May 09 - Louisiana School for the Deaf

Louisiana School for the Deaf
May
2009
On Eagle’s Wings
Girls’ Track Team First in State
For the first time, the LSD girls’ track team won the Class C state title at the Louisiana
High School Athletic Association/State Farm Outdoor Track & Field Championships at
LSU’s Bernie Moore Track Stadium on Thursday, May 7, 2009. The LSD boys’ team
came in second in Class C competition.
What a priceless gift for retiring track coach, Chip Stirling! The Lady Eagles had a commanding lead, scoring 106 points to finish ahead of Saline (72) and Singer (59).
Chip noted that the girls have worked hard at practice and meets all year. The boys’
team has won state championships previously, but this was the first state title for the girls’
team during Chip’s forty year tenure. The boys’ team competed well, but were edged out
in the end.
Ana Shelton won the girls’ Outstanding Performer award. Ana won the triple jump in 337, and the 200 meters in 26.86 seconds. She also was second in the long jump and the
100 meters for LSD.
LSD girls found themselves in first place after 14 events. A third-place finish by Tameeka
Eackles gave the Eagles 68 points, six ahead of Saline. Victoria Ward won the pole vault
(6-0), Alexia Powell won the 300 hurdles (52.17) and the girls clinched the title by winning
the 4 x 400 relay (4:44.82).
The LSD boys were led by Darryl Carr, who won the discus in 135-4, and Rhett Lebeouf,
who won the pole vault in 9-6. Michael Williams helped boost the Eagles with secondplace finishes in the 400 meters and triple jump. Quentin Ross took third in the 110 hurdles.
Girls’ team with
coaches (left to right)
Bob Moulds, Susan
LeFors, Chip Stirling
and Gilbert Culpepper
Dates to
Remember
Final Exams
May 11—14
Senior Activities
May 11 and 12
Class Night
May 14, 7:00 pm
Middle School and
High School Awards
Program
May 15, 10:00 am
Graduation
May 15, 7:00 pm
You’ve Got Talent
Show
May 20
Last Day of School
May 22
Registration Day
August 9
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On Eagle’s Wings
Condolences
Ada Marie Chevallier, LSD alumna and former staff member died on Saturday, March
21, 2009. Ada worked in the Special Needs Department for many years. Her burial
was at Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge.
Dr. Jerome Warren Freeman Sr., was principal at LSD during the late 1960's and
early 1970's. A teacher, administrator, professor and director of Deaf Services in eight
states for 48 years and a resident of Indianapolis, he died Thursday, April 2, 2009. He
was 80, born July 3, 1928, in Indianapolis. Burial was at Sylvarena Baptist Church,
Wesson, Miss., on April 8. Survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen Beatrice Jackson
Freeman, Indianapolis; two sons and four grandchildren. He lost his hearing at the age
of 7 from spinal meningitis. He graduated from Indiana School for the Deaf, Gallaudet
University, Washington, D.C., and held a master's degree in education from Mississippi
College, master's degree in administration from San Fernando State University and a
doctoral degree in curriculum and administration from the University of Tennessee. He
was director of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services for the state of Indiana, with Relay
Indiana and the Board of Standards for Interpreters.
Marvin Scott Perkins, 81, of Alexandria, passed away Wednesday, April 22,
2009. Mr. Perkins was a graduate of the Louisiana State School for the Deaf. After
graduation he served as the boy's counselor at the Iowa State School for the Deaf; was
later employed at the Texas School for the Deaf. He was past President of the Louisiana Deaf Association. Mr. Perkins continued his career working for the Oakdale and
Bunkie newspapers before being employed by the Alexandria Town Talk for 30 years.
John Dale Bergeron, a resident of Baton Rouge, he passed away at home on Monday, May 4, 2009, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 57 and a native of New
Roads. Funeral services were held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Wednesday,
May 6 with burial at False River Memorial Park Cemetery, New Roads. Survived by his
wife of 35 years, Adrienne "Ady" Plauché Bergeron; son, Adrian and wife Katey; daughter, Alexis "Lexie" Irby and husband Michael. John retired from the Maintenance Department at LSD in September 2007 with 28 years of service. He was a warm and generous man who will be greatly missed.
