KSB Update Monthly Activity Report of Kentucky School for the Blind September 2008 KSB Receives WHAS Crusade for Children Grant WHAS Crusade for Children Executive Director Rebecca Jackson presented a check for $20,000 to KSB on Friday, Sept. 12. This grant was awarded by the Crusade to provide KSB with occupational therapy equipment, Smart Board technology, History Alive Social Studies Curriculum, Mountbatten Brailler, a refreshable braille display, talking microwave oven and other items for instructional use. Jackson delivered the check to Director of Instruction John Roberts and Special Education Director Nancy Nusz during a primary PE class in the Ries Recreation Center. Editor’s Note: A photo accompanies the WHAS grant article. It was taken in the Ries Recreation Center with a primary PE class. The caption reads: On hand for the WHAS Crusade for Children grant presentation were (from left to right) back row: Paraeducator Anna Robertson, PE Teacher Jerry Ennis, Rebecca Jackson, Nancy Nusz and John Roberts. Front row: Paraeducator Crystal Johnson and students Theo Tibke, Taryn Seif, Danielle Hardiman Mauri Durrett and Alex Stine. Yikes—Ike Shuts Down School for a Week KSB lost electrical power on Sunday, Sept. 14 as sustaining winds from hurricane Ike ripped through the state. Full power was not restored until 5:45 PM on Saturday, Sept. 20. Therefore, classes were canceled the week of Sept. 15-19. Students will have to make up the missed days. An official decision has not been made as to when the make up days will occur. Considering the magnitude of the windstorm, KSB was fortunate to have only minor damage. Facilities manager Kerry Carr noted that KSB had been in the process of installing a new emergency generator system in the cafeteria, however, the installation had not been completed at the time of the storm. Carr praised the talented maintenance staff who were able to rigged several generators that kept the freezers powered thus saving most of the food. Shingles were blown loose from several campus buildings and a tree was snapped on the front lawn. There were also some downed tree limbs across the campus. KSB was back in business on Monday with little to no glitches! Card Entry System Replaces Door Keys KSB has installed a keyless card entry system in the Scoggans classroom building. The electronic card allows staff members entry into two main entrances. The doors are open at specified times to allow students to enter and exit the building. Eventually, all buildings on campus will have this system. A safety audit conducted two years ago recommended the card entry system as a vital component of campus security. Visitors must ring the doorbell at the main door to gain entrance. KSB realizes that the change may take a while to get used to; however, the whole purpose is for student and staff safety. KSB Recipient of Tactile Map from APH The American Printing House for the Blind (APH), in commemoration of their 150th Anniversary, presented a custom made tactile map of Frankfort Avenue to KSB on Aug. 29. The map, sponsored by the PNC Foundation, was given in recognition of the unique learning needs of students who are blind and visually impaired. APH President Tuck Tinsley III, Ed.D. presented the map to Director of Instruction John Roberts during a special program for students, staff and guests. A reception followed the program. Special guests included Education Commissioner Jon Draud, Ph.D. and Kentucky Board of Education member Kaye Board. Draud thanked KSB staff for their dedication to their work and mission and expressed his gratitude to APH for the gift and their commitment to Kentucky students. Designed by APH Model Maker Tom Poppe, the map features local businesses, railroad and street crossings and has been secured to a table that can be raised or lowered for easy access for all students. The map will be placed in the school library. Editor’s Note: A photo in the print edition shows a student and O&M instructor using the tactile map. The caption reads: O&M Specialist Mary Pawlowski and 4th grader Justin Hedges provide a hands-on demonstration using the map. Curriculum Pacing Guides Posted on KSB Website Curriculum Pacing Guides are now posted on the KSB website. If you are interested in what KSB students are studying in the classroom and when specific topics will be taught, the information is now at your fingertips. Just click on http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Academics/PacingGuides.htm. Academic Stars Recognized for CATS Performance Based on scores from the CATS assessments administered in April, nine KSB students scored proficient or distinguished in every test area. They have earned the honor of KSB Academic Super Stars. They are: Annmarie Aqua, Justin Hedges, Kyle Givens, Bradley Horton, Marissa