When two and a half years ago a Grade 2 student named Bella moved to Highland Park Elementary School in Armstrong, she had no one to communicate with 91裸聊视频� but not for long.
From northern B.C., Bella91裸聊视频檚 first language is American Sign Language (ASL), and her new school had no ASL speakers when she arrived.
But soon, some of Bella91裸聊视频檚 new friends at school were wanting to learn how to communicate in her language. That desire to connect grew, until last week at a School District 83 Board of Education meeting, a group of students demonstrated their newfound skills.
The students91裸聊视频� presentation was in sign language, spoken, and in closed captioning, reflecting the new culture being fostered at Highland Park since Bella91裸聊视频檚 arrival.
91裸聊视频淣ever 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,91裸聊视频� said Kristina Baker, itinerant hearing resource teacher for the school district.
The group introduced themselves in sign language and helped trustees and those in the audience learn some simple signs, such as 91裸聊视频榟ello91裸聊视频� and 91裸聊视频榯hank you.91裸聊视频�
Baker told the trustees that because she is an itinerant teacher she has the chance to work with many administrators, teachers, CEAs and 91裸聊视频� best of all 91裸聊视频� students.
91裸聊视频淭he district91裸聊视频檚 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,91裸聊视频� she said.
91裸聊视频淎nd I believe what is being showcased here today embodies all of that.91裸聊视频�
Baker told the trustees that Bella moving to the school provided Highland Park with an opportunity to model the school district91裸聊视频檚 mission and vision in real time.
91裸聊视频淎n 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,91裸聊视频� she said, adding that when 91裸聊视频淢s. Meagan91裸聊视频� has time she goes into other classes and shows students signing. She has also created an ASL leadership group. 91裸聊视频淚t has been enormously successful. Her dedication is inspiring.91裸聊视频�
Baker added that Bella was lucky 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 element of all subject matter.
91裸聊视频淪he worked with Meagan and I to incorporate ASL into more than just a 15 minute language lesson at the beginning of the day,91裸聊视频� Baker said.
91裸聊视频淎fter 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.
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