KSB Update Bi-Monthly Activity Report of the Kentucky School for the Blind October-November 2009 Commissioner Holliday Met with Students and Staff During Campus Visit Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, Ph.D. spent Monday (Nov. 16) afternoon visiting classrooms, talking to students and staff, and touring the KSB campus. Students demonstrated the use of technology and other adaptations that help them in their studies. Sophomore D.J. Bachman conducted an interview with the Commissioner, while sophomore Bradley Horton captured it on film. The interview will become a part of this year’s video yearbook. Bachman was well prepared as she asked about his role as commissioner, what are the biggest challenges facing school districts, what do you thing will improve education for students with special needs, and other issues facing education. In addition, Holliday spoke with Outreach staff and spent time in the Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center (KIMRC) and the Low Vision Clinic. This was Holliday’s first visit to KSB since his appointment in August. Other Campus Visitors: Bret Witter, one of the authors of the #1 New York Times Bestseller Dewey The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, spoke to students about his book and presented a signed copy of the book to the library in October. Tanaka Yoshihiro and Sawada Mayumi, senior researchers for the National Institute of Special Needs Education in Yokosuka, Japan toured campus on Tues., Nov. 17. The purpose of their visit was to see what kind of services is available to students with visual impairments in the U.S. They spoke with staff about electronic and large print and Braille materials available to students. Editor's Note: There are two photos in the print edition regarding the Commissioner's visit. Photo #1 was taken in an elementary classroom. On a table, are Perkins and Mountbatten Braillers. A Braille student is showing the commissioner a braille sample. The photo caption reads: Elementary student Michael Davis demonstrates the use of the Perkins and Mountbatten Braillers for Commissioner Holliday (left) and KSB Director of Instruction John Roberts. Photo #2 was taken in the school library during an interview of the Commissioner by a student. A male student is operating a video recorder and is taping the session. A female student is seated and is conducting the interview. The commissioner is seated across from her. The caption reads: Bradley Horton captures D.J. Bachman’s interview with Holliday in the school library. The interview will be a part of the yearbook DVD. SACS Team Conducts Accreditation Review According to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) review team, KSB is the best kept secret in Kentucky. That is how the team started and ended their exit review. The team was on campus on Oct. 21-22. The purpose of the SACS team was to evaluate KSB’s adherence to accreditation standards; assess the effectiveness of the school’s improvement efforts; review performance results and how those results are used to inform improvement efforts; provide high-quality feedback with clear recommendations and actionable next steps and to make an accreditation recommendation. According to Director of Instruction John Roberts, KSB not only received a 5-year accreditation, but received several commendations. Azer and Mullins Staff Honored for Contributions to Students with Visual Impairments The American Printing House for the Blind presented the Virgil Zickel Award to Science teacher Samir Azer during their Annual Meeting in October. Azer was honored for being the master mind behind Azer’s Interactive Periodic Table Study Set. World of Work teacher Bo Mullins was the recipient of a Vocational Rehabilitation Achievement Award from the Kentucky Office for the Blind (OFB). The presentation was made during OFB’s Annual Awards Luncheon in Frankfort on Nov. 9. Editor's Note: There are two photos in the print edition of staff members Samir Azer and Bo Mullins. Photo #1 shows Azer holding the Zickel Award. Standing beside him are family members and APH President. The caption reads: Science teacher Samir Azer holds the Zickel Award. With him are APH President Tuck Tinsley, Ed.D., his wife and two daughters. Photo #2 shows Bo Mullins with his OFB counselor. The caption reads: World of Work teacher Bo Mullins was honored by OFB for his efforts in vocational rehabilitation. Pictured with him is OFB Counselor Norma McCormick. Steamline Project Update The Heat is Almost On!!! The replacement of the campus steamline and other supporting