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WiscNews.com : Beaver Dam Daily Citizen Online
An insight into what it is like to be in a deaf culture was provided for K-5 students of Van Brunt Elementary School Friday afternoon by a half dozen high students from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf at Delavan-Darien.
In introducing the young performers, coach Julie Holna noted that they are from all over Wisconsin, attending classes from Monday to Friday.
With the students responding in sign language to questions posed from the audience, Holna translated vocally.
"Even though we cannot hear the music, we can feel vibrations. That is why the speakers are on the floor," she said.
With a brief slide presentation, the visitors pointed out that the school was founded in 1852. The campus includes an elementary school and a high school that is expected to be replaced, a library, a playground, and dormitory.
In addition to regular classes held from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., students attend others such as budgeting and mock trials. Sports include football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field.
Students from throughout the state arrive at the dorm Sunday night and stay through Thursday. Those living in far northern Wisconsin take an airplane to school. Others arrive by bus or automobile. All leave for home on Friday.
The 150 students range in age from 3 to 21. Some were born deaf, while others became deaf due to illness such as scarlet fever.
"It all depends on genetics," Holna said, noting that some students have had implants and others wear hearing aids.
"Communication is important to us. We write on paper with pencil. We talk to each other. Some text back and forth on blackberries, while others text sign on video through TV. We have counselors on each floor. We have total communication at all times," Holna translated.
Many students go on to continue their education at the University in Washington D.C.
When asked if sign language is the same internationally, Holna responded "No. Each country has its own sign language. Do all people speak English? It is the same thing with deal people."
The students performed the national anthem, "We're All in This Together", "Fabulous", a sneak preview of "Please Don't Stop the Music," and closed with "God Bless America."
Following each selection, the performers were silently applauded with waving hands rather than clapping. And, after the finals, they were given a standing "O"vation.
An insight into what it is like to be in a deaf culture was provided for K-5 students of Van Brunt Elementary School Friday afternoon by a half dozen high students from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf at Delavan-Darien.
In introducing the young performers, coach Julie Holna noted that they are from all over Wisconsin, attending classes from Monday to Friday.
With the students responding in sign language to questions posed from the audience, Holna translated vocally.
"Even though we cannot hear the music, we can feel vibrations. That is why the speakers are on the floor," she said.
With a brief slide presentation, the visitors pointed out that the school was founded in 1852. The campus includes an elementary school and a high school that is expected to be replaced, a library, a playground, and dormitory.
In addition to regular classes held from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., students attend others such as budgeting and mock trials. Sports include football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field.
Students from throughout the state arrive at the dorm Sunday night and stay through Thursday. Those living in far northern Wisconsin take an airplane to school. Others arrive by bus or automobile. All leave for home on Friday.
The 150 students range in age from 3 to 21. Some were born deaf, while others became deaf due to illness such as scarlet fever.
"It all depends on genetics," Holna said, noting that some students have had implants and others wear hearing aids.
"Communication is important to us. We write on paper with pencil. We talk to each other. Some text back and forth on blackberries, while others text sign on video through TV. We have counselors on each floor. We have total communication at all times," Holna translated.
Many students go on to continue their education at the University in Washington D.C.
When asked if sign language is the same internationally, Holna responded "No. Each country has its own sign language. Do all people speak English? It is the same thing with deal people."
The students performed the national anthem, "We're All in This Together", "Fabulous", a sneak preview of "Please Don't Stop the Music," and closed with "God Bless America."
Following each selection, the performers were silently applauded with waving hands rather than clapping. And, after the finals, they were given a standing "O"vation.