Students leading the way!

Two and a half years ago a Grade 2 student moved to Highland Park in Armstrong from Northern BC. Bella’s first language is American Sign Language and her new school had no ASL users when she arrived. Soon students were wanting to learn, and at the SD83 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night a group of students demonstrated some of their skills to trustees!

In a presentation that was in sign language, spoken, and in closed captioning, it was as accessible as possible, much like the culture being created at Highland Park, commented Kristina Baker, itinerant Hearing Resource Teacher for SD83. “Never have I seen so many students who learned ASL in that short of time. They should be really proud of themselves. Bella and her school mates are a crucial reminder that when given the opportunity, kids shift easily from acceptance to celebration and when they do it impacts an entire school culture.”

The group introduced themselves in sign language as well as helping trustees and those in the audience learn some simple signs, such as hello, thank you, and the signs for different pets.

Baker told trustees that because she is an itinerant teacher she has the opportunity to work with a variety of administrators, teachers, CEAs and best of all, students. “The District’s mission and vision that we want to empower students to become confident, curious, and caring individuals who thrive in their learning, relationships, and community and to prepare our students to become educated citizens who contribute positively to a dynamic, sustainable, and diverse world.”

“And I believe what is being showcased here today embodies all of that.”

Baker told trustees that Bella moving to the school provided a Highland Park with a rich opportunity to model the school district’s mission and vision in real time. “An exceptional signing certified education assistant (CEA) Meagan Hirvinen was hired to support Bella and the rest of the school. She works with Bella and other students when Bella is away.” She adds that when “Ms. Meagan” has time she goes into other classes and shows students signing. She has also created an ASL leadership group. “It has been enormously successful. Her dedication is inspiring.”

Baker added that Bella was fortunate to have the same dedicated teacher, Jenny Daughtry, for two years. During those years, Daughtry listened, learned, and embraced the importance of ASL as a compulsory and integrated element of all subject manner. “She worked with Meagan and I to incorporate ASL into more than just a 15 minute language lesson at the beginning of the day.”

“After two years I can honestly say I have never seen so many students who can sign as well as they do in my career! If you show up at Highland Park on any given day you might see a group of students at an assembly signing the national anthem, or groups of leadership students signing Pete the Cat to a group of grade ones. It is something that deserves to be highlighted as what inclusion can look like when it is truly embraced by a school.”

“It is a fabulous combination of stellar CEA, an administration and staff whose focus is on school community and students, and last but definitely not least, Bella and her school mates who are a crucial reminder that when given the opportunity, kids shift easily from acceptance to celebration and when they do it impacts an entire school culture.”

Baker wrapped up her presentation thanking parents and the hardworking young leadership students who attended the meeting to share their talents with trustees.