The
California News
Volume 121 • Number 13 • February 3, 2006
Printed by the California School for the Deaf, Fremont
Charitable organization helps some CSD families celebrate the holidays in a big way
Visit our school website at: www.csdf.k12.ca.us
Christmas dream comes true for CSD families Understanding
Deaf Culture: Just days before Winter Break, In Search of I heard about some of our CSD families who needed Santa’s helpers Deafhood
After the volunteers finished the shopping, CSD needed to pick up all of the gifts from the Don Jones Foundation. I realized they must have bought A LOT when they asked me, “How big is your car?” When I arrived, I discovered several large rooms filled with mountains of toys, clothing, and gifts. They even supplied the gift wrap! By the time I left, I could barely see out my back window; my car was filled to the brim! Then, I found myself thinking, “What Paddy should we do with these hundreds of gifts to wrap?” CSD was on winter Ladd break; very few staff were working. But, I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers, and hoped that some of the staff who were working might be able to help. The very next morning, I brought everything to CSD and luckily, the donated gifts were like magnets; as staff walked by and noticed all of the holiday donations, many volunteered to help wrap the gifts. We really felt the holiday spirit in the air! A very special thanks to Marilyn Cassidy, Josie Gana, Pat LaBrie, Lisa Nuñez, and Molly Sira for their time and energy wrapping all those gifts! Staff spread the gifts out, all over the Administration building, to wrap, wrap, and wrap some more! Then, after everything was all wrapped, it was time to deliver the presents. Sarah Novotny, one of our school psychologists, was happy to volunteer to go with me to deliver some of the gifts. Sarah put on her Santa’s hat and was ready to go. We drove to one of our family’s homes and all of the children were eagerly waiting at the front door! The children were so happy and excited to see all the presents; they couldn’t believe their eyes! When we explained the Christmas gift donations were for this year only, one of the little girls replied, “That’s fine, I want other children to get presents next year,”…a very compassionate comment from such a young child. The children were happy to each open one gift while we were there, Everettto wait patiently until but they had Christmas to open all their other Glenn presents. The children and families were so appreciative of everything. It was truly a pleasure to see the Don Jones Foundation work their Christmas magic with our CSD families. Their enthusiasm for giving was contagious. They were such amazing shoppers with such phenomenal taste—very thoughtful of what each child might like, and considerate of every detail. On behalf of CSD, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Don Jones Foundation for their generous holiday gift donations, and for making Christmas 2005 a year to remember! —Lindsay Gimble CSD Social Worker
to make their Christmas special. I called one of my co-workers, Guidance Counselor Julie Navarro, to brainstorm ideas of community resources that might be helpful. Julie immediately contacted an old high school friend of hers—as her friend’s family had recently established a new foundation in memory of Don Jones, who “loved children, Christmas, and giving!” Ten minutes later, Julie told me to call Amy Jones. So, I did!
Mallory Amy Jones welcomed the chance to get presents for our CSD families, Malzkuhn and was excited to work with us. Amy’s own children held garage sales to raise the money, and they couldn’t wait to start doing the ‘holiday shopping’ for our kids! I got the clothing sizes of our students from their moms and their teachers, along and ‘wish lists’ for all the children in their families.
The Don Jones Foundation’s volunteers went shopping at Target and Costco, and some of their other favorite stores. The volunteers bought hundreds of fantastic gifts. They selected lots of clothing—very cute outfits, bright pink and purple warm winter jackets, colorful socks, great shoes, and some cozy kitty slippers for the kids. They also bought our students lots and lots of fun toys, including the very popular Bratz toys, beautiful baby dolls, beading kits, creative art supplies, and much, much more! In addition to all of the great presents, the foundation also provided generous Safeway gift cards for our CSD families.
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February 3, 2006 | CALIFORNIA NEWS
Pat Labrie contributes her time wrapping gifts for CSD families.
Sarah Novotny plays the role of Santa’s helper.
Lisa Nuñez wraps the gifts from the Don Jones Foundation.
Emma Ortega-West models her new jacket.
CALIFORNIA NEWS | February 3, 2006
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Special Olympics Weekend: Bowling
January 2006 brought cold weather to Fremont, but on January 21, the CSD Special Eagles warmed up Mel’s South Shore Bowl, in Alameda. Their bowling balls were burning up the lanes and bringing down the pins! The competition included 300 participants from all over Alameda County.
Josh Nix bowling a strike. Megan Ketchum Picking up a spare.
This years Special Olympic Bowling participants were: Charles Abrams Alfonso Bravo Emerald Brown Judith Cantril Lauren Flores Andy Garcia-Velez Megan Ketchum Liane Lee Stephan Lilly Arthur Morales Ross Nahinu Taylor Nix Joshua Nix Gino Norton Jose Rangel Jr. Reyna Sanchez Mirja Schabram Jade Stephens Francisco Tafeamalii Rachel Tansier Nicolas Valdivia
Our Special Eagles brought home: 6 blue ribbons (1st place) 2 red ribbons (2nd place) 7 yellow ribbons, (3rd place) 2 white ribbons (4th place) 4 light Blue ribbons (5th place)
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Jade Stephens, Emerald Brown, and Judith Cantril enjoy the sun with the flamingos.
On January 22, the team enjoyed a well-earned rest and enjoyed a day at the Oakland Zoo. We learned a lot about the “Black Tailed Kite.” Here are a few tid bits of information: • • • Their favorite food is mice. The beautiful bird has a wing span of 5 feet when soaring in the sky. When it flies, it does not flap its wings the same as a regular bird. It allows the thermal drafts of the wind to carry it. The diamond shaped paper “kites” we all have played with are named after this graceful bird, because of its natural ability to catch the wind and soar.
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The students took advantage of the Sky Baskets and the Zoo Train to have a closer look at all the animals at the zoo. Don’t forget to ask them which one was their favorite! Written by Mary Mesa, Supervising Counselor Cottage One Special Needs
CALIFORNIA NEWS | February 3, 2006
Nicolas Valdivia and Jade Stephens taking turn brushing a goat.
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California School for the Deaf
APTC Corner
APTC Officers: Mrs. Katalin Farr APTC President Ms. Barbara Dike APTC Vice-President Mrs. Brenda Call Treasurer Ms. Vanessa Brown Secretary
UPCOMING MEETINGS and SOCIALS:
Usually held on the first Tuesday of each month, at 6:30 PM, in the school library. Feb. 7 Mar. 7 Apr. 4 May. 9 May. 23: APTC/CAC Social, at the Klopping residence, at 6:00 PM
PARENT LETTER
The two biggest factors in a Deaf child’s education, and his/her ability to succeed, are: if the family signs and if the family is involved. That means the two biggest ways for a student to become successful are totally outside of the school’s control. Our kids need our help and our support! Studies show that drug, smoking, and pregnancy prevention education is most effective when the parents and school work together as a team, and share the same information and expectations with the children; this is true for effective learning, too. Our school tries to teach it all! They cover everything from the state standards to manners. When students are asked to tell what their parents’ occupations are; often the teacher has to describe to the students what that might mean, and what their parents might do at work all day. Our kids should show up with that knowledge, and the only place they can get it is from us! We all have busy schedules, and we all have challenges in our lives. For many of us, seeing our kids for a few precious hours on the weekend does not leave enough time to do all the things we need to do with them. We parents need to be committed to our children—to sit with them, chat with them, and let them share their lives with us. We need to be interested in their schoolwork, and offer help and moral support. We also need to send a clear message of what we expect from them: to show up for class, ready to learn and to pay attention; and to show respect for their teachers and the staff at all times.
California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Drive Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: 510-794-3755 TTY only Relay Service #711 E-mail: kfarr@csdf-cde.ca.gov
Mostly, we need to be brutally honest with our Deaf children, letting them know that the challenges they will face in the future can be lessened if they work hard today. All of our children need to understand and accept the fact that they are responsible for their own future; parents, family, and friends cannot learn for them. We cannot take tests for them. They must read and study hard for two reasons: one, it is their path to independence, and two, their families expect it. All people in America want to be successful, but the opportunity is not always there for everyone. Success is there for those that work hard and those who read, write, and understand math. “Opportunity” is what CSD is offering our children. Won’t you please work as a team with the school to increase the opportunities for your child? —Barbara Matusky, CSD Parent
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February 3, 2006 | CALIFORNIA NEWS
CALIFORNIA NEWS | February 3, 2006
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The
California News
California School for the Deaf 39350 Gallaudet Drive Fremont, CA 94538
Visit our student-produced website at:
www.csdf.k12.ca.us