by Paul Olson
NDVS/SB Superintendent

NDVS/SB provides services to children and adults across the state. We are always trying to get the word out about all we do. It's ironic then that one of the locations in the state that may know the least about our awesome program is right here in Grand Forks. So many times, when we talk to many Grand Forks residents they ask: "How many students do you have at the school?" We answer that it depends on the week which really tends to make people look very confused. We will tell them we have not had regular students living at our school since 1995, and they look even more confused. These awkward conversations prove that we need to do a better job of getting the word out about the cool things we do right here in good ol' Grand Forks. Therefore, we will be holding our biggest, best open house we have had in years on May 21st. There will be food, tours, fun games, vision loss simulations, and a special speaker from the Seeing Eye dog guide school. Everyone is invited. Our theme is Open House, Open Doors, Open Eyes: Come "See" at NDVS/SB!

The other celebration at the end of our school year is coming too soon for many of us who love and respect Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment, Kathy Grzadzielewski. Kathy has decided to retire and spend more time with her wonderful family. Her celebration will be on the afternoon of May 23rd in our gymnasium. This celebration is bittersweet but will also be fun…there are some cool songs with twists on words planned for this retirement extravaganza. We will sure miss our friend Kathy.

This brings up our most pressing issue facing the school and services for our children. With Kathy's departure we need to recruit a qualified teacher to consult and provide instruction with infants, preschool and school-age students in the Devils Lake, Belcourt and Rugby areas. All schools have teacher shortages in critical areas, but the shortage of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment (TSVI) is absolutely critical. We may luck out with our recruiting efforts, but we will need a little luck along with a lot of effort. Filling this position is our top priority this spring. Some schools have great and lofty goals, but my most important goal this year, and every year, is making sure we have the best teaching staff possible. I will end on this note saying I have been blessed. We all have been blessed in ND with the best group of TSVIs imaginable.

I wish you all a warm and joyful spring!