Eye Spy 2016-04 - Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually

The Eye Spy
WISCONSIN CENTER From the Desk of the Center Director
FOR THE BLIND AND by Mr. Peter Dally
VISUALLY IMPAIRED Spring is always a very busy time in schools throughout
the country and this is certainly the case this year at
April 2016
WCBVI. In fact, in many ways the 2015-2016 school
Volume 16, Issue 4
year truly represents something of a watershed year in
Inside this issue: terms of the unusually large number and sheer scale of
significant initiatives being implemented on a
Staffing News
simultaneous basis. In order to help illustrate the fundamental
3
significance and rapid pace of change this year, I will cite two important
Cheerleading
4
examples of the challenges we are presented with at this time.
Wrestling
5
First, WCBVI staff and district personnel all across Wisconsin are
Braille Olympics 6
currently working once again to successfully install a new state
Braille Challenge 7
assessment for English language arts and mathematics in grades 3
through 8, in science in grades 4 and 8, and in social studies in 4, 8, and
4-H Achievement 7
10. This new assessment is called the Forward Exam and it represents
WCBVI Summer 8
the second time in as many years that a new assessment tool is being
Programs
implemented in our state. While this may seem daunting, I have some
very good news on this topic. This year once again, WCBVI IT/AT staff
Short Course:
9
have been researching and analyzing the online test platform and
Care and Feeding
functionality of the Forward Assessment and have noted a very
of Me… for Girls
important development in this technology. That is, the Forward Exam is
Close Up
10 absolutely a step forward in terms of its accessibility and overall
Is 1st Place Within 11 functionality which indicates that complicated online testing systems
Our Reach Again?
such as these are improving on many levels. We welcome the
Close Up Fun
12 opportunity to be of assistance in any way we can so this large scale
project may create the best result for the students and teachers we
2016 Preschool
14 proudly serve from across the state.
Conference
The second example of great significance that I will mention is even
2016 Spring
15 larger in scale and much more fundamental in its importance. As many
Concert
of you are aware on January 4th 2016, Wisconsin, along with the rest of
Reminders
15 the country, began the highly challenging process of transitioning to the
United English Braille (UEB). This shift in braille code format is among
Upcoming Events 18
the most significant transitions to take place in our field in a great many
years. Moreover, the shift from the English Braille American Edition
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Page 2
The Eye Spy
From the Desk of the Center Director
(continued from previous page)
(EBAE) to the UEB will be a multi-year process, taking approximately a decade to
complete. While this change presents many challenges, the WCBVI staff welcomes the
opportunity to be of assistance in any way we are able so this historic transition can
yield the best possible results for the students and teachers we have the distinct
privilege of serving.
Yes indeed, the challenges we face are significant and they are many in number during
this 2015-2016 school year. Yet amid these large historic changes and challenges, there
exist a multitude of exciting opportunities for WCBVI to have an invariably positive
impact on the students we serve, as we help our students realize their highest levels of
success now, and in the future.
With this thought in mind, I am pleased to report to you that steady progress being
made by The UW-Platteville Teacher of the Visually Impaired program. As many of you
know, this important teacher preparation program aimed at training prospective TVI’s
launched during the summer of 2015 and positive growth has been ongoing since the
inception of this program. In fact, positive evidence of this may be found in the fact that
this summer, the UW-Platteville TVI program is expecting to graduate its first group of
TVIs. Even more so, all of the teaching candidates enrolled in the program have opted to
carry through with the Masters level certification offered by the UW.
In terms of future progress and growth of the program, I have additional good news to
report to you. In speaking with the UW officials leading this program on the UWPlatteville campus, the TVI program reportedly has four students officially enrolled for
classes this summer and, given the level of interest shown from others, the UWPlatteville TVI program has the exciting prospect of hosting seven students in their
second group of TVI program candidates. That is very encouraging news indeed.
For example, as I prepared this article I reviewed the U.S. Department of Education’s
most recent report on Teacher Shortage Areas on a nationwide basis and, as many of
you already know, Wisconsin, among many other states, is experiencing a significant
shortage of Teachers of the Visually Impaired. Therefore, it is imperative that high quality
teachers continue to be successfully recruited and successfully trained to work in our
field where they will promote the highest level of educational success among the
students we are fortunate enough to work with.
In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for the amazing work you
do every day in helping the students of Wisconsin succeed at their highest level.
Moreover, it is great to be working with you all, because working together; we hold the
key to turning today’s challenges, into the golden opportunities that will help support
each of our student’s future success.
April 2016
Page 3
Staffing News
New Staff
Jennifer Fritton
I am the new Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the Short Course Program over in
Outreach. I’m very excited to be here,; everyone has been incredibly welcoming to both
me and my tag-along dog.
To give you some history on myself: I am from Ludington, Michigan, a small town along
the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. I kind of stumbled upon the field of Blind
Rehabilitation, which has ended up a happy accident for me! I originally got my degree in
Biology from Cornell College in Iowa; but, upon finishing, didn’t know which direction to
head. Always having been involved with animals of all kinds, I sought some training as a
dog trainer and ended up spending about 15 years running a small business as a private
dog trainer.
At a dog behavior seminar in Chicago, I ran across a Guide Dog Mobility Trainer and we
spent a bit of time talking about issues in that field, whereupon; she mentioned
Orientation and Mobility, which I had never heard of. It sounded like an interesting field
that would be right up my alley, so after returning from the seminar, I did some research
and poof! ended up enrolled at Western Michigan University’s program the next fall.
(Well, maybe not poof! so much, but it felt like it at the time.)
After finishing my Master’s Degree, I took a job as an itinerant
O&Mer at a non-profit agency in upstate New York. It was a
wonderful experience where I got to work with a wide variety
of people from all walks of life, including a large immigrant and
refugee population. (BTW, Google Translate for the iPhone
butchers Arabic – don’t try it with a native speaker unless that
person has a really good sense of humor! Thankfully my
consumers did.)
After New York, I accepted a job at the Cleveland VA Blind
Rehab Center in Cleveland, Ohio. I worked with a phenomenal
group of people and learned a lot while serving the needs of
our Nation’s Veterans. Due to some family health issues back
home, I moved back to Michigan for a time. Thankfully, things
resolved well and I began searching for the right place to
resume my career working with the blind and visually impaired
and so found WCBVI. And here I am! I am looking forward to
joining all of you in the wonderful work you do, and am very
excited for what the future holds.
Ms. Fritton and her dog, Serenade
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The Eye Spy
Cheerleading
by Ms. Amy Snow
The WSBVI Cheer and Wrestling teams traveled to Louisville to
compete in the NCASB Tournament. This had to be rescheduled due
to bad weather in Kentucky. Out team made the best of it by
practicing the extra two weeks of the season and fine tuning our
routine. It was a long and busy weekend; but, the WSBVI Cheer Team
came back with great memories and a bit of hardware to decorate
the trophy case!
The team competition was quite tough this year, and was complicated by the fact that
only half the contracted judges could attend the event due to illness. This made the
scores more close than normal and resulted in three "tie scores". Wisconsin tied for
sixth place. Coach Stroh and I both agree it was the best we have seen the team
perform all season. Congratulations to Zach, Michael, Taylar, Kat, Lynzie and Kaylee on
your hard work on the mat and to Kira, Natasha and Leah for your contributions as
alternates and as sideline cheerleaders.
Kat Myers was the Outstanding Cheerleader from Wisconsin and performed extremely
well. She wrote her own routine and dance with no assistance from the coaching staff
other than occasional pointers. She placed third in the Outstanding Rankings and
received a pin.
On Saturday before and during the wrestling meet, the Wisconsin Badgers worked hard
to get the crowds and other cheer teams fired up and ready to root for their wrestlers.
They cheered, danced and boogied their way around the gym until their voices were
hoarse. Wisconsin was voted the most spirited team and, therefore, received the Spirit
Award. As cheer director, it was my great honor to be able to announce them as the
winners of this award.
Kaylee Bertz had been asking to "be Bucky" for the past few years and this year was
given her chance. She proudly donned the heavy furry costume and made an effort to
dance and mix and mingle with the crowds as much as possible. It was hard and hot
work; but, Kaylee did not complain. Lots of other coaches expressed that they were
impressed by her and she was presented with the Mascot Award.
