The American Sign Language program continues to grow each year in Oyster Bay. Dr. Nicolle Sisia’s Advanced American Sign Language class worked tirelessly to share their love of language with the underclassman at OBHS.
“ASL Day” has become an annual tradition where the Advanced American Sign Language students become teachers for the day, inviting students to the library to learn the language, grammar and cultural experiences they have acquired in their ASL classes.
Senior Gabriella Micelli said, “I really felt like I was able to connect with many of the students who didn’t know they could enroll in an American Sign Language class. It felt great to be able to share all that I have learned with others.”
Juniors Bret Mattel and Nikia Gardon agree, “This is a great opportunity for us to really show others how much we learn during each class. We were able to answer every question we were asked. That’s a pretty great feeling.”
Dr. Sisia teaches American Sign Language Levels I, II and III. The level III course also allows students to acquire up to six college credits for a reduced tuition.
Junior Hannah Kaiser shares, “It’s great that as a high school student I am able to get a jump start on college. This will make my transition from High School to college a lot easier.”
Junior Laurel Dorfman explained that her love of the language and the ASL courses offered at OBHS have enticed her to look for additional signing opportunities outside of the school day. “I wish I could explain how these courses have made such a positive impact on my education. I feel successful in these classes and was able to show my competency of the language to others during ASL Day.”
The value of getting college credits while in high school can literally be “taken to the bank.” Gianni Napolitano graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 2010. With the college credits he earned while at OBHS by taking advanced placement and honors classes, Gianni will be graduating from New York University in January of 2014, one semester early, saving his parents tens of thousands of dollars.
