*For Spanish translation, click on the language option button (American Flag or Flag of Spain) in the lower left corner of our website. You can find the flag on all pages.

* Para la traducción al español, haga clic en el botón de opción de idioma (Bandera estadounidense o Bandera de España) en la esquina inferior izquierda de nuestro sitio web. Esto se puede encontrar en todas las páginas 

2023-2024 School Year Photo Albums:

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, a team of us gathered to stand in solidarity to help fight the stigma against mental illness. We felt it was important to spread awareness & love to and for those who struggle daily.  By wearing shirts to bring awareness, to show togetherness and to be “Walking Billboards” of positive affirmations! This month we are choosing to ” be kind to our mind” and others. We challenge you to spread the word !????????

MSB Teachers

May 16th

• Senior Pre-Prom and Prom – Knefely

May 22nd

• Athletic Banquet – Columbus Gardens from 5pm – 8pm

May 27th

• SCHOOL CLOSED – Memorial Day

June 3rd

• Graduation – 6:00pm in Knefely with Reception in Russo following ceremony

Announcements:

America’s Field Trip

Engaging School Communities Around the Nation’s Semiquincentennial

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and the Library of Congress are excited to be participating in America’s Field Trip, part of the official celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to submit artwork, videos, or essays responding to the question “What does America mean to you?” First-place winners will have the opportunity to participate in special tours at historical, educational, and cultural sites across the country such as Yellowstone National Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Library of Congress.

The deadline to enter is May 17, 2024. Find more information and submission guidelines at america250.org/FieldTrip.

Outreach and Statewide Services:

OSP Summer Program Registration is Closed.

Enjoy the Outreach at the White House Easter Egg Roll Video!

REMINDER – Tuition for Merrick and Abilities Due by June 15: Venmo or PayPal

Moment of Outreach Videos

• What is ECC
• What is O&M?
• Self-Determination
• Independent Living Skills (ILS)
• Social Skills
• Career Education
• Compensatory Access
• Assistive Technology
• Sensory Efficiency
• Recreation and Leisure

May 15 – MDTAP webinar Funding Adapted (and Non-Adapted) Vehicles, 1-2 pm. From in-state to national funding resources, drivers’ training courses to understanding insurance, we’ll cover all the basics to help consumers make the most informed decisions when it comes to needing and buying an adapted vehicle, from start to finish. Hosted by Heather Ferguson and Sarah Calhoun, staff of the AT Financial Loan Program.

May 30 – 6:15pm  Adapted Game Night-  Russo Student Center!

June 15 – 11:30am- 1:30pm-   School’s Out Splashdown Picnic Party! 

COMING SOON-  Registration for our FAMILY ENRICHMENT PARTNERSHIP with Elev8: Thursday evenings July 11-August 8 5:30pm-7:30pm: Dinner Served and AMAZING Raffle Prizes (like TVs and Kindles!!) every evening. 

COMING SOON – The 2024-2025 ECC at Home Challenge Course for MSB and Statewide Students and Families. 

APH Monarch Training Opportunity for Maryland TVIs

MSB’s Outreach Department is very excited to be offering an in-person and hands-on training for TVIs on the APH Monarch. TVIs who attend the training will be able to use the Monarch with their students starting in Fall 2024. The Monarch is a 10-line, 32-character braille display with tactile viewing options. We truly believe that this braille device is going to revolutionize the education of our blind students. In this round, we are giving priority only to Maryland TVIs. 

The full-day training will take place on July 18 from 9 am to 3 pm at The Maryland School for the Blind. To be considered for this training, you must: 

1. Be a TVI in Maryland
2. Know the full braille code (contracted) and currently work with braille readers
3. Be willing to commit your time to show your students how to use the device in the fall 
4. Have permission from your supervisor (however that looks within your LEA) 
5. Agree to be photographed and recorded for APH and MSB use

If you decide to take part in this training, you will: 

• Attend a day-long training at MSB on July 18 from 9 am to 3 pm (you must attend for the full duration)
• Complete the Introduction to the Chameleon course on the APH Hive and provide us with the certificate by June 28th (our suggestion to start it now, as people on the waitlist who have completed the course will be given slots first) 
• Have the opportunity to loan out the Monarch to use with your students starting in the fall of 2024
• Provide written feedback about your experience with the Monarch 
• NOT post about it on social media or discuss it with the media

If you are interested in this opportunity, you must fill out the form to Apply for Monarch Maryland Training. Only a limited number of lucky TVIs will be selected in this phase of the training. We cannot wait for you to learn all about it! The deadline to apply is May 24. Reach out to conchitah@mdschblind.org with any questions.

Additional Events: