California newsVolume 124 • Number 3 • October 24, 2008

Published by: California School for the Deaf, Fremont

In this issue:

Girls Basketball •success with league standings

Rosa Lee Interview•

High School •Spring Play

Masks •by Art Students

Career Center News•

Parent Workshop•

•

•

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Girls basketball photographs by Alison Taggart-Barone

California newsVolume 124 • Number 13 • March 13, 2009

Published by: California School for the Deaf, Fremont

EaglEs BaskEtBall Rocks thE housE!

2 October 24, 2008 | California News

No where in the world would one find a family as fine and magnificent as the CSD family! Word spread fast that our wonderful girls basketball team proved to have the guts and the will to defeat much higher-ranked teams in the North Coast Section Basketball Tournament. On the evening of March 7, the team was headed to make its historic first ap-pearance in the North Coast Section Finals. Word was out, and came they did.

A long-scheduled Crab Feed fundraiser for the benefit of our ath-letic program was scheduled for that same evening and conflicted with the game. Even though the Crab Feed event promised to be a huge financial success, the FAA leaders did not blink an eye in canceling it in order to encourage our CSD family to attend the game. And attend they did. We rocked the house!

Although our fans had to travel almost 100 miles to see the game, our CSD family made up more than one half of the audience in atten-dance. Yes, we outnumbered our host school, Sonoma College Prep Academy, and filled more than half of their gym.

We came as proud Eagles: infants, pre-schoolers, school age deaf kids, faculty, staff, administrators, retirees, parents, siblings, community members, former teaches, and staff members. The CSD family was there to root for our beloved CSD Eagles girls basketball team. And root we did! The emotion, enthusiasm, and spirit of the CSD family was obvious.

Our cheerleaders—made up of kindergarteners, elementary students, secondary students, alumni, faculty, and staff—appeared from nowhere and led us in raucus, thundering support of our Champs!!

I say Champs, not because our girls won the game; they didn’t. We lost the game. But, we can hold our heads up high, proud of the hard fight and the wonderful spirit our Eagles showed: the spirit of Champs. Yes, our 2008-09 girls’ basketball team: Our Champs!!

Deb Ayres, our girls’ coach and Reyes Ribera, assistant coach did a fantastic job preparing our under-ranked and underrated CSD girls team. The girls played their hearts out.

We had seven girls available to play, while our hosts had 17. Yet, that did not stop our girls from giving this number one ranked team the fight of their lives. They knew they had a fight on their hands, and so did we. Our girls were simply FANTASTIC!

We all left the gym, that night, in a state of euphoria—so proud of our girls and so proud of the tremendous fight that they put up.

2 March 13, 2009 | California News

CSD Family ‘goes the extra mile’ to support our teamGirlsfirsttime atleaguefinalsBy Hank Klopping Superintendent

California News | October 24, 2008 3

I know that our girls took the defeat hard, but I know that they did it with great dignity and trememdous respect for the game and all that it meant to us. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the wonderful extended CSD family. No where in the world, other than at in a residential school for the deaf, couldonefindthistypeofbroadsupport! We at the California School for the Deaf are certain that, on that night, no other school in the world could compete with us in how we brought together our extended family to support this cause. We were and are Number One!!!

To our wonderful CSD girls basketball team: We thank you for giving it your all and for making all of us so proud of you.

Thank all of you for letting our girls know how important they are to us and how proud we are of them. We have games to win and mountains to climb, but I know that with the wonderful CSD family that we will always fight our way forward. Our best is still ahead of us. Thank you coaches, teachers, staff, parents, friends, and all of you for keeping our kids first in your hearts, and for your outpouring of support for all of our fantastic kids.

California News | March 13, 2009 3

Tonique: Hello I’m Tonique

Rosa Lee: And I’m Rosa Lee

Tonique: Tell us why you’ve come to Fremont.

Rosa Lee: I’ve come to do four shows for Fremont: two shows for CSD students and two shows for the community.

Tonique: It’s so exciting to have you here! I want to ask you so many questions, but I’ll narrow it down to just a few. I’m curious, can you tell us a little bit about how you grew up?

Rosa Lee: Where I went to school, you mean?

Tonique: Yeah.

Rosa Lee: Well, I had three very different school experiences: I was home schooled; I went to a mainstream school; and I went to a deaf school. I graduated from Indiana School for the Deaf in 1993.

Tonique: Was this your first time coming to California School for the Deaf?

Rosa Lee: Well, the first time I came was last year. I had heard about it being a top school…actually, Indiana is a top school also. Anyhow, when I visited CSD, I thought it was such a cool school. There are such nice people here, and the stu-dents are terrific. I wanted to come again

this year because I really enjoyed visiting the school when I was here before.

Tonique: How did you become involved with acting?

Rosa Lee: Really it all started with the Youth Leadership Camp in Oregon. When I first flew to the camp from Indiana, I was so shy. The camp encouraged me to get involved in acting. I’ve been hooked on acting ever since!

Tonique: One last question, some of our seniors have expressed an interest in developing a career in theatre after they graduate. Do you have any advice for them?

Rosa Lee: It is important to gain experience in order to see what the world of theatre is really like. If any opportunity comes up where you can get a role behind the scenes doing lighting, or working as the stage manager, or even if you are offered a small role, go for it. That way, you can learn how theatre works—what you like and don’t like about it. That will help guide you to better decide what you want to do in the field.

Tonique: There it is! If you want to get involved in theatre, you’ve got Rosa’s advice to guide you. Thanks, Rosa, for coming here today and doing this interview with me.

RAVEN: I was thrilled to introduce Rosa Lee on stage. I really enjoyed and was fascinated with Rosa Lee’s performance. My favorite parts were her rendition of Austin Power’s dance and the story about the cross-eyed girl. Her show was very funny.

BERNICE: I was happy to introduce Rosa Lee. I would like to be a performer like Rosa Lee one day. She is amazing and funny!

CHRIS: Rosa Lee was awesome! Loved it and enjoyed it.

TONIQUE: Rosa Lee inspired me. Everybody says I am ‘Rosa Lee 2’.

interview with Rosa Lee and Tonique Hunter

4 October 24, 2008 | California News4 March 13, 2009 | California News

Study Skills seem to be a common problem among many students today. We often wonder why some have good study skills and others do not.

First, we need to understand that no two people study the same way. A study technique that works for one person may not work for another. Everyone is different. One thing that should be clear is that a student’s success in school is dependent upon how well s/he studies.

Though there are many books, guides, and articles on this subject, but the tips below can help us “see” and “practice” proven ways to study. The information below was ranked in the Top 10 Sites by Google on “How to study.”

Here are the tips: • Effective study skills must be

practiced, practiced, and practiced. You have to study, not “think” about studying. Remember: “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

• Develop a regular time to study. Learn how to develop a “study time” schedule that best meets

Tips for TeensBy Juan Dillard

Sophomore – Class of 2011

Do you want to learn how to become a fantastic employee and increase your skills? I’m here to share with you about my work experience class with Mr. Vic Hutchins. My name is Juan Dil-lard and I work as an elementary aide in Ms. Heidi Burns’ science classroom. I have learned many skills so far.

One of the most important things is to be on time and follow your boss’ directions. If you do a great job and are motivated, then your boss will notice your effort and can offer a strong recommendation for future work. A good reputation is important for your future so you can get a job easier. I really enjoy working with children and feel I have more to offer my next employer.

your needs. Change it if necessary but always follow a regular daily schedule.

• Make every hour count in your day. What do you do all day? Make a weekly schedule planner and see how your time is used. This gives you a big picture of what you do with your time. It is where you plan your time to study.

• Study when you are rested, awake, and know you made the time to study. Last minute studying usually does not work.

• When in class, make sure you understand what you learned. If not, meet with the teacher and become clear. If you do not understand what you are studying, make notes and ask the teacher. Be clear on what you are learning and studying.

For further information on study skills, check out this website: www.adprima.com/studyout.htm

CareerCenter

InformationHighway

Study skills are among the most important skills for all students, but particularly for students who are struggling in school. Students need to find and create an ideal study environment that works for them. There are a variety of elements that allow for an ideal study situation and having an effective environment is simply one of them.

Every student is different. Some students can study just about any-

where while others need a quiet room without any distractions. People walking through, TV’s, pagers and videophones are for some a constant distraction. Some can easily ignore these distractions; however, it requires someone who can stay focused. A few suggestions might be:• Establish a single area for

homework, and keep the necessary supplies in that area so they are handy when needed.

Steve Orman, Career Center Supervisor

Career Center News

California News | October 24, 2008 5California News | March 13, 2009 5

Steve Orman, Career Center Supervisor

By Dylan HinksSenior – Class of 2009

Study skills are a huge part of our high school education. Here’s an example:

You go to class and you have a test tomorrow. What do you do to pre-pare for the test? You study.

Studying is almost second nature to people who can manage studying properly. Each person has their own way of doing this.

