West Hills Students Learn the Power of American Sign Language

A chance encounter with a long-lost relative led Danielle Filip to do something outside her comfort zone.

Filip, who serves as secretary for the ALC Advocacy and Standards Committee, visited West Hills Primary in November to speak to third-graders about sign language and being a sign language interpreter. Presenting to children isn't something that Filip typically does.

But she agreed to speak to them about American Sign Language (ASL), the Deaf community, and interpreting after running into her cousin, school librarian Leslie Vandegrift. Filip said she hadn't had contact with Vandegrift for more than 20 years but happened to run into her at a public event. That's where the idea of Filip presenting to the third-graders came up.

"The kids were so attentive, engaged, and curious," Filip said. "I usually present to adult professionals, so this was outside my wheelhouse. However, this was the most rewarding experience because of their genuine interest in what I was there to share. I hope to go back again to talk to future third-grade classes during this unit in their curriculum."

The idea for Filip's presentation was to offer the students some additional insights into what they were learning in their curriculum. Filip said she wanted to expose the children to a community of people who, though different than them, have an ability that most others lack: speaking through windows and underwater with ASL.

"I also wanted to leave the kids with a spark of a career idea," she said. "It is important to me that the youth understand that interpreting is a viable career that is rewarding personally and professionally."

Aside from the potential career benefit, Filip wanted students to know that learning ASL can set them up for greater success in any career. Another language gives them the ability to attract and engage with a diverse population. Filip wanted the students to understand that ASL is a language and "not just people flapping their hands around.”

"In our conversations, we touched on the fact that Deaf people can do everything except hear," she said.

 Filip said she hoped her visit gave students an awareness and interest in learning ASL as a language so that the district might offer it in high school.



"There are so many opportunities that my meeting with them may provide. But most simply, I hope that the kids enjoyed the time together learning something that has been a part of my life since I was born," said Filip, whose grandparents are Deaf.

Lenape Elementary Update: Encouraging Social Studies and STEM Education

At Lenape Elementary, students have been engaged in an array of innovative and educational activities. From social studies lessons to stimulating STEM challenges, the school is taking strides to provide comprehensive education to its students.

In Mrs. Stull's social studies class, the students recently studied the infamous Boston Tea Party event. However, instead of simply studying the historical facts and figures, Mrs. Stull went a step further and incorporated a hands-on STEM challenge to deepen their understanding.

The students were tasked with constructing a crate that could effectively hold a tea bag. However, they were not provided with an abundance of materials. Instead, they had to work with limited resources available to them. This particular constraint added an extra layer of complexity to the challenge, requiring the students to think creatively and problem-solve within the given limitations.

Once the crates were constructed, the students were further put to the test. Each crate was submerged in a tub of cold water, and the experiment began. The objective was to determine which design could withstand the elements and maintain its structural integrity for the longest period of time.

This STEM challenge not only reinforced the students' understanding of the Boston Tea Party but also nurtured their critical thinking skills and ability to work as a team. By putting theory into practice, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the engineering and resilience required in everyday life.

In addition to the enriching social studies activities, the students at Lenape Elementary have also been studying the Bill of Rights. Understanding the importance of this fundamental document in American history is crucial for any responsible citizen, and the school aims to instill this knowledge in its students from a young age.

What the Bill of Rights Means

Also, the students participated in an Elk's writing contest where they were tasked with penning essays on "What the Bill of Rights Means to Me." This assignment provided an opportunity for the students to reflect on the significance of their individual rights and freedoms and express their thoughts.

By participating in such contests, students are encouraged to voice their opinions and enhance their communication skills. Moreover, it fosters a sense of civic responsibility and empowers the students to become active participants in shaping their community.

Lenape Elementary's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident through these initiatives. By combining traditional subjects with practical applications, the school creates a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success in an increasingly complex world.

The social studies lessons and STEM challenges not only equip the students with knowledge and skills but also encourage them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and engage with the real world. These experiences form a solid foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.