Schools Celebrating “Christmas Around the World”
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students at Edison Local elementary schools will be learning about holiday traditions by celebrating “Christmas Around the World.”
Stanton Elementary has scheduled a school-wide celebration while John Gregg Elementary students in grades K-3 will mark the occasion, and both schools have scheduled events on Dec. 20. It has been a longtime tradition in itself and began years ago at the former Irondale Elementary as a yuletide activity.
Tammy Saphore, a fourth-grade social studies teacher at Stanton, said it began through Tiffani Roush, who currently instructs second-graders at John Gregg.
“It was started at Irondale and we brought it to Stanton [after the school consolidation]. We’ve had this for a total of 12 years,” she continued.
The activity allows students to carry a makeshift passport and travel between classrooms where teachers dress in related garb to describe the Christmas customs of different countries. At Stanton, classes will represent Australia, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Mexico and Russia, to name a few. Saphore said the kindergarten classes will move between their classrooms while the first- and second-grade classes, third-and fourth-grades, and fifth- and sixth-graders will respectively rotate between their rooms.
“Each teacher gets to select a country and the kids are to have a passport that gets stamped in the rooms. Some of them make Christmas ornaments, play games, show videos of countries’ celebrations, and in the past we’ve had food to sample and guest speakers,” she said. “It teaches them how other children celebrate Christmas and they learn a lot of things they do within their own family traditions come from another country. They make a connection to these traditions and their heritage.”
Meanwhile, Roush has continued the event at John Gregg and classrooms there will depict Australia, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Sweden.
“I got the idea years ago from Amy Sinicropi, who now teaches here at John Gregg,” Roush said, adding that it moved between Irondale, Stanton and now John Gregg. “Kindergarten and first-grade, plus second- and third-grades have it here, but I would love for it to go schoolwide.”
Among the activities taking place there are making crafts and food, but students have also learned holiday songs and how to say “Merry Christmas” in other languages.
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students at Edison Local elementary schools will be learning about holiday traditions by celebrating “Christmas Around the World.”
Stanton Elementary has scheduled a school-wide celebration while John Gregg Elementary students in grades K-3 will mark the occasion, and both schools have scheduled events on Dec. 20. It has been a longtime tradition in itself and began years ago at the former Irondale Elementary as a yuletide activity.
Tammy Saphore, a fourth-grade social studies teacher at Stanton, said it began through Tiffani Roush, who currently instructs second-graders at John Gregg.
“It was started at Irondale and we brought it to Stanton [after the school consolidation]. We’ve had this for a total of 12 years,” she continued.
The activity allows students to carry a makeshift passport and travel between classrooms where teachers dress in related garb to describe the Christmas customs of different countries. At Stanton, classes will represent Australia, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Mexico and Russia, to name a few. Saphore said the kindergarten classes will move between their classrooms while the first- and second-grade classes, third-and fourth-grades, and fifth- and sixth-graders will respectively rotate between their rooms.
“Each teacher gets to select a country and the kids are to have a passport that gets stamped in the rooms. Some of them make Christmas ornaments, play games, show videos of countries’ celebrations, and in the past we’ve had food to sample and guest speakers,” she said. “It teaches them how other children celebrate Christmas and they learn a lot of things they do within their own family traditions come from another country. They make a connection to these traditions and their heritage.”
Meanwhile, Roush has continued the event at John Gregg and classrooms there will depict Australia, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Sweden.
“I got the idea years ago from Amy Sinicropi, who now teaches here at John Gregg,” Roush said, adding that it moved between Irondale, Stanton and now John Gregg. “Kindergarten and first-grade, plus second- and third-grades have it here, but I would love for it to go schoolwide.”
Among the activities taking place there are making crafts and food, but students have also learned holiday songs and how to say “Merry Christmas” in other languages.
Gage Cline, a sixth-grader at Stanton Elementary School, works on his science lesson using the online Discovery Education program. Students at Edison Local Schools have even more resources at their fingertips with the interactive tool to build their knowledge and aid their testing skills.
Elementary Students Learn with Online Program
HAMMONDSVILLE-Elementary students in the Edison Local School District have even more resources at their fingertips as they utilize online tools through Discovery Education.
Fifth- and sixth-graders at both Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools have been using the program over the past year and teachers say it is a benefit for learning and even testing. Discovery Education provides interactive videos and questions, as well as assessments to indicate learning growth.
Sarah Moses, who instructs 126 students in her science classes at Stanton, says her students enjoy the interactive learning.
