Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 135 No. 2 Winter 2013-2014 | Page 12

Huff Happenings
by Heather Martens

G.I.R.L.S.
Girls In Real Life Situations is a social group offered to WSD’s young ladies with a counseling perspective.
The group focuses on promoting healthy relationships among the girls and their peers as well as shaping their
thoughts, feelings, and insights on life. A curriculum is followed and there is a new topic relating to teens
each week.
The group meets Wednesdays at eight o’clock for an hour in the Student Support Center in the dorm. Groups
are broken down by ages. The current focus is on the middle school aged girls. The high school girls group
will be set up next. Jamie Chapin plans on adding a group for the elementary girls too. The group will be run
through first semester with the potential to become a yearlong program if there is enough interest.
Jamie usually opens with a fun icebreaker or group activity. Once the girls have shown that they are calm and
comfortable, they proceed to a close up discussion, reflection and review. Topics include: who am I? body
image, making choices, communication, emotions, friendship, relationships, self-esteem, stress, reaching out,
tough times, and who I am.
Jamie hopes that the girls will gain knowledge and learn that their feelings are normal, especially during the
middle school phase. Every girl has a story to tell. Every girl benefits from learning that they are not alone.
Having support is essential. This is a confidential group where the girls are safe to express their thoughts and
feelings.

New Techies
The dorm students and staff have been waiting for quite some time for new computers. The old computers
were frustrating for everyone due to outdated programs, speed and memory issues. Updated computers were
requested because students are required to complete more and more of their assignments using a computer.
Their patience was worth the wait. Students may use one of the 20 new computers to create Power Point
Presentations, to search the Internet or to type research papers.
Other new equipment received included: ten iPads, updated Video Phones that included a new kiosk, and WiFi access everywhere in the building. Additional requests were made for a Go Pro video camera, replacement
of the computers in the senior and junior students’ bedrooms, and five laptops for the FBC.
Watching the students and staff reactions to the new equipment has been priceless. Everyone in the dorm
sends a huge thank you to Constance Gartner and everybody school wide for supporting Student Life and
making this upgrade possible.

Holiday Cheer
In anticipation of the holiday break and the visit from Santa Claus the elementary and middle school dorm
staff wanted to spread the holiday cheer with the children on the floor. The boys’ side was in charge of the
munchies while the girls’ side was in charge of the entertainment. Making a human Christmas tree was
one activity. Using the materials provided, Eric Hameister and Jenna Miller were morphed into Christmas
trees. Presents were laid out in front of the children and they were told they could open their presents on
one condition. They had to wear oven mitts! Opening presents was a struggle for the youngsters. They were
so tempted to take the mitts off their hands, but they had their mind set on seeing what was underneath the
wrapping paper. The night was filled with laughter. Children were sent to bed after brushing their teeth with
dreams of sugarplums awaiting them.
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