Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 134 No. 4 Summer 2013 | Page 17

Animal Shelter Volunteers
WSD students are encouraged to complete forty hours of
community service before they graduate; in doing so they receive
a special stamp on their diploma. In the fall, WSD Social Worker
Mrs. Jamie Chapin began to survey students for interest in
volunteering at the local Lakeland Animal Shelter. When current
high school science teacher Ms. Amy Dignan offered her help
in organizing the project, the two women were able to offer the
volunteer opportunity to students during the spring.
Beginning on March 6 and ending on
May 29, 2013, more than 24 students
volunteered to go to the shelter on
Wednesday afternoons to walk, play,
and care for the dogs at Lakeland
Animal Welfare Society. Interested
students were scheduled for the rst
shift from 3:15-4:30 or the second
shift from 4:45-6:00.
This volunteer opportunity has
inspired both the students and the
staff. Senior Alejandro Evangelista
said he “feels good to change the life
of a dog” and enjoys connecting with
them.

Senior Chandre Kimble said she enjoys
“walking and especially playing with
the dogs”. Ms. Dignan said she hopes
they can offer this volunteer experience
all of next year. She also hopes the
students will take the experience one
step further and sponsor a collection
of toys, brushes, litter and food for the
shelter. This is a wonderful example of
compassion and commitment. Thank
you to all who participated.

Chazen Art Museum
WSD Art Teacher, Mrs. Susan Dupor, and educational
assistant, Jackie Baez chaperoned a group of high
school students to Madison with the Chazen Art
Museum as their destination. The museum is formerly
known as the Elvehjem Art Center and is located on
the grounds of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The museum is named after Jerome Chazen, an
alumnus. The mission of the museum is to collect,
preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art and
present related educational programs.
Charly Fleege said she really enjoyed the tour guide
because he was informative and very nice. Dakota
Bishop re ected, “The whole place was AWESOME!”
Alex Kubiske agreed, stating, “All the art was inspirational”. Toni Lovrek’s favorite piece was a sculpture of
goats and rabbits, while Naomi Cinefro’s eyes sparkled at the art from China. As she was born in China, she
commented, “They have art from my home”. Ms. Baez shared that she enjoyed touring the older part of the
museum, still known as the Elvehjem and prefers the “old fashioned European paintings”. When asked what
fascinates Mrs. Dupor, she readily replied, “I thoroughly enjoy watching my students’ expressions when they
see the various art displays. I like to see the artwork excite them, inspire them, impact them. I want them to
know that they can continue learning, practicing and enhance their art appreciation as well as their art skills
well into the future. Art can be a lifelong passion.” Mrs. Dupor shared that it is her hope to take a group of
students to the world renowned Art Institute of Chicago someday…we hope so too.
Summer 2013 - 17