KSB Update Bi-Monthly Activity Report of the Kentucky School for the Blind May-June 2011 Commencement Program Held for Eight Seniors The KSB Commencement Program was held on Wed., May 25, for eight seniors. Felicia Smith, Associate Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Next Generation Learners, presented diplomas to Savannah Sanders, Samantha Hubbard, Christopher Zeigler, Brandon Dunn, Blake Booty, Brandon Grigsby, Jonathon Cord and Brianna White in an early evening ceremony in Richie Auditorium. Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) Chairman David Karem delivered the commencement address. Louisville Mayor Outstanding Senior Award Recipient Brandon Grigsby addressed the audience and Senior Class President Samantha Hubbard rendered reflections of her years at KSB. Editor’s Note: There are individual senior portraits of the seniors in the print edition. The following headline appears above the portraits: KSB Presents the Class of 2011. The name of the graduate appears beneath his or her portrait. KSB Troop 10 Reaches 100 Year Milestone KSB Boy Scout #10 was formed in 1911 and is the oldest troop in the country serving students with disabilities. A tribute to the troop was paid during the KSB Founder’s Day Program on May 9. Throughout its 100 year history, the troop has completed numerous service projects, participated in a wide range of recreational and outdoor experiences and has helped students acquire leadership and citizenship skills. Congratulations Troop 10! Editor’s Note: There is a photo of Boys Scout Troop #10 taken in 1913. The troop is in uniform and marching down a hillside on the KSB campus. The photo caption reads: In this 1913 photo, KSB Troop 10 is shown in formation and ready to roll! Feldman Given Langan Award on Founder’s Day Pauletta Feldman is no stranger to KSB. From the first time she spoke with former KSB Superintendent Will Evans many years ago, she embraced the school and has never turned it loose. She has, is and if the past is an indication of the future, will remain a strong and well spoken advocate for Kentucky students who are blind and visually impaired. During the 169th Founder’s Day Program on May 9, KSB/KSD School Administrator Soraya Matthews presented Pauletta Feldman with the Paul J. Langan Distinguished Service Award. This award was established in 1992 and is dedicated to former superintendent Paul J. Langan (1945-56) in recognition of his outstanding service and constructive leadership. His innovative approach to education established the foundation for continued improvement of the education of blind and visually impaired children at the school. Feldman has proven herself to be a skilled and resolute advocate of KSB for the past two decades. Her belief in KSB and the rights of children who are blind and visually impaired has driven her to take an unabashed stance in voicing her concerns to state legislators and officials throughout the years. As a parent of a son who is blind, she has shared her experiences and expertise with other parents, educators and service providers on both a state and national basis. As a retiree of Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) in Louisville, Feldman has authored the very popular “Can Do” video scripts for parents of young children with visual impairments, served as editor of the VIPS newsletter and coordinated family support services. Editor’s Note: There is a photo in the print edition of Pauletta Feldman at the podium in Richie Auditorium. She is speaking to the audience. The photo caption reads: Pauletta Feldman gives a passionate Langan Award acceptance speech during KSB’s 169th Founder’s Day Program. Summer Enrichment Programs to be Held in June KSB is gearing up for an exciting ten days of summer enrichment and work programs for Kentucky students who are blind and visually impaired. The elementary, MS/HS and work programs will be conducted simultaneously on June 19-29. The elementary program will focus on academics, socialization and daily living skills. MS/HS students will hone up on academic and independent living skills. Students in the work program will learn career skills in the morning sessions and will work at the Louisville Zoo in the afternoon. KSB is extremely pleased to be partnering with the Louisville Zoo as a job site for the eleven students in the work program. The Louisville Zoo stepped up to the plate after the closing of Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, which had served as a worksite for students attending KSB summer programs for many years. KSB/KSD Director of Special Education Melissa Sheets is in charge of the summer programs that will bring 57 Kentucky students for the three programs (21-elementary, 25-MS/HS and 11 Work Program) to the KSB campus. Braille/Low Vision Carnival was Big Hit with K-5 Students Students who are blind and visually impaired in grades K-5 from across the state were invited to participate in the Braille/Low