Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 136 No. 1 Fall 2014 | Page 2
The
Wisconsin Times
Editorial Staff
Wisconsin School for the Deaf
The school is part of the Department of Public
Instruction, Division for Learning Services: Equity
and Advocacy. As such, its goals are the same as
those set forth by the department for all youth in the
state. The school serves as a first-line alternative
placement option for parents and school systems
seeking appropriate programming for children and
youth that are deaf or hard of hearing. The students
are provided a comprehensive academic, vocational,
and social education learning environment, uniquely
programmed for a personalized education in both a
day school and residential setting. As a part of the
free public school system of the state, no charge
is made for room, board, tuition, and concomitant
activities.
Admission criteria are established by law (s. 115.52,
WI Stats.) and require local district referral. Such
local district referrals are then evaluated by the
school for appropriateness, leading to acceptance
or alternative recommendations. In recognition of
individual integrity, the mission of the Wisconsin
School for the Deaf is to provide an American Sign
Language environment to promote excellence in the
development of deaf and hard of hearing children in
all areas of life through the use of ASL and English.
The mission is accomplished with the belief that, for
most deaf children, ASL is the accessible, dominant
language used for communication and thinking,
while English, a spoken and written language, is
learned as a second language. For some deaf and
hard of hearing students who have previously acquired English, ASL is learned as a second language.
The Wisconsin School for the Deaf strives to foster
competencies in these two languages as well as to
develop cross-cultural sensitivity among the entire
student body.
Preschool programs are offered for local children
under the age of six on a day-school basis. Regular
academics provide normal and unique curricula
from grades one through 12. An extensive pre- and
vocational training program is provided as part of
the total grade 7-12 curriculum. The social education program for residential students is a continuous
informal and formal program developing self-management and social living skills through child care
counselors, facilities and numerous school related
organizations and activities. For further information,
write to: Director, Wisconsin School for the Deaf,
309 W. Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI 53115.
2 - The Wisconsin Times
Consultant: Alex H. Slappey
Co-Editors: Rebecca Epple & Julie Russotto
Sports Editor: Brian Lievens
Reporters: Ginger Aleksinski, Maryann Barnett, Amy Dignan
Contributing Reporters: Dr. Connie Gartner, Dean Kemp, Marla Walsh
Photographer: Dianne Armato, WSD Staff
Student Photographers: Malia Christenson & Ka Youa Xiong
Proofreader: Lori Lindau
Circulation Manager: Rene Ambrose
Above: During the 2013-14 school year, senior Ka Youa Xiong took first place at
the national level in the 13 to 18 year old category for the Marie Jean Philip Deaf
National Art Contest. Each year the contest is open to students and adults all across
the USA. Ka Youa Xiong’s brilliantly colored pencil drawing portrays the pride
of being a Deaf ASL user in America. WSD is proud to have such a talented artist
recognized for her creativity and skills. Congratulations to you, Ka Youa!
Front & Back Cover Photo: The Great Hall in Chesebro Building. Photographed by
Malia Christenson, WSD junior.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Dr Tony Evers, State Superintendent
Michael Thompson, Deputy State Superintendent
Carolyn Stanford Taylor, Assistant State Superintendent
Division of Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy
Dr. Barbara Van Haren, Director, Special Education
Wisconsin School for the Deaf
Alex H. Slappey, Director
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and WSD are equal opportunity employers
functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan.