Ohio Department of Transportation Eastern Ohio District 11 allowed Edison Local students to decorate one of the snow blades to be utilized this winter! They did a fantastic job!
Programs Give Students Advantage with Studies
Students at Edison High School have more advantages to get ahead in their studies with two programs, one of which gets under way in October.
The Blended Learning program is being instituted this year as a pilot project for junior and senior high students. The concept allows students to work online and at their own pace.
“The students will have an assignment through a Web site. Teachers will post the assignments and students can do the project on their own at home at their own leisure,” said EHS Principal Matt Morrison. “Some assignments will be project-based and due later and some are regular classroom assignments. Many students in college and high school are now taking courses online and this will give them experience of doing on-line work.”
Parents were informed of the endeavor in the spring and teachers have been preparing for the new offering. Morrison said it was a brand-new format and adjustments would be made as it progressed. The blended learning model is growing among the traditional college and university set but is something Morrison hopes to expound upon further in the future. He commented that today’s youth were very tech savvy and should adapt quickly to the change.
“We will do the pilot project and watch it closely, and hopefully we can expand it as the years go on. Hopefully the experience our kids have this year will help them when they go to college.”
Meanwhile, the Dual Enrollment Program is entering its seventh year. It is done in partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College and offers college credit to high school students.
“Dual Enrollment is in two phases: junior high and high school dual enrollment. The junior high gets junior high and high school credit for classes in Fine Arts, gym and health and for honors students there is Algebra I, English I, Spanish I and Physical Science. High school students get high school and college credit,” said Morrison. “Close to 50 percent is graduating high school with everything from a semester to two years’ college credit for free. This has been the best kept secret around. We have been very proactive in offering this to students.”
Up to 41 hours’ credit can be earned and equivalent courses include English 101 and 102 at EGCC and English IV at EHS, which is for three credits each; Spanish 101-102 (EGCC) and Honors Spanish IV (EHS) for four credits each; Music 101 (EGCC) and Music Appreciation (EHS) for three credits; Math 128 Statistics (EGCC) and Statistics (EHS), three credits; Math 120 (College Algebra) and Pre-Calculus (EHS), four credits; Math 121 (College Trigonometry) and Pre-Calculus (EHS), three credits; Math 220 (Technical Calculus I) and Calculus (EHS), five credits; Political Science 101 and 102 (EGCC) and Honors Government (EHS), three credits each; Chemistry 102 and 103 and Chemistry II (EHS), four credits each; and Communications 101 and Public Speaking, three credits. Morrison said students could save an average of $25,000 to $50,000 just by taking those classes and the teachers have done a great job staying updated themselves.
“Our teachers have been very dedicated to our dual Enrollment Program. Those who did not have proper certification to teach dual enrollment have gone back and gotten a proper education so our students could be involved in such an outstanding program. We cannot thank these teachers enough for being so dedicated to the students at Edison High School. We have several teachers going back to school so we can add even more classes to this program.”
The program was borne of talks eight years ago between Edison officials and EGCC leaders after a state law went into effect permitting the credit concept. The district eventually implemented the plan and college credits are transferrable to all Ohio colleges and universities and most out-of-state institutions of higher learning. Morrison said courses have been added since the program first began and he hopes to see further expansion in the future, while student participation also has soared.
“We started with 10 percent of our graduating classes taking courses, and now 40 percent of our graduating seniors are getting some college credits without leaving the building,” Morrison said. “It’s something we offer that few other schools do. It’s been cutting edge here at Edison High School.”
Students at Edison High School have more advantages to get ahead in their studies with two programs, one of which gets under way in October.
The Blended Learning program is being instituted this year as a pilot project for junior and senior high students. The concept allows students to work online and at their own pace.
“The students will have an assignment through a Web site. Teachers will post the assignments and students can do the project on their own at home at their own leisure,” said EHS Principal Matt Morrison. “Some assignments will be project-based and due later and some are regular classroom assignments. Many students in college and high school are now taking courses online and this will give them experience of doing on-line work.”
Parents were informed of the endeavor in the spring and teachers have been preparing for the new offering. Morrison said it was a brand-new format and adjustments would be made as it progressed. The blended learning model is growing among the traditional college and university set but is something Morrison hopes to expound upon further in the future. He commented that today’s youth were very tech savvy and should adapt quickly to the change.
“We will do the pilot project and watch it closely, and hopefully we can expand it as the years go on. Hopefully the experience our kids have this year will help them when they go to college.”
Meanwhile, the Dual Enrollment Program is entering its seventh year. It is done in partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College and offers college credit to high school students.
