ISVI Happenings
December, 2007

State of Illinois
Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor
Department of Human Services
Carol L. Adams, Ph.D., Secretary

Dates to Remember
December
14: Wrestling/Cheerleading @ Missouri
14: ISVI Advisory Council Meeting
21: Students depart for Winter Break at 1:00 p.m.
January
7: Classes Resume
11: End of 2nd Quarter
24-27: NCASB Conference Championships at Wisconsin

Fundraiser for the Jacksonville Food Center
"Welcome to the Good Neighbor Cafe," said an ISVI seventh grader, as she greeted customers. Under the direction of her "job coach," Ms. Katie Miller (ISU student), she worked as a dining room attendant at The Good Neighbor Cafe, which was held in the ISVI Teen Center on November 20. The cafe, which was the culmination of a junior high career exploration project, was open for supper to the students' teachers, parents and families. In preparation for the opening of the restaurant, the students were guided through a series of activities over the course of several weeks by their teachers, Mrs. Cindy Miller and Ms. Kelli Swanson, and their guidance counselor, Mrs. Linda Strader.

The students researched various jobs related to food service, completed job applications, interviewed for positions and received job training. An Eighth grader was hired as the restaurant manager. She directed the work of the chefs, the servers, and the dining room attendants/messengers. The students delivered the proceeds from the Good Neighbor Cafe to the Jacksonville Food Center. Their donation of $139.00 will be used to provide food for needy people in the Jacksonville area.

(Photo of a Junior High student being assisted by teacher in filling a serving plate during the Good Neighbor Cafe.)

ISVI Students Participate in Mentoring Day
ISVI students were welcomed to Mentoring Day at JCIL and were met by the student advocate, Steve Fristoe to get the agenda for the day. Several ISVI students participated. One student went to Elm City, two others went to Pathway School and another went to WLDS Radio Station.

At noon they all met back at the JCIL Facility and were provided with lunch. Steve Fristoe spoke to the students about how to advocate for themselves. A representative from the employment office spoke about presenting yourself to the employer, how to fill out an application, and the necessity of a resume. A representative from the legislature spoke to us about laws pertaining to discrimination against disabilities and how to properly attain services.

One student mentored at Westown Ford. He spent his day with Brad Baptist, the Service Manager, and shadowing one of the mechanics. He watched the mechanic work on a set of brakes and suspension. The student loved his day at Westown and would one day like to do this type of work. He is also taking classes at ISD in mechanical shop and this job was a good reinforcement for what he has been learning in class. He looks forward to attaining a career in auto mechanics.

Another student for mentoring day went for half a day at the state capitol with Representative Jim Watson. He was escorted to the rotunda building by Representative Watson’s page and seated in the gallery where he was privileged to watch the representatives in session. Representative Watson came up to the gallery and had his picture taken with the student and he presented Representative Watson with a certificate that entitled him to be honorary principal of ISVI for a day. The student proceeded to the other side of the rotunda to watch the Senate in session and was introduced to Senator Demuzio. He then saw how bills are voted on and passed through the House and the Senate, and how laws are formed and passed.

(Photo of an ISVI student, an ISVI job coach and Representative Jim Watson taken while student was mentoring while observing procedures in the gallery.)

Wrestling Team News
The wrestling team participated in a wrestling meet and tournament at the Indiana School for the Blind recently. The following are the results of the meet:

A junior high student won his first ever wrestling match as a double leg takedown specialist with a score of 24-17. He lost his second match by a score of 4-10 even thought he managed to secure another double leg takedown.

Another junior high student won his first match ever with high scoring invent-a-move-as needed by a score of 18-4.

Another eighth grader lost her first match of the evening when she was pinned by a Wisconsin wrestler in 18 seconds. She however took her frustration out on her Ohio opponent in a stunning come from behind (4-11) pin at the 1 minute 15 second mark.

One student won his first match by pin in 20 seconds and lost his second match by a score of 10-19. He also must learn in his sleep as he came back on Saturday to win the 140 lb. title by defeating his Howe High School opponent by pin in 4 minutes 50 seconds. He then had to face the number one seed in the championship bout where he won by pin in 3 minutes 6 seconds.

A high school student lost his first match of the season by a score of 5-14 but rebounded in his second match with a gutsy 15-11 win in match two.

One student won not only his one match on Friday by a pin in 35 seconds but he also won the 152 lb. Championship with a pin over his Ohio opponent in 2 minutes 25 seconds and another pin against the number one seed from Theodore Guerin Catholic High School in 5 minutes 34 seconds.

Another student lost his first match by a pin in 48 seconds. He improved in his second match by lasting 1 minute 25 seconds. On Saturday he improved even more when he defeated his opponent from Howe High School for his first ever win and trip to the championship where he lost to the two defending heavyweight champs by pin in 46 seconds.

(Photo of an ISVI wrestler and his opponent making hand contact at the beginning of their match.)

Blind Vendors' Holiday Party
The Blind Vendors’ Program sponsored a great party for the ISVI students. All students on campus went to the party which lasted from 5:30 until close to 9:00 p.m. There were 55 students and 16 ISVI staff at the party which included a meal of roast beef, fried chicken, and ham. The party was held at Camelot Banquet Hall with a total of 174 people attending—a great crowd. Some of the BVP families assisted with serving our students, keeping their soda glasses full, and assuring they were having a good time.

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