NEW SHARON – The public is invited to a free performance called, Signs of Joy. This cooperative presentation will feature American Sign Language students from Cape Cod Hill School and Mount Blue High School. The performance will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Cape Cod Hill School gym, interpreted by Sherry Walrath.

The performance is part of the ongoing American Sign Language programs at both schools. When they knew a deaf child would be enrolling at their school, Cape Cod Hill teachers Kate Duncan and Patty Murray wrote an innovative grant to hire ASL teacher Shannon Locke.

Locke works with hearing children in grades kindergarten to three to help them learn ASL in order to better communicate with their new deaf classmate. As the children’s interest in ASL expanded, Jenny Jones and Chantal Redlevske, two ASL II students at Mount Blue High School, volunteered to teach older Cape Cod Hill students who also wish to learn ASL.

The high school American Sign Language program is taught by Lori Lewis.

Students will share favorite songs, dances and alphabet jives.

Last fall, students from both schools participated in their first cooperative performance, and they anticipate another similar program later this spring.

Both hearing and deaf community members are welcome to attend. For more information, phone Shannon Locke at 628-2800.

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