MOSDkids Blog

Christmas Surprise for MOSD's Youngest Class

As a United Way organization, we have many groups tour our facility to learn more about where their donation money goes. Fortunately for MOSD, Marsha Rider toured our school with a group from FedEx this past autumn. After Marsha’s tour, she realized the children at MOSD would be the perfect ones for her to share her Christmas spirit.  Marsha lost her parents last year and wanted to give presents in their honor. She called the school to find out what she could do. She was directed to... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:56 PM | 0 comments

MOSD is Awarded $10,000 Grant

MOSD gained a new supporter over the past month and it is all due to a round of golf. Alan Ferguson came to  MOSD's 2nd Annual Trigon Sports Golf Tournament as a guest of board member Rocky Janda. At the tournament, Alan  saw an informational video on MOSD. He was so moved by the children at MOSD, he shared the school's story with Jeanette Cooley who represents Hardin Trust. The Helen and Jabie Hardin Charitable Trust's passion for supporting the community is well known. So,... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:20 AM | 0 comments

Speech Therapy News

December was a wonderful month! It was short, but we were able to do lots of things in therapy with our children. Children’s literature, toys, and Christmas were the themes during this month. We read books, talked about all of the different toys our children enjoy, and sang Christmas songs. We worked on answering questions, following directions, and learning new vocabulary during these units. To end the month, our Christmas party was so much fun! Santa was great, and it was a joy to talk with... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:42 PM | 0 comments

December Letter from Executive Director Teresa Schwartz

There is much excitement in the air at Memphis Oral School. The children are happy about the upcoming holidays, but mostly about Santa’s arrival.  There are so many things to TALK about!  Every child is “making a list” to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. There is also talk of “naughty” & “nice'' and right now, NICE is winning! It is such a Blessing to be in this special place during the holiday season. Not only do we celebrate the little miracles that we see each time a... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:40 AM | 0 comments

Ying's story by Robyn Ballard

I used to think ‘Memphis Oral School for the Deaf’ was a funny name for a school – oral and deaf didn’t really seem to go together.  Before this year, that was all I knew about the school. At the end of 2009, my husband and I adopted a little 2 and ½  year old girl. By the summer of 2010 she was diagnosed with profound hearing loss (on top of having a repaired cleft lip and palate). She could not hear speech properly and was in need of intensive daily speech therapy. We began... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:36 AM | 0 comments

Caden Joe's Story

Caden Joe’s Story By: Raymond and Shirley Joe We are a diverse family who lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Caden’s father was born in Mississippi. Caden’s mother was born in Hong Kong. Caden’s brother was born in Vietnam. Caden was born in China.  As you can deduct, our children are both adopted.In the Chinese culture the birth of a son is very important to the family to continue the family name (linage). Because of the assumption that we would not be able to adopt a boy out of China... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:57 PM | 0 comments

Speech Therapy Update November

Dear Parents, We have had a great month! All of the children have enjoyed talking about different types of food, whether it be fruits, vegetables, or fun snack food! At home, a great way to teach your child more food vocabulary is have them help you in the kitchen. You can do this by having them help you put up groceries, clean out your refrigerator/pantry, or help you cook! Introduce them to all types of basic and “rare” food vocabulary words as you play with them at home. One of the... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:48 PM | 0 comments

Letter from Executive Director Teresa Schwartz

Dear Friends, This time of year always makes me reflect on the abundance of my life. I am, like all of you, grateful for my family, my friends, and myhealth.  I am also thankful for the work that I have been given to help these babies at MOSD get a chance at a productive and independent life. So much of our life is defined by the work we do…both at our jobs and outside of our jobs that makes life easier or better for others.  There is so much satisfaction in watching these children growing and... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:22 PM | 0 comments

2011 Memphis Airshow Raises $135,00 for MOSD

It was a chilly afternoon at the Millington Regional Jetport on October 29, 2011. Gathered together in a private hangar at the jetport were 2011 Memphis Airshow organizers and volunteers. Joining them were representatives from the beneficiary charities, including MOSD. Though the air was cold, those in the hangar felt nothing but anticipation as they waited for the big announcement of the final dollar amount raised during the Airshow weekend. Visiting time and refreshments were followed by a... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:34 PM | 0 comments

