The Spartan Scoop
A CAST weekly newsletter for families
February 22, 2021
Included in this newsletter:
  • Important Dates & School News
  • Workshops for Families
  • Honoring Black Deaf History


School Announcements & News

  • Important Dates
  • February 25th, Remote Learning for ALL Students
  • February 26th, Remote Learning for ALL Students
  • March 1st, Remote Learning for ALL Students
  • News
  • Join us on March 2nd to learn more about social security income (SSI) eligibility.
  • Notables
  • Updated Screen and Isolation COVID policies; Physical Distancing and School-Aged Childcare Policies and Procedures, Recordkeeping, and Administration. Click here to see the updated policies.
Learn more about SSI.
(February 15th-26th)
Who started Black History Month?
Carter G. Woodson is known as the "Father of Black History." He noticed that the American education system did not offer enough information about the accomplishments of African Americans and founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Why is Black History Month in February?
Because there are key historical events that occurred in February:
  • February 1st is National Freedom Day, the anniversary of the approval of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865. 
  • February 12th, President Abraham Lincoln's birthday
  • February 14th, Fredrick Douglass's birthday

Why is Black History Month important?
Woodson believed the need for Black History Month is for young African Americans to understand and be proud of their heritage. Dan Hirschman, an assistant professor of sociology at Brown University in Rhode Island, believes it is important so everyone can understand the history of race and racism in America.

*Taken from USA Today news story, "Why is Black History Month in February? How do you celebrate? Everything you need to know." published February 1, 2021. Click here to read the full article.
Workshops and Trainings for Families
Navigating the Educational Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advocating for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the educational systems as we have known them. Teachers, students, families, and parents are impacted these changes. Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children are left wondering how to ensure their child continues to receive and an appropriate education.

This presentation will review Federal and state COVID-19 educational guidance that parents and schools have received. We will also review the special education and disability laws that can ensure FAPE and a variety of COVID-19 accommodation options and communication accessibility across various educational settings. This presentation provides families with information they need to advocate for their deaf or hard of hearing student and is inclusive of all communication modalities and languages
Ohio School for the Deaf | www.osd.oh.gov