Tailored for your success
MSSD provides a comprehensive network of academic and communication services designed to ensure every student thrives—both in the classroom and in life.
All services are delivered by certified or licensed professionals fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
Transcript
MSSD provides a comprehensive network of academic and communication services designed to ensure every student thrives—both in the classroom and in life. All services are delivered by certified or licensed professionals fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
Student Services:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and advising
- School counseling and psychology services
- Social work and family support
- Audiology and speech-language services
- Multicultural and Transliteration Services (MTS)
- Support for emerging signers
- Transition planning and internship coordination
- After-school tutoring and academic support
Educational Planning and Support
MSSD is committed to supporting the whole student and their families.
School Counseling
MSSD counselors provide essential services that help students succeed both in school and beyond. Their focus includes:
- Supporting access to the academic curriculum
- Building emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Strengthening college and career readiness skills
- Helping students navigate social and cultural issues
School Psychology
MSSD’s school psychologist plays a key role in identifying and supporting students’ learning needs through:
- Cognitive and academic assessments
- Socio-emotional and behavioral evaluations
- Contributions to IEP development and transition planning
- Collaboration with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies
Social Work
MSSD’s social worker provides:
- Student and family counseling
- Community outreach
- Collaboration with external support systems
Academic Planning & IEP Support
Each MSSD student is assigned an IEP case manager—a classroom teacher— who collaborates closely with the student, their family or legal guardian, the IEP coordinator, and other school staff. Together, they develop a customized Individualized Education Program (IEP) that aligns with the student’s learning needs and postsecondary goals.
Case managers play an essential role in:
- Monitoring academic progress
- Supporting students in meeting their IEP goals
- Encouraging students to become self-directed, independent, and resourceful learners
Tutoring Support
MSSD offers flexible academic support to help students succeed in their coursework.
- After-school tutoring is available by appointment with teachers for personalized academic assistance.
- Evening tutoring is also offered in the residential hall on weekdays, providing additional support in a convenient and familiar setting.
These services are designed to help students strengthen their understanding, complete assignments, and build confidence in their learning.
ASL and Support for New Signers
At MSSD, all academic instruction is delivered in American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure full access to learning and communication.
Students who enroll with limited ASL proficiency are supported through the Emerging Signers Services, which provides individualized services to help them thrive in a bilingual environment. Support may include:
- In-class interpreting services
- Direct ASL instruction
- Social-emotional support to ease the transition and build confidence
This services ensures that all students—regardless of their signing background—can fully engage in both academic and social aspects of school life.
Multicultural and Transliteration Services (MTS)
MSSD’s Multicultural and Transliteration Services (MTS) team supports communication and cultural understanding among students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds. MTS helps ensure that every family feels informed, welcomed, and connected to their child’s education.
Services include:
- Interpreting and Translation Services
Bilingual and trilingual interpretation and translation are available for teachers, staff, and families who use languages other than English. - Multicultural Support Services
Cultural guidance and resources are provided to families from diverse backgrounds to help them navigate MSSD and support their child’s academic journey from enrollment through graduation. - Language HelpLine
MTS operates a phone line during regular and after-school hours to assist non-English-speaking parents or guardians. This line allows families to leave messages for school staff or get support in case of emergencies.
Free Audiological Services
MSSD provides a wide range of audiological services at no cost to students and their families. These services are designed to support students’ access to sound and communication technologies based on individual needs.
Available services may include:
Comprehensive audiological evaluations
Technology assessments and ongoing device management (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices)
Counseling and support for students and families
MSSD also offers a Cochlear Implant (CI) Support Group, which meets throughout the year for students who use CIs or want to learn more about the technology.
Speech-Language Services
Speech-language services at MSSD are tailored to each student’s needs and outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). These services are designed to support the development of effective communication skills that enhance academic and social success.
Services may include:
- Assessment of speech, language, and communication abilities
- Development of spoken English
- Auditory training and listening skill development
- Literacy support
- General communication strategies
Services are delivered in a variety of formats, including:
- One-on-one sessions
- Small group instruction
- Integrated support within the classroom setting
Library Services at MSSD
The Learning Resources Center (LRC) is the official library of the MSSD. With a diverse collection of over 26,000 titles, the LRC is a vital academic resource supporting research, reading, and enrichment for students and staff.
Library Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and University holidays: Closed
Library Use and Policies
Registration:
All students must register in the LRC database before borrowing any materials.
Checking Out Materials:
- Students may borrow up to 5 books at a time.
- Books are loaned for four weeks, especially for class research projects.
- Loan periods for multimedia and other materials may vary—due dates will be adjusted as needed.
- For questions about due dates, contact the Library Media Coordinator.
Overdue or Lost/Damaged Items:
- Fees may be charged for lost or damaged items.
- Overdue notices and bills are sent to parents/guardians near the end of each academic quarter.
- Reminders will also be sent to students and staff with outstanding items.
- For account questions, contact:
Nuke Hayes, Student Life Operations Coordinator
Nuke.Hayes@gallaudet.edu
External Library Access
Students are encouraged to register for a library card with the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) to access a wide range of print and digital resources.
Library Card Registration: Get A Card
For help with DCPL resources, please contact the MSSD Library Media Coordinator.
Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness
Our students are empowered to dream big and pursue meaningful goals beyond high school. Whether planning for college, a career, or community involvement, students receive individualized support to help them take confident steps into the future.
MSSD alumni have gone on to excel in fields such as business, education, government, law, the arts, social work, and more.
Comprehensive Transition Services
MSSD offers a range of programs that support college exploration, career development, and life planning. Each year, the school hosts a Career Fair that features deaf and hard of hearing professionals from a wide variety of industries, providing inspiration and real-world insight for students.
Students receive regular one-on-one sessions with the transition staff.
Internship Experience
All MSSD seniors participate in a semester-long internship experience during the school year where they:
- Build professional skills
- Gain exposure to real-world career settings
- Develop effective workplace habits and communication
- Learn how to work with supervisors and coworkers
Internship placements are available on the Gallaudet University campus and throughout the Washington, D.C. area in government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations.
College Planning Support
MSSD maintains extremely high college placement rates. We provide:
- Coordination of testing accommodations for the ACT and SAT
- Support with college searches and applications
- Guidance on scholarships and financial aid
- Visits to and from admissions counselors, including those from Gallaudet University and other institutions nationwide
Community Service
To graduate, students must complete a required number of community service hours. Opportunities are offered both on campus and in students’ home communities.
These experiences promote civic engagement and help students connect their learning to the broader world around them.
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Schedule and Menu Available
Library Hours
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and University holidays.
Student Health Services
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sat, 10:00 a.m –2:00 p.m.
Closed on Sunday.