Willie Ross School for the Deaf

09/07/2026

It’s kinda chic to be WRSD.

We spend our days teaching, learning, supporting, communicating, problem solving, encouraging, building relationships, and doing 47 other things all at once… so naturally we have to have some fun along the way!

It’s kinda chic to be silly.
It’s kinda chic to support each other.
It’s kinda chic to have fun.
And it’s definitely kinda chic to be WRSD.

Here’s to a school year filled with connection, teamwork, laughter, and a whole lot of reasons to smile.

Welcome back, WRSD!

With Tiger Pride,
Erika 💙

(Pictures are of various classrooms, departments, admin all smiling/having fun with various “it’s kinda chic to…” phrases.)

09/07/2026

We will be closed today in observance of Labor Day.

We will reopen tomorrow at the regular time.

Enjoy lots of rest today!

Image Description: Labor Day watercolor illustration of a red flatbed truck. Elegant text reads LABOR DAY at the top left area.

09/05/2026

Hi, friends!

Juuuuuust a friendly reminder about this fantastic event! :)

Our friends at Le Petit Ranch are hosting an amazing ASL experience at the ranch! Read more below! ⤵

La Petit Ranch is hosting a special animal-assisted ASL experience created specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families on Saturday, September 13, from 2:00–4:00 PM, in collaboration with Hillary Baack, a Deaf ASL educator.

Families will learn all about their animals (mini horses, mini donkeys, guinea pigs, sheep, chicken) in ASL, enjoy ASL storytime and songs, do some arts and crafts (fiber and wool work) and connect with live ranch animals in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

To register, click the link below.
​https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/signs-stories-and-animals-an-inclusive-asl-experience-at-le-petit-ranch

Image Description: An event flyer. The top part reads "LE PETIT RANCH" with its tagline "Animal-assisted activities" with their logo to the left. The logo is a brown circle with two ranch animals looking right and left. Below that reads "ASL at the Ranch. Inclusive Animal-Assisted ASL Experience".

In the middle of the flyer on the right side are the event details.
"Sunday, September 13th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
La Petit Ranch
147 Bears Den Rd
Sheffield, MA 01257"

"Join La Petit Ranch and Deaf ASL educator Hillary Baack for a welcoming two-hour ranch experience designed especially for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families. This event is centered on ASL, connection, and community."

"Learn how to introduce yourself and the animals in ASL
Practice simple signs together
Enjoy songs and storytime in ASL
Connect with gentle animals in a meaningful way
A welcoming accessible event for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families"

"Spaces are limited. Please scan the QR code to register." There is a QR code that points to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/signs-stories-and-animals-an-inclusive-asl-experience-at-le-petit-ranch

The left side of the middle of the flyer has various pictures of children interacting with the animals. One child is working on a coloring page.

The bottom of the flyer has the logos for the sponsors of this event: Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield. Its logo is a blue and green book with a green plant growing out of it. The other sponsor is Miles and Smiles for Hadley, and its logo is a series of six socks in different phases of taking a step.

09/05/2026

From our friends at American International College's football: We're rooting for you, Daron! 🏈

Daron worked with us briefly this year, and he is a staff member's son!

Once you're a White Tiger, you're always a White Tiger!

09/02/2026

We're so excited! Today is the first day of school, and we get to see longtime and new friends!

BEST. DAY. EVER! 😁🤟

09/01/2026

We welcomed back all staff yesterday with providing refreshments and treats to help them get through a full day of training! We’re looking forward to a year of exploring, experiencing, and growing!

Image Descriptions: In the WRSD parking lot, staff are gathered and chatting. Some are lined up at the Pour Things Coffee vintage food truck. WRSD Administration wearing teal and pink shirts that read "Welcome back! I'm glad you're here." The words in this sentence have alternating colors: Yellow, red, green, pink, and blue. Two interpreters are wearing WR SD with an interpreting logo. While it looks like WRSD, it's actually a play on the interpreters' initials!

08/30/2026

Hi, friends! We are looking for some more qualified staff to fill some important positions, particularly within our Outreach division!

Please share with your networks! 🤟

Image Description: An open jobs flyer. At the top are the words "Be a white tiger"; the words "white tiger" are filled in with a white tiger print. Below that is an image of the school's facade with a teal outline. The middle of the flyer reads "Available Positions: Teacher of the Deaf, PE Teacher, School Counselor, Instructional Assistant, Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf, Licensed ASL Specialist, Spanish Translator, and Early Interventionist." There are blue and teal graphics along the sides of the flyer. The bottom of the flyer reads "To learn more about WRSD and apply, visit wrsdeaf.org/careers" and the WRSD logo is on the bottom right corner.

08/28/2026

Help WRSD celebrate its 60 year anniversary!

60 Years Strong. Fueling the Next Chapter.

Six decades of community, excellence, and growth at WRSD. Today, we invite alumni, parents, and community partners to celebrate our 60th milestone by giving back to the place where it all began.

Our 60th anniversary fundraising goal is $60,766 to support quality education, technology, and support services.

Join the celebration: Donate $60.67 for 60 Years and leave your mark on WRSD history.

Donate via our Zeffy link below!

Dear Friends,First of all, we want to sincerely thank you for all the myriad of ways you have supported our school throughout the years. No matter what kind…

08/26/2026

Come join us, friends! 🤟

Save the date, Western MA! 📚🤟

Stories in Our Hands is coming to Springfield on Sunday, September 20 — an early literacy event made for deaf and hard of hearing children, shared through hands, language, and connection.

Together we'll read Extraordinary Jordyn and Her Bionic Ears — presented in ASL by a d/Deaf or hard of hearing reader AND in spoken English, so every child can experience the story in the way that works for them.

✨ Visual learning activities
📖 Free book for every family to take home
🚗 Transportation stipend provided

📍 Willie Ross School for the Deaf, Springfield, MA
🗓️ Sunday, September 20 | 10:00am–12:00pm
📝 Register or request accommodations: masshv.org/stories

Presented with the expertise of the HELLO Lab at the University of Connecticut.

08/23/2026

Hi, friends!

We have added lots of books to our Library Wish List on Amazon!

Our wish list also includes anti-racism and diversity topics that we believe are important for our students.

Check it out here and make a contribution to our ever-expanding library!