Middle School
American Sign Language I (Grades 5–8)
Thursday 11:00–11:55
Friday 10:00–10:55
Teacher: Katie Orr
Description:
This middle school level class takes a relaxed approach to learning the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). Classes will cover the manual alphabet, numbers, vocabulary, basic conversational skills, basic grammar rules, Deaf culture, and much more. Language topics include family, holidays, food, activities, animals and that’s just the start! Classes are designed to teach the basics of ASL in an interactive environment using signed conversation time, signing games, signing songs, etc. Students taking these classes can learn just for fun or learn to boost their foundation of ASL as a foreign language. No prior experience with ASL is required.
A $5 copy fee is included in the cost.
Class and Copy Cost: $275
Book: None
Prerequisite: None
Supplies: Paper and writting utensils are required at every class.
American Sign Language II (Grades 5–8)
Thursday 1:45–2:40
Friday 1:45–2:40
Teacher: Katie Orr
Description:
This second-level American Sign Language (ASL) course for middle school builds upon the foundational skills developed in previous ASL classes. Students will expand their ASL vocabulary and grammatical understanding while developing greater fluency, accuracy, and confidence in expressive and receptive signing. Emphasis will be placed on conversational skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. There will be more voice-off moments that will allow students to practice what they have learned and feel more comfortable using and understanding ASL. Students will explore more complex sentence structures, classifiers, role-shifting, facial grammar, and spatial use while learning about Deaf culture as well. Students will engage in extended signed conversations, presentations, dialogues, and interactive activities designed to strengthen real-world communication skills. This will continue to be a relaxed course with light homework, mostly reviewing the vocabulary. This course is ideal for students seeking to continue ASL as a foreign language, prepare for higher-level ASL coursework, or develop stronger communication skills for inclusive and community-centered interactions.
A $5 copy fee is included in the cost.
Class and Copy Cost: $275
Book: None
Prerequisite: Successful completion of American Sign Language I for Middle School or instructor approval.
Supplies: Paper and writting utensils are required at every class.
High School
American Sign Language I (Grades 8–12)
Thursday 12:45–1:40
Friday 9:00–9:55
Teacher: Katie Orr
Description: Welcome to the captivating world of American Sign Language (ASL). With ASL being the third most used language in the United States, the demand for ASL education grows. ASL is a nationally recognized language, and many colleges are accepting it as foreign language credit. In this engaging and interactive course, students will learn the fundamentals of ASL. This class will provide students with the opportunity to explore and learn basic ASL vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects of the Deaf community. It will help students develop manual communications skills that promote inclusivity and understanding. There will be much receptive and expressive practice (watching and signing). Class will be a mix of “voice-off” ASL learning/practice and learning of ASL through English language explanation. Join us for this fun time of being introduced to another culture and language!
Class Cost: $270
Book: Signing Naturally Units 1–6 Student Set by Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos ***Note: Textbook cannot be purchased used because it comes with a 12-month video library access included with the purchase. (ISBN: 978-1-58121-235-8).
Supplies: Textbook and course materials as required. Paper and writing utensils are required for every class. Instructor strongly suggests a planner to write down homework.
Prerequisite: None
American Sign Language II (Grades 8–12)
Thursday 2:45–3:40
Friday 11:00–11:55
Teacher: Katie Orr
Description: This advanced-level American Sign Language course builds upon the foundational skills developed in previous ASL classes. Students will expand their ASL vocabulary and grammatical understanding while developing greater fluency, accuracy, and confidence in expressive and receptive signing. Emphasis will be placed on conversational skills, storytelling, and immersion through mostly immersive, voice-off instruction. Students will explore more complex sentence structures, classifiers, role shifting, facial grammar, and spatial use while deepening their understanding of Deaf culture, history, and community norms. Course units may include topics such as: daily life, education, community, work, health, emotions, and current events. Students will engage in extended signed conversations, presentations, dialogues, and interactive activities designed to strengthen real-world communication skills. This course is ideal for students seeking to continue ASL as a foreign language, prepare for higher-level ASL coursework, or develop stronger communication skills for inclusive and community-centered interactions.
Class Cost: $270
Book: Signing Naturally Units 1–6 Student Set by Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, Ken Mikos ***Note: Textbook cannot be purchased used because it comes with a 12 month Video Library access included with the purchase. (ISBN: 978-1-58121-235-8)
Supplies: Textbook and course materials as required. Paper and writing utensils are required for every class. Instructor strongly suggests a planner to write down homework.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of American Sign Language I or instructor approval