Students are introduced to a variety of activities that develop interests, skills, social interactions, and literacy. Arts include drama, dance, martial arts, and fine arts. Students are encouraged to explore this domain of learning, which allows opportunities for them to express themselves through a different medium. Students learn different roles in a play, develop self-discipline skins, learn different dance movements, learn how to interact with other students, and learn about a variety of art and design concepts. We use tutoring, study halls, Odyssey of the Mind, and chess to reinforce classroom learning and critical thinking skills.
Literacy is emphasized during activities such as yearbook and journal writing.
Written journals or story write-ups are encouraged for activities such as outdoor outings. Outdoor programs include backpacking, camping, hiking, canoeing, and recycling. These programs are viewed as informal classrooms that give students ample time in which to observe Deaf role models and receive support when learning opportunities occur, such as assuming roles of responsibility and leadership. Children have opportunities to participate in outdoor outings during Class days and on weekends with involvement from teachers, staff, and parents. At KDES we offer fall, winter, and spring sports such as coed soccer, boys and girls basketball, and coed softball.