On September 23rd, the Hudson City School District joined communities worldwide in recognizing the International Day of Sign Languages. This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the importance of sign language in promoting inclusion, communication, and cultural diversity.
At Hudson, American Sign Language (ASL) isn’t just a celebration once a year, it’s a growing part of our curriculum. Students have the opportunity to take ASL as a full language course, which not only allows them to explore a new and meaningful way to communicate, but also helps them earn credits toward graduation and prepare for college.
Under the guidance of Kayani Ilse, students learn ASL in an engaging and supportive environment. Ms. Ilse brings creativity and real-world context to her lessons, helping students not only master the language but also understand the cultural richness and community significance behind it. Her teaching style encourages participation, builds confidence, and inspires students to see ASL as more than a class, but as a skill that connects them to others in meaningful ways.
Offering ASL provides students with the same benefits as studying other world languages. It strengthens their academic record, broadens their cultural awareness, and gives them skills they can carry into future careers and everyday life.
Looking ahead, Blue Hawk students in grades 8–12 are preparing for a trip to Washington, D.C. in April 2026. To help cover travel expenses, the Hudson ASL program is selling Hudson ASL apparel. All funds raised will be split directly among participating students to help offset the cost of their trip. The program encourages the community to support our students and help reach a minimum goal of 16 items ordered. We cannot thank you enough for supporting both our students and the Blue Hawk community!
To purchase your Hudson ASL apparel and support our students, please visit: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/traveling-bluehawks-fall?utm_campaign=desktop-campaign-page-share-v3&utm_content=traveling-bluehawks-fall&utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link
The Hudson City School District is proud to support ASL education and to join in the worldwide recognition of this important day.