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Schoolwide Event Calendar
First Day of School 2008-2009 | Hexagon Project | Cafeteria Renovation | Recruitment Task Force Formed | Fundraiser for SSSD Student | Evon J.Black Entertains | Crisis Training | Car Show 08 | Graduation 08 | Open House 2007 | Honor Roll Policy |Alumni Transcripts |
First Day of School 2008-2009
Middle School students gather to discuss some plans for the year with their teachers.
High School students gather in a circle in the Gym with their teachers to get acquainted and meet their teachers
Ms. Casparro already at work in the classroom
Happy faces in the Primary Building
Students work on the Pledge of Allegiance in Ms. Swank's classroom
Big smiles for the first day of school
Ms. Amie DiNardo and her class
SSSD Student Wins Prize for "Hexagon Project" Entry
Local artists and educators joined efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania to conduct the "Hexagon Project" competition as part of the local celebration of Interpendence Day. Planners of the event include George Barbolish, Jean Boam, Beth Burkhauser and Dr. Monita G. Hara.
George, of Mountain View School District, and Beth, are chairmen of the Interdependence Day event, with the assistance of Jean, the director of administration for Diversified Information Technologies; and Dr. Hara, the superintendent of the Scranton State School for the Deaf.
Interdependence Day was launched in Philadelphia Sept. 12, 2003, as a post-9/11 symbol of regeneration. The Hexagon Project involves junior and senior high school students throughout the world by asking them to think through, and respond creatively, to any of the themes of Global Interdependence: Diversity and Commonality, Democracy, Human and Civil Rights, Environmental Issues and Children’s Rights.
Students create their responses collaboratively or individually, using a hexagon-shaped template that will be publicly installed as an interlinking installation at the MAC Gallery at Diversified Information Technologies, 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, as the local kick-off for the sixth annual Interdependence Day celebration on Sept. 5.
A number of SSSD students participated in the project under the direction of Candice Macy, SSSD Art Teacher.
Brett Doty-Lupold, an SSSD High School student tied for Second Place honors in the Senior High Two Dimensional Individual Work Category with a fellow competitor. Another group of SSSD students participated in a Category entitled Collaborations: created by more than one student. They included Slava Slavova, Aharon Riolo, Jennifer Muniz, Brett Doty-Lupold, Byron Evans, Joshua Erickson, Michael Derenick and Douglas Persing.
Can you Keep a Secret????
Major Makeover Taking Place in SSSD Cafeteria!SSSD summer staff has been hard at work on a major construction project and "face lift" for our school cafeteria. The results of their hard work will be revealed when students return for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 27! We think you will be amazed at the results!
Student Recruitment Task Force Formed
A Student Recruitment Task Force Committee has been established at the Scranton State School for the Deaf at the direction of the Board of Trustees for the purpose of informing parents, students and educational entities about the educational resources available at the school. The Committee desires to share information regarding the school and its programs so that parents have the opportunity to make a well-informed decision about their child's placement in a setting capable of appropriately serving deaf and hard of hearing children in a language-rich environment. Members of the committee are as follows:
William O'Neill, Chairman
Dr. Mahmoud Fahmy, Co-Chairman
Margaret Davison Matisko, President, SSSD Board of Trustees
Sandra Hyman-Mehaffey, Director of Instruction
Ruth Gerrity, Instructor
Joseph Antosh, Technology
John Corkill, Public Relations
Susan Fudge, Dorm Program
Doug Boersma, Student Development Activities Specialist
Martin Keller, High School Principal
Mark Denton, Elementary Principal
Margaret Marino, Asst. Director of Instruction
SSSD Teacher Does 5,500 sit-ups to raise funds for student John Dougher
Mr. John Hubert, SSSD Instructor in the process of completing
5,500 sit-ups for the John Dougher fund raiser.Nine-year-old John Dougher is an elementary student at the Scranton State School for the Deaf. On Saturday May 10th, he received a kidney transplant at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. On Tuesday May 27th, SSSD teacher John Hubert conducted a personal "sit-ups marathon" as a fundraiser to benefit John and successfully completed 5,500 sit-ups in 1 hour 44 minutes. In 2003, Hubert did 3,200 sit-ups as a fundraiser for the school's elementary department, and in 2005 he completed 5,001 sit-ups in 99 minutes to help defray medical expenses for a student at SSSD. This time Hubert performed a variety of conventional sit-ups and abdominal crunches as well as using an Ab Sculptor machine and various-sized fitness balls. In the past, he has also completed long-distance running projects to raise funds for senior class trips. Anyone wishing to donate to the project may mail his or her contributions to:
SSSD
attn: The John Dougher Fund
1800 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, Pa. 18509
Ms. Evon J. Black Entertains at SSSD
Evon J. Black brought her one-woman show to the SSSD Gymnasium on June 3, the evening before she was scheduled to deliver the Commencement Address at SSSD's graduation ceremony. She was introduced by Dr. Monita G. Hara, a personal friend and former co-worker of Ms. Black. Her performance, entitled "Mama Cares," entertained a crowd of students, alumni and members of the community with stories of her life growing up in a small southern town. She used American Sign Language, mime and audience participation activities to captivate her audience and keep them laughing for close to two hours. During her performance she encouraged audience members to come up on the stage and do such varied activities as jumping "Double Dutch" with two ropes and joining at a table on stage for a "Soul Food" dinner. Her activities all had a positive message as did her many stories about her youth and the barriers she faced as she grew.
Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training on Campus
Conducting a "Proxemics and Kinesics" exercise with the group
Doug Boersma, right, explains the CPI Development Model while co-presenter, Marge Snopek, seated, looks onTwenty-eight SSSD staff members, representing all school departments, recently participated in a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training conducted on the SSSD campus following the close of the school year. Instructors for the three-day session were Douglas Boersma and Marge Snopek, who are SSSD staff members and fully certified to conduct the training. Presentations, hands-on exercises and group discussions were a part of each day's experience. Throughout the instruction the concepts of care, welfare, safety and security of students was of primary importance.
SSSD Car Show Proves to be Premier Event of Spring Season
One of the show highlights!
Over 100 beautiful cars came out for the day!
A classic Corvette!
Volunteer chefs!
Volunteers helped with the Basket Raffle!
Something for everyone!
Alumni and friends gather around a car they exhibited!
A great turnout from the deaf community!Dark skies and a threatening forecast failed to stop SSSD's sixth annual Car Show from taking place on Sunday, May 4. By mid-morning the sun broke through and a beautiful day emerged to the delight of event planners. An estimated 117 classic, antique and hot rod cars and their owners braved the weather and turned out to help make the day a huge success for our school. With the sponsorship of the Pocono Mountain Street Rods organization, the Car Show has grown into a premier activity of the busy SSSD spring season.
The Car Show is manned by a long list of volunteers including members of the Pocono Mountain Street Rods, volunteers from the SSSD staff and friends of the school.
Dr. Monita G. Hara, SSSD Superintendent, noted, "It is wonderful that the entire community comes out to support us and at the same time enjoy the neat cars, the food as well as the fellowship. In addition, we have many car aficionados in the Scranton area who are deaf. They bring their cars to the show as well. Fun is had by all."
The number of participating cars in the Car Show has grown each year as well as the amount of money raised to benefit students. A large portion of that total was raised through the generosity of this year's twenty-nine Business Patrons of the event who contributed products and services for Raffle Baskets and twenty-six Individual Patrons who made a monetary donation. Ms. Gail Oliveri of the SSSD Business Office staff put extraordinary effort into coordinating the Basket Raffle and recruiting patrons. With the assistance of Ms. Debra O'Neill, a Business Office co-worker, and their respective daughters, they handle all Basket sales on the day of the event and have done so for the last six years.
Food sales also make up a considerable portion of Car Show profits. A team of Parent Support Organization volunteers including Bob and Fern Boyce, Steve Oatman and Doug Boersma served up delicious food for Car Show visitors. Mr. Joseph Antosh, and his family volunteered at the popcorn concession for the day to complete the effort. Other critical tasks for the show were performed by volunteers Merrill Mayenschein, William O'Neill, Susan Monigas and Sandy Weldon.
The Car Show is an example of a good thing that can be accomplished when generous people volunteer their time and talent to achieve a common goal. Everyone associated with the Car Show commented they enjoyed the experience, and the payoff is, our students benefit from their effort.
Scranton State School for the Deaf Graduation…2008
A time for celebration!
Principal Martin Keller offers a welcome
Ms. Evon J. Black inspired graduates
Dr. Monita G. Hara addresses a packed house
The Class of 2008 of the Scranton State School for the Deaf graduated on Wednesday, June 4 at the schools' Forty-fourth Commencement Exercises held in the school's Anthony Ligi Gymnasium. A near capacity group of parents, family members, friends, students and school staff sat in attendance to honor the graduates. Class members included Luis Amador, Allentown, Michael Derenick, Taylor, Jamilette Diaz, Allentown, Justin Eckhart, Slatington, Kaley Leonard, West Chester, Timothy Sweeney, Berwick, Charles Turkmany, Milford, Brett Wanner, Shoemakersville and Branden Wilmot, Montrose. Missing from the event were Bobbi Jo Etzel and Samuel Muriel.The event began with the traditional march into the ceremony by members of the Student Body Government and a welcome by Mr. Martin Keller, Jr., Principal of SSSD's Middle, High School and Special Unit, who also acted as Master of Ceremonies. The graduates were seated in a semicircle facing the stage.
Dr. Monita G. Hara, SSSD Superintendent, related to the audience how she had surveyed the graduates with four questions that included: (1) Tell me something that you are proud of that you have accomplished? (2) What have you enjoyed the most about coming to school at SSSD? (3) Who are the people who have helped you out most in your life and how did they help you? (4) What will you be doing in 10 years?Dr. Hara relayed the responses students gave to the audience and the answers proved to be interesting, hopeful and intuitive. She closed her remarks with, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. And may you always find yourself "Leading the Way" just as you have been leading the way at the Scranton State School for the Deaf since you arrived on this campus."
Mr. Michael A. Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Administration at the Pennsylvania Department of Education represented the Department, made remarks and brought greetings from Dr. Gerald L. Zahorchak, Secretary of Education.
Ms. Sandra Hyman-Mehaffey, Director of Instruction, conducted a promotion ceremony for Fifth and Eighth grade students as part of the event. Nicholas Bonifanti, Madison Kober, Janellie Pendlebury and Kaleb Walker were promoted from Fifth grade to Middle School and Danielle Brunner, Michelle Glassmeyer, Tyler Grabousky, Ashton Master, Ciara Meletiche, Kayla Miller, Alina Rosas, Chance Schelble, Nicolette Schwab, Rosemerian Souffront-Rios, Kira Uber, Kayla Williams and Nicholas Zapotocky were promoted from Eighth grade to High school.
Ms. Evon J. Black delivered the graduation address to the SSSD seniors. Ms. Black holds multiple degrees from Gallaudet University and is currently a performing artist and motivational speaker. She is currently the Coordinator of Technology Services for Deaf Services under the Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She mixed wisdom with humor and storytelling in her presentation, telling students that their deafness can sometimes prove to be an asset.
Mr. Timothy Sweeney was the Class President. He noted that there would be a number of "firsts" in his presentation. In fact, his presentation was the first speech he had ever made at a public event. He commented that his days at SSSD had given him the opportunity to experience many first time events and to grow with new experiences.
A large number of honors and awards were conferred to the graduates. First, each Senior was presented with a gift of $100.00 from the SSSD Parent Support Organization; Brett Wanner was the recipient of the Principal's Award; Timothy Sweeney was presented with the Director of Instruction Award for a Positive Contribution to SSSD; Kaley Leonard received the Outstanding Vocational Student Award; the Kevin Skiba Memorial Award went to Luis Amador; Timothy Sweeney was presented with the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf Lifetime Membership Award and Yamilette Diaz was named as the recipient of the Career Technology Center Certificate of Program Completion Special Recognition - Student of the Year.
The graduates made a number of presentations during the event. They presented an ASL video based on the song "Dream Big" that expressed their feelings about graduation and the day beautifully and expressively in American Sign Language. They also individually thanked their parents in the audience and presented them with flowers in appreciation for all their support during their years at SSSD.
Diplomas were presented to students with the assistance of SSSD administration, members of the SSSD Board of Trustees and school district representatives. After the traditional tossing of their mortar boards in the air closing remarks were offered by Dr. Hara and the ceremony concluded.
Receptions followed in the school Community Room and in the Residence.
Open House 2007
SSSD recently hosted an Open House to give parents the opportunity to visit school, meet their child's teachers and participate in events designed to update them on what is happening on the SSSD campus.
Ms. Sandra Hyman-Mahaffey, SSSD Director of Instruction organized the event and reported that a large number of parents were in attendance and thirty-one parent conferences were held.
