Programs at ISD
The school provides the following programs and services:
- Parent Infant Program
- Pre-School/ Pre-Kindergarten
- Elementary
- Junior High
- High School
- CTE
Junior High school program
The Junior High School is home to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students attending Illinois School for the Deaf.
The mission of the Junior High is to create an environment of acceptance of self and others, with a commitment to linguistic, academic, vocational, social, and personal development.
The Goals of the Department are:
- To promote both self-esteem;
- To offer learning activities broad enough to provide for the abilities of all students and to stimulate them to fulfill their maximum development;
- To provide opportunities for language stimulation (both ASL and English) through academics and social activities;
- To provide opportunities to enable technological competency.
Curriculum
The curriculum at ISD includes standard, modified and developmental levels. This assures all students are taught with a curriculum tailored to their individual needs. All students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) written for them. Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade are required to take English, social studies, math, science, literature, and physical education. Students in 7th and 8th grade are required to take health class as well. All students also receive an accelerated reading class. Flex periods are scheduled for all students to use as a study hall or for scheduling appointments, tutoring, etc. The IEP determines if students are mainstreamed for particular classes at Jonathan Turner Junior High School.
The Junior High is involved with PBIS- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. This is a program designed to help create and maintain safer schools by targeting positive behaviors. Weekly and monthly activities are planned to support the intent of this program.
Awards and recognitions are presented at a ceremony on the final day of school, and a graduation ceremony is held for the 8th graders. Special awards are given through the school year such as the quarterly honor roll (B average or better). The Nestlé Corporation, ISD's business-education partner, sponsors a student of the month award.
Career/Tech orientation on a quarterly rotation begins in 7th and 8th grade. Students will have nine weeks of instruction in: orientation to industrial occupations (woods), drafting (CAD and metals), foods (cooking) and art. This orientation offers the students a "taste" of various vocational areas. Students may show definite strengths in certain areas and will want to pursue this line of study in high school.
Two computer labs with Internet access are available in the Junior High for all students and teachers. A multimedia and hands-on approach to learning is encouraged in all curricular areas. All classrooms are equipped with one or more computers as well.
Sports
Athletics offered for junior high students include: football, volleyball, wrestling, girls' and boys' basketball and track, and cheerleading. ISD is a member of the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) and abides by its requirements, including eligibility standards. The Junior High is also a member of the Morgan County Conference.