Eye Spy 2015

The Eye Spy
Volume 15
Issue 4
April, 2015
Home Stretch
in this issue
Goalball
Tournament
2
New Staff
2
The Braille
Challengers
3
Braille Olympics
4
Valentine’s Dance
5
WCBVI Adult
Program
6
Fun in Peanuts
6
Guys’ Night Out
7
Get Up and Move
— Short Course
7
Simply Cooking for
High Schoolers
8
The school year is three-quarters down; but, there is a lot still that
will be happening on campus.
Among other events happening this spring, there is the
spring concert. This will take place on June 4th at 6:30 p.m. On
June 10th, at 6 p.m., there will be the academic awards ceremony.
Then on June 11, there is graduation at 9:30. If you plan to attend
any of these functions and plan to have a meal on campus, please
contact Diane Karrow at 608-758-6110 or
[email protected] at least a week in advance. More
detailed information will be sent home closer to the events.
The dinner dance will take place on May 14. For more
information, contact Sue Kokko at [email protected] or
608-758-6159.
If you are an alumni of WSBVI and would like to attend the
reunion, please contact Karen Heesen at 608-758-6100 x5332 or
[email protected]. This occurs the weekend after
graduation, June 12-14.
Other summer events include the following:
 Families Conference. June 19-21
 EmployAbility Program. June 21-July 2 & July 5-July 31
 Sensory Program. July 5-10
 Children’s Program. July 19-31
 Adult Summer Program. August 2-7
For more upcoming WCBVI events, please visit
www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us/calendar.
Janesville Jets Visit
Our LIFEhouse
Experience
9
Simply Cooking for
Middle Schoolers
9
Physical Education
10
in the Winter
4-H Arts Festival
11
Taking on a New
Role
12
Calendar
13
by Mrs. Tina Mekeel
This month we were very fortunate to have three
visits from the Janesville Jets. The first two visits
players brought in hockey equipment to show
students and talked about the game of hockey.
Students got to try on hockey jerseys, play with
hockey sticks and a rubber puck, and most
importantly, take pictures with the players. The
third visit was our turn to talk about our sport,
goalball. Students, with the help of Mr. Andrews,
not only taught the Jets about goalball, they beat the Jets in a
friendly game. Mario, Bill, Colton, Kyle B., Marin, Zach FS, and
Ronnay all took a turn on the court. The Jets were great sports
and it was a great time for all.
The Eye Spy
Page 2
Extracurricular
Activities
Swim & Forensics
Meet
04/16/2015
Wisconsin
NCASB Conference
04/24/2015 to
04/25/2015
Family
Gatherings
April 30, 2015
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Ashland
Intended Audience:
Families of
Transition-aged
students
For more
information contact:
David Ballmann,
Transition Specialist
Phone: 608-7586149
Toll Free: 1-866-284
-1107 x6149
Email:
david.ballmann@
wcbvi.k12.wi.us
Goalball Tournament
by Mrs. Corrine Milberger
Mario Calderon and Nate Howard played in the
USABA Midwest Regional Goalball Tournament
in Michigan last February 21-22. The boys
played five games against some of the best
adult players in the country. Although our teams
lost, they kept a positive attitude and spent a lot
of time learning from the other players on and
off the court. They also showed great
sportsmanship. Many of the other players
shared how it was when they started and that they all had
games that ended in mercy. Our team was told that they have a
lot of potential.
I found it so wonderful how many players and coaches
shared advice and encouragement. We made some new friends
and contacts that may lead into more experience. I hope we go
again next year.
All in all, it was a great weekend. They played hard and
learned a lot. That is a WIN in my book. They made me proud to
be from Wisconsin.
New Staff
Maria Schoville
Hi, my name is Maria Schoville and I am so
excited to be a new Special Education
Teacher here at WCBVI! This past December
I graduated from the University of WisconsinWhitewater. When I was growing up, I spent
a lot of my time here at WCBVI, or WSVH as
I knew it, with my parents. They both
graduated from here and returned for work,
my dad as a teacher and my mom as a braille
transcriber, so the school is very special to me. I live in
Janesville, not very far away, in the house I grew up in, with my
husband, Jake, and my children, Justin, Jeremy, and Megan. Our
family also includes three pets: a big, yellow lab named Zeus, a
lazy, fat cat named Woody, and a tiny hamster named Lucy. I
love spending time with family and friends, listening to music,
reading, and watching movies. Thank you for welcoming me to
the WCBVI team!
April 2015
Page 3
The Braille Challengers
by Mr. David Hyde
Even though February is the shortest month of
the year, it always seems to be the busiest
here at WCBVI. In other articles you will
doubtless read about the WSBVI Birthday
celebration, our Valentine’s Day Dance and the
Braille Olympics. They all happen just about
the same time. For those of us in Outreach,
February brings The Braille Challenge.
Planning starts in late October for the contest
that will help to select the top braille readers and writers in the
United States and Canada. Registrations are mailed, lists are
made, contests are ordered and students begin practicing those
skills which will be required of them during the contest.
Participants are divided into five groups, based on age and
grade level. The Apprentice (grades one and two) and
Freshman (grades three and four) compete in spelling,
proofreading and reading comprehension. Sophomores (grades
five and six), Junior Varsity (grades seven, eight and nine) and
Varsity (grades ten, eleven and twelve) show their skill in charts
and graphs, proofreading, reading comprehension, along with
speed and accuracy. This last category requires listening to
material from a recording and writing it correctly.
This year, we had nineteen students, another record for
WCBVI. In addition Vision Forward in Milwaukee conducted
their event on January 23rd and had an equally good turnout.
About the first of May, we will learn which students who will go
to Los Angeles California to compete in the International Finals.
We are pleased that WCBVI and the Department of Public
Instruction pays transportation for two finalists to attend.
Colton, Gabie, and Taz par cipate in The Braille Challenge in the Varsity class Low Vision &
Refraction
Clinics
Apr 8
La Crosse
There is no cost to
families or districts for our
clinics. Referrals are
collected in the spring of
each year using the
Outreach Services Portal.
Clinics dates and
locations are set by the fall
of each school year based
on the referrals.
For more information
contact: Alisha Ragainis,
School Age and MDSI
Consultant
Phone: 608-758-6151 Toll
Free: 1-866-284-1107 x6151
Email: alisha.ragainis
@wcbvi.k12.wi.us
Short Course
Workshops
Happy Birthday,
Earth!
May 1-3
Students grades 3-5
If you have questions
about these offerings or
the individualized Short
Course programming,
please contact Linda
Bailey at
[email protected].
wi.us or 608-758-4929
The Eye Spy
Page 4
Reminder
Absences
If your child is
absent
Braille Olympics
After The Braille Challenge was over, the Braille Olympics began.
It is a gathering of students from across the state to demonstrate
their braille knowledge. After the competition, you could hear the
clanging of medals hanging from proud students’ necks.
(unplanned) or
Students brailling will be late,
please call the
Education
Office at 608758-6110 prior
Waiting for the relay to begin to 8:00 am. If
you leave a
message,
please leave
your child's
name, reason
Racing to the braillewriter in the relay Human braille cells for absence,
and (if known)
duration of
absence. If the
duration is
unknown,
please call the
office each
morning your
child is absent.
Fun in PEPC Name that contraction April 2015
Valentine’s Dance
In the evening on February 12, students who participated in
the Braille Olympics had the opportunity to stay for the Valentine’s
dance. As usual, there was plenty of food and music and making
new friends.
Page 5
Reminder
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
(diane.karrow@
wcbvi.k12.wi.us)
and at night you
can call the
dorms or Sue
Kokko at
608-758-6159
(sue.kokko@
wcbvi.k12.wi.us)
The Eye Spy
Page 6
Reminder
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.
WCBVI Adult Program
by Mr. Dave Hyde
Each year, our center runs a program to help
adults who are blind or visually impaired. As
summer is approaching, we are planning the
one for 2015 now. If you or someone you know
is losing vision, or needs some work in
orientation and mobility, braille, computer skills
daily living, or managing finances. This program
may be a place to start. It will last one week
from August 2nd through August 7, and take
place here on the WCBVI campus.
For further information, please contact me at 608-774-5557
or [email protected].
Fun in Peanuts
by Mrs. Dawn Soto
The Little Peanuts were able to enjoy some
fun snow activities before the snow melted
away! We played with big and little
marshmallows in the sensory table, felt for
them as they floated in the water and enjoyed
feeling how sticky they can become. Some of
the kids were able to go sledding on a mild
day when the temperatures allowed. Although
we had some fun in the snow, we are all
greatly anticipating trips to the playground and sensory garden!
Happy Spring and Goodbye Winter!
The Little Peanuts and staff
Junior, Camdyn, Laura, Alivia, Jack, Josiah and Ryan
Julia, Sue, Melanie and Dawn
Outside sledding: (right) Junior (le ) Miss Julia pulls Camdyn April 2015
Guys’ Night Out
by Mrs. Becky Heimerl
On March 18th, there was a Guys’ Night Out.
The guys chose to go out to the A&W for
supper. It was a nice outing. The guys enjoyed
a hearty supper and some root beer. Following
the meal, we came back to the WSBVI gym for
a power lifting demonstration. Miss Karlie, her
Dad, and one of her teammates talked to us
about the history of the power lifting, their gym,
and their team. Then they explained the
fundamentals of lifting, safety precautions, and the benefits of
lifting. They also showed us some of the equipment they use.
We learned about three different kinds of lifts: dead lifts, squats
and bench presses. Karlie demonstrated the lifts and her dad
explained the requirements for
the lifts in competition. It was
very interesting and informative.
We all got to try the three
different kinds of lifts. It wasn’t as
easy as it looked when Miss
Karlie did it. But it was a lot of
fun. We all enjoyed it.
Miss Karlie stressed that
Powerlifting is a good sport to
become involved in. It’s a great
choice
because
you
can
compete against yourself and do
Zach gets a lesson it throughout your whole life.
in power lifting Get Up and Move — Short Course
On the weekend of January 30th, three students participated in
the Short Course workshop, Get Up and Move. They spent
much of the learning how to incorporated movement into their
daily lives. They also spent a great deal of time swimming in
the WSBVI pool.
Unfortunately, the weather took a nasty turn and the
students’ parents had to come and take them home on
Saturday afternoon.
Page 7
Summer 2015
Programs
Summer 2015
will be a busy
one here at
WCBVI! Here is
the brief
overview:
June 12-14 –
Alumni
weekend
June 19-21 –
Families
Conference
June 21-July 2 &
July 5-31 –
EmployAbility
July 5-10 –
Sensory
Program
July 19-31 –
Children’s
Program
August 2-7 –
Adult Summer
Program
We will also
be hosting
portions of the
UW-Platteville
TVI training
program as well.
The Eye Spy
Page 8
WSBVI Mission
Statement
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.
Simply Cooking for High Schoolers
by Leah Sinclair and Ms. Linda Bailey
The Simply Cooking for High
Schoolers Short Course was really fun and
interesting! Brooke L. and I participated in
the class. Brooke and I took a lot away from
it. We learned how to make lasagna and
served it to our parents for lunch. I really like
using the food processor and I made
coleslaw for lunch on that day with limited
assistance. Brooke and I have been in many things together
in the past couple of years and we don’t get to see each
other very often because she goes to a different school. It
was very nice to be able to get to work together with Brooke
and spend time together. The people that assisted with the
short course were Ms. Deb Pounds, Mrs. Lisa Hoard and
Mrs. Beth Marx. Ms. Karalee Tyrrell is one of the mobility
teachers here at WSBVI and she came in and talked to us
about food safety and other things. Ms. Linda Bailey was the
other teacher. We made burgers, smoothies and omelets in
a cup. We weren’t really hungry for tomato soup; but, we
had the grilled cheese anyway. When it came time for our
parents to come and pick us up, we were both pretty full
from trying so many different things. At the end of the short
course, we were given the cookbooks that we used.
Leah pours the drinks... ...as Brooke takes the lasagna out of the oven April 2015
Page 9
Our LIFEhouse Experience
by Linda Her and Krista Van Plew
LIFEhouse is an acronym for
Learning Independence from
Experiences. We really enjoyed
our time in the LIFEhouse. It was
the first stay for some of us.
Krista,
Linda,
Kaylee
and
Tazhanae stayed there for the
month of March. While staying
there, we learned to plan, shop for and prepare our own food. We
made our own breakfast and packed our lunches independently.
We share the responsibility for supper prep and clean up. Mrs.
Benzel and Mrs. Stibbe are really nice
and helpful to us.
Some of our favorite things about
our LIFEhouse stay were making our
own meals, having more choices, and
having more quiet time and privacy. It
felt like we had more freedom and
independence.
Because the apartments have a
common bathroom, we needed to work
Linda doing laundry out a schedule to share it. It seemed
hard at first; but, we worked it out. We even ended up really
enjoying being roommates! It was a fun learning experience.
Simply Cooking for Middle Schoolers
On the weekend of March 20th, five middle school students
came to WCBVI to learn how to cook. This was part a series of
Short Course workshops that were offered this year.
On Friday, students make tuna noodle casserole and
chicken noodle casserole. Then on Saturday, they made
omelets in a mug for breakfast, cheeseburgers and homemade
fries for lunch and quesadillas for supper.
On Sunday, the students made smoothies for breakfast,
pizza casserole and brownies for lunch. Then it was time for
the students to go home. Besides all the knowledge they
received that weekend, students also got to take home the
cookbook used in the program. It was full of easy to make
recipes.
