Welcome to Good News!
Highlighting Achievements and Successes at
the Texas School for the Deaf.

Volume 7, Issue 2

Deaf Awareness Week

Various partnerships made this year's Deaf Awareness Week a success. Throughout the last full week of September, a few businesses partnered with TSD and helped celebrate by offering deals and discounts, such as Jeni's Ice Cream on South Congress, MOD Pizza on Riverside, and BJ's Restaurant in Sunset Valley.

TSD also partnered with Austin Central Public Library to host ASL Expressions, which featured a line-up of performers showcasing their unique artistry incorporating the beauty of sign language through stories, songs, and dance, which are a rich part of Deaf culture and history.

Local news station Fox 7 Austin highlighted the week by interviewing both Superintendent Claire Bugen and Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) Director BobbieBeth Scoggins who addressed misconceptions about the Deaf Community.

Mindy Moore's art class also help commemorate Deaf Awareness Week with a beautiful mural celebrating TSD's superpowers.

Photo shows Superintendent Claire Bugen sitting on a bench enjoying ice cream outside Jeni's Ice Creams.

Fox 7 Austin news reporter Kelly Saberi interviews Superintendent Claire Bugen and SOC BobbieBeth Scoggins regarding Deaf Awareness Week.

Fleet Feet Donates Running Shoes to Cross Country Team

During Deaf Awareness Week, Ari Perez from Fleet Feet Austin donated brand new running shoes to the TSD Cross Country team.

"Running in the right pair of shoes can prevent injuries and help to correct one's running form, " said Cross Country team coach Joe Cardenas. He reached out to Ari, who is also an avid runner, for help.

Ari and Fleet Feet Austin were on board. Ari shared, "I compliment Coach Cardenas for reaching out to ensure this team is properly outfitted.”

Photo shows TSD's cross country team carrying donated boxes of shoes with Athletic Director Chris Hamilton, Fleet Feet’s Ari Perez, Superintendent Claire Bugen, and Coach Joe Cardenas.

Ari Perez from Fleet Feet Austin donated brand new running shoes to TSD's Cross Country team.

TSD Foundation Gala Raised
Over $121,000

After a two-year hiatus, the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation hosted its 14th annual gala, Diamonds & Denim, at the Sonesta Hotel in Bee Cave. Over $121,000 was raised through sponsors, silent auctions, and live auctions.

TSD Culinary Arts students were provided the opportunity to work along Sonesta Executive Chef Patrick Newman. Superintendent Claire Bugen said at a recent Governing Board meeting, "Our Culinary Arts students worked with the hotel chef for two days prior to the event, and they planned the menu together. The kids had the opportunity to cook, serve appetizers, and be recognized before the entire audience."

At the event, Leila Hanaumi provided the entertainment with an ASL performance of hit songs by Dua Lipa and Five For Fighting.

The funds raised will help provide parents and school districts sign language services, STEM equipment for students, library and literacy materials, and needed equipment for TSD's Culinary Arts program. Funds also help support the TSD Foundation’s Innovative Education grants and programs that promote happy, healthy families and relationships in our community.

Photos from the Gala can be viewed HERE.

Photo shows TSD Culinary Arts students on stage at the TSD Foundation gala with Sonesta Chef Patrick Newman.

TSD Students' Work Displayed at Bee Cave Art Gallery

A variety of art work by students from Mindy Moore’s and Megan Burgess’ fine arts classes were featured for two weeks at the Bee Cave Arts Foundation Gallery, located at the Hill Country Galleria. The collection display included sculptures, mixed media, and some De'VIA art.

Since the TSD Foundation Gala took place at the Sonesta Hotel in Bee Cave, several attendees viewed the exhibit.

Photo shows TSD students’ artwork on exhibit at the Bee Cave Arts Foundation Gallery.

Vocabulary Parade

The Elementary students and staff were over the moon to celebrate the 2022 Vocabulary Parade. The event brought “all the feels”, as everyone dressed up as a feeling word or idiom and showed off their costumes for friends and families. This annual parade is a fun way to let creativity shine, celebrate feelings, and boost vocabularies.

More photos can be viewed HERE.

Christina Baldoni is “Over the moon” while Carl Borsotti is read to “Think outside the box”. Christina wears a witch hat and a large yellow moon while Carl has a broken-down box that is strapped over his shoulders.

Three first grade students sit together on the brick wall, watching the parade. One has an orange sign that reads, “Happy” while another has a sign with a yellow emoji with red hearts that reads, “Loved” in sparkly foil letters.

Kindergarten students walk the parade, wearing costumes such as “Don’t bug me!” and a WonderWoman representing “Strong”.

Board Member Spotlight

Recently, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Kathy Sellers of Kosse, Texas to the TSD Governing Board. Sellers is the lead interpreter for Bryan ISD and Brazos Valley Regional Day School for the Deaf. She is an active member of the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf and a member at large of the Texas Hands and Voices Board of Directors.

The mother of two Deaf adults, Sellers sat in her first Governing Board meeting on October 21st. Of the experience, she said, “It was a really good first experience. Everyone was so welcoming. As I was taking notes and listening, I realized that this was a great opportunity to serve on the TSD Governing Board. Truly humble and eager to make, I hope, a positive contribution to TSD.”

Photo shows newly appointed Board Member Kathy Sellers in front of both American and Texas flags.

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Published November 17, 2022 Print