Just Keep Swimming....

If you haven't seen Finding Dory, I highly recommend that you do. It is so sweet and I love the scenes where the parents are helping Dory with her special needs. Click on the picture below to see a perfect example.

The mom and dad patiently teach Dory things to help her in life. One of the best things they work on is to "Just Keep Swimming." At the beginning of the school year things can get a little overwhelming. We need to teach our students to "Just Keep Swimming" through the school days and little by little things will begin to fall in place. Help your child to compare him/herself to no one else. Track the little successes and celebrate the victories. 

As parents, I want to encourage you to keep swimming as well. There are days we all feel that the weight of the world is on our shoulders. I am encouraging you to compare yourself to only yourself and celebrate the victories as well. If we all support one another, I believe we will look back at this school year and be amazed at the results. 

What suggestions do have to encourage other parents/guardians of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

Your fellow swimming itinerant teacher,

Melissa Jenkins

Camp Communication 2017 is Coming!

There is a new opportunity for children ages 4 -12 who have a hearing loss. It is the Camp Communication 2017.

Monday, July 17 – Friday, July 21, 2017

Monday through Friday

8:30 am – 11:30 am

Ages: 4 years-12 years

Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St., Downtown Charleston

Youth ages 4 – 12 years with hearing impairment are eligible to attend.  The camp is designed to provide communication, language stimulation, and socialization in a fun and interactive environment.

Application deadline is June 16, 2017. 

Completed applications should be mailed to:

Nevitte Morris

MUSC Dept of OTO-HNS

135 Rutledge Avenue, MSC 550

Charleston, SC  29425

Or EMAILED to: swink@musc.edu

For more information, Call 843-792-6136.

 

Camping Opportunity!

Hello Spring Camp Cheerio Families,

 

Registration for Spring Camp Cheerio is open!  We will be back in beautiful Roaring Gap, NC the weekend of May 19-21, 2017.  Please follow the instructions at the bottom of this email to register with our new, online registration system!  Information is below, to get you prepared and excited for this year’s camp.  In addition, the Hilton building will be rebuilt and available for our use!

 

1) Speakers.  We’re very excited to announce our speakers for Spring Camp Cheerio 2017!

·         Lauren Pruett and Catharine McNally will give a 2-part presentation on Teaming Up to Develop a Self-Advocacy Roadmap Toward Independence.

·         Stephanie Payonk and Virginia Madorin will discuss IEPs for Students – How To Get The Most Out of Your Plan!

·         Neena Malosky and Chris Czajkowski will present on Improving Executive Functioning Skills in Children With Hearing Loss.

·         Nicole Dobson will present on Speech and Language Evaluations.

 

2) Superhero Theme.  This year’s camp theme is Superheroes!  Bring your Superhero gear and wear it around camp, whether it’s Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, etc.  You will have the option to order a variety of fun Superhero camp shirts this year, so look for them on the registration website.  A limited variety and number of t-shirts will be available at Camp for purchase, so we encourage you to order in advance so that you can get exactly what you want. 

 

3) Arrive to Spring Camp on Friday at noon!  We’re going to have fantastic events on Friday at Spring Camp Cheerio, including Part I of a self-advocacy seminar, and our second annual “Coffee Talk” event, which will have structured and facilitated group discussions with other parents and professionals, with a goal of forming deeper relationships.  Please plan to arrive early on Friday so you can participate in these great events!

 

4) Silent Auction and Other Events.  We will once again have a Silent Auction that will help us to pay for programming and scholarships. You can donate individual items, make a gift basket, etc.!  If you can donate to our silent auction, please contact Kristy Burke at krisburke560@gmail.com.  Saturday afternoon we will once again have time to enjoy the wonderful camp facilities, such as rock climbing, canoeing, putt putt, archery and riflery.  Saturday night we will have a dance in the gym, DJ’d by our very own Jeff Campagna!

 

5) Snacks.  We appreciate donations of snacks for our children’s programming and adult programming.  The children’s programming will need water, Gatorade/juice and individually packaged snacks.  Adults will need water, soda and individually-packaged snacks.  Please keep this in mind, and start collecting snacks now!

 

6) Now, Register!  Be Sure To Register Early For Lower Registration Fees!  The link for registration is https://springcampcheerio.org/registration/.  IF YOU ARE A VOLUNTEER AND YOU ARE COMING WITH YOUR FAMILY, you will need to register once for yourself, and a second time for the remainder of your family.   This helps us ensure that you get the appropriate volunteer discount.

 

We look forward to seeing you on May 19!

 

Taryn Mecia

Co-Chair, Spring Camp Cheerio Planning Committee