Iowa School for the Deaf

Being in front of audiences is nothing new for ISD senior Lani Dirks. This photo captures her receiving a citizenship award onstage from Principal Flint Fears, but Lani is in the spotlight for more than her good deeds: she's an actor, too!

Catch Lani in her latest role as Dory in the Des Moines Playhouse production of Finding Nemo Aug. 13 - 16. Lani has played Annie, Sharpay in High School Musical and several roles in Honk, JR. Lani's sister, Cambria, is her mentor who voices the role while Lani signs. Lani said she loves the role of Dory because she is so funny. Lani also enjoys interacting with other kids in the show.

Every performance will be interpreted. Enjoy one or more shows! The play is part of the Penguin Project, a national program that gives artists with special needs opportunities to participate in theater. Thanks to Heather, Lani's mom, for filling in all the details for us!
https://dmplayhouse.com/events/penguin-project-finding-nemo-jr/

Are your students ready to get back to school? ISD students and families are invited to Back-to-School Registration Day and Cookout on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 2-5p.m. at the LMC!

Registration day will include:
• Registration support
• Meet the teachers
• Student move-in
• Hamburgers and hot dogs
• Prize giveaways

Get the school-year checklist completed, grab some food and, most importantly, come hang out with ISD staff who are so excited to see you again!

[ID: ISD logo, girl stands in front of a school bus and waves at the camera holding a squishy toy, hot dog and hamburger.]

Iowa School for the Deaf Outreach introduces Thrive Together in this three-step series, especially for families raising middle school and high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Thrive Together offers advocacy, peer support and emotional wellness resources. This link will lead you to register for a virtual Q&A panel presentation, take a survey and register for a fun day at Palmer's Family Fun amusement center in Waterloo: https://iaeducationfordeafandblind.org/connections

[ID: Discover family resources, Thrive Together logo, Iowa School for the Deaf Outreach logo]

Registration opens today, Aug. 10, for virtual and in-person American Sign Language classes. These classes are open to parents, family members, educators and community members. Learn more and register today at this link: https://iaeducationfordeafandblind.org/ASLclass

[ID: ISD Outreach logo, student and adult sit at a table, student is signing.]

Mark your calendars for this co-hosted event between Iowa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program and Iowa School for the Deaf!

[ID: families with young children smile and gather outdoors]

Looking for real-life insight, connection and community?

Join EHDI and Iowa School for the Deaf's Family Support Mentoring Program for an inspiring panel featuring parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hear honest stories, practical tips and the experiences they wish they'd known earlier.

You will have the chance to ask questions, learn from families who've been there and discover meaningful ways to connect with other families. Don't miss this opportunity to gain support, share ideas and strengthen your network!

📆Tuesday, August 18th from 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.
🖱Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/W0fTMz4ZQZ

Administrators! Stop by the Iowa School for the Deaf booth and say hi if you’re at the School Administrators of Iowa Conference!

[ID: three tall stand up banners, table with Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind logo.]