As one of only three deaf students attending Salisbury Middle, attending school could be hard for Christopher and his two cohorts, Charles Wilson and Christopher West.

But it hasn't been, thanks to the school's focus on full integration.

When administrators found out they would be adding a few hearing-impaired children to their roster a few years ago, they made an effort to incorporate them into the student body.

A sign language class was added so everyone could communicate with each other easily.

Morning and afternoon announcements now feature a sign language interpreter.

And a special choir, called "Signsations!," was created as a way for all students to apply their skills outside the classroom.

The full attempt at integration of a public school is thought to be one of few in the entire state of Maryland, said Principal Cathy Townsend. So far, the effort has been very successful, said Melinda Glover, an educational interpreter and director of the choir.

"Most of the students know how to sign to some extent," she said.

Glover and the other sign language interpreters give a lot of credit to the school's staff, who made it a priority to make the school as welcoming as possible for the hearing impaired.

"The administrators are even taking classes so they can sign with the kids," Glover said.

And the 38-member choir also has allowed for students to promote deaf awareness to other parts of the state, Glover said.

But whatever impression the group has made outside, the biggest enjoyment comes from the students themselves, most of whom have made an effort to learn sign language.

Fantasia Maniatty said she was drawn to the class from some experiences when she was younger.

"In kindergarten, I had a friend who was deaf and I never could quite understand her," said the eighth-grader. "Now I have the chance to be social with everyone around here."

Learning to sign has also made eighth-grader Monica Janelli more appreciative of speaking with people in general.

"When you talk to people before, you never really notice their expressions," she said. "Since I've started to sign, I see more enthusiasm, more emotion in people."

Christopher Wilson said he had some good times since he's been at Salisbury Middle.

"(Ryan Starner) has taught me a lot," he said through an interpreter.

Ryan said he was more than willing to help his friend.

"It makes me happy when I can do this," he said.

By Ben Penserga, The Daily Times
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