WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD) was founded on April 12, 1820, by Philadelphia merchant, David Seixas, the school's first teacher, who at the time began teaching in his private home. After a year, Mr. Seixas moved the school to a building located at Eleventh & Market Street, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1984, PSD purchased and completely renovated its current home, 100 West School House Lane, the former Germantown Academy, while preserving the campus' unique historic character; and
WHEREAS, PSD is the third oldest school for the Deaf in the United States and provides a comprehensive educational program for over 225 students ages 3-21. PSD educates a diverse student body from its urban environment within the City of Philadelphia. Students come from Philadelphia, as well as the surrounding suburban counties and are from multi-ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, PSD, under the leadership of Dr. Larry S. Taub, Ed.D. along with his caring and dedicated staff, is the premier provider of specialized educational services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in preparation for further education and successful employment; and
WHEREAS, PSD believes and proves that given an early, consistent, and accessible language-rich environment and challenged by high expectations, learners will attain: academic and technological competence, the ability to think critically and creatively, and a strong sense of positive self-identity. PSD students flourish when engaged in this safe and caring community with which they identify; and
WHEREAS, Education at PSD begins with the Early Intervention Program for infants, toddlers and their families located across the southeastern region of Pennsylvania and include Bilingual Playgroups for Two-Year Olds, Kindergarten and Community Preschool for Hearing Children; and
WHEREAS, PSD serves children with hearing loss in one or both ears, as well as those with minimal to profound hearing loss. PDS' educational program extends to elementary, middle and high school. PDS also offers an extended school year program, a student development team and clinical support services; and
WHEREAS, PSD has for 192 years provided a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children and youth can not only learn, but also thrive in an environment developed with their unique needs at the forefront; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor and congratulate The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf on its 192nd Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, as further evidencing the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body.
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