IOWA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF - Iowa Association of the Deaf

I O W A S C H O O L F O R T H E D E A F
iowa
hawkeye
VOL. 131 • ISSUE 1 2010-2011
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
campus news for families, alumni and friends of isd

The Iowa Hawkeye
is published by
Iowa School for the Deaf.
Vol. 131, No. 1
Jeanne Prickett, EdD
Superintendent
Cynthia Angeroth
Editor/Design
Cindy Schrum
Editorial Support
Additional photos provided by
various staff of Iowa School for the Deaf.
Contact Us
Iowa School for the Deaf
3501 Harry Langdon Boulevard
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712.366.0571
www.iowaschoolforthedeaf.org
facebook.com/ISDOFFICIAL PAGE
Iowa School for the Deaf is a
referral-based education option for
eligible pre K-12 students in Iowa
and Nebraska. The school is dually
accredited by the North Central
Association of Schools and the
Conference of Educational
Administrators of Schools and
Programs for the Deaf.
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PUBLIC
PAW ART
ublic art in the form
of Bobcat mascot
heads were created by
pISD students this fall.
Art students learned
public art is original art in any
medium for display outdoors
or indoors. Public art gives a view
of the past, connects to the present
and gives hope to the future. Art
teacher Cindy Soppe and other
teachers worked with their students
to finish the public art projects in
time for homecoming. Many are still
on display in classrooms.
On the Cover
Need to corral 26 energetic bodies for a photo? Call in
Cassie Contreras, yearbook photographer! Contreras
decided on a creative route when it was time to design
the sophomore yearbook page, and wanted a group
shot of her grade. Yearbook teacher Beth Chadwick
gave a nod of approval- with the understanding
Contreras was to get approvals, schedule the shoot and
manage to have everyone show up. Photos, of course,
are by Contreras. Sophomores Ty Waits (left) and Jacob
Bradley enjoy a chase through campus.
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
See the public art
in this issue!

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ito
the College of Nail
t was all about the art of
being a nail technician for
10 high school girls in late
November. They ventured
Girls Living in the Dorms See World of Nails
Polishing Up On Careers
Design in Omaha for a tour and
post-graduate exploration.
The director of the college gave a
tour of the facilities and explained
the curriculum. The girls learned
about acrylic nails, gel nails, nail
design, nail diseases, manicures,
pedicures and building a clientele.
The girls learned how students pay
for this school, its schedules and
curriculum.
The girls also learned the
students from the college
use their skills to “Pay it
Forward” at an area nursing
home where they give
manicures to residents.
When asked what was most
interesting about their visit to the
College of Nail Design, the girls
had the following comments:
•“The 3-D nail design was
awesome!”
Seeing the nail technicians at
work, learning how they use
chemicals to make different gels.”
• “The teacher really enjoys
watching students learn to do
nails well.”
• “Learning about the different
techniques they use to do nails.”
• “Everything was so amazing!
Seeing the acrylic nails and the
nail designs was cool!”
• “So many things they teach at
the college, very cool.”
There is no price to being
nice! It may be a decade since Haley Joe Osmont became
determined to change the lives of three people on the big screen,
but the film’s underlying theme still applies: Do something nice
for someone and don’t expect anything in return. Two ISD
initiatives are encouraging students to think of others first.
Pay It Forward- Students living in the girls’ dorm are recording
their acts of kindness around campus. Girls who have the most
documented records of kind acts were rewarded in early January.
They were Madison Healy, Shayla Dobias, Brianna Vargo, Kalynn
Coulter, Cassie Contreras, Jocelyn Calderon, Hilary Fink and Carly
Weyers. Staff winner was Dolly Murray.
Acts of Kindness- The elementary/middle school is posting good
deeds students do for others on the wall near the main entrance.
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
more public art

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Students Dig Exhibit
diane LeDoux’s
greenhouse and
foods students got
the dirt on soil this
fall. The classes
visited the Durham
Museum in Omaha to study the
“Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” exhibit.
The students were able to see
samples of different layers of soils
from around the United States and
discovered each state has a name
for its type of soil.
“Foods students did not
understand why they were
included in the field trip,” said
LeDoux. “Then they learned
healthy soil produces healthy food
from animals and plants they eat.”
Did you know there are 70,000
different types of soils?
LeDoux said all students learned
soil can be destroyed quickly by
not caring for the earth. Students
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saw effects of pollution, erosion, 4
pesticides and fertilizers on the
soils, on our food supplies and our
health. “They now understand that
soils are not made by humans, and
it takes thousands of years to form
fertile, healthy soils,” she said.
Videos and exhibit photography
explained how we can help the
earth and how each one of us is
responsible to protect what we
have, said LeDoux. Students went
on a treasure hunt to find the
answers to 20 questions that were
hidden within the exhibit. Want
to know more? Go to the website
www.soils.org and do your own
“digging” into soils.
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
Gettin’ Gourdgeous
Diane LeDoux’s first
Greenhouse
trimester greenhouse
students made
birdhouses
students were
from
so
name
plentiful
of
gourds.
and efficient,
The gourds
they
were
cleaned
donated
up the
by
greenhouse
middle school
ahead
teacher
Sue
of schedule
Meidlinger
this fall.
This provided the
students an opportunity
to recycle some gourds
LeDoux was given a few
years ago by speech
language pathologist
Sue Miles. LeDoux dried
and bleached the gourds.
Students cleaned and
sanded them before
creating designs and
painting them onto the
gourds.
LeDoux noted the
gourds are used
for outside bird
nesting but said
most of the
students are
using their
finished work
as interior
decorations.

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more public art
ISD Helps Set Guiness World Record
ISD students joined more
than 300,000 people across
the world who created a 2010
Guiness World Record called
“Most People Sport Stacking
at Multiple Locations in One
Day.” The historic day was
Nov. 18.
Sport stacking enhances basic motor-
skills, hand-eye coordination and accuracy.
It promotes bilateral proficiency
(equal skill with right and left hands).
Improved concentration and reaction
time may also be improved with sport
stacking.
Dalton “Rush” Rosch scrambles to beat the clock in a cup stacking
event held through Karen Lechner’s physical education classes.
Stephanie Perez is ready to tackle her next station.
Help us make 1,000 fans!
Become Our Fan!
If you aren’t already a fan of Iowa School for the Deaf’s Facebook page, you
are invited to become one. There are several pages with ISD’s name on it, but
only one is the school’s page. Find us at facebook.com/ISDOFFICIALPAGE.
While you are there, click on the upper right bar “Join My Mailing
List” to receive the monthly Bobcat newsletter and other updates.
E-mails average two per month, so you won’t be overwhelmed.
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011

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Science Center Brings Opportunities to ISD Students
Long Hall Gymnasium
A.
A.
E.
D.
B.
M.
J.
G.
L.
I.
K.
F.
C.
A. Hallway contains permanent
inlaid graph in floor, display area
B. Student restrooms
C. High school classroom
D. Faculty restroom
E. Chemical storage
F. High school laboratory
G. Middle school laboratory
H. Dark Room
I. Middle School classroom
J. Kitchen
K. Middle School storage
L. Future Elementary classroom
M. Future Elementary restroom
After a demonstration
involving the science of
bubbles, audience members
officially opened the science
center by making their own
bubbles from individual
bottles. Superintendent Dr. Jeanne
Prickett, senior Ricky Burgess and
special guest speaker Derek Braun of
Gallaudet University led the crowd.
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Bubbling with
Excitement
What better way to commemorate the 155th
anniversary of Iowa School for the Deaf than
with the opening of a new wing?
H.
t emperatures
in the high 70s on Oct. 1 provided
perfect weather for the grand opening celebration
of Iowa School for the Deaf’s Long Hall Science
Center. Housed in the area formerly occupied by a
swimming pool and locker rooms, two modern
laboratories and two classrooms have transformed the
5,000 sq. feet.
The modern space is replete with today’s technology, from white
boards in each lab and classroom to electronic microscopes. The
former middle school classrooms lacked space for traditional science
favorites, such as an aquarium and terrarium. Both are now features in
the new middle school classroom.
The 1930s lab space in the high school could not be altered to accommodate
fume hoods and safety showers- elements essential when
conducting experiments with natural gas. New gas hookups now allow
teachers to expand their experiment possibilities. Adequate storage
will mean teachers have organized access to myriad supplies. With
both schools on campus sharing the space, there will be a reduction of
duplication in materials and equipment.
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
Photos by ISD Yearbook

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Seeing purple– Students and staff
were provided ISD Long Hall Science
Center t-shirts in celebration of the
historical day.
Fame with yourNAME
Plaques bearing names of donors to the Long Hall Science Center will
hang on the wall in the new facility. The plaques will be finalized soon.
If you would like to have your name on the permanent plaque in the
Long Hall Science Center, please send your donation by March 31.
Science center
donors to date:
n 111 Individuals
n 23 Community
Organizations
& Businesses
n 7 Foundations
Thank you for supporting us!
Mail check to:
ISD Foundation
3501 Harry Langdon Boulevard
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Or use PayPal:
iowaschoolforthedeaf.org
click community/professional resources
and the donate button.
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
Gotta hand it
to ‘em– During
the grand opening
ceremony, glass
science cylinders
engraved with the ISD
logo were presented to
corporate donors.
It’s a motivator– Teachers comment
students are always on time to class now, due
to their enthusiasm for learning in the new
space. Students claim they are also on time
because they don’t have to climb another
flight of stairs!

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Write Me a Story
j
onathan Sanchez’s favorite
super hero is Spiderman. He
would like to be a chef when he
grows up.
And if Jonathan ever forgets
what he liked as an 8-year-old,
he can always refer to his book.
Sanchez and other 3rd and 4th
graders at ISD met with Jeanette
Watson’s high school English
students this fall. The high school
students traded a final exam
in Watson’s class for a project
demonstrating their knowledge of
sentence structure, plots, narratives
and other aspects of creative writing.
Books penned by her students,
decided Watson, would be the
perfect project to combine all those
elements.
Research for the books began with
pairing high school and elementary
students, so
Watson’s
students
could glean
information
about the
younger pupils
and create a
personalized
book for them. Elementary students
provided a piece of artwork for
inclusion in the book.
Cheyenne Terry, who was paired with
Sanchez, smiled as he recalled his
interviews with the younger boy. “He’s
very communicative, loves to talk– a
real social kid,” Terry said. Sanchez’s
book was about Spiderman. Although
the meetings went well, Terry said the
project was not simple.
“Writing a children’s book is
not as easy as you might think,
“he said. “They’ve got to be
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
Jonathan Sanchez and
junior Cheyenne Terry
discussed Sanchez’s
favorite super heros,
foods and pastimes.
Terry and his
classmates later wrote
books starring the
younger students.
direct and use simple words,
and can’t be as descriptive
as you would want it to be
for an adult.”
Watson experienced satisfaction
as she watched the projects
evolve. “The elementary students
look up to the high school
students and were in awe,” she
said. “My students exceeded my
expectations. They were very
involved and did a great job.”

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Homecoming ‘10
Spring it on us– Josh Knudson, Class of
‘06, entertained the crowd before kickoff with his
jumping stilts.
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
4th Poker Run Aids
School- Eight participants rode in the
4th ISD Homecoming Poker Run, held Oct. 2.
The event was organized by Michael Friesen.
Thank you for your donation to the ISD Foundation!
Participants: James Buettner, Joey
Meyer, James Larson, Julie Redondo, Doug
Collicot, Tony Nacarelli, James Luttrell and
Mike Friesen.
ISD Hall of Fame Adds
Two to Wall- Francis Jacobson
was honored posthumously with the Distinguished
Service to the Community Award.
Jacobson started the first football team in 1921
with his own funds. Donald Miksell, Class of
‘84, received the Distinguished Service to
the Community Award. Miksell is involved in
myriad state deaf events and committees.
The photos and biographies of the men are
displayed on the main floor of the ISD Administration
Building and will take a permanent spot
in the ISD Museum hallway next fall.
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This year’s opponent was the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Firebirds. Coach Karen Lechner provided
a fireman skit at the pep rally to ‘douse’ the Firebirds’ flames. Although the homecoming
opponent has often been invited to watch the pep rally, this was the first year some of the Firebird
athletes participated in the night’s games. Royalty crowned at the pep rally were King Shannon
McArthur, Jr. of Nebraska City and Queen Carly Weyers of Waverly, Neb.

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Get More News!
To be sure you are receiving more
news and publications about Iowa
School for the Deaf, sign up to
receive information electronically!
We send about two e-mails per
month, via Constant Contact.
Here’s how to sign up:
1. Send an e-mail to cangeroth@
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us know of your wishes OR
2. Go to Facebook.com/
ISDOFFICIALPAGE and click on “Join
our mailing list” at the top.
t
this school year, ISD transition coordinator Kristi Wills
was interviewed by National Public Radio (91.5 KIOS FM
in Omaha) and KMA (99.1FM/960 AM in Iowa) regarding
the 4PLUS program’s success. Currently the program has
10 students. Students work in competitive employment,
attend college or both. 4PLUS teachers Wendy Rustad and
Wills provide job coaching, life skills education, one-on-one
tutoring and more. Pictured is David Grandberry, who found a job
through 4PLUS and has recently been promoted at his workplace.
The 4PLUS student center has been
relocated to the north side of the
careers building. The new kitchen
and lounge area was perfect for
the program’s first Thanksgiving
feast, providing lessons in nutrition,
budgeting and cooking.
4PLUS is the only transition
program in Iowa exclusively
for deaf and hard-of-hearing
students.
It’s a Tie! Student volunteers attempt a magic rope trick
when Matthew Magic Morgan’s show came to town in September.
Left to right are Jonathan Sanchez, Elisa Perez, Nobuo Kamizuru of
the magician troupe, Brandon Dunlap and Elizabeth Van Camp.
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Tuning in to 4PLUS
Computers for all– High school students received new HP Mini Netbooks at the
start of the school year. The units weigh about two pounds, are 1” thick and smaller than a
sheet of notebook paper. The computers are for in-school use, and may be used in the dorms.
Students are using the netbooks to take notes, perform internet searches, write papers and
more. Teachers have the final say if the units are on or off during class, however. They can
instantly set the students’ machines to a black screen, to be sure all eyes are on the lesson.
Cup of Joe to Go
ASTRA service club students
provide an array of coffees, hot
chocolate and cider once a month
to staff as a fundraiser for area
homeless shelters. About $25 is
brought in at each sale.
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011

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NEED MEDICAL CARE?
ISD Nurses Are There!
hen an ISD
student becomes
ill or injured,
staff at the ISD
wHealth Center provide professional
care round the clock! Registered
nurses tend to all health needs,
from administering medication
to scheduling dental and eye
screenings. A local pediatrician and
pediatric nurse practitioner provide
examination and evaluation services
on campus and are available at all
hours for consultation.
School nurses do a lot more than
dispense medication and apply
bandaids!
Other services provided through
the health center:
n Medical assessment and
treatment.
n Maintain concise health and
immunization records for each
student.
n Offer short-term or overnight
accommodation to ill and
recuperating students.
“We put a little TLC in
everything we do!”
-Diane Knigge, Health Center
n Set up yearly dental and vision
screenings.
n Offer influenza vaccination for
students and staff.
n Schedule in-house consultation
with a sports therapist for assessment,
treatment and referral.
n Work closely with the Green Hills
AEA audiologist, Boys Town National
Research Hospital, and local audiology
service providers to meet students’
audio, hearing aid, and cochlear
implant needs.
n Maintain ongoing communication
and referral with the occupational and
physical therapists, vision specialist, and
psychologist at Green Hills AEA.
n Write Health Reviews to be
included in the IEP and participate in
IEP evaluations.
n Develop IHP’s (Individual Health
Plans) for students with special medical
or physical needs.
n Offer health information and
education to students and staff
through:
v Classroom and dormitory presentations.
v Individual/group discussion/information.
v School Health Council education and
programs.
v Education, information, and weight loss
Dee Willer,
R.N., shows
Madison
Plager her
weight.
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and fitness programs
for staff by the Staff
Wellness Committee.
v Set up CPR and
First Aid training inservices
for staff with
the American Heart
Association.
v Bloodborne
Pathogen training and
Medication Manager
clinical certification.
The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
The Go Between
When medical or dental
appointments can’t wait for
homegoing, ISD’s health center
ensures students receive
the necessary services. Geri
Knoebel, a licensed interpreter,
is the ‘go between.’ Knoebel
provides transportation and
interpretation for students
at medical appointments in
Omaha and Council Bluffs.
She relays information about
the appointments to the health
center nurses, who follow-up
with parents.
Above, Knoebel dons “over-thetop”
protective gear while filling
environmentally-friendly
disinfectant bottles for distribution
to campus departments.
Knoebel’s health center duties
keep her on the go. Twice a
year, she refreshes bloodborne
pathogen kits throughout
campus. She also assists with
annual staff bloodborne training,
by demonstrating proper glove
doffing technique as well as
how to wear protective gowns
and masks. (Knoebel has been
known to offer advice on how to
accessorize such an outfit!)
Knoebel is also the face of
Celebrate ISD, the senior breakfast,
Red Wheel fundraiser and other
campus special projects.

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A new sign was purchased by the Class of ‘10. It is near the
football field’s concession stand at the north campus entrance.
A few members of the Class of ‘10 (all whom are 4PLUS
students now) are pictured: (left to right) Bryiona Brooks,
Alica Vargas, Mike Fick, Peter Schwietz and Alba Lavrenz.
Other Bobcat news- (fall sports records) football, 1-7;
volleyball, 9-14. Deaf Digest All-American Football
First Team: Zach Raes, offensive line; Deaf Digest
Volleyball All-American First Team: Carly Weyers.
Watch us make some
The Paw
Factor
3501 Harry Langdon Blvd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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The Iowa Hawkeye • Fall, 2010
The Iowa Hawkeye Issue 1, 2010/2011
What We Need
To Know
Nearly 40 stakeholders in deaf
education across the state
attended the symposium, “What
Do We Need to Know About Deaf
Education,” held Aug. 31 in West
Des Moines. Invited audience
members included parents,
alumni, legislators, Regents,
superintendents, teachers of the
deaf/hard of hearing, students
and representatives from various
agencies which interact with facets
of deaf education. The afternoon
was hosted by Iowa School for the
Deaf and the Board of Regents,
State of Iowa.
Claire Bugen, superintendent at
Texas School for the Deaf, gave
the presentation, “Changes in the
Landscape of Deaf Education and
Schools for the Deaf.” Sean Virnig,
deaf education consultant from
Minnesota, gave the presentation,
“Deaf Education. Achievement.
Outcomes. Best Practices. What?
How?”
Following the presentations,
participants separated into groups
to discuss ideas and challenges
regarding deaf education in Iowa.
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OMAHA, NE
PERMIT NO 546