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School's name not the only change for SSSD - News - The Times-Tribune
Thomas Devoe and Aaliyah Sanders peeked into the firehouse, then walked over to "Scranton Acres" - a barn the perfect size for first-graders.
"I like to play," Thomas, a student at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, said through an interpreter Friday, before he ran to check out the school's gas station.
The school's village - four small buildings that come with a curriculum that gives students a chance for a "real-world" experience - is one of the most noticeable changes to the school, formerly known as the Scranton State School for the Deaf.
One month into the new school year - with a new name, new paint and new library - school officials say there is more change than meets the eye.
"There's really a very positive sense, a very supportive sense," Principal Nancy Benham said. "The students are doing great. They've adjusted beautifully."
The Scranton State School for the Deaf closed this summer, when the state transferred operation to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, located in Pittsburgh.
For months, numerous rallies and protests were held, and thousands of people signed a petition that was delivered to Harrisburg. The transfer of operation to the private school will save the state about $2 million this year.
After interviewing the staff at SSSD, 80 percent were rehired for the new school, said Ms. Benham, who had been director of WPSD's parent-infant program in Pittsburgh.
Under the transition plan unveiled last spring, high school classes and residential programs will end following this school year, and those students will be given the option to attend school at WPSD's Pittsburgh campus.
But Ms. Benham said no decisions have been made regarding the high school classes or residential offerings yet, and this is a "year of evaluation."
"We really want to make sure we are doing what's best for the students," she said.
The school's enrollment is now 80 students, who are from 41 counties. Half the students live on campus. In May, 91 students were enrolled at SSSD.
On Friday, members of the soccer teams from the Scranton and Pittsburgh campuses mingled before traveling together to a tournament on Long Island.
Junior Doug Persing, who had been opposed to SSSD's closure last year, said through an interpreter that the new school gave him more opportunities because it is no longer state-owned.
"We can travel, we can do more things," Doug said, adding that there are some stricter rules - including eating with your napkin on your lap at dinner.
While dinner is more formal, he said he is happy with the changes.
"We're lucky," he added.
Thomas Devoe and Aaliyah Sanders peeked into the firehouse, then walked over to "Scranton Acres" - a barn the perfect size for first-graders.
"I like to play," Thomas, a student at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, said through an interpreter Friday, before he ran to check out the school's gas station.
The school's village - four small buildings that come with a curriculum that gives students a chance for a "real-world" experience - is one of the most noticeable changes to the school, formerly known as the Scranton State School for the Deaf.
One month into the new school year - with a new name, new paint and new library - school officials say there is more change than meets the eye.
"There's really a very positive sense, a very supportive sense," Principal Nancy Benham said. "The students are doing great. They've adjusted beautifully."
The Scranton State School for the Deaf closed this summer, when the state transferred operation to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, located in Pittsburgh.
For months, numerous rallies and protests were held, and thousands of people signed a petition that was delivered to Harrisburg. The transfer of operation to the private school will save the state about $2 million this year.
After interviewing the staff at SSSD, 80 percent were rehired for the new school, said Ms. Benham, who had been director of WPSD's parent-infant program in Pittsburgh.
Under the transition plan unveiled last spring, high school classes and residential programs will end following this school year, and those students will be given the option to attend school at WPSD's Pittsburgh campus.
But Ms. Benham said no decisions have been made regarding the high school classes or residential offerings yet, and this is a "year of evaluation."
"We really want to make sure we are doing what's best for the students," she said.
The school's enrollment is now 80 students, who are from 41 counties. Half the students live on campus. In May, 91 students were enrolled at SSSD.
On Friday, members of the soccer teams from the Scranton and Pittsburgh campuses mingled before traveling together to a tournament on Long Island.
Junior Doug Persing, who had been opposed to SSSD's closure last year, said through an interpreter that the new school gave him more opportunities because it is no longer state-owned.
"We can travel, we can do more things," Doug said, adding that there are some stricter rules - including eating with your napkin on your lap at dinner.
While dinner is more formal, he said he is happy with the changes.
"We're lucky," he added.