News
and Views
News
and Views
Fall 2004
'News and Views' is the Superintendent's quarterly newsletter. It is available to be seen here by students, parents, Alumni, staff and friends. Please send any comments to Mr. Oldham
The Tennessee School for the Blind has a proud tradition of preparing students to be productive members of society. We have a national reputation as being among the best “special schools” in the United States. As Irving Berlin once said, “The tough thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.” Being “satisfied” is a disservice to our students and their parents. So, from time to time, we need to take a look at our school and ask the hard questions. “Are there things we need to fix?” “Are there changes we need to make?” “How can we better serve students and their families?” So that’s what we are going to do and we invite you to be part of the process. This year we will be reviewing and rewriting a School Improvement Plan. You made the first step by completing the Questionnaire. I calculated your responses to create a School Report Card. For those of you who were willing to make comments, we appreciated the many kind words, but equally appreciated the positive criticisms. The one thing that came in loud and clear in the comments is that we need to do a better job of communicating to parents. I am committed to making that my personal goal this year. The second step will be to create School Improvement Teams to review and make suggestions and goals for various departments and functions of the school. The teams will be made up of teachers, administrators, support staff, YSW’s, students, parents and interested persons from off campus. Our first goal is to make TSB an even better place for teachers to teach and students to learn and parents to be partners in the process.
I promised you a look at how parents graded us, so here it is.
EDUCATION Grade
Comfort and Appearance of Classrooms A-
Communication between School and Home B+
Student Discipline A-
Professionalism of Staff A-
Sports and Music Opportunities A
Bussing (Day Students) A-
Quality of Instruction A
Modifications to Meet Learning Needs A
Daily Living Skills Training A-
Vocational Instruction A-
Support Services (OT, PT Speech, O & M) A
Scheduling of IEP or Other Meetings A-
Explaining Student Progress A-
Explaining Tests and Evaluations A-
Adaptive Materials, Books & Technology A-
COTTAGE LIFE
Cleanliness and Safety A+
Communication between Cottage and Home A-
Student Discipline A-
Professionalism of Staff A-
Recreational Activities A
Weekend Bussing A
FOOD SERVICES
Cleanliness of Cafeterias A
Meeting Special Diet Needs A-
Quality of Food and Service A-
HEALTH SERVICES
Quality of Nursing Care A
Quality of Physicians Services A-
Communication between Clinic and Home A
GROUNDS & BUILDINGS
Overall Cleanliness A+
Overall Safety A
Would you recommend Tennessee School for the Blind to other parents of children with vision loss?
(Yes) 97% (No) 1.5% (Not Sure) 1.5%
Communication! Communication! Communication!
Parents will be receiving more phone calls, letters and emails. We are going to try to give you the GOOD NEWS as well as the Not So Good News. Here’s how you can do your part. Be sure we have your current address and phone numbers and email address if you have one. You can reach any teacher or supervisor on line by using their first initial and then their last name at our school web address. Example joldham@tsb.k12tn.net If you haven’t checked out our school website lately its www.tsb.k12tn.net You can find everything from the yearly calendar to photos of recent events to the cafeteria menu to blind specific resources to general information about TSB.
We also have a new and much improved phone system that can help you find who you need or leave a message day or night. You can even find out any changes in bussing or opening due to bad weather. 615-231-7300.
TSB has begun a new approach to our state mandated Character Education Program. Persons of Character (P.O.C.) are being recognized, weekly. The criteria for being recognized is to demonstrate good character traits to such a degree or over a significant period of time that a teacher or staff member recommends to the counselors that you should receive the “award”. Examples of good character are having a positive attitude, showing perseverance, self-reliance, self-discipline, compassion, commitment, and cooperation. Etc.
Here are the winners we’ve had since our new program began on September 7, 2004.
We anticipate that all of our students will be recognized at one time or another during the school year. By Ms. Regan Stein
Our Loss is MTSU’s Gain
We have been notified that five of the ten 2004 Graduates
of Tennessee School for the Blind are now attending Middle Tennessee State University. We are so proud of our “freshmen” scholars: Danielle Francis, Erika Johnson,
Jessica Nuchols, Tricia Romano, and Zachary Winton. We are all grateful to, distinguished alumnus, Mr. John Harris, Director of Disabled Student Services at MTSU for his efforts in supporting students on their road to success.
By Ms. Roslyn Buford
Party Time
Our class recently had a slumber party. Everyone (including teachers) dressed in their pajamas for a movie, pizza and brownies. They watched Finding Nemo and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. The family of Samantha Leech provided pizza. Thank you to them for their generous gift!
By Ms. Kelly Benton
The autumn season was welcomed with Primary A planning a “Fall” party in September. The guest lists consisted of Primary A’s former classmates from Mrs. Chilton’s room and also support teachers of Primary A this year. Many preparations for the party took place in Primary A’s 5th period Activities of Daily Living class. Invitations were made and delivered by the students. Games, refreshments, and a song about fall were planned as excitement for the party grew. Games played were “Pin the Tail on the Squirrel” and “Pass the Hot Acorn”. Refreshments were made in the Home Economics Cottage with the help of Mrs. Alban.
The party was a huge success!!!!!!
New “Look” to Elementary O and M Class
“Go to the place with lots of words and look near the animal that roars.” This was a clue in a treasure hunt that tested skills that were worked on during the first grading period of the new Elementary O&M class. Students had to demonstrate good sighted guide skills, use problem-solving skills and use knowledge of the school to get their treasure at the end. Future classes will work on other direct Orientation and Mobility skills, such as reading and making maps, as well as related skills needed for good O&M, such as sensory skills and problem-solving.
By Ms. Judy Morris
Work- Based Learning at Wal-Mart
The new school year at TSB has brought about a new job for Monica Leister and Joe Lozano’s Work- Based Learning students. Timmy Graybeal, Timmy McGlasson, Ronnie Palmer, Kyle Watts, DeJuan Gibbs, and John Rollins travel to the Hermitage Super Wal-Mart three times a week to complete a variety of tasks assigned by the store manager. They have already received safety training on proper lifting from our TSB TOSHA representative, Tammy Murphy. The students were provided with back braces and kneepads to wear when needed on the job. Currently the jobs are greeting, straightening shelves, front- facing products, and dusting furniture and electronics. Most of the students rotate around to each job during a one-week period. As each student learns a job, he will have the opportunity to move on to another task. When they are ready to graduate from TSB, their experience at Wal-Mart will be a real plus on their resumes. Not only are students learning valuable job skills when they are working at Wal-Mart, they are also learning daily living, O&M, communication, socialization, and math skills. Working with the public as well as co-workers and supervisors, is a
major part of their jobs. Learning about prices, money concepts, and banking are also important skills. Another new experience to look forward to will include learning how to use public transportation, such as the Metro- Transit busing system. Ms. Monica Leister and Mr. Joe Lozano
Soggy Weather---Soaring Spirit
Very early
on Wednesday, October 13th, many of our budding TSB athletes boarded charter
buses to make the trip to Louisville, Kentucky. Each year we participate in the
Junior Olympics hosted by the Kentucky School for the Blind. Week’s prior to
the trip, the children practiced their chosen events with vigor and diligence
and it showed. Even though the weather drove us indoors for most of the events
(first time in the event's history) the children put on their game faces and
went to work. Each child received a medal for the sport they participated in
and of course showed the pride that went along with it. The events that were
held included standing long jump, shot put, 60-meter dash, and the high jump.
Classes that participated were Ms. Benton, Ms. Chance, Ms. Chilton, Ms.
Hedrick, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Gale, and Ms. Weatherall .
Important Upcoming Dates,
October 28th and October 27th,, Unity Conference
November 22nd through 26th, Thanksgiving Break
December 7th, Community Concert Bank (7 pm)
December 10th, Lion’s Appreciation Day, (9 am)
December 13th, through 16th, Semester Exams.
December 17th, Holiday Program (9 am)
December 20th, Winter Break (two weeks)
As in the past we have ordered flu vaccine to cover the needs of our students and staff. However, we have no assurance at this point that our order will be filled. If we receive a limited quantity, we will prioritize based on student health conditions, ages, etc. With this uncertainty, I would advise parents and staff who might be concerned to seek alternative sources. If parents do secure flu shots for students IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTIFY OUR CLINIC. Repeating the vaccination could cause health problems.
We will be closely monitoring students for flu like systems and ask your cooperation in not returning students to school with fever, or other possible systems. Ms. Simms advises me that the best way to avoid spreading germs is to wash our hands frequently, and thoroughly.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim A. Oldham
Superintendent TSB
Don’t forget to VOTE!!!!!!!