The reason people study is to help them arrange the information they learn in school. This helps us apply the newly gained knowledge everywhere. Study skills help because it prepares students for college and work.

To be honest, study skills apply to almost everything when it comes to education. Developing those skills is extremely important.

By Britnee HursinSenior – Class of 2009

The best way to start studying is to do it NOW. Procrastination (putting it off) isn’t the answer. Even though it’s highly tempting to do that when you feel tired after sports practice, drama practice, or even after a long day.

Tips to get started: • Put all your homework assignments

down in your agenda book, no matter how simple. It’s easy to forget your homework when you become busy with other things.

• Have two folders: one folder for uncompleted homework and a folder for all the completed homework, so you know where everything is.

• Pick a quiet place where it’s easy to focus.

Once you’re able to do home-work, studying becomes easier because teachers base their tests on your homework and your class work. Once you know you have a test next week, start reviewing all of your homework and class work. Ask the teacher what will be on the test and study those subjects. Jot down things that you feel are important to you; research shows that people remember things more when they write things down. On the day of your test, have notes that you can review right before you take your test. This way, you should be all set to go.

• Decide where the most effective place is for reading, and be sure that location has a place to take notes.

• Be sure the room temperature is comfortable; it’s hard to focus when it’s either too hot or too cold.

• Know what distractions affect each student and set up your study environment accordingly.

• Put the pager away where it can’t be seen or attract attention

Time management and organi-zational skills are also key elements that greatly assist with study skills. Some students are able to figure out how much time they need to com-plete their homework, while others need to go through significant trial and error, which is often frustrating and takes up a lot of time. There are ways to develop these skills over a period of time. • Students can begin by timing them-

selves for two weeks and making notes on how much time it takes to complete their homework in each subject.

• Make an average of that time. (Be sure to add extra time in case of problems.) Put this on a sched-ule where it can be seen every day. Be sure to have breaks in the schedule which may allow for get-ting a drink of water, taking a short walk, having a snack, and even eating dinner.

• The length of breaks may depend on the time of day on how long the student is able to work without distractions.

I would also recommend paying special attention to the specific needs, learning preferences, and tendencies of each student, so they can learn to develop smart study habits early in their life.

Margot SimpsonSenior Seminar and WRP Teacher

Coming to California School for the Deaf

Fremont, CAApril 24 - 26, 2009

If you find the Career Center News to be helpful and useful, please provide your feedback to: CareerCenterNews@csdf-cde.ca.gov

6 October 24, 2008 | California News6 March 13, 2009 | California News

California News | October 24, 2008 7California News | March 13, 2009 7

MASKS David Call’s high school art students make masks to learn about different cultures

QUETzAlCOATl MASKMexico

By Stefani Serrato, 11th grade‘Quetzalcoatl’ is often referred to as The Feathered Serpent. He was the patron of the Aztec priesthood: of learning and knowledge.

WHITE TARA MASKTibet

By Sukhpreet Kaur, 11th gradeWhite Tārā is very popular among Tibetan Buddhists. People in Tibet believe that Tārā is filled with compassion. She was known for long life, healing, and serenity.

HAIDA MASK PacificCoast:CanadaandAlaska

By Armando Davalos, 11th gradeThe Haida tribe used this mask in their potlatch performance (a huge gift giving ritual) to tell the story about their ancestors meeting the spirit beings. The mask represents the wild spirit of the woods.

GANESHA MASKIndia

Mirja Schabram, 12th gradeGanesha is one of the best known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu world. He is known as the Remover of Obstacles. He brings good luck and fortune to people.

CHINESE lION MASKChina

Megan Ketchum, 11th gradeChinese people use the Lion mask to parade around during the Chinese New Year. They wear it to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune.

THREE AGES OF MAN MASK Mexico

By Mr. Call, Art TeacherAncient people from the Teotihuacan civilization used this mask to describe the life cycle of a human. The mask, built of layers, seems to break open, revealing a young man, then an aged man, and finally a skull.

CHOKWE MASKZaire, Africa

By Micah Norris, 10th gradeThe Chokwe people of Zaire use this mask during inauguration ceremonies for the chief and during sacrifices to their ancestors.

NOH MASKJapan

By Randi Medugno, 12th gradeThe Japanese use the Noh mask in their plays to show daily life during the feudal pe-riod. The mask is used to show the mood and character of the part played by the performer.

RAMA MASKIndia

By Andrew Paratore, 12th gradeRama is the hero of an ancient Indian epic tale, Ramayana. He is a popular prince loved by one and all.

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