California News 10-9-09

California news

In this issue:

• Elementary Grand Opening ...page 1

• Deaf Awareness Celebration in Sacramento ...page 2

• Sneak Preview: at CSD's 150th Anniversary Celebration ...page 4

• Miss Deaf California ...page 8

• CSD student becomes Eagle Scout ...page 10

• Meet our 2009-2010 Peer Advisors ...page 11

•NewCADOfficers ...page 11

• CSD athletics teams up with Oakland Raiders ...page 11

Volume 125 • Number 1 • October 9, 2009

Published by: California School for the Deaf, Fremont

Elementary Eagle’s Ribbon CuttingOn Monday morning, August 24,

fifth grade students, Milana Boren, Shelby MacDonald, Brianna McCarthy, Rebecca DiPaola, and Stone Leiker felt surprised and excited to cut the orange and black ribbon strung in front of the elementary school building. It was the grand opening of the newly renovated elementary school after a year and a half wait.

“We cut the ribbon with super-sized scissors and were finally able to walk inside,” said Brianna McCarthy.

As they stood before the excited students, staff, and parents, the group remembered feeling amazed, excited, nervous, and surprised at being cho-sen. Dr. Klopping, CSD superintendent, spoke about the long wait to open the building while Laura Peterson, director of instruction, encouraged students to

be responsible and take pride in their new school. Then as each person entered the building, a bright orange CSD pencil was handed to them.

The fifth graders had definite ideas on how the new building would help future elementary students.

“The technology is much better”, Shelby MacDonald quickly volunteered.

"We have two Smart Boards in each room,” explained Rebecca DiPaola. Also, Rebecca felt that the building would be stronger in an earthquake because of the many supports.

Stone Leiker and Milana Boren enthusiastically added “The environment is new, fresh, bright, and smells good. The floor is nice and it is roomier.”

It was a memorable day for all.—Joann Coakley

K-8 Learning Strategies Teacher Specialist

2 October 9, 2009 | California News

Middle school students wow California Department of Education employees with their panel discussion

On September 23, middle school student representatives traveled to Sacramento to sit on a student panel and share their experience growing up deaf and attending the California School for the Deaf.

Nha Kim, a senior and one of CSD's shining stars, traveled with the team to moderate the panel. On the way to Sacramento, Nha was a true mentor, coaching the middle school students to prepare them for the questions they would be asked while participating in the panel discussion. The questions were:1. Tell us your name, where you live,

and what schools you have attended.

2. What is your average day like at the California School for the Deaf? What activities are you

involved with? What makes your school a good place to learn?

3. How do you communicate with your family?

4. What kinds of technology do you use?

5. What aspirations do you have once you finish high school?

6. If you had the opportunity, what three big things would you want hearing students and adults to know about deaf and hard of hearing students?

Nha utilized the entire trip on the way to Sacramento to motivate, in-spire, and prepare the middle school students. She told them about her experiences traveling in third world countries; she engaged them in an in-depth discussion about not taking CSD for granted; and she shared

about her experience as a high school student.

Upon arriving in Sacramento, the middle school students toured several VIP California Department of Education offices—including the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. When they toured Deputy Superintendent William Ellerbee's office, they were surprised and impressed to learn that he had a videophone there.

After the tour, the students did a mind-blowing performance, sharing their views, experiences, and beliefs with the audience. They not only an-swered their preliminary questions, but also responded to numerous questions from the audience.

—Clark Brooke Middle School Principal

Student paneliStS:

• Christina Call

• Bemnet tesfasilasie

• Jacob Pfau-Martinez

• Mikaylasol Cabras

• Meeya Tjiang

California News | October 9, 2009 3

Our friends in Sacramento—Dr. William Ellerbee, Dr. Ron Kadish (not pictured), and Andrew Laufer—along with the Deaf Awareness Committee, designed and implemented an exciting Deaf Awareness Week at the Department of Education, in Sacramento. Activities included a poster contest, lobby displays, a student skit developed by deaf students, panel discussions, and a film about Deaf culture. The event was open to the public as well as CDE staff. Deaf awareness continues year-round, in Sacramento, as the California Department of Education offers American Sign Language classes to its staffers who can now communicate in basic sign!

aBove: Supervisor of Outreach Programs Bridgetta Bourne-Firl and outreach Specialist Cheryl Boyd represent CSD in Sacramento for Deaf Awareness Week.

leFt: Middle school students visit the State Department of Education.


Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former 49ers defensive star Ronnie Lott aims to inspire deaf students and honor the California School for the Deaf Hall of Fame inductees during CSD’s 150th anniversary homecoming pep rally.

"We are excited about his presence at our important event,” explained Kevin Kovacs, CSD’s athletic director.

For most of Lott’s career, he played for the San Francisco 49ers, winning four Super Bowl champion-ships. Lott went on to became a well-known sports television anchor.

Former 49er Ronnie Lott’s appearance

On Friday morning, October 23, CSD will hold a pep rally in the gym that will be open to students and to those participating in the 150th anniversary celebration. Featuring an appearance by Ronnie Lott, the pep rally is meant to inspire CSD's volleyball, cross country, and football teams in anticipation of Saturday's homecoming games.

State Superintendent Jack O'Connell’s appearance

On Friday evening, a sports hall of fame ceremony will be held to honor CSD's past outstanding athletes and coaches during a dinner in the high school dining room at 4:00 p.m. Then, new inductees will be honored in the gym at 6:00 p.m. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will give a presentation to the participants.

Homecoming: The Big Game Saturday, october 24

Over 4,000 fans are anticipated to attend the homecoming games which will take place on October 24. The California School for the Deaf, Fremont and the California School for the Deaf, Riverside have played against each other since 1974. They are the only two deaf high school foot-ball teams in the state of California, and have a rich history of rivalry. Coaches and players on both teams communi-cate through American Sign Language.

In the morning, volleyball and cross country meets will take place.

At noontime, former queens and kings along with this year's royalty court will march in a parade around the track. In addition, there will be a fun children's area next to the football field.

At 2:00 p.m., the football game will take place. Several former players from both the Fremont and Riverside teams have gone on to play for Gallaudet University, with the NCAA Division III, in Washington DC.

about California School for the Deaf’s athletic program

California School for the Deaf prides itself on an extensive competitive athletic program. Provision is made for as many students as possible to participate in sports. CSD teams participate in the Bay Area Conference, Bay Shore Athletic League, and Bay Football League under the auspices of the Northern Coast Section and California Interscholastic Federation. Through

Famous San Francisco 49ers celebrity Ronnie Lott aims to inspire deaf students and honor CSD Hall of Fame inductees

participation in the sports program and lessons of sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork are learned. For more information, visit: www.csdf.k12.ca.us/athletics/

Registration updates and hotel information

All are welcome to attend the homecoming games on Saturday. There is no limit on attendance for the games.

Individual event tickets for select events are still available; however, the combo tickets—which cover the pre-celebration reception on Thursday evening; dinner on Friday; athletic hall of fame ceremony and entertainment on Friday evening; homecoming games on Saturday; and banquet at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday evening—have already sold out.

Those who have not been able to purchase banquet tickets for Saturday night can still join in on the evening’s excitement by going to the Marriott Hotel’s restaurant, which will be closed to the public that evening. You will be able to purchase hors d'oeuvre. The dance floor and restaurant area will be open until 1:00 a.m. for all who want to socialize. The Saturday evening event is an adult affair; not for children.