At the end of the meet, Coach Stroh and I are very pleased to be able to coach a team
of such talented and hardworking young people. We would like to thank all of the staff
who helped make the season possible. We are humbled by your hard work and support
on our behalf. Special thanks to Mr. Bailey, whose hard work as the athletic director was
April 2016
Page 5
Wrestling
by Ms. Karlie Swanson
After this weekend’s festivities I would say that Coach Andrews and I
were very happy with our wrestlers’ performance. Every wrestler
showed improvement on the mat this weekend. Please congratulate
Kat, Joe, and Ronnay on their hard work and dedication all season!
Kat took third place in her weight class. She wrestled two hard
matches. She was not an easy pin by any means. Her second match she held a bridge and
posted very well to prevent being pinned for almost 30 seconds! She was observant in
analyzing her opponents moves and was so close to a successful double leg take down!
Joe did an awesome job on the mat as well. He has shown so much improvement on
technique. His best qualities on the mat this weekend were his listening (which is hard to
do when you are wrestling in the moment) and aggressiveness.
His second match was so intense the whole gym was in an
uproar cheering. He put up an awesome fight that lasted all
three periods! He ended the tournament taking home fifth
place.
Ronnay has always been the best attitude on the team. She
shows such enthusiasm even when wrestling gets tough. This
past season Ronnay went 0-5 but that did not discourage her.
Ronnay and another young lady from Missouri have had a
friendly rivalry going for the last few seasons. Last year Ronnay
beat her every match. This year was the opposite…..UNTIL
CONFERENCE. Ronnay came off the mat with the only win
2015-16 Wrestling Team:
for our team at conference over her rival from Missouri. She
(back) Coach Swanson, Joe
showed everyone that determination and hard work pay off!
Hickman, Coach Andrews
To say Coach Andrews and I were thrilled was an (front) Kat Myers, Ronnay Howard
understatement!
Kaylee Bertz as Bucky
with the Mascot Award.
2015-16 Cheer Team:
Coach Snow, Leah Sinclair,
Coach Stroh, Lynzie
Ashley, Kira Baier, Taylar
Bogdanovic, Michael
Bustillo, Zach Moes, Kat
Myers, Natasha Davis and
Kaylee Bertz (in costume)
Page 6
The Eye Spy
Braille Olympics
by Mrs. Karen Heesen
On February 18-19, the WCBVI/WSBVI hosted the Braille Challenge and
Olympics. A good number of WSBVI students, along with peers from
nearby districts, participated in the National Braille Challenge on
Thursday morning. In this competition, students, in five different age
groupings, complete tests in spelling, proofreading, reading
comprehension, writing speed and accuracy, and reading charts and
graphs. The test is very comprehensive and exceptionally high scoring participants travel
to Los Angeles for the National Braille Challenge.
On Thursday afternoon the Braille Olympics began. This was the twentieth year that our
school has offered these specialized games to students from all over the state. This was
the brainchild of Mrs. Rebecca Williams (former braille transcriber here) and Mrs. Sue
Kokko (former teacher and Dean of Students); the Olympics were created to allow boys
and girls to “strut their stuff” as far as their knowledge of the braille code goes. Sensory
games, sorting activities, a Braille Relay, The Human Braille Cell, Name that Contraction,
and Pre-Braille, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Braille activities were devised to
allow students to participate in, and realize how much they have learned about the code,
while being awarded medals for their proficiency.
A byproduct of having about thirty students visiting our campus is watching the
interaction and fun they have while making new friends and “hanging out” together. After
the school day is over, games, swimming, and a dance were held and a good time was had
by all.
Friday morning brought still more games and a snack time. This was followed by a “big
game” of some kind. This year it was a QR Code Scavenger Hunt. This activity blended
technology with the braille-reading skills necessary to read the clues the QR code took
them to.
After lunch, the award ceremony was held. Each student received medals on a lanyard
they could wear around their neck. As you can imagine, with each student having several
of these by the end of the ceremony, there was a lot of jingling going on. We know each
of them left having experienced success and, most likely, have a little more confidence in
their braille skills.
