ASL Classes (2025-26)
At the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), ASL classes go beyond simple instruction. Our staff teach sign language skills and promote an understanding of Deaf Culture through interaction with deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Our classes will utilize a new ASL curriculum for the community and parents/families. The curriculum will be implemented on five skill levels with hands-on activities. Students will need a student textbook that is good for all five skill levels and can be purchased by clicking – student textbook.
Current Session Information
Spring 2026 |
|---|
Registration Window: 02/25/26 to 03/13/26Session Starts: Week of 03/23/26Session Ends: Week of 05/11/26 |
All classes are in-person (preferred) and online, except for classes for immediate family members.
Select one 2-hour class. The cost is $100 for all eight weeks.
Each class is limited and fill quickly.
Once a class has reached maximum capacity, it will indicate “sold out.”
| Teacher | Level A | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Mendel | Level A | Monday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Jill D’Amore | Level A | Tuesday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Jeni Gordon | Level A | Tuesday | 5:30 – 7:30pm | Online |
| Jill D’Amore | Level A | Wednesday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Holly Mendell | Level B | Tuesday | 4:00 – 6:00pm | In-Person |
| Jill D’Amore | Level B | Tuesday | 5:30 – 7:30pm | In-Person |
| Holly Mendell | Level B | Wednesday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Jill D’Amore | Level B | Wednesday | 5:30 – 7:30pm | In-Person |
| Kathie Sullivan | Level C | Thursday | 5:00 – 7:00pm | Online |
| Holly Mendell | Level C | Thursday | 4:00 – 6:00pm | In-Person |
| Holly Mendell | Level C | Saturday | 9:00 – 11:00am | Online |
| Alan Majocha | Level D | Thursday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Alan Majocha | Level E | Wednesday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Alan Majocha | Advanced ASL 1 | Tuesday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
| Alan Majocha | Advanced ASL 2 | Monday | 3:30 – 5:30pm | In-Person |
Future Session Information
| Fall 2025 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2026 |
|---|---|---|
|
Registration Window: Week of 09/22/25 Session Ends:11/10/25 |
Registration Window: Week of 01/05/26 Session Ends:Week of 02/23/26 |
Registration Window Week of 03/23/26 Session EndsWeek of 05/11/26 |
Class Information
| Level A | Level B | Level C | Level D | Level E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introducing Ourselves Unit 2: Learning ASL Unit 4: Making Appointments | Unit 3: People at Work Unit 5: Working Duties Unit 6: Sharing Personal Information | Unit 7: Where People Live Unit 8: Time and Activities Unit 9: Asking for Assistance | Unit 10: Discussing Weather Unit 11: Schedules & Events Unit 12: Discussing Health | Unit 13: Locating Objects Unit 14: Hobbies & Interests Unit 15: Spending Money Unit 16: Explaining Procedures |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you miss the registration? Are the classes full?
If so, please complete this form to be placed on an email list to be notified when our registration link opens OR if you would like to be placed on a wait list when a class fills up.
Is there a textbook?
ASL classes will utilize a new ASL curriculum for the community and parents/families. The curriculum will be implemented on five skill levels with hands-on activities. You will need a student textbook that is good for all five skill levels. Please purchase a student textbook, see this LINK.
What is the cost for immediate family members?
Free
What to expect after you register for class?
You will receive an email confirming your class purchase. Individuals attending online will receive an email from their ASL instructor with instructions on how to access the online class. If you are attending in-person you will receive an email with instructions about where to go on your first day of class at WPSD.
What is the refund policy?
Email Ms. Jessica Marks at jmarks@wpsd.org before the 2nd class to receive your refund.
How can immediate family members of WPSD students register?
Email Ms. Jessica Marks at jmarks@wpsd.org within the registration window.
What is the age requirement for the class?
Students 14 and older may take the class.
Who is considered an immediate family member?
Immediate family members are those who live in the same household as a current WPSD student.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Ms. Jessica Marks via email – jmarks@wpsd.org. Thank you for your interest in American Sign Language and support for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news and events happening around campus. We look forward to signing with you in class!