Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

All students who are currently enrolled in full-time Deaf Education programs are eligible to apply: www.psd.org/internship The deadline to apply is Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST.

Are you currently enrolled in a deaf education program and seeking a fully immersive, hands-on teaching and learning experience in one of the oldest Deaf schools in the country? Would you be interested in spending a week in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love, visiting historic and cultural landmarks, and being fully immersed in Deaf culture? Are you seeking opportunities to network with experienced Deaf educators and leaders?
If you say YES! Then the PSD Field Experience will provide all of this along with fun ways to get the true Philly experience and more.
This program is designed for ALL students enrolled in deaf education programs, and will count toward any required field experience hours.
Travel and lodging are available, and expenses will be covered for qualified applicants. Qualified applicants are underrepresented individuals who are working on becoming teachers. Examples of underrepresented subgroups are Deaf, major racial and ethnic groups, low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who do not qualify for housing and travel funding may still be eligible to participate, so we strongly encourage anyone interested to apply.
Come join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you prepare to educate our future leaders. For more information, please visit www.psd.org/internship

The 2024 Pennsylvania School for the Deaf STEM Camp is currently full and no longer accepting campers.

The 2024 Pennsylvania School for the Deaf STEM Camp is a free day camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who will be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Transportation is available for campers who live in the Philadelphia area. Lunch and snacks will be provided daily. Limited spaces are available: campers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Camp will run from Monday, August 5th to Friday, August 9th, 9am to 2pm daily at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 100 West School House Lane, Philadelphia PA 19144.

Registration Deadline: July 26, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST

To start enrollment or learn more, visit https://psd.org/stemcamp/. For more information, email [email protected] or call (215) 951-4700 (V), (267) 331-4748 (VP).

PSD is thrilled to announce the 2024 Deaf Awareness Night at Philadelphia Phillies! On Friday, September 13th we will watch the Philadelphia Phillies take on the New York Mets. Join PSD in our group section, where we can celebrate our culture together! Savvy ASL of KIDZ BOP will perform the National Anthem in American Sign Language. What better way is there to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month than cheering on the Phillies and supporting PSD? Tickets are $32 per person, and a portion of all ticket sales will support PSD's Athletic Programs. To purchase tickets and more information about that night. Please click here, www.psd.org/phillies

The 2024 Pennsylvania School for the Deaf STEM Camp is a free day camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who will be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Transportation is available for campers who live in the Philadelphia area. Lunch and snacks will be provided daily. Limited spaces are available: campers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Camp will run from Monday, August 5th to Friday, August 9th, 9am to 2pm daily at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 100 West School House Lane, Philadelphia PA 19144.

Registration Deadline: July 26, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST

To start enrollment or learn more, visit https://psd.org/stemcamp/. For more information, email [email protected] or call (215) 951-4700 (V), (267) 331-4748 (VP).

PSD Deaf STEM Camp!

The 2024 Pennsylvania School for the Deaf STEM Camp is a free day camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who will be in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Camp instruction will be in American Sign Language, and transportation is available for campers who live in the Philadelphia area. Lunch and snacks will be provided daily. Limited spaces are available: campers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Camp will run from Monday, August 5th to Friday, August 9th, 9am to 2pm daily at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 100 West School House Lane, Philadelphia PA 19144.

To start enrollment or learn more, visit https://psd.org/stemcamp/. For more information, email [email protected] or call (215) 951-4700 (V), (267) 331-4748 (VP).

Are you currently enrolled in a deaf education program and seeking a fully immersive, hands-on teaching and learning experience in one of the oldest Deaf schools in the country? Would you be interested in spending a week in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love, visiting historic and cultural landmarks, and being fully immersed in Deaf culture? Are you seeking opportunities to network with experienced Deaf educators and leaders?
If you say YES! Then the PSD Field Experience will provide all of this along with fun ways to get the true Philly experience and more.
This program is designed for ALL students enrolled in deaf education programs, and will count toward any required field experience hours.
Travel and lodging are available, and expenses will be covered for qualified applicants. Qualified applicants are underrepresented individuals who are working on becoming teachers. Examples of underrepresented subgroups are Deaf, major racial and ethnic groups, low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who do not qualify for housing and travel funding may still be eligible to participate, so we strongly encourage anyone interested to apply.
Come join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you prepare to educate our future leaders. For more information, please visit www.psd.org/internship

We are hiring! PSD is seeking qualified educators for several positions. If you are seeking a rewarding career in Deaf education in a supportive, student-centered, bilingual (ASL/English) environment, please consider applying. If you know anyone who may be interested, please share! PSD has a unique place in history as the third oldest school for the Deaf in the country, and remains an innovator to this day. Work with dedicated, skilled, and committed professionals on a beautiful historic campus. Click here for a full list of positions, https://psd.org/employment/

Open positions include:

Assistant Principal
Transition Program Supervisor
Emotional Support Teacher
High School Math Teacher (2 positions)
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher

On Tuesday, PSD closed out the year with an amazing End Of Year celebration. We shared a our Pride video, made with seven other Deaf schools; the PSD Alumni Association shared events of our upcoming PSD200 alumni weekend, we learned the history of Juneteenth, and students performed a skit focused on Albert Newsam, an acclaimed artist and PSD alumnus. Students and staff shared the items that will go into our Time Capsule, to be opened in 2070. What a way to close out another amazing year. Finally, we bid farewell to Val Houser, Director of Academic Affairs, after 37 years of service. What a way to close out a fantastic year. Have a great summer!

PSD is pleased to announce two highly talented and committed members of our Board of Trustees.

PSD seniors shared a truly special celebration on Friday, as their fellow students, families, and PSD board members cheered them on. In a deeply moving ceremony, students shared their triumphs and their challenges over the years. Our highly-acclaimed Nevil Award recipient, Melissa Melmira Yingst, shared her wisdom about facing the world and not being afraid: "Follow that inner voice, stay open to opportunities, and don't be afraid to try new things. Because you never know where it will lead." PSD Head of School Melissa Draganac-Hawk, reflecting on their time at PSD and what is to come, reminded graduates: "The world needs your ideas, your inspiration, and for you to make the world better." Congratulations, . We know you will make the world a better place to live, and PSD will always be your home.

PSD congratulates our Seniors! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and cannot wait to see all that you accomplish after graduation. Please join us in celebrating this year’s Seniors, who have stepped up to show their PSD pride, strength and determination. We could not be more proud.

Join Us for PSD Community Impact Day!

Hello PSD Community! Today is a special day as we celebrate the first-ever PSD Community Impact Day! 🌟 We're shining a spotlight on the incredible achievements of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in STEAM programs. From Math Bowl triumphs to a Green Schools Award, and pre-college biology courses, PSD students continue to excel!

Thank you for your dedication to the mission of PSD. Together, let's pave the way for brighter futures and boundless possibilities! To make an impact, go to www.psd.org/impact

This year's High School students had a blast at prom. We are so proud of this year's seniors, and cannot wait to see where they will go. Please enjoy some photos of our students and staff enjoying a night to remember last Friday in the Maguire Student Center.

Please join us for a Job Fair at PSD. Can’t make it to the Job Fair? Visit www.psd.org/employment to learn more and apply.

We are getting close to wrapping up the 2023-2024 academic year and preparing to launch our Summer programs, known as Extended School Year, during the month of July. If you are seeking to increase your experience to diversify your career pathway to increase your skills, please reach out to us or apply now through this link: https://psd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

We love our staff! Last week, PSD held another successful Staff Appreciation Week, with a warm Monday morning welcome and a smoothie station compliments of PAISBOA followed by a week of activities including a co****le tournament, massages, a petting zoo, and more. Interested in joining our team? Check out some of our open positions here: https://psd.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

PSD is thrilled to announce that Melissa Elmira Yingst has been selected as our 2024 George W. Nevil Award Recipient. The George W. Nevil award is bestowed to an individual that exemplifies a significant contribution to the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Traditionally, the Nevil Award recipient is also the Keynote Speaker and honored guest at PSD's graduation ceremony. Melissa is a dedicated professional with a passion for unearthing hidden narratives and promoting social awareness, particularly in relation to feminist causes.

After earning her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Gallaudet University and her Master's degree in Social Work from Arizona State University, Melissa has held a variety of roles in the social work and counseling fields. She has worked as a social worker and school counselor in New York City and Phoenix and has taught ASL at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Outreach &. Partnerships for VSYN+, an online streaming platform for sign language entertainment.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Melissa is a passionate advocate for social justice and community empowerment. She is actively involved with Council de Manos, an organization dedicated to ending injustice within the Deaf Latinx community, as well as Signed by Stories, a mental health advocacy group. Her passion for media and social change is also evidenced through her online show, MELMIRA, which has garnered significant attention for its powerful impact on viewers and creating community dialogue.

PSD middle school students celebrated Earth Day yesterday by receiving one of 22 Green Schools Grants awarded to schools across Philadelphia! Students accepted the award, for PSD’s Farm to Table and Community Garden Initiative, from City of Philadelphia Clean and Green Director Carlton Williams and Chief Education Officer Dr. Debora Carrerra. PSD is honored to be part of this exciting initiative, develop science classes focused on horticulture and botany, create new garden beds where we will grow fresh food, and join schools across the city in becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

PSD extends a huge thank you to all of our Sponsors, Presenters: Language First, Audiology Outside the Box PLLC. Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center,and Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Exhibitors, and Attendees at the Family Resource Center 3rd Annual Family Conference and our Transition & Resource Fair. We were thrilled to welcome over 150 attendees at both events, including Special Guests State Representative Rep. Joe Hohenstein and Councilmember At Large Rue Landau. Special thanks to our Interpreter Sponsor Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. and our FRC Sponsors: ASDC - American Society for Deaf Children, Comcast, Gallaudet University Regional Center East, Sandra Pickering, and the Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf. What an amazing day of learning, networking, resource-sharing, and truly meaningful conversations. We can't wait to share more of these opportunities in the future.

