by Cindy Williams
TSVI/Student Program Coordinator
Summer is fast approaching, and the school year has come to an end. With that in mind, we look forward to the excitement of summer and summer opportunities! Check out the following resources and ideas you can do at home over the summer to incorporate learning in the Expanded Core.
Ideas for Summer Activities – Paths to Literacy
Expanded Core Curriculum Summer Expedition! – Paths to Literacy
The APH Hive, provided through the American Printing House for the Blind, has a free eLearning platform for families and children with low vision or blindness.
Are you looking for ways to keep up your braille skills or enhance them? How about learning some braille basics along with your child? Check out the following resources on braille basics and literacy.
Braille Lessons in UEB – Paths to Literacy
Free Online Resources to Learn Braille – Paths to Literacy
Braille Resources – BrailleBug
The excitement continues with the opportunity to attend summer programs through NDVS/SB. The following is information on our upcoming summer programs with something for everyone in 1st through 12th grade.
This year we are doing something a little bit different than we have for the last 10 years or so; we are combining our middle and
high school programs. Our Summer Adventure Program is taking place in Devils Lake June 8-11. This program is intended for students entering grade 7 through 12th grade. Students will have the opportunity to partake in outdoor recreational opportunities… Did someone say fishing? Yes, they did! Students will venture out on Devils Lake in boats provided through volunteers from FM Walleyes and coordinators of Men in Boats. We were also granted fishing licenses through the Department of Game and Fish. This is an exciting experience for all involved! The students will be staying at the ND School for the Deaf and will be working on Expanded Core lessons in independent living and other areas such as self-determination while experiencing the great outdoors and learning with friends.
Our Elementary Summer Program (grades 1st - 6th) takes place August 3-6 on-site at NDVS/SB in Grand Forks. Our theme and activities incorporate the ND State Library Summer Reading Program Color Our World. Join us for some fun, learning, and story adventures centered around the Expanded Core Curriculum! Visit our website or the following link "Color Our World" Elementary Summer Program | North Dakota Vision Services for further information and contact Cindy Williams at ckwillia@nd.gov by July 14th to register.
Please contact me through email ckwillia@nd.gov or phone 701-795-2704 with any questions regarding our short-term programs. We have also included our short-term program calendar for the upcoming 2025-26 school year in our newsletter.
Thank you for sending your child/student to learn and discover new experiences and independence while attending our programs! We wish all our students, families, and educational partners a joyful summer and look forward to working with you during our Short-Term Programs!