Fall Winter 2017 Volume 54 Issue 1. Wow, 117 years old! Each year on March 1st we celebrate our birthday by serving cake and ice cream to students and staff. This year we are proud to have reached our 117th year of providing top-notch education to students with visual impairments but we are also planning for many more wonderful years in our future. Pictured are Student Council members Michael McMillen, Jordan Housman, Marcus Van Dam, Schelbie DeHaai, and Violet Peterson.
National Archery in the Schools. We are excited to share about a new opportunity our middle and high school Physical Education students are learning, which is the sport of archery! Christy Hulscher, PE/Health Instructor, and Tim Jalbert, Instructional Assistant, recently became certified by the National Archery in the Schools Program NASP to teach our students about archery including the rules, equipment, and how to become a successful archery shooting. Because our students are either blind or visually impaired, unique adaptations are being added to the coursework, such as beeping targets.
Red Ribbon Week. Students and staff are pictured showing off their Pioneer Spirit on Paint the School Red Day. Student Council members designated each day during the week with a different dress up theme (School Spirit Day, Sport Day, Cowboy/Cowgirl Day, and Fake an Injury Day). Students also spent Friday morning acting in performances with Theatre Artist Fran Sillau at the completion of his weeklong “Artists in the Schools” residency sponsored in part by the SD Foundation for the Blind & Visually Impaired and ended the day exploring the sculptures at Northern State University.
Quilts of Valor. The School hosted a Veterans Day Program to honor those who have served our country. The program included the Presentation of Colors by the Aberdeen C.C. Coral VFW Ladies Auxiliary 17; Paul Karst was the guest speaker, readings were shared by students Blaine Jemming, Jordan Houseman, and Trashawn Howard, and the students, directed by Phyllis Heier, sang the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key and The Brave by John Riggio. Quilts of Valor, under the direction of Jayne Reuer, were presented as a way to say thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor for our country. Recipients pictured left to right Paul Karst Marines Staff Sergeant/First, Sergeant Army Reserve, Rabat, Morocco, Ghana: 1963-73, Vietnam: 1964-65, Northern Africa: 1965-70, Desert Storm: 1990-91, Army Reserve 452nd Aberdeen: 1984-99), Dwight Fast U.S. Airforce: 1971-93, William Lee Schaunaman U.S Army, World War II, John Ludwig: U.S National Guard, Panama, Desert Storm: 1990-91, Iraq: 2003-04.
Who’s Here? This year staff members have continued to build on the idea of using wall space as an informational tool to help foster a positive atmosphere on our campus. This year the theme is WHO’S HERE? so each student and staff member decorated their own OWL and placed it on our tree in the hall.
White Cane March. Student Council members: Larissa Enget, Schelbie DeHaai, Jordan Houseman, Michael McMillen, Marcus Van Dam, and Michael Wingen along with several friends and staff members Dale Aman, Indira Dillon, Hilary Filler, and Marjorie Kaiser had a great time participating in the March along 41st Street in Sioux Falls SD. Students also checked out the ferris wheel and escalator at the Scheels store. The day provided great lessons in mobility, self-advocacy, and social skills all wrapped into one adventure.
APH Field Test. Our school has been chosen by the American Printing House APH to field test new products. Student Schelbie DeHaai is pictured using the Snap Circuits Jr. Access Kit to study electric current and electric circuits with braille labels and large print/braille instructions in Jane Mundschenk’s Physical Science class. Schelbie is using the Kit to create a variety of series and parallel circuits by applying and experimenting with concepts she is learning.
Is it an Animal? Students in Jane Mundschenk’s Life Science class were asked the question Is it an Animal when studying a chapter about what if a living thing is an animal. For a lab assignment, the students designed a living animal by using their imagination. Ch'oshgai Roanhorse, Trey Tate, and Kelsey Wollman are pictured with their creatures.
Hands-on-Learning about Electricity. The students in Beth Lopes’ Science class had fun learning about electricity. The students made predictions about a color, rubber band, penny, paper clip and a plastic spoon while using electrical circuits to see if there would be a complete circuit.
Fall Party. This year the NSU Campus Clubs sponsored a Fall Party with costumes, pumpkin carving, and games,
Welcome Back! Each fall the Aberdeen Lions and Lioness Clubs sponsor a picnic and games for our students.
Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired News. The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1978 with the purpose of expanding social, recreational, and educational opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired. The Foundation has an existing endowment that generates income to allow contributions to be given year after year. You can support students who are blind or visually impaired by making an immediate impact on the opportunities and enrichment activities in the following ways. Contributions: The easiest, most common way to support the South Dakota Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired is with a gift of cash. Donations are tax deductible. Bequest/Memorial: Remember your loved ones and/or friends with a memorial. Devise of Assets: Share your real estate and/or investments. For more information contact the South Dakota Foundation for the Blind & Visually Impaired, 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401; toll free at 1-888-275-3814.
