News and Views

 January 2004     

We are mid-way through our school year and so far no snow days. I remember all too well the big snow and ice storm last January.  I hope we have no repeats this year.

My New Year’s wish for you is that you get lots of snow:

1.              Only in your yard (not in your drive or street)

2.              It falls on Saturday and melts by Sunday morning.

I’m sure the students may have some other ideas about this.

   Several of the projects mentioned in the last News and Views have been or are nearly completed including upgrading the wiring in the Home Economics and Maintenance Buildings, the window project, replacement of the water heater for the Cafeteria, color and tactual contrasting treads for the stairways and the security fence.  These projects are all necessary to provide the students and staff a safe and comfortable environment in which to teach and learn. We are very grateful to all who made them possible.

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON:

   The wonderful folks at Bob Parks Realty conducted their annual silent auction in December and raised a phenomenal $10,000 for the Friends of TSB Foundation. As most of you know The Friends Foundation is a 501(c3) not for profit foundation that helps provide our school services and items that are often difficult to procure through other means. Their most recent contribution to TSB Foundation will help fund the second phase of our new wheelchair accessible playground area. Last summer the first phase was completed at a cost of $55,000.  The FTSBF has made a commitment to supply financial support to complete this project.

   Through the generosity of our special friends at Bob Parks Realty and their resident angel, Ms. Pat Galvin miracles can and do happen.

    For more years than most of us can remember the Lions’ Clubs of Tennessee have been a part of our Holiday season as well as through out the year. This year on Lion’s Day (December 12^th) each student was presented with a $50 check and a box of chocolates.  We were honored to have many Lions from across our state in attendance as well as the Leo Club members from Richland High School in Giles County, Tennessee.  Regrettably, Lion Frank DePriest was unable to be with us because of a death in his family, but Lion Ralph Brewer, former Superintendent and TSB student, stepped up to the “mike” and preformed the M C duties with grace and humor.  Through out the year the Lions’ Clubs of Tennessee give their financial support for the Student Work Program, Low Vision aids, Girl and Cub Scouts, and the Summer Enrichment Program activities.

   Our children are also truly blessed to have so many churches, businesses, clubs and individuals who provide parties, gifts and love to them and their families at this special season.

TSB’s OWN COMPUTER GURU:

   Recently, Darrell Bowles, a sophomore, was invited to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He demonstrated adaptive technology for blind students to a class studying to be special educators. He shared several tips for assisting visually challenged people to succeed in the classroom.  Darrell’s presentation focused on the history of Braille, some eye conditions that cause blindness and adaptive equipment for students with visual impairments. Darrell demonstrated how he uses the Braille Lite, Book Port, and disk drives to access the Internet and how to access the screen with JAWS (Job Access With Speech.)

   Last year Darrell was recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children with the prestigious “Yes I Can” award for Technology and Communication skills. We are all very proud of Darrell and the skills taught to him and other students by Mr. Schenk, Mr. Joiner, Mr. Johns and Ms. Johnson.

ASPEN ADVENTURE:

   For several years, one of our senior activities has been an exciting ski trip to Aspen Colorado. The trip is sponsored by the Challenge Aspen organization and is made possible by the support of several benefactors in the music industry.  This year Danielle Francis, Tramain Johnson, Lori McLeran, Trisha Romano, Michael Griggs, Ronnie Hodge, Terrell Jones, Robbie Mogan and Zac Winton attended. They were chaperoned by trip organizers Mr. Schenk, Mr. Soben, Ms. Tucker and, Mr. Gregory, their class sponsor.  The students enjoyed a full week of skiing and winter fun. Students stayed in a luxurious chalet that was described as “to die for”. Everyone returned with many stories of first time adventures and life-long remembrances. We did notice that Mr. Gregory returned with a slight limp.

   Because of the physical demands of this trip one student was not able to attend. A special outing will be planned for him this spring. A report on his adventure will be in a later edition.

WINTER RECITAL:

   On December 8^th a number of students spanning all curricula and age levels participated in our winter voice and piano recital. The recital showcased students from “beginners” to “old pros” during this mid-day event. Participating were; Savannah Klutz, Josh Harper, Brittney Luna, Casey Weeks, Derek Neech, Kesha Lanham, Amanda Shirley, Laura Elliott, Trish Romano, Heather Rasmussen, Luther King, Rhonda Lewis, Erica Tucker, Ashley Flannery, Meaghan Bynum, Timmy McGlasson, Jeremy Neal, Michael Grace, Lorrie Neal, Betsy Faircloth, Ashley Thomason, Elizabeth Davis, Jeanne Bradford, “Danie” Francis, Jonathan Davis and Morgan Burns.  Thanks to ALL for a great performance. A special thanks to our voice and piano instructors, Ms. Denning and the teacher/performer formerly known as Ms. Atsedes (now Ms. Seay) for a fantastic job in preparing these students for their recital.

