Love Thy Neighbor – Iowa School for the Deaf
Posted on: October 19, 2008No comments yet
After touring the Nebraska School for the Deaf Museum, we headed to Iowa School for the Deaf. Yes, the DeafNation crew crossed into another state to visit our second institute of the day…
…. a mere twenty-minute drive. The short drive is not the only perk: because the deaf institute in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is such a short distance away, many former Nebraska School for the Deaf students were able to transfer there, as opposed to being placed in mainstream settings. The thought provided some comfort as the DeafNation RV pulled into the school parking lot, with the crew before long being greeted by high-school teacher and honored ISD alumni Jerry Siders, along with retired teacher and ISD Museum curator Shirley Hicks.
After exchanging greetings, we walked into the state-of-the-art Lied Multipurpose Complex, which housed an enormous gym, a wheelchair-accessible heated pool with a water slide, several multipurpose rooms, and two racquetball courts. Only erected just six years ago, the building was named after Ernest Lied, a philanthropist who donated $2 million of the needed $8 million to erect the building. It was at Lied where we were joined by Superintendent Jeanne Prickett, who was dressed head-to-toe in the ISD maroon and gold for the Saturday football game against the Oklahoma deaf institute! Bringing the DeafNation crew up to date with what ISD has been up to, she mentioned that there was one item she was most excited about: the vastly improved literacy amongst the ISD students. “They’re taking charge of their learning, going above and beyond what is taught in the classrooms – and exceeding everyone’s expectations,” Prickett said, beaming with pride.
How do they keep the 109-student school running successfully? “Unbelievably supportive legislation,” Prickett affirms, going on to commend the Board of Regents in the State of Iowa for their incredible system of governance – which most states don’t have. “ISD is also fortunate to have devoted faculty and staff as well,” Prickett adds, grinning at both Siders and Hicks.
Despite being retired, Shirley Hicks cannot let go of ISD. “I love it here…it’s another home for me,” she said shyly, placing her hand over her heart as we talked towards the Administration building. Motioning for the DeafNation crew to follow her, Hicks took us several flights up, leading us to the ISD Museum.
Known as one of the best Deaf museums in the nation, ISD has dedicated nearly an entire floor to preserving the history of ISD. From quilts to class photographs, copies of commencement books dating back to the early 1900s to furniture made by previous ISD students, vintage electronics to tombstones, this museum had it all – even a Hall of Fame (which both Siders and Hicks are in for their loving dedication to ISD).
Want to know more about ISD? You can go here: www.iowaschoolforthedeaf.org
Want a tour of the grand ISD museum? You can contact cangeroth@iowaschoolforthedeaf.org to set up an appointment!
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October 19th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Beautiful job, Deaf Nation. Thanks for stopping by ISD. I am a ISD graduate, 1994. Although my heart is still there, I now reside in Georgia. After seeing this, it brought me back many memories. Those memories include Shirley Hicks, my former teacher, and of course all the role models from there. I still carry on their “spirit”. I also want to add, ISD is one of the most beautiful residential schools in the nation.
Go, Bobcats! Thanks, DN.
Tina Kay Caloud, proud alumni-1994
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 am
GOOD SUPER JOB to Deaf Nation !!!!! Thank you for our visit Iowa School for the Deaf. I am a ISD graduate,1979. My whole heart is strong there and It bought our great history IOWA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF in our many memories includes Shirley Hicks and Jerry Siders are wonderful teachers . ISD is one of the most spirt beautiful school in the nation! GO BOBCATS Thanks,DEAF NATION
John Matthews-alumni ISD 1979
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hello every one, that I unquired that we were good memories was raised up for thirteen years at ISD. That Spirit glowing that good established many years, that the DEAFNATION has influence to the nation to opporunity what we do is at school for the deaf.
Our many memories includes: Bud Kruse was head coach of track and field while I were ran first four years, also other teachers too after that past years, and now I am residence in Cincy, Ohio.
GO BOBCATS!!!
Clint Krogman – ISD 1979′
October 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
good to travel any state of deaf school it is worth deaf school history. 50 state you can do it. great job.
October 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Thanks for honoring us with your visit to our beautiful campus and with a great write-up. Love that title; it’s so befitting! Like many other alumni, I have always been proud of our alma mater and of our alumni.
Shirley Hicks – ISD 1957
October 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Beautiful job explaining the purpose and history of ISD. My many years serving Western Iowa Deaf and Eastern Nebraska Deaf makes me very proud of Iowa School for the Deaf and the Many Deaf Graduates who have gone on to do great things as Great Deaf Leaders. God bless ISD and your continued work.
Calvary Lutheran Deaf 1986-1999 Bethlehem Lutheran Deaf 2002-
October 28th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Soooo great to see the pictures and stories about Iowa School for the Deaf, which helped me to bring my memories up …. Thank you for choosing ISD on the road trip blog ” Love Thy Neighbor ” ….
Jolene Florence, ISD 1951
November 15th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
u have fun in Iowa School For The Deaf WINKS SMILES
i was in Iowa School For The Deaf 1993 or 1994 to 2005