The Foothill Athletic Association’s hall of fame reception for Friday evening is also sold out. No more seats are available for that reception. For more information on CSD's 150th anniversary celebration go to: www.csdf.k12.ca.us/outreach/alumni.html

—Bridgetta Bourne-FirlSupervisor of Outreach Programs


150th AnniveRSARy CeLebRAtionoCtobeR 22 - 24, 2009

AnniveRSARy SCHeDuLe subject to change

thursday, october 225:00 pM – 8:00 pM – Registration

Little Theatre

6:30 – Bengals Football GameFootball Field

7:00 – 10:00 PM – ReceptionHigh School Cafeteria

Friday, october 239:00 aM – Bus goes to CSD campus

Meet at Marriott Hotel lobby

9:00 aM – 8:00 PM – Registration Little Theatre

10:00 AM – School-wide pep RallyGym

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Hamburgers & Hot Dogs will be sold

FEAST area

Group A (last names A – H)1:00 -2:00 PM – tour (Meet at Bell Tower)2:00 – 3:00 pM – Museum (Meet at Library)3:00 – 4:00 pM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre)

Group B (last names I – O) 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre)2:00 – 3:00 pM – tour (Meet at Bell Tower)3:00 – 4:00 pM – Museum (Meet at Library)

Group C (last names p – Z)1:00 – 2:00 PM – Museum (Meet at Library)2:00 – 3:00 PM – Movie (Meet at Little Theatre)3:00 – 4:00 pM – tour (Meet at Bell Tower)

Directions to CSDGo to: www.csdf.k12.ca.us/outreach/contact.html#directions

Transportation• Taxi service from the Fremont Marriott to the

California School for the Deaf is available with your estimated fare running around $23: Liberty Cab: 510-299-2478 Best Cab: 510-979-9322

• A CSD school bus will be provided on Friday and Saturday for those staying at the hotel. A CSD school bus schedule will be given to hotel guests at check-in.

• Those riding BART can take the #215 bus from the Fremont BART station to the CSD campus.

ParkingParking will be available on the CSD campus from Thurs-day evening, October 22, through Sunday evening, Octo-ber 24, in observance of the celebration. Follow the signs.

MealsMeals are not included, although some events include light refreshments or meals as part of their activities. Organizations will be selling food at noon on Friday and during the football game on Saturday. Look for details in the schedule section below.

Hotel AccommodationsFremont Marriott – Silicon Valley46100 Landing parkwayFremont, CA 94538Group Code: CSDCSDAReservations: 1-800-455-6712For other accommodations options in the Fremont area, go to: www.fremont.gov


Friday, October 23 (continued)2:30 pM – Bus departs for hotel

Meet at the Elementary Quad

3:00 pM – Bus goes to CSD campusMeet at Marriott Hotel lobby

4:00 – 7:30 pM – Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and dinner

High School Cafeteria

5:30 pM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad

6:00 pM – Bus goes to CSD campusMeet at Marriott Hotel lobby

7:30 – 10:00 PM – Rathskellars & “Gerald” MovieGym

10:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad

Saturday, october 248:30 aM – CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: Cross Country

Track

9:00 aM – Bus goes to CSD campusMeet at Marriott Hotel lobby

9:00 aM – 4:00 pM – RegistrationLittle Theatre

9:00 – 10:00 AM – Breakfast will be soldGym

10:00 AM - CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: VolleyballGym

10:30 AM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad

11:00 AM – Bus goes to CSD campusMeet at Marriott Hotel lobby

11:00 AM – lunch Will Be SoldFootball Field

12:00 PM – 150th Anniversary ParadeFootball Field

12:30 PM – Bus departs for hotel Meet at the Elementary Quad

1:00 PM – Bus goes to CSD campusMeet at Marriott Hotel lobby

Friday night LiveMistress of Ceremonies

Ella Mae LentzClass of 1971

october 23, 2009$10 - Buy tickets at CSD Outreach

Cottage #18

Produced by Mark Wood, Class of 1989

Performed by Jon Kovacs, Class of 1987


Saturday, October 24 (continued)2:00 pM – CSD vs. CSDR Homecoming: Football

Football Field




5:00 pM – RegistrationMarriott Hotel, Fremont

6:00 pM – Anniversary BanquetMarriott Hotel, Fremont

7:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Dance with a Disc JockeyMarriott Hotel, Fremont Lobby

Black Sponsor

White Sponsor

Eagle Sponsor

paRodi ChaRitaBle tRuSt

Sunday, october 258:30 – 10:00 AM – CSDAA Breakfast Meeting for Alumni & Family

High School Cafeteria

10:00 AM – Group PictureAmphitheatre

11:00 AM – Class Reunions

Orange Sponsor

deniSe and Ron oBRay

Bell tower Sponsor


CSd senior Kayla thomas wins Ms. deaf California ambassadorshipKayla's term will last from 2009–2011. Her weekends will be filled with numerous events throughout the year, including workshops and conventions such as the National Association of the Deaf Conference, in 2010, in philadelphia, pa.

Before the show starts in Clovis, CA, Kayla & Nha join Mr. Los Angeles (darren hause) and Mr. Orange County (tommy Korn).

nha Kim First Runner up Best Platform

Kayla thomas Ms. deaf California

ambassador Best Artistic Expression


Daniel Girard and Rory Osbrink lead workshops, team-building activities, and rehearsals for the Mr. & Ms. Deaf California contestants—all part of a California deaf youth Ambassadorship Program retreat held at California School for the deaf.

the ConteStantS: Miss deaf CSun; Mr. Deaf Los Angeles; Miss Deaf TarzanaMiss DCARA, Miss CSD; and Mr. Deaf Riverside

Nha mingles with members of her CSD family, including Hank & Bunny Klopping, Stan & Marie Smith, and Buddy & Bernice Singleton, at a luncheon provided by California Association of the Deaf.

At the California Association of the Deaf Conference, in August, CSD once again shined brightly. First and foremost, we can be proud that in the Ms. Deaf California Ambassador-ship, CSD placed both first and first runner-up. Kayla Thomas was the newly crowned Ms. Deaf California Ambassador for 2009–2011 and Nha Kim was the first runner-up; Nha will replace Kayla should she need to step down. I am very proud of how well both girls represented CSD. The whole Mr. and Ms. Deaf California Ambassadorship event would not have succeeded if it were not for CSD's Daniel Girard who is the state director of the CAD youth program. He did a fantastic job in bringing off a

first-rate competition. His enthusiasm and hard work was recognized by everyone at the conference. A num-ber of other CSD staff were involved in various aspects of the program, including program director Karina Pederson and treasurer Rory Osbrink. All of the CSD staff involved made im-pressive contributions to the success of the CAD Conference.

Clark Brooke was given a special award at the CAD Convention for his leadership in assisting in chart-ing an agenda for CAD to follow. CSD received an award for its continuing support of the CAD and for permitting the CAD to have an office on campus.

The newly elected president of the CAD is Ralph Singleton, a CSD

alumnus. In addition, two other CSD alumni were elected to major posi-tions: Ella Mae Lentz as secretary and Tom Murillo as treasurer. We are pleased that they are showing the leadership traits that they helped de-velop when they were students at CSD.

David Eberwein was recognized— along with Genie Gertz and Ella Mae Lentz—for their work in Deafhood and for raising the consciousness of Deaf identity. David also presented a morning-long session on Deaf Politics and Activism.

Please join me in congratulating all of the CSD staff and students who achieved success at the convention.

—Dr. Henry KloppingSuperintendent

CSD shines brightly at California Association of the Deaf Conference


To become an Eagle Scout, one must get all 21 merit badges and do an Eagle Scout project. The Eagle Scout project must be approved by a council or district advancement committee member. This project requires many hours with help from troop members. Perhaps this is why less than 5% of the scouts nation-wide have received the rank of Eagle Scout. The purpose of this project is to build leadership skills while work-ing to serve the needs of the local community. Often churches, schools, and community organizations benefit from these projects.

The purpose of my Eagle Scout project was to benefit middle school student life at the California School for the Deaf. I met with Ms. Celia May Baldwin, the former dean of student

life, to discuss and decide on a meaningful project that would benefit both residential and day students. We agreed on the idea of setting up the Jr. Eagles Communication Center to become a central communication station for the

four middle school cottages. Students and staff would be able to post activities of the week, as well as future activities, on this outdoor communication center (bulletin board) during their non-school hours. The goal was to have everyone on the same page.