Congratulations
Kelly Rendleman, middle school teacher, and Matt Landry, IT Department student
worker, will marry on Friday, June 12 in Donaldsonville at Ascension of our Lord Catholic
Church. Kelly is from Marion, Illinois. Matt, who is from Donaldsonville, graduates from
LSU at the end of May in Agricultural Economics. Matt and Kelly met and fell in love at
LSD. We wish you all the best!
Staff Appreciation Week, May 4—8
Thanks to the LSD Foundation for the bottled water and LSD koozie that was given to all
staff on Wednesday, May 6. Thanks also to any parents who expressed their appreciation to the dedicated staff at LSD.
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On Eagle’s Wings
Eagle Eyes Parent/Staff Organization
The Eagle Eyes organization met on Tuesday, April 21 and had the largest attendance
to date. The Academic Review Team, Joe Fischgrund, Betty Bounds and Cathy Rhoten, discussed their observations about LSD and the recommendations they would be
making to Superintendent Pastorek about academic improvements at LSD. The organization plans on having a table at Registration Day on Sunday, August 9 to encourage
greater parent participation in the organization.
Retirees
Mary Barber
David Ledbetter
Olouse Tullos
Connie Greenlee
Chip Stirling
Elementary Department
High School Department
High School Department
Educational Support Services Division
Physical Education Department
Catherine Selders
Richard Harbour
Rose Barbin
Mamie Martin
Barbara Messina
Student Life Division
Operations Department
Student Life Division
Operations Department- Retired in January
Middle School Department
Mr. and Miss LSD Pageant
Congratulations to all LSD Pageant contestants. Thanks especially to Rhonda Fung
and Maria Stephens for being the directors of the pageant, and to all staff and sponsors
who helped.
PRINCE & PRINCESS CATEGORY: Casual Wear Competition - Sarah Strickland,
Talent Competition - Devante Wilson, Evening Wear Competition - Antonio Nguyen
1st Runner up— Prince - Devante Wilson Princess—Ashley Walls
Prince—Antonio Nguyen Princess—Sarah Strickland
Mr & Miss LSD CATEGORY:
Mr. Congeniality - Michael Williams, Miss Congeniality - LaPorcha Ardoin
Casual Wear Competition—Mr -Michael Williams, Miss -Destiny Adams
Talent Competition—Mr - Nelson Arce & Derion Savoie, Miss - LaPorcha Ardoin
Evening Wear Competition -Mr. -Nelson Arce & Derion Savoie, Miss -Destiny Adams
3rd Runner Up
Mr - Diamonte Pierce
Miss - Laporcha Ardoin
2nd Runner Up
Mr. Nelson Arce
Miss -Meri Goldman
1st Runner Up
Mr. Michael Williams
Miss -Destiny Adams
Mr LSD - Derion Savoie
Miss LSD- Lauren Adams
LSD Foundation Dash for Deaf Kids
LSD Foundation held its eighth annual Dash for Deaf Kids Saturday, May 9, 2009. The
Dash is the primary fund raising event for the LSD Foundation. All proceeds from the
race benefit the students at LSD, specifically for the positive behavior reinforcement
programs. Thanks to all who participated, to the Eagle Eyes Parent/Staff organization
who encouraged parents to support the event and to the Foundation board members
who organized the Dash.
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On Eagle’s Wings
Prom—A Night to Remember
“A Night to Remember” was the theme of this year’s Junior-Senior Prom which was
held on Saturday, April 25 in the LSD Student Center. Evelyn Kuyrkendall and the
Student Center staff helped transform the Main Room into an evening in Paris, with
scenes of the Eiffel Tower. Romaldo Magee and Raven Prejean were crowned King
and Queen of the prom. Congratulations to our LSD royalty. .
Baccalaureate Service
Liberty Deaf Church hosted the Baccalaureate Service for the Class of 2009 on Thursday , April 30, 2009. Pastor Ron DeWitt welcomed students, staff, and family members
and prayed a blessing on all of the seniors present. The guest preacher was Nick LeFors who pastors a deaf church in Seattle, Washington and is a 1973 graduate of LSD.
Nick spoke about ants and their admirable qualities that we should all imitate. Refreshments were served as members of the church congratulated seniors on their accomplishments.
Senior Activities, Class Night
Instead of going on a senior trip, class members will have a week of senior activities at
LSD. On Monday, May 11th, graduates will enjoy an evening out at a local restaurant.
On Tuesday, they will take a day trip to New Orleans that will include shopping at the
Riverwalk, a movie at the IMAX theater, and an air boat excursion into a swamp. On
Wednesday and Thursday, seniors will practice for graduation and class night. Class
night will be held on Thursday , May 14 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium during which graduates will perform skits about their years at LSD. Thanks to Walker Estes and Evelyn
Castleberry who volunteered to be senior activity assistants, along with Susan Blackwell.
Graduation
Graduation for the ten members of the Class of 2009 will be held on Friday, May 15,
2009 at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. Commencement speaker will be Mayor Kip Holden.
At 5:30 pm the school will host a reception for the seniors and their families. Sign Singers, Victoria Ward and Ryan Poindexter will perform "Graduation Song" under the tutelage of Debbie Anderson and Susan LeFors. Sadie Snyder is the valedictorian and
Brittany Nicholas is salutatorian. Following the ceremony in the auditorium, graduates
will greet visitors in a receiving line in the Student Center. Many thanks to Susan Blackwell who coordinates all of the senior events and graduation.
Lake LSD: High Water from Spring Rains
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On Eagle’s Wings
PPEP Play Day in the Park
Let’s play! On April 10, nine families and thirty three people from the greater Baton
Rouge area participated in a play day at the Independence Park children’s playground,
hosted by LA Deaf and Hard of Hearing [LA Hear] Coordinators Mary Anne Johnson and
Donna Embree. Everyone enjoyed activities including sidewalk chalk art; playing with
play dough, bubbles, large balls; and an egg hunt. Families enjoyed socializing with
each other. Special guests were two Early Steps speech therapists, a Spanish interpreter, and Mariah Ranko, statewide Parent Consultant DHH/OPH Hearing, Speech and
Vision Program. She shared information regarding Hands and Voices, a parent-driven
organization dedicated to supporting families with children who are deaf or hard-ofhearing. For more information go to www.handsandvoices.org. Her two deaf children
had a great time playing with other children who have a hearing loss. One of the PPEP
moms dyed Easter eggs, made precious bunny bags, and baked special cupcakes for
all to enjoy. Everyone received a fun door prize. We look forward to having another out-
Tracy and her
sister had fun.
Families gathered at Independence Park
History Highlights
Above: Original
school building
Kirk, Zikeea and Spencer enjoy play dough
Looking Back 1860 to 1861
Trish Mann
When Thomas O. Moore was elected governor in 1860, he appointed a new Board of
Administrators for the school who summarily dismissed Superintendent Brown after he
had served eight years as the founding administrator of the school. Brown still had three
years left on his contract and he sued the new board. In support of Brown, all staff
members resigned and many students withdrew in sympathy. It seemed that the new
board was displeased with the expenditure of so much money to build and furnish the
school building. Brown eventually returned to his home in Indiana, a bitter and frustrated man.
The opening of the new school year in 1861 was delayed by two months so that a new
superintendent and a new teaching staff could be hired. Board President, L. D. Laycock, was elected to serve as the new superintendent of the school. For the first time, a
principal, A. K. Martin, was hired. In a very unpopular decision, the Legislature decided
that the families of all students should pay yearly tuition of $250 or produce a certificate
of indigence. About one third of the student body came from families that could not afford the $250 tuition, but were not considered poor enough to be indigent. The board of
administrators urged the Legislature to repeal this offending law. Before any action
could be taken, the Civil War broke out and all students who had families to return to
moved home.
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Please Save Stuff
Community Cash For Schools is a program that helps area schools earn funds by collecting UPCs from Community® products. Please clip and save any Community UPC
labels and send them to Wanda Bozeman in the Administration Building.
Please support LSD student activities/needs by clipping the "Box Tops for Education"
logo off of the items you use everyday in your homes. You will find the Box Tops on
hundreds of items including a large selection of cereal boxes, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury,
Yoplait, Hamburger Helper, Nature Valley and other food items. You can also find Box
Tops on other products including Ziploc storage bags, Cottonelle, Scott and VIVA paper products, Huggies diapers and many more household or personal care items.
Box Tops can be sent via campus mail or brought to Kattie Nolen in Student Life.
You have probably seen those codes inside bottle caps and on cardboard cartons of
Coke products. Well, they are actually worth something, and LSD would appreciate
your point donations!
The school now has an account in the "Coke Rewards for Schools" program. Points are
collected and can be redeemed for items such as creative school and art supplies and
even playground equipment. Please don't throw away those bottle caps and cardboard
cartons until you have entered your points and donated them to LSD! It's simple to do:
1. Register to become a member at www.mycokerewards.com.
2. Look for codes on specially marked packages of Coca-Cola products.
3. While in your account, enter codes to collect points at mycokerewards.com.
4. Click the link to donate points to a school, and enter the zip code 70820 to find LSD.
Select Louisiana School for the Deaf and enter the number of points you wish to donate. Participating Coke products include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Powerade, Dasani and
Minute Maid.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
Jessica Rogers
Have you “caught” any acts of kindness lately? In a time of considerable stress, it can
be easy for us to forget how our own stress can impact ourselves and other people,
and we forget to be kind to one another. We forget that small acts of kindness can
mean the world to another person, and can even reduce the amount of stress we feel
on a daily basis.
During Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week, April 27 – May 1, students and staff at
LSD were encouraged to be on the lookout for compassion and thoughtfulness, big or
small. The Counseling Department started this annual awareness week to remind students and staff of the significance of kindness and various events have been held in the
past to thank students, staff, teachers for their roles at LSD. This year, RAK focused on
one event, the Walls of Kindness. Each main building had one big poster, and individuals that “caught” another person doing an act of kindness wrote down the name of the
person and the act of kindness on a card. These cards filled up the “walls” – and they
filled up quickly!
These Walls were kept up for the entire week to encourage people to keep posting
cards and to allow everyone to see what acts of kindness were caught all week. A
drawing for each building was held at the end of the event, and both individuals on one
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On Eagle’s Wings
card (the nominee and nominator) received a small exciting prize! Examples of kindness that were caught included helping push a student in a wheelchair, sharing gum or
soda money, giving a compliment to others, and holding the door open. These acts
seem simple, but you can be sure they put a smile on the faces of others.
For more information about the national organization, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, please go to: www.actsofkindness.org. National Kindness Day and National
Random Acts of Kindness Weeks are typically held in February and November of each
year, but we can show action every day, all year long!
YouthCaN (Youth Connecting and Networking)
Debbie Anderson
Conference
Through a grant from the U.S. Department of State, LSD was represented at the YouthCaN Conference at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on April
6, 2009. Debbie Anderson was invited to attend the conference and several associated
workshops because of her involvement with the CATALYST project. Sponsored by
iEARN (International Education and Resource Network), AnimAction, LSU and the Red
Stick International Animation Festival, the CATALYST project connected teachers and
students from the Baton Rouge area with teachers and students from Uzbekistan and
Pakistan.
Last March, students and teachers from Uzbekistan and Pakistan came to Baton
Rouge for two weeks. They stayed in the guest apartments here at LSD. Teachers and
students from LSD and from two schools in West Baton Rouge Parish participated
along with the visitors in animation workshops and various field trips and cultural activities. One of the Pakistani students, Bushra, is deaf, and it was a very interesting to
have her here interacting with our students. Pakistani signs and ASL are very different!
Last July, Debbie Anderson accompanied LSD student Brittney Lynch on an amazing
two-week trip to Uzbekistan. They participated in an animation workshop with students
from all over the world.
To complete this wonderful journey, Debbie and several others from West Baton Rouge
Parish were invited to New York for a week in April. A new group of students and teachers from Pakistan and Uzbekistan made the trip as well. All of them collaborated on a
presentation at the conference and participated in workshops at the Stevens Institute of
Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Another international iEARN project culminated with the YouthCaN Conference as well.
"Four Rivers, One World" involved students and teachers from New York, New Jersey,
Nepal, Bangladesh and India. Among other things, they learned about pollution, how to
test water for cleanliness and purity, various ways to filter water and/or clean it, and
how to advocate for cleanup of the environment.
These exchange programs produce lifelong friendships and promote understanding in
ways that make a difference. It has been a privilege for our school to have had a part in
this program. Special thanks to Laurie Williams of our High School/Vocational Department for continuing to teach our students about animation after participating in the animation workshops.
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On Eagle’s Wings
Elementary News
Safe and Drug Free School Day
Mindy Dill
On March 11, 2009, the students in the Elementary Department enjoyed fun and interesting workshops as a part of the Safe & Drug-Free Schools day program. The theme
for the day was “Join the Fight Against Drugs!” Our students received camouflage
prizes that varied from t-shirts, caps, dog tag necklaces, and rubber bracelets.
