Friends of OSD - FOSD

Enhancing the educational experience for OSD students.

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CNC Router Purchased and Operating!

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Oregon School for the Deaf teacher, James Smith, brought a fresh, new vision to prepare graduates for employment.  But he needs a professional grade piece of technical equipment to do that.

More and more, the construction and manufacturing industries depend on technology.  These businesses are in need of workers who know how to operate Computer Numeric Control (CNC) systems.  As of this writing, there are 142 businesses seeking workers with knowledge of CNC operation listed on the Oregon Department of Employment’s statewide job listing, with entry level pay ranging from $15 to $25 an hour.

In CNC production, the item or product is designed on a computer, then sent electronically to a “robotic” router head that can cut, drill, machine and carve (even 2 and 3 dimensional) a variety of materials—wood, plastics, metals, etc.  CNCs can produce items that are consistently precise and of high quality.  They improve productivity by reducing waste, frequency of errors, and the time required to get the finished product to market.

Check out our 2017 ShareTank Video: https://youtu.be/zFhCyptsPlc

To see a CNC router in action, go to: https://youtube.com/UFTJts0KvHc

But, CNC systems are expensive, and the School’s budget could not support such a large purchase.  James sought the help of Friends of OSD (FOSD) to bring his vision to reality.  FOSD awarded this project over $20,000 which it raised over two years and assisted OSD in tapping a special state fund to purchase and install the CNC system this September!

“Wonderstruck” Viewing

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Melinda Callegos’ request for  $360 for a Middle School field trip of 31 students and 9 adults to view the movie “Wondestruck” was approved.  Their English classes have been reading this book in preparation.  It is a rare opportunity for students to see a female, deaf, middle-school-aged protagonist in a movie version of a book they have read.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Trip

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Gayle Robertson’s request for $3,808 to cover the costs of tickets, lodging, food and a backstage tour for 12 students to attend performances of plays in Ashland at the Shakespeare Festival was approved.  This several day, overnight trip is the culmination of the Poetry Out Loud competition.  Students will develop the following thinking strategies through this trip:  Predict, Question, Clarify, Summarize.

Our Mission

IMG_2702The FOSD mission and purpose is to support the enhancement of programs and services for students at OSD beyond the State’s funding responsibility*. The FOSD Board has identified four initiatives for which awards may be granted:  education, cultural activities, innovative programs and minor capital improvement projects.

Founded by a small group of dedicated people in 2006, FOSD was established to support the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD).  From that beginning, Friends of OSD has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer Board of Directors. In 2014, FOSD created an Advisory Council of 15 members.

The Friends of OSD Strategic Plan provides direction as the nonprofit continues to expand. We are proud to say that 95% of all grants and donations go directly to programs that benefit students.

*The State of Oregon is responsible for operating programs and services for the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). Federal case law establishes the expectation that special education services provided by a school be reasonably designed to ensure students make progress. Friends of OSD will not replace or supplant the responsibilities of the state.

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