Tag Archives: Deaf education

Was last week only 5 school days long?

September 3rd, 2016

While I know each school week is 5 days, some feel so FULL! Last week was a full week! We are doing more “silent” reading this year – trying to get in at least 15 minutes of independent reading daily and it’s fun to watch the students examine the bookshelves and find hidden treasures. Also sweet to watch the more able to read students introduce books and love of reading to the ones who are not able to read on their own yet. Pray that literacy will be a skill they love and each student will exercise a passion for WORDS and sharing God’s Word!

We were excited to see Nathan and Deborah visiting from Canada! This lovely Deaf couple stopped by with their three hearing daughters. We always love seeing them and enjoyed some games and relaxing time together.

This year, we are making cursive writing a priority. Every afternoon before we dive into our learning logs, we do some structured writing. Betsy, our only teacher this year, has developed this framework for teaching cursive – using the data projector to shine guidelines onto the white board and then writing on them. The students love showing off their skills too though they still do better on paper than on the board.

Thanks for praying along with us for the ministry of our school and chapel. We look forward to next week when we will be practicing conversational skills and learning how fractions work.

September 3, 2016classroom, News, StaffASL, ASL PR, Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Christian School for the Deaf, CSCD, Deaf, Deaf education, deaf mission, Deaf Puerto Rico, Evangelical School for the Deaf, lenguaje se senas, school for the deaf, Sordo en Puerto Rico, Sordo PR, Sordos, World Mission to the DeafBetsy Hoke

Summer Reading 2016

June 17th, 2016

The mission statement of the Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Inc. is to “Nurture Deaf Children to Think and Live Biblically.” We can only begin to do this. And we can only begin to DO this as we ourselves explore biblical precepts.

This summer, Lora, Tess and Betsy (three ladies in the center of the photo) are reading Discipling Nations by Darrow L. Miller for their summer THINKing material. Of course, we hope they will be reading their Bibles and other edifying literature as well.

During the past school year, the CSCD lady staff (those ladies picture above PLUS a few others) worked through the book How People Change by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp in a weekly evening Bible study. Some weeks we had lively discussions. Other weeks we were drown into thoughtful and prayerful moments as we discussed personal struggles and our perceptions of how God would help us to overcome, grow deeper into His character and live out the biblical standards we were learning.

We completed that book at the end of March and then began a series of readings related to Ending Well (as three of our six Bible study members were leaving and all of us were ending the school year). Our studies included reading the Ken Boa’s Finishing Well series, and excerpts from Coming Home by Howard and Bonnie Lisech. Spending this time together perpared us to say “goodbye” to our good friends and co-workers as well as helped us to see that our school year’s end was simply a transition into the NEXT thing that God is preparing for us.

Twice during the past school year (November and April/May), we prayed through Andrew Murray’s Helps to Intercession guide. Rosa commented that having repeated this guide several times during her three years of serving at CSCD had helped her prayer life in that Mr. Murray reminds us to pray for things that we often don’t pray about.

If you are looking for something to read this summer, and you should choose Discipling Nations, let us know. We would love to hear how God is working on your worldview and how you are learning to think and live in a more biblical manner. Also, if you have a favorite book/Bible study to recommend, please let us know!

As a SCHOOL staff, we make sure to never step away from learning for ourselves. As Christians working in full-time ministry, we make sure never to step away from our Lord Jesus Christ and His awesomeness. As teachers desiring to instill a hunger for learning into our students, we constantly discuss ways things that impede our learning and understanding and we attempt to plan our classroom, dorm and study times so that we can remove obstacles to our students’ learning as well.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? – Mark 8:36

June 17, 2016missions trip, StaffChristian School for the Deaf, CSCD, Deaf, Deaf education, deaf mission, Evangelical School for the Deaf, Interpreter training workshop, Luquillo School for the Deaf, missionary, missions, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico sordos, servant hearted, short term missions, spring breakBetsy Hoke

Celebrating Milestones

June 7th, 2016

Friday, June 3 was our monthly scheduled Social Night. We love having people over and sharing games, growing friendships and seeing some of our ‘once a month’ visitors.

