News
and Views
News
and Views
November 2003
Is it just me or does it feel like our school year just started. It’s hard to believe we have passed our first Nine Weeks grading period. There are many great things going on at TSB and many wonderful students to brag about.
At this point our on campus student population is over 175 students. That’s a little down from last year, but considering that we had a graduating class numbering seventeen we are holding our own. We have several new students this year from across our state. Let’s welcome these students and their parents to our TSB family. (Betsy Faircloth, Ahzia Foster, Yiro Gomez, Farrah Green, Josiah Hearn, Martika Hurreh, Samantha Leech, Steven Lovins, Justin Mabry, Lorri McLerran, Clarissa Mitchell, Abby Pace, Richard Reeves and Jeffrey Springfield. We expect three new students this next week.
We would like to welcome several new teachers and staff members. Ms. Weatherall, Ms. Hedrick, Ms. Saed, Ms. Engle and Ms. Scott are our new teachers. Support staff: Ms. Sweathomas (food service); and James Bassham, Gloria Buntin, Dixie Murphy, Michelle Reed, Pete Rich, Sheila Wetheington (cottage staff).
Another former teacher has taken on a new and challenging assignment. Ms. Elaine Brown has assumed the duties of our Outreach and Admissions Director. This is a huge job with tremendous responsibilities, but we know that Ms. Brown is more than up to the task. She follows in the footsteps of Ms. Rebecca Reddy who retired this summer after thirty-five years of loyal service to TSB in a variety of positions. We all miss “Becky”, but wish her only the very best in her well deserved retirement.
In light of many new challenges in the education of children with special needs, we are reviewing our curriculum, class placements and staffing to better serve our students. One change is the renaming and focus of our three curricula. All curriculums are focused to optimize independence and prepare students to be productive members of society.
Life Skills: Students with severe multiple challenges are developing self-care and daily living skills. To the maximum extent possible, these students are developing basic pre vocational skills.
Pre Vocational: Students are participating in activities, training, and vocational experiences designed to prepare them for the “world of work.” They are also acquiring the academic skills necessary for success.
Modified Academic Program (MAP): Students follow the state approved curricula leading to an academic diploma with adaptations and classes designed to meet the needs of students challenged by vision loss.
PLEASE NOTE, that a student’s IEP may determine that he/she participate in classes from more than one curriculum during the school year. ALL students will receive mobility, adaptive technology and activities of daily living training based on their needs as determined by their IEP Team.
In this time of tight budgets TSB is fortunate to have the strong support of The State Department of Education under the leadership of Commissioner Seivers. We have almost completed the “Window Project”. We were able to replace all the windows in the Gym, the Home Econ. Cottage and the older section of the “Brewer Educational Building.” These windows will make our buildings quieter, reduce energy cost and help with glare problems. We have also received funds from the Federal School Renovation Program. We have applied for several needed repairs and improvements. At this date we have approval for upgrading the wiring in the Home Econ. Cottage, and the Maintenance Bldg. We will complete the security fence at the entrance to our campus. We will also be getting color and tactual contrasting treads on all stairways. There are several other projects that are pending. I must credit Mr. Irv Johnson for the many nights and weekends he has so freely given so we could get our request in before the deadlines.
Jim Oldham, Superintendent
TRACK AND FIELD NEWS:
Once again, the TSB Tigers have roared to success in this fall sport. The season has just completed and our runners and jumpers were very successful in the NCASB conference meet. The track conference was held at Ohio State School for the Blind. We took 20 competitors and 19 of them received a ribbon or a metal. Our men’s team garnered a 3rd place finish and the women were victorious with a 1st place win. Congratulations to our athletes for a great season.
Coaches Diana Smedley, Andy Joiner
FORENSICS FLASH:
Our first Forensics meet will be November 13th at Overton High School. Participants in the competition include: Ashley Flanery - Prose, Joey Banks – Poetry, Laurie Neal – Poetry, Becky Scott – Dramatic Interpretation, Danie Frances – Dramatic Interpretation, and Daniel Pack – Humorous Interpretation.
Coach Hilary Murtagh
JR OLYMPICS TRIP:
On October 15th 77 students and staff attended the annual Jr. Olympics held at the Kentucky School for the Blind. This meet is conducted by Lion’s Clubs from the Louisville area. Elementary students from several special schools as well visually challenged youngsters from the Louisville area look forward to participating each year. It was a long day and a long bus ride, but our students enjoyed their moments of glory. A special thanks needs to go to the Educational Assistants and Teachers who made this trip possible. Thanks also to those parents who were able to make the trip to cheer on our students.
Frank Alexander, Athletic Director
INSIGHTS ARTS CONTEST WINNERS 2003:
Last spring, the winners in the Insights 2003 Art Contest sponsored by the American Printing House for the Blind, were announced. Two TSB students, Ashley Flanary and Michael Grace received 2nd place and Honorable Mention for their age group.
On October 17th both students traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to see their artwork on exhibit for the Annual Meeting of leaders in education for students with vision challenges. Honored at a prestigious banquet, the artists received their awards. Following the banquet, the artists proudly showed off their works and met art lovers and leaders in the field of Vision Education.
(Editors Note) Ms. Rebecca Kuhn wrote the above article. She was too modest to mention her part in working with these and other students. She also volunteered to escort Ashley and Michael to the APH meeting. She was beaming from ear to ear when they were presented their awards.
BEGINNING GOLFERS TEE OFF:
On October 8, 2003 Mrs. Chance and Mrs. Weatherall’s classes enjoyed a swinging good time at the Vinny Links Golf Course located in Nashville’s Shelby Park. This was a golf clinic sponsored by the United States Blind Golfers Association to teach our students the life long sport of golfing. The golf clinic demonstrated to students the difference between a putter and a standard golf club. With this demonstration, students were taught how to swing a club and use a putter. Fore!
Coach Andy Joiner
HANDS-ON SOCIAL STUDIES:
Life Skills Primary B has been working on a Social Studies Unit comparing our school campus to a small community. Each week the students have focused on a different aspect of TSB community life. They visited Mr. Oldham’s office to learn the business side of a school. They have had tours of the clinic and the kitchen (seeing places even their teacher had never seen), and have interviewed Mr. Sanford, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Allison to date. Each week they have related stories, art projects and hands-on activities.
Ms. Lee Gale
THE STUDENT COUNCIL, A STAR BLAZING TRAILS:
With a new sunrise, the Student Council rises from the ashes of nonexistence. Established once before, the Council comes back with big dreams and paves the way for the brightest star in school skies.
Consisting of Council Members Timmy Graybeal, Rhonda Lewis, Alex Hubbard, Courtney Stover, Erica Tucker, Ashley Thomason, Ashley Flanary and Danie Francis, the Council springs anew from the rich earth of guidance, loyalty, confidence and courage. As time goes on, the Tennessee School for the Blind, led by the Council, will find itself a star all the brighter in the great sky of the world.
SENIORS SPONSER SILENT AUCTION:
Calling all students, parents, teachers, faculty, alumni, and friends;
The class of 2005 is having a silent auction to raise money for the 2004 senior prom. The auction will be set up all day on November 18th in the lobby outside of the auditorium during school hours. A sampling of some of our items for auction is as follows:
An autographed Jersey from Eddie George
A three-month membership to Gold's Gym of Rivergate
A handmade quilt
Two wall hangings
Dinner for two at J. Alexander’s
Dinner for two at O' Charlie's
A teddy bear
A mid-sized Coleman cooler with accessories
A set of Nativity figurines
A Gift basket from Performance Hall
Please stop by, find some great Christmas gifts and support our students.
Thank you from the class of 2005 and their sponsor.
Senior Class Sponsor, Ms. Murtaugh
ONE FINAL THOUGHT:
In a few weeks we will be setting down to our Thanksgiving dinners and reflecting on our many blessings. As I contemplate mine, I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent. To have a part in the education of these wonderful and promising students and to be a member of such a dedicated and knowledgeable staff is an honor. I cannot find the words to express my appreciation to the Alumni, Lion’s and other school supporters for their many kind words and deeds. But most importantly, thank you, Parents, for your trust and for allowing us the privilege of assisting you in educating your children.
Respectfully,
Jim Oldham, Superintendent