Pioneer

Volume 49 Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2012

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Helping Hands Years of Service Polar Plunging Donation Camp Out Afternoon at “SkateAway” Career Service Employee of

the Year Arbor Day with Memories Special Olympics Home Meet

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Foundation News 2

Retiring! 3

AER Conference 4

The Adventure of Sir Black Bear-y Continues

5

Speak Out Time! 6

“Friend of SDSBVI” Award

7

Celebrating American 8

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks

9

Year-End Student Awards

10

Donations 11

“Its Not the Destination … it’s the Journey”

12

A Summer of Fun and Learning

14-20

A SUMMER OF FUN &

LEARNING

COSB Outreach Forum The Forum is comprised of Outreach staff from schools for the blind across the United States that are members of the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB). The group meets annually and South Dakota hosted the Forum for the first time in May with 12 states represented. The theme of the event was “South Dakota Land of Infinite Variety” which gave us a great opportunity to show off our school. continued on page 9

Pioneer Page 2

Founda on for the Blind and Visually Impaired News The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1978 with the purpose of expanding social, recreational, and educational opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired. The Foundation has an existing endowment that generates income to allow contributions to be given year after year.

You can support students who are blind or visually impaired by making an immediate impact on the opportunities and enrichment activities in one of the following ways. Memberships: Become a member! Sustaining Member: (voting) Annual contribution of $50 or more Lifetime Member: (voting) Contributions of $500 or more in a one-time payment or the installment option Patron: (non-voting) Donation of any amount is appreciated. Bequest/Memorial: Remember your loved ones or friends with a memorial. Devise of Assets: Share your real estate and/or investments.

For more information contact: South Dakota Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401; toll free at 1-888-275-3814 or 605-626-2580.

Board Officers President: Ms. Dawn Brush Vice President: Mr. Bruce Johnson Treasurer: Mr. Roland Pond Secretary: Mr. Lonald L. Gellhaus Members Mr. Tom Agnitsch Mr. Joel Albrecht Ms. Sharon Grote Ms. Dawn LaMee Mr. Rich Merriman Mrs. Jane Ann Rayman Dr. Curt Wischmeier Dr. Marjorie Kaiser: Ex-Officio

New Foundation Members (3/1/12-9/1/12) Sustaining and Patrons Ted Kneebone, Aberdeen SD Dr. Curt Wischmeier, Aberdeen SD Vance and Shirley Masteller, Glenham SD Vicki Altman, Mobridge SD Buffalo Ridge Resort, Gary SD South Dakota Association of the Blind Sharon Williams Wood, Apple Valley MN Memorial for Kay Clifford Archie Clifford, Rick & Ardis Clifford & Family, AJ Clifford, Bill & Tammy Dennert Memorial for Dr. Ellen Libby Jane Ann Rayman, Aberdeen SD Steve and Marjorie Kaiser, Aberdeen SD

Thank You Foundation Members; Thank you for paying for our trip to Joy Ranch. We enjoyed it a lot. It was a great

day! We especially loved the buggy and pon-toon rides, Johnny, Nicolette, Mrs. Ludwig, Jordan, Malikhi, and Michael

Thank You Foundation Members; Thank you for the money you gave us for our trip to Joy Ranch. We really loved going to Joy Ranch. We enjoy the buggy rides, pontoon rides, and brushing and petting the horses. We were served root beer floats before we left! We had so much fun! Thanks Again: Alex, Bria, Dominick, Evelyn, Michael, Violet, Mrs. Geditz, and Mrs. Holcomb

BeanyBooks The Beany Book entitled My First Book of Symbols has been written to help teach pre-literate students the symbols used in low vision assessments. My Second Book of Symbols is designed for students with cortical vision impairments. They were both written by Dr. Marva Gellhaus a Certified Low Vision Therapist® and are currently being used in the Low Vision Program at the SDSBVI and by other students. When a student can accurately identify the images (print or embossed), we can begin to gather information about near acuities and distance acuities. The Beany Books are available at: http://beanybooks.com/.

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 3

Retiring! Kathy Prouse was presented a clock from Dorm Supervisor Cathleen Walker upon her retirement after 24 years as a dormitory staff member. Kathy will be remembered as a tiny little lady with a huge heart! As the overnight houseparent in Herseth Dormitory, she helped start each student’s day with a smile in her voice as the first person the students saw each morning. Kathy was also devoted to the flowers and plants in the Fragrance Garden and was responsible for many of the “special touches” in the dorms to make them even more homey. Candee Lee, Speech Language Pathologist, pictured

with her Board of Regents Retirement Certificate, shared her passion, knowledge and skills for the last 19 years helping students. She worked to identify appropriate communication systems for each child and helped them to make their needs known. She developed the tactile symbol identification system throughout the school. Candee was the Forensics Coach and was active with the Arts & Special Activities Committee, and served as a member of the pre-evaluation planning team for each student.

