TSB proudly presented it’s annual holi-

day musical today to a rousing audito-

rium of guest and parents. Santa’s

Holiday Hoedown, written by Roger

Emerson and John Jacobson de-

picted Santa’s toyshop in danger of

going bust. But then the elves come up

with a plan to put on a show in Nash-

ville, TN to raise money. Everyone got

in on the act, the reindeer pretended to

be horses; the elves were acting like

Elvis. Dolly Holiday and even Santa

himself, pulled out all the stops.

Many classes were involved in this ex-

travaganza directed by Ms. Georgette

Seay. They included MAPs 1, 2 and 3,

MS 1, and Transition 1 and 2. Lead

characters included head elf Yokam

played by Migdiel Ortiz, Tex Glitter

played by Mikey Stewart, Mikey’s

side kick Rodie Valet performed by

Garrett Meeks, Dolly Holiday played

by Alexandria Williams, Mrs. Claus

played by Alisha Geary and last but

not least, Santa played by Cody Tho-

mas. The production took the stu-

dents four months to learn and mas-

ter. In addition, many staff were in-

volved in collaborating to make the

set, costumes and props. An endless

list of special touches were performed

by the staff as they created many spe-

cial memories. A big thanks to all the

amazing student actors for going

above and beyond all that was asked

in wishing you a Happy Holiday!

Santa’s Holiday Hoedown Brings Smiles and Laughter

Students perform in the comical Santa’s Holiday Hoedown bringing pleasure to a packed auditorium

before heading home for the winter break.

NEW KIDS 2

SANTA VISIT 2

PUPPETS 3

LIONS DAY 3

CHORUS 4

POC NAMED 5

FT. CAMPBELL 5

WRESTLING 6

THREE TREES 6

LOBBY TREE 7

AFTRA 7

PAL PARTY 8

Inside this issue:

December 21, 2012 Volume 1, Issue 7

T E N N E S S E E S C H O O L F O R T H E B L I N D

Roar of theTiger The

WINTER

HOLIDAY

SCHEDULE

School will be

closed December

24th– January 4th

for winter break.

Classes will re-

sume on Monday

January 7th,

2013.

AJ Townsend comes to TSB this year from Elizabethton, Tennessee. He is in the ninth grade and has be-come very active making new friends and being involved in music. AJ is playing guitar in the school band. He mentions the music of the 1970's along with video games as some of the things he most enjoys. In relation to TSB, AJ is quick to say he loves his teachers and all of the resources that are provided to him that acceler-

ate his learning.

New Kids on Campus

Santa and Mrs. Clause Visit TSB, Got the Picture?

Santa and Mrs. Claus came to

TSB on Tuesday, December 4th

spreading good cheer and posing

with students for a photo opportu-

nity in the Media Center. Photos

taken have been sent home with

the students for the holiday. Students posing for

photos were from the classes of Ms. Benton, Ms.

Mandrell, Ms. Smith, Ms. Leister, Mrs. Desal-

vatore, Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Atwell, Mrs. Stiteley,

Ms. Lewis and Mrs. Hedrick.

Page 2

Roar of the Tiger

Coming from Elizabethton, TN

Leighton Ramsey attended camp at

TSB during the summer. She is en-

joying her friends, the TSB family and

cottage life. Leighton is glad to be in

Mrs. Denning's class and the Choral

Ensemble. She is very excited about

all of the tech equipment available to

her and also gives kudos to the

teachers and the great care from the

school’s nursing staff.

With the Christmas photo shop set up with a safari background, the chil-

dren can’t help but get a laugh as they pose with Santa. Above from left to

right are: Adriel Cortez, Lillian Norris, and Woovens Scruggs.

James Yelsong is eighteen years old and comes to TSB as an exchange student from Ghana, West Africa.

James said, "I like being in America,

adjusting to the American culture and

the way of life." James went on to

say, "The programs and the relation-

ships with other organizations like the

Lion's Club, Delta Gamma Girls,

and most importantly the technology

I'm studying are things I like at TSB.”

Wolters. After the show, everyone had the op-

portunity to greet the puppets and learn more

about puppeteering. Our sincere thanks to

Brenda for spearheading the program and lend-

ing us the use of her puppets, and to Lamont

and Erica for their creative performance.

On December 6th cottages two, six, seven and

ten gathered at the Student Life Skills Center

for a holiday sing along and puppet show. The

students greatly enjoyed singing all their favorite

holiday songs. Afterwards, the students were

entertained with a puppet show performed by

Brenda Jones, Lamont Bassham and Erica

Puppets Pull Strings for Festive Fun

Page 3

Volume 1 Issue 6

Lions Day: A Grand Tradition of Giving at TSB Carrying on the grand Christmas tradition of giv-

ing, Lions Clubs from across Middle Tennes-

see gathered in the TSB auditorium December

14th. Small groups of members joined larger

clubs, consisting of LEO teens from area high

schools, making a “standing room only” crowd to

witness the presentation of their Christmas gifts.

The Lions Clubs always bring an electrifying air

of excitement to the holidays! Lions Day is a

much anticipated annual event at TSB.

Photo Left: Joe Gregory conducts the TSB Band as they perform during the Lions Day program on December 14, 2012.

Left Photo: Puppets are lined up and ready for

their performance. Right Photo: Brenda

Jones who provided the puppets poses with An-drew Bush as he checks out two puppets after the

show.

Stocking Stuffers Help Make Holiday Bright The Delta Gamma Sorority from Tennessee

Tech University provided Christmas stockings

for TSB students staying in the cottages. Eighty-

five plus stockings were made. Each sorority

member was given a name with gift ideas of

items that child may need. Stockings were

picked up and distributed to the students on

Dec. 11th. Stockings were full of candy, hair bar-

rettes, ear buds, cologne, did I say candy?,

shampoo, soap, toys, gloves and more candy.

Some students names were brailed on their

stockings along with a holiday message.

Paige Dickenson was instrumental in coordi-

nating all the event with Mrs. Parker. During the

school year, the Delta Gamma Sorority often

travels to TSB to participate in dances and

game time, or just spend time hanging out with

our kids. A special thanks to the Delta Gamma

Sorority for all they do with out kids throughout

the year.

With the Christmas Holiday Season being a time of joy and cheer it only stands to reason that it’s also the busiest time of the year for the TSB Music Depart-ment and it’s ambas-sadors of cheer, the TSB Chorus. On pace

with a schedule that rivals the jolly old man in red himself, when not in flight, the names Dasher and Dancer and yes, even Ru-dolph can be heard being mentioned or sung around the prac-tice rooms. So it only stands to reason there has to be some corre-lation between the rein-deer, the joy and the amount of distance that can be traveled during the month of Decem-ber. Travel for the choral ensemble began on December third when adorned in black, white

and red the chorus members boarded the school bus and headed to downtown Nash-ville. Ascending the floors of the Andrew Jackson State Office Building they sang for the staff and the Com-missioner of Educa-

tion, Kevin Huffman. On the morning of Dec. fourth the choral en-semble again headed across town and spent much of the day at an annual auction con-ducted by Bob Parks Realty Company. The folks at Bob Parks have been gracious over many years to raise funds for the stu-dents at the school. They work in conjunc-tion with Friends of TSB, a foundation whose contributions and assistance to the school is immeasur-able. Further informa-tion on Friends of TSB

can be found through a link on the schools website. Returning to campus the students again boarded the bus that evening to sing for "Family Night" at Chic Fil-A in Hermit-age. It was a pleasure to express songs of joy and gratitude as Chic Fil-A is a faithful supporter of the school. Their numer-ous donations of food items for our programs such as the "Muffin Monday" fund raisers are always generous and much appreciated. We are often invited as their guest to dine and perform for the patrons. The evening of December fifth found the choral en-semble singing songs of the season at the Donelson Church of the Nazarene. Their invitation to perform has become an annual event. On December sixth, the chorus traveled to Lafayette TN. For the third consecutive year the TSB Chorus has presented a program

Over the River and Through the Towns the TSB Chorus Goes

Page 4

Roar of theTiger

for the Lafayette Li-ons Club. The pro-gram, open to the pub-lic, allows funds raised at this event to go to the Lions Club's "White Cane Fund” helping the visually impaired. On Monday, December tenth the chorus traveled to Woodbury TN. There they presented a pro-gram to very receptive

members of the Lions Club. Two additional engagements finished out the holiday sched-ule for the chorus. On Friday December four-teenth they sang for Lions Day at TSB. They completed their winter schedule today with the performance in the Holiday Pro-gram. Being on cam-pus after all the travel made it a welcomed destination.

Top Right Photo: The Chorus

Ensemble poses for a photo

after singing at the Bob Parks

Auction. Bottom Photo: Di-

rector Judy Denning and

Santa are both decked in red.

Top Right: Alisha Whitehead,

Ben Waddell and Caleb Free-

man during a performance.

TSB’s Person of Character

Awards for the month of Decem-

ber 2012 have been awarded to

Elle Tuetken, Caleb Freeman,

Migdiel Ortiz and Keundre Mason. This honor

is given to students who demonstrate behavior

that exemplifies following our school rules: Be

Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible. Elle

is recognized for demonstrating great responsi-

bility. She found an expensive piece of technol-

ogy while cleaning out her closet at school that

did not belong to her. She politely went to each

girl in her cottage asking if they knew to whom it

might belong. She was able to find the owner

who was very grateful to have it back. It had

been missing for quite some time. Thank you

Elle! Caleb Freeman is recognized for positive

and productive behavior and setting the tone in

class. Caleb is a leader at being responsible in

class even if others are being negative. In areas

that he is aware he needs practice. Without urg-

ing, he comes after school or during his study

hall period for tutoring when in need of extra in-

struction. Caleb is polite, productive and from

time to time offers words of wisdom to others in

the classroom so that they too can be positive

and productive students. Migdiel is recognized

for being a great role model in all of his classes.

He is respectful, responsible and maintains a

safe area around him. He keeps up with all of

his school work through good organizational

skills and hard work. Great Job, Migdiel! Ke-

undre is recognized for standing up for his friend

in a bullying situation and then reporting the inci-

dent to staff. He also helps a fellow student to

class in the mornings. He is always respectful

and gives a great effort in class. Great Job, Ke-

undre!

Page 5

Volume1, Issue 6

Caleb Freeman

Persons of Character Announced for Month of December

Migdiel Ortiz Keundre Mason

The Jazz Combo and

Choral Ensemble per-

formed for Disability

Awareness Month at Fort

Campbell KY on Thurs-

day October 25, 2012.

The Tennessee School

for the Blind has been

honored to be part of this

event since 2001. Folks at

the Army base have recip-

rocated with many com-

plementary accolades.

Jazz Combo and Choral Ensemble Perform to Great Reviews

Elle Tuetken

Marcus Johnson, Saxophone; Chaz Whitsett, Drum set; Troy

Mortimer, Guitar; Mat Rich, Bass Guitar; Mr. Gregory, Keyboard

Leighton Ramsey, Maleka

West, Shelby West, Carrie

Carlisle, Kayla Painter

An air of excitement can be

sensed as the 2012-13 wres-

tling season is underway! The

Tennessee School for the

Blind Tigers are bringing the

competition to the mat! On De-

cember first our team won

matches against the Alabama

School for the Blind, Miss-

issippi School for the Blind

and the Missouri School for

the Blind.

The team this year is com-

prised of a number of new

faces. There are three new 7th

grade wrestlers on the team:

Carlos Medrano, Brandt

Shipley and Garrett Meeks.

Another new face coming from

the 8th grade is Dylan Burns.

In addition, Chris Cook makes

his debut as a first year wres-

Wrestling Season off to Great Start

Page 6

Roar of theTiger

We Three Trees of Orient Are

tler. The ten veteran wrestlers

are working with the new team

members instructing them in

learning wrestling moves used

at TSB. To date we have had

several matches against local

county teams. TSB kicked off

the season at DCA on Decem-

ber 1, 2012. The first home

match in our gym was with

Stratford and Summit High

Schools. Additional members

of the 2012-13 TSB Tiger

Wrestling Team are: Mat

Rich, Troy Mortimer, Tim

Jones, George Guerrero,

Jacob Mitchell, Derrick Man-

ning, Nick Heggie, Brooks

Gardner, Michael Ward and

Chaz Whitsett. Elizabeth

Harden is serving as the team

manager for this season.

