Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 136 No. 1 Fall 2014 | Page 2

The Wisconsin Times Editorial Staff Wisconsin School for the Deaf The school is part of the Department of Public Instruction, Division for Learning Services: Equity and Advocacy. As such, its goals are the same as those set forth by the department for all youth in the state. The school serves as a first-line alternative placement option for parents and school systems seeking appropriate programming for children and youth that are deaf or hard of hearing. The students are provided a comprehensive academic, vocational, and social education learning environment, uniquely programmed for a personalized education in both a day school and residential setting. As a part of the free public school system of the state, no charge is made for room, board, tuition, and concomitant activities. Admission criteria are established by law (s. 115.52, WI Stats.) and require local district referral. Such local district referrals are then evaluated by the school for appropriateness, leading to acceptance or alternative recommendations. In recognition of individual integrity, the mission of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf is to provide an American Sign Language environment to promote excellence in the development of deaf and hard of hearing children in all areas of life through the use of ASL and English. The mission is accomplished with the belief that, for most deaf children, ASL is the accessible, dominant language used for communication and thinking, while English, a spoken and written language, is learned as a second language. For some deaf and hard of hearing students who have previously acquired English, ASL is learned as a second language. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf strives to foster competencies in these two languages as well as to develop cross-cultural sensitivity among the entire student body. Preschool programs are offered for local children under the age of six on a day-school basis. Regular academics provide normal and unique curricula from grades one through 12. An extensive pre- and vocational training program is provided as part of the total grade 7-12 curriculum. The social education program for residential students is a continuous informal and formal program developing self-management and social living skills through child care counselors, facilities and numerous school related organizations and activities. For further information, write to: Director, Wisconsin School for the Deaf, 309 W. Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI 53115. 2 - The Wisconsin Times Consultant: Alex H. Slappey Co-Editors: Rebecca Epple & Julie Russotto Sports Editor: Brian Lievens Reporters: Ginger Aleksinski, Maryann Barnett, Amy Dignan Contributing Reporters: Dr. Connie Gartner, Dean Kemp, Marla Walsh Photographer: Dianne Armato, WSD Staff Student Photographers: Malia Christenson & Ka Youa Xiong Proofreader: Lori Lindau Circulation Manager: Rene Ambrose Above: During the 2013-14 school year, senior Ka Youa Xiong took first place at the national level in the 13 to 18 year old category for the Marie Jean Philip Deaf National Art Contest. Each year the contest is open to students and adults all across the USA. Ka Youa Xiong’s brilliantly colored pencil drawing portrays the pride of being a Deaf ASL user in America. WSD is proud to have such a talented artist recognized for her creativity and skills. Congratulations to you, Ka Youa! Front & Back Cover Photo: The Great Hall in Chesebro Building. Photographed by Malia Christenson, WSD junior. The State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Dr Tony Evers, State Superintendent Michael Thompson, Deputy State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, Assistant State Superintendent Division of Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy Dr. Barbara Van Haren, Director, Special Education Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alex H. Slappey, Director The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and WSD are equal opportunity employers functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.