ALL STATE CHORAL FESTIVAL: 

   Congratulations to Aimee Hendly and Becky Scott for passing their 2^nd tier auditions for the Tennessee All State choral festival, which will be held on March 12^th at the War Memorial auditorium in Nashville.  Becky, 2^nd Alto and Aimee, 1^st Soprano were put through a rigorous test where they stood in octets with one judge per student. They were required to sing eight very complicated choral songs in several different languages and styles.  Both are to be commended for their hard work and talent.  This is the first year in over 30 years at TSB that we have had two students in All State in the same year.  Way to go girls!!!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN:

  This Fall Ms. Denning and the TSB Choral Performance Ensemble have traveled many miles and given eleven performances to audiences across the mid-state area.  This best of the best group has become so popular that we’ve had to turn down several invitations. These stellar choral members are chosen from our most talented students. The following Ensemble members have also received recognition for their individual talent on the regional and state level; Meaghan Bynum and Lorrie Neal will be part of the Mid State Women’s Choir. As mentioned previously, Aimee Hendley (alternate) and Becky Scott will perform in the All State Choir. The season was concluded by a “command performance” at the Christmas reception at the Department of Education.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PROGRAM:

   On the morning of December 19^th the gala holiday program was held before our school adjourned for the winter break.  Despite the “Flu Bug” and impending bad weather almost every student had a part in the event. Our “Tiger Band”, the Jazz Band and the full Chorus gave beautiful performances. The elementary students captured the hearts of everyone in the auditorium. The music teachers, Ms. Denning, Mr. Gregory and Ms. Seay, with the able assistance of MANY of our teachers, educational assistants and companions worked for weeks teaching songs, making costumes and designing sets. Their efforts were well rewarded.  The rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (TSB style), well, let’s just say you had to have heard it to believe it. “Elvis (A.K.A. Jo Jo Wells) was in the building” to sing Blue Christmas. Watching Ashley Jackson, who is blind and hearing challenged, playing clarinet with the Elementary Band with the assistance of Ms. Rhonda, her interpreter, would warm the heart of any Scrooge.

THE SPORTS SCENE:

   Our bowling team under the Coach Joe Gregory has “struck” off on another season and the golf team under our resident Pro Coach “AJ” Joiner is in full swing. Forgive the puns.

  While we’re in the pun mood, Coach Kelley Benton has grabbed the TSB Tiger by the tail. Her Cheerleading Squad “roared” to a first place victory at the NCASB Conference Championship competition held this year at the Indiana School for the Blind. Team members are; Ashley Flanary, Amanda Shirley, Amanda Williams, Susan Gwinn, Lorrie Neil, Janikquea Journey, Joey Banks, and Keith Bradley:

The TSB Mat “persons” (I need to change terms now that Becky Scott is part of our team) garnered a very respectable 5^th place. Not bad at all, considering that there were twelve teams in the tournament. Congratulations, Coach Alexander and Tigers. We all extend a heart felt thank to Volunteer Coach Bob Anastario for his work with our team and

Welcome Home!! following his service to our country in the Mid East.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MS. LAWRENCE:

   Dear Parents,

Beginning January 2004, the Department of Agriculture will begin offering commodity irradiated ground beef as a choice, along with non-irradiated ground beef, for delivery to schools.  I am sure you have seen this information on the news, as well as, other programs and/or articles.  Please let me assure you, that we ARE NOT at this time using any

irradiated meats.  If in the future this were to change, please feel assured that you, the parents, would be the first to know.  At TSB, we strive to serve our students safe and wholesome foods, and to contribute to both student  wellness and development of healthy lifestyles.

Linda Lawrence

Food Service Director

HELP US MAKE HOMEGOINGS SMOOTHER:

   We need your help to ensure that the weekend bussing trips are as efficient and comfortable for your child as possible. There are a few VERY IMPORTANT things you can do to help with this process.

1.              Please, be sure that we ALWAYS have a working telephone number where you can be reached in case of emergency. If the bus is running late for some reason or if we must cancel our trip due to inclement weather we want to let you know as soon as possible.

2.              Please be at the bus stop when the bus arrives.

          One of the most common reasons our busses run

          late is that a parent is not at their child’s stop when the

          bus arrives. This makes ALL other children just that

          much later.

3.              Please, be patient. We try very hard to run the routes        

       efficiently, but sometimes we are not on time. If the

       bus is late there is a good reason.  Please don’t take

       your frustration out on the YSW’s. It’s not their fault. 

  HELP US HELP YOUR STUDENT:

     In an attempt to provide ample time for all IEP Team meetings, we have already begun scheduling them. Ms. Stein and Ms. Buford have begun calling school systems and families. They will need to set up nearly 180 meetings between now and the end of school.  They will try hard to coordinate the times to meet your needs, but please understand that they must also work with teachers, therapists, your local school system and many others.  This is a VERY difficult task and we ask for your help and understanding. If you can be as flexible as possible in arranging your meeting time, be prompt in arriving and let them know as early as possible if there needs to be a change in the day or time. We do not want to hurry your meeting or not cover completely any information important to your child.

  Another way you can help is by making sure your student is at school as much as possible. We will soon be giving the TCAP, Gateway and other required tests. It is VERY IMPORTANT that students are here for these tests.

   I know this sounds silly to say, but attendance in school can be directly compared to success in school and in life.

   This is a good time to review the school calendar you received at registration or on our website at www.tsb.k12tn.net. There are several long weekends and of course, Spring Break.

   I look forward to speaking with many of you during the upcoming 160^th anniversary on January 29^th. Others of you I hope to see at your student’s IEP Meeting and I know a few of you are already getting excited about Graduation on May 28^th.

  From the staff and students of the Tennessee School for the Blind, we wish you a joyous and safe 2004.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim A. Oldham

Superintendent TSB