Followed by the dance
Students having fun at the Olympics
April 2016
Page 7
Braille Challenge
by Mr. Dave Hyde
When Valentine’s Day arrives, it’s just about time for the Braille
Challenge. This is part of a national competition in braille reading and
writing. Students compete in spelling, reading comprehension,
proofreading, charts and graphs, along with speed and accuracy. We,
along with other testing sites, submit the results to the Braille Institute
of America in Los Angeles. Then at the beginning of May, we learn who
are the best sixty braille users in the United States and Canada. These lucky students
travel to Los Angeles for the finals in mid-June.
Wisconsin does well in this competition. In the last dozen years, we have had two
winners and at least one finalist almost every year. Currently, our record holder is Baylee
Alger from Green Bay who has made it to the finals all but
one year in which he took part. He won the competition his
first year and has done well ever since.
Baylee reading the test
Wisconsin had two regional competitions: one in Milwaukee
held at Vision Forward and one at WCBVI in Janesville. These
were both day-long events. The Braille Challenge is just one of
the events that WCBVI holds to help make education more
fun for students in the state who are blind or visually impaired.
4-H Achievement
by Mr. John Begley
I would like to proudly congratulate our 4-H club and four of its
members on a record breaking evening at the annual Communication
Arts Festival held this evening at the UW-Rock County campus. We had
four entries this evening, all of which placed high marks at the
competition, including two Blue Ribbons for top, overall winners in their
respective category. Our participants were Chris Mathews, Taylar Bogdanovic, Tia Bertz
and Kayli Hodorff. Tia Bertz impressed the judges with a terrific original poem called
“STEM” and another called “The Server” and brought home the top prize. Taylar and
Chris also gave eloquent speeches about their experiences here at WSBVI in the Public
Speaking category, with Chris bringing home the top prize. I would also like to thank
Kayli who was unable to attend, but is a valuable member of our 4-H team and also
prepared a speech entry. While we have had great success in past years, we have yet to
bring home the Blue Ribbon Rosette for top prize and now we have won two!!
Great Job, we are all proud of you! I would also like to thank our teachers and forensics
department for producing such talented speakers and creative writers!
Page 8
The Eye Spy
WCBVI Summer Programs
Once again, WCBVI will be offering summer programming. Listed below are the offerings:
WCBVI Summer EmployAbility Program
Dates: June 19-30 & July 5-29
Ages: 16-21
Description: This program includes a four-week paid work experience in the community.
This is an experiential learning program with emphasis on daily living skills, independent
travel and employment skills. Students reside in a dormitory on the WCBVI campus and
do their own shopping and meal preparation and participate in a variety of recreational
activities.
Website: http://www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/outreach/calendar/employability-program
Deadline: March 18, 2016
WCBVI Transition Program:You are Here… Now What?
Dates: July 5-15
Ages: 12-21
Description: A 10-day experience for Wisconsin students who are blind or visually
impaired aged 12-21 to explore possibilities for their futures. Limit of 20 students.
Website: http://www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/school/calendar/you-are-herenow-what
Deadline: May 15, 2016
WCBVI Beginning Literacy Program: ABC Read with Me
Dates: July 10-15
Ages: 4-7
Description: A one-week day camp for Wisconsin students who are blind or visually
impaired aged 4-7 to work on their pre-literacy skills. Limit 6 students.
Website: http://www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/school/calendar/abc-read-me
Deadline: May 15, 2016
WCBVI Intermediate Literacy Program: All the World’s a Stage
Dates: July 17-22
Ages: 8+
Description: A one-week experience for Wisconsin students who are blind or visually
impaired aged 8+ to work on their literacy skills while performing a play. Limit of 20
students.
Website: http://www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/school/calendar/all-worlds-stage
Deadline: May 15, 2016
(continued on next page)
April 2016
Page 9
WCBVI Summer Programs
(continued from previous page)
WCBVI Adult Program:There’s Always a Way
Dates: July 31-August 5, 2016
Ages: 18+ and completion of high school
Description: This one-week program is designed for Wisconsin adults with a visual
impairment to introduce skills to assist in daily living activities in the home, at work, and
in the community.
Website: http://www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/outreach/calendar/2016-adult-summer-program
Deadline: April 15, 2016
Short Course: Care and Feeding of Me... for Girls
by Ms. Jenny Stroh
The Care and Feeding of Me... for Girls Short Course was designed to
provide instruction to middle school aged girls about how to take
better care of themselves, whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally,
or to gain independence in various areas.
The main focus of the course was daily living skills. We worked on
many different skills each day. We also took a trip out into the community each day. The
girls truly loved the trip we took to Voigt Music, a local music
store that allowed the girls to experiment with any instrument
they were interested in. We also took a road trip to Olbrich
Botanical Gardens in Madison. It was quite nice to be able to
get out of the cold weather for an afternoon! One evening, we
visited a Mixed Martial Arts studio where the girls got to
practice some self-defense moves
with other children who attend MMA
classes regularly. The girls also
participated in a movement and
relaxation class with an Orientation
and Mobility instructor. They learned
about different ways to stretch and
relax when they are physically or
emotionally stressed or worried. The
girls had a great time getting to know
one another and learning how to
take care of themselves in different
and practicing self defense
Students learning...
ways.
Page 10
The Eye Spy
Close Up
by Mr. Kelly Bailey
From March 6-11, a group of students and staff were in Washington D.C.
in conjunction with the Close Up Organization. Members of the group
included: Colton Albrecht, Lynzie Ashley, Taylar Bogdanovic, Nate Howard
Sonja Kern and Shavone Lawson with Ms. Karalee Tyrrell and Mr. Kelly
Bailey serving as chaperones. Through the generosity of the Glen Stacey
Fund at WCBVI, scholarships covered the majority of the trip cost for all members.
Close Up is an educational program designed to help gain a first-hand look at the
workings of the American system of government. The trip is designed to be a hands-on
learning lab to augment classes in US History, Civics, or US Government. In the 5-day, 4night program in Washington D.C. students were kept busy from morning to night. The
students interact and learn with their peers from all over the country: ten different
states were represented in the overall group.
Students participated in small and large study groups to increase their understanding of
the US Government. An in-hotel activity simulated the operations of Congress including
creating, supporting and voting on proposed legislation. In addition, there were also
discussions on major issues of interest in current politics. When not working in the
classroom setting, the students had the opportunity to see a variety of the monuments,
memorials and museums including the World War II memorial, the Lincoln and Jefferson
memorials and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
The highlight of the study week is Capitol Hill Day when students are given the
opportunity to tour Capitol Hill and meet with their State Representatives and/or
Senators or their representatives. Our group was able to meet with a representative of
Congressman Paul Ryan (the current Speaker of the House), Senator Tammy Baldwin and
Senator Ron Johnson. The students were able to ask questions and interact directly with
each person. The legislators seemed genuinely pleased to meet with the students, even
amidst a busy working schedule.
In addition to the Social Studies enrichment, the trip also provides excellent
opportunities to hone expanded core skills. In the course of the week, students put their
Orientation and Mobility training to the test as they experienced three different large
airports, motor coach and shuttle bus, commuter rail and extended foot travel, as well as
numerous escalators. This all took place in an unfamiliar environment in a large city.
Students were also required to pack and carry a suitcase, manage spending money, use
time management, get food in a buffet serving line and dress in their good clothes for
Capitol Hill Day.
(continued on next page)
April 2016
Page 11
Close Up
(continued from previous page)
Taylor Bogdanovic commented “I really
enjoyed the memorials, museums, the nice
warm weather there, and the food was good. I
am SO glad that I went.” Lynzie Ashley said “It
was an experience that I wouldn't find
anywhere else. I had a lot more fun than
expected.”
It is hoped that another trip to Washington
D.C. can be held in the spring of 2018.
Students pose in front of the Statue of Rosa Parks in Statuary Hall at Capitol Hill.
Front row: Lynzie, Shavone, Sonja, Nate Back row: Ms. Tyrrell, Colton, Taylar
Is 1st Place Within Our Reach Again?
by Mrs. Karen Heesen
The 2016 Forensic Team is busily preparing their pieces for this year’s
NC competition. The group consists of twelve members: Mary Margaret
Allan, Colton Albrecht, Kaylee Bertz, Tia Bertz, Taylar Bogdanovic, Bill
Drascic, Megan Galarowicz, Nate Howard, Ronnay Howard, Chris
Mathews, Zachary Moes, and Leah Sinclair. At present, we have someone
performing in each category and are hopeful everyone remains healthy and can finish the
season with us.
The team traveled to Indiana on March 16 and will perform in meets in Ohio (on April
15) and here on April 20. These meets provided practice and helpful comments from
judges to prepare contestants for the final competition on April 30, in Tennessee.
Over the past several years we have been blessed to have a number of students join the
Forensics Team, and they have performed well. 2010 and 2011 they placed 4th, in 2012
they took 2nd, and in 2013 and 2014 they brought home the 1st place trophy. In 2015,
we were hoping for a “three-peat,” but took 3rd place instead.
Mr. Mulhern and I talked with the team after last year’s meet and we believe they realize
they were, perhaps, a bit over-confident. They know they need to get up a better head of
steam in order to take first place away from Indiana this year; they can’t just “rest on
their laurels,” but they can win with hard work and determination. What will April 30
bring? As for Mr. M. and myself, we’d put money on this team getting that first place
trophy once more! Be sure to read the next Eye Spy to see how they did.
Page 12
The Eye Spy
Close Up Fun
by Taylar Bogdanovic
I went on a trip to D.C. for Close Up. Close Up is a trip that schools are
allowed to see memorials, museums, and other cool sights. The trip was
from Sunday to Friday.
I first began my journey on Sunday early morning. Lynzie and I were at
the Madison Airport. I thought the airplane was really big. We waited
inside for the other four students that came and the two chaperones. The other four
students were Sonia, Schavone, Nate and Colton. The two chaperones were Ms. Karalee
and Mr. Bailey. We went through the check out and then we rode up the escalator to go
through security. I was allowed to have my bag as a carry-on so I saved some money.
Around 5:25 a.m., we boarded the plane. I was so happy and excited because this was my
first time riding on a commercial airplane. One of the flight attendants had to put my
suitcase under the airplane because mine couldn’t fit in the overhead compartment.
During the demonstration before the takeoff the flight attendant said, “In case your
vision goes impaired, follow the lights on the bottom of the floor!” Those of us who are
visually impaired thought that was funny.
Our ride to O'Hare took about thirty minutes. O'Hare airport is HUGE. I had a lot of
fun there because I rode on a movable sidewalk and more escalators. We had about an
hour to wait for our next flight. This time, when we boarded, I was able to put my
suitcase in the top compartment because it fit. I got comfy and took a nap before we
even took off. When I woke up I thought that we were still on the ground; but, we were
above the clouds. The flight attendants were handing out snacks.
Around noon, we landed in D.C. One of the workers from Close Up came to the airport
and showed us to the bus. After we arrived at the hotel, we decided where we were
going to go for lunch. We could either take the Metro to the Pentagon Mall or walk to a
grocery store. We went to the grocery store called Harris Teeter. I bought one slice of
Italian sausage pizza, a small container of potato salad, and a glass bottle of grape Fanta. I
thought my lunch was very good. Ms. Karalee and I discovered a way to open up a glass
bottle of soda without an opener… you use a key. While looking for a bottle opener
around the dining area, Ms. Karalee and I saw a man and he managed to open other glass
bottles of soda. Ms. Karalee asked him, “How did you open those bottles?” and he
replied, “I used a key; there’s a YouTube video of it.” Ms. Karalee asked him if he could
open mine and he said sure.
(continued on next page)
April 2016
Page 13
Close Up
(continued from previous page)
I really loved some of the memorials that we visited. The Abraham Lincoln Memorial was
cool because it faced the reflecting pool and the Washington Memorial. The statue of him
was very big. Underneath the memorial there was a museum. Also, the elevator closed
on one side and opened on the other. The memorial was a gorgeous sight. I also really
loved Jefferson Memorial because it was very neat and they had two gift shops there. I
bought a snow globe there. The Memorial also had a nice view of Washington Memorial. I
also thought the Roosevelt Memorial was very cool because it had many things of him
and images of faces on poles. I also thought that the Martin Luther King Memorial was
neat with the HUGE statue of him and the two towers behind him. I really liked the air
and space museum because it had really neat planes. We were allowed to walk through
one of the planes. We rode some escalators. At the souvenir shop, I bought astronaut ice
cream and I cannot wait to try it!
