Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

Last Thursday, students in Kindergarten through 9th grade went to the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University! They learned all about the importance of preservation passed down from older generations, while exploring natural wonders that has to offer here in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. The students also got to interact with live animals there!

This past week, we had two ASL storytellers visiting the PSD campus to meet with the students from preschool through 9th grade! Leticia Arellano and Francisca Rangel met with preschool students last Tuesday to do different ASL activities, including coming up with different handshapes and movements. On Wednesday and Thursday, Leticia and Francisca led storytelling workshops with students in K-9th grade classes to enhance language growth. Many of the students loved telling stories about their experiences watching the World Cup games this summer - we are very grateful for the storytellers' presence this week!

The ESY program is undergoing this month! Here at PSD, we are learning about natural wonders this week, from exploring community gardens to creating foliage collages to identifying different geographical locations. The students are truly excited to be here for the summer - we look forward to a wonderful ESY session!

PSD is excited to announce the 2026 Deaf Awareness Night with the Philadelphia Phillies! Join us on Friday, September 25, as the Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Raysat Citizens Bank Park. Enjoy a special performance of the National Anthem in American Sign Language (ASL) by PSD students and dedicated seating at Section 307 for members of the PSD community to experience the game together. A portion of ticket sales will support PSD’s Athletic Programs. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.psd.org/phillies.

Exciting Announcement!

Our students performed a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" to America” to be featured during the City of Philadelphia's One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway!

If you'd like to attend in person, the gates open at 3:00 PM, and the concert begins at 5:00 PM.

You can also watch the concert live on NBC 10, 6 ABC, NBC10.com, or the 6abc App. Our students' performance is scheduled to air between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

We hope you'll tune in and help us celebrate our amazing students as they represent our community! ❤️🤍💙

We are pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) Board of Trustees. Each brings a unique combination of experience, leadership, and deep commitment to Deaf education and the PSD community.

Jon Savage, a Deaf artist from California, visited PSD this week for a three-day artist residency, leading workshops with students from kindergarten through high school.

Elementary students created artwork inspired by ASL movements, while middle and high school students explored stop-motion animation using their own drawings.

It was inspiring to see students across all grade levels engage creatively throughout the residency. We are grateful to Jon for sharing his time, talent, and expertise with our school community.

June 12, 2026 – 8th Grade Celebration Day!
What a memorable day for our 8th graders as they celebrated an important achievement in their educational journey. Surrounded by family, friends, and the PSD community, students honored their accomplishments and eagerly participated in one of our campus traditions by ringing the bell as they prepared to move on to high school.

With pride, confidence, and determination, they leave middle school ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Congratulations to the PSD Class of 2030!

June 12, 2026 – A Big Day for Our Pre-Kindergarten Stars!
One of the most cherished milestones of the school year, Pre-K Promotion Day, was filled with joy, pride, and celebration. Our young learners confidently crossed the stage, showcasing the growth, determination, and enthusiasm they have developed throughout the year.

As they prepare to begin their Kindergarten journey, we celebrate all they have accomplished and look forward to the exciting opportunities that await them. Congratulations to our Pre-K graduates!

June 5, 2026, was a day the PSD Class of 2026 will always remember. Surrounded by fellow students, family members, faculty, staff, and Board members, our graduates celebrated a milestone years in the making.

Throughout the ceremony, graduates reflected on the achievements, challenges, and experiences that shaped their journey. Each step along the way demonstrated perseverance, growth, and determination.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! As you begin your next chapter, know that you have the skills, confidence, and resilience to make a meaningful impact. And remember, PSD will always be your home.

Take a look back at this unforgettable day and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates.