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February 2013 E-Newsletter
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You'll be hearing from us...
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Technology & Teaching  "Technology is here to stay in the classrooms," commented Executive Director, Dr. Michele Wilkins. "The one-on-one interaction isn't suffering at Child's Voice, but we are finding ways to share this technology with the students and utilize it to get them excited and engaged in this new, fun way."
Beginning in the Early Intervention Program, Child's Voice introduced the LENA Program in 2011. This exciting Program allows for an increase in feedback to parents on at-home learning opportunities and ways to improve listening and spoken language interaction with their child.
READ MORE... about the LENA System, SMART Boards, iPads and more! |
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Recently Heard...
Alumni Voices
We need you! Calling all alumni. We want to hear about you. What you're doing in school, extra-curricular activities, sports, etc. Don't be shy - send us your updates! CLICK HERE for the alumni update form. 
Meet Khush Joshi, a Child's Voice graduate with the Class of 2002 and a senior at Barrington High School!
Read More...
Did you see our own graduate, Dara Sanders on the recent ABC7 News feature on Child's Voice? See the video and more videos about Child's Voice by CLICKING HERE. |
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Supporting Voices
We Couldn't Do It Without Them!
Child's Voice is excited to celebrate many things this month; our 17th birthday on February 15th, Valentine's Day on the 14th and the anniversary of many of our staff members and teachers!
Celebrating this year:
15 years -
Paulette Bruning, Teacher's Assistant Jeanette Hachmeister, Learning Center Teacher
5 years -
Amy Badger, Teacher's Assistant and Substitute Teacher
Bozena Strozik, Audiology/Early Intervention Assistant
Dr. Dawn Violetto, Director of Audiology
Olivia Wealton, PI Teacher
Nancy Wedemann, Teacher's Assistant
Thank you to these fantastic staff members for their efforts every day that contribute to the Child's Voice family!
We hope you enjoyed some sweet moments on Valentine's Day and in celebration of Child's Voice 17th birthday!
Take a Minute...
As promised, here is more information about ways to support Child's Voice by donating your time and talents! One way is through support of our fundraising events. These events need many volunteers and hours to pull together the many pieces of the event. The committees of the three main events - the Family Reunion, Golf Tournament and Autumn Gala - can always use more hands. As the famous saying goes, "We Want You!" Read More...
Rave Reviews
Help Child's Voice by sharing a review on Yelp! Positive reviews help increase traffic to the Child's Voice web site. Take a moment to share your successes today!
Do You Know an Incredible Kid? We know you do! Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is being celebrated on Thursday, March 21, 2013. This Call to Action was initiated by the CampFire USA organization and encourages adults to write letters of love, encouragement and inspiration to the special kids in their lives. We hope you'll join in celebrating the Incredible kids you know. For more information visit the CampFire USA site here. |
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Getting to Know...
Child's Voice Leadership Team
John Demler, Director of Leadership Giving
John joined Child's Voice last year as part of the Advancement Team. His focus has been to contact and network with Child's Voice families, alumni, corporations and individuals in an effort to establish new partnerships and diversify Child's Voice funding sources.
John was first introduced to Child's Voice through his wife, Jane, who was a member of the Board of Directors from 2009-2012. Coming out of retirement and excited to join Child's Voice, John is happy to be a part of an organization that makes such an impact in the lives of children and their families. John shared, "Being involved in fundraising is the most rewarding job I have eve been involved with."
John attended Miami University (Ohio) and Roosevelt University where he received a Bachelor's degree in finance and a MBA, respectively. John and Jane have been married for 36 years and reside in Northfield. They have two children, Liz (Ryan) who is an architect and John, a financial consultant in New York City. They are excited to celebrate the marriage of their son in July of 2013. Last year, their family grew again when they welcomed their first grandchild, Nora in January of 2012.
John's hobbies include golf, snow skiing, exercising, collecting music, rough carpentry and grilling outdoors. When asked about a hidden talent, John shared that he played the piano when he was younger and plans to take lessons when he retires and, "...I can wiggle my ears!"
Thank you John for all your efforts for Child's Voice!
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From Dr. Michele 
Celebrating Special Times
Child's Voice Birthday is a date I refer to as a day where we have, a 'big bang for the buck'. I am not one to take time away from instruction or as we say TIME ON TASK. Child's Voice is serious about teaching and learning. So I take advantage of when we can combine activities. Celebrating our birthday is the perfect example.
On February 14, each year we celebrate Child's Voice birthday (the true date is Feb. 15). Our Program turned 17 years old. On this date we also celebrate Valentine's Day by passing out cards and ending the day eating yummy cupcakes. Wait! We're not done yet, another recognition is given; we celebrate our staff's years of service to Child's Voice. I am pleasantly surprised each year how many staff members earn their 5 year, 10 year or 15 year service award. This year was no different.
One of my favorite moments of this year's recognition was the guessing game all the children played before each member was identified. Fun teaching activity tied in too! I gave some pretty high level clues and the children guessed who I was describing. They all made very good guesses. One young lady, Jamie, was the overall winner. Not only was she right, she was very quick to figure out the clues. What made everyone laugh was when I was describing how one of the teaching assistant's helped the children put on their boots for recess and one student guessed it was Mr. Bill, our Business Manager! (Rest assured he does not spending time playing at recess.)
Child's Voice celebrates 17 years of making a difference in every family we serve. That's priceless.
-Michele |
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Save the Date Mark your calendars for these exciting Child's Voice events: Feb. 26 - New Pediatric Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (PEHDI) Program Kickoff Child's Voice 5 - 7 p.m.
March 10 - Cheers for Ear's Concert by the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation. 2 - 4 p.m. Music of Rhythm Revolution FREE to Child's Voice families. Sign up HERE. 11-14 - Parent-Teacher Conferences. Contact Principal Wendy if you haven't already scheduled yours! May 4 - Family Reunion Brookfield Zoo
May 31 - Child's Voice Recognition Ceremony
June 3 - Golf Tournament Cress Creek Country Club
Naperville Nov. 16 - Autumn Gala Bobak's Signature Events at Seven Bridges, Woodridge
For a full list of events, please visit our Events Page. |
 | | Happy Birthday Child's Voice! |
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Parents Corner
Parents Q & A
Q: My child demonstrates problem behaviors if his typical routine is altered. Might this be due to his deafness?
A: Deafness and hearing loss do not cause this behavior; however; children who have limited language may become more frustrated when their routine is changed. Children need to have a sense of control, which is reduced when they cannot communicate easily.
By using a visual schedule and by preparing your child before a big change, their life will be more predictable, increasing their sense of control.
Reading Tips
Here is a great resource for parents with tips on reading: Reading Rockets. For Parents of preschoolers: -Read together every day. -Sing an alphabet song. -Point out print everywhere! For more, click here to visit the Reading Rockets site. Start the Day Right!A great way to start the day with a child with hearing loss is to perform a Ling Six Sound check. It helps to make sure devices are functioning before you leave home! Click here for more information.
Have a Question?Send your questions to the Parent Education Committee for answers on educational issues. Watch next month for responses to these questions. Questions can also be emailed here.
Mom's Night Inn
Illinois Hands and Voices is hosting an annual Mom's Night Inn, joining together mothers of children with hearing loss. This is hosted in Lisle on March 2-3. For more information, visit www.illinoishandsandvoice.org. |
Stay Connected
 
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