Sentinels Centennial
Established by our very first state legislature in 1912, the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) at Grande Ave. and Speedway Blvd. recently celebrated its 100th birthday with an appropriately enthusiastic level of fanfare and festivities. A sense of excitement is palpable as ASDB’s 2012-2013 student body, whether blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind, prepares for tomorrow today. With their school’s commitment to educational excellence in hand, a century of tradition behind them and history on their side, they know a world of possibilities awaits.
Children ages 3 to 21 come from around the state to Tucson for immersion in the American Sign Language-rich environment at the Arizona School for the Deaf (ASD). Braille literacy and vocational development are pathways to success at the Arizona School for the Blind (ASB). Dormitories serve around 75 students on campus, offering an activity-rich residential program to complement classroom learning. From early childhood and family education to the Low Vision Program, from an Independent Living Program to its northern division at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD), the highest academic achievements are always strived for.
100th Anniversary events are planned for the rest of the calendar year, with the ASDB Tucson Open House taking place Thursday, September 20 and alumni activity sure to increase exponentially around Homecoming Weekend, October 5 and 6. ASDB’s dedicated Parent Staff Organization (PSO) is always hard at work planning fun ways for volunteers to get involved.
The spectacular sound at Berger also attracts internationally-accomplished acoustic music acts. In Concert! Tucson presents acclaimed traditional Irish six-piece band FullSet on Saturday, September 22 at 8 pm. Buy tickets online at InConcertTucson.com or at Antigone Books, 411 N. 4th Ave.
Just as at any school, home games are a staple of student life. Blue-and-white ASDB Tucson Sentinels Volleyball hosts Ajo High School on Tuesday, September 11 and Tohono O’Odham on Tuesday, September 18. Matches begin at 6 pm in Frank Sladek Gym.
As an agency of the State of Arizona government, ASDB provides employees with a competitive total compensation package. Find career opportunities for certified, credentialed and support staff at locations across Arizona by clicking “Search for Jobs” at AZStateJobs.Gov and typing in keyword “ASDB.”
Donate to ASDB, and take advantage of the 2012 School Tax Credit by using the PDF form online at Asdb.Az.Gov under “Contact Us.” Go Sentinels!
The author is a Teaching Parent at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
Category: Community, Entertainment
