FOSD purchased licenses to install ASL stories on 40 OSD iPads.  As an enhancement to bilingual literacy efforts, these stories can be viewed in ASL and written English.  The text is interactive and includes vocabulary words on which students can click to see both the signed word and the English definition.

 June 18, 2021 – by FRIENDS OF OSD

Boaz Edmunson’s application to FOSD for baskets and equipment to establish a disc golf course was enthusiastically approved.  The course will consist of 9 “holes” which individuals or teams will target as they fling their discs toward the baskets.

Disc golf is a sport that is growing in popularity and is becoming a favorite pastime of the Deaf in Oregon.  In fact, there is a Deaf organization dedicated to disc golf that hosts tournaments in various states.

Scooters for dorms

April 8, 2021 – by FRIENDS OF OSD

FOSD’s Board was happy to approve Zachary Wertz’s Educational Enrichment Award application for 6 scooters for residential dorm student use.  OSD wanted to encourage physical activity, while following the Covid guidelines for schools.  The scooters contribute to students’ sense of balance, cardio exercise, learning to share, and “healthy competition” among friends as they enjoy this extracurricular option.

Gayle Robertson requested $2,500 to create a start-up collection of e-books for student and teacher use in distance learning. That amount was approved. This will offer OSD the digital ability to curate collections, assign books, showcase books, track usage, participate in national reading activities and more. The expectation is that this is a start-up, pilot project and would be continued within the OSD library budget after this year.

FOSD has created a process for OSD students to apply for funds to cover the cost of taking ACT/SAT exams prior to attending college.