Vision Carnival at KSB on Fri., May 20. Fifty-seven students converged on campus where they spent the morning playing games and participating in a variety of fun activities that required them to utilize their Braille skills and/or required them to use their low vision devices. Students were rewarded with small gifts, a “goodie bag” and each received a recreational reading book in either braille or large print to take home. Editor’s Note: There are five photos in the print edition from the Braille/Low Vision Carnival. Photo #1 shows a student who has a big smile on her face. The caption reads: Mari Durrett, KSB, is all smiles during the Braille/Low Vision Carnival. Photo #2 shows a young female student sitting outside. She has a cupcake in her hand. The caption reads: Skylar Koehler, Fayette County, enjoys a cupcake during a break in the action. Photo #3 shows a teacher sitting by a male student at a desk. The student is using a braillewriter while the teacher has his hand on the braillewriter. The caption reads: Jessamine Co. teacher of the visually impaired Gerald Abner assists one of his students at the braillewriter during the Braille/Low Vision Carnival. Photo #4 shows six students engaging in a musical game where they are advancing to different colorful circles mounted on the floor in a classroom. The caption reads: Students play a musical game utilizing large colorful circles on the floor. Photo #5 shows a male and a female student at a desk. There is a blue pail of potting soil on the desk. The female student is using a bright green spoon to scoop the soil and to put it in a small flowerpot. The caption reads: KSB students Alex Hitzelberger and Karleigh Bruner fill small flowerpots with soil as part of the carnival activities. HS Students Take Whirlwind Tour of Washington The eight high school students who have worked hard all year to finance a weekend tour of Washington, DC were not disappointed. Departing from Louisville’s Standiford Field at 4:30 AM on Fri., May 20, the students and their chaperones, scurried around the city taking in the Smithsonian Institute, Holocaust Museum, White House, Spy Museum and Arlington National Cemetery before returning home on Sun. afternoon, May 22. Making the trip were D.J. Bachman, Brooke Berger, Ashley Busic, Samantha Hubbard, Brandon Dunn, Brandon Grigsby, Jon Cord and Demetrius Bell. They were accompanied on the trip by Social Studies teacher Todd Johnson and Community Based Instruction teacher Connie Hill, paraeducator Crystal Johnson and houseparent Chip Carpenter. Editor’s Note: There are two photos in the print edition. Photo #1 shows junior Demetrius Bell standing under a pavilion in Washington, DC. The caption reads: Senior Demetrius Bell pauses for a brief moment during the whirlwind tour of Washington, DC. Photo #2 is a picture of the White House with tourists walking on the sidewalk in front of it. The caption reads: At the last minute, the White House was added to the students’ tour agenda. Staff News Technology Teacher Awarded Doctorate MS/HS Technology Teacher David Hume, Ph.D. was honored by students and staff in early spring upon being awarded a doctorate degree from the University of Louisville. Dr. Hume has taught at KSB for 31 years. In addition to his expertise in computer science, he is also a very talented musician. Editor’s Note: There is a photo of Dr. Hume in the print edition. He is wearing a white doctor’s coat and wearing a mesh cap on his head. He is also holding a decorated cake and standing in the classroom hallway. The caption reads: Dr. Hume, attired in a physician’s coat and cap, holds a cake during an afternoon reception outside his classroom. Students and staff joined in celebration of his fine accomplishment. Spring and Summer Staff Retirements MS Language Arts Teacher Ginger Tinsley will retire on June 31. Her teaching career includes 15 years at KSB during two time frames, one in the late 60s to early 70s and from 2003 to present. Reflecting on her retirement, Tinsley says, “I will miss the kids the most and the paperwork the least. It has been a real pleasure to work with such a dedicated and helpful faculty. They always want what’s best for the kids,” she added. Tinsley looks forward to traveling with her husband Tuck, spending time with her grandchildren and looks forward to the opportunity to sub at KSB in the fall. Regional Consultant (Caveland and River Region) Betsy Flener, Ed.D. retired on May 31. She has six years of service at KSB. Dr. Flener is well respected in the field of education for the blind and visually impaired and has presented at numerous national and statewide conferences. This may be the end of one road for Dr. Flener, but you can rest assured she is scouting out other innovative and exciting professional avenues to explore as she enters retirement. An afternoon retirement reception was held at KSB in March for Larry Penrod. He retired on March 31 with seven years of service in the housekeeping department. Upon his retirement he states, “I have enjoyed working at KSB and I’m going to miss seeing the kids and interacting with the staff.” KSB wishes these fine retirees a prosperous and healthy retirement! Editor’s Note: There are three photos of the retirees in the print edition. Photo #1 shows Ginger Tinsley going over an assignment at a table in her class with a middle school student. The caption reads: Ginger Tinsley goes over an assignment with sixth grader Justin Hedges during an English class. Photo #2 shows Dr. Flener speaking into a microphone. This photo was taken during the 2011 KAER Conference. The caption reads: Dr. Betsy Flener at the 2011 KAER Conference. Photo #3 shows KSB librarian Heather Davis standing by Larry Penrod in the McDaniel Conference Room. The caption reads: Librarian Heather Davis stops by to congratulate Larry Penrod on his retirement during an afternoon reception. Summer Low Vision Clinic to be Held in June Students who missed out on the two Low Vision Clinics during the school year, will get the opportunity to receive a free low vision clinical evaluation during the Low Vision Clinic at KSB on June 28. The clinic will be conducted by Dr. Debra L. McConnaha. While at the clinic, students will be able to explore low vision devices and if such devices are recommended, the student’s teacher of the visually impaired may be able to borrow the device for a limited time. This is a cost saving step for school districts. Since low vision devices and equipment can be expensive, the loan period affords time to make sure the item will work for the student. To learn more about the Low Vision Clinic and/or to download required forms, visit http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/LowVision.htm. Editor’s Note: There is a Low Vision Clinic photo in the print edition. It shows a male student in an examination chair during the Low Vision Clinic. Dr. Wood is seated nearby and is completing paperwork. An interpreter is also standing nearby. The caption reads: Kentucky School for the Deaf student David Gonzalez receives a low vision exam during the May Low Vision Clinic. Dr. Jenny Wood completes paperwork while an interpreter stands by. INSIGHT 2011 Students Prepare for College Life at Morehead This is the sixth year for the INSIGHT Postsecondary Preparation Program for high school students who are blind and visually impaired. Held on the campus of Morehead State University (MSU), the annual INSIGHT Program began on Thurs., June 9. This action packed ten day program acquaints the 17 students with the expectations and routines of college life. The students have a rigorous schedule that includes attending an MSU class for a week; participating in INSIGHT classes; orientation to the campus library, disability resource services and other essential campus services such as laundry and food service; meeting with counselors from Office from the Blind; an allotment of time for homework and individualized orientation and mobility sessions; and participating in recreational and leisure activities. The 2011 INSIGHT class is the largest to date. Attending the program are Brooke Berger, KSB (Hardin County); Alisha Ratcliff, Carter; Steven Miller, Jefferson; Paige Hunt, Christian; Danielle Burton, Elliott; Alexis Johnson, Woodford; Cramer Schneider, Scott; Jordan Bramblett, Scott; Ambre Cooper, Jefferson; Kenny Jones, Jefferson; Colleen McCaffrey, Edmonson; Aleric Vanderpool, Fayette; Jesse Hockenbury, Jefferson; Ashley Alvey, Jefferson; Michael Schilling, St. Henry (Private School) in Erlanger; Christa Compton, Pikeville Ind. and Caleb Hazel, Bardstown Ind. The program is coordinated by Kristen Hammond, KSB Director of Outreach for Regional Services and Programs. Pam Howard, KSB Regional Consultant, serves as the instructional coordinator and an instructor. Other program staff include: instructor Lisa Zell, Jefferson Co. and residential assistants Stephanie Davis and Bo Mullins, KSB. They are being assisted by five orientation and mobility (O&M) interns from Western Michigan State University, University of Louisville (UofL) and South Carolina. INSIGHT is funded by the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation (KSB) and is a partnership effort of MSU, Big East Educational Cooperative, Kentucky Office for the Blind, U of L, Kentucky Department of Education and KSB. Editor’s Note: There is a photo in the print edition. Pam Howard is teaching an INSIGHT class in an MSU classroom to INSIGHT participants. The caption reads: KSB Regional Consultant Pam Howard speaks with participants during an INSIGHT session at Morehead State University. Kentucky School for the Blind 1867 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206 www.ksb.kyschools.us Director of Instruction: John Roberts Director of Operations: Kenneth Washington Director of Outreach for Statewide Services: Meg Stone Director of Outreach for Regional Services and Programs: Kristen Hammonds