By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Monday morning started out as usual in Mrs. Marty Oleson's class at Southside School. Students were hard at work, reading their text books and listening to Mrs. Oleson give the day's lesson.
In the back of the room, at a desk to himself, one student was also listening to the day's instructions, only his were being given to him a little differently than the other students.
Toby Bible sat patiently, with his math book opened and his calculator sitting at hand, waiting to get instructions for the next problem.
Linda Grubbs was also busy, explaining to him which numbers had to be divided into which. A small token of accomplishment was given when Bible figured it out on his own.
Silently, the two exchanged sign languages and moved on.
These days will soon be cherished memories for both Bible and Grubbs.
After seven years at Southside School, Bible will be able to call 2007 his graduating year. This is also the year Grubbs will be retiring, after nine years of service as an instructional assistant for local schools.
For the past two years, Grubbs has been an interpreter aid for Bible, who has cerebral palsy and is totally deaf.
"A lot of people didn't think this time would come for Toby," Oleson said while taking a quick break from her lesson. "He's been through a lot in his life and to see the changes he's made just in the past few years is amazing. Linda is truly a special person who has brought out so many wonderful things in Toby."
Oleson said since their time together, Grubbs has brought out many wonderful traits in Bible.
"His vocabulary has improved and he has a better understanding of the many concepts of life," Oleson said while getting a big hug from Bible. "You see, this is how he is, just a wonderful, caring person."
Grubbs, who worked for Old Kent Bank (now Fifth Third) before joining the school system, owes all of her sign language skills to one person – Ruby Samples, a retired school teacher from South Bend, Ind.
"My husband and I have been in our house for 38 years now, but when we first moved in, the lady next door was deaf, so I took classes from Ruby to learn sign language. She was great. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am right now," Grubbs said.
Nine years ago, Grubbs answered an ad in the newspaper looking for an instructional assistant. She spent five years in Jackie Grooms' class at Ballard, then went to Brandywine for two years. For the past two years, she has been at Southside.
While at the schools, Grubbs would help students, such as Bible, through sign language.
One of the greatest joys of her job, she said, is that she knows she is helping kids succeed.
"When they are able to comprehend instructions, you feel a great sense of accomplishment," Grubbs said.
And Oleson has been very pleased with Grubbs and what she has brought to Bible's life.
"Linda has a way of constantly going over the interpretation. She has incredible patience and treats Toby like her own child. These two have such a great relationship. She expects no less of him than what she would her own children," Oleson said.
Grubbs not only helps Bible in the classroom, but also accompanies him to different job sites through the IVT program (Individual Vocational Training) that is offered at Southside.
On Mondays, Bible and Grubbs head to Wal-Mart and on Wednesdays, they travel to Bittersweet Stables and the YMCA.
"Many skills are applied at the job sites. Work ethics, being on time, social skills, taking public transportation (since most students cannot drive), it teaches them the responsibilities that go along with having a job," Oleson said.
Bible also had the treat of joining Grubbs and her family for Thanksgiving dinner last year. Grubbs explained that her great-grandson enjoyed Bible's company.
"He was running around saying 'Toby, Toby, Toby.' It was a very special time for all of us," Grubbs said.
Other teachers have also welcomed Bible to their home on different holidays.
"Next year just won't be the same. With both of them gone, something will just be missing from the room," Oleson said.
"I'm really going to miss him, but am glad he has gotten to where he has. Since I've helped him, his attendance has been almost perfect. He missed one day this year. We've learned so much over these short two years and I really will miss our time together," Grubbs added.
Oleson said that Bible has a lot of things he would like to do in his life, but the biggest accomplishment so far will be on May 25, when he is able to graduate and bid a fond farewell to a school and staff members who have helped him achieve this goal.
Grubbs' hard work and dedication for students like Bible is something Oleson, and a lot of other teachers and students, will never forget.