Ms. Bailey and Ms. Tyrrell conducted the workshop.
Workshop Recipe
Omelets in a Mug
2 eggs
2-3 tablespoon of milk
salt and pepper to
taste
1-2 tablespoon each
of the toppings of
your choice:
shredded
cheddar cheese
broccoli, diced
green pepper,
diced
tomato, diced
onion, diced
ham, diced
Whisk eggs and milk
in a microwave safe
mug. Add in
ingredients. Cover top
of mug with a napkin
or paper towel.
Microwave for one
minute. Pause and
check on omelet.
Microwave for about 1
more minute (but at
20 second intervals)
until egg is completely
cooked. You want to
stop halfway into the
cooking so that the
egg does not
overheat. 2 eggs take
about 2 minutes.
The Eye Spy
Page 10
WSBVI
Teachers
Academics
English:
Mr. Mulhern
Social Studies:
Mr. Bailey
Physical
Education/Health:
Mr. Andrews
Math/Science:
Mrs. Arndt
Mr. Fahlberg
Expanded Core
Curriculum
Assistive
Technology:
Miss Snow
Physical Education in the Winter
by Mr. Dustin Andrews
We all know it is hard to get outside with the
frigid temperatures of winter. However, at
WSBVI we look for ways to stay fit during
those winter months. Several of our students
were able to test out our new snowshoes. If
you do not know what a snowshoe is, imagine
walking in snow with a tennis racquet strapped
to your foot, it is a great workout and a lot of
fun! We were able to walk the trails on
campus, at Lions camp in Stevens Point, and also Rockport
Park. We also hit the ski and tubing hills which provided some
of our students with a thrill of a lifetime. Our juniors and seniors
spent the day tubing at Cascade Mountain. Our students would
take a tow rope up to the top of the hill and link together several
tubes to race down the hill. Colton Albrecht and Chris Mathews
received the chance downhill ski at Alpine Valley Ski Resort in
East Troy, Wisconsin. Thank you to the Southeastern
Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program for providing them the
opportunity to downhill ski down some huge mountains. Chris
and Colton both said “it was the time of our lives”. If the outside
is still not for you in the winter our adult leisure classes hit up
the Janesville mall for a workout. Our students found out that it
is a half a mile all the way around the perimeter of the mall.
After a long winter we are looking to bust out the bikes and
tandems and enjoy the nice weather!
Braille & Music:
Mrs. Heesen
Daily Living Skills:
Mrs. Saltz
Orientation &
Mobility:
Mr. King
Mrs. King
Mrs. Rhode
Ms. Tyrrell
Snowshoeing on campus (continued on page 11)
Chris and Colton on the slopes at Alpine Valley April 2015
Page 11
4-H Arts Festival
by Mr. John Begley
As the year progresses on another exciting
and productive school year for the 4-H
chapter at WSBVI, we enter into one of the
highlighted programs of the winter season.
Each February, the council for the Rock
County Chapters of 4-H sponsor an event
called the Communication Arts Festival. The
event was held on the campus of University
of Wisconsin – Rock County on the west side
of Janesville, not far from our own campus here at WSBVI.
This event was designed to help develop and foster the
leadership and communication skills of the interested 4-H
youth in our area. Promoting leadership in the communication
arts is a major tenant of the 4-H mission and our staff and
volunteers highly encourage our youth to progress in these
skills which are so vital to their educational and career goals.
The festival includes a wide variety of communication
categories including public speaking, extemporaneous
speaking, interpretive reading, creative writing, poster art,
public service announcements and illustrated PowerPoint
(new).
From our chapter we had three members who
volunteered to participate this year. Two of our members,
Christina DeVries and Kayli Hodorff, elected to deliver a
speech in the public speaking category. Another student, Linda
Her, submitted an entry in the poster art category. All three
students had devoted a significant amount of their own free
time to prepare and deliver such high quality entries. Linda
received a Red Ribbon for her Poster entry, which featured
positive images of our school and 4-H chapter. Also receiving
a Red Ribbon was Christina DeVries, who captivated the
audience with a passionate speech detailing her love of music
and instrumental training. Kayli Hodorff delivered a powerful
and comedic speech about a funny story related from an
episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She received a Blue
Ribbon and hearty applause from the audience for her efforts.
The judges present at this festival all had high praises for our
student representatives and were impressed with the
professionalism and enthusiasm of our young students. As a
school, we are very proud of their efforts to be positive leaders
and ambassadors for our school and club.
WSBVI
Teachers
(continued)
College & Career
Readiness
Mrs. Heimerl
Mr. Soto
Mr. Bailey
Elementary/CD
Little PEANUTS:
Mrs. Soto
Elementary:
Miss Stroh
Mr. Hagemann
CD Academics:
Mrs. Von
Obstfelder
Mrs. Schoville
PEPC
Mrs. Schneider
Mrs. Mekeel
Mrs. Brower
The Eye Spy
Page 12
Taking on a New Role
WCBVI
by Mr. Nick Sheskey, IEP Coordinator
Center Director:
Many of us claim we have a pretty good
Peter Dally
understanding of our lives and the direction
we’re headed; but, we often forget how quickly
Principal: Kim
that can change. As summer was coming to an
Heimerl
end, my wife Laura and I were in the middle of a
Dean of Students:
long-awaited vacation traveling though the
Sue Kokko
communities of northern Wisconsin. 20 miles
Outreach Director:
north of Eau Claire and minutes away from no
Stacy Grandt
cell phone coverage for the next 5 days, I
Nursing Supervisor: received a phone call from an unfamiliar number with a 608 area
Rhonda Mulligan code. Looking back, I’m not exactly sure why I answered the
Business Office:
phone; but, on the other line was WCBVI Center Director Peter
Dally. He was in a bit of a predicament and had a plan that
Joanna
included me sliding into the role of interim IEP Coordinator.
Schumann
Kim Heimerl, who at the time was the current IEP Coordinator,
Buildings &
was
going to be acting as interim principal and would need some
Grounds: John
assistance with the development and organization of students
Brown
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). I agreed to help out, but felt
Food Service: Holly a little guilty walking away from the students in my classroom. Mr.
Berry
Dally agreed to allow me a couple days to work within the
classroom and would bring in Mrs. Schneider, a familiar substitute
the students knew and loved, in on the days I would act as IEP
Coordinator.
Initially the new role of IEP Coordinator took a bit of time for me
to warm up to. For the most part it was just me adjusting to an
www.facebook.com office type position instead of working directly with the students. As
the weeks went by the support shared by staff, student and their
/wcbvi
parents really highlighted the true meaning of the position. I was
still working with the students, but more as an advocate. When Mr.
Heimerl accepted the position as WSBVI principal, I applied for the
IEP Coordinator position. The five months that I acted as interim
Editing
IEP Coordinator was really a nice transition time for me. I saw
Compiled by
firsthand the success that my students were having with Mrs.
Michelle Rueckert.
Schneider and Mrs. Behm. I was able to weigh the benefits of this
position, and should I be offered it, I had one of them best mentors
Please call or
in the office right next door.
email Mandy
When Mr. Dally and Mr. Heimerl offered me the position as IEP
Jordan at
Coordinator, I gladly accepted. I had found a new love working with
students, their parents/guardians, teachers, and districts in
608-758-6141 or
developing IEPs that met the needs and dreams of each of the
amanda.jordan@
students that make this school so great. In the end we can all
wcbvi.k12.wi.us
imagine where our lives will take us, but sometimes you simply
if you have
have to pick up the phone and see what is waiting for you on the
comments,
other end.
questions or
would like to
contribute.
April 2015
Page 13
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-dpinondiscriminationclause
Upcoming Events
www.wcbvi.k12.wi.us 608‐758‐6100 Toll free Educa on: 800/832‐9784 Toll free Outreach: 800/284‐1107 March 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
April 6: In-service Day, no school, students return in evening
April 7: Classes resume, 3rd quarter report cards mailed
April 8: Low Vision & Refraction Clinic — La Crosse
April 10-11: Sensory Defensiveness: What It Is, How It Works, and What To Do
April 16: Orange and Black Day, Swim/Forensics at home, 12:00
April 23: Spirit Day, Orange and Black Day, Team pictures
April 24-25: Swim/Forensics NCs,
April 30: Family Gathering Ashland
May 1-3: Short Course: Happy Birthday Earth
May 11: 4th quarter mid-term progress reports mailed
May 14: Dinner Dance
May 25: Memorial Day, no school
May 26: Classes resume
June 4: Spring Concert, 6:30
June 8: Street Dance, Yearbook Distribution
June 9: Field Trips
June 10: Talent Show, 9:30; Awards presentation, 6:00
June 11: Graduation
June 12-14: Alumni Reunion
June 19-21 – Families Conference
June 21-July 2 & July 5-31 – EmployAbility
July 5-10 – Sensory Program
July 17: Receive registration packet for fall
July 19-31 – Children’s Program
August 2-7 – Adult Summer Program
August 14: Fall registration packet due
Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
1700 W State St
Janesville, WI 53546