I really loved the weather down there because it was in the upper seventies and low
eighties all week. I also thought that it was neat that we were allowed to meet our
representatives from Wisconsin on Capitol Hill Day. We also went on a tour of the
Capitol. We also went to the Capitol Library; I thought that was fun and very neat. On
our way to the Capitol on Capitol Hill Day, we rode the Metro and I thought that was
very fun. We had a dance on Thursday at the hotel and I had a lot of fun.
I was kind of sad to leave on Friday because I would have to leave the wonderful weather
of D.C. and go back to Wisconsin. I was able to have my suitcase as a carry-on again, so I
saved even more money. At the airport when we were waiting, a group of us went to
Starbucks. I bought a strawberry smoothie and a chocolate chip croissant. Both were
good and that was my first time going to a Starbucks. When we arrived back to Madison,
the temperature was in the upper forties, low fifties, which is nice for Wisconsin for early
in March. I had a lot of fun at Close Up and I am glad that I went. If you ever get the
chance to go to Close Up, go because you will probably enjoy it as much as I did; but,
there is a lot of walking so bring comfy walking shoes because your feet will thank you.
The Sensory
Garden
slowly
returns to
life after a
long winter’s
nap.
Page 14
The Eye Spy
2016 Preschool Conference
by Mr. Dave Hyde
WCBVI Outreach just held its conference for families of children age
birth to six over the weekend of March 11-13, 2016 in Green Lake. This
is always a popular event and draws parents of children with visual
impairments from all over the state. It provides an opportunity to share
information, allow families to meet and compare experiences, and give us
the chance to meet new families.
Friday evening was an opportunity for parents to learn from each other. Families were
divided into groups based upon their child’s visual impairment. They talked about their
successes, problems and shared information about
their children. Saturday led off with a welcome from
Outreach staff, followed by break out session on
various topics. There were opportunities to learn
about braille, how to modify games, cortical visual
impairment, along with orientation and mobility and
various eye conditions. Later sessions in the
afternoon included technology, daily living skills,
how a vision clinic works, behaviors, and a brand
new product: the Joy Player from the American
Parents learn about Braille
Printing House which lets children interact with
and control music independently. Saturday concluded with a fun night where families and
staff got to play with the games they adapted during the day and invent some new ones.
Sunday saw presentations by the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Education Initiative (WSPEI)
about how to work successfully with birth-to-three and school districts, and an overview
of services available from WCBVI.
Every conference has something that stands out and this one was no exception. We had
the pleasure of seeing one little girl who
attended her first conference at around four
months old in 2011. Her parents were asking a
lot of questions and wanted to be sure that
they did everything right. When she attended
this year, it was clear that they had learned a lot
over the years. It was a delight to see a little
girl with such energy and confidence. This
makes all the work that goes into providing
such conferences worth the effort. Thank you
to all of the staff from WCBVI and outside
Children having fun under a parachute
providers that made it possible.
April 2016
Page 15
2016 Spring Concert
Where in the world does time go? It seems like it was just yesterday that
we were beginning the 2015-2016 school year and now we’re starting
the 4th quarter! The night of the Spring Concert will be here in no time!
The 8th hour General Music class is busy trying to decide just which of
the songs we’ve been enjoying this year will “make the cut” and be on the program.
Those taking private instrument lessons are polishing their pieces and ensemble
members are going over parts to make sure everything fits together just right.
The performance will be on June 2 at 6:30 pm, a mere nine weeks from the date of this
writing… yikes!! You are all such a good, appreciative audience, and students are looking
forward to having you come and spend the evening with us. So, be sure to mark the
date on your calendar and do your best to join us. Once you hear and see the
enthusiasm of the performers and notice the progress many of them have made over
the past year. I know you’ll be glad you made the trip. We hope to see you then!
