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The Clarke Connection:
May
2017
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THE ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF CLARKE SCHOOLS FOR HEARING AND SPEECH
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MAY IS BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH
This month, Clarke joins an international effort designed to raise public awareness, knowledge and understanding of the options available to those with hearing loss. Please check out the many programs and events below to see how you can get involved this month and all year! And please like our
Facebook page to see posts with videos, information about Clarke events and stories showcasing children with hearing loss who are pursuing a listening and spoken language path. (Want to join the effort on social media? Share our posts and add the hashtag
#BHSM!)
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Thank You, Clarke Teachers: Always, and Especially Last Week!
Here at Clarke, we love that Teacher's Appreciation Week (May 8 - May 12) and Better Hearing and Speech Month coincide in May... And we were so pleased to see lovely celebrations and kind gestures honoring our esteemed teachers at our campuses last week.
"There would be no exciting success stories coming out of Clarke if it weren't for our outstanding teachers of the deaf, speech-language pathologists, assistant teachers and audiologists," said Doug Scott, Interim CEO at Clarke. "We are grateful today, and everyday, for their unmatched professionalism, ingenuity and dedication."
Please check our Facebook page to see photos of teachers from our different locations ----- as they were honored last week, or taken during the daily, vital work they do teaching children with hearing loss how to listen, talk and prepare for lives with limitless possibilities.
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Clarke Alums Featured on Actions News Jacksonville
Last month, Action News Jacksonville featured two Clarke Jacksonville alumni. Eleven-year old Garrett and 12-year old Karsen had a private visit with Kumbuka, a 20-year old gorilla at the Jacksonville Zoo, who was recently diagnosed with hearing loss. Kumbuka made national headlines when an ENT/Audiology team from Nemours went in to test her hearing using the same technology used to test human newborn hearing. Interested in producing a follow-up story, Action News contacted Clarke Jacksonville to find out if any students with hearing loss might want to meet Kumbuka. Garrett and Karsen were eager volunteers, and they did a fantastic job! Watch the video >
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Spring Issue of Mainstream News Now Online
Clarke's Mainstream Services newsletter, Mainstream News, continues to be accessible online and free of charge thanks to sponsorship from our friends at Oticon Pediatrics. And the Spring 2017 issue is now available! This latest issue includes a feature article about the important transition from elementary to middle school, and outlines specific ways to ease anxieties and allow students with hearing loss to feel more confident entering their new environment. In addition, this issue provides information about summer camp opportunities for children with hearing loss, ideas for addressing the summertime learning gap and lists several tips parents can offer staff at their children's summer programs to facilitate effective communication. Archived issues are also available online.
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Blog Post by Clarke's Own Lillian Rountree
Hot Off the Press! In May, the Johnson Scholarship Foundation featured a blog post titled "Giving Matters," by Lillian Rountree, Clarke's Chief Development Officer. Read the post to learn more about the important advancements in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) education ----- including the Foundation's role in our flourishing teleservices program ----- that are resulting in the impressive outcomes our students achieve today. For more than 20 years, the Johnson Scholarship Foundation has been generously providing grants in support of youth and adults obtaining quality education and employment ----- with a focus on those with different abilities, economic disadvantages and Indigenous Peoples. We were incredibly fortunate to receive the Foundation's support in our production of our "It's a New Day" video, featuring the stories of various families and professionals affiliated with the work Clarke does teaching children with hearing loss to listen and talk. Thank you, Johnson Scholarship Foundation! Read the post >
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Sponsor A Child: Invest in the Life of a Child with Hearing Loss!
"Clarke's Sponsor a Child program offers donors a 100% return on investment," says Daily Lambert, Clarke New York Sponsor a Child donor. "With other types of charitable giving, you often don't know where your money is going, or its long-term impact. But with Clarke, we were certain from the outset that our sponsorship would go toward teaching a child to listen and talk." 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. You can sponsor a child, like Janiyah (pictured here), and receive notes, artwork, videos and updates demonstrating her progress and the impact of your support! Please contact Lillian Rountree at [email protected] or 973.453.5635 for more information or to make your pledge! Learn more >
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Scholarship for Student Athletes with Hearing Loss
Calling all student athletes with hearing loss, from high school juniors to college sophomores! Offered by the Professional Athletes Association and EarQ, this scholarship is designed for student athletes with hearing loss who are enrolled or intend to enroll in a university, college, or two-year institution. The scholarship rewards student athletes for their non-athletic achievements and assists them in reaching their career goals. The Scholarship deadline is June 1, 2017. Download the application and read more >
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Children's Author Melanie Paticoff Visits Clarke
Philadelphia
Last week was Pets and Vets week at Clarke Philadelphia. The preschool children along with their friends at CORA (our inclusive partner) enjoyed a virtual visit from Melanie Paticoff, the author of Sophie's Tales, a series about a little dog with hearing loss who uses a cochlear implant. Mel talked to the children about how Sophie needed extra support for her hearing and visited an audiologist for hearing testing. Like some of our preschool children, Sophie received a cochlear implant too!
In addition to being a celebrated children's author, Paticoff is a graduate student studying deaf education at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and editor in chief of
Hearing Our Way
magazine. She was inspired to raise awareness about hearing loss because of her close relationship with her cousin Julie who uses two cochlear implants to listen and talk.
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Pro Golfer Kaylin Yost Shares Her Story at Clarke Jacksonville
Clarke Jacksonville recently welcomed Kaylin Yost, a professional golfer with hearing loss who has burst onto the LPGA scene, when she took time from her busy tour schedule to make an inspirational visit! While Yost continues to pursue her golf dreams, she also wants to inspire children who are deaf or hard of hearing along the way. She is excited to share her story of living as a young professional athlete with hearing loss. This past March, Yost made national golf headlines when she shot an opening-round score of 67 in her first career LPGA start at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup. In addition to her busy schedule of professional tournament play, Yost is determined to play in the LPGA Tour in 2018. Be sure to look for Yost playing in her second LPGA event on May 15 - 21. We know we will!
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Clarke Northampton Invites Oprah for Milk and Cookies
The preschoolers at Clarke Northampton were very excited to learn that Oprah Winfrey will be giving the 2017 commencement address to the graduates of Smith College on Sunday, May 21, right across the street from Clarke Northampton! In fact, they had a lesson about Oprah and decided to extend an invitation to the media queen herself, so that she might see first-hand the work Clarke does teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. They mailed their letters and photos, along with a formal invitation from Doug Scott, Interim CEO of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech to Ms. Winfrey, and are eager for a reply. Here is preschooler AJ, cordially inviting Oprah to stop by during her visit for some milk and cookies. Help them garner her attention by sharing AJ's video on your Facebook page!
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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 >
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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, MA, 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 >
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A Clarke Insider's Night at Citi Field for the Win!
On May 9, Clarke New York celebrated their Sponsor a Child program with an intimate gathering of donors and friends in the owner's suite at Citi Field. Guests began the evening on the field with batting practice before moving to the NY Mets press room for a photo op. With a bird's eye view from behind home plate, attendees were treated to hors d'oeuvres, dinner and cocktails and heard the Zarate Ramos family as they shared their personal journey. It was a winning night for the Mets ----- who went 6-1 vs. the Giants ----- and a win for the children and families of Clarke New York. Thank you to our generous Sponsor A Child supporters for helping to change the lives of children with hearing loss who are learning to listen and talk at Clarke! Discover more about our Sponsor a Child program or contact Gloria Pugliese, Senior Development Officer for more information at 267.499.3525 or [email protected].
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Comcast Cares... About Clarke!
On Earth Day, April 22, Clarke Philadelphia welcomed a team of volunteers from Comcast as part of the corporation's international Comcast Cares Day. Clarke was also chosen as one of four organizations (out of 900!) to be highlighted in a video feature produced by Comcast. With 10 different themed volunteer opportunities ----- from gardening and library re-shelving to playground clean-up and photographing the event ----- Comcast Cares Day left a lasting impact on Clarke Philadelphia's classrooms. Thank you to the more than 150 volunteers who came out to support Clarke and couldn't help but become inspired by the Clarke families they met. A group of Comcast volunteers have even decided to continue their support of Clarke by forming a team for the upcoming Listening Walk at the Zoo! Read more >
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Clarke Mainstream Services' Spring Workshop Draws More Than 80 Hearing Loss Professionals
Held on April 28, 2017 | Co-Sponsored by Clarke Mainstream Services and CREC Soundbridge in Wethersfield, CT
Clarke Mainstream Services, in partnership with CREC Soundbridge, hosted over 80 professionals in the field of hearing loss for a special day-long training on Friday, April 28 in Wethersfield, CT. The distinguished presenter, Christina Perigoe, PhD, CCC-SLP, CED, LSLS Cert. AVT, provided an overview of children with hearing loss who have additional challenges, including potential difficulties with assessment, intervention and in counseling families. Dr. Perigoe also discussed various obstacles particular to cochlear implant teams. Research, references and relevant resources were shared to help attendees support the students they serve. Thanks to all who contributed to a very successful day of professional development!
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Register NOW for Clarke's Listening Walks at TWO Zoos This Spring
May 21, 2017 (this weekend!) | Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
June 17, 2017 | Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, MA
Register now for one - or both - of Clarke's signature Listening Walks!
This weekend, on Sunday, May 21, 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, 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 you 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. We can't wait to walk and listen with you!
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Time Is Running Out: Register for Clarke's Alumni Reunion 2017
June 22-25, 2017 | UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA
Don't wait til the last minute! Time is running out to register for the upcoming Clarke Alumni Reunion and 150th Anniversary Celebration at UMass Amherst in June.
Last day to register for this fabulous event is Wednesday, May 31, 2017! And yes, you can even purchase a
Combo Ticket! (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 with your former classmates and friends! Registration information is available online at
clarkeschools.org/reunion2017 or by contacting Marilyn Buuck at
[email protected] or 413.584.3450.
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Only a Few Spots Left 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 >
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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, Clarke Jacksonville's 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.
Please note that Clarke Jacksonville's Summer Program welcomes families residing outside Jacksonville, and children who do not attend Clarke or receive Clarke services during the school year. 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.
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Frost Valley YMCA and Clarke Offer Mainstream Camps for Kids with Hearing Loss
July 30-Aug 11, 2017 | Claryville, NY
Frost Valley YMCA Summer Camp in Claryville, NY is moving forward with its partnership with Clarke to provide programming for campers ages 8-15 who are deaf or hard of hearing. Limited space still remains for 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. Camp programs are filling up quickly, so register today!
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Lace Up for Clarke: Apply for your Marathon Entry!
Nov 5, 2017 | New York City
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! Download the Team Clarke application, or for more information, please contact Christina Danese at 212.585.3500 x4228 or [email protected].
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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.
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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.
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Free Wednesday Webinar Archive Online
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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 >
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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
[email protected]
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"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
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Clarke's continuum of services includes Infant-Toddler Programs, Teleservices for Infants and Families (tVISIT), Preschool Programs, K-8 Program, Mainstream Services, Summer Programs, Clarke Hearing Center, Comprehensive Educational Evaluations and Professional Development Offerings.
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
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