Parents arrived around noon for refreshments and an opportunity to peruse displays from SSSD and visiting agencies including the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The program started with an Honor Roll Assembly to celebrate the academic success of students during the First Quarter of the school year conducted by Ms. Hyman-Mehaffey.
The next segment of the day offered a choice of two workshops. The first, presented by Dr. Kristin DiPerri, was geared for Preschool Parents and targeted approaches to improving early language learning for young deaf and hard of hearing children. The second workshop was conducted through the SSSD Nurse's Office and centered on "Keeping Students Healthy." Parents in attendance had favorable comments regarding the useful content and presenters at both meetings.
Following the workshops, parents had an opportunity to visit their child's classroom and discuss progress and concerns with SSSD faculty. They also had an opportunity to preregister for ten-minute sessions with their child's instructors in order to maximize one-on-one time.
Parents next gathered in the school Community Room to hear Mr. John Dickinson, nationally known deaf architect, discuss his strategy for the development of a Capital Project Master Plan and Utilization Study. With the help of a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Dickinson explained how factors such as lighting , room design, vibration containment and sound control can have a pronounced effect on the physical learning environment for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Tours of the newly-decorated residential living areas followed Mr. Dickenson's presentation. Residential staff was delighted to show off the results of a summer of hard work and creativity that beautified the major portion of the SSSD Residential Area. Parents had an opportunity to tour the many "themed" rooms and listen to positive comments from the students occupying them.
The day concluded with a family-oriented dinner on campus for parents and their children.
Honor Roll Policy
The policy divides the school into three Honor Roll groups including Primary, Intermediate and Secondary.
The criteria for appointment to the Primary Honor Roll includes students who are in grades K,1,2,3 or 4 and meet the following requirements: either all Satisfactory (S) or S and Improving (I) grades or "A" and "B" grades. Students with Unsatisfactory (U), "C" or "F" grades are not eligible for the Primary Honor Roll.
The criteria for appointment to the Intermediate Honor Roll includes students who are in grades 5,6,7 or 8 and meet the following requirements: a 3.0 average meaning all "A", "B", "C", or "S" or "I" grades. Students with Unsatisfactory (U), "D" or "F" grades are not eligible for the Intermediate Honor Roll.
The criteria for appointment to the Secondary Honor Roll includes students who are in grades 5,6,7 or 8 and meet the following requirements: a 3.0 average meaning all "A", "B", "C", or "S" or "I" grades. Students with Unsatisfactory (U), "D" or "F" grades are not eligible for the Secondary Honor Roll.
High School students whose average falls slightly below the 3.0 limit but still have a good report card are now eligible to be appointed to the new "Director's List."
SSSD students who attend the Lackawanna County Career Technology Center (CTC) will follow the Secondary Honor Roll criteria and will be eligible for a new honor titled "CTC Project of the Quarter." That honor is given to a student who is identified by his or her instructor at the CTC as having excelled in their work assignment at the Center.
Another new program identified in the new policy is the "Student of the Quarter" honor. To be selected as a student of the Quarter a student must demonstrate good character, leadership and scholarship.
A student demonstrating good character would show respect, show kindness to others, offer help, show acceptance and tolerance of others who are different, have a positive attitude and outlook and get involved in Community Service.
A student demonstrating leadership develops his or her own opinions, helps others to solve problems, steps forward to lead activities, guides others to become involved, is a a role model for other students and has a "clean record."
A student demonstrating scholarship values education, is serious about learning and shows effort.
Teachers and staff who observe students throughout the quarter select the "Student of the Quarter". Up to five students can be selected, one each from Preschool, Elementary, Junior High School, Special Unit and High School. Preschool would include the Preschool Program, Elementary includes grades K through 6. Junior High includes grades 7 and 8. Special Unit includes students with special challenges. High School is for grades 9 through 12.
Alumni Requests for Copies of Records and Transcripts
If you need to have a copy of your records or transcripts for employment,
college or agency services, we are happy to do that for you. However, you
must submit your request in writing. You must allow 3 to 4 weeks for us to
process your request. Send the request to: Sandra Hyman-Mehaffey at SSSD's
address. Your request must include:
*Your name as it was when you graduated/left SSSD;
*Your date of birth;
*The year you graduated/left;
*The type of information you are requesting;
*Where you want the information to be sent;
*Your signature and date of request.
