This week's School Helper is full of stories about recent activities and announcements about upcoming events. Be sure to read it cover to cover!   Don't miss your opportunity to buy STUDENT-made GSD t-shirts! Download the School Helper here: School Helper Issue 31

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Enjoy this week's edition of the School Helper! You can download it here: School Helper Issue 30

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Introduction to American Sign Language class

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is offering this 6 week class using a simple approach to learning the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). Content includes numbers, fingerspelling, common phrases, terminology, basic conversational skills, and an overview to understanding the deaf culture.  Basic knowledge in ASL is helpful but not required. Registration deadline: April 3, 2019.

Floyd County Campus

Thursdays, April 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2019

5:30-7pm

$140 includes book

To register and for more information call 706-295-6382.

Get your "ASL Life" t-shirt order in today! These shirts are being printed by GSD students and staff on GSD's new screenprinting equipment! Help support GSD and the ASL Festival (Friday 29 March) by purchasing a shirt. Be ready for National ASL Day (Monday 15 April)! There are 2 styles of shirts. You can download the order form here: ASL Life t-shirt order form

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Have fun on ASL Celebration Day at the Georgia Renaissance Festival this April 27th! Enjoy ASL-interpreted shows and events, great food, and activities for the whole family! Discounted tickets are available with the promo code "ASL".

The Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is offering ASL I and ASL II classes in Decatur starting 12 January 2019. Please see the flyer for more information, including registration details and fees. 

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Make improving your ASL skills your New Year's Resolution! New classes in 3 locations start in January. Contact Patti at plombardi@doe.k12.ga.us or 404-272-2769 with questions.

Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at AASD Campus

Monday evenings 7:00 - 8:30 PM Lilburn

The Georgia Pathway Advisory Committee is accepting applications for members. Georgia Pathway is a group of concerned parents, professionals, and advocates for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. The group's mission is to promote literacy. Their goal is for every Deaf and Hard of Hearing child to be on grade level in reading by the end of third grade. If you are interested in serving on this advisory committee, please complete the application by 30 January 2019. 

Download the application here: GA Pathway Application

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Your Opinion Matters! Take the Parent Survey!

The Parent School Climate Survey for the 2018-2019 school year is open!

This survey is YOUR opportunity to give your feedback about the school climate at the Georgia School for the Deaf. This survey is not very long—only 24 questions—and is available in both English and Spanish. You can complete the survey using your personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. Parents will also be allowed to complete the Georgia Parent Survey at GSD during any regular school day.

The Georgia Parent Survey is for parents of all students in Georgia. The data collected is used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. Schools with less than 15 parents participating in the Parent Survey will be designated as Low Participation (LP) and the results will not be calculated. Schools with no parent or low parent participation will see a negative impact on the school’s School Climate Star Rating. So we need your help—GSD doesn’t want to be a Low Participation school!

You can take the survey here at any time:http://gshs.gadoe.org/parents. Once you start the survey, you can choose English or Spanish. Choose "State Schools--799" in the first drop-down menu, then "Georgia School for the Deaf" in the next drop-down menu.

Thank you in advance for your participation and honest feedback. It is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Marie Dickinson, GSD Family Engagement Coordinator

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Congratulations to GSD's 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year, Dana Tarter!! Dana is in her 4th year teaching at GSD and teaches Elementary and Middle School Access classes. She is beloved by students and staff for her true devotion to her students, her cheerful attitude and positive outlook. Thank you, Dana, for all you do for the students and the school. Congratulations on an honor well deserved! 

 Dana Tarter, Teacher of the Year, holds her certificate and flowers. 

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