Helping Hands Kathryn Wagner recently joined our staff as a Residential Child Care Worker. In addition to the staff who work with us all year long we welcomed several substitutes who provided invaluable assistance to the students and staff. They included Amy Reyes, Instructional Assistant and Gretchen Mayer, Substitute Instructor during the school year and the following who filled in this summer: Niki Gellhaus and Eileen Kriech in the kitchen; Kyla VanDenHemel, Instructional Assistant in Lorri Peterson’s classroom and Jami Whitney, Instructional Assistant in Beth Lopes’s classroom. Jayne Reuer, Jordann Hansen,

Brandon Heim, Kristine Sueltz-Fliehs, Ellen Thomsen, Lone Black, Penny Krogstrand, and Susan Krogstrand spent the summer months helping out in the dormitories. We sadly say good-bye to Sue Spenst, Residential Child Care Worker, who has moved on to new opportunities.

Years of Service Several employees at the School were recently honored for continuous years of service. They include, in the picture (back left to right): Richard Blondo, 5 years, Building Maintenance Worker; and Martin Pfotenhauer, 20 years, Teacher. Seated in front are Indira Dillon, 20 years, Teacher; and Dawn LaMee, 25 years, Training Specialist. Not Pictured: Sue Birrenkott, 15 years, Human Service Program Specialist. Polar Plunging

With the team theme of “Clowning Around” and wonderful weather conditions our team (pictured) Malikhi Hansen, Robert Hansen (Malikhi’s dad), Superintendent Marjorie Kaiser, Emery Long Crow, Principal Mark Krogstrand, and Jeremy Neuheisel (who collected money but wisely watched as not to take his power chair in the water) took the plunge into Lake Minniecho at Wylie Park to help support the Aberdeen Area Special Olympics. Students and staff took on the challenge and raised $2,300. The team ended up being one of the schools to raise the most money so in return students and staff received a pizza party.

Pioneer Page 4 Pioneer Page 4

AER Conference “Envision a Brighter Tomorrow” was the theme of the Dakotas Chapter of the Association for the Educa-tion and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Conference held this spring in Aberdeen, SD. The conference featured speakers of interest to those in the field of vision with sessions

on a variety of topics, including technology, music therapy, Braille literacy, self-advocacy, Project SEARCH, sleeping patterns for children who are blind, gerontology, macular degeneration, and products available from the American Printing House for the Blind. The first annual “Dakotas Chapter AER Friends of Vision” award was presented to Dr. Curt Wischmeier, MD, an Aberdeen Ophthalmologist and SDFBVI Board member. He was recognized for his many contributions to individuals with visual impairments and in the field of vision. Ken Dockter, ND Vision Services/School for the Blind Instructor received the annual “Riki Nitz AER Worker

of the Year” award. Students from the SDSBVI under the direction of Phyllis Heier provided the musical entertainment during the banquet. Several staff members attended the conference to network with other professionals and to gain valuable information. Dr. Marjorie Kaiser, Superintendent, Jane Mundschenk, Certified Orientation & Mobility Instructor, COMS®, and Amy Scepaniak, Outreach Vision Consultant, COMS® also attended the International Conference of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) in Bellevue, WA to learn about promising practices and new technology in the areas of vision.

Self Determination Award Amy J. Scepaniak was also honored with the “Judy Cerkovich Self-Determination Award” at the International AER Conference. Amy is an Outreach Vision Consultant who serves the north central part of the state of South Dakota. The award recognizes a professional who by virtue of significant contribution to the field has exhibited outstanding service in direct care, education and/or research in Itinerant Services. Joyce Strother (left) last year’s recipient from St. Louis, MO is pictured giving Amy her award.

New to our Playground This addition to our playground came to us from SD School for the Deaf campus where it was no longer needed. Students were very interested in the installation and eager for the maintenance department to finish the installation so they could play on it.

Nebraska Visitors This spring we welcomed to campus to share and com-pare notes on how each of our schools work. Pictured with Sir Black Bear-y is Joan Schroeder, Home life Supervisor,

and Audrey Graves, Center-Based Program Principal from the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Nebraska City, NE.

Donation Members of the Local Chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America recently presented a $1,200 check to Cathleen Walker, Dormitory Supervisor, on behalf of the Student Council, from proceeds of the Chapter’s bake sale that was held during a Student Council rummage sale. Funds from both events were matched by the National Organization. Pictured (left to right): Walker and Royal Neighbors members Kevin Schaunaman, Shirley Heis, and Betty Hemen.  

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 5

The Adventures of Sir Black Bear-y Continues By Dr. Marjorie Kaiser Sir Black Bear-y has had a very busy year. This spring he got dressed up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Independence Day. He visited Dr. Kaiser’s special education class at Northern State University, a teacher negotiation session, a state career service meeting, the convention of the SD Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, and the March meeting of the SD Board of Regents. Sir Black Bear-y supported the SDSBVI Polar Plunge team. In addition, he represented the school at the Dakota Chapter Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) and the schools for the blind Outreach Forum held in Aberdeen. This summer he posed with the bride (Dr. Kaiser’s daughter) and groom at their wedding, attended the International AER conference in Seattle, went whale

watching in the San Juan Islands, ventured on a ferry to Victoria British Columbia, and met mystery author J.A. Jance. Next is a trip to Banff and Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies and to the SD Association of the Blind Convention.

