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Daily Journal - Md. School for the Dead hosts biennial conference of American Society for Deaf Children
The Maryland School for the Deaf has become a temporary conference center this week as it hosts the 22nd biennial conference of the American Society for Deaf Children.
The program for children and adults started Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
Each day starts with a keynote address, and Thursday's keynote speaker had a homecoming of sorts.
Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, delivered comments to an audience of about 125 people. In addressing the conference participants, Grasmick brought her career full circle. In the waning days of her tenure at the helm of Maryland's public schools, Grasmick spent time with those she began her teaching career with -- deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
She will retire June 30.
Her 50-year career in public education began with a teaching position at the William S. Baer School in Baltimore, where she worked with deaf children.
"It was thrilling to be invited to be a part of this, to be among deaf children," Grasmick said after her talk. "This is part of my profession that I have loved since working with my first deaf child."
Grasmick said she is proud of the work being done in Maryland, and she's grateful that Maryland continues to embrace the concept of a continuum of services -- a philosophy that other states are abandoning.
In her remarks to conference participants, Grasmick said she is proud of the school and its accomplishments on behalf of its students.
MSD students are productive in part because of school officials realizing how important early language development is, Grasmick said.
In his introduction of Grasmick, school Superintendent James Tucker said only three students received Maryland high school diplomas in 1995, the first year MSD awarded state diplomas.
This month, 37 members of the school's class of 2011 received state high school diplomas.
Grasmick called that a "stunning statistic" and credited the turnaround to Tucker's leadership.
Identifying deaf and hard-of-hearing babies early in their lives and providing support services to families from birth makes all the difference, according to Grasmick.
"Early intervention is the key to academic success," she said.
It is important for parents to have choices, and MSD stands as proof, she said. Parents have a choice in the educational methodology they want their children exposed to and the services they want to receive.
Parents are their children's first teachers, and will continue to advocate for them throughout their lives, Grasmick said.
Grasmick received applause when she said that Maryland will continue to embrace the concept of a continuum of services, as opposed to the states that embrace inclusion.
"I don't think anyone would say one size fits all," Grasmick said. "We will continue to voice our opinion about that."
Grasmick encouraged parents to be frequent visitors to their children's classrooms; to be "extra vigilant" about their expectations for their children; and to insist their children get the tools and support they need to succeed.
"Be the squeaky wheel that gets the oil for your child," she said. "You are that continuing advocate for your child -- no one will do that except for you."
Conference co-chairwomen Erin Buck and Lori Bonheyo and their committee worked for more than a year to organize the conference that began Wednesday.
More than 300 adults, children and young adults from across the country registered for the program, which offers educational and advocacy seminars, recreational activities and social outings.
"All of Frederick has come together for this conference," Buck said Thursday. "The support has been amazing."
Local businesses have embraced the event, and participants have been encouraged to explore downtown Frederick.
Children are enjoying seminars on yoga, juggling and drama and will provide the entertainment for Saturday evening's banquet, Buck said.
In a letter to program participants published in the program, Buck and Bonheyo said that in addition to socializing with friends and colleagues, and sharing experiences with families, they would gain new and fresh perspectives to navigate the choices ahead.
Because, Grasmick said, it is those choices that are so important and being informed of the choices available is key to a child's success.
The Maryland School for the Deaf has become a temporary conference center this week as it hosts the 22nd biennial conference of the American Society for Deaf Children.
The program for children and adults started Wednesday and runs through Sunday.
Each day starts with a keynote address, and Thursday's keynote speaker had a homecoming of sorts.
Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, delivered comments to an audience of about 125 people. In addressing the conference participants, Grasmick brought her career full circle. In the waning days of her tenure at the helm of Maryland's public schools, Grasmick spent time with those she began her teaching career with -- deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
She will retire June 30.
Her 50-year career in public education began with a teaching position at the William S. Baer School in Baltimore, where she worked with deaf children.
"It was thrilling to be invited to be a part of this, to be among deaf children," Grasmick said after her talk. "This is part of my profession that I have loved since working with my first deaf child."
Grasmick said she is proud of the work being done in Maryland, and she's grateful that Maryland continues to embrace the concept of a continuum of services -- a philosophy that other states are abandoning.
In her remarks to conference participants, Grasmick said she is proud of the school and its accomplishments on behalf of its students.
MSD students are productive in part because of school officials realizing how important early language development is, Grasmick said.
In his introduction of Grasmick, school Superintendent James Tucker said only three students received Maryland high school diplomas in 1995, the first year MSD awarded state diplomas.
This month, 37 members of the school's class of 2011 received state high school diplomas.
Grasmick called that a "stunning statistic" and credited the turnaround to Tucker's leadership.
Identifying deaf and hard-of-hearing babies early in their lives and providing support services to families from birth makes all the difference, according to Grasmick.
"Early intervention is the key to academic success," she said.
It is important for parents to have choices, and MSD stands as proof, she said. Parents have a choice in the educational methodology they want their children exposed to and the services they want to receive.
Parents are their children's first teachers, and will continue to advocate for them throughout their lives, Grasmick said.
Grasmick received applause when she said that Maryland will continue to embrace the concept of a continuum of services, as opposed to the states that embrace inclusion.
"I don't think anyone would say one size fits all," Grasmick said. "We will continue to voice our opinion about that."
Grasmick encouraged parents to be frequent visitors to their children's classrooms; to be "extra vigilant" about their expectations for their children; and to insist their children get the tools and support they need to succeed.
"Be the squeaky wheel that gets the oil for your child," she said. "You are that continuing advocate for your child -- no one will do that except for you."
Conference co-chairwomen Erin Buck and Lori Bonheyo and their committee worked for more than a year to organize the conference that began Wednesday.
More than 300 adults, children and young adults from across the country registered for the program, which offers educational and advocacy seminars, recreational activities and social outings.
"All of Frederick has come together for this conference," Buck said Thursday. "The support has been amazing."
Local businesses have embraced the event, and participants have been encouraged to explore downtown Frederick.
Children are enjoying seminars on yoga, juggling and drama and will provide the entertainment for Saturday evening's banquet, Buck said.
In a letter to program participants published in the program, Buck and Bonheyo said that in addition to socializing with friends and colleagues, and sharing experiences with families, they would gain new and fresh perspectives to navigate the choices ahead.
Because, Grasmick said, it is those choices that are so important and being informed of the choices available is key to a child's success.
