Guilderland High School students studying American Sign Language are inspiring the next generation of learners at Westmere Elementary.
On Tuesday, March 26, GHS students – accompanied by ASL teacher Jennifer Rader – traveled to WES to spend a day with the school’s deaf and hard of hearing students. The upperclassmen were excited to build meaningful connections with some of the district’s youngest learners while using their ASL skills.
Bright smiles and expressions of joy filled the classroom as GHS students read thrilling stories and played a variety of games with the energetic young learners. Ms. Rader took note of the meaningful connections being made between the two groups, saying her students “…not only worked hard, but also demonstrated amazing enthusiasm and care towards the young elementary children.”
Inspiring all students to be lifelong learners is central to the Guilderland Central School District’s mission; opportunities to connect upperclassmen with elementary students provides a priceless experience to both student populations where differences can be bridged through commonalities, such as language. Furthermore, connecting students across the district is inherent to GCSD’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, showing differences have the power to bring the community together.