[accessibleimage] Re: Want to donate a tactile flag or two to the Louis Braille children's day school?

Hi Sylvie,

We will send 100 flags to them!  We have lot's of leftovers.

Steve


On 1/10/08, Kaizen Program <kaizen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> The Louis Braille School is a Private Day School for Children Who Are
> Blind
> or Partially Sighted in Washington State, U.S.A. It offers a full-time
> academic  and fully accessible school program for children from
> kindergarten
> through the eighth grade of primary school.
>
> The school currently has two tactile U.S. flags. They also have one
> tactile
> Canadian flag and one tactile Mexican flag. They are all made of a variety
> of fabrics and stitched threads, have a variety of textures setting off
> the
> different parts of each, and the distinct colors appropriate to each
> country's flag.
> They are briefly described in the newsletter below.
>
> The children and staff would very much like to have tactile flags of other
> countries, so that the children can become more familiar with these too.
> If you are interested in donating one or more tactile flags for other
> countries, be assured that they will be greatly appreciated by the
> students
> and staff of the Louis Braille School. This is a fun and useful project
> for
> anyone who likes to sew.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Sylvie
>
> Louis Braille School Newsletter Fall 2007
>
> Louis Braille School A Private Day School for Children Who Are Blind or
> Partially Sighted
>
> http://louisbrailleschool.org/newsletter/fall-2007/
>
> About Louis Braille School
>
> about the School
>
> We named our school in honor of Louis Braille, the Frenchman who devised
> the
> raised dot method of reading and writing known today as braille.
>
> The Louis Braille School is approved by the Washington State Board of
> Education as a private school for children who are blind or partially
> sighted. The School offers a full-time academic program September through
> June. Students attend classes Monday through Friday, except for scheduled
> holidays and vacations, and return to their homes in the evening.
>
> A Braille Camp is available in July.
>
> The Louis Braille School serves children from kindergarten through grade
> eight.
>
> Traditional school subjects such as reading, writing, spelling, math,
> science, social studies, music, art, health, physical education, and
> computer skills are taught during the ten-month school year.
>
> In addition, students receive instruction in orientation and mobility,
> social proficiency, and skills of everyday living that promote
> independence.
> These skills are an integral part of every activity throughout the school
> day.
>
> Through use of creative teaching approaches and specialized tools and
> equipment, every aspect of the curriculum is fully accessible to visually
> impaired students.
>
> Small classes, individualized teaching methods, and much praise and
> encouragement create a positive learning environment in which students
> build
> self-esteem and confidence.
>
> Tactile Flags
>
> What I hear from My Desk
>
> by Carolyn Meyer
>
> "I pledge allegiance to the flag ..."
>
> Each school day starts with students and staff speaking these words while
> facing an American flag proudly held by one of the students. The flags, we
> have two of them, were designed and created by volunteers Zora Rockney and
> Nora Schultz.
>
> The flags are tactile so that those whose eyes do not see can discern the
> various aspects by touch. The seven red stripes are of a smooth red
> fabric;
> the six white stripes are of a bumpy white fabric similar to that used to
> create tread on bedroom slippers. The piece d'resistance is the field of
> fifty stars, each individually embroidered so that they can be counted by
> feeling them with the finger tips. Arlo Rockney attached one of the flags
> to
> a pole and crafted a stand. That flag resides in the school library. The
> other graces the wall of our classroom.
>
> We were pleased when some of our friends offered to make tactile flags for
> our neighboring countries to the north and south, Canada and Mexico. Those
> flags were presented to the school in September by Maida Pojtinger,
> instigator of the project, and Chris Witzke, who, along with Sue Gregory,
> designed and stitched the flags. Appliquéing the maple leaf on the
> Canadian
> flag was fairly straight forward. The Mexican flag, with its eagle perched
> on a prickly pear tree and devouring a serpent, presented a greater
> challenge which the creative stitchers readily overcame. Now we are
> thinking
> it would be nice to have flags for Japan and England.
>
> A visually impaired student of ours once asked, very seriously and
> politely,
> for a tactile flag of every country in the world. We have a good start!
>
> Louis Braille School Welcomes Blues in the Schools to Summer Camp
>
> Curley and Annette Receive Rousing Welcome
>
> by Julie LeMay
>
> Back again, AND AGAIN, by popular demand! James "Curley" Cooke and Annette
> Taborn came to the Louis Braille School summer Braille Camp twice, much to
> everyone's delight.
>
> To start the second session off, Curley asked for some definitions of the
> blues. Yes, it is a state of sadness and it is a color, but singing the
> blues does not always mean that one is sad or melancholy. As Annette
> explained, you can sing a blues song to cheer you up.
>
> The first song on the agenda was one written in the 1920's called "Working
> Blues." Curley requested that the children stomp their feet in time with
> the
> rhythm. As soon as the first note was struck, campers wasted no time in
> clapping and stomping and laughing. Annette sang the lyrics and played the
> harmonica between stanzas.
>
> Harmonicas for each child were passed around, and Annette explained that
> the
> low notes were located on the left side and the high notes on the right.
> She
> taught them that the sounds you make when you draw your breath in were
> different than the sounds when you blow out. The cacophony during the
> "practice" session was quite amusing. "Hound Dog," the ever-popular song
> that was a hit when the Blues visited the Louis Braille School last year,
> was greeted with the same excitement. There was howling and barking
> aplenty,
> along with all harmonicas sounding off at once.
>
> "Who wants to play the guitar?" inquired Curley. Explaining how the pick
> works, he strolled around the room as each child had a turn at strumming.
> There were many proud faces around the circle.
>
> Annette explained about her case which held eight harmonicas, all the same
> in appearance, but with different musical keys.
>
> Percussion time! The children chose a tambourine or a gourd. Curley and
> Annette performed "I Got My Mojo Working." Annette explained that a "mojo"
> was a Southern term for a magical charm. The children joined in on the
> chorus while furiously shaking and banging on their instruments.
>
> Whew!! Time for the last song. "Iko, Iko" is a rousing New Orleans song
> performed during Mardi Gras. Again, the children joined in with their
> harmonicas.
>
> Thanks, again, Curley and Annette, for another great blues session.
>
> The Blues in the Schools program continues to be a part of the curriculum
> at
> the Louis Braille School.
>
> You Shop, School Wins
>
> Help the Louis Braille School by enrolling in Washington Mutual's WaMoola
> for Schools program. You can make a difference simply by signing up to
> earn
> points each time you use your Washington Mutual Debit MasterCard. There is
> no cost to you to enroll in the WaMoola for Schools program. No funds are
> taken from your account. The donation is made by Washington Mutual.
>
> Use your card for everyday purchases. Every time you make a purchase with
> your card, the school earns a point. The points accrue and are converted
> to
> dollars at the end of the year. The Louis Braille School can use the money
> for anything it needs.
>
> Supporting the school is as simple as: Opening a Washington Mutual
> checking
> account (if you don't already have one) Signing up for a Visa Check Card
> Enroll for free in the WaMoola for Schools program and select your
> favorite
> school (Louis Braille School).
>
>
> You can enroll on line at
>
> http://wamoolaforschools.com/
>
> stop in your local Washington Mutual financial center, or call
> 1-866-WAMOOLA
> (926-6652).
>
> Any questions or if you require more information please contact the Louis
> Braille School at 425-778-2384 or email Christina
>
> Lions Sponsor Fishing Derby
>
> Information provided by Everett Central Lions Club
>
> Once again the Everett Central Lions is sponsoring our annual Fishing
> Derby
> for the Blind, continuing the tradition of fishing after Labor Day, this
> year Sunday September 16, 2007, at 5:30 AM at the North Marina, in the
> Port
> of Everett.
>
> Many of you have participated in the past, and we very much look forward
> to
> you being able to attend this year as well. Participants need to get
> registered as soon as possible as space may be limited. Also, participants
> need to make sure they are registered with the Washington State Department
> of Fish and Wildlife to enable us to get a disability-fishing license and
> Harvest Card, many of you are already registered, we can help out with
> those
> that may not be registered. Please call or email Ken Beecher at the home
> number as soon as possible (not the Cell number) to confirm your
> availability, and to let us know if you need a ride. If you know anyone
> that
> would like to participate, please let us know and we will contact them.
>
> Ken Beecher President, Everett Central Lions Chair, Fishing Derby for the
> Blind 5720 14th Drive West #B Everett, WA 98203 Cell 425-923-3062 (Day of
> Derby only) (H) 425-407-0717 (H) Email klbeecher@xxxxxxxxxxx (H) Email
> kbeecher@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (W)
>
>
> Fishing Derby Information
>
> The Derby is being held again this year at the 14th Street Dock, Gate 1,
> North Fuel Dock/ Dock A, at the Milltown Sailing building, in the same
> parking lot of the Everett Yacht Club. We will again be meeting at the
> hall
> starting at 5:00 AM, and assisting with the boat loading between 5:00 to
> 5:45, with the goal to get all the boats out on the water by 6:00 AM. We
> will also be on hand to assist with unloading at noon. A continental snack
> breakfast "to go" will be provided to take out on the boat, with lunch
> served and the awards ceremony at 12:00 pm to about 1:00/1:30 pm, at the
> Milltown Sailing association building. We will be providing coffee (bring
> your thermos) and continental snack breakfast "to-go" to help get you out
> fishing, there will be no sit down breakfast. Please allow more than
> enough
> time to get to the Milltown Sailing Hall/Fuel Dock/Dock A by 5:15 to 5:45
> a.m., as this can sometimes be hectic. Please try to come prepared, and
> bring warm clothes. Rods, reels, tackle, and bait is normally generously
> provided by the skippers, and plastic bags will be provided to carry the
> fish in. Some of you have skippers that have fished with you for years,
> and
> often participants "request" a specific skipper. Additionally, you may
> have
> someone you prefer to fish with. Please let us know, and we will do our
> best
> to accommodate these skipper/blind/friend boat assignments. We try to
> award
> a "derby prize" to everyone, so if you cannot come to lunch, please let us
> know so we can recognize you early.
>
> Fishing generally stops about 11:00/11:30, to get back for weigh by noon,
> with the lunch and the awards ceremony running from 12:00 to about 1:30
> PM.
>
> We will be at the dock assisting, and we try to be very organized with the
> boat assignments, there may be "no shows" with skippers and/or blind
> participants. Please be patient with us as we sort these out with any
> re-assignments.
>
> Auction 2008 Alert
>
> Seeking Volunteers
>
> It is time to begin planning for our second annual auction. We have
> secured
> the lovely Edmonds Conference Center again. The date is Saturday, May 17,
> 2008. The silent and live auction will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm. A
> selection of auction items will be available on our website.
>
> If you or a friend would like to be a member of our planning committee
> call
> 425-778-2384 or email Christina. We are inviting potential sponsors to
> come
> forward and assist us with the costs of presenting this auction.
>
> Our first auction in April of this year was a great success. We anticipate
> even more fun, laughter, new friends and donors, amazing auction items,
> and
> funds raised for the school during auction 2008.
>
> How We Learn from Each Other
>
> Outings with Christina
>
> by Christina Ivanna
>
> As you can see, in this issue of our newsletter my picture is more
> animated
> than usual. I was caught totally enjoying and applauding the performers
> from
> the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drum Line. They kicked off summer
> braille
> camp this year for us at the local Civic Stadium.
