Rochester School for the Deaf

The Class of 2026 has selected its 2026 Commencement Speaker, and we are honored to welcome JoJo Savea to Rochester School for the Deaf!

JoJo brings a unique perspective shaped by growing up across five states and Samoa while experiencing a wide range of Deaf educational settings along the way. Today, she works as a social media and influencer partnership manager at Sorenson, while also building her own creative businesses as a photographer and content creator.

Known for her authenticity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and passion for connection, JoJo frequently shares about Deaf identity, resilience, travel, storytelling, and living boldly without fear.

We are excited that the Class of 2026 chose JoJo to help celebrate this important milestone, and we look forward to welcoming her to campus this June!

Commencement will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Off to Neverland we flew—and what an unforgettable adventure it was!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for RSD's production of Peter Pan. It was two magical evenings filled with adventure, imagination, laughter, and the incredible talents of our students. We invite you to enjoy this small gallery of photos and relive the journey to Neverland.

A special thank you to our outstanding cast, crew, interpreters, creative team, and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this beloved story to life. We are especially grateful to Director Jeff Pratt, whose vision, creativity, and dedication guided this production from rehearsal to final curtain.

This production was truly a team effort—from set design, costuming, props, lighting, and performances to the creative video elements that helped bring Neverland to life. Special thanks to Professor Meghdad Asadi and students Moi Tobias and Mikayla Kresco from RIT's School of Film and Animation for creating the animation that added an extra touch of magic to the production, and to Ash Yost for crafting the beautiful crocodile.

Thank you for supporting RSD theatre and celebrating the hard work, creativity, and talent of our students. Bravo to everyone involved!

Off to Neverland we flew—and what an unforgettable adventure it was!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for RSD's production of Peter Pan. It was two magical evenings filled with adventure, imagination, laughter, and the incredible talents of our students. We invite you to enjoy this small gallery of photos and relive the journey to Neverland.

A special thank you to our outstanding cast, crew, interpreters, creative team, and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this beloved story to life. We are especially grateful to Director Jeff Pratt, whose vision, creativity, and dedication guided this production from rehearsal to final curtain.

This production was truly a team effort—from set design, costuming, props, lighting, and performances to the creative video elements that helped bring Neverland to life. Special thanks to Professor Meghdad Asadi and students Moi Tobias and Mikayla Kresco from RIT's School of Film and Animation for creating the animation that added an extra touch of magic to the production, and to Ash Yost for crafting the beautiful crocodile.

Thank you for supporting RSD theatre and celebrating the hard work, creativity, and talent of our students. Bravo to everyone involved!
RIT College of Art and Design

Rochester School for the Deaf is seeking a dynamic, student-centered educational leader to serve as our next Principal, Grades 6–12.

This leadership role is centered on instructional excellence, student growth, and fostering a strong bilingual ASL/English learning environment where Deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students thrive through direct communication and meaningful engagement.

We are looking for an experienced instructional leader who:
• Supports high-quality teaching and learning
• Uses data and collaboration to strengthen student outcomes
• Values Deaf culture and language access
• Builds strong partnerships with students, families, and staff
• Inspires innovation, accountability, and continuous growth

At RSD, learning happens in an environment where students have full access to communication, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging.

View the full job description and application information here:
https://4.files.edl.io/5371/05/11/26/194529-38a62d4a-31a2-41ce-9397-aee051aace91.pdf

Please help us share this opportunity within your networks.

4201 Schools Association CEASD

Congratulations to RSD staff member Nicole Sommer, our Social-Emotional Learning Specialist, on earning her Master of Social Work degree from Gallaudet University!

We are proud of Nicole’s dedication to supporting the social-emotional growth and well-being of our students, and we celebrate this incredible accomplishment with her. Way to go, Nicole!

The Yearbook Club revealed the 2025-26 RSD Yearbook today and announced its dedication to Joselina Keister — a truly well-deserved honor.

Since 1986, Joselina has been a constant source of positivity, humor, encouragement, and support for generations of RSD students. From the dorm program to Westervelt Hall to the Early Childhood Center, she has helped create a warm, welcoming, home-like environment where students feel valued, supported, and believed in.

Chosen unanimously by students, the dedication recognizes the special way Joselina makes every student feel seen, her unwavering pride in the Deaf community, and her deep belief that RSD is #1.

Although she retired in spring 2025, Joselina continues to return as a substitute, staying connected with students and bringing joy through her laughter, kindness, and encouragement.

Thank you, Joselina, for everything you have given to the Rochester School for the Deaf community over nearly four decades. You are deeply appreciated and truly loved. 💙🧡

An important topic! Thursday, May 28 at 5:30pm at RSD, 1545 St. Paul St, Rochester.

Technology and social media are shaping the daily lives, relationships, and mental health of today’s teens — and families are navigating new challenges in finding healthy balance.

Rochester School for the Deaf is pleased to host Technology, Teens & Mental Health: Helping Families Find Balance, a parent presentation in ASL with David Spicer of Digital Balance for Teens, LLC.

This free event will explore the impact of technology and social media on teens — and provide practical strategies to support healthy balance, communication, and well-being at home.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Westervelt Hall, Rochester School for the Deaf Campus
👥 Open to the public
🗣️ Presentation in ASL with voice interpretation provided

Presented by David Spicer, founder of Digital Balance for Teens, LLC.

RSVP here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjkvO7iDELcrp51WN-g3XiKCXg7-otWuChnIWm_np4T-x1Lw/viewform

We hope families, educators, and community members will join us for this meaningful conversation about supporting teens in today’s digital world.

Meet Arwyn — an amazing Rochester School for the Deaf 6th grader now representing New York in the new PBS KIDS series, AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS!

Released today, the national series celebrates children from across the country by highlighting their passions, communities, and everyday lives.

The episode follows Arwyn around Rochester — at home, at her schools, dancing in the community, participating in Scouts, and spending time on RSD’s beautiful campus alongside classmates and friends. It’s a wonderful glimpse into the life of a vibrant Deaf young person growing, learning, and thriving in our community.

We could not be prouder to see Arwyn representing RSD, Rochester, the Deaf community, and New York on a national stage. 💙🧡

Watch the series online at PBS KIDS and help us celebrate this awesome achievement!

Arwyn's video: https://pbskids.org/videos/watch/performers-dancers-singers/2735850/arwyn-from-new-york/2735330

PBS's America's Awesome Kids series: https://pbskids.org/videos/americasawesomekids

4201 Schools Association WXXI Education WXXI Kids

Technology and social media are shaping the daily lives, relationships, and mental health of today’s teens — and families are navigating new challenges in finding healthy balance.

Rochester School for the Deaf is pleased to host Technology, Teens & Mental Health: Helping Families Find Balance, a parent presentation in ASL with David Spicer of Digital Balance for Teens, LLC.

This free event will explore the impact of technology and social media on teens — and provide practical strategies to support healthy balance, communication, and well-being at home.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Westervelt Hall, Rochester School for the Deaf Campus
👥 Open to the public
🗣️ Presentation in ASL with voice interpretation provided

Presented by David Spicer, founder of Digital Balance for Teens, LLC.

RSVP here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjkvO7iDELcrp51WN-g3XiKCXg7-otWuChnIWm_np4T-x1Lw/viewform

We hope families, educators, and community members will join us for this meaningful conversation about supporting teens in today’s digital world.