Brian Hrdowski, principal at Leeton Intermediate School, told the Nordonia Hills City Board of Education on Nov. 24 that the school’s intramural program now includes American Sign Language and has quickly become part of students’ daily interactions.

Hrdowski said the ASL class was introduced to give students “a new way to communicate and connect” and described a concrete example: students now sign to a cafeteria worker with a hearing impairment as they move through the lunch line. “It’s become a natural part of their day,” Hrdowski said.

Three students who attend the class — identified in the meeting as Nola, Emma and Daniella — each spoke briefly about why they chose ASL. Nola said she liked trying new things and wanted to be able to help someone who only uses ASL; Emma said she was proud to communicate with people who are deaf; Daniella said she chose ASL because she wants to be a teacher and believes it will help her in the classroom.

The group closed with a short student demonstration signing “We love Nordonia,” which board members and staff praised. Board members and the superintendent thanked the students and Leeton staff for the program’s emphasis on kindness, inclusion and practical skills.

The presentation was introduced during the “Communications” portion of the meeting and required no board action. The district spokesperson at the meeting credited the intramural program with providing students more opportunities to practice social-emotional skills and inclusive communication.