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Frequently Asked Questions about the Missouri School for the Deaf
 Question:
How are children enrolled?Answer: First, you need to contact your local school superintendent and/or special education director to inform them you have a deaf, or hard-of-hearing child, and are interested in considering placement at MSD. The local school district personnel will discuss with you a variety of options. Before a final decision is made, you should make arrangements to visit MSD, have your child evaluated and observe the program. To make these arrangements, call 573-592-2543. |
 Question:
What does it cost?Answer: MSD is a state-supported school and, like the local public school, is tuition-free. There is no charge for board, room, laundry and books, and school districts are not billed for these services. You will need to provide clothing, personal hygiene items, major/chronic medical expenses, spending money, certain school supplies and miscellaneous items. |
 Question:
What clothing and other supplies do I send with my child?Answer: The school will provide you with a clothing guide list This list is merely a guide. You should send a sufficient amount of clothing for a week's supply--about the same as when you go on a vacation. Items of clothing can be added and/or deleted as necessary. Your child will be returning home for weekend visits frequently and clothing and other items can be sent to MSD at that time. Regular laundry service is available. |
 Question:
How often do children go home?Answer: MSD students who live in Fulton or nearby towns may come to school and return home on a daily basis. Students who reside in the dormitories are provided round-trip transportation nearly every weekend, with the exception of fall and winter homecoming weekends, and other special sporting events such as GPSD tournaments. |
 Question:
Where will my children stay and who takes care of children after school?Answer: MSD is a boarding school. Comfortable living quarters and nourishing meals are provided for students. Residential Advisors supervise children during all non-school hours. There are three separate school facilities for elementary, middle and high school students. Elementary-aged residential students live in cottages while middle and high school students reside in the dormitories. |
 Question:
Are medical services available?Answer: Only minor medical services are available at the school. The school infirmary is operated by a nursing staff under the supervision of a physician. In the event of extended illness or major medical need, students are sent home or served by a hospital in the immediate area. At the opening of each school term, parents are to file with the infirmary staff completed annual physical exam forms along with health insurance information. Dental and visual services are not available at the School. State law requires that immunization records be on file with the infirmary staff when students enroll for the first time, and these records must be kept up to date. |
 Question.
Does school last 12 months?Answer: No. The school term usually begins in late August and ends in mid-May. Classes are held 180 days per school term. Under special circumstances, the IEP (Individual Education Program) may require an Extended School Term. Such terms are provided by the school. |
 Question:
When may I visit?Answer: You are welcome to visit at any time. You should keep in close touch with your child's teachers with regard to his/her progress. Parent involvement is important to your child and to the school staff. Your child's annual IEP (Individual Education Program) needs your attention and is a good start to each school term. |
 Question:
Are extracurricular activities available for my child?Answer: Yes, MSD provides a wide variety of extracurricular activities appropriate to the age level of its students There are field trips, parties, dances, games, captioned movies, scout troops, and numerous special interest clubs. At the junior high and senior high school levels, major competitive sports for boys include football, basketball and track. Girls compete in volleyball, basketball and track. Students participating in competitive sports must be coveted by health/accident insurance. Gymnasiums and a modern, heated swimming pool are provided for indoor activities. |
 Question:
Is vocational training offered my child?Answer: Yes. At the junior high school level, the student begins vocational training in addition to the regular academic course work. Vocational offerings include: Typing and Office Machines; Graphic Arts; Photography; Horticulture; Building Maintenance; Dry Cleaning and Pressing; Baking; Woodworking; Auto Body; Home Economics (Sewing and Foods); and independent Living Skills. |
 Question:
Can my child go to college?Answer: Many MSD graduates go to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.; to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, N.Y.; or to any number of junior and senior colleges which provide interpreting and counseling services for deaf students. Graduation from MSD does not guarantee admission to college. However, MSD does provide the necessary educational background for college work. In some instances, admission examinations are required. |
 Question:
How does Vocational Rehabilitation help MSD graduates?Answer: Through its counselors, Vocational Rehabilitation will assist a deaf person in finding work or in arranging for further training to prepare a client for a particular line of work. Vocational Rehabilitation provides some financial assistance to deaf students attending college or trade school, and in establishing residence when relocating or employment purposes. |