Spring Planting Each year the Local Chapter of the Royal Neighbors of Americas does a Community Sharing project with youth in a community. This spring the group helped plant tomato plants with our students.

Frisbee Golf To highlight the unusually warm month of March, PE Instructors Jodi Carlsgaard and Coach McLaughlin took their classes to the local Frisbee golf course!

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 5

Camping Out The weather threatened but nothing stopped the over-night activity for the end of the year residential party. The evening was filled with camp fires, movies, fishing, pizza, board games and other activities, and only a “little sleep”.

Pioneer Page 6

Speak Out Time! Under the direction and support of

staff, the elementary students tried their hand at public speaking!

Afternoon at “SkateAway”

The students and staff enjoyed an

afternoon of roller-skating, music, food, and games.

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 7 Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 7

“Friend of SDSBVI” Award Over the years the School has recognized individuals and organizations that have supported its students in a variety of ways. The honorees receive a plaque to display and their name is added to the large plaque on display in the school lobby. The School recently selected as the organization the Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 296, which is a Fraternal Insurance Company that supports community projects. The group first became involved with the School several years ago when they sponsored a Valentine’s Day party for the students. Since then they have supported activities such

as creating and distributing Easter baskets and helping the students plant a tomato garden. In addition, they have made generous matching donations to our student activities fund from their bake sales.

The individuals selected are Vern and Muriel Stoecker who own and operate Academy Trophy Company. They have worked with the school printing our name tags, plaques, and awards

for many years, always finding ways to accommodate our sometimes unusual and untimely requests.

Career Service Employee of the Year Our Career Service Employees are often the people behind the scenes, but what they do affects each of us every day. They keep the building and grounds clean and in good repair; they plan, cook and serve nutritious meals; they watch over our health; they answer phones and keep our school documents organized; they provide tours and organize evaluations and admissions; they find local employers for the students; they spend evenings and weekends teaching personal, social and recreational skills. Each spring the staff nominates a Career Service Employee who has gone beyond their job responsibilities to provide service to the school and students, provided exceptional support for their fellow workers, and has been a shining example to others. It is a special honor to be nominated by your peers for outstanding service. This year five individuals were nominated: Residential: Kathy Prouse and Cathleen Walker Maintenance: Harlow “Pete” Peterson Outreach Services: Sue Birrenkott Office Personnel: Susan Snaza This year’s winner is Susan Snaza, Educational Secretary. She has worked at the School for over 11 years and was recognized for taking the time to help whenever need-ed and going above and beyond to help both staff and students.

School Hosted Meeting Regental Career Service Advisory Council met on campus this spring. In addition to discussing a variety of issues they were able to enjoy a tour of the school, assistive technology and Braille demonstrations, and “Dinner After Dark”; an unique meal eaten under blindfold or with a vision simulator. The purpose of the council is to promote communications between Career Service employees and other areas of government. Pictured: Superintendent Dr. Marjorie Kaiser, Cindy Ostert, BHSU, Rick MacDonald, SDSM&T, Rob Van Wagner, NSU, Harlyn Becker, SDSD, Michele Sage, SDSU, and Shelly Rawstern, DSU; Front Row: Janet Moser, SDSBVI and Barbara Basel, Board of Regents.

Superintendent Dr. Marjorie Kaiser presenting plaque to Royal Neighbors members Shirley Heis and Kevin Schaunaman

Superintendent Dr. Marjorie Kaiser presenting the plaque to Vern and Muriel Stoecker

Susan receiving her award from Superintendent Kaiser

Pioneer Page 8

Celebrating American Music Phyllis Heier, Music Instructor, and her students were able to attend the showing of the “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibition on the campus of Northern State University.

Tour Lela Holcomb and Sue Birrenkott, as part of transition planning activities through the IEP process, took students Nick Bruhn, Courtland Collins, April Dominick, Kelly Jorgenson, Tylor Killspotted, Jeremy Neuheisel, and Kendra Terkildsen to Lake

Area Vo-Tech in Watertown, SD in April for a tour to learn more about the school and its programs.

“Catch the Wave” Students Nick Bruhn, Courtland Collins, Kelly Jorgenson, Tylor Killspotted, Jeremy Neuheisel, Kendra Terkildsen, and Sue Birrenkott, Transition Specialist attended “Catch the Wave” sponsored by the Transition Liaison Program held at Northern State University in April. The program was designed to give students age 16 or older, who are interested in attending college, an opportunity to learn more

about the possibilities and challenges.

Easter Egg Hunt! Our friends with the Royal Neighbors of America sponsored an on-campus Easter Egg Hunt for students just prior to the holidays. It was interesting to watch the “search techniques” used to find the eggs!

Yelduz Shrine Circus Students and dorm staff enjoyed attending this annual event. The circus included white tigers, elephants, dog acts, ponies, aerial acts and clowns.

Student Council Rummage Sale! The 4th annual Student Council rummage sale raised over $700 in sales and thanks to the Local Chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America’s bake sale held in conjunction and their “matching” dollars, the event raised over $1,200; a huge financial and educational success. A very special thanks to Cathy Walker, Dormitories Supervisor, and the dormitory staff who worked hard to organize the sale items, and to help the students learn about the business world.

Arbor Day with Memories A tree was planted on our campus this spring in honor of Kay Clifford who passed away last year. Kay worked in our food service program and loved to be outdoors.

Sigma Alpha Iota Members of the Northern State University student group, Sigma Alpha Iota, visited one of Phyllis Heier’s music classes to present their annual donation. This year the group donated an amazing $135 earned by performing “Singing Valentines” in February. The donation is used to continue offering a variety of music experiences and to provide the resources for students to learn about music from around the world.

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 9

COSB Outreach Forum continued from page 1

Some of the agenda items included: iPad for students and staff Outreach Services and Programs in South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library and Braille Prison Units College Readiness Determining Type and Amount of Service Tour of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired How a visual impairment affects speech language development

Students from the SDSBVI under the direction of Phyllis Heier pro-vided the musical entertainment during a picnic supper at Storybook Land. Following supper everyone gathered at Superintendent Kai-ser’s home to network. Thursday evening included a banquet and an auction with many unique items gathered by committee members and each state representative. The event proved to be a great time and raised nearly $2,.000 which has been ear-marked for “fine arts” activities at the SDSBVI.

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks The students and staff enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to watch Mother Nature up close when two mama ducks hatched 15 ducklings on our small campus. Mama #1 chose the Fragrance Garden, for the fifth year, as the place to hatch her brood. When she felt it was time to take them out into the world, with the help of the maintenance department, she maneuvered them out the door, around the

building, across the road, across Melgaard Park, and into the creek. Mama #2 decided to build her nest under the picnic table in the playground to hatch out her 4 babies. Surprising to us was how calm she stayed for the six weeks students were on-campus for our summer program, even playing very close to her. With help from our local paper The American News we were able to observe her 24/7 with a “Duck Cam” which was a video camera they placed in our school pointing out the window to her nest. Anyone on the Web could go on-line to watch “our duck”. By July 28 she had successfully hatch 4 babies and moved them to a new home.

Sharing Our Playground Our friends from the Aberdeen Family Y Camp “DreamMakers” under the direction of Rose Kraft spent time on our campus this summer utilizing our accessible playground. This camp is for kids 5 years old to graduating seniors with a disability.

Aberdeen Area Family Support Group

In July the group met at the Aberdeen Aquatic Center for an evening of swimming, treats, and connecting with others.

Pioneer Page 10

No 2011 Graduates, But Congratulations! While there was not a “formal” graduation this spring to acknowledge any graduating seniors, we are proud of the progress the students have made progress.

Year-End Student Awards The School gave awards to the following students at the annual Awards Program. Nicholas Bruhn: Participation Certificates (Goalball, Track & Field, Music), “I” Rating at Region IV (Solo) and “II” Rating at Region IV Music Contest (Mixed Vocal Ensemble); Courtland Collins: Letters (Music, Goalball 2nd Year, Forensics-pin and bar, Swimming), Participation Certificates (Goalball, Music, Track & Field), and Project Skills Employment Recognition; April Dominick; NSU Alpha Iota Outstanding Music Student Award, Participation Certificates (Track & Field, Goalball, Music, Forensics 1st year), “I+” Rating at Region IV (Solo), “I” Rating at Region IV (Girls Trio), “II” Rating at Region IV Music Contest (Mixed Vocal Ensemble), Project Skills Employment Recognition, and 2nd place medal at North Central Conference Forensics Meet; Malikhi Hansen: Braille Student of the Year, Certificate for dismissal from Speech & Language Therapy, and Participation Certificates (Polar Plunge, Move for Heart, Goalball, Forensics, Special Olympics Bowling & Swimming); Jordan Harkless: Participation Certificates (Move for Heart); Hailey Heintzman: Participation Certificates (Special Olympics Bowling and Track & Field, Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Snickers), and Healthy Kidz Club Award; Sybilla Heintzman: Certificate for dismissal from Speech & Language Therapy, and Participation Certificate (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Reese’s Pieces); Shane Hoffman: Participation Certificates (Reading and Vocational Skills, Special Olympics Bowling, Move for Heart); Trashawn Howard: Participation Certificates (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Jolly Rancher); Jordan Houseman: Participation Certificate (Move for Heart); Blaine Jemming: O&M Certificate of Achievement, Participation Certificates (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Nestle Crunch), and Healthy Kidz Club Award; Raydon Johnson: Project Search Graduation Recognition; Kelly Jorgenson: Apartment Student of the Year, Letters (Goalball 2nd Year, Swimming 3rd year, Track & Field 3rd year), Participation Certificates (Music, Goalball 2nd year), Project Skills Employment Recognition, “I” Rating at Region IV (Girls Trio), and “II” Rating at Region IV Music Contest (Mixed Vocal Ensemble); Tylor Killspotted: Residential Student of the Year, Project Skills Employment Recognition, and Participation Certificates (Special Olympics Bowling, Move for Heart); Emery Long Crow: “Outstanding Citizenship” Award (given to a student who best represents the qualities of good citizenship), Participation Certificates (Polar Plunge, Special Olympic Bowling, Track and Field, Swimming), Letter (Forensics pin and bar, Special Olympics 7th year), and Project Skills Employment Recognition; Jada Madsen: Residential Student of the Year, O&M Certificate of Achievement, and Participation Certificate (Classroom Award-Milky Way); Michael McMillen: Participation Certificate (Goalball); Ryker Meister: Preschool Graduation Award, Participation Certificate (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Baby Ruth), and Healthy Kidz Club Award; Jeremy Neuheisel: Letters (Music, Forensics-bar, Goalball 3rd year), Participation Certificates (Goalball Student Manager, Music, Move for Heart, Polar Plunge, Special Olympic Track and Field), Certificate for dismissal from Speech & Language Therapy, Project Skills Employment Recognition, Move for Heart Top Fundraiser with $619 raised), and “II” Rating at Region IV Music Contest (Mixed Vocal Ensemble); Alex Repp: Participation Certificates (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Almond Joy); Johnny Sauer: Participation Certificate (Move for Heart); Quinn Sterzinger: Participation Certificates (Move for Heart, Classroom Award-Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses), and Healthy Kidz Club Award; Vincent Stuwe: Participation Certif-icates (Move for Heart, Classroom Award- Butterfinger), and Honorary Maintenance Worker Certificate; Kendra Terkildsen: Participation Certificates (Music, Move for Heart, Goalball), Letters (Goalball 2nd Year, Track & Field, Swimming), “I” Rating at Region IV (Girls Trio), and “II” Rating at Region IV Music Contest (Mixed Vocal Ensemble); Michael Wingen: Participation Certificates (Move for Heart, Special Olympic Bowling, Track and Field, Swimming); KrisLynn Zahm: Participation Certificates (Reading/Story time, Special Olympics Bowling, Move for Heart). Aberdeen Fire and Rescue Pipes and Drums

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 11

Donations The School thanks the following individuals or businesses for their recent contributions. Monetary Donations Selby Lions Club, Selby SD Sigma Alpha Iota/Gama Tau Chapter NSU, Aberdeen SD (Music Department) Miscellaneous Donations Lois Powers, Missouri City TX (Campbell Soup Labels & Braille Magazines) Teresa Jemming, Woonsocket SD (boxes of hand sanitizer) Aberdeen Exchange Club, Aberdeen SD (Tickets to "Blue Horses" Imagination play) Marjorie Lane, Aberdeen SD (Video Eye Equipment) Northern State University (Complimentary Passes to Sporting Events) Royal Neighbors of America (pots, soil, plants, wire, tomato plants and t-shirts for Community Sharing Project) SkateAway, Aberdeen SD (Great Hospitality during our field trip) Earl & Linda Azure, Aberdeen SD (Trophies to recycle) Kitchen Tune Up Worldwide, Aberdeen SD (Tickets to Aberdeen Area Men's Chorus Spring Concert) Carrel's Family Dentistry, Aberdeen SD (Tickets to Aberdeen Area Men's Chorus Annual Spring Concert) Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen SD (Tickets Aberdeen Area Men's Chorus Annual Spring Concert) SD Foundation for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Trip to Joy Ranch) Lone Black, Aberdeen SD (Toys) Charles & Diane Flohr, Sioux Falls SD (Audio Books) Yelduz Shrine Temple, Aberdeen SD (Circus Tickets) SD Foundation for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Family Weekend) Konnie Ellis, Rapid City, SD (Book: Rory's Story)

COSB Outreach Forum A special thanks to individuals and organizations who donated items for door prizes or the auction: Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce; Brookings Chamber of Commerce; Huron Chamber of Commerce; Mitchell Chamber of Commerce; Pierre Chamber of Commerce; Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau; Watertown Chamber of Commerce; Rapid City Chamber of Commerce; NSU Bookstore - Aberdeen, SD; SDSU Bookstore - Brookings, SD; Queen of Bead of SD; Dahl Art Center - Rapid City, SD; Running's - Aberdeen, SD; Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society; Dakotah Bank - Aberdeen, SD; Brentwood Colony; Mac’s - Aberdeen, SD; Lily’s, Aberdeen, SD; Dakota Style Chips - Clark, SD; Discovery Museum - Mitchell, SD; Prehistoric Indian Museum - Mitchell, SD; Tire & Oil Co - Pine Ridge, SD; Arts & Handcrafted Items - Betty Schults, Pine Ridge SD; Adoba Motel - Rapid City, SD; Black Hills Eye Institute - Rapid City, SD; Dakota Care; Prairie Edge - Rapid City, SD; and Cornelius, Judith, and LeAnn Wurtz - Faulkton, SD.

Family Weekend A special thank you to the SD Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the SD School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for making the weekend possible. Thank you to the following individuals and organiza-tions for donating items for door prizes: Arts & Handcrafted Items - Betty Schults, Pine Ridge SD; Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce; Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce; Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau; Black Hills Eye Institute, Rapid City SD; SDSU Bookstore, Brookings SD; Dahl Art Center, Rapid City, SD; Prairie Edge, Rapid City SD; Dakotah Bank, Aberdeen SD; Runnings’, Aberdeen SD; Lily’s, Aberdeen SD; Mac’s, Aberdeen SD. Thank you to the following volunteers: Jane Mundschenk, Rayma Scepaniak, Natalie Malsom, Spencer Malsom, and Isaac Lien.

Students in Beth Lopes’ Geography class spent time studying about South Dakota and in particular the city of Clark. When the students requested information about Dakota Style® potato chips, they were surprised and excited with the wide variety of tasty treats they receive with the information.

Pioneer Page 12

“It’s Not the Destination…. it’s the Journey” With funding from the SD Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired and planning and inspiration by the Outreach Vision Consultants and several other staff members the Family Weekend was held in July. The journey throughout the weekend helped families link up with other families and connect with the guest speaker Burt Boyer, former SDSBVI Superintendent, who is

visually impaired himself. Mr. Boyer currently lives in Louisville, KY and works at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) as the Early Childhood Project Leader. Burt spoke to parents about enjoying the journey and being your own advocate. Parents had the opportunity to learn more about the Expanded Core Curriculum and the products APH loans to families and learned about the iPad from Amy Scepaniak, SDSBVI Outreach Vision Consultant .

While the parents were busy, the children participated in various activities. spent time at Storybook Land made a family photo frame played games had a great time with Music Therapist Nikki Kriz

A great BIG thank you to all who helped to make the Weekend such a success!

Arts & Special Activities Committee This Committee is the School’s version of a PTA and Booster Club all rolled up in one. Throughout the year the committee works on a variety of projects to support the School and our students. help to purchase the NuStep T5 Recumbent Cross Trainer coordinate the “Artist in Residence” Program sponsor student Family Weekend sponsor student trip to Joy Ranch sponsor Staff Appreciation Activities sponsor Student Projects

You can help the Committee by collecting and sending the following to the School. Kessler’s and Ken’s receipts Labels for Education Loaves 4 Learning from Country Hearth Computer Printer Cartridges and Cell Phone Recycling Land O'Lakes Save 5 For Schools My Coke Rewards Points Target’s Dollars for Schools Tyson Project A+ Pennies for the “Pennies for Pioneers” Program "Box Tops for Education" coupons The Committee also sells School Mugs ($7), Centennial Plates ($8), School Bags ($2), Drawstring Bags ($4), Pioneer Shirts ($10, $15, or $25 depending on style), and Logo Shirts (various sizes and styles). If you are interested in more information on any of the projects, contact Dawn LaMee at 605-626-2580 or 1-888-275-3814, or email at lameed@sdsbvi.northern.edu

Pioneer Shirt

School Mug

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 13

Special Olympics Our athletes truly exemplified the Olympian Oath “Let Me Win, But If I Can Not Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt” in & out of the pool, on & off the track, and for all of our activities. Way to go!!! A special thanks to Coach Tevan Fischbach and many helpers throughout the season. New this year is a beautiful new “Pioneers” Special Olympics Banner made by Jayne Reuer; thank you for all of your work !

The spring season began with our students participating at the local Special Olympics meet held at the Aberdeen Family Y, but due to a “rain out” our students were unable to participate in the NE Area Aquatics & Track & Field Meet. Our students attended the Summer Games in Spearfish, SD with the following results: Malikhi Hansen: 5th 50M Freestyle, 1st 100M Freestyle, 2nd Shot Put, 1st Standing Long Jump, and 4th 400M Run; Emery Long Crow: 1st 100M Freestyle, 3rd 100M Backstroke, 3rd Running Long Jump, 8th Shot Put, and 3rd 400M Run; Michael McMillen: 1st 10M Assisted Walk, 2nd 25M Assisted Walk, and 2nd Tennis Ball Throw; Jeremy Neuheisel: 1st 25M Floatation, 1st 100M Wheelchair Race, 1st 200M Wheelchair Race, and 2nd Shot Put; Michael Wingen: 1st 15M Floatation, 1st 25M Floatation, 1st Tennis Ball Throw, 1st 25M Assisted Walk, and 1st Standing Long Jump.

Pioneer Invitational Meet Our friends from North Dakota, including 5 athletes and 3 coaches/chaperones came down for our meet with the following results. Forensics Competition: Courtland Collins, Nick Bruhn, April Dominick, Michael Wingen, and Malikhi Hansen presented their pieces with each making progress on their public speaking skills. Swim Meet Results: Kendra Terkildsen: 1st 25M Freestyle (28.44), 1st 50M Freestyle (50.53), 1st 100M Free (1:52.33), 1st 50M Backstroke (1:15.68), 1st 100M Breaststroke (3:03.18), and swimming as the anchor leg in a co-ed ND/SD relay; Malikhi Hansen: (swimming in his first competitive meet outside of Special Olympics) 3rd 25M Freestyle (41.50), 3rd 50M Freestyle (1:36.65), 3rd 100M Freestyle (3:26.03), and swimming as the 3rd leg in a co-ed ND/SD relay; Michael Wingen: (swimming in his first competitive meet outside of Special Olympics) 4th 25M Freestyle (2:02.78), and swimming as the 2nd leg in a co-ed ND/SD relay. A Friday night social included time at the Red Rooster before retiring back to the dorms for a super nacho bar with all the fixings. Goalball Meet: Six different mixed teams competed in ten Goalball match ups. Our participants were: April Dominick, Kendra Terkildsen, Michael McMillen, Nick Bruhn, Malikhi Hansen, and Courtland Collins.

NCASB Staff members, Candice Lee and Jodi Carlsgaard took the wheel and made the trip to the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind in Faribault MN to give our students the opportunity to participate in the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind (NCASB) with schools from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin (and us!) for the Swim Meet and Forensics Competition.

The Swim Team (pictured) consisted of Emery Long Crow: 18th 100M Freestyle and 12th 100M Backstroke, Kelly Jorgensen: 1st 200M Free-style and 5th 100M Backstroke; Kendra Terkildsen: 1st 100M Freestyle (1st out of 22), 1st 200M Freestyle (1st out of 16), and 4th 100M Breaststroke; and Coach Carlsgaard. Overall,

the South Dakota team finished 21st of 26 teams (boys/girls combined) with our 3 participants. The Forensics Team had a great meet with 10 schools participating. April Dominick placed in all of her rounds against 9 other presenters who entered her event. Overall, she placed 2nd earning her a silver medal! Coach Candee Lee indicated how proud she was of all members of our team, not only for their hard work in this tough competition, but also for the way they represented our school with good sportsmanship and team spirit. Pictured: Emery Long Crow, April Dominick, Courtland Collins, Coach Lee, and Jeremy Neuheisel.

Pioneer Page 14

Transition Week By Dawn Backer, SDRC Director (Expanded Core Curriculum: Career Education/Transition and Self-Determination Skills) The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind concluded July 19 with an empowering morning at HorsePower. This nonprofit organization provides equestrian programs and therapies for individuals with physical, emotional, and/or cognitive challenges in a quest for personal independence, accomplishment, and self-pride. Our students had the opportunity to learn about the program, ride horses, and learn about the care and confidence one gains from caring for a horse. HorsePower provided an opportunity where the students learned about jobs related to physical therapy, management of a nonprofit organization, and farm and ranch labor. Seven students participated in activities which were geared to helping them learn about work opportunities after high school or college. The students participated in real work experiences at Red Rock Inn or at Lil Troopers Childcare. The students also helped prepare and serve a meal to 450 guests at the Banquet. This gave the students a work experience, as well as a community service activity. The students participated in informational tours of Avera McKennan Hospital and the South Dakota University Center. At Avera McKennan Hospital the students listened to 15 people describe their jobs and learned about the wide variety of opportunities to work at a hospital. The University Center provided information on the importance of early post high school registration. The Sioux Falls Business Resource Network sponsored a luncheon with representatives from T.J. Maxx and Camille’s Sidewalk Café. They shared interviewing tips and work ethic suggestions to the students that would benefit them when looking for a job. The week was filled with activities to build empowerment and self-identification skills, which included exploring assistive technology, interest inventories, low vision demonstrations, orientation and mobility skills, and learning more about public transportation. Other fun activities included a night at the water park, a dance with a local youth group, and the kids always liked the free time “just hanging out” at the dorm where they could play games, eat, and watch movies. The goal for Transition Week was to build empowerment and self-identification through work and community involvement.

A SUMMER OF FUN & LEARNING During the months of June and July, students took part in an exciting Summer Program at the SDSBVI. The emphasis of the program was to provide

opportunities for students to prevent regression of skills during the long summer break and focus on learning the necessary skills of blindness including: Assistive Technology

Career Education/Transition Compensatory Academic Skills Independent Living Skills Orientation and Mobility Students spent time learning and participating in activities they would not normally have the opportunity to accomplish. When a student is blind or visually impaired, special emphasis is placed on giving as many hands-on experiences as possible to help them develop a solid base of knowledge.

Recreation and Leisure Skills Self-Determination Skills Sensory Efficiency Skills Social Interaction Skills

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 15

In addition to spending time on learning skills in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, students in Coach Bob McLaughlin and Janel Ludwig’s class filled their summer weeks with fun activities. visiting the Humane Society doing “work skills” - recycling having lots of FUN with water fights

fishing & having a cookout

playing on the play ground

enjoying leisure skills: board, card & video games

learning about themselves and others

physical education class daily

making a blanket to be donated

trip to Joy Ranch

working at Project Skills Jobs

discussing current events

bowling

Trip to Children’s Museum By Lorri Peterson and Pat Geditz Lorri Peterson, Lela Holcomb and Pat Geditz’s classes spent the day at the Children’s Museum in Brookings SD on June 15. The students and staff had lots of fun and made lasting memories. They got to cruise through a Kidstreet (picking eggs from the chicken coop, planting corn, going into a log cabin or teepee), tune up a car, go work out in the gym, put together sandwiches and brew espressos in the local café. They also experimented with musical instruments, art, and even news casting live at the studio. Once outside, they experienced the 1.5 acre prairie. Activities included climbing hills, going through tunnels, wandering in the prairie grass maze, and even digging for dinosaur bones. The highlight of the trip was

waking up the mother and baby T. Rex animatronic dinosaurs. The museum was all hands on and kid friendly. We ended the day eating lunch at the park. The day was a great learning and discovery day!!

Pioneer Page 16

In addition to spending time on learning skills in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, students in Beth Lopes’ Skills classroom filled their summer weeks with fun activities. playing on the play ground

making crafts doing “work skills” leisure activities

exploring at Melgaard Park

exploring indoors & outdoor environments studying bugs and insects outdoors touring Dakotah Prairie Museum

trip to Joy Ranch In June the theme was “Ocean Animals” and in July the theme was “bugs and insects”. The students learned about mosquito’s, bees, flies, ants, lady bugs, caterpillars, and butterflies.

Trip By Janel Ludwig

Thanks to a generous gift from the SDSBVI Foundation, students, staff, and a parent were treated to a day trip to Joy Ranch at Florence, SD on July 17. This camp has an “Old West” theme and is completely handicapped accessible. There were pontoon and horse buggy rides, along with activities provided by the camp staff. The school provided a picnic lunch, NSU

provided the bus, and the SD Foundation for the Blind & Visually Impaired paid transportation costs and attend-ance fees. It was a fun day for our students and staff and an opportunity for the Joy staff to learn more about visual impairments.

“Everything about the day

was fun but especially the pontoon ride.”

Michael McMillen

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 17

In addition to spending time on learning skills in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, students in Pat Geditz and Lela Holcomb’s Upper Elementary & Middle School classroom filled their summer weeks with fun activities. learning about agriculture and went to a corn field studying about the State of South Dakota studying about the weather and visiting National Weather Service

studying about Helen Keller, Louis Braille, and guide dogs learning how to square dance, circle dance, and sing new songs

touring Dakotah Prairie Museum

visiting Children’s Museum

sewing pot holders

making craft projects

trip to Joy Ranch

playing on the play ground

discussing current events

eating out

Wii bowling

In addition to spending time on learning skills in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum students in Lorri Peterson’s Preschool & Early Elementary classroom filled their summer weeks with fun activities. visiting Children’s Museum

eating out

playing on the play ground

enjoying leisure skills: board, card & video games

having recess daily

trip to Joy Ranch swimming at the YMCA riding the train and Merry-Go-Round at Storybook Land

learning how to square dance, circle dance, and sing new songs

going to Storybook Land for “Fables and Fairy Tales”

Pioneer Page 18

Expanded Core Curriculum Areas Compensatory Academic & Sensory Efficiency Skills

Expanded Core

Curriculum Area

Orientation

and Mobility

Amy Scepaniak, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, and Michael Wingen spent time playing a new game called TREKS The Game of Compass Directions which was developed by Paul Olson from North Dakota. TREKS is available from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).

Expanded Core Curriculum: Assistive Technology

Expanded Core Curriculum Area Independent Living Skills

Volume 49 Issue 2 Page 19

Expanded Core Curriculum Areas: Recreation & Leisure and Social Interaction Skills and Independent Living Skills

In addition to spending time on learning skills in the areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, students in the dormitories kept their summer weeks busy with day-to-day activities like weekly room cleaning, bathing, laundry, work skills, getting to bed and school on time, and fun activities.

fun at Storybook Land (craft nights, children’s theater productions, and at the park) having GREAT water fights movie marathons

making craft projects

playing on the play ground

eating out

Wii bowling

air hockey tourney

making cheesecakes

concerts in the park

weekly cook-outs

Thunder Road: go-karts & bumper boats

Winner of Air Hockey

Tournament

Marcus Van Dam took home 1st place

and Savannah Westrom received

2nd place

HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR PIONEER? The Pioneer is available in three other formats: 1) large print, 2) Braille, and 3) E-mail (text & pdf). We ask you to return this form if you want to change your Pioneer format or if you have an address change. NAME: ______________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: ______________________________________________________________

E-MAIL: ______________________________________________________________

CHANGES: ___________________________________________________________________ Return to: Dawn LaMee, Pioneer Editor E-mail: lameed@sdsbvi.northern.edu South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401-7699 Phone # (605) 626-2580 or Toll Free 1-888-275-3814 Fax # (605) 626-2607 ************************************************************************* The Pioneer: Volume 49 No 2 - Spring/Summer 2012 The Pioneer is published twice a year by the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401-7699. Printing costs are donated by the South Dakota Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Edited by Dawn LaMee with photos taken by staff members.

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 17

Pass it on

after you are done

reading it!

Change Service Requested