>
> Christina cheers the drum line
>
> All of us, kids, parents, friends and members of the drum line, had a
> great
> time. We also experienced the mutual warmth which comes with such generous
> and caring give and take. The Drum Line members experienced the joy of the
> smiles, clapping, and stomping to their music. The audience was overtaken
> with the amazing beats and playfulness produced by these lovely people.
> After the performance many of us shared a snack or soft drink together and
> got to know that other person a bit more personally.
>
> Camp is definitely about having fun! Summer Braille camp was about having
> fun, and also about having the opportunity to be with and learn from
> others.
> Several of our visiting presenters were new to a visually impaired
> audience.
> Many of them expressed interest in returning during the school year. The
> children learned much which was new and interesting. Our visitors learned
> all children can be included in group activities, with some adjustments.
> No
> one need be left out.
>
> As an observer, what was most moving about the camp experience was the
> genuine caring, love and respect displayed between campers, staff and
> guests. Equally as touching was the response from children who appeared to
> be shy during group activities. Then one day responds as if to say to us
> all, "I have been paying attention! Thanks for including me, not
> forgetting
> me. I have my special way, and I appreciate you allowing me the freedom to
> be myself but also continuing to love me and engage me." A special place
> like the Louis Braille School camp is where this is possible. The focus is
> on building bridges instead of walls. The "other" is not so different
> after
> all. And there is always an aha! to be found in the smallest of us.
>
> Now it is the beginning of the second academic year at the Louis Braille
> School. We look forward with anticipation to our new and former children
> arriving. We also look forward to new guest presenters coming to teach,
> and
> others to return.
>
> Christina Ivanna is Outreach and Support Administrator for the Louis
> Braille
> School. She can be reached at 425-778-2384 or by email.
>
> Wish List
>
> The Louis Braille School is expanding its library. If you have any
> children's books for kindergarten through grade 3 you are ready to pass
> on,
> think of us. Duplicate copies would be great.
>
> A push broom for outdoor sweeping.
>
> $50 to purchase the DVD of King-5 TV's delightful report of the puppies
> and
> their trainers when they visited Braille Camp on July 16th.
>
> The school can be reached at 425-778-2384 or by email
>
> Thank you!!
>
> Canine Visitors at Braille Camp
>
> by Julie LeMay
>
> Such joyful commotion arose as the guide dogs in training began arriving
> almost simultaneously with the children on the first day of camp. Imagine
> nineteen dogs of different ages, sizes, and personalities interacting with
> a
> dozen children of different ages, sizes, and personalities! Such a
> delightful mix was something to behold!
>
> After the children had assembled in the play area behind the school, the
> dogs were marched out to meet and greet them. They paraded around in a
> circle, stopping by each child's chair to be introduced and get
> acquainted.
>
> Maybe "adorable" isn't the proper word for a standard size dog, especially
> a
> male, but I cannot help myself! Each one of these dogs is unique in its
> own
> way. The breeds were Yellow Labs, Black Labs, and one Black Lab/Golden
> Retriever mix with names like Reed, Voltaire, Lailani, Flame, Jedi, Rowan,
> and Butch! Just to name a few.
>
> Chloe Walking Dog: Walking with a dog at camp
>
> The children's reactions were mixed; the girls in particular seemed to
> take
> quite a fancy to them and spent much time petting and receiving many wet
> kisses in return. The boys seemed to be a bit more cautious in their
> approach, but just as taken in by the dogs.
>
> After the initial petting, those who wished could take a leash along with
> the trainer, and walk the dog around a small course set up for that
> purpose;
> there was also the opportunity to practice some obedience lessons, such as
> calling the dog to come to them. The girls were particularly delighted
> with
> their proficiency.
>
> Play time was followed by a bit of grooming. Chew bones and pull toys were
> brought out, and the children could engage in an activity enjoyed by both
> dog and child. Combing or brushing is always a calming time for both
> brusher
> and brushee.
>
> It was interesting to watch how the dogs interacted. There was lots of
> sniffing and awareness of each other, but all were on their best behavior
> and no tussles ensued.
>
> Guide Dog Training Facts
>
> The puppies are born on "campuses" located in several states. When they
> reach 8-9 weeks old, they are taken to volunteer puppy raisers, who train
> them in basic obedience and good manners, including socialization. After
> 14-18 months, the dogs are returned to the campuses for formal training.
>
> The Guide Dogs for the Blind website is guidedogs.com.
>
> Julie LeMay is a Louis Braille School volunteer
>
> Can You See How I See?
>
> On Saturday, October 6th, the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett is
> offering a day devoted to learning about eye care.
>
> Many interesting and interactive activities are planned. The Louis Braille
> School will participate from 11 am to 1 pm and will invite visitors to
> type
> write their names on a brailler, examine a braille watch, and examine
> braille books with raised illustrations that can be felt with the fingers.
>
> For more information about the event and directions to the museum, call
> 425-258-1006 or go to Imagine Children's Museum
>
> A Few Lessons in Zoology
>
> by Julie LeMay
>
> There was silence and a quiet anticipation as the children sat around the
> large table awaiting the arrival of Kyle and Nicole from the Woodland Park
> Zoo.
>
> To get the boys and girls off on the right track, Kyle asked what animals
> they liked: the resounding answers were horses and dogs, with a few others
> thrown in, such as the ring-tailed lemur, birds, and elephants.
>
> One of the young boys with a very inquisitive mind kept Kyle busy
> answering
> questions about animal behavior, and how they are cared for, kept clean
> and
> fed.
>
> Digging into their traveling box of "goodies," the first item to emerge
> was
> the skull of a cougar. Oh, what large, nasty-looking teeth! Kyle took the
> skull around the table so that each child could feel the cheekbone, eye
> socket, and teeth. "Please keep the mouth closed," was the nervous plea
> from
> one of the children.
>
> Other objects that were passed around, much to the excitement and interest
> of the children, were a beaver skull, jawbone of an elk and of a black
> bear,
> and fur of the black and brown bear, which was surprisingly rough in
> texture. The interest and attention span were a joy to watch. Many
> questions
> were asked, and inquiring minds were fed with knowledge of the various
> diets
> of the different animals.
>
> Sniff! Sniff! Noses were put to work as small containers of plants
> commonly
> consumed by the herbivores were passed around, and the children could
> distinguish among the scents.
>
> All in all, it was a wonderful learning experience. Kyle and Nicole left
> with the fun assignment for the children to listen carefully for the
> sounds
> of animals in their own backyards.
>
> The Woodland Park Zoo Wild Wise Program will be returning to the Louis
> Braille School for further presentations during this upcoming academic
> year.
> Website: zoo.org.
>
> Clay Play
>
> by Julie LeMay
>
> Edmonds ceramic artist, Michael Tanis, was on hand the last week of summer
> camp to guide the children in making a "fail-proof" pot. He brought along
> some very basic round pots, in which the children could place a round flat
> slab of clay and press it down around the bowl, creating a lip at the top.
> Taking a piece of clay and rolling it into a snake shape, then creating a
> circle, the children placed that on the bottom of the pot as an attractive
> finishing touch.
>
> Some of the children chose to use their slabs of clay to make hand prints,
> which, through the years, has been a wonderful keepsake for parents.
>
> I watched as one of the girls created a pot from start to finish. It was a
> joy to watch how thoroughly engrossed she was as her little fingers were
> busy molding, shaping and smoothing her bowl. She did a good job of
> working
> the base and shaping it for placement on the bottom. A job well done, and
> one in which to take great pride!
>
> While the cleanup was in progress, the children gathered in a circle and
> discussed how clay is obtained and the various objects that could be made
> from this much abundant product.
>
>
> Christina Ivanna
>
> christina@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>

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