Blind Childrens Center
4120 Marathon Street, Los Angeles, California 90029 (323)664-2153
A family-centered agency serving children with visual impairments
IN THIS ISSUE…CLASSROOM NOTES
Thursday, June 23rd, 2006
Graduation celebration
On June 23rd, the Center's graduating class received diplomas and certificates from the Mayor's office for successfully completing preschool and kindergarten programs.
The morning began with a dazzling musical program preformed by the graduates and Center's other students, followed by a procession of caps and gowns, and lots of big smiles, as they accepted their diplomas.
Rosemarie Stack, widow of actor Robert Stack, presented Ollie Cantos VII, 1975 Blind Childrens Center graduate, with The Robert Stack Achievement Award. The award is given to a Center graduate for outstanding accomplishments. Ollie is the new Associate Director for Domestic Policy in the White House (see Blind Childrens Center Alumnae News in this issue).
Martin Miranda, father of two Blind Childrens Center graduates, was presented with The Carlos Martinez Award. This recognition is awarded to an individual who has shown an outstanding capacity in specific areas that render them a model and leader among parents of young children with disabilities.
"I feel a great pride to see the parallel growth of both the children and parents," said Dr. Fernanda Armenta-Schmitt, Director of Education & Family Services. "Everyone here at the Center wishes them continued success. We will miss them all very much."
Kindergarten year wrap-up
Our new Kindergarten Program graduated its first class this June. "The students really learned a lot this year," said teacher Marleny. "They learned to read and write simple sentences (in Braille for the visually impaired), count from 1 to 100, add and subtract single-digit problems, and are very good at character and set recognition. They can recognize the physical parts of a book by touch and the sighted children can identify the writer and illustrator."
Each Kindergarten day begins with the review of homework and then on to language arts, mathematics, science and social studies lessons. And the day wouldn't be complete (or much fun) without a little physical education, art, music and cooking lessons.
"A few of the students started at the Center in the Infant Program when I was teaching there. I've watched them grow from little babies learning how to walk to big kids learning how to read," said Marleny.
Congratulations Kindergarten Class of 2006!
Blind Childrens Center
4120 Marathon Street
Los Angeles, California 90029-3584
(323) 664-2153 • Fax (323) 665-3828
©2008 Blind Childrens Center
All rights reserved.
