"Sign In" to Learn ASL

Calling all students: The ASL (American Sign Language) Club is having their first call-out meeting on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:45 a.m. in room J104.

Principal Pat Cooney, who is the club's sponsor, explained why students could benefit from the club. "People should join to learn a second language," he said. "We won't meet enough times to learn all sign language signs, but it's important to communicate with students who have hearing loss or hearing deficits and be able to say, 'Hello,' or ask them how they are doing."

In its second year, the club is expanding from their start-up last year. Cooney explained what a typical meeting looks like. "First, we come in and senior Mia Bammann (club founder) will have a presentation that she's prepared," said Cooney. "She will speak to us about the different signs or teach us a few new signs. Then, she will put us into groups to play games where we will race each other – and that's when it gets to be a lot of fun."

Even if a student has no prior knowledge of sign language, they will not be alone – as many members are exploring the language for the first time. "I'm passionate about all kids and believe that all kids should have access to a lot of things," said Cooney. "I wanted to sponsor the club because I wanted to learn a little sign language, too."

Story by Kate Militello and Lillian Coffin