“It’s basically a lab but also gives hands-on labs you can implement in the classroom,” said Moses. “They can do research and take assessments, plus there are videos, reading sections and interactive questions. They find it much more engaging and interesting because there’s so much more activity. It’s not just paper and pencil and it gives them immediate feedback, so they know what they got right or wrong and why.”
Karen Edmond, who teaches social studies to about 120 pupils at Stanton, agreed that the hands-on knowledge is helpful for her students and they were tested on the program last year.
“It’s more hands on and it challenges their thinking more,” she said. “It asks for written responses which we have to work on. They can browse and it helps their ability with browsing.”
Edmond added that the program is educating her, as well.
“I’m sure it will be profitable in their education. This is the way the world is going,” she noted. “It think it’s touching certain areas we don’t have in the textbooks and it’s easier to upgrade than continually buying new books.”
John Gregg teachers Tally Pasiuk and Brooke Barker say their students like the computerized method.
“I use it daily for textbook and videos, plus there are lots of resources on labs,” said Paisuk, who said it benefits her 128 science students. “They seem to like it. They get very interactive with the labs. I’m hoping it really helps to challenge them when it comes to the year-end tests. It has very good study resources and they can highlight and take notes. I like that they can get on it at home and can do activities and the study guide.”
“They seem to be enjoying it,” added Barker, who teaches social studies to 128 fifth- and sixth-graders. “They are finding the testing is a challenge, but they take to it quickly since it’s computerized.”
Elementary Students Learn with Online Program
HAMMONDSVILLE-Elementary students in the Edison Local School District have even more resources at their fingertips as they utilize online tools through Discovery Education.
Fifth- and sixth-graders at both Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools have been using the program over the past year and teachers say it is a benefit for learning and even testing. Discovery Education provides interactive videos and questions, as well as assessments to indicate learning growth.
Sarah Moses, who instructs 126 students in her science classes at Stanton, says her students enjoy the interactive learning.
“It’s basically a lab but also gives hands-on labs you can implement in the classroom,” said Moses. “They can do research and take assessments, plus there are videos, reading sections and interactive questions. They find it much more engaging and interesting because there’s so much more activity. It’s not just paper and pencil and it gives them immediate feedback, so they know what they got right or wrong and why.”
Karen Edmond, who teaches social studies to about 120 pupils at Stanton, agreed that the hands-on knowledge is helpful for her students and they were tested on the program last year.
“It’s more hands on and it challenges their thinking more,” she said. “It asks for written responses which we have to work on. They can browse and it helps their ability with browsing.”
Edmond added that the program is educating her, as well.
“I’m sure it will be profitable in their education. This is the way the world is going,” she noted. “It think it’s touching certain areas we don’t have in the textbooks and it’s easier to upgrade than continually buying new books.”
John Gregg teachers Tally Pasiuk and Brooke Barker say their students like the computerized method.
“I use it daily for textbook and videos, plus there are lots of resources on labs,” said Paisuk, who said it benefits her 128 science students. “They seem to like it. They get very interactive with the labs. I’m hoping it really helps to challenge them when it comes to the year-end tests. It has very good study resources and they can highlight and take notes. I like that they can get on it at home and can do activities and the study guide.”
“They seem to be enjoying it,” added Barker, who teaches social studies to 128 fifth- and sixth-graders. “They are finding the testing is a challenge, but they take to it quickly since it’s computerized.”
Students at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools are showcasing their work online with the new @wildcats.create Instagram page started by art teacher Justyne Strohmeyer. Strohmeyer said it gives parents and the public a chance to see the children’s creations and also helps build the students’ creativity.
Young Artists Showcase Works Online
HAMMONDSVILLE-Budding Picassos, Pollocks and Rembrandts have a new venue to showcase their works on the web.
Earlier this month, art teacher Justyne Strohmeyer created the @wildcats.create site on Instagram for parents and others to see students’ projects. Strohmeyer said she was inspired by other teachers and did a similar project in another school district where she was previously employed.
“I follow multiple art teachers online. I love to read their blogs and that’s a great way they advocate for their schools,” she said. “I try to feature everything from project examples I made to the kids working in progress.”
Strohmeyer works with roughly 900 students between Stanton and John Gregg Elementary in Bergholz and said they were all in favor of the online exhibition.
“The student love seeing me pull out my camera to take photos. They’ve gotten used to working even when I pull out my camera,” Strohmeyer added. “I’ve had a lot of [parent] followers in the past week, but it seems like a steady flow of two new followers a day.”
The Instagram page is public, so everyone can view the artwork and see the children’s imaginations come to life.
“It’s like a preview. I hope that parents will be anticipating the photos I post every day before and after school. They can see what the students are creating that day or how the art room is constantly changing or moving.”
Strohmeyer has been at Edison Local Schools for the past year and said she jumped at the chance to bring art back to the elementary buildings, but she’s also come to love the community. Her husband is also an alumnus and she said she’s found a home in the district. When not teaching, she is a U.S. Air Force reservist and previously worked in public affairs, but recently she retrained to become a historian. She said her prior skill also benefits her Instagram project.
“We were into social media to reach the public, so I understand the importance of using social media to reach a great audience. In turn, that greater audience gives greater support,” she added. “I hope that’s what I carry over into this school district: greater audience and great support.”
It benefits the students, as well.
“I just want the kids to have a chance at creativity. The possibilities through art are endless, and I just need to show them what they can do. That journey will be an exciting adventure.”
Young Artists Showcase Works Online
HAMMONDSVILLE-Budding Picassos, Pollocks and Rembrandts have a new venue to showcase their works on the web.
Earlier this month, art teacher Justyne Strohmeyer created the @wildcats.create site on Instagram for parents and others to see students’ projects. Strohmeyer said she was inspired by other teachers and did a similar project in another school district where she was previously employed.
“I follow multiple art teachers online. I love to read their blogs and that’s a great way they advocate for their schools,” she said. “I try to feature everything from project examples I made to the kids working in progress.”
Strohmeyer works with roughly 900 students between Stanton and John Gregg Elementary in Bergholz and said they were all in favor of the online exhibition.
“The student love seeing me pull out my camera to take photos. They’ve gotten used to working even when I pull out my camera,” Strohmeyer added. “I’ve had a lot of [parent] followers in the past week, but it seems like a steady flow of two new followers a day.”
The Instagram page is public, so everyone can view the artwork and see the children’s imaginations come to life.
“It’s like a preview. I hope that parents will be anticipating the photos I post every day before and after school. They can see what the students are creating that day or how the art room is constantly changing or moving.”
Strohmeyer has been at Edison Local Schools for the past year and said she jumped at the chance to bring art back to the elementary buildings, but she’s also come to love the community. Her husband is also an alumnus and she said she’s found a home in the district. When not teaching, she is a U.S. Air Force reservist and previously worked in public affairs, but recently she retrained to become a historian. She said her prior skill also benefits her Instagram project.
“We were into social media to reach the public, so I understand the importance of using social media to reach a great audience. In turn, that greater audience gives greater support,” she added. “I hope that’s what I carry over into this school district: greater audience and great support.”
It benefits the students, as well.
“I just want the kids to have a chance at creativity. The possibilities through art are endless, and I just need to show them what they can do. That journey will be an exciting adventure.”
Beta Club Assists CDI
Members of the Edison High School Beta Club recently helped distribute food items with the Cancer Dietary Initiative, which operates a pantry at First Westminster Presbyterian Church in Steubenville. The community organization benefits cancer patients and their families so they don’t have to choose between medicine and food while undergoing treatment. The food distribution is held on the third Saturday of the month and the Beta Club planned to return again to assist in December. Among those lending a hand are, pictured from left, Emily Ferrell and Lauren Ferralli.
Members of the Edison High School Beta Club recently helped distribute food items with the Cancer Dietary Initiative, which operates a pantry at First Westminster Presbyterian Church in Steubenville. The community organization benefits cancer patients and their families so they don’t have to choose between medicine and food while undergoing treatment. The food distribution is held on the third Saturday of the month and the Beta Club planned to return again to assist in December. Among those lending a hand are, pictured from left, Emily Ferrell and Lauren Ferralli.
Stanton Elementary students Amelia Collopy and Chloe LaRue show just a few of the items gathered during the school’s annual Christmas Angels project to help students in need have a brighter holiday. Coats, toys, boots and food will be distributed to about 20 families within the school community in time for Christmas.
Stanton Helping Christmas Angels
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students, staff and even community members are playing Santa by collecting toys and other items to brighten the holidays for those in need at Stanton Elementary School.
The annual Christmas Angel project recently wrapped up and organizer Cheryl Woodward, school secretary, said about 40 children and 20 families will be assisted this year. Woodward worked with school PTO members and teachers referred children for possible assistance while parents were contacted for permission.
“We try to stay in the school building. We ask for coat size, shoe, boot and clothing size and toy preference and try to give them several toys each,” she explained.
Officials hung paper angels in the window outside the school office for collection by generous donors who then purchased items and returned them to the school in time for Christmas. The gifts were either being delivered with Santa or could be picked up by parents around Dec. 15-19. Woodward said everyone’s involvement has made it a successful endeavor.
“We go out and get everything from boots to coats and have a generous amount of everything. We’ve gotten help from the school, district office, local churches and $3,000 from an anonymous donor,” she added, saying the donor has contributed a total of $6,000 over the past two years to make the children’s holiday memorable. “Last year, [the donor] went with us and was amazed. He had seen poverty but was really surprised by the needs of families in this area.”
In addition to the coats and toys, kids also receive hats, mittens and a gift card for food. Woodward added that they also receive a book bag full of school supplies while the PTO contributes through its food drive and each grade donates a portion of a meal to help one of their own.
“Every year when Santa comes to visit, we have a canned food drive. They will bring in food in all week and each grade will bring a certain item such as corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, applesauce, boxed stuffing and canned fruit,” said PTO President Alicia LaRue, adding that the PTO also provides a ham for the holiday meal.
LaRue added that the remainder of the food collection will go to a local pantry to help stock its shelves and feed others.
“This is the first year we’re doing it for each family so they have their own basket,” she said.
Stanton Helping Christmas Angels
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students, staff and even community members are playing Santa by collecting toys and other items to brighten the holidays for those in need at Stanton Elementary School.
The annual Christmas Angel project recently wrapped up and organizer Cheryl Woodward, school secretary, said about 40 children and 20 families will be assisted this year. Woodward worked with school PTO members and teachers referred children for possible assistance while parents were contacted for permission.
“We try to stay in the school building. We ask for coat size, shoe, boot and clothing size and toy preference and try to give them several toys each,” she explained.
Officials hung paper angels in the window outside the school office for collection by generous donors who then purchased items and returned them to the school in time for Christmas. The gifts were either being delivered with Santa or could be picked up by parents around Dec. 15-19. Woodward said everyone’s involvement has made it a successful endeavor.
“We go out and get everything from boots to coats and have a generous amount of everything. We’ve gotten help from the school, district office, local churches and $3,000 from an anonymous donor,” she added, saying the donor has contributed a total of $6,000 over the past two years to make the children’s holiday memorable. “Last year, [the donor] went with us and was amazed. He had seen poverty but was really surprised by the needs of families in this area.”
In addition to the coats and toys, kids also receive hats, mittens and a gift card for food. Woodward added that they also receive a book bag full of school supplies while the PTO contributes through its food drive and each grade donates a portion of a meal to help one of their own.
“Every year when Santa comes to visit, we have a canned food drive. They will bring in food in all week and each grade will bring a certain item such as corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, applesauce, boxed stuffing and canned fruit,” said PTO President Alicia LaRue, adding that the PTO also provides a ham for the holiday meal.
LaRue added that the remainder of the food collection will go to a local pantry to help stock its shelves and feed others.
“This is the first year we’re doing it for each family so they have their own basket,” she said.
The Edison Local Board of Education highlighted School Board Recognition Month in January by lauding its members at the recent board meeting. Representing the district in 2017 are, front from left, district Treasurer Lisa Bruzzese and board Vice President Tracy Wright. Back: John Prokopakis, Ty Fonow, Warner Sanders and board President Scott Lockhart.
EHS Student Places at University Art Show
Photo Cutline: Edison High School senior Casey Kuester took fourth place in the West Liberty University MAD Fest on April 7. Kuester’s sculpture, a recycled art piece entitled “Shatter Me,” earned a spot in the Mixed Media category in which she competed against 15 other schools.
Photo Cutline: Edison High School senior Casey Kuester took fourth place in the West Liberty University MAD Fest on April 7. Kuester’s sculpture, a recycled art piece entitled “Shatter Me,” earned a spot in the Mixed Media category in which she competed against 15 other schools.
Fitness Experts, Edison Alums Named Speakers
RICHMOND-Two Edison High School alumni who found success in the fitness field are returning to their roots as the keynote speakers during high school commencement ceremonies on May 26.
Cory Gregory and Dustin Myers will share duties as they give the main address before 110 graduates at Finnegan Fieldhouse at Franciscan University at 7 p.m. Gregory and Myers co-own The Old School Gym and have also achieved individual success in the area of health and nutrition.