Board Officers. President: Mrs. Jane Ann Rayman, Vice President: Mrs. Sherron Grote, Treasurer: Mr. Roland Pond, Secretary: Mr. Lonald L. Gellhaus Members: Mr. Joel Albrecht, Ms. Dawn Brush, Mr. Bob Christensen, Ms. Dawn LaMee, Ms. Doris Stusiak, Dr. Curt Wischmeier, Dr. Marjorie Kaiser: Ex-Officio
Contributions 9/1/16 - 3/21/17. Lori, Stan, and Pauline Arnold, Ortley SD, Gailand Fischer, Redfield SD, Allen Westby OD, Brookings SD, Carol Byrd OD, Sioux Falls SD, James Nelson OD, Huron SD, Vision Care Associates, Aberdeen SD, Jerry and Marie Topp, Fargo ND, South Dakota Association of the Blind, Jason Lorenz OD, Aberdeen SD, Barnett Vision Center, LLP, Aberdeen SD, Hanson Moran Eye Clinic, Watertown SD, Eye Site by Howlin Vision, Sioux Falls SD, Sioux Falls Family Vision, Sioux Falls SD, Spearfish Eye Care Center, Spearfish SD, Vision Eye Care Center, Sioux Falls SD, Daniel Peters OD, Winner SD, Grimsrud Vision Clinic, Sisseton SD, Steve and Marjorie Kaiser, Aberdeen SD, Sharon Lee, Aberdeen SD, Jason and Heather Grebner, Aberdeen SD, Ryan and Jessica Vogel, Aberdeen SD, Gerald and Deborah Raabe, Volga SD, Lonald L. and Dr. Marva Gellhaus, Groton SD, Vance and Shirley Masteller, Glenham SD, Dennis and June Van Asch, Milbank SD, Aberdeen Lioness Club, Aberdeen SD, Gregory Lions Club, Gregory SD, Jane Mundschenk, Aberdeen, SD, Aberdeen Lions Club, Aberdeen SD, Selby Lions Club, Selby SD, Ted and Carol Fowler, Aberdeen SD, Dr. Derek Rekow, Aberdeen SD, NSU Lions Club, Aberdeen SD, HKG Architects INC, Aberdeen SD, Northwestern Energy, Aberdeen SD, Doug and Sherron Grote, Aberdeen SD, Ipswich Lions Club, Ipswich SD, Tulare Lions Club, Tulare SD, Aberdeen Chrysler Center, Aberdeen SD, Jim and Tracy Thares, Primrose Management, Aberdeen SD, Angelhaus, Aberdeen SD, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Center, Aberdeen SD, House of Glass, Aberdeen SD, Helms & Associates, Aberdeen SD, Northern Plains Animal Health, Aberdeen SD, Student Loan Finance Corp, Aberdeen SD, Schwan Welding & Boiler Repair, Aberdeen SD, Randy Grote, Grote Roofing Co, Aberdeen SD, Charles and Diane Flohr, Sioux Falls SD, The Flame Cafe, Aberdeen SD, Schwan Welding & Boiler Repair, Aberdeen SD, HealthCare Plus Federal Credit Union, Aberdeen SD, Dirk Swanson, Swanson Electric LLC, Aberdeen SD, Pierson Ford-Lincoln Mercury, Aberdeen SD, Taylor Anderson, Northeast Chiropractic, Inc., Aberdeen SD, Animal Care Clinic, Aberdeen SD, Carl and Sheryl Perry, Aberdeen SD, Quality Quick Print, Aberdeen SD Pioneer Printing,
Klepetka Specialty Company, Aberdeen SD, Northern Plains Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Aberdeen SD, Aberdeen Area Christian Women, Aberdeen SD, Honor of Nick and Jane Ann Rayman Carmen Meyer, Aberdeen SD, Memorial for Yvonne LaMeeSteve and Marjorie Kaiser, Aberdeen SD, Dawn LaMee, Aberdeen SD, Larry and Durelle Meyers, Veblen SD, Justin and Amy Scepaniak, Aberdeen SD, Jerry and Marie Topp, Fargo ND, Memorial for Donald Prouty Marcia Goodwin, Lake Preston SD
Dinner in the Dark dark can be enlightening, Thursday, April 6, 2017 Best Western Ramkota Aberdeen, SD Menu: Roast Chicken Breast Dinner Tickets are $35 per person must be purchased in advance by March 31. Purchase your tickets from a Foundation Board Member or at the Front Office at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired SDSBVI 423 17th Ave SE, Aberdeen SD Monday-Friday; 8AM to 4PM: make checks payable to SDFBVI. For more information contact: Dawn LaMee at 605-626-2580 GUESTS WILL BE ASKED TO WEAR A BLINDFOLD DURING DINNER! All proceeds will support the South Dakota Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired which exists, in part, to provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities that would not otherwise be available to students who are blind or visually impaired.
Save the Dates. The Outreach Vision Consultants with support from the SD Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired are planning the 6th Annual Family Weekend for families of children who are blind or visually impaired from around South Dakota on June 10-11 in Aberdeen. This year’s theme is Write Your Story with fun, learning, and sharing for the whole family including guest speakers, hands-on experiences, and much more. Plans are to arrive the afternoon of June 10th and depart by noon on the 11th. Watch for more information on our website and Facebook.
The SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind SDRC will be sponsoring a Transition Week on June 11-15 in Sioux Falls. There will be a variety of activities to promote vocational learning, career exploration, and independence with fun-filled evenings. This is a great way to introduce students to the skills of blindness and career planning. Studentswill stay in Sioux Falls and attendclasses at SDRC. For more information or to enroll, contact Steve Kelsey, Transition Specialist at the SDSBVI at 605-626-2580 or 1-888-275-3814.
After summer programming is over we invite families to a Family Swim the afternoon of July 28 at the Aberdeen Aquatic Center. For more information, contact Amy Scepaniak at 605-626-2580 or toll free 1-888-275-3814, or by email at .
Winter Happenings On-Campus. Students and staff created special gifts during Christmas Sharing for parents and our special friends! Our Holiday Program Jingle Bell Jukebox was wonderful! Student Council members with help from the Aberdeen Lioness Club enjoyed ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle program. Santa’s Helper, shared gifts with the students and staff during the Dorm Party. Staff are pictured showing off their Ugly Holiday Sweaters & Clothes.
Students once again loved the Holiday Tradition of a party sponsored by the Aberdeen Lions and Aberdeen Lioness Clubs. The Aberdeen Men’s Chorus also entertained the group.
Holiday Music! Over the years our school and members from the Brentwood Hutterite Colony, Faulkton SD have developed a wonderful friendship so we were excited to welcome a group of singers to perform a holiday concert for us. As a way to show our appreciation, Blaine Jemming, a student, read a braille thank you to the group and students gave each singer a thank you candy cane. We also enjoyed the delicious baked goods from the singers. After the concert our students had the opportunity to talk with the colony members to learn more about their language and the colony life.
Community Service Project. Students in Beth Lopes’ 4th and 5th grade classes Trashawn Howard, Henry Johnson, Quinn Ossanna, and Vincent Stuwe are pictured with a few of the boxes collected from their food drive for the Journey Home homeless shelter in Aberdeen. It was a meaningful activity for the students and the staff to help our community.
Touch Tour. Students and staff had a unique experience when Thodos Dance Chicago came to Aberdeen with a Touch Tour. The Founder and Artistic Director Melissa Thodos gave students a chance to explore the special stage dance floor. They also felt the props used during the performance, including Helen Keller’s dining room table and an old hand pump like the one Anne Sullivan taught Helen her first tactile signs.
Arts & Special Activities Committee. This committee is the school’s version of a PTA and Booster Club all rolled up in one. Throughout the year members works on a variety of projects to support the school and our students. coordinates the Artist in Schools Program, sponsors Staff Christmas Party, sponsors students in Strikes for Special Olympics, sponsors students in Hoops for Heart, sponsors Quilt Raffle Fundraiser quilts made by Jayne Reuer, sponsors Student Projects, provides school t-shirts, water bottle, and bags for each new student, sponsors the Veteran's Day Program Quilts of Valor, sponsors the SDSBVI Christmas Tree at Dacotah Prairie Museum
You can help the committee by collecting and sending the following to the SDSBVI. Kessler’s and Ken’s Receipts, Loaves 4 Learning from Country Hearth Bread, Computer Printer Cartridges and Cell Phone Recycling, Pennies for Pioneers, Box Tops for Education coupons
The Committee sells: Water Bottle $2, Centennial Plate $2, Lanyard $6, Winter Hat $15, Cinch Mesh Bag $12, Recycle Tote $5, Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt Youth & Adult $12, Sport Tek Short Sleeve Shirt Youth $15, Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt Youth & Adult $18, Sport Tek Long Sleeve Shirt Youth $22, Crew Neck Sweatshirt Youth & Adult $20, Hooded Sweatshirt Youth & Adult $25. For more information contact Jodi Carlsgaard at 605-626-2580 or 1-888-275-3814, or email at .