Lisa Chase, Laura Kliebert and Laurence Wainright conducted a workshop about peer
pressure. They used a power point presentation to explain what peer pressure meant
and how students can deal with it.
Linda Davis and Tina Cadoura presented a “smelly” workshop for our students! Students got to see the soda bottles being squeezed that “inhaled” cigarettes. They all
were in awe as the soda bottles became black. They also learned about tobacco and
its effects on their bodies.
Our kids got to discuss a variety of topics related to drugs and safety with high school
student Victoria Ward who is a member of the Jr. NAD Organization. Victoria demonstrated great leadership skills with our students and served as a great role model.
Ruth Kirsopp, Mary Barber and Kathleen Montgomery gave an informative workshop
about trying new things. They had our students identify sweet, salty, sour and bitter
items by tasting them. Students received plates of different food pieces and tasted
which foods they liked. The message of this workshop was that there are many safe
and interesting alternatives to using drugs.
The Elementary students had a FUN Safe & Drug-Free Schools Day thanks to their
hardworking teachers!
“T” is for Tiger and Trains
Susannah Ford Tesson
During the letter “T” week in preschool, our class took a trip to LSU because "T" is for
Tiger. When we arrived, Mike was walking up near the front of his cage and the children
got a good close look at him! Students also found the word TIGER spelled out in the
bricks near his cage. Afterward, they took turns sitting on the bronze tiger statue. We
also saw Two Towers on our Trip and enjoyed a special Treat of pizza for lunch! John
Byrd, father of Marguerite, set up his collection of model trains so that we got to learn
Toy Trains. We had a fun day together learning about the Letter T!
Mike
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On Eagle’s Wings
John Byrd and
daughter, Marguerite
John Byrd’s trains set up in Elementary class
Katheryne enjoys the trains
Elementary Dorm News
Rhonda Flack
Our kids enjoyed one of the best years in the Elementary dorms. The behavior program was very successful and it yielded a very well behaved group of kids. The endof-the-year reward for displaying appropriate behavior will be a week of exciting activities for our students. The good behavior week will consist of a pizza party and dance,
crawfish, barbecue and a huge waterslide. The good behavior rewards have been tons
of fun and excitement throughout the year. We got new dorm furniture and new games
for the elementary students. We also got a SmartBoard for hands-on workshops. Our
dorm staff were wonderful in bringing a new outlook on learning for elementary residential students.
YMCA baseball games have been good, and we have LSD students pitching this year.
It has been an exciting YMCA season, with the last game on May 14th. Thanks to all
who came and supported our Elementary baseball teams (T-ball and older team).
We look forward to next year and seeing how our students grow over the summer.
Middle School Dorm News - Luau Party
Nicole Hawkins
The Luau party this year was a bit different from the traditional party we have every
year. The party took place outside of the dorm in the small eagle plaza. It was a very
beautiful day, the wind was blowing and students really enjoyed themselves. Of
course, we didn’t have a real ocean, but we made our own Louisiana-style using a water hose and plastic buckets. The party was a huge success; one of the best we ever
had. The kids played games such as limbo, water balloon toss, and of course, it wouldn’t be a party without, dancing. Special thanks to Candyce Brown and Kim Jones who
helped with the food and decorations.
Right: Drew
drenches Kelli
Far right: Students and staff
had fun with the
limbo
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On Eagle’s Wings
TANF Grant
Brittani portraying a
strict teacher.
Kim Jones
This year LSD was fortunate to participate in the federal TANF program. TANF is an
after-school program that is both fun and educational. There was only one problem:
scheduling! We are so busy after school in the Student Life Division with sports, activities, and homework that it is difficult to find time to schedule the required number of
TANF workshops. Our TANF coordinator Mrs. Lisa Cook, came up with a wonderful
solution. In the middle school dorms we are coordinating our LEAD workshops with
TANF workshops. In one of our LEAD workshops, the middle school dorm students
dramatized the concept of “honesty.” The TANF program purchased drama costumes
for us to keep and re-use to demonstrate many of the concepts we learn. As I am sure
everyone knows, our students are expert dramatic artists. For our workshop on honesty, the students took turns portraying several characters. Students portrayed the perfect student who got an “A” on his test. They also portrayed the cool student who hated
math and received an “F” on his math test. The cool student was jealous of the perfect
student and lied on him to get him in trouble. The students developed their own ending
to the drama and discussed positive ways to solve the problem. Other characters we
dramatized were the strict math teacher, the clueless student, the police officer and the
judge. Then the students had fun trying on all the new costumes. The students really
enjoyed themselves and had fun learning.
Middle School Dorm Students wearing their TANF costumes
High School News
ASL Idol Competition
Nicole Alleman
Due to the popularity of the television show, American Idol, LSD high school students
wanted to demonstrate their American Sign Language skills to an audience. The ASL
Idol Competition consisted of three rounds with eliminations at the end of each round.
The criteria for the competition included: maintaining eye contact, using appropriate
facial expressions and body language, incorporating ASL clearly, and keeping the stories conceptually accurate. On March 19, the brave top 12 contestants (Lauren Adams,
Sadie Snyder, Frani Crotty, Matthew Scott, Alberta Phillips, Tameka Eackels, Victoria
Ward, Rhett LeBouef, Michael Williams, Ana Shelton and Garth Conner) showed their
awesome ASL skills. At the end of this round, the top 6 contestants were narrowed
down to Lauren Adams, Frani Crotty, Matthew Scott, Victoria Ward, Rhett LeBouef and
Garth Conner.
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On Eagle’s Wings
The final round of the competition was held on March 31. The top 6 contestants were
so excited and worked to the best of their ability in showcasing their awesome ASL
skills. The audience was a full house and it was an exciting time for all of us. The final
round came down to three winners: 3rd place, 2nd place, and 1st place. Each winner
earned an impressive prize. The 3rd place prize went to Victoria Ward, and she received gift certificates from Papa Johns and Raising Cane’s. The 2nd place prize went
to Frani Crotty, who received a $50.00 gift certificate to the Mall of Louisiana. The 1st
place prize went to Rhett LeBeouf, and he received four combo tickets to Blue Bayou
Water Park in Baton Rouge. Many thanks to ASL Idol participants, teachers, judges,
and the ASL I and II students for their hard work in preparing to make this event a success. We look forward to our 3rd annual ASL Idol Competition next year and hope for
even more participants.
Law Day
Tiffany Portie
Law Day is an annual event established by President Eisenhower to celebrate civic
education. Held on May 1, the high school civics students attended the celebration at
the River Center. The morning consisted of a key note speaker, a naturalization ceremony, and a mock trial. This year the theme was “A Legacy of Liberty: Celebrating Lincoln’s Bicentennial.” Six students attended and participated in the mock trial about two
teenagers. Following the activities in the morning, the students headed to the Louisiana
State Museum where they explored Louisiana’s history and culture.
High School PBS
Tiffany Portie
This year, the high school students continued their PBS Competition. Each month students competed in the areas of homework, attendance, tardies, OIC/ALC, and uniform. Students won prizes as a class and as individuals. The class winners enjoyed a
lunch from Papa John’s and free dress on Fridays for the month. The individual winners, those who scored 98% and above in all categories, were treated to lunch from
Raising Cane’s and had one week of free dress during the month. Four PBS “stores”
were held throughout the year where students could use their Eagle Bucks, which they
earned for good behavior, to purchase various items. The PBS Student Council helped
with all events and provided many ideas. The competition has made a positive impact
on our students and will be continued next year.
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On Eagle’s Wings
Going Green National Contest Winners
Not one, but two outstanding students from LSD were winners in the Gallaudet
National Essay, Art, and ASL Contest "Going Green: What Am I Doing to Save the Environment?" The judges recognized Victoria Ward and Lauren Adams for their ASL
video entries.
As a First Place winner, Victoria will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the college of her
choice, which may be doubled if she applies and is accepted to Gallaudet University.
As Second Place winner, Lauren Adams will receive a $500 scholarship for the college
of her choice, which may be doubled if she applies and is accepted to Gallaudet University. Both students' entries will be featured in the contest issue of *Celebrate!,* the
Clerc Center's magazine which includes entries of all the awardees and participants.
The magazine will be published and distributed in May of this year and each student
will receive a copy along with an award certificate. Their entries can be viewed at
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/Clerc_Center/Information_and_Resources/Publications_and_Products/
Gallaudet_National_Essay_Art_and_ASL_Contest/ASL_Winners_15-19.html
Congratulations to Victoria and Lauren! Well done!
Career and Transition
Pam Ross
The Team: Pamela Ross, Wanda Bozeman, John Jumonville, Houston Moss, Susan
LeFors and Donna Smith
The time has arrived for our students to exit the OJT program at LSD and take off into
their perspective avenues in this world. We have prepared them for some of the
things they will have to face and work through as they become independent young
adults. The OJT seniors are Romaldo Magee, Clifton Howard, Raven Prejean, Brandon Freed, and Jivencia Valicus who have completed opening their senior files, taking
the required vocational assessments and hearing evaluations that are required by
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
Thus far, the students in the OJT program have finalized plans that include the following: Romaldo Magee will be attending Louisiana Technical College in Baton Rouge
where he will be enrolled in the Culinary Arts program with the assistance from LRS.
Clifton Howard will have paid employment at Walmart with assistance from LRS for
more job training and placement opportunities. Raven Prejean will attend Louisiana
Technical College in Lafayette pursuing her interest in Graphic Arts/Communications
with assistance from LRS. Brandon Freed will have paid employment with the Council
on Aging and assistance from the LRS office for more job training and placement opportunities. Jivencia Valicus plans include paid employment by working at Walmart
and seeking more assistance from LRS in job training and placement opportunities.
The Career and Transition team extends best wishes to all our students in their future
endeavors, hopes and dreams. We will miss them dearly, but we know this is a part of
life that must happen. Congratulations Graduates and Keep your Eyes on the Prize!!!
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On Eagle’s Wings
Summer Camps
The Bill Rice Ranch has over 50 years of Christian camping experience. Deaf
students aged 9 to 19 can attend one week of camp in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for FREE! Six sessions will be offered for deaf campers. For more information call 1-800-253-2767 or log on to their website www.billriceranch.org/
deafweeks
The 33rd Annual Louisiana Assembly of God Deaf Camp will be held July 27 to
August 1. Deaf students ages 9 through 18 years are welcomed to attend the
camp in Woodworth, Louisiana (12 miles south of Alexandria). Camp is free
and transportation can be arranged. Register before July 4 by contacting Ron
DeWitt, c/o Liberty Deaf Church, 1438 Harwich Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70820
(225) 752-3345, email: [email protected]
The Louisiana Lions Camp, in Leesville, Louisiana welcomes deaf campers.
Campers from the northern half of Louisiana attend June 28— July 4 and campers from the southern half of the state attend July 5—11. More information can
be obtained at www.lionscamp.org or by calling 1-800-348-6567.
During the week of July 5—10, Med-Camps of Louisiana, a non-profit organization in West Monroe, Louisiana offers a residential summer camping experience
to children living with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Camp Alabama, situated
on 33 acres is located between Monroe and Ruston. Campers must be ages 6
to 16. The second week of July session serves campers who are Deaf, Speech
Impaired or Visually Impaired. There is no tuition charged for the camp. More
information can be found at the Med-Camp website, www.medcamps.com or by
calling toll free at 877-282-0802.
Special Olympics hosts Camp Shriver for students with intellectual disabilities.
More information on their summer camp program can be had at www.laso.org or
by calling 1-800-345-6644
Cajun Day Camp, held at the Deaf Action Center in Lafayette, will be held July
13—17 and July 20—24 for campers ages 4 to 13 years old. More information
can be obtained at the Deaf Action Center at 337-232-3463
Deaf Day Camp will be held June 15—19 at the Catholic Deaf Center (CDC) in
Baton Rouge for deaf children and siblings, and the children of deaf parents,
ages 5 to 12 years old. More information can be obtained by calling Bill Dugas
at 225 766 9320. Arts and crafts, sports, Bible class, and field trips will be offered. The camp will be from 9am to 4pm , and campers bring their own lunch.
Working parents drop campers off before 8 a.m. and pick them up after 5p.m.
Older deaf students, ages 16 years or above are needed to volunteer as camp
counselors.
A one week summer drama camp is held for middle and high school students at Holley
Family Village in Brooklyn , Michigan during the week of August 2—7. For more information go to their website www.desales.org click Deaf programs and then click Art and
Drama.
On Eagle’s Wings
The next edition of On Eagle’s Wings will be published
in September, 2009. Anyone wishing to provide feedback or submit articles should contact Trish Mann at
[email protected]
Louisiana School for the Deaf
P. O. Box 3074
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3074