Elementary school students in Maine learn sign language to welcome deaf classmate

The students and staff at Dayton Consolidated School wanted to be able to greet Morey Belanger on her first day of kindergarten, and in order to do so, they all started learning sign language.

Belanger is the first deaf student to ever attend the school in Dayton, Maine. Before her arrival, the students learned how to say hello to her, and since then, they've been taught more than 20 words, including colors and school-related terms. "Morey, without even knowing it, has taught us so much," principal Kimberly Sampietro told CNN. "She has brought a culture to our building that we didn't have before."

There are now sign language posters up on the walls, and teachers are watching sign language videos whenever they have a chance. Belanger is also taking an active role in educating her peers, helping her fellow kindergartners learn the alphabet. "I absolutely feel like it makes her feel welcomed," her mom, Shannon Belanger, said. "I think all the kids feel excited that they know another language and I think they think it's fun."

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