Gregory, a member of the class of 1997, is a serial fitness entrepreneur and leader in the nutrition industry, as well as a top training expert. He worked as an underground coal miner to save money for college and later opened his first gym at the age of 20. Gregory quickly earned a reputation as an industry expert in both personal training and nutrition, and now co-owns the famous Old School Gym with Myers outside Columbus.
He also co-founded one of the fastest-growing sport nutrition brands ever created, known as Musclepharm, and most recently developed and co-founded a new sports nutrition brand that sells directly to the customer called Max Effort Muscle. Gregory also runs an online programming and nutrition site at Corygfitness.com that has members in more than 50 countries, and alongside Max Effort Muscle managing partner John Fosco he started one of the fastest growing podcasts called “Business and Biceps” that has just surpassed a million downloads.
In addition, he has competed in more than 30 powerlifting competitions, with his best lifts including a 550 squat and 575 deadlift at a body weight of 198 pounds and a 540 squat and deadlift at a body weight of 181 pounds. He has also competed in 14 drug-free bodybuilding events and has graced the cover of 11 fitness magazines. He holds an exercise specialist certificate from Columbus State, plus is a certified NESTA nutrition coach, is certified by Westside Barbell and holds a Cross Fit Level 1 trainer certificate. Furthermore, he was recently added to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Fitness Advisory Board. He said that learning and mentoring from the likes of some of the biggest names in training and nutrition, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Philips, Louie Simmons, Dr. Eric Serrano, Dr. Mauro Pasquale and John Broz has allowed him to reach success. Other career highlights include being a Reebok master trainer and athlete, authoring “The #MindsetManual” and “Entrepreneur or Wantrepreneur” and co-founding the Activ8media consulting firm.
Meanwhile, Myers is another 1997 EHS graduate and a 2002 alumnus of The Ohio State University. A self-described “workout addict,” he became certified and started training clients part-time in 2000 at T3 Personal Training Studio before opening the Old School Gym with Gregory in 2003. That business moved to its current location in 2008 and has been
featured in Sports Illustrated, Muscular Development Magazine and Bodybuilding.com and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 most hardcore gyms in the United States.
In 2012, Myers accepted the position of strength and conditioning coach for the Ohio Regional Training Center at OSU. He helped the wrestling team win its first NCAA championship in school history in 2015 and most recently they finished as Big 10 champions and NCAA runners up. In addition to the Buckeyes, he has worked with other athletes through RTC including two-time NCAA champion Tommy Rowlands, three-time World Team member Reece Humphrey, Olympic champion Kyle Snyder, world champion Logan Stieber and top MMA prospect Lance Palmer. He has also worked extensively with UFC welterweight contender Matt Brown and former Ohio State football players Chris “Beanie” Wells, Antonio Pittman, Maurice Clarett and Dan “Boom” Herron.
Myers is also a founding partner of the supplement company Max Effort Muscle with Gregory and has appeared on the cover of Natural Muscle Magazine in June 2016, plus he is a regular contributor to the Muscle & Strength website.
He resides in Pataskala with wife Julie, a 1998 Toronto High School graduate, and their children, Mia Jane and Jack. Myers also loves coming home to the valley to visit his mother Yvonne in Toronto, father Kim in Sugar Grove, in-laws Greg and Miriam in Toronto and grandmother Jane in Irondale.
Meanwhile, this year’s top 10 graduates include valedictorians Rachael Cline, Skylar Fankhauser, Hunter Howell and Matthew Maille, salutatorian Charli Jo McConnell, Christopher Kosegi, Melissa Tran, Hope Wade, David Kinney and Elijah Burchfield. Cline and McConnell will also address their peers at the ceremony.
RICHMOND-Two Edison High School alumni who found success in the fitness field are returning to their roots as the keynote speakers during high school commencement ceremonies on May 26.
Cory Gregory and Dustin Myers will share duties as they give the main address before 110 graduates at Finnegan Fieldhouse at Franciscan University at 7 p.m. Gregory and Myers co-own The Old School Gym and have also achieved individual success in the area of health and nutrition.
Gregory, a member of the class of 1997, is a serial fitness entrepreneur and leader in the nutrition industry, as well as a top training expert. He worked as an underground coal miner to save money for college and later opened his first gym at the age of 20. Gregory quickly earned a reputation as an industry expert in both personal training and nutrition, and now co-owns the famous Old School Gym with Myers outside Columbus.
He also co-founded one of the fastest-growing sport nutrition brands ever created, known as Musclepharm, and most recently developed and co-founded a new sports nutrition brand that sells directly to the customer called Max Effort Muscle. Gregory also runs an online programming and nutrition site at Corygfitness.com that has members in more than 50 countries, and alongside Max Effort Muscle managing partner John Fosco he started one of the fastest growing podcasts called “Business and Biceps” that has just surpassed a million downloads.
In addition, he has competed in more than 30 powerlifting competitions, with his best lifts including a 550 squat and 575 deadlift at a body weight of 198 pounds and a 540 squat and deadlift at a body weight of 181 pounds. He has also competed in 14 drug-free bodybuilding events and has graced the cover of 11 fitness magazines. He holds an exercise specialist certificate from Columbus State, plus is a certified NESTA nutrition coach, is certified by Westside Barbell and holds a Cross Fit Level 1 trainer certificate. Furthermore, he was recently added to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Fitness Advisory Board. He said that learning and mentoring from the likes of some of the biggest names in training and nutrition, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Philips, Louie Simmons, Dr. Eric Serrano, Dr. Mauro Pasquale and John Broz has allowed him to reach success. Other career highlights include being a Reebok master trainer and athlete, authoring “The #MindsetManual” and “Entrepreneur or Wantrepreneur” and co-founding the Activ8media consulting firm.
Meanwhile, Myers is another 1997 EHS graduate and a 2002 alumnus of The Ohio State University. A self-described “workout addict,” he became certified and started training clients part-time in 2000 at T3 Personal Training Studio before opening the Old School Gym with Gregory in 2003. That business moved to its current location in 2008 and has been
featured in Sports Illustrated, Muscular Development Magazine and Bodybuilding.com and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 most hardcore gyms in the United States.
In 2012, Myers accepted the position of strength and conditioning coach for the Ohio Regional Training Center at OSU. He helped the wrestling team win its first NCAA championship in school history in 2015 and most recently they finished as Big 10 champions and NCAA runners up. In addition to the Buckeyes, he has worked with other athletes through RTC including two-time NCAA champion Tommy Rowlands, three-time World Team member Reece Humphrey, Olympic champion Kyle Snyder, world champion Logan Stieber and top MMA prospect Lance Palmer. He has also worked extensively with UFC welterweight contender Matt Brown and former Ohio State football players Chris “Beanie” Wells, Antonio Pittman, Maurice Clarett and Dan “Boom” Herron.
Myers is also a founding partner of the supplement company Max Effort Muscle with Gregory and has appeared on the cover of Natural Muscle Magazine in June 2016, plus he is a regular contributor to the Muscle & Strength website.
He resides in Pataskala with wife Julie, a 1998 Toronto High School graduate, and their children, Mia Jane and Jack. Myers also loves coming home to the valley to visit his mother Yvonne in Toronto, father Kim in Sugar Grove, in-laws Greg and Miriam in Toronto and grandmother Jane in Irondale.
Meanwhile, this year’s top 10 graduates include valedictorians Rachael Cline, Skylar Fankhauser, Hunter Howell and Matthew Maille, salutatorian Charli Jo McConnell, Christopher Kosegi, Melissa Tran, Hope Wade, David Kinney and Elijah Burchfield. Cline and McConnell will also address their peers at the ceremony.
Cory Gregory Edison Alumni
Looking to the Future
Elementary students congratulated impending alumni as members of the 2017 Edison High School graduating class took their senior walk on May 12. Seniors donned their caps and gowns and strolled through their former stomping grounds at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools, where they were greeted by faculty, staff and the graduates of tomorrow. Pictured is senior Brittany Jenkins high-fiving schoolchildren at Stanton. Edison’s graduation is set for May 26 at Franciscan University.
EHS Raises $7,000 for Relay
RICHMOND-Edison High School marked one of its highest fundraising achievements yet after collecting more than $7,000 for the Jefferson County Relay For Life.
Students took to the track on May 12 following a week of moneymaking, which included dress up days for $1 and candle and daffodil sales from the Edison National Jr. Beta Club. Friday’s clothing theme was superheroes and many students donned shirts reflecting their favorites, which inlcuded a series of Supermans, a bunch of Batmen and Batgirls and even a few Flash followers, among others. But the real heroes were those who were impacted by the disease.
The mini-Relay kicked off with performances of the National Anthem and Alma Mater by the high school choir, followed by a survivor’s lap featuring teacher Diane Sokol and aide Shelley Easter. The rain stayed away as students did their best to walk circles around cancer, while members of the Jefferson County Relay For Life sold luminarias for their event on June 17-18 at Indian Creek High School. This year’s theme is “Always Remember, Never Forget.”
This year’s mini-Relay at Edison held a significant meaning since the school lost one of its own last month. Sophomore Brandon Joyce was a six-year cancer survivor but passed away on April 18 from unrelated causes. The son of Chris and Lori Joyce of Steubenville, he had been diagnosed in 2010 with multiple myeloma, a rare bone cancer generally found in adults. Brandon was one of only two reported juvenile cases found with the disease and underwent treatment for six months. He had been in remission since 2011 and was active in the Edison FFA, plus he intended to study in the culinary arts program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. However, he was hospitalized this winter for unrelated issues and his mother said the school community banded together to support him and the family throughout his ordeal.
“There’s a lot of support in this school,” she said.
From sending gifts and cards to fundraising, she said Edison faculty and students showed just how much they cared. Many of them even appeared at his funeral service.
Lori added that the school was amazing and clearly loved her son.
Meanwhile, club advisor Jennifer Bahen was also pleased with the school’s response.
“I’m just really proud of my students and how hard they worked to raise funds,” Bahen commented.
She said $7,000 was raised and counting, but final totals could put it over $8,000. The top fundraising student was seventh-grader Gavin Barnhouse, who raised $330 from neighbors and local organizations by writing solicitation letters. He received a baton, hat and shirt from the county Relay For Life and a $30 gift card from the school club. The
top junior high homerooms included Katie Shultz with $522, Karen Meyer with $503 and Darlene Mason with $394 while high school homeroom was David Shultz’s class, which raised $292. The classes were being treated to doughnuts on May 16.
Meanwhile, former teachers Karen Lundquist and Dr. Connie Crawford began the mini-Relays at Stanton High School nearly a quarter-century ago, after which they spread across Ohio. The national organization took up the mantel and expanded it across the country. Lundquist said Edison has always been a top moneymaker for the cause and she was excited to see them involved again.
“This year, we have 29 schools [involved in the county]. Edison is one of our bigger schools. The high school has always made the most money and the [top] elementary has been Stanton. I started it there, so I hope it continues,” she said.
She also presented survivor’s medals to Sokol and Easter for braving their battle against the disease.
Sokol, a math teacher at EHS for the past 16 years, was diagnosed in 1997 with breast cancer and underwent surgery and intense chemotherapy in Pittsburgh. She is now in remission but said the experience has made her grateful for each day.
“It’s an absolute miracle that I was able to survive and keep going,” she said. “I thank God every day and pray for the people who have cancer and the families of those who didn’t make it.”
Easter, who has served as an aide for the past two years, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in December and had a radical removal of the impacted organ at the Cleveland Clinic in January. She is now back to work and has a new outlook on life.
“It’s really put a perspective on things,” Easter added. “It affects everyone in many different ways. I learned so much this year in a short time.”
Following the walk, the crowd headed indoors for a charity basketball game between the seniors and faculty, which ended with the teachers besting the soon-to-be-graduates by a score of 50-18.
Principal Matt Morrison said the activities were for a worthy cause, and he was equally proud of his school and it has raised between $5,000 and $10,000 in previous years.
“Obviously we’re proud of our students,” he concluded. “They really came through and this was one of our highest amounts ever.”
(Photo Cutline: Several hundred students at Edison High School took to the track on May 12 for the annual Relay For Life, where they raised more than $7,000 for the cause. Spirit Week and other events were held throughout the week to collect funds and culminated with the walk and a charity basketball game between seniors and faculty, where the teachers bested their students by a score of 50-18. This year’s event also held a special meaning since it paid tribute to sophomore cancer survivor Brandon Joyce, who passed away last month from unrelated causes.)
EJHS Recognizes Students for School Success
RICHMOND-More than 200 seventh- and eighth-graders were recognized for their success in school during the annual Edison Junior High Assembly on May 23.
Separate assemblies were held for each class and students were honored for their achievements in attendance, academics and athletics, while the eighth-graders advanced to the freshmen class. Teacher Andy Lesnansky welcomed the crowd as the local Boy Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, plus special music was provided by the jazz band and choir.
