Hello Students and Parents!
Welcome to Mrs. Bowles' Deaf and Hard of Hearing classroom!

Teacher:  Mrs. Julie Bowles Grade: 5th- 8th grade Deaf and              Hard of Hearing Subjects: Reading,                  Language/Grammar                    Science                  History and Social Studies Email: Julie.Bowles@psd150.org Room #: 110

I hope that you will take some time to read about our program, but also to use this website as a reference to gain knowledge about those who are deaf or hard of hearing or to learn sign language in order to communicate with those who have a hearing loss. Check out the WebLinks to learn sign language! Also Check out the Deaf Education Department to view services provided by District #150:  http://www.psd150.org/Page/10903 Sterling Middle School in Peoria provides services for deaf and hard of hearing students  from 5th to 8th grade with varying degrees of hearing loss and ability levels.  An atmosphere of total communication with certified and experienced teachers as well as certified interpreters in conjunction with cooperative general education teachers and staff allow the department to establish the best possible education to meet the individual needs of each student.  Two full-time and one part-time teacher have self contained classrooms that provide a full curriculum aligned with Illinois State Standards of reading, language, math, science and social studies.  The use of Visual Phonics supports their development of vocabulary and language.  Students also have the opportunity to be mainstreamed for core general education classes and special encore classes or full inclusion.  Students can and are encouraged to be involved in extra-curricular activities such as student council,  garden club, basketball, soccer, volleyball, chess club, band and orchestra.  Students also receive speech and language therapy, as well as any occupational or physical therapy as delineated in their education plan.     On a Personal note:   I have been teaching the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the district since 1990.  Throughout these 25+ years I have taught pre-school through high school students with varying degrees of hearing loss and learning levels. In addition, I have also worked with deaf low incidence students at Jamieson School in the Peoria Public Schools.  Currently I am a proud staff member at Sterling Middle School teaching  5th through 8th grade students in Reading, Language, Science, History and Social Studies.  The small self-contained classrooms offer an opportunity for individualized growth and success. If you have any further questions or would like more information about our program pleasefeel free to contact me at the email address listed above.