Valero Memphis Refinery Awards Grant to MOSD

Anyone driving downtown via I-55 passes the Valero Refinery and sees the "big flame" burning like a giant candle on the Mississippi River. It is a magnificent sight especially at night. What you may not know about the Valero refinery is how much charitable giving they do in Memphis including  right here at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. In late October, Valero awarded MOSD $20,000 as part of their $350,000 community give back here in Memphis! It was a fantastic surprise for... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:03 AM | 0 comments

MOSD Holding "SpeakEasy" Gala and Silent Auction on April 14, 2012

Mark your calendars for a night of fun and frivolity. On April 14, 2012 MOSD in conjunction with Subsidium,  will be holding our First Annual Speakeasy Gala and Silent Auction. The evening will include a silent auction, a live auction, music and casino type games (for fun only!) Lexus of Memphis is donating their beautiful showroom and facilities for this spectacular event. We are looking for volunteers, auction items and friends to come and enjoy the night. All proceeds will go toward... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:51 AM | 0 comments

The Second Annual Trigon Sports MOSD Golf Tournament proved to be a huge hit!

The numbers are in! The second annual Trigon Sports MOSD Golf Tournament proved to be a huge "hit" with more than $39,000!  Held at the prestigious Cherokee Valley Golf Club in Olive Branch, MS this major fundraiser for MOSD operating expenses and scholarship assistance brought in more than $39,000! The day started out overcast with a chill in the September air. But  as the golfers left the clubhouse, the sun came out providing the perfect day... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:44 AM | 1 comments

MOSD + Phelps Security Italian Fest Parking

On June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, the Memphis Italian Festival celebrated its 10th year. Recognizing a great opportunity, Phelps Security, Inc was kind enough to allow the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf host a parking fundraising at their new location on Park Avenue. Parking spots were rented for $10/spot, a great price for a convenient and safe location (right across from the park!). Our tireless volunteers consisted of MOSD staff, family, board members, Subsidium members, and MOSD alumni, all... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:43 AM | 0 comments

Boll Weevil Visit

Yesterday morning, Wednesday, May 18th, was a rocking good time for MOSD students! The Boll Weevils of Carnival Memphis fame visited the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf to bring mirth, mischief, and glee to our children. The King and Queen of Carnival Memphis led the troops in giving away toys and jewels, making for some very happy students. Our princess girls clamored for the chance to wear the Queen’s bejeweled crown, while others proudly showed off their chance with the King and... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:24 AM | 0 comments

Girl Scouts visit MOSD!

This morning the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf met with some special guests – nine community-minded young women from local Girl Scout Troop 10421 at Hutchison School. The girls were told the history of the school and what MOSD does for our children, followed up by a question and answer session. In honor of the weekly learning theme, Insects & Butterflies/Plants & Seeds, the Scouts brought an arts & crafts project for the students. Each child painted a giant wooden ant and... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:00 PM | 0 comments

May is Better Speech & Hearing Month!

Across America, May is being celebrated as the Better Speech and Hearing Month. Along with the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, you too can participate in several ways: Tour the School! Come see how we help deaf and hard-of-hearing children develop their listening and spoken-language skills through our oral-deaf curriculum and on-site audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Contact the school at 901-758-2228 or at info@mosdkids.org Be Artsy! MOSD... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:51 AM | 0 comments

Lottie Dot & the Tennessee Safety Spotters

On Friday, April 8th, the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf hosted a very special visitor - a deaf dog! Lottie Dot and her "mom" Patricia Belt from the TN Safety Spotters visited MOSD to teach our students about safety, care, and respect for animals. Lottie Dot, a Dalmatian, is deaf and Patricia communicates with her through visual signs and commands. "Because her ears are built differently," Patricia explained, "she cannot have hearing aids or cochlear implants. That's why I use... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 12:57 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Bike Day!

Thursday March 31st was a treasured day at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf - it was BIKE DAY! MOSD students brought their favorite bicycles, tricycles, and wagons for a morning full of fun. We had two-wheelers, a dirt bike, big wheelies, scooters, and even a fire truck! The students were able to show off their transportation safety knowledge at the stoplight and three stop signs set up in the parking lot. After working up a sweat showing off their cycling skills, the children... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:31 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Spring Break Activities

Hooray! Everyone at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf is about to leave for a fun-filled Spring Break! It will be a week of vacations, explorations, adventures - perhaps even tackling that list of household projects. Whatever your plans are, it is important to remember that although your child is now on a break from school, they should not be on a break from learning. As we have said before, "Every moment in you child's life is a language learning moment." Of course we are... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 12:15 PM | 0 comments

Daily Donor "Thank You!" Shout-outs

March is one of our favorite months. Why? Because four years ago in March 2007 we opened the doors of our new school building. This act allowed us to provide services and fulfill our mission of Empowering Deaf Children to Listen, Learn, & Talk to a greater number of children in a specialized learning environment. In honor of this anniversary, we are beginning another tradition - a Daily Donor Thank You! This shout-out will allow MOSD to recognize the growing multitude of people... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:21 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Day on the Hill

Last week on Wednesday the 23rd, Memphis Oral School for the Deaf Executive Director Teresa Schwartz visited Nashville to speak with our state legislators concerning the growing relationship between the school and the Tennessee government. Joining her were MOSD students Mitch Davenport and Nola Bawcum and their families, former MOSD student Brittany Pellegra, and former MOSD Student Abbey Ragan and her family (including Ms. Ginger of Preschool 1 fame). The whole crew met with State... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 1:35 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Alum Awarded Graeme Clark Scholarship

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf is extraordinarily pleased to announce that our alumnus Tyler McFarland is one of five prestigious winners of the 2011 Graeme Clark Scholarship. Cochlear Americas, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announced yesterday the winners of the ninth annual Graeme Clark Scholarship awards. Five students have been selected to each receive up to $8,000 in financial assistance toward a degree at an accredited university, for a total of $40,000 in... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 8:51 AM | 0 comments

EMHC Visits MOSD!

The Memphis Oral School for the Deaf welcomed Emergency Mobile Health Care, LLC to school today for an in-depth look into emergency health care and an ambulance. Students from each class were allowed to climb all over the vehicle and ask COO and EMT-IV Michael W. Nolen, Jr. any number of questions. Emergency Mobile Health Care (EMHC) has a special connection to MOSD, as the grandson of owners Michael and Bette Arndt is Cash,  a student in Miss Sue's Preschool 1 class. MOSD thanks... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:20 PM | 0 comments

Bernard the Hospital Puppets Visited MOSD!

On Wednesday, February 2nd, the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) had special guest, Bernard the Hospital Puppet, visit each classroom, spending time and talking with the students. Diana Chiles, Bernard’s “Mother”, was gracious enough to bring Bernard by the school so he could explain to the students how he has been helping children just like them feel better during their hospital stays. MOSD students were thrilled to meet such a boy and his mother, learn about puppets, and the good... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:34 AM | 0 comments

Special Guests at MOSD!

We have had some very special visitors this week! On Wednesday, January 26th, members of the Collierville Women’s Club arrived for a tour of the school. President Judy Hoffman, Treasurer Pat McGovern, and members Bet Hurdle and Joan Pearson were shown the classrooms by Ms. Teresa, ending with Ms. Cyndi’s class put on a wonderful performance for our visitors. Dax, Maddie, and Zoey each sang a song, talked about their art projects, and told stories. At the end of their stay, the... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:55 AM | 0 comments

Welcome Back to School!

Good Afternoon! After a long two week break for the holidays, Memphis Oral School for the Deaf is back in action. This morning we greeted all our new and returning students and helped everyone get started on their day. Among our new shiny faces, we welcome Mitchell, Cash, Leron, and Kourtlyn into Preschool 1 and Hope into Preschool 2. We also welcome new teacher Ms. Holly as our new Preschool 1 teacher (for our second class of Preschool 1 students) and Ms. Amy as Ms. Stephanie’s Assistant... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:55 AM | 0 comments

MOSD Season of Giving

In this season of giving, MOSD has been extremely blessed. Today alone we were given two examples of giving back to others, one by our students and one by a friend of the school.  This morning Ms. Cyndi's class, Preschool 4, gave presents of homemade gingerbread loaves to every teacher, therapist, and administrative staff member.  Dax, Haley, Maddie, Rivers, and Zoey took turns handing the presents to each person and everyone passed along greetings of Merry Christmas and lots... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 9:48 AM | 0 comments

Germantown Arts Alliance Check Presentation

The Memphis Oral School for the Deaf very gratefully and excitedly received the first part of their 2010-2011 Germantown Arts Alliance Grant this past Friday afternoon. GAA Board President Pat McCaleb presented MOSD Executive Director Teresa Schwartz, Violin Instructor Mary Ann Mears, and MOSD students with the $1,250 check after a musical performance by the school’s oldest students. Dax, Rivers, Maddie, Haley, & Zoey showed Ms. McCaleb how they warm up with Mary Ann Mears, do their... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:00 PM | 0 comments

School Visits & Children's Literature

It is only Wednesday and we've already had a jam packed week! Monday kicked off the week with a trip to the Millington Naval Air Base for a Memphis Air Show preview. The Blue Angels were scheduled to fly in and put on a show! However, due to technical problems, the Blue Angels were unable to appear. The trip still proved to be a lot of fun, with our students getting to see an airfield, private jets, and meet naval personnel. And as a special treat, we've be invited to join the Memphis Air... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:11 AM | 0 comments

Daytime! Night Time! Pajama Time!

