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Schoolwide Event Calendar
Each student enrolled in the High School program of the Scranton State School for the Deaf follows an Individual Education Plan (IEP) designed to meet his or her learning style and needs. The mission of the school, "to enable and empower each enrolled student to reach his/her full potential," is the ultimate goal of the high school program. It is implemented in an environment of free-flowing communication using sign language supported by other modes as may be deemed appropriate for the individual student. The assumption of a responsible and productive role as an adult in our society is expected of every graduate of SSSD.
For students to earn a diploma, a full academic course of study is available throughout the span of the four year high school program. Students must complete a minimum number of credits in required courses, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as well as take a variety of elective classes. The curriculum offered includes the basic such courses such as:
Classroom instruction is supplemented by computer-assisted instruction,
distance learning, work study opportunities, involvement with
community projects and cultural events. Students may prepare for
transition to higher education, vocational training, the workplace
or perhaps a sheltered workshop, or a community living arrangement
upon graduation. In addition, school life is enhanced with such
extra curricular activities as: yearbook, Senior Class Activities,
Junior National Association of the Deaf, Student Body Government,
trips to cultural events such as theater in New York City, and
drivers education. Involvement with the annual bridge building
contest, investment portfolios and the Lackawanna River Corridor
enhance the daily academic program by participation in the world
beyond the classroom. The Scranton area is home to two universities
and several colleges. These also provide venues for additional
academic and cultural experiences for the students of SSSD.
Honor Roll and Awards Day programs recognize the achievements of our students on a regular basis. Outstanding students find themselves eligible for induction into the National Honor Society. Graduation is always a poignantly sweet day as students culminate their secondary education in a moving ceremony of awards and good wishes. Families are invited to celebrate at these and other assembly programs throughout the year.
Students who demonstrate special needs in the areas of emotional, physical and/or cognitive support may also find a high school program at SSSD. Based on the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) these students may, in addition to their academic program, find support for developing social, emotional, motor and thinking skills through full or part-time participation in specially designed self-contained classrooms and therapeutic services. Attending SSSD gives the student with special needs the opportunity to have those needs met in an environment where sign language is available to support free-flowing communication while other needs are being addressed.
Career guidance is available in the counseling department to aid students in choosing their future educational path, as well as from the vocational evaluation support services. When appropriate, a students' IEP may include attending classes within the local schools, with or without the support of interpreter services A close relationship with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Deafness Rehabilitation Counselors is shared to assist students as the transition from High School draws near. Upon graduation a student at SSSD may earn a certificate or a diploma from both SSSD and their local school district depending upon the program credits they have completed.
SSSD provides a vocational Evaluator to determine each student's vocational strengths. Students participate in prevocational training in such areas as industrial arts, business education, and home economics, and computer technology on the SSSD campus.
A cooperative vocational education program has been successfully organized with the Lackawanna County Technology Center. SSSD students take part in a variety of programs offered leading to job ready training in such areas as commercial art, food preparation, material handling, building trades, cosmetology, warehousing and many other fields.
On and off campus work study opportunities are arranged for students interested in obtaining on- the-job training. Students completing the vocational program may receive a certificate and/or a diploma upon graduation depending on earned credits and academic success.
The classroom environment is enhance by a full time on-campus library and media department. The library is designed to provided students with reading materials and resources for support of the classroom academics. In addition half of the library is dedicated to professional resources related to deafness subjects. The professional resources are available to staff and student's families. A special library of multiple copies of books for use in classroom reading programs, in support of whole language experiences, is maintained. The media center provides support to the classrooms, ongoing technology support in the computer labs and distance learning center, and satellite link-up for program reception. Media also provides videotape resources for sign language and archives of programs presented at SSSD. Students have access to instruction in photography and the production of school videos and yearbooks through the media center.
From the U.S. Interstate 81, Exit 188: follow directional signs at the end of the exit ramp toward Dunmore following Blakely Street to traffic light at Drinker Street. Turn right onto Drinker Street that merges with Electric Street. Proceed to second traffic light. At this intersection, turn right onto North Washington Avenue, enter the main driveway on your right. Visitor parking is on your right.
Further information regarding enrollment or services offered by SSSD can be obtained by contacting: