Unwavering Commitment to our Students

ST. RITA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF is a Catholic school, educating students of all faiths in a Christ-centered, barrier- free communication environment through individualized instruction, personal at-tention, and direct communication.

During this time of crisis, our unwav-ering commitment to our students is at the forefront of our mission. The focus of our administrators, teachers, and staff is on our students and their needs. Although our students and faculty have adapted to online learning, there is no substitute for classroom learning.

Our students attend St. Rita be-cause of their need to learn language by using a variety of different modes including sign language, spoken English, and communication devices. Our stu-dents are visual, hands-on learners who need concrete materials. When teach-

ing online, it is more difficult to help navigate our students through their communica-tion devices, manipulate our student’s hands or show them the signs from their perspec-tive. This is obviously much easier to teach through face to face interactions than through online learning.

Teachers and staff have quickly adjusted to online learning to create an easy transition for our students. They are reaching out to all students in Preschool through Career Plus. Schedules are followed to provide as much structure as possible. Indi-

vidual Education Plan (IEP) goals are being met with intervention specialists and therapists. Core classes are being taught through Google Classroom to deliver new content. Online resources and websites are shared with parents to support learning at home. Read alouds connect the whole class so students can see their friends and teachers.

COVID 19 has shown that our teach-ers and staff will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of our students through online learning. In the beginning, tech-nology was not accessible to all our students. However, the school was able to deliver Google Chrome books and iPads to students who needed them. Going above and beyond in the St. Rita classrooms is always part of our teach-ers everyday routine and it continues

Unwavering Commitment continues on page 8

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 Dear Friends2 2020 Events3 Annual St. Rita Golf Classic4 What’s New at St. Rita5 Three Ways to Support St. Rita6 Memorial Program7 Class of 20207 In Loving Memory of Michael Cappel

1DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

SPRING 2020

Dear Friends,

IN THESE TIMES of uncertainty with COVID-19, everyone tries to provide as much normalcy as possible. Like any school and business, St. Rita School for the Deaf has an emer-gency plan for various scenarios and responses that could potentially hap-pen. While we prepare on paper and practice for a crisis or emergency situation, there are so many other items that pop up on a to do list that are not on the plan.

The St. Rita leadership team as well as the teachers and staff

were as prepared as they could be when the pandemic hit. When Governor DeWine announced mandatory school closures, the St. Rita team stepped up, remained calm, communicated and col-laborated to make sure the mis-sion of the school and the students of St. Rita were top priorities.

The safety of the students and staff along with scheduling classes, meeting individual goals through the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and online learning were topics in the discussions and deci-sions made to continue the mission of St. Rita outside of the building. Teachers and support staff worked quickly to learn aspects of how to use Zoom and Google Class-room. Schedules were created and tweaked within the first few days of the school closure. Communication flowed between staff and teachers, parents, and the students. Online learning started at the beginning of the second week of school closure.

Change is never easy and sometimes can be frustrating but the

“village” of St. Rita pulled together as

they always do to continue the mis-sion of the school. I am blessed to work with a team of people who put the students first and believe in the St. Rita School for the Deaf mission. Working through this challenging time is something that can’t be done by one person - it takes a team, a

“village”. Most importantly, it takes FAITH and TRUST in God. With Him, all things are possible.

I thank God every day for the St. Rita “village” that goes beyond the walls of St. Rita School for the Deaf. The St. Rita team is able to take challenges during this time of crisis and turn them into oppor-tunities because of our FAITH in God and your support. I am grate-ful for the continuous prayers and donations. The mission could not be accomplished without you!

I pray all of you stay healthy and strong during these unprecedented times.

May God continue to bless you as He has blessed us.

Sincerely,Angela M. Frith, President

Makers of Miracles Grand Raffle

$25,000 Grand Prize Drawing on June 22, 2020

To learn more visit: www.srsdeaf.org/makersofmiraclesgrandraffle.aspx

St. Rita School for the Deaf Golf ClassicFriday, August 7, 2020Glenview Golf Course

To register visit: www.srsdeaf.org/Golf.aspx

Dream Makers Scholarship Benefit

Saturday, November 21, 2020Evendale Recreation Center

Honoring the Dorward Family

To register visit: www.srsdeaf.org/scholarshipbenefit.aspx

Find us on Social Media stritaschoolforthedeaf @srsdeaf St. Rita School for the Deaf

2020 Events

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Annual St. Rita Golf ClassicJoin us for the Annual St. Rita Golf Classic! Friday, August 7, 2020 • 9:30am–5pm

The 2020 Golf Outing will benefit the 120+ students served annually by St. Rita School for the Deaf. The outing is being held at Glenview Golf Course. Glenview is Cincinnati’s premier public championship golf course, offering 27 beautiful golf holes with lush landscapes, panoramic views and demanding hazard features.

Schedule:Registration .....................................9:30am–10:30am Welcome and rules of the day ........10:30amTee Off ............................................11amHors d’oeuvres & Awards ...............4pm

Foursome and single golfer reservations are now being accepted!

I can’t attend but would like to donate $____ I would like to be a Tee Sponsor ($475) I would like to register as an Individual Golfer ($150 per golfer) I would like to be a Hole Sponsor ($250) I would like to register a Foursome ($500 per foursome)

For more sponsorship options visit: http://www.srsdeaf.org/Golf.aspx

Payment Method (Checks can be made payable to St. Rita School for the Deaf) Check Visa MasterCard AMX Discover

Account # Exp. Date CVV

Company

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

3DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Spring 2020

What’s New at St. Rita(Clockwise from top): NET Ministries visited St. Rita for a retreat with our students; Students celebrating Catholic Schools Week at the Cathedral; St. Rita placed 4th in the Western Pennsylvania Schools for the Deaf Chess Competition out of 11 schools; St. Rita students doing their part to give back by preparing blessing bags; Homecoming Week at St. Rita; Kenny Tedford, author, actor and motivational speaker visited St. Rita; Students working hard on their science fair projects.

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Three ways to support St. Rita and win cash prizes!

Piggest Raffle We invite you to participate with St. Rita in the Flying Pig Marathon Piggest Ever Raffle. The Piggest Ever Raffle will take place on Sunday, October 11 and you have a chance to win some awesome prizes. Here is how it works:

• PurchaseaPigfor$5each on behalf of St. Rita from the drop-down menu at www.piggestraffle.com.

• Foreachpigpurchased,youhaveachancetowinfabulousprizes on Flying Pig Marathon weekend and St. Rita receives 100% of your donation. If your numbered Pig is the first selected when thousands of Pigs are dropped on Sunday, October 11, 2020, you will win $5,000 cash and St. Rita will also receive $5,000 cash.

1720 Club The 1720 Club is a year-long raffle, named for our campus address, and it’s also the amount of cash you can win each month! Here’s how it works:

• Raffleticketsgointothedrawingandremainthereforonecalendaryear.• Onthelastbusinessdayofeachmonth,winningticketsaredrawn for a total of

$1720 in monthly prizes: 5 winners for prizes of $1,000, $300, $200, $120, and $100.• Winnersarenotifiedbymail.• SpecialBonusDrawing: November 6, 2020• Ticketsareonsalenow for the 2020 calendar year: 1 for $25; 3 for $50; 9 for $75.

Maker of Miracles Grand Raffle The Makers of Miracles Grand Raffle gives you the opportunity to win $25,000. Plus, we have an early bird drawing in June.

• EarlyBirdDrawing: June 1, 2020• GrandPrizeDrawing: June 22, 2020 – $25,000• Ticketsareonsalenowforthe2020calendaryear: 1 for $50; 3 for $100

PiggestRaffleTickets ticket(s) at $5 each Total $ 1720ClubTickets ticket(s) at $25 each, 3 for $50 or 9 for $75 Total $ MakersofMiraclesGrandRaffle ticket(s) at $50 each or 3 for $100 Total $

Payment Method (Checks can be made payable to St. Rita School for the Deaf) Check Visa MasterCard AMX Discover

Account # Exp. Date CVV

Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone Email

1720 C L U B

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Spring 2020

5DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

January

Anniversary of DeathPaul Plunkett – 11th Anniversary of DeathMr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Martini

Birthday GreetingElsie Shappie – 90th BirthdayMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

In Honor OfZanaboo DrameAnonymousLinda HauserMrs. Ginny BeemerSt. RitaAnne FlakeDorothy E. Sohmer-HigginsMs. JoAnn RoppSally Ann ZwickerMr. and Mrs. David A. Barnes

In Memory ofVictor BackMr. and Mrs. James J. BetscherKaren BarnhartMs. Catherine J. PflumHenry BoesingMrs. Deborah A. CappelShirley A. BoyleMrs. Jo ZeilmanDonovan ConnorMs. Sheila Mary Berning ConnorMr. and Mrs. Ian S. EdwardsMs. Pat WoodAngela ElwoodMr. and Mrs. Michael T. EismannFatherMrs. Surjeet BilkhuLawrence Gates