This week has been full of learning about Daytime, Nighttime, and the actions, weather, food, sights, and sounds that go with them! Daytime has taught MOSD students about sunshine, clouds, and recess time.  We have also been learning about the difference between foods, such as breakfast foods and lunch time foods.  We also focused on the animals that are awake during the day - like humans, dogs, butterflies and more. Night time at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf has held many... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:06 AM | 0 comments

Halloween & MOSD Fall Festival!

All this week, we have been prepping for today! The children have decorated pumpkins, spiders, and worked on our very best “Trick-or-Treat!” and “Thank You!” This morning started off with a costume show, Halloween songs, and a Fall Festival filled with fun activities! We had a cake walk, dancing, a broom-stick obstacle course, fishing for fun, and lots of trick-or-treating. Volunteers from FedEx came and manned the booths, sang songs, played music, and so much more. This morning was a huge... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 2:55 PM | 0 comments

Getting Ready for Halloween!

Here at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf we are getting geared up for a weekend full of dress-up, candy corn, and trick-or-treating! Tomorrow is our Fall Fesitval, but here are a few preview pictures of the children in costumes! See the rest on Facebook!   ... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:08 AM | 0 comments

Rivers' Walk Book Signing!

Rivers' Walk Book Signing in Oxford, Mississippi November 6th! Dr. Nathalie Johnson and MOSD Student Rivers Kimbrell will be autographing copies of Dr. Johnson's book, Rivers' Walk , on Saturday November 6th in Oxford, Mississippi at Square Books Jr., starting at 10 am. Show your support for Dr. Johnson and Memphis Oral School for the Deaf and head South to Oxford for the day! Square Books Jr. is located on the historic Square in downtown Oxford, click here for a... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 8:58 AM | 0 comments

The Itsy Bitsy Spider . . . .

It’s autumn in Memphis and here at MOSD our learning themes have covered all sorts of fall topics. This week we have been learning all about spiders! Webs have been made on our carpets so everyone can sing, dance, run, and jump like spiders do on their webs!   We have made webs and spiders out of paper and yummy smelling homemade Play-Do – an autumn scented treat!   We have been learning about spider bodies, how they jump, and even finding spiders... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 12:49 PM | 0 comments

Fall, Leaves, & Art Projects Galore!

It has been a leaf-filled week here at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf! This Autumn weather has fit perfectly with our learning unit theme for the week – FALL. Each class has been collecting leaves to study and use in projects all week long. Preschool 1 has made beautiful abstract paintings using pinecones as brushes! These are on display outside the classroom for all to enjoy. Preschool 2 has been learning about why leaves changes colors and going on leaf hunts... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 11:00 AM | 0 comments

Yesterday Crissy Haslam, wife of Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam, paid a visit to the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. Mrs. Haslam met with our Executive Director Teresa Schwartz, Chairman of the Board David Pickler, Board Member Joe Keohane, Development Associate Jessica Denby, and employees from Pickler Wealth Advisors. She took a tour of the school, taking a moment to sit in the sound booth and peek into the speech-language pathologists and audiologists offices’. ... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:04 PM | 0 comments

United Way Day of Caring 2010

Friday September 17th, 2010 was a great day to end a great week for Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. After a terrific golf tournament on Monday, MOSD settled down into the week, looking forward to the 17th. Starting at 9:30 am volunteers from Buckman Laboratories in Midtown Memphis began arriving at the school to participate in the annual United Way Day of Caring. The morning started with introductions, a tour, and a showing of the MOSD video. But there was no holding the volunteers... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 1:00 PM | 0 comments

Fun-Day Friday

Today is definitely a Fun-Day Friday at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf! After a week of learning about our 5 Senses, the final day has been full of games and learning adventures. Miss Cyndi’s class, Preschool 4, turned baking into a classroom lesson! They learned about proper ingredients, how to mix each one together to make batter, and how to put the dough on sheets to bake cookies. Best of all, the whole school got to experience the smell of baking muffin-mix cookies! After the... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 10:15 AM | 0 comments

MOSD Golf Tournament

We have an IMPORTANT UPDATE for the Golf Tournament! Due to some on-site enhancements at Northcreek Golf Course that will occur in September, the golf tournament will now be played at: Wedgewood Golfers’ Club 5206 Tournament Drive Olive Branch, Mississippi That’s right, MOSD is hosting our first-ever golf tournament! Sponsored by Padawer & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, the tournament will take place on September 13, 2010 at Wedgewood Golfers’ Club... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:52 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Beach Day!

This last week of summer of summer session has been a fun filled one for our students! All week long they have been studying the beach. To culminate all their work, the children had a water play day in the back yard of MOSD! There was a sand-filled “shore” where sandcastles were made, a giant umbrella to relax under, two sprinklers, and a pool for the children to play in. Everyone had a blast, tossing the beach ball, running through sprinklers, and being outside. The afternoon was capped... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:49 PM | 0 comments

Kohl's Cares - $10 Million

MOSD needs your help – on Facebook! Kohl’s, in celebration of its 10th anniversary, is giving away $500,000 to 20 schools, $10 million total. All you have to do is vote for MOSD! Please click here or just search for Kohl’s and click on the Kohl’s Care promotion. Then simply choose Memphis Oral School for the Deaf and vote! Please email, tweet, and share with your friends – every vote counts! And while you’re on Facebook, head on over to our Facebook page and fan and share away! ... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:45 PM | 0 comments

Franklin Park Day!

It was a fun-filled morning for MOSD students! Residents from nearby Franklin Park Retirement Residence came to make arts and crafts with our two oldest classes. After a brief tour, history, and explanation of what we do, the activities began. Franklin Park graciously brought tops and painting supplies and everyone got right to work. Together the residents and the children painted tops, each one unique and very colorful. The adults showed the children how to twist their fingers just right so... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:40 PM | 0 comments

Rainbows & Dreams

After two days of rain, the sun finally reappeared in Memphis this afternoon, creating a beautiful rainbow. Looking at the rainbow through the office window, it prompted some of us to think about what rainbows represent. Often seen as symbols of wishes and hope, rainbows signify wishes, luck, happiness, and dreams. Memphis Oral School for the Deaf embodies many of these same characteristics for our students, families, and supporters, from its creation to the present. This is no coincidence... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:38 PM | 0 comments

"Hearing is the Velcro"

School is officially back in session! We started our day with songs, meeting up with old and new friends, and lots of fun. One of the best aspects of working at such a wonderful school is reading all of the letters from parents and alumni, articles, and academic journals that support our programs and our students. With a new school year on our hands we are beginning to gather alumni stories, especially from our more recent graduates. The love these children and their families express for... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:31 PM | 0 comments

Bits & Pieces

Just a quick update on the comings and goings at MOSD: School starts in 2 and a half weeks! Classrooms are already being decorated and everyone is getting ready for the return of the students We’ve been having a great break – filled with meetings, research, good food, and family. We’ve even met with a few new families interested in MOSD! Being able to tell others our mission and how we can help them is always a good day. We’ve been... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:28 PM | 0 comments

Busy Bees

If April Showers bring May Flowers, then those flowers bring June Bees – busy busy working bees! Although the students are out for the month of June, MOSD has not slowed down a bit! May 28th was Graduation day and we said a tearful yet hope-filled goodbye to three graduates and four students moving away. Local news station, WMC-TV Action News 5, came out and did a little story on our graduates and the ceremony – we cannot thank them enough! Only eleven days into June and we’ve already... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:23 PM | 0 comments

MOSD Graduation

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog! We at the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) are very excited this week! This Friday is our graduation day, filled with celebration, music, and family fun. MOSD’s mission is to empower deaf children to listen learn and talk through specialized programs and education that help them develop listening and spoken language skills. We focus on the “Oral” part of our name, meaning that no sign language is used. Many of our children use CI,... Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:17 PM

My Fox Memphis (Fox 13) Story on MOSD

Today is another exciting day in this HUGE week for MOSD. A local news station, WHBQ Fox 13, visited us this week and produced a fantastic story on the school and the journey on one of our graduating students. We are so pleased to be recognized in such a manner and to be able to share it with you. Visit the Fox 13 website for more! Read More
Posted by kransom@mosdkids.org at 3:11 PM

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