“Dual Enrollment is in two phases: junior high and high school dual enrollment. The junior high gets junior high and high school credit for classes in Fine Arts, gym and health and for honors students there is Algebra I, English I, Spanish I and Physical Science. High school students get high school and college credit,” said Morrison. “Close to 50 percent is graduating high school with everything from a semester to two years’ college credit for free. This has been the best kept secret around. We have been very proactive in offering this to students.”
Up to 41 hours’ credit can be earned and equivalent courses include English 101 and 102 at EGCC and English IV at EHS, which is for three credits each; Spanish 101-102 (EGCC) and Honors Spanish IV (EHS) for four credits each; Music 101 (EGCC) and Music Appreciation (EHS) for three credits; Math 128 Statistics (EGCC) and Statistics (EHS), three credits; Math 120 (College Algebra) and Pre-Calculus (EHS), four credits; Math 121 (College Trigonometry) and Pre-Calculus (EHS), three credits; Math 220 (Technical Calculus I) and Calculus (EHS), five credits; Political Science 101 and 102 (EGCC) and Honors Government (EHS), three credits each; Chemistry 102 and 103 and Chemistry II (EHS), four credits each; and Communications 101 and Public Speaking, three credits. Morrison said students could save an average of $25,000 to $50,000 just by taking those classes and the teachers have done a great job staying updated themselves.
“Our teachers have been very dedicated to our dual Enrollment Program. Those who did not have proper certification to teach dual enrollment have gone back and gotten a proper education so our students could be involved in such an outstanding program. We cannot thank these teachers enough for being so dedicated to the students at Edison High School. We have several teachers going back to school so we can add even more classes to this program.”
The program was borne of talks eight years ago between Edison officials and EGCC leaders after a state law went into effect permitting the credit concept. The district eventually implemented the plan and college credits are transferrable to all Ohio colleges and universities and most out-of-state institutions of higher learning. Morrison said courses have been added since the program first began and he hopes to see further expansion in the future, while student participation also has soared.
“We started with 10 percent of our graduating classes taking courses, and now 40 percent of our graduating seniors are getting some college credits without leaving the building,” Morrison said. “It’s something we offer that few other schools do. It’s been cutting edge here at Edison High School.”
(Photo Cutline: Fourth-graders Alexis Dawson and Decker Lancaster show off some of their planting projects inside the Stanton Elementary School greenhouse, which received an $1,180 grant from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for improvements. Students have put their planting skills to use and their produce has fed them and their peers in the school cafeteria.)
Stanton Receives Ohio Farm Bureau Grant
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary School has obtained nearly $1,200 to further enhance its greenhouse and help grow upon its science program.
The school received a 2015 Agriculture Action and Awareness grant from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation worth more than $1,180. Officials from the school, the Ohio State University Extension Office in Jefferson County and Master Gardener volunteer Marianne O’Donnell applied for the funds, which comprise one-third of the upgrade costs. Sarah Cross, agriculture and natural resources director at the Farm Bureau in Jefferson and Harrison counties said it was the first time they sought the grant for Stanton’s Farm-To-School Program.
“Basically, the volunteers teach several classes on how to grow your own food. During the past two years, students grew lettuce and spinach for the school cafeteria. Funds will go to additional greenhouse repairs and supplies, including a new hydroponic system.”
The Jefferson County Farm Bureau also donated more than $1,000 in matching funds for greenhouse repairs and gave $500 two years ago to help get the project off the ground. The latest OFBF funding is a one-time competitive grant and is offered annually to the public. Cross said it was the most funding she has received and Stanton has one year to spend the allotment. The Stanton Elementary Farm-To-School program is made possible by OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and fourth-grade science teacher Tammy Saphore, while the volunteers have taught horticulture sessions at the greenhouse for the past two years.
Saphore said the funding will help acquire items to update the greenhouse so fourth- through sixth-graders could gain some agricultural experience.
“We are so excited to receive this grant,” she said. “The grant money is for the greenhouse and will be used to buy such equipment as tables, shelves, shade screens, a watering system and hydroponic equipment.”
She added that the entire school benefits when the upper grades are able to grow produce that is ultimately used in the cafeteria. She said the children are more apt to try vegetables they otherwise may not eat because it was grown by their peers, plus the young farmers feel a sense of accomplishment when their plants spring to life.
“Our students take pride in what they have grown. It’s just a great overall experience.”