Chambers, J.J. Earls, Dalton Novince, Marissa Helms and Tommy Kersey. Additionally, 18 students performed at the proficient or distinguished level in at least one test area. These students have attained the status of KSB Academic All Star. They are: Lloyd Hall, Damon Boards, James Lewis, Jonathon McCarty, Jessica VanBruggen, Hannah Copley, Ronnie Patrick, Tiffany Patrick, Bobby Townsend, Jessica Martin, Matt Sparks, Brianna White, Chris Zeigler, Beth Hope, Aaron Linson, Aaron Reed, Savannah Sanders and Mitch Saylor. In recognition of their accomplishments, the Super Stars will receive a black fleece KSB pullover. The All Stars will receive a red version of the pullover. KSB has posted photos of all of these achievers in the Academic Hall of Fame in the Scoggans classroom building, along with their proficient or distinguished score areas. KSB is awaiting a revision in its accountability index. Individual test scores will be shared with students over the next few weeks. MS/HS Students Enjoy Visit with Iraqi Teens A group of 12 Iraqi teenagers, ages 15-18, studying American leadership paid a visit to KSB on Aug. 20. This visit was made possible in collaboration with KSB, the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and the U.S. Department of State. One of their major tasks while in the U.S. was to make a documentary of what they learned about American leadership. Their schedule was jam-packed with visiting, interviewing and studying about local and national leadership. The teenagers were accompanied by a chaperone, a representative from the World Affairs Council and a representative from the U.S. Department of State. All of the teenagers spoke English and stayed with local families. One of the aspects of their study was to learn how the U.S. government supports persons with disabilities. They selected KSB to investigate this issue. During their visit, the teens interviewed KSB administrators and students and ate lunch with students. In the afternoon, KSB students reciprocated by interviewing the visiting teens, asking questions about Iraq, their culture, their schools and their social life. It was reported that the Iraqi teens were very impressed with their trip to KSB and noted that it was a highlight of their visit to the U.S. Due to security issues, publicity before and during the visit was not allowed. Helms Travel to China with U.S. Paralympic Team Senior Marissa Helms spent a week in China following the Summer Olympic Games. She was one of 25 students and 14 coaches/leaders from the U.S. selected to travel with the U.S. Paralympics Team to participate in the Paralympic Academy in Beijing. She was chosen through an application process for living a physically active lifestyle and for promoting physical activity in her community. This was an amazing opportunity for her! She is a member of the KSB girls track team and has previously participated on the wrestling, swimming and goalball teams. Editor’s Note: There is a snapshot of Marissa Helms in the print edition. Reading Program Kick Off for DEAR Set for October KSB will implement Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) in October. DEAR is a reading program that incorporates daily, leisurely reading time during the school week. A set time will be establish when all students will drop everything they are doing and will spend the next 15 minutes reading a book, magazine, newspaper, etc. of their choice. DEAR reading will be done in the evening (Monday-Thursday) in the dorms for residential students and at home for commuting students. On Friday, reading will be done during the instructional day. Several activities leading up to a carnival themed DEAR kick-off party on Oct. 22 are being planned including a dorm door decorating contest, scavenger hunt, banned book week and Olympic reading events during the week of the Roby Games. Statewide Family Conference to Offer Helpful Information and Tips to Parents KSB will host the Statewide Family Conference for parents and families of children who are blind and visually impaired on Oct. 24-25. The agenda is chocked full of informative topics for parents. Some of the topics are: What Every Parent Should Know About What Every Blind/Visually Impaired Child Should be Taught, Eye See What You’re Saying—Understanding Your Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Student Directed—IEP’s, Orientation and Mobility for all Ages, Literacy and the Expanded Core Curriculum and Kentucky Office for the Blind Transition Services. Many fun activities are also being planned for the children while their parents attend sessions. For more information about the conference, contact Family Support Specialist Mitch Dahmke by phone 502-897-1583, ext. 221 or email mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us. Highlights from Outreach: • Staff Changes: The following staff changes have occurred in Outreach since the beginning of the school year: Paula Penrod has moved from the KIMRC to the Outreach Office and will assume most of the duties previously held by Melissa Gatewood. She will still be responsible for PR/Communications. Melissa Gatewood has been assigned to the instructional program and will continue to perform some outreach functions. Sue Yocum has been assigned to the KIMRC where she will process educational aids. She continues to assist outreach staff as needed. Kirsten Hammond is the Regional Consultant for Wilderness Trail and has assumed special projects for outreach, especially those involving technology. Distance education will become her #1 task. New Regional Consultant Teresa Osborne is serving the Upper Cumberland region formerly served by Kirsten Hammond. She will also serve the Kentucky Valley Special Educational Cooperative region. • South Shore Family Group: Family Support Specialist Mitch Dahmke continues to work with the South Shore Family Group in Eastern Kentucky. There Oct. 4 meeting will include a Kentucky Association of Blind Athletes (KABA) goalball demonstration and bean supper at McKell Elementary in Greenup Co. • Low Vision Clinic: Low Vision Consultant Meg Stone is getting ready for the first Low Vision Clinic with Dr. Jenny Wood, OD, FAAO. Information and forms pertaining to the Low Vision Clinic can be accessed on the KSB website at http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/LowVision.htm. • Fall ECE Conference: Outreach staff will have a strand in the 43rd Annual Exceptional Children’s Conference at the Galt House in Nov. Regional consultants Kenny Jones and Kristin Hammond will be presenting vision related topics. • Regional Activities: Caveland/River Region: Regional Consultant Betsy Flener notes that a new Braille transcriber has been hired and has begun training in her region. The QPVI group met on Sept. 11. She is also staying very busy with many student referrals for services from school districts. OVEC/Northern Kentucky: Regional Consultant Teri Ritchie reports that a Braille Note training session was conducted at Henry County Middle School on Sept. 18. She has been busy assisting with the workloads of several teachers of the visually impaired (TVI)s in her region. Central Kentucky: Regional Consultant Kenny Jones conducted a QPVI meeting on Sept. 5. He will be involved in these recreational activities for blind and visually impaired youth and adults: goalball demonstration at South Shore with Family Group and starting a judo class on Saturdays. He also conducted sighted guide training with TVI Teresa Smith for paraeducators on Sept. 24. Wilderness Trail: Regional Consultant Kristen Hammond is working with new consultant Teresa Osborne on several student referrals and is conducting QPVI meetings with her group and Osborne’s group. She has also been working with KSB network engineer Ray Donner on technology issues relating to Outreach projects. Big East: Pam Howard held a QPVI meeting on Sept. 12 and was involved with the Big East Elementary Envisioning the Future Day on Sept. 25. KVEC/Upper Cumberland: New Regional Consultant Teresa Osborne is transitioning into her new position by working with Kristen Hammond on several student referrals and a QPVI meeting on Sept. 3. Western Kentucky: Regional Consultant Nona Bazzell has been busy assisting with functional vision learning media assessments in Calloway, Hopkins, Fulton, Livingston and Caldwell Counties. Claxon Retires After 34 Years Personnel/Payroll Administrator Vickie Claxon retired from KSB on August 31 after 34 years of service. Arriving at KSB in 1974, she spent her career working in the business office. She handled personnel matters and processed the payroll. You can be sure that Vickie will be very active upon her retirement. She is an avid runner and cyclist, loves to work in her garden and engages in numerous outdoor adventures. KSB wishes Vickie a happy, healthy and satisfying future! Editor’s Note: There is a snapshot of Vickie Claxon in the print edition. New Staff Members Kathy Caudill is the new Personnel Officer. Caudill has extensive experience in personnel and payroll matters and has worked in various state agencies. Her most recent experience was as a branch manager in KDE Division of Human Resources. Teresa Osborne joins KSB as Regional Consultant serving the Upper Cumberland region. Osborne is a teacher of the visually impaired and lives and works in the area she is now serving. Kentucky School for the Blind 1867 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206 Ph: 502-897-1583 Classroom Fax: 502-897-2850 Business Office Fax: 502-897-2994 www.ksb.k12.ky.us Director of Instruction: John Roberts Outreach Director: Cathy Johnson