Etan Thomas demonstrates some of the things he learned Tuesday afternoon. Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images

Through the Wizards Pick, Roll, & READ program, the team led an interactive reading rally with 75 students of KDES. Players read stories aloud that were interpreted into sign language, and students taught the Wizards how to sign their names and the team’s slogan “ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL.”

“I learned how to say ‘Coach Jordan’ in sign language," said Jordan. "I learned that children are excited about reading. It doesn’t matter what their background is or what situation they are in. They love being around NBA players, and they love the fact that we’re here giving back to them. We’re happy about that.”

In addition to the interaction between the players and students, the Wizards acknowledged the outstanding work of Dr. I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University, Mrs. Linda Jordan, First Lady of Gallaudet University, Dr. Katherine Jankowski, Dean of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center and Ms. Marilyn Farmer, Principal of KDES. There was also a special presentation made by the Wizards to Dr. Jordan, who is in his last year with Gallaudet University.

Brendan Haywood displays some of his signing skills. Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images

“This was great. This was really great," said Thomas. "When you see kids, and how happy they are, especially to teach me sign language. I would ask them, ‘How do I say this?’ They were so eager. Everybody wanted to teach me. It was great. You see just how much appreciation they have. It’s a great feeling.”

Kendall, which is located on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington DC, serves students from birth through age 15, beginning with the Parent-infant Program and ending in grade 8. KDES focuses on teaching and learning in teams, where the study of the main content areas (language arts, math, science, and social studies) is integrated. Gallaudet University leads the world in undergraduate liberal arts education, career development, and outstanding graduate programs for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students.

“It’s very gratifying," said Jordan about the day's experience. "The kids don’t get the chance to get close to us that often, and to see their happy faces is wonderful. Although they have to communicate in sign language, you can feel the joy from them.”