There was a late start this year since repairs were being made to the structure, all thanks to the grants and other funding. The 14-foot-by-20-foot building, which dates back to the 1960s, underwent a glass replacement project by Steubenville Glass to remove damaged panels and help regulate the temperature. Saphore and fifth-and sixth-grade teacher Cynthia Bordash, with the help of the school PTO, have worked to make the improvements and the teachers expect to incorporate hydroponics, or the method of growing plants in water or without soil, into their lessons. In addition, they received a $500 Best Practices Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for a “Berried Treasure” program to grow strawberries.
“Now that we are able to get our students in there, we have started planting. We have carrots and radishes growing now and we are planning to plant beans and peas soon,” Saphore said. “With the new equipment that we will be able to order, we are hoping that more teachers in the building utilize the greenhouse for their projects, as well.”
Efforts have been made for the past three years to update the greenhouse, and Saphore is thrilled to see that work bear fruit.
“We have been trying to bring this old greenhouse back to life, and slowly but surely we have been doing just that. This grant will allow us to take the next step and go broader with plans and ideas. We live in a rural community and our kids are being given a chance to experience hands-on activities that they can take with them as they grow.”
Meanwhile, Principal Chris Dopp said collaboration was an important part of the grant’s success and it is all in the best interest of the students.
“With our teamwork and focus we were able to secure another grant and more educational opportunities,” said Dopp.
Stanton Receives Ohio Farm Bureau Grant
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary School has obtained nearly $1,200 to further enhance its greenhouse and help grow upon its science program.
The school received a 2015 Agriculture Action and Awareness grant from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation worth more than $1,180. Officials from the school, the Ohio State University Extension Office in Jefferson County and Master Gardener volunteer Marianne O’Donnell applied for the funds, which comprise one-third of the upgrade costs. Sarah Cross, agriculture and natural resources director at the Farm Bureau in Jefferson and Harrison counties said it was the first time they sought the grant for Stanton’s Farm-To-School Program.
“Basically, the volunteers teach several classes on how to grow your own food. During the past two years, students grew lettuce and spinach for the school cafeteria. Funds will go to additional greenhouse repairs and supplies, including a new hydroponic system.”
The Jefferson County Farm Bureau also donated more than $1,000 in matching funds for greenhouse repairs and gave $500 two years ago to help get the project off the ground. The latest OFBF funding is a one-time competitive grant and is offered annually to the public. Cross said it was the most funding she has received and Stanton has one year to spend the allotment. The Stanton Elementary Farm-To-School program is made possible by OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and fourth-grade science teacher Tammy Saphore, while the volunteers have taught horticulture sessions at the greenhouse for the past two years.
Saphore said the funding will help acquire items to update the greenhouse so fourth- through sixth-graders could gain some agricultural experience.
“We are so excited to receive this grant,” she said. “The grant money is for the greenhouse and will be used to buy such equipment as tables, shelves, shade screens, a watering system and hydroponic equipment.”
She added that the entire school benefits when the upper grades are able to grow produce that is ultimately used in the cafeteria. She said the children are more apt to try vegetables they otherwise may not eat because it was grown by their peers, plus the young farmers feel a sense of accomplishment when their plants spring to life.
“Our students take pride in what they have grown. It’s just a great overall experience.”
There was a late start this year since repairs were being made to the structure, all thanks to the grants and other funding. The 14-foot-by-20-foot building, which dates back to the 1960s, underwent a glass replacement project by Steubenville Glass to remove damaged panels and help regulate the temperature. Saphore and fifth-and sixth-grade teacher Cynthia Bordash, with the help of the school PTO, have worked to make the improvements and the teachers expect to incorporate hydroponics, or the method of growing plants in water or without soil, into their lessons. In addition, they received a $500 Best Practices Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for a “Berried Treasure” program to grow strawberries.
“Now that we are able to get our students in there, we have started planting. We have carrots and radishes growing now and we are planning to plant beans and peas soon,” Saphore said. “With the new equipment that we will be able to order, we are hoping that more teachers in the building utilize the greenhouse for their projects, as well.”
Efforts have been made for the past three years to update the greenhouse, and Saphore is thrilled to see that work bear fruit.
“We have been trying to bring this old greenhouse back to life, and slowly but surely we have been doing just that. This grant will allow us to take the next step and go broader with plans and ideas. We live in a rural community and our kids are being given a chance to experience hands-on activities that they can take with them as they grow.”
Meanwhile, Principal Chris Dopp said collaboration was an important part of the grant’s success and it is all in the best interest of the students.
“With our teamwork and focus we were able to secure another grant and more educational opportunities,” said Dopp.