This month, we celebrated two birthdays – Maria who is now 15 and Irma who is at an age we don’t advertise any longer – though if you look at the photo, you will see her age :-).

Irma was a student here between 1988- 1991 and is active in her local church. Her husband Valie volunteers with us daily helping by advising as well as in maintaining the property. Irma and Valie are cherished members of our ministry community and we were thankful to be able to celebrate her _0 birthday with her.

Maria is a present student in the school. Turning 15, celebrating her QUINCEANERA is a big deal. One of our staff drove to Orocovis to bring Maria and her sister and parents to the school for an overnight. We celebrated her birthday and another staff member drove them home the following morning.

The party times were sweet with cakes, games, friends, and conversation. We were super happy to see Chris Monahan, our CSCD Board President back with us after having been sidelined by a stroke in late April. He is doing well – improving with physical therapy and a patient family who help him.

Continue to pray for the summer activities around the school and throughout the ministry. We will be carrying out the basic office work that needs to happen, doing grounds work, and spending time in prayer and preparation for the school year that begins on August 8, 2016.

We are still praying for teachers who are familiar with the Deaf and who know ASL. In our planning meeting, we have discussed

a 9 days every two weeks school schedule, the 10th day to be kept for taking our students to visit Deaf people in remote areas of the island with the intention of befriending, evangelizing, assisting in any way that is needed. We have also discussed
further ministry with the Santos Family – what do the parents need and how can we encourage them spiritually, emotionally, and materially? We want to continue
the ASL Silent Workshop teaching and outreach to interpreters and workers in Deaf ministries.

Pray with us for these ministries and for hands to grow the ministries so that more Deaf can be reached for Christ.

June 7, 2016NewsASL, ASL PR, ASL silent workshop, Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Christian School for the Deaf, CSCD, Deaf, Deaf education, lenguaje se senas, Luquillo School for the Deaf, missionary, missions, school for the deaf, servant hearted, Sordo en Puerto Rico, Sordo PR, SordosBetsy Hoke

Silent Workshop 2016 (first edition)

June 2nd, 2016

silent workshop 2016 05

For many years, the staff of our ministry has been praying about beginning Interpreter Development Workshops. We see the struggle of many interpreters in churches (and in paid positions) and want to come alongside them, encourage, develop their skills and see them communicate as effectively as possible with the Deaf people they meet.

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

silent workshop 2016 05 staff

This year, our principal found herself surrounded by people who had the time, energy, ideas and desire to help to launch this ministry. We had 12 people who attended all three days and several others who came for one or two days of the three day event.

It was fun to work together to develop the schedule for the workshops – to see how each person had a different angle on the classes and time frames – and then to see how God brought it all together from paper to action.

silent workshop 2016 05 a We were able to have lots of small group interactions to complement the group teaching sessions. Many of the participants attend churches where there are Deaf members and while they are not interpreting, they simply wanted to learn how to communicate better – both in understanding and in expressing themselves.

silent workshop 2016 05 b

Our third day was all about the fluidity and artistry of signing. Various groups and several individuals prepared songs to show the things they had learned and could incorporate in their signing. It was great to see them incorporating new ASL skills into their songs and their conversations.

Check out the schedule: ASL immersion workshop 2016 05 -summary (well, it’s mostly in Spanish but you are welcome to take a look!)

June 2, 2016NewsASL, ASL PR, ASL silent workshop, Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Deaf, Deaf education, deafness, Evangelical School for the Deaf, Interpreter training workshop, Mission work team, missionary, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico sordos, school for the deaf, servant hearted, Sordo PR, SordosBetsy Hoke

Talking to your returning Missionary Friend

May 25th, 2016

I copied this from another blog:

Suggested Questions for Parents/Friends

What was the biggest highlight of your trip?
What was the hardest thing you faced on your trip?
What did that hard experience teach you?
What things surprised you the most?
Do you feel like you were prepared for your trip?
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
Do you have any regrets?
What was the food like?
Where did you sleep?
Tell me about the people you met and ministered to.
Did you connect with anyone that you might keep in touch with?
Did you get a chance to share your faith?
Does your view of the world and your life look any differently now?
Do you see Jesus any differently now?
Did you see anything gross?
Did you get sick?
What was the scariest thing you experienced?
What was the weirdest thing you ate?
What was the church you worked with like?
How was their form of worship different from ours?
Did you get a chance to meet anyone’s practical needs?
Was there ever a time that you really felt like God was directing you?
What was the funniest thing you experienced?
How did you work out any differences you had with your team?
What was it like in the evenings? What did you do?
What were your worship times with your team like?
Did you miss me?
Did you pack enough stuff?
Did you really miss me?
What was the weather like?
Did you cry when you thought about me because you missed me?
Would you ever want to go back?
Do you think you would consider being a full-time missionary?
What was the biggest thing you saw God do?
Do you think you’ll go on a short-term mission trip again?
What’s going to be the toughest thing about being home now?
Do you think anything will change with your friends that weren’t on the trip?
Do you think you have changed in any way? How?
Is there anything you smelled on your trip that you’ll never forget?
Are you tired?
Has this changed anything in your relationship with Jesus?
What were some of the ways you ministered on your trip?
Did you get to share your story of how you met Jesus with anyone?
Did you get any ideas of how you could minister here at home?
Was there anything you saw that just broke your heart?
Did you give anything away?
Is there anything you HAVE to do this week after experiencing what you did?
Was there ever a time you felt completely out of control in a situation?
What’s the number one thing you are thankful for?
Did you catch yourself praising God for things? Like what?

May 25, 2016missions tripASL, Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Deaf education, Deaf Puerto Rico, deafness, Luquillo School for the Deaf, Mission work team, missionary, missions, missions trip, Puerto Rico, short term missions, Sordo en Puerto Rico, Sordos, spring breakBetsy Hoke

Counting Down to the last day of the semester

March 30th, 2016

38 days remain in the 2015-2016 school year. The students have been enthusiastic learners and recently we had seen fruit from their labors:

P1160791

Maria has learned to smile and say “Please” when asking questions. Mizael noticed that the hours of sunshine are lengthening and explained the tilt and rotation and revolution of the planet. Juan has begun to work faster on his written work and is telling amazing stories (truth and fiction mixed). Larimar is increasing her vocabulary and holding onto the words. The teachers are all excited to see these fruits in the lives of the students.

P1160797

Paying attention IS a job skill and seeing the students give their undivided attention during class time is also an encouragement.

P1160828

Of course, we continue to include hands-on learning. After reading Mr Ferris and His Wheel, Juan and Maria built a k-nex ferris wheel as part of their science class. Learning to work together, to follow directions, and to trouble shoot difficulties are also great skills to develop in life.

Pray for the next 38 class days – that the students will continue to grow in knowledge and in application of God’s Word in their lives.

March 30, 2016classroom, NewsASL PR, Deaf education, deafness, Escuela para sordos, Luquillo School for the Deaf, Puerto Rico sordos, school for the deaf, Sordo PR, SordosBetsy Hoke

ending January 2016

January 24th, 2016

2016 01 students back at the school

So far, 2016 has been a wonderfully peaceful year. Students are learning – on all levels of learning – academically, spiritually, emotionally, physically. We love to see this.

Below, you will see Larimar working in class and also hanging out in a hammock. One day when she was the last student in the classrooms, we tried out the hammock lounge under the new deck. Larimar enjoyed hanging out with the new workers, sharing jokes and stories and enjoying some relaxed time.

In the other photo, Larimar is working on story telling by creating a “quadrama” (like a diorama with four open corners). She is such a creative young lady and we are so pleased to see her using her talents in ways that honor God. Continue to pray for her and our other students as they learn and grow in His grace.