Mr. and Mrs. Tim O’LearyMary Jane HolidayMrs. Betty J. KilcoyneJay IngramMrs. Mary AppelmannGemma KaufmanMs. Margaret SchleckRonald KellerMr. John “Tom” ElsbrockMary Beth LangeMs. Kathleen M. McGurkLoraine MagesMrs. Margie L. HittMargaret MaryCouncil of Aging of Southwest OhioJack MillsMs. Maura K. MoranAlma NeiheiselMs. Nancy FinkeMs. Peggy Goeher Mr. Gregory HengeholdMr. William A. HummelMr. and Mrs. Leo J. KammererMr. and Mrs. Jeff KoppMs. Linda MerwinMs. Diane StevensAlbert PloegerAnonymousHelane ReuschMr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelMr. and Mrs. Tim O’LearyMs. Jane StiglerRoy RiceMr. and Mrs. Joe AppelmannLarry RohrkasseMr. Thomas Swoboda and Dr. Linda VassmerMary Ann RollingerMr. and Mrs. Robert L. MorganBarbara SandhageMrs. Jo ZeilmanJanet SchulteMs. Peggy A. KenneyJulianne Shumrick

Mr. Thomas Swoboda and Dr. Linda VassmerRita StachlerAnonymousEdward (Pete) J. StanderMr. Joseph E. FuerstPatrick SweeneyMr. and Mrs. Joe HauckDiane M. TravisMr. Robert D. TravisJudith Ann WallenhorstMs. Julie SandersStanley WellbrockMs. Maura K. Moran

In Thanksgiving of Carolyn MeyerMrs. Mary Appelmann

February

Birthday RemembranceJuanita Cooper – 96th birthdayFather Ronald C. Cooper

For the Health ofB.J. HeinAnonymous

Get Well Wishes forTom RitterMr. and Mrs. Donald F. Heeb

In Honor ofSt. RitaAnne FlakeSteven UngerMs. Roberta B. Daly

In Memory OfJohn “Jerry” AylorTriHealth Heart InstituteDonald BaileyMr. and Mrs. Frank E. Threm Jr.

Dain BeemerMrs. Ginny Beemer

June BetschMs. Pat Wood

David ClarkeMs. Mary E. LeeMr. Michael Stevens

Charles CoffaroMr. and Mrs. Ronald Martini

Rinaldo DiSalvo, Sr.Mr. James H. Koch

James W. DorrMrs. Joan C. Dorr

John “Tom” ElsbrockMrs. Patricia Sumida

John FunyakMs. Julie Sanders

A.J. GolowskiMr. Anthony R. Golowski

Sandy GrossMrs. Mickey A. Palmieri

Tommy HardmanMr. and Mrs. Chas Faris

Marian HoseusMrs. Shirley Scharfenberger

Clementine and Marion KasselmannMr. Richard M. Binzer

Keifer and Holley FamiliesMr. and Mrs. Milton Keifer

Dennis James (D.J.) KistMrs. Joyce Kist

Charles Dennis KnopfMr. and Mrs. Mark Trimbach

John B. LallySharon and Trent Lewis

Vicki LindsayMr. and Mrs. Charles Walz

Albert MackMs. Julie Sanders

Eugene F. ManionMr. and Mrs. Mark Trimbach

Mary Lou MetzAlice and Gene Hedges

Phyllis M. MoellerMs. Mary Kay Stockelman

Paul J. MunafoMr. and Mrs. Mark Trimbach

Lester PoeppelmanMr. Nicholas B. Poeppelman

Ilse E. PossertMs. Eileen K. Lazaroff

Diane PostonMs. Julie Sanders

Sr. Alice Retzner, O.S.F.Mr. and Mrs. James J. Betscher

Greg SchwertmanMrs. Marita J. Schwertman

Catherine (Kay) WernickeMr. and Mrs. Gene F. Wernicke

Tim WolohanMrs. Betty J. KilcoyneMr. Robert A. Kilcoyne

Patrick M. WrightMr. and Mrs. John E. Boland

Recent Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Mike ByrneMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Special Intention for

St. AnthonyMs. Diane Bechtold

March

In Honor of

St. JudeMr. John Hakemoller

St. Rita Ms. Anne Flake

In Memory of

John “Jerry” AylorMr. Bill Aylor

Raymond and Ruth BeckMr. and Mrs. Raymond G. Beck

Flavian BeckerMr. and Mrs. Ian S. Edwards

Memorial Program

Looking for a way to honor someone who has everything? Celebrate a special occasion, say thank you or remember an important person in your life by making a gift to St. Rita School for the Deaf in his or her name. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and holidays take on a new meaning when your gift brings help and hope to families who are struggling with their child’s special needs. Remembering those who have touched your life in a special way can comfort and console loved ones while also helping children to succeed in their life. People enrolled in the Memorial Program as well as the donor, are remem-bered at a special Mass and in the daily prayers of our students and staff. If you are interested in participating in the Memorial Program, please call 513-771-7600 ext. 7242.

Memorials continues on page 8

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Introducing the Class of 2020GRADUATIONWILLBEDIFFERENT this year but we wanted the gradu-ates to know how proud we are of them and their accomplish-ments. Communication can be a struggle for them but they have achieved so much in their time at St. Rita. They have learned life skills, social skills, language and com-munication skills, and have made days at school brighter with their smiles and positive attitudes. Best wishes for continued success!

In Loving Memory of Michael CappelAugust 4, 1947–March 30, 2020

Mike, a retired teacher of 35 years from St. Rita School for the Deaf, passed away un-expectedly on March 30, 2020. He was a coach and teacher.

Mike taught government, history, economics, and driver’s education to the students. He served as the Athletic Director for many years and coached 6 different sports. Coaching football was a passion of his and one of his greatest joys was coaching the girls’ basketball team. He loved his students and players.

Most importantly, Mike was a family guy. He was married for 52 years to his wife Debbie. They have three grown children, a son in law, two daughters in law and nine grand-children.

St. Rita School staff and students offer their deepest condolences to the family. They are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike will be truly missed!

Future plans

Tegan: Attending Butler County Project Life

Future plans

Logan: Accepting his diploma and volunteering in the community

Future plans

T.J.: Joining Clermont County ESC’s Get R.E.A.L. program

Future plans

Roberto: Enrolling in St. Rita Career Plus program

In Loving Memory of Jesse

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Spring 2020

7DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

today in our online classrooms. Parents and teachers have gone above and beyond connecting and communicating to make sure the focus of learning is on our students. Change is never easy but our teachers, students, and parents have adapted extremely well. We could not be more proud.

Since its inception in 1915, St. Rita has remained a vital part of the community for so many people. It is where language is shared among all, where every-one is celebrated for who they are and what they can achieve, where everyone’s individual needs are met, and where the love of God is shared daily. Although we are apart during this crisis, God will bring us together through our faith and love, and he will guide us through these trying times. Because as we know

“all things are possible with God”.

DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

Unwavering Commitment continued from page 1Michael BelperioMs. Mary Lou Ficker

Robert BenderMr. and Mrs. Melvin Bensman

Sueanne Mae Kuehl BenedictMr. Craig A. Benedict

Richard J. BerningMr. and Mrs. Michael Berning

Neil BoyleMr. Joseph Ahern

Mr. and Mrs. Richard BuschmannMr. and Mrs. William Buschmann

Ruth CissellMr. and Mrs. Cyril Kolmer

David ClarkeMs. Patricia J. BellMs. Gail BurkloMr. and Mrs. John Horning

Charles F. CurroMs. Jacqueline F. Curro

Dorothea DillenbeckMr. Robert J. Schmitz

Mary Ann DobelhoffMr. and Mrs. Henry Meyerrose

Joan M. ErnstMs. Jean M. Ernst

George T. Faris IIIMr. and Mrs. Chas Faris

Larney GreenwoodMs. Gloria W. Shreve

Pauline HenkeMs. Nancy L. HenkeThomas HenkeMs. Barbara BattagliaMs. Jacqueline BroermanMs. Allison BurnettMs. Denise CorhnMr. and Ms. John W. GoodyearMs. Kathy KirbyAlicia Rosselot Ms. Ruth Ann RumpkeThe Modal ShopGemma KaufmanMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. HahnRoberta KunkelMs. Mary Laverne MillerBrad LoveMr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelJohn MaloneMr. and Mrs. Ken BirdCatherine MillerMrs. Rose Ann Barone-WirthNorma NusekabelMr. and Mrs. James W. NusekabelMary Lou and Robert PetersMs. Gale DeeDonald SanderMr. James H. KochJamie L. SchermbeckMrs. Barbara HotoppLarry Gavin ShaferDr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Hastings

Frank SchmidtMrs. Linda Bird

Robert ShircliffMr. Eddie A. Smith

Rita StachlerStachler Giving Fund

Jan TimmermansMr. Frank Ramminger

Edna ThomasAlice and Gene Hedges

Judith Ann Wallenhorst Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schildmeyer

James WatsonMr. and Mrs. Robert D. Skaggs

Helen WeberMrs. Jo Zeilman

Dorothy WietmarschenMrs. Lois Elsbrock

Paul and Mary WitschgerMs. Virginia Schneeman

Carl Jude WittMr. and Mrs. Donald Witt

Charles ZielinskiAlice and Gene Hedges

Special Intention for

St. AnthonyMs. Diane Bechtold

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDCincinnati, OHPermit No. 797

1720 Glendale Milford Rd.Cincinnati, OH 45215513.771.7600www.srsdeaf.org

Find us on Social Media stritaschoolforthedeaf @srsdeaf St. Rita School for the Deaf