 |
The Clarke Connection:
March 2017
|
THE ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF CLARKE SCHOOLS FOR HEARING AND SPEECH
|
|
|
Message from Hugh D. Babowal, Chair of the Board
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of an executive team of two individuals to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer for Clarke. Doug Scott, Interim CEO, is a senior executive with extensive strategic and leadership expertise in both the private and nonprofit sector in the US and abroad, and Valerie Martin, Interim CFO, is a senior operations and financial executive with wide ranging experience in the philanthropic, public accounting and governmental sectors. Read more >
|
|
Clarke Orlando Student Spotlight: Angelina
When three-year old bookworm Angelina was born in December of 2013, she failed her newborn hearing screening. Soon after, she was diagnosed with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Her parents were shocked, as both her older siblings have typical hearing. Angelina received bilateral cochlear implants in 2015, and from June through December of 2016, she and her family participated in Clarke's tVISIT program ----- in which Early Intervention services are provided over the Internet via videoconferencing technology. Read more >
|
|
Connections Profile: Mary Jane Johnson, Beloved Mentor and Team Member at Clarke Boston
Mary Jane is the consummate professional in the field of deaf education," says Dr. Jan Gatty, Director of Child and Family Services at Clarke Northampton and a member of the Smith College faculty. "During her career, Mary Jane has worked with children of all ages, in all settings and with families of many different cultures. Her tenure in the field has provided her with a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills that are extraordinary and rare. Also, Mary Jane is a teacher's teacher. She engenders confidence in her co-workers, and she inspires the beginning learner." Read more >
|
|
Hearing Health Magazine: Clarke Corner Archive
Hearing Health Magazine is about to publish the seventh in a series of eight articles authored by Clarke professionals that focus on children with hearing loss who are learning to listen and talk. This collaboration allows Clarke's expertise to reach new audiences with key information, tips and resources about pediatric hearing loss and Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) therapy and education. In anticipation of the final two articles, we have created an online archive to keep you informed and engaged. Take a look at the archive >
|
|
Sponsor A Child: Bridge the Gap!
You can sponsor a child and help bridge the gap for Clarke! The gap between the public funds Clarke receives and our cost to provide services is $5,000 per child, per year from birth to age five. By sponsoring a child for $5,000, you can make a lasting difference for a child and help address Clarke's annual funding gap of more than $2 million. Following an initial rollout in New York, we have launched Sponsor a Child in Boston, Jacksonville, Northampton and Philadelphia. You can sponsor a child, like Leobardo (pictured here), and receive notes, artwork, videos and updates demonstrating his progress and the impact of your support! Please contact Lillian Rountree at lrountree@clarkeschools.org or 973.453.5635 for more information or to make your pledge! Learn more >
|
|
Scholarship Available to Clarke Alumni: Submit your Application by May 1, 2017
The Caroline A. Yale Memorial Fund was established in 1937 by the Clarke School Alumni Association in memory of Miss Caroline A. Yale for her distinguished contributions to Clarke. Miss Yale was a pioneer who supported oral education for students, firmly believing that they should be given every opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed. Any former student who has attended one of the five Clarke locations for at least one year, regardless of whether the applicant graduated or mainstreamed early, may apply for a scholarship from the Yale Fund. The application deadline is May 1. Email alumni@clarkeschools.org with questions. Apply with the online application >
|
|
Preschooler Keily Sings Classic
Lullaby
Keily began receiving services at Clarke New York as an infant. Now a preschooler in our integrated classroom (where half the children are deaf or hard of hearing and half are children with typical hearing), Keily is preparing to transition to a kindergarten in her neighborhood school this September! We have loved watching Keily blossom as she and her friends have learned to listen and talk, play and sing. Enjoy Keily's rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star >
|
|
Clarke Northampton Preschoolers Celebrate Maple Syrup Season in New England
It's maple syrup season in New England and Clarke Northampton preschoolers are taking full advantage of this very special time of year! The Clarke Northampton Integrated Preschool recently began their nature unit, and completed a special lesson on the maple sugaring season-which takes place from late February through early April each spring. The children worked with their teachers to tap an historic sugar maple tree on campus. Soon, they will be boiling the sap they collect to make their own syrup... and testing it out at their special pancake party!