2016 hammocks

January 24, 2016NewsASL PR, Christian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Deaf, Deaf education, deafness, Escuela para sordos, hammock lounge, Luquillo School for the Deaf, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico sordos, quadrama, school for the deaf, Sordo en Puerto Rico, Sordo PR, SordosBetsy Hoke

Merry Christmas in Puerto Rico

December 23rd, 2015

December 18: we celebrated our end of semester with the families of the students and the Palmas Community Church Outreach Committee. The student handbell choir performed at their best ever much to the delight of the director and those listening.

We had a wonderful leisurely celebration, enjoyed the food and fellowship, enjoyed the culmination of our Godly Ornaments advent series, and exchanged hugs and waves of “See you next year!” as students and guests drove away.

And then we were ready for some Christmas light sightings: Old San Juan and Fajardo both have light displays worth the effort. Saturday some of the staff went into Old San Juan and others went to Fajardo. How lovely to see that the Light of the World is celebrated in our country. Continue to pray that the doors and lights will remain open and onto God and His Word.

Challenging times are coming as policies change and the world responds to godless influences. Pray that Puerto Rican Christians can be a strong influence for God-honoring practices and teachings to remain in the mainstream.

December 23, 2015NewsCSCD, Deaf education, Escuela para sordos, handbell choir, Puerto Rico sordos, Sordo en Puerto RicoBetsy Hoke

Busy busy busy

November 21st, 2015

The students have been learning so much. It’s been a fun season of seeing them as they refine their skills socially and academically.

In October, we visited Dr. Suarez at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao for National Chemistry month. We LOVE being in his lab and seeing science in action. It’s always amazing.

Philip Tomlinson returned at the end of October and got into repairing the front fence/gate. Seems a post had rotted and the fence was laying on the gate thereby rendering the gate non-functional. Philip and Valie got it repaired in short order.

Juan is learning and growing and always so happy. Please pray for the students and workers as we continue to strive together to learn more about the world and about its Creator.

November 21, 2015NewsChristian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Christian School for the Deaf, CSCD, Deaf education, deaf mission, deafness, ESD, Evangelical School for the Deaf, lenguaje se senas, Luquillo School for the Deaf, missionary, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico sordos, school for the deaf, Sordo en Puerto Rico, Sordo PR, SordosBetsy Hoke

Hispanic Heritage research

September 13th, 2015

students showing new books received from a friend

creating our display about Puerto Rican Heritage

Since school started in August, we have been busily studying and creating some poster projects for friends at the San Juan Community Library. We deliver the projects on Monday September 24, 2015.

The students have been learning WHERE in the world our island is located and how it was first settled by Native Tribes from North America. The Taino People who met Columbus in 1493 were originally from South America. After the Native People, Spaniards (Europe) arrived, then came slaves from Africa. Our little island is a crossroads for FOUR continents.

Some of the students are still mis-labelling the world map exercise we do in Social Studies as part of our regular review (name the 7 continents and Puerto Rico on this map) but they are beginning to have a more global knowledge.

We are studying the refugee emigration crisis in Europe and learning about some of the associated countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. As we learn about our place in the world, I am praying that the children will begin to understand that GOD LOVED THE WORLD SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON (John 3:16).

We are also working on NOUNS and VERBS and sentence structure; a wide variety of math concepts; how to understand what we are reading (WHO? WHAT DID –DO? WHERE did it happen?) and the time line of the Bible.

We estimate that the first Native People arrived from South America around the time that Abraham and Sarah lived. We estimate that the Tainos arrived around the time of Jesus’ birth. It has been a fun first month of school and I (a teacher) am excited to see what comes along in the next month!

Thanks for praying for us. PRINT THIS staff students 2015 09 if you want to know the names of those for whom you are praying.

September 13, 2015NewsChristian School and Chapel for the Deaf, Christian School for the Deaf, Deaf education, deaf mission, Deaf Puerto Rico, deafness, Escuela para sordos, ESD, Evangelical School for the Deaf, Hispanic Heritage Month, lenguaje se senas, Luquillo School for the Deaf, missionary, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico sordos, school for the deaf, Sordo en Puerto Rico, SordosBetsy Hoke