Looking for an opportunity to network with Philadelphia non-profits committed to serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community? Want to learn more about Philadelphia cultural institutions, businesses, and resources committed to accessibility? Are you a Deaf or Hard of Hearing high school student interested in services and resources available near you? Please join us Saturday, April 20th for the PSD Transition and Resource Fair! Check out the amazing exhibitors scheduled to attend: https://psd.org/transition-fair/exhibitors/

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
ASDC - American Society for Deaf Children
Artistanda
ArtReach
Breakthrough Deaf Advocacy
Camp Hero
Christ the King Deaf Church/DeafCAN!
Comcast
Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
CorpsTHAT
Deaf Apostolate - Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc.
FultonBank
Free Library of Philadelphia
Hands UP Productions
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (Healthy Minds Philly)
Hearing Loss Association of America (Official Page)
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education
Inglis
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc
Liberty Resources
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Museum of the American Revolution
Health Care Solutions
PA ABLE
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation PATF
PAHrtners Deaf Services
PA Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
PA Office of Developmental Programs
PSD Alumni Association
PA Relay
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
Philadelphia Chapter Black Deaf Advocates, Inc.
Philadelphia Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division
Primerica
SignOn
Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

This event is open to the public, and ASL interpreters are on site all day thanks to our interpreter sponsor, the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. Come join us, learn, network, and have fun.

The PSD Library has some exciting news to share! We will host the Spring 2024 Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, April 22 through Wednesday, May 1! Students of all ages will be able to visit the PSD Library to browse and purchase books there - all sales will help the PSD Library to buy more books to build its wonderful collection!

There is a website that everyone can visit for more information. Anyone is also welcome to shop for books online as well, starting Monday, April 22; the online shop will be closed on Sunday, May 1.

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/pennschfordeaf

Interested in Philadelphia organizations and businesses committed to accessibility, services are available to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and the amazing staff and students at PSD? Please join us Saturday, April 20th for the PSD Transition and Resource Fair! Check out the amazing exhibitors scheduled to attend: https://psd.org/transition-fair/exhibitors/

This event is open to the public, and ASL interpreters are on site all day thanks to our interpreter sponsor, the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. Come join us, learn, network, and have fun.

We’re counting down the days to The Power of Language which is an exciting and free family event on Saturday, April 20th! Each week, leading up to the conference, we will be spotlighting our amazing keynote and workshop presenters.

This conference is OPEN to ANY families with deaf/hard of hearing children! Don’t forget to register at www.psd.org/familyconference: the deadline to register is April 12, 2024.

Workshop description and presenter’s bio are in the comments section.

PSD is proud to host two important events at our Germantown campus on Saturday, April 20th, 2024:

The Family Resource Center at PSD 3rd Annual Conference: Open to all families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, this event's theme is “The Power of Language.” Presenters include our keynote, Kimberly Oxford-Sanzo of Language First, and other national leaders in Deaf education. All families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children are welcome, but registration is required. Details are below.

The Transition and Resource Fair: This event is open to all community members, and includes over 35 vendors representing Philadelphia employers, service providers, local organizations, and cultural institutions. Details are below.

We are especially grateful to this year's ASL Interpreter Sponsor, Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, Inc. ASL interpreters will be available on site for the full event.

Details for both events are included below. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday, April 20th!

Free Library of Philadelphia ASDC - American Society for Deaf Children Art-Reach Comcast Community Legal Services of Philadelphia CorpsTHAT Healthy Minds Philly Hearing Loss Association of America (Official Page) Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education Inglis Kaleidoscope Family Solutions, Inc Liberty Resources Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Museum of the American Revolution PAHrtners Deaf Services Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing PSD Alumni Association PA Partnership for the DeafBlind Philadelphia Chapter Black Deaf Advocates, Inc. Philadelphia Fire Department Primerica SignOn Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives

Don’t forget to sign up for the Power of Language family event on Saturday, April 20th! Meet other families with deaf/hard of hearing children and learn how you can best support your child’s language and literacy development.

Free childcare is available for children between 5 - 12 year olds (infants and lap children are welcome to stay with families during the workshops)

Light breakfast/refreshments will be provided

Free resource fair available in the afternoon

www.psd.org/familyconference

The deadline to sign up is Friday, April 12th. If you have any questions, please email Lynette Mattiacci at [email protected]