|
|
Clarke Alum Stars in Pennsylvania Theater Producation
Clarke Philadelphia alumnus Ryan Budka, who has bilateral cochlear implants, played a lead role in a local theater production of Stuart Little this month. Ryan received Early Intervention services and attended Clarke Philadelphia's Preschool Program, after which he mainstreamed to his local neighborhood kindergarten. Ryan was thrilled at the opportunity to perform in this classic children's production and his family loved having the chance to see him on stage! Bravo, Ryan!
|
|
Clarke Boston Preschoolers Celebrate 99th Day of School with Special Luncheon
A hungry crew of preschoolers from Clarke Boston recently dined out in celebration of their 99th day of the school year at ----- you guessed it ----- the 99 Restaurant! Teachers worked with the students in advance to prepare them for speaking in clear voices to order their meals, listening carefully to their server to answer questions and advocating for themselves by requesting repetition if they missed conversation during any noisy restaurant moments. During lunch, they enjoyed chatting about a variety of topics, including what they'd done over the weekend. The students loved this experience and are looking forward to showing off their worldly new skills with their families! Bon Appetit!
|
|
Clarke Mainstream Student Wins Science Fair Honors and Art Awards
Kate Plunkett, who has a moderate sensorineural hearing loss and wears bilateral hearing aids, has recently received several distinctions----- from scientific inquiry to abstract painting! Currently an eighth grader at a private school in Rhode Island, Kate has attended her local mainstream schools since she was three years old, receiving Clarke Mainstream services along the way from an itinerant teacher of the deaf.
In January, Kate's science fair project ----- on the relative conductivity of sound energy through various media ----- won the esteemed Rhode Island First Lego League competition. Kate also won the Rhode Island Art Education Association Competition of 2017 and received an Honorable Mention from The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her mixed media abstract painting of a sunset in Florida. Way to go, Kate!
|
|
Spring Workshop:
Children with Hearing Loss and Additional Challenges
April 28, 2017 | Sponsored by Clarke Mainstream Services and hosted by CREC Soundbridge in Wethersfield, CT
This special day-long training designed for speech-language pathologists and teachers of the deaf will be presented by Christina Perigoe, PhD, CCC-SLP, CED., LSLS Cert. AVT and hosted by Clarke Mainstream Services. Other professionals and parents of children with hearing loss are also welcome. Dr. Perigoe will provide an overview of children with hearing loss who have additional challenges, including potential difficulties with assessment, intervention and in counseling families. She will also discuss various obstacles particular to cochlear implant teams. Register today >
|
|
Free One-Day Workshop for Professionals:
Indicators of Auditory-guided Speech Development in Young Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Save the Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 | Sponsored by Med-El at Clarke Philadelphia on the Campus of LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA
In this workshop with featured speaker David J. Ertmer, PhD, CCC-SLP, attendees will learn to recognize changes in prelinguistic vocalizations that indicate that hearing is actually guiding speech development. New tools for assessing early spoken language development will be shared and family-centered strategies for very young children will be explored. Phonological development and the attainment of intelligible speech will also be discussed with regard to recent research, new assessment tools and intervention techniques. Mark your calendar and find out more >
|
|
38th Annual Conference on Mainstreaming Students with Hearing Loss:
Supporting Listening, Language and Literacy in the Mainstream Classroom
Save the Date: October 19 & 20, 2017 | Sponsored by Clarke Mainstream Services at Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA
Mark your calendar for our 38th annual conference on mainstreaming students with hearing loss. This year's two-day conference will be held in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and will once again feature a full line-up of impressive speakers. We are thrilled to announce that this year's opening keynote speaker, Dr. Carol Flexer, will be giving a presentation on "Auditory Brain Development: The Foundation of Listening, Language and Pre-Literacy." Our day-long program for students with hearing loss in grades 7-12, "Making Connections," will also be offered. Look for registration information in August. Sponsor or exhibitor opportunities available now >
|
|
Kilwins 5th Annual Ice Cream Run Draws Over 750
On Saturday, March 4, more than 750 Clarke friends and fans showed up for the 5th annual Kilwins Ice Cream Run at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Some ran, some walked, some dashed... but all joined together to enjoy ice cream and a gorgeous morning in support of Clarke Jacksonville's work teaching children with hearing loss how to listen and talk. In addition to an incredible turnout, we were thrilled to be featured in two local news segments, on First Coast News and News4 Jacksonville.
At this year's event, Clarke and Kilwins "coned" Florida's first-ever Ice Cream Royal Court, honored for being top performers in fundraising for Clarke Jacksonville. Princess Arrianna Butz, Prince Ryan Miller, King Brett Trevett and Queen Megan Clementi received custom-designed crowns, plaques and yearlong bragging rights as Ice Cream Royalty. As top individual fundraiser, Megan Clementi also won JetBlue round-trip airfare for two! Highlights of this family-friendly event also included the Kiddie Dash, in which 35 Clarke students ran a 100-yard dash after all the 5K runners crossed the finish line. We are so thankful to all those who donated and joined us at this fantastic event! See the event photos and race results >
|
|
Clarke New York Hosts Vibrant 11th Annual Family Reunion
Clarke New York's recent 11th Annual Family Reunion was a wonderful celebration that brought together many of our current and alumni families and staff! We are grateful to our friends at Barnes & Noble for providing us with their great space and expert event logistics. And we were lucky to have Sabori (aka Carmen & John Berdeguer, Miguel Cruz, Amy & Arturo Millan and Dan Luciano) in the house, giving our party a salsa beat! Our fabulous volunteers ----- Ketty Baalla, Kim Bradford, Katy Obregon, Mercedes Ramos, Nell Rosenberg, Sue Schmidberger and Ellie Tunisen ----- ensured that the festivities ran smoothly and all had a blast. Last but not least, kudos to the talented Ana Tizzi who helped document the day with her beautiful photographs! Whether you were with us in person or in spirit, we know you'll enjoy our Family Reunion web album >
|
|
Families and Teachers Skate to Benefit Clarke
On a recent icy weekend morning, an excited crew of families joined together for an open skate at the Mullins Center practice rink at UMass Amherst, in support of Clarke Northampton's K-8 Program! It was wonderful to see so many happy Clarke students, parents, friends and alums enjoying the day with their families and teachers.
There was a yummy spread of baked goods, and a raffle of themed gift baskets, which included items for gardening, fitness, s'mores, New England sports fans, family game night, spa day and more... One basket of prizes even came packaged in a fire pit! All funds raised from this event will go to field trips for the K-8 Program, which is co-located at Leeds Elementary in Northampton, MA. Thanks to all who came out and bought raffles, and we look forward to skating with you again next year!
|
|
Register NOW for Clarke's Listening Walks at Two Zoos This Spring
May 21, 2017 | Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
June 17, 2017 | Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, MA
Register Now for one or both of our Listening Walks! On Sunday, May 21, 2017 the hunt for animal noises will be on for our second annual
Clarke's Listening Walk at the Zoo and 5K Run in Philadelphia, PA. Then on Saturday, June 17, 2017, kids will be searching for sounds at
Clarke's Listening Walk at the Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA. At each Listening Walk event, children of all ages will have great fun listening for all the amazing honks, hoots, squeals and squeaks one can only find at a zoo. Both Listening Walks will be full-day events for the whole family and a celebration of all that is possible for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
|
|
There's Still Time: Register for the Clarke Reunion 2017
June 22-25, 2017 | UMass Amherst, MA
There's still time to register for the upcoming alumni reunion and Clarke's 150th anniversary celebration in June! CSAC is hard at work planning activities and special events for this four-day celebration and we have some great news:
The deadline for purchasing Combo Tickets has been extended until May 31, 2017! (A Combo Ticket includes the Registration Fee, Program Book, Souvenirs, BBQ Dinner, Clarke Day Luncheon and Gala Banquet.) So whether you come for the BBQ, the auction, the gala, the class photos, the parade or all the impressive Clarke history on display... you'll love having the chance to celebrate your former classmates and friends! Registration information is available online at
clarkeschools.org/reunion2017 or by contacting Marilyn Buuck at
mbuuck@clarkeschools.org or 413.584.3450.
|
|
Limited Space Remaining for Clarke's Summer Camp
July 2-14, 2017 | Easthampton, MA
Clarke's Summer Camp is a two-week, theme-based camp for 9- to 17-year old children with hearing loss who utilize hearing technology (such as hearing aids or cochlear implants) and listen and talk. This renowned program, which runs July 2-14, 2017, offers campers the opportunity to interact with other children with hearing loss from all over the country, make new friends and have lots of fun! Space is limited. Register today >
|
|
Clarke Jacksonville to Host Annual Summer Program
July 5-28, 2017 | Jacksonville, FL
Have you ever wondered if there's a way to bridge the summer learning gap? Well, this comprehensive spoken language summer program is designed for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and use spoken language as their main form of communication. It is open to children who will be entering preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade in the fall.
Clarke welcomes children who do not attend Clarke or receive Clarke services during the school year. Families residing outside the Jacksonville area are also welcome to attend the program. Clarke Jacksonville's Summer Program has served children from all over Florida and across the US. To register or for more information, call 904.880.9001.
|
|
Frost Valley YMCA and Clarke Partner to Offer Mainstream Camps for Kids with Hearing Loss
July 30-Aug 11, 2017 | Claryville, NY
This summer, for the first time, Frost Valley YMCA Summer Camp in Claryville, NY will partner with Clarke Schools to provide programming for campers ages 8-15 who are deaf or hard of hearing. Interested campers can select from Frost Valley's on-site camp programs ----- from Bear Grylls' survival camp, farm camp, trail builders, artist's camp, rocks and ropes, to "Just us Girls," and many more ----- during Session 3: July 30 - August 11. Frost Valley staff will be trained in advance to work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and a teacher of the deaf from Clarke will be present on site for the entirety of Session 3. But camps are filling up quickly, so please read through the available programs and register SOON!
|
|
Lace Up for Clarke: TCS New York City Marathon Opportunity!
Calling all road warriors! For the seventh year, Clarke has been designated as a charity partner of the New York Road Runners. The 2017 TCS New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Apply now for one of five guaranteed entries to run 26.2 miles and raise funds in support of Clarke! It's going to be another exciting running season and we hope you will be a part of it! For more information, please contact Christina Danese at cdanese@clarkeschools.org.
|
|
A New Day tells the dynamic and transformational stories of children and families who have benefited from Clarke's expertise. The seven-minute video celebrates the profound impact of Clarke's mission with beautiful footage of children who are deaf or hard of hearing singing songs, learning the seasons, telling jokes and living lives filled with endless opportunities. Thanks to your support, Clarke makes brighter futures possible for the children and families we serve. We couldn't do it without you. Share the link far and wide by copying and pasting: www.clarkeschools.org/newday.
|
|
Clarke is Hiring: Make a Difference and Join Our Team
To learn about exciting career opportunities at Clarke, visit our employment page. With locations along the East Coast, the perfect fit may be waiting for you.
|
|
Free Wednesday Webinar Archive Online
|
|
Support Clarke with Your Everyday Purchases Using AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your Amazon purchase price to Clarke at no additional cost to you! Signup is easy and AmazonSmile does the rest. Find out more here >
|
|
Clarke Voices
We close each issue of The Clarke Connection with a special quote from a member of the Clarke Community. To become the next featured Clarke Voice, send your quote to
communications@clarkeschools.org
.
"I was lucky enough to be referred to the
Clarke Hearing Center where I met Dr. Skinner. She tested my hearing and set me up with a pair of hearing aids that she tweaked and adjusted to my specific needs. I sat on my back deck that night and listened to the rain for the first time in years. If your hearing is failing, I cannot recommend Clarke highly enough. From the moment I first walked in, their focus was specifically on my needs. There is nowhere that can do it better."
-Bill W., Southampton, MA
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clarke's continuum of services includes Infant-Toddler Programs, Teleservices for Infants and Families (tVISIT), Preschool Programs, K-8 Program, Mainstream Services, Clarke Hearing Center, Comprehensive Educational Evaluations, Professional Development Offerings and Summer Programs.
Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As an IRS qualified charity, gifts to Clarke are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Clarke teaches children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk.
Children served by Clarke use advanced technologies, including cochlear implants or hearing aids, to maximize their access to sound. We work with children and their families from infancy through their teen years. Our teachers of the deaf, speech-language pathologists and audiologists have the background, training and experience to prepare children academically and socially for a world of limitless possibilities. Clarke children listen and learn in the classroom, run and laugh with their friends on the playground and have lives filled with music, sports, family and community. Most children who come to Clarke are ready to attend their neighborhood mainstream schools by kindergarten.
Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech | 45 Round Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060
|
|
|
|
|
|