The special guest speaker was Tony Kovalesky, a retired Edison High School teacher who shared his story and some pearls of wisdom. He recalled being a junior high school student 50 years ago and how education has changed through new math, science and technology. He said the youth should question what they wanted to do career-wise in the next five years and begin planning for it. Kovalesky told them to set goals, take required classes, research careers and learn what education, training and skills are needed and what that will cost.
“College education has a tremendous cost today, so what you do now over the next five years will [be beneficial] to your college education. A military career also helps costs,” he added. “The next five years of your life are going to fly faster than you’ll ever think.”
He continued that the youth should work hard to reach their goals, and he has taught his children several rules in life to achieve their dream. For one, school is their job while the payoff comes after they graduate. Kovalesky offered insight into life’s questions and said as students search for answers, they could make wonderful discoveries. He encouraged them to take time to learn who they are, be their best and to allow themselves to grow and; to think of what they want and to nurture what’s inside; to act quickly and not procrastinate; to always keep their home in their heart and put their heart in wherever they call home by being active in the community; to never stop asking themselves why because it will help them continue to grow and challenge themselves; and to answer those questions in their own special way and believe in themselves.
Among those recognized were honor roll recipients, Jr. Beta Club members, class awards in different subjects and certificates of recognition in athletics.
Meanwhile, seventh-graders moving on to the eighth grade included Savanna Ankrom, Trinity Armstrong, Joseph Ault, Gavin Barnhouse, Bryan Barr, Adriana Bertini, Payton Bielawski, Nathan Black, Kasee Blackburn, Grady Board, Chloe Bond, Alexander Booher, Emileah Booth, Keira Briganti, Emily Brinsky, Tyler Browning, Carlie Buchanan, Ryley Burch, Dillion Camp, Emily Carr, Kristen Carroll, Gavin Clary, Emily Coil, Riley Collins, Jaison Colson, Cameron Cooley, Hunter Cronin, Zane Cunnngham, Jacob Cusick, Michael DelTurco, Ryan Dewess, Angela Earich, Zoe Eisnaugle, Tucker Elliott, Devin Fiala, Alysea Fiedorczyk, Bailey Fillman, Damean Flenniken, Gracie Fox, Deserae Francis, Katelyn Gallagher, Tyler Griffith, Emily Gubanez, Madison Hale, Jennifer Halm, Kolten Hanlin, Anna Haysler, Jason Hearn, Colby Hill, Frederick Jones, Abigail Kinney, Katelin Kowalczyk, Jaden Lancaster, Anna Larrick, Emylie Layman, Drake Leasure, Dylan Leasure, Joselyn Leroy, Morgan Lesnansky, Mylee Lowe, Kathryn Maille, Braeden Martin, Jacob Maxwell, Ian McBane, Erin McLaughlin, Micaila McMillion, Alayna Meadows, Destiny Monigold, Emily Moore, Isabella Moss, Carter Mosti, Laine Murphey, Erika Murphy, Rachel Nesbitt, Justin Palmer, Karyn Parrish, Caitlyn Pelley, Delaney Perine, Jenna Pethtel, Tyler Petrey, Allison Phillips, Emily Phillips, John Pipo, Matthew Price, Madison Pudder, Adam Quinn, Isaac Reed, Mikayla Reed, Kiera Reese, Hunter Russell, Dominic Sanders, Parker Scaffidi, Marcus Sears, Andrew Shrock, Kristen Smith, Leanna Smith, Jocelyn Smyth, Jonah Snyder, Hunter Springer, Logan Stewart, Mychi Stewart, Kyle Stock, Kayla Striker, Jenna Swickard, Jayna Tedeschi, Cassandra Thompson, Isabella Wade, Ryan Wells, Benjamin Willison, Christopher Willison, Eli Wilson, Sumer Yeager, Xavier Yetts, Katie Yohman and Issac Zastudil.
Meanwhile, eighth-graders advanced to the freshmen class. They included Sarah Adkins, Jacob Ammon, Grayce Andreozzi, Kiley Babel, Charles Barr, Hannah Beadnell, Shayla Behnke, Mara Benitez, Haden Binkiewicz, Madison Bitgood, Dakota Blanton, Joseph Booth, Alex Bott, Madison Brenstuhl, Nicholas Brousseau, Hannah Christoff, Britanie Clifton, Alex Cline, Jeremiah Cline, Paige Conn, Courtney Cooley, Lane Corder, George Crim, Aaron Czup, Haley Czup, Victoria Davidson, Kurtis Dennis, Abigail Dillon, Bryce Drake, Mara Eