Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 135 No. 4 Summer 2014 | Page 27

S.T.A.R. News

Thursday, May 21 was triple fun for the students in the WSD S.T.A.R. program
(Students Transitioning as Adults to the Real world). The day began with a visit
to the Wind Lake Child Care called Little V.I.P. WSD student, Cindy Martinez
had been commissioned for a project by the day care center. They wanted a
box of wooden blocks of various sizes sanded so that the students could play
with the blocks without worrying about splinters. S.T.A.R. teacher, Mrs. Julie
Holma collaborated with Workshop teacher Mrs. Rene Ambrose giving Cindy
the opportunity work on the blocks during her workshop time. Because Cindy
completed the project, the whole S.T.A.R. group was able to accompany her
when she delivered the box of smoothly sanded blocks. The day care staff gave
the WSD students a tour of the facility and explained the various jobs related
to day care. Then students gave a presentation about hearing loss and read the
book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle. They taught
the day care students how to sign the colors and the names of the animals in the book. They also distributed a
handout for the children to take home to show their parents which signs they learned in school.
Next, the S.T.A.R. students used information from their budgeting class to enjoy a buffet lunch at Marty’s in
Waterford. Each student practiced ordering and paying independently.
The students made a stop at Finn’s Bait and Tackle. The co-owners, brothers Jason and Nick Holma, gave the
S.T.A.R. students a tour of the store. They also purchased bait, because they were given the opportunity to try
fishing at a nearby pond. They learned how to bait, cast, reel in the line, as well as catch and release. For many
of the students, this was the first time they were able to experience fishing. They all enjoyed it and hoped to stay
until dusk. The group wants to plan to do this again next year. Techniques in cooking fish may be part of the
plan too!

super freaks by Scott Haan
Produced with permission by Eldridge Publishing Co.
In ASL with voice interpreters.
It may be hard to believe, but only seven high school students
performed this comedy. It takes place inside of a psychiatric
hospital where four patients believe they have super powers.
One character is called Speed Freak and moves at 600 mph.
Another is called Mental and is known to read minds. A third
is called Dim Bulb and can turn lights on and off by clapping
her hands. KB can change the weather by dancing! A news
reporter wants to interview the group for an exclusive story
on psychiatric hospitals. There are several twists within this
story that had the audience rolling with laughter.
Director, Mrs. Heather Martens says that four of the six
actors are new to the drama club. Most were nervous for
both dress rehearsal as well as opening the program for other
schools to attend. However, the cast proved the line from
the play, Third time is a charm! Right? True. By the evening
presentation, the cast seemed very comfortable in their roles.
The audience e ٕ