual Clarke Buddies meet-up was a great success. These gatherings create opportunities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, ages 6-17, to connect outside of their typical academic setting and have some fun!
Clarke Receives Generous PPE Donations
Thank you MDW Group and BrandItShop for supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing with generous personal protective equipment donations!
Clarke Voices
"We would not be in this place without Clarke. You were there all the time and addressed all of my questions and concerns in a professional manner."

—Haifa, mother of a Child in Clarke's Birth to Three Program, participating in sessions remotely through tVISITS

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  [email protected]  
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
Voice 413.584.3450 | FAX 413.587.7318 |  [email protected]   |  clarkeschools.org