Fairfax Academy News 5/22/23: Academy Awards, Program & Staff Highlights!

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 05/22/2023 05:15 PM EDT

In this email...

  • From Your Academy Admin 
  • Program Highlight: American Sign Language
  • Staff Highlight: Cassie Nesbitt, Damian Forkner (ASL)

From Your Academy Admin

Fairfax Academy Community,

We are gearing up for tomorrow’s Academy Awards and hope to see all of our students there. We will be recognizing a few students from each program and showcasing the work of many! The event is free. Doors will open around 6:45pm. 

A reminder that Fairfax High School is graduating at FHS on June 7th.  All Fairfax Academy classes and shuttles are canceled on June 7th. All feeder students will remain at their base school. (The last day for shuttles and Fairfax Academy feeder students is June 9th.) 

We ask that all students start checking for any materials that need to be returned to the Academy. Those should be brought in as soon as possible.

We know the end of the year can be overwhelming. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

In partnership,

Mrs. Cook

amcook-sigfile

Program Highlight: American Sign Language

In American Sign Language class at Fairfax Academy, students engage in a variety of activities and exercises designed to develop their signing skills, understanding of Deaf culture, and overall communication abilities. Students participate in vocabulary and grammar development; including sentence formation, word order, and nonmanual markers (facial expressions and body movements).

As ASL students progress, they engage in conversational practice. This involves pair work or group activities where students communicate with each other using ASL. These conversations simulate real-life situations and allow students to apply their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and facial expressions in a meaningful way. To further enhance language proficiency, ASL classes often incorporate role-playing and storytelling exercises. Students act out scenarios, engage in dialogue, or share narratives in ASL. These activities help students improve their fluency, expression, and creativity in signing.

Understanding the cultural context of ASL fosters a deeper connection with the language and its community. ASL classes may involve field trips or guest speakers from the Deaf community. This allows students to interact directly with Deaf individuals, observe ASL in natural settings, and gain a better understanding of Deaf culture. Immersion experiences like these are valuable for developing a well-rounded understanding of ASL.

Proficiency in ASL opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Many professions, such as teaching, interpreting, social work, and healthcare, benefit greatly from individuals who can communicate effectively with the Deaf community. By acquiring ASL skills, students enhance their employability and become an asset in various fields that require interaction with Deaf individuals. Moreover, being bilingual in ASL and English can give you a competitive edge in a global job market that values diversity and inclusivity.

Staff Highlight: Cassie Nesbitt (ASL)

cassie nesbittMs. Nesbitt relocated to Virginia from Atlanta, Georgia.

Prior to her time at Fairfax Academy, she taught students who are deaf and hard of hearing using American Sign Language as a means of instruction. During that time, she worked in public and state schools for the deaf with elementary, middle, and high school students in addition to working at Georgia State University as an ASL instructor.

 

 

Staff Highlight: Damian Forkner (ASL)

damian forknerMr. Forkner is originally from Tacoma, Washington. 

He lived in Minnesota for 11 years and recently moved to Virginia.  He has a B.A. in social work from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  He has been teaching American Sign Language at Minnesota State University, Mankato since 2012. 

He is excited to be joining Fairfax Academy. He loves playing basketball, camping, traveling, and spending family time. 

 

Upcoming Events

  • May 23 | Academy Awards | FHS Auditorium
  • June 7 | FHS graduation | No Academy classes or shuttles
  • June 9 | Last day for Academy shuttles

Check out our events page for more information.

FCPS Cares

FCPS CaresDo you want to celebrate a Fairfax employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way, or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.