For Immediate Release
November 3, 2011
California School for the Deaf Outreach Division
39350 Gallaudet Drive #18
Fremont, CA 94538
Contact person-Julie Rems-Smario
Jsmario@csdf-cde.ca.gov
510-794-3707
Visit California School for the Deaf on Veteran's Day to experience Bilingual Education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
You are invited to join us in Fremont, CA -- November 11, 2011 -- 8:30 AM to 1:45 PM, at the California School for the Deaf (CSD), 39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA 94538. Parents of Deaf children (this includes hard of hearing children), American Sign Language (ASL) students from colleges and high schools, alumni and the general public have a once-a-year opportunity to observe classrooms, tour the campus, enjoy the variety show, and gather resources from the Deaf Services Faire.
The annual Open House is a festive occasion and a rare opportunity where over 2,000 visitors get the chance to see CSD's bilingual ASL and English school for Deaf children in action as well as network with people, including parents of Deaf children. In its 151-years, CSD has earned an international reputation for its expertise in educating Deaf children. As a state-funded public school for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing living in Northern California, it provides students with a language-rich environment, cutting edge literacy education and best practices. www.csdeagles.com.
"I have been a student here for sixteen years and I can't emphasize the importance of Open House because it allows people to see that Deaf people are capable of doing amazing things, as long we get access to communication. For example, our amazing new Superintendent, Sean Virnig, graduated from this school, too!" said Brittany Farr, the school's student body government President.
The students will present a variety show in American Sign Language in the Klopping Theater at 10:30 AM, seating is limited so free tickets will be issued on a first come basis. . The first three rows will be reserved for parents of students in the show. A video loop of the show will be shown throughout the day in the Klopping Theatre.
The Deaf Services Fair will feature over 40 organizations, businesses, and agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond in the small gym. Food and craft sales by student organizations are also available. If you want your organization or business to participate in this Faire, contact JAC Cook at jcook@csdf-cde.ca.gov.
"This is a great opportunity for our community members to see the school's educational programs for Deaf students provided by highly qualified teachers and staff members through American Sign Language and English," said Laura Peterson, Director of Instruction.
CSD hosts monthly campus tours for those who cannot make it to the open house event, http://www.csdeagles.com/outreach/tour.php. For school district personnel, educational tours can be arranged at any time of the year by contacting the Outreach Division Director, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, at bfirl@csdf-cde.ca.gov. For families with Deaf and hard of hearing children interested in visiting CSD, tailored educational tours can be arranged at their convenience by contacting Family Education Coordinator, Lilly Crisman, at lcrisman@csdf-cde.ca.gov. The Outreach Division can be reached at 510-794-3707 V/TTY or 866-790-4035 (VP).
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