Arriving just before Christmas,

three new trees have had their

roots placed into the landscape

of TSB’s fertile soil. Planted

during the first week in Decem-

ber all three trees are Ginkgo

trees. The new trees are twelve

years old and approximately

twelve feet tall. Two are located

in the grassy area in the front

parking lot of 1A near the

fence. The other tree is in the

same area where the original

tree was located. Native to

China, the Ginkgo tree has re-

cords showing a long history.

Fossils found of leaves similar

to the Ginkgo have been in

fossils dating back 270 million

years. Ginkgos are large trees,

commonly reaching a height of

66 to 115 feet, with some

specimens in China being over

164 feet tall. Known for their

longevity some specimens are

claimed to be more than

2,500 years old. This gives an

old perspective to adding long

life to your family tree.

The TSB Auditorium Lobby Christmas Tree was

decorated with ornaments made by the students

along with the assistance of the Youth Service

Workers. Each ornament is different and

unique. Students used old Christmas Cards to

make ornaments that look three dimensional.

Page 7

Volume1, Issue 6

A puzzling ornament.

Student Craftiness Displayed on TSB Lobby Christmas Tree

A foiled ornament. A bearable ornament. A carded ornament.

On Tuesday, December 11th, AFTRA,

(American Federation of Television and Ra-

dio Artists), continued a twenty two year tradi-

tion at TSB by coming and performing their an-

nual Christmas Caroling Presentation. This

energetic and entertaining mix of personalities

represents actors, singers, radio and television

personalities, and instrumentalists who ushered

in the Christmas spirit in their own unique and

exciting way. The students responded with

cheers and enthusiasm when Santa made his

entrance and passed out jingle bells to every-

one. The bells were all ringing and the carolers

were all singing,

just as the song

lyric goes. Over

the years many

notable celebri-

ties have partici-

pated in this

event. TSB al-

ways looks for-

ward to a fun

filled time of inter-

action with the

students and the

arrival of Santa.

Ornaments shaped like wreaths were made out

of puzzle pieces. Felt was used to make snow-

flakes. There are even ornaments made out of

aluminum foil, painted and shaped like Christ-

mas balls & candy canes. Stop by and see the

beautiful creations of the students.

AFTRA Brings and Rings the Bells of Christmas

Photo Left: Members of AFTRA gather on the steps of the

stage and begin singing Christmas songs. Above Photo:

Santa hands out jingle bells to the student’s delight.

Tennessee School for the Blind is a state special

school established in 1844 to meet the unique needs of

visually impaired students living in the state of Tennes-

see. The school provides academic and professional

services tailored to benefit students placed in its care

through the Local Education Agencies across the state.

Beyond a tradition of academics, TSB specializes in the

instruction of expanded core-curricular areas such as

Braille, Mobility, Technology, Career Education, and In-

dependent Living Skills. Students at the school also enjoy

the opportunity to participate in team sports, campus

clubs, organizations and many leisure-time activities. In

addition the school provides outreach services to visually

challenged students, their parents, teachers, schools and

other agencies assisting the visually challenged.

Having a Pal Can Keep You Warm During Winter

115 Stewarts Ferry Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

Phone: 615-231-7300

Creating Contributing Participating Members of Society

T E N N E S S E E S C H O O L F O R T H E B L I N D

Photo Above: After singing Christmas choruses the girls begin opening

gifts they received at the Pal Hawkins party. Photo Below: Mike Stewart

and Adam Carpenter enjoy eating the Krystal hamburgers.

On the evening of December 11th, Mr. Pal Haw-

kins and friends chose to celebrate the Holiday

sea-

son

again

this

year

doing

good

deeds

for our

kids

here

at

TSB. Pal called the school asking to know how

many of our kids needed coats for the winter.

After receiving a list of eleven students, he or-

ganized and did what was needed to be done to

provide all eleven coats, along with a $20.00

Wal-Mart gift card. Pal, his family and friends

also provided food and a party for about 25 of

our residential students at the Life Skills Build-

ing. One highlight of the night for the kids was

feasting on one hundred Krystal hamburgers.

After the food came a time of sharing and sing-

ing as four TSB students provided holiday mu-

sic. Games were then played and gifts were

handed out to the students. It was a great night

for all involved. A big thank you to Mr. Pal Haw-

kins and friends for all the love and caring they

show to the students.

Pal Hawkins stops to pose for a photo along with five of the eleven student that received coats at the Christmas party.