Reminders
Absences
If your child is absent (unplanned) or will be late, please call the Education Office at
608-758-6110 prior to 8:00 am. If you leave a message, please leave your child's name,
reason for absence, and (if known) duration of absence. If the duration is unknown,
please call the office each morning your child is absent.
Visiting
While we always welcome parents to visit their children on campus, please be sure
to let us know when you are coming and plan to eat meals (or take your child out
for a meal) so we can adjust meal counts. During the day you can call Diane Karrow
at 608-758-6110 ([email protected]) and at night you can call the
dorms or Andy Soto at 608-758-6159 ([email protected]).
Background Checks
Just a reminder that any visitors who are on campus for more than one day and any
individual over the age of 18 (excluding students) who stays in our dormitories
overnight must have a criminal background check prior to their visit. Be aware that the
checks can take up to 3 or 4 weeks if you have lived outside the state, so you will need
to complete one in advance of your visit. If you think you will need to have a
background check done, or if you have any questions about the background checks,
please contact Mandy Jordan at 608-758-6141 for more information.
Page 16
The Eye Spy
WSBVI Mission Statement
Clock in front
lobby
The mission of the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, in accord with the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and
Visually Impaired and the Department of Public Instruction,
parents, staff, and students, is to provide opportunities for
students who are blind or visually impaired, through a multidimensional curriculum, to successfully learn skills which will:
 Lead to the highest level of economic, vocational, and personal
success in adulthood commensurate with the individual's
abilities;
 Develop students' own natural abilities;
 Cultivate positive social interactions with peers and
community;
 Enhance self-esteem;
 Develop personal responsibility and decision-making abilities;
 Preserve the individual's dignity, including dignity of risk, in a
positive, supportive environment which acknowledges roles of
parents and families in student success.
WCBVI Management Team
Center Director: Peter Dally
Principal: Kim Heimerl
Dean of Students: Andy Soto
Outreach Director: Stacy Grandt
Nursing Supervisor: Rhonda Mulligan
Business Office: Joanna Schumann
Buildings & Grounds: Joel Olson
Food Service: Holly Berry
Official DPI Nondiscrimination Clause
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction does not
discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age,
national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital status or parental
status, sexual orientation, or disability.
See more at: http://dpi.wi.gov/content/official-dpinondiscrimination-clause
April 2016
Page 17
WISCONSIN
CENTER FOR THE
BLIND AND
VISUALLY
IMPAIRED
1700 W. State St.
Janesville, WI 53546
608-758-6100
Toll free Education:
800/832-9784
Toll free Outreach:
800/284-1107
We’re on the web:
www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us
Upcoming Events
April 11: 3rd quarter report cards mailed
April 14: Family Gathering – Eau Claire
April 15-16: Forensics & Swim Meet – Ohio
April 17-21: Short Course: Gifts from the Earth – grades 5-9
April 20: Forensics & Swim Meet – Wisconsin
April 28: Family Gathering – Superior
April 29-30: Forensics & Swim NCASB Conference
May 19: Dinner Dance
May 20-22: Midwest Regional Braille Conference – Madison
May 30: No School (Memorial Day)
May 31: Classes Resume
June 2: Spring Concert – 6:30 pm
June 7: Street Dance – 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
June 8: School Field Trips
June 9: Talent Show – 9:30 am
June 9: Awards Dinner – 5:15 pm
June 9: Awards Presentation – 6:00 pm
June 10: Last Day of School
June 10: Graduation – 9:30 am
June 10: Student Departure – 11:15 am to 1:00 pm
June 19-July 29: Summer EmployAbility – ages 16-21
July 5-15: Summer Program: You are Here...Now What – ages 12-21
July 10-15: Summer Program: ABC Read with Me – ages 4-7
July 17-22: Summer Program: All the World's a Stage – ages 8+
July 31-August 5: Adult Summer Program – ages 18+
Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
1700 W State St
Janesville, WI 53546
www.facebook.com/
wcbvi
Please call or email
Mandy Jordan at
608-758-6141 or
amanda.jordan@
wcbvi.k12.wi.us if you
have comments,
questions or would
like to contribute.