Willie Ross School for the Deaf Offering Sign Language Classes

Longmeadow—Willie Ross School for the Deaf is offering American Sign Language classes beginning Tuesday, September 13 at the school’s Longmeadow campus, 32 Norway Street. Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will run for 14 weeks.

All of the class levels begin on September 13, and during the first class WRSD teaching staff assess participants’ fluency to determine the best level placement.

The Level 1A beginner course is for students who have no previous experience in sign language or fingerspelling. Students will learn the manual alphabet and will learn to combine words to form simple sentences. The Level 1B course will focus on expanding basic vocabulary and conversation skills.

The Level 2A intermediate course will focus on further expanding vocabulary and conversation skills; and the 2B course is designed for students who possess a strong basic sign language vocabulary and fluency in expressive and receptive communication.

The Level 3 course is the most advanced course designed to further build on expressive and receptive communication.

Registration is $150 and books are available for rental or purchase at $10 and $85, respectively. Certificates of completion will be issued based upon three (3) or fewer absences.

To register and learn more, visit www.wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes.

WRSD is also offering a free sign language course for parents and guardians of deaf and hard of hearing students on Wednesday evenings. The course will also utilize a Spanish translator for Spanish-speaking families. For more information, contact Laurie Brown, Director of Outreach Services, at lbrown@wrsdeaf.org or 413-567-0374.

All WRSD sign language courses use the Signing Naturally curriculum. The Level 1A course uses units 1-3; Level 1B units 4-6; Level 2A units 7-8; Level 2B units 9-10; and Level 3 units 11-12.

Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school. Willie Ross serves students at its main campus in Longmeadow and at its partnership campus located in the East Longmeadow Schools. Mainstreaming opportunities are provided at the partnership campus.