steam system alternate projects has been completed and is awaiting final inspection. If all goes well, heat should be restored to all campus buildings by the time students return after the Thanksgiving break on Monday, Nov. 30. Gift from Auto Dealers to Enhance CPR Training KSB hopes to use the Resusci Anne training unit, a gift from the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation, to train staff members and coaches on what to do when a person has a heart attack. The unit was presented, to KSB nurse administrator Connie Sea, R.N. at Neal Huffman Nissan in Louisville in October. The CPR unit gives signals telling when the trainee is applying the right pressure in the right spot or breathing correctly into the victim’s mouth. With training, the trainee learns the “feel” of giving quick lifesaving emergency treatment. The National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation is part of the National Automobile Dealers Association with headquarters in McLean, VA. Its membership includes over 19,000 franchised new car and truck dealers in the U.S. Editor's Note: There is a photo of the presentation of the Resusci Anne in the print edition. It was taken at the Neil Huffman Nissan dealership in Louisville. The presentation was made inside the showroom. The photo caption reads: Resusci Anne units were presented to KSB and to volunteer Marianna Perry (American Red Cross) during a ceremony at Neil Huffman Nissan. Pictured from left to right are Perry, Kimberlee H. Wolford (President Neil Huffman Nissan), Sea, and Lee Searcy (Director of Field Services Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association Inc). Photo by: Nolan Hulsey Low Vision Clinic Vital to Students and Districts Thirteen statewide students received low vision evaluations through the October Low Vision Clinic (LVC). The evaluations are a valuable tool to assist school districts in providing for the low vision needs of their students. In addition to the exam provided by Jenny Wood, OD, FAAO, students have the opportunity to try out a wide range of optical devices and technology. For the first time, Outreach staff was able to capture portions of the evaluation process and provide video clips to teachers of the visually impaired who were unable to attend the LVC with their students. “It is exciting that we can provide immediate feedback to the teachers," said Acting Outreach Director Meg Stone. LVC dates for the remainder of the school year are Feb. 12-13 and May 7-8. A summer date is also being considered. Additional LVC information can be accessed at http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/LowVision.htm. Editor's Notes: There are three photos from the LVC in the print edition. Here are some scenes from the October Low Vision Clinic. Photo #1 shows Dr. Wood in the examination room. She is speaking with a female student while the student's mother is seated nearby. The caption reads: Dr. Jenny Wood conducts a low vision evaluation with HS student Ashley Busic from Oldham County. Her mother is observing the evaluation, as seen in the right hand corner. Photo #2 shows a young male student at the resource table. He is looking at a wide range of brochures, pamphlets, catalogs, etc. for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. His father is at the other end of the table. The caption reads: Sawyer Shirley, a third grader from Barren County and his dad check out the resource table while waiting to see Dr. Wood. Photo #3 shows a close up view of Dr. Wood and a young female student. The photo was taken in the examination room and shows the student sitting in the exam chair. The student is listening to Dr. Wood explain a chart to her. The caption reads: Dr. Wood discusses some information with Sydni Gabbard, a fifth grader from the Berea Independent school district. Staff to Present at Exceptional Children’s Conf. KSB staff members are playing a big part in the 43rd Annual Exceptional Children’s Conference this weekend (Nov. 23-25) at the Galt House in Louisville. Early Childhood Consultant Patty Dilg has been coordinating the vision strand and has a great lineup. The presenters/sessions include: Occupational Therapist Jennifer Stocker—Sensory Efficiency; Regional Consultant—Betsy Flener, Ed.D.—Literacy, Communication, and the Expanded Core Curriculum (implementation and practical application); Acting Outreach Director Meg Stone—Assistive Technology and the Expanded Core; and Regional Consultant Pamela Howard—Administrative Overview. KSB is pleased to include renowned educator of the blind and visually impaired Phil Hatlen, Ed.D. on the conference program. He will give a global outlook on Literacy and the Expanded Core Curriculum. Hatlen is the retired Superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Families Unite Through Regional Activities A Fall Retreat was held for the Big East Families of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired (FCBVI) Support Group at Serenity Acres in South Shores on Oct. 4. The event provided resources and recreation opportunities for parents and families in the eastern region of the state in a fun and relaxed environment. Organizational FCBVI Family Support Group meetings were held in western Kentucky on Oct. 26 in Paducah and Oct. 27 in Madisonville. The meetings are coordinated by the KSB Family Support Center. PSSO Dinner and Christmas Concert Provide Kick Off to Holiday Season The Parent, Student and Staff Organization (PSSO) had a great idea to get the crowd out for the MS/HS Christmas Concert on Thur., Nov. 19. They conducted a soup, sandwich and dessert dinner prior to the concert in the school cafeteria. The dinner was well attended and it gave parents, guests, students and staff an opportunity to connect before the concert through good food and fellowship. Following the dinner, the concert featured seasonal selections by the KSB choir, made up of students ages 9 and older; percussion ensemble; solo numbers on the piano and violin; and solo and duet vocal presentations. A great evening was had by all! Editor's Note: There are four photos of the MS/HS Christmas Concert and PSSO Dinner in the print edition. Photo #1 shows two female students singing into microphones on stage in Richie Auditorium. As a part of their duet, they are wearing red boa scarves around their necks. The caption reads: Senior Brianna White (left) and eighth grader Cheyenne Harper sang a duet during the Christmas Concert. Photo #2 shows a male student playing the violin with his instructor who is accompanying him on the violin on stage. The caption reads: Senior Ben Small plays the violin accompanied by his instructor Sarah Hill. Photo #3 shows a male student playing the drums on stage. The caption reads: Junior Brandon Grigsby plays the drums during a number by the percussion ensemble. Photo #4 shows a student and teacher sitting at a table with their trays of food in the cafeteria during the PSSO dinner. The caption reads: Senior Blake Booty and CBI teacher Ann Boyd enjoy the PSSO dinner before the Christmas Concert. Goalball Team Places Second in Conference Meet KSB placed second in the NCASB Conference Goalball Meet earlier this month. They were stopped in their bid for a second consecutive title by the Missouri School for the Blind team. Senior Mitch Saylor was KSB’s Outstanding Athlete of the Meet. Saylor has been a member of the team for three years and plays right wing. He was selected for this recognition because of his dedication to goalball and his dependability. Goalball Coach Ashley Swafford says, “Mitch is very responsible on the court. He supports all of his teammates on and off the court.” Editor's Note: There is a photo of Mitch Saylor in the print edition. He is returning a goalball during a goalball game. The caption reads: Mitch Saylor was named KSB Outstanding Athlete of the NCASB Conference Goalball Meet. Programs Keep Students Reading Librarian Heather Davis has been keeping students in the books through Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), Braille Readers are Leaders (BRL) and Acclerated Readers are Leaders (ARL). BRL and ARL runs from Nov. 4-Jan. 4. Braille readers are encouraged to read as many braille pages as possible. Through the BRL competition, students have a chance to compete for prizes from the National Federation of the Blind. All students who read books that are available on the Acclerated Reading List can take online quizzes. Students accumulate points for each quiz taken and have a chance for a reward at the end of the two month period. Upcoming Events December 1 Tue. SBDM Council Meeting, 4 PM 4-5 Fri.-Sat. Indiana Wrestling and Cheerleading Invitational, Indiana School for the Blind, Indianapolis 18 Fri. K-5 Christmas Program and Dinner, 10 AM, Richie Auditorium 21-1 Winter Break January 1 Fri. New Year’s Holiday 5 Tue. SBDM Council Meeting, 4 PM 8-9 Fri.-Sat. Kentucky Wrestling and Cheerleading Invitationa and Homecoming Dance, KSB 18 Mon. Martin Luther King Holiday (School is not in Session) Happy Holidays 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 Acting Campus Manager: Soraya Matthews Acting Outreach Director: Meg Stone