New Family Orientation

January 2024

UPPER SCHOOL

Introductions:

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Who are you?

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What is your child’s name and age?

Russell O. West

Superintendent & CEO

STUDENT �AND �FAMILY �ENGAGEMENT

Carlos Aponte-Salcedo, Jr., Director of SAFE

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Counseling & Behavioral Support�Dorm Program�Athletics�Clubs and Organizations�Family Program�Hispanic Resource Team (HRT)

PBIS TEAM!

BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

COUNSELING

It is important to know who�to talk to if there is a problem.

Why might your child see a counselor?

ACCOUNTABLE: We ask for help when we need it.

STRONG EMOTIONS

EMERGENCIES

CONFLICTS

w/ Peers

w/ Family

w/ Staff

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Your safety

Others’ safety

Anger

Sadness

Fear

Frustration

Anxiety

COUNSELING & BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT

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Speak with a counselor.

Supervisor will be informed. Families and/or 911 may be contacted.

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Sometimes there are real safety concerns or emergencies.

You were hurt or think you will be hurt.

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You hurt yourself or are thinking of hurting yourself.

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A peer hurt themselves or is thinking of hurting themselves.

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A peer was hurt or you think they will be hurt.

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EMERGENCIES School Mental Health Best Practices/Ethics

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You stay safe.

Some things should not be a secret.

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“Of all the factors that determine student outcomes, family engagement is at the top of the list. Partnerships between schools and families can improve students’ grades, attendance, persistence, and motivation. Research shows that this is true regardless of a family’s race or income.”

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“Meaningful interactions between teachers and families of students who learn and think differently can build trust, inform instruction, and improve student outcomes.” Understood.org

LEXINGTON’S FAMILY PROGRAM

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

Blue Forms - Start of the Year�Keep us up to date on your contact information, preferences and more! ��*If it changes throughout the year as well, please let us or your child’s teacher know as soon as possible.

Talking Points�Easy two-way communication with your �child’s teachers in your home language!

How can you use it? Text, App, Online�With Audio, Dictation, and Video options

Website - www.lexnyc.org �(Select your language of preference using the button �on the top right hand corner.)

Facebook - (@LexingtonNYC or @ lexpsa)

YouTube (Lexington School for the Deaf Development Office)

Twitter (@LexforthedeafNY)

Instagram (@lexdeafnyc)

One Call Now - phone, email, or text communication around Emergencies, �school closures, and important information.

FOLLOW THE BLUEJAY NEWS

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Family Town Hall - Save the date Sept 18^th

Discuss big topics with your administrators and supervisors in the comfort of your own home (Zoom)

Educational Workshops, ASL Classes, �and Workgroups �Come learn with other families �from Lexington (Zoom)

PSA Events�Picture Day and Scholastic Book Fairs (In-Person)

Picture Day - Oct 12^th

…and other family events like these!

Walk4Hearing - Sept 17^th

lexfamily@lexnyc.org - Contact us anytime in any language!

Laura Cruz�Director of PPS

Lori Glick�School Social Worker

Carlos Aponte-Salcedo Jr.�Director of Student and Family Engagement

Norma Reyes�Transition Coordinator

Meggi Sweeney�Family Liaison

What we do?

• Advocate for the whole family/child
• Build communication within the school �and with our families
• Problem solve
• Celebrate your child’s success!

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Where will you see us?

• Intake process
• Graduation/Transition planning
• Family Events/Meetings -IEP
• Connecting you to social services
• Bussing/OPT communication
• Family/Teacher meetings: �Evenings of Oct 17 or 24

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FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM

HISPANIC RESOURCE TEAM - HRT

DORM PROGRAM

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Nicolas Tegni, Athletic Coordinator

FALL SPORTS

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

WINTER SPORTS

MS BASKETBALL

HS BASKETBALL

CHEERLEADING

SPRING SPORTS

TRACK & FIELD

SOFTBALL

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LEAGUE PARTICIPATION

• Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) is to provide all member schools and respective athletes with challenging tournament and championship meet competition.

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• Private Schools Athletic Association (PSAA) is a sports league for independent high schools primarily located in the New York Metropolitan Area.

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• Metro League is a sports league for small schools primarily located in the New York Metropolitan Area.

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• New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

UPPER SCHOOL

Middle & High School

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Catrina Zowak

Principal K-8

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

A BIG CHANGE

• Students will gain more independence and responsibility
• Students will be actively transitioning from class to class
• Independent travel within the building - going from the 2^nd floor to the basement, Gym and then back on time
• Work on teams with different teachers - teaching styles, personalities, grading criteria etc.
• 2023-24 there will be 4 classes in MS
• Arrive late to class- need a pass

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

• MS Students will use lockers – will get a combination that they will need to know and open daily. Textbooks will be required daily. Students can leave in their lockers if they are not needed for the day or homework.

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• Mailboxes – students can pick up work they missed from these (on the 2^nd floor)

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• Independent arrival and departure (with yellow buses)

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• Longer academic day/lunch is 30 minutes/AIS time – Academic Intervention Support is 30 minutes

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• Work in the STEM lab or work on Robotics or Underwater ROV

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Middle School Curriculum

Mathematics

English Language Arts

Social Studies

Science

Categorize Middle School Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

Lexington & N.Y. State Curriculum

Knowing all areas of curriculum will allow for cross content bridging and NY State Common Core Fusion.

Middle School Staff`

Career

Health, Technology & Career Education

Health I & II

Technology

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

• Students who are aged 12 and up will start participating in Level One Vocational Interview to collect information about each student’s interest in academic and vocational areas. This helps us to determine how to incorporate their future interests in the school curriculum.

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• Students will participate in Career Education (2 quarters), Health (one quarter) and Technology (one quarter).

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

• Cellphones, pagers, cameras, videogames are not permitted during school hours

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• PBIS Team addresses DASA, Sexual Harassment, and Bullying issues

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• Letters will be mailed home at the end of August regarding a supply list and class placement

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• Progress notes, report cards and IEP progress reports will be mailed home each quarter

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• Science, Math and ELA Statewide Testing will be administered in Spring 2024

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

• Middle School Student Government (MSSG) develop and instill leadership and school spirit (Spirit Week), and Haunted House

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• NTID’s National Regional Stem Center and participate in National NRSC Competition. Spring 2023- Austin, Texas

Extracurricular Activities

Gallaudet University’s Battle of the Books

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

• End of the year school event: Middle School Trips, Middle School Dance, BBQ, and Graduation Breakfast

• FLEX Schedule: One period a week focusing on 4 different activities (one per quarter): Election, Arts and Crafts Bazaar for Winter Holidays, Sweet Messages for Valentines, and annual rotation of three: Plays, Community Service or Carnival

HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Christina DuBrino�Administrative Assistant

Frank L Dattolo �9^th - 12^th Grade Principal

HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

High School General Information

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• 20 High School Teachers and 22 Assistants
• Transition Coordinator
• Behavior Specialists
• OT/PT
• Speech Teachers
• Counselors
• Audiologists
• TVI

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HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT- Attendance

Attendance Committee meets monthly to address discrepancies in attendance.

COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES

• Progress notes, Report Cards, and IEP Progress notes

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• Grades = class attendance, participation, class assignments, homework, class projects, exams, and midterm & final exams

TECHNOLOGY

• Internet safety is our number one priority to ensure safety for our students.�
• Digital Citizenship�
• Smartphones: Restricted access during the school day.�
• Learning Management System (LMS) platforms:: Schoology, Google, PowerSchool �
• Laptop: Must comply with Laptop User Agreement

HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

• Regents Tutoring
• Gallaudet’s Academic Bowl
• NTID’s NRSC STEM
• Travel Training Education Classes
• Core Classes, Black Culture Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Multicultural Club, Drama Club, CloseUp Program, Student Council and Jr. NAD
• ACT Prep Classes (virtual on Saturdays)
• Sports Program

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

• NRSC STEM Academy
• Summer Youth Employment Program

HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

ACADEMIC COURSES - 22 Credits

• 4 Years of ELA
• 3 Years of Math: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
• 4 Years of Social Studies: Global Studies I and II, United States History, Economics and Civics
• 3 Years of Science: Chemistry, Living Environment and Earth Science
• 4 Years of Physical Education
• Electives: Art, Deaf Studies, Career Education, STEM Courses

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REGENTS:

To earn Regents/Local Diploma, students must pass 4 Regents in ELA, MATH, SCIENCE and SOCIAL STUDIES

EXIT CREDEMNTIALS

• Regents Diploma

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• Superintendent Determination for Local�Diploma

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• CDOS Pathways

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• SACC (Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential)

TRANSITION SERVICE

• Transition planning is the process used to make sure that students with IEPs are prepared for life after high school.�
• When a child turns 14 years of age- A vocational assessment must be completed. �
• Two different types of assessments: transition and vocational assessments.

TRANSITION SERVICE

• Level I Vocational Assessment - Three parts interview that include student, parent, and teacher to collect information about child’s interests, preferences, ad goals for life after graduation including future employment, education, or training.�
• Level II Vocational Assessment - help child to determine the level of a student’s vocational skills, strengths and interests including perception, motor, spatial, verbal and/or numerical comprehension, attention and/or learning styles.�
• Level III Vocational Assessment - observing students completing work related tasks and given feedback to help them build their skills to ensure a successful work experience.�
• Family Town Hall meeting will discuss more in-depth about Transition planning and service.

TRANSITION SERVICE – Post Graduation

• Access VR- Assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living�
• OPWDD- coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities.�
• SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT DEPARTMENT

• The Educational Enrichment Department includes classes such as Physical Education, Performing Arts, STEAM, Digital Media, Art, and Career Education. �
• Along with assisting students in identifying their pathways towards graduation, the educational enrichment department will support your students in their transition towards college and post-graduation activities.

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Related Services

Speech, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Vision Services

IEP Meetings

Health Services

OPT/Bussing

Food Services

HEALTH SERVICES

https://www.lexnyc.org/support-services/health-services

AUDIOLOGY SERVICES

• Perform Audiological Evaluation
• Prepare, dispense and service amplification �(both personal and school aids)
• Fabricate earmolds
• Support students with cochlear implants and hearing aids
• Support with the connectivity with amplification
• Provide FM system

HEARING THRESHOLDS

Normal hearing thresholds

Mild hearing thresholds (20--40 dB HL

Moderate hearing thresholds (40-60 dB HL)

Moderate-severe hearing thresholds (60-75 dB HL )

Severe hearing thresholds (75-95 dB HL )

Profound hearing thresholds (95+ dB HL

SERVICES

• Assess the need/want for amplification
• Prepare amplification
• Dispense and service student’s amplification
• Validate aids

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COCHLEAR IMPLANT SUPPORT

We have many contacts with the cochlear implant centers. If your student has an issue with his/her implant, we can call/email the audiologist at the center to help resolve problems.

We share evaluation results with the center audiologists.

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If the implant is under-warranty, we can assist and call the implant companies to order or replace broken equipment.

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EARMOLD FABRICATION

DEVICE VARIATIONS

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

HEARING AIDS

BAHA

DIFFERENT AMPLIFICATION DEVICES ARE DETERMINED BY THE TYPE AND DEGREE OF ONE’S HEARING THRESHOLDS

AIDED EVALUATION

How much auditory access with the aid of amplification

FM SYSTEMS used in the classroom to help with background noise

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Transmitters

FM Receivers

Integrated Receivers

Provides clear, undistorted access to speech and other sounds

FM technology choices depend on the system and technology used

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AUDIOLOGY’s MISSION

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• Discuss with each student their audiogram and what auditory access they have with or without amplification. Discuss aided auditory access if the student wears amplification.
• Discuss student’s audiograms and expectation for auditory access with teachers and speech teachers.
• Auditory Training for those who have auditory access with amplification.
• Prepare, dispense and discuss the benefits of FM system in the classrooms.
• Discuss other assistive devices available to our students (light probes, doorbell , telephone lights etc.)
• Discuss how Bluetooth and new technology can be linked to devices such as telephone, computers, iPad etc.

AUDIOLOGY’s CONTACT INFORMATION

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John Ioannou, MS,CCC-A �Executive Director

iioannou@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3180

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Luciana Parisi-Sankovich, MA,CCC-A

lparisi@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3185 Tue/Wed/Thur

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Joanne Tzortzatos, AuD, CCC-A

jtzortzatos@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3179

Fernando Chavez, Technical Engineer

fchavez@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3177 Mon/Tue

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Ana Rodriguez, Office Manager

arodriguez@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3173

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Erica Valenzuela, Admin. Asst.

evalenzuela@lexnyc.org

Ext: 3171

ACCEPTED INSURANCE

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CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Improving our nest!

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Cindy Casson, Director of Community Relations

SUMMER 2023

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School Library - Wing 2

• New lighting & ceiling
• New sprinkler system
• New flooring
• More electrical outlets
• New furniture arrangement

SUMMER 2023

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8 New Bathrooms - Wing 2

• ADA-compliant doors & footprint
• ADA-compliant fixtures
• 2 per floor, basement to third floor
• Single occupancy

SUMMER/FALL 2023

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Temporary Boiler - Wing 3

• Replaces two circa 1968 boilers
• Located behind gymnasium
• 24/7 servicing
• Part of larger HVAC project to address
• Ventilation
• Heating/Cooling
• Controls

2025-26 FUTURE PLANS

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Swimming Pool - Wing 3

• 28’ x 60’ pool
• ADA-entrance
• New mechanical room
• Repairs to decking
• Shallower profile
• Upgrades to meet regulations
• $4 million