Learning valuable lessons during recent class trips and school activities, the STEPS (Students and Teachers Experiencing Progress and Success) class at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf has been busy working on their program philosophy. The students recently went rock climbing, hosted a presentation in honor of "Penni the Therapy Dog," took part in a Deaf dance performance and attended a NY Knicks game. Participating in such diverse events helped the students reinforce life lessons in support, trust and encouragement.

Recently venturing out into the local community to have a bonding experience, the students attended a rock climbing class at the Training Station in Glen Cove. "The trip fostered the support and cooperative environment we so often talk about in class," said Teacher Karen Papasergiou, who was pleased with the positive outcome.

"One by one, the students and most of the staff members scaled the wall. They all supported one another, encouraged each other to continue and guided each other along the way. They trusted the guide to keep them safe and they believed in themselves," observed Papasergiou. Appreciative of the experience, the students learned to trust, cooperate and communicate with one another.

Although rock climbing proved to be challenging, student Tiffany Lett said she was determined to finish. "When I got the pictures and showed my grandmother, she said 'Great, you are setting your goals. Before you gave up, but now, this year you are successful. I'm very proud of you,' she reported. Student Anthony Finocchio said, "When the students and staff got on the rock, we all said, 'Come on, you can do it!' We encouraged them to reach the top of the rock."

"Penni the Therapy Dog" has been visiting the STEPS class with her owner, Florence Scarinci, for over eight years. Because of a nomination letter written by the class on her behalf, Penni won an American Kennel Club Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) and appeared on an AKC dog show in December. In celebration of the win, the STEPS class hosted a special awards ceremony of their own for Scarinci and Penni. "The kids made a PowerPoint presentation and ran the entire event!" said Papasergiou.

Scarinci said that during the AKC dog show, a picture of student Anthony Finocchio and Penni was shown to the entire stadium. In appreciation of all the STEPS class has helped her to achieve, Scarinci presented Mill Neck Manor with a $200 check to put toward the program. A portion of a monetary award given to Scarinci at the AKC dog show, she decided to share it with many organizations that have been a part of her life, such as Mill Neck Manor, Bide-A-Wee and more. "We appreciate her thoughtfulness and plan to put it to good use," said Papasergiou.

The STEPS class always looks forward to seeing Penni and the students enjoy playing with her. Scarinci says the feeling is mutual, and that her dog doesn't realize she's working when she visits Mill Neck Manor. "Penni thinks I bring her to play with a nice bunch of kids. She does what comes naturally," noted Scarinci.

Lessons in the STEPS class can also be learned through fun events, such as a performance by a Deaf dance company known as "Rathskeller." The group performs internationally, incorporating different music styles, comedy and sign language into their routines.

The class recently had an opportunity to see one of the unique Rathskeller shows. A lesson in communicating, some of the students interviewed the dancers and were videotaped about what they thought of the performance. One student said, "After the play, we got to meet all the performers and got autographs. We asked them questions. My favorite parts were a 1960s diner and Thriller by Michael Jackson."

For some time, STEPS Teacher Assistant Gwen Bedell wanted to get NBA tickets for Rosalino Sosa, a senior in the program and an avid basketball fan. Excited to receive three tickets for a Knicks-Lakers game from her husband's company, Bedell invited Rosalino to the game, along with Teacher Karen Papasergiou. "Gwen knew that Rosalino never attended a live NBA game and she felt he would enjoy the experience," said Papasergiou.

As showing support is a key component of the STEPS program, an experience such as this can be very rewarding. Pleased with Bedell's efforts, Papasergiou said, "Gwen constantly proves her loyalty to the students." At the game, Rosalino taught Papasergiou and Bedell about basketball, and in turn, they taught him about support, trust and concern for others. "When Rosalino graduates from Mill Neck Manor, our hope is that he will remember some of these experiences and pay the act of kindness forward," explained Papasergiou.

Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf is part of the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, a not-for-profit group dedicated to serving Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through educational, vocational and spiritual programs and services. For more information about any of its programs, please call (516) 922-4100 or visit http://www.millneck.org.