Website: https://www.ksb.kyschools.us
Location: 1867 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 897-1583

Fax: (502) 897-2850
Facebook: facebook.com/KYschoolfortheblind/
Twitter: @KSBWildcats

If you've been on KSB's campus recently, you will notice that the main entrance vestibule project is almost complete. The new entrance and entry procedure will add to the safety and security of your students. Stay tuned for more information on the entry procedure to come out in January. In addition, we continue to work on finding a Safety Resource Officer (SRO). If you know of someone who may be interested and is a sworn officer, please let me know!

Last week, I mentioned KSB's holiday program that will take place on December 16th. Today I was able to see a sneak preview of some of our students and their part in the program and what fun it is going to be! While I was with the students, I was able to stop, slow down and just enjoy being with them. I hope that during this busy time of year that you are able to take some time to rest, relax and rejuvenate! Have a wonderful weekend!

The KSB Music Department would like to invite everyone to our annual holiday concert!

"A Lot of Little Joys" will feature performances by our KSB elementary students as well as performances by our 11th and 12th grade musicians. This concert will be held in the KSB gym on Friday, December 16th at 9:30 a.m.

• Holiday Concert-Friday, December 16, 9:30am
  
• Winter Break-December 19-January 2
• Kentucky Regional Braille Challenge-Thursday, February 23, 2023 (more details below)

If you have any change in phone numbers, home address, a change in bus routine or you need someone added/removed from your child’s safe pick-up list; please contact Beth or Linda in the front office.

Are you signed up for OneCall? KSB uses OneCall to send school information, including our Weekly Wildcat. If not, please contact Beth Baker at beth.baker@ksb.kyschools.us or 502-897-1583

❄️KSB Inclement Weather Scenarios❄️

• Students in the dorm and JCPS on delay
• KSB will delay the start of school, identical to JCPS.
• Students in dorm and JCPS cancels classes due to weather
• KSB will operate on a two-hour delayed schedule
• Parents responsible for transportation
• If a storm is predicted to cause a significant impact on the state, KSB will disseminate information (OneCall, Facebook, email, …) with the plan for the closure or delay of school. Students will take home devices and needed materials in anticipation of NTI learning.

Santa’s Workshop is back at KSB! Students will have the opportunity to shop for gifts for their family on either Tuesday, Dec. 13 or Wednesday Dec. 14. Each item costs $1.00 and will be wrapped for the students to bring home for the holidays! Please send in a list of who your child should shop for as well as $1.00 per gift. Thanks for your support!

Test your Skills!

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, students in grades 1-12 are invited to compete in a series of five skills contests demonstrating braille reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading, and tactile graphics.

To learn more & download practice tests, visit BrailleInstitute.org/braille-challenge

Hosted by: American Printing House for the Blind 1839 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40206 Regional Coordinator: Jane Thompson Phone: (502)899-2370 Email: jthompson@aph.org

The K/1 Science class has been getting their hands dirty while indulging their curiosity to perform Christmas inspired experiments. Students have learned about several components of the Scientific Method and applied those to make “Experiment Books” They even get to enjoy eating or drinking some of their experiments😀

2nd grade science students are working on an Engineering unit with a focus on reading. They are engineering ways to catch an elf and gingerbread man after reading vocabulary and the stories by Adam Wallace. It is a fun unit that is building our reading skills and focusing on the engineering standards.

5th grade science students are continuing to work on Energy and Matter in Ecosystems. They focused on biotic and abiotic components in the ecosystems. Students chose an ecosystem and added components to the ecosystem and shared how they work together and interact.

Middle School:

In Science we are figuring out where the earth's climate zones, what they are like, and what factors might cause unique changes to these zones . Students have read several articles describing climate zones starting with the equator and the north and south poles. After discovering why these are the hottest and coldest spots on earth and how they are mirrored exactly in the northern and southern hemisphere we will begin zeroing in on factors that change these predictable climate zones from being predictable. Be sure to see some pics of our climate zone models in weekly snapshots. The reason we are circling back to climate and weather is that we are working towards synthesizing all of the learning we have had so far this year into one project. Units include: needs of living organisms, properties of matter, animal adaptations, That project will be creating an imaginary creature that could survive in an extreme ecosystem. We will be circling back and learning case of all types of weather depending on grade level after we complete this project.

High School:

Our Physics students are working on "Operation Humpty Dumpty" where students are designing and constructing ways to keep an egg from cracking when dropped. What will work best? A parachute? Lots of cotton surrounding the egg? Stay tuned to find out!

Upper Elementary students finished up their fall unit in the library by creating their puzzle tree. We have been reading books on leaves and trees. We explored real leaves, tactile leaves and finally created our own tactile tree.

High school students learned about a voluntary reading program with the KY Bluegrass Books. These books are selected by librarians and English teachers all over KY. Students read the same books and then cast a vote for their favorite book at a pizza party in late March. The winner is then announced and invited to KY to accept the award at a conference.

📖Reminder that students who have Ms. Reed for Language Arts have library every Monday and books need to be returned by then.📖

In ECC 8th grade students have been working on wrapping presents and doing an awesome job! Be sure to have them help. Our 6th and 7th graders worked on perfecting and being more independent about making their own hot chocolate. After the holiday break we will be working on a few more simple meals. All of them have been demonstrating amazing travel skills and we are so proud!

The last couple months of the year are typically full of holiday traditions and gatherings with family and friends. These times may bring about stress and anxiety, yet there are plenty of ways to help children and families cope and still enjoy the holidays. The following resources offer tips and suggestions for managing your mental health during the holiday season:

· Tips to Ease Holiday Stress

· Family Time and Learning Tips for the Holidays

· Managing Holiday Stress

Reminder:

When going through your child’s clothes to make the switch to colder temps, please remember that the residential program accepts any gently used clothing that you may have and no longer need. You may donate your gently used clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. to the dormitory as a tax deductible donation. You would receive a letter as a receipt of the charitable donation that can be used on your taxes. If donating, please clearly identify the items and send them to Allison Chandler, Residential Director. Please accept our gratitude in advance for any donations.

The APH ConnectCenter includes FamilyConnect, CareerConnect, and VisionAware – a hub of websites that offer curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.

Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes

Wednesday December 21st, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
In this a 5-part webinar we will share how to navigate the process of getting your child the appropriate support at school. This will cover the evaluation, present levels, annual IEP goals, accommodations and supplements and the service deliver model.
Register Here for Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes

Ask the Advocate

Wednesday December 28th, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST
Answering questions families have to better understand the processes, procedures and parent rights in a 504/IEP. When parents are better informed they will be better equipped to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes.
Register Here for Ask the Advocate

Looking for more event opportunities? The ConnectCalendar is a one-stop resource for all events in the field of blindness and low vision. You can also submit events to share with the community and we’ll help spread the word.

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