I would like to thank Ms. Celia May Baldwin who was the dean of student life at the time when we began our planning meetings. I appreciated her advice, time, and support very much. I would like to thank our superintendent, Dr. Henry Klopping, for his support, as well. I would also like to thank the Donald Parodi Grant, San Francisco Club for the Deaf, and Association of Parents, Teachers and Counselors for their donations. They helped make my project happen.

Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and troop for their time and support, especially working with me on the mosaic artwork of the eagle. This artwork has an estimated amount of 4,000 tiles. It has been a wonderful experience for me. It is great to be able to do something cool for my school. My 'Eagle' project, the Jr. Eagles’ Communication Center, was completed on June 4. I look forward to receiving the rank of Eagle Scout this fall.

My grandfather, father, two uncles, and one cousin have all earned the rank of Eagle. It is a tradition in our family to follow through in life using goals to succeed. It was a long way from Cub Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. I have learned so much and enjoyed the journey.

Note: Brandon Call is currently a sophomore at the California School for the Deaf. He has been attending CSD ever since he was in the early childhood education program.

A family tradition: Achieving the rank of Eagle ScoutWritten by Brandon Call, Sophomore

ethan Bernstein, Brandon Call, and Shaz Booth celebrate the opening of the Jr. Eagles Communication Center.

Photographs by Christina Call


Designed by Amelia Bernstein

CSD athletic program partners with Oakland Raiders

The CSD middle school athletic program would like to announce that we have formed a partnership with the Oakland Raiders to

help raise needed funds for the upcoming 2009–2010 school year. CSD middle school students will lead the "National Anthem" in American Sign Language on the field before the Raiders vs. Redskins game.

We are selling tickets for the Oakland Raiders vs. Washington Redskins game on Sunday, December 13, at the Oakland Coliseum. Kickoff will be at 1:00 p.m.

There are four different seating locations with different prices available. More information can be found on the flyer. Twelve dollars from each ticket sold will go toward the CSD youth program. Free lunch at the game will be included in the price of admission! the deadline for purchasing your ticket is Sunday, November 15. As always, thanks for supporting CSD! Any questions, please contact: Lacey Kotake [email protected] or Toby Daniels [email protected]

New Community Advisory Council

Officers pReSident estella Bustamante, parent

viCe pReSident danielle Reader, parent

SeCRetaRy Julie Navarro, Staff

Who are the peer advisors?Now that summer has come and gone, it is time to

start yet another new and exciting school year. It’s hard to believe the peer advisor program here at CSD has begun its fourth year! This article will explain what the peer advisor program is and what our roles are.

Peer advisors are a selected team of high school students who give continued support to students, plan activities that promote healthy social skills, and give workshops on various topics. Oftentimes, students feel more comfortable talking and sharing experiences with their peers because they are able to relate to each other. The peer advisors are trained and supervised by two peer advisor coordinators. The ultimate goal of the peer advisors is to make sure that all students feel comfortable and safe here at CSD.

During the weekend of August 21- 23, the peer advisors had a retreat to brainstorm ideas for some of the events that will be held throughout the year. One idea from the list was to provide 'new student' luncheons that we have already successfully coordinated for the high school, middle school, and elementary departments. The 'new student' luncheons turned out well; the new students enjoyed themselves with pizzas provided and fun ice breaker activity. We will use our weekly peer advisors meetings to plan future activities. We look forward to being an active part of a successful school year.

This year, there are nine peer advisors. The members’ pictures and names will be posted on the CSD website (see photo on right).

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our peer advisor coordinators, Daniel Girard at [email protected] or Rona Hunt at [email protected]. Have a great school year!

—With Eagle Pride, Nha Kim, Senior Peer Advisor

peeR adviSoRS: Conrad Baer, amelia Bernstein, Juan dillard, Michael Foust, donna Melena, Maria Nixon, Myra Rubio, and Renu Whetstone

www.csdf.k12.ca.us

California School for the Deaf39350 Gallaudet Drive

Fremont, CA 94538

“A school that teaches children to think”

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Fremont, CAPermit No. 14

To:

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

California School for the Deaf150th Anniversary

CelebrationOctober 22-25, 2009

Photographed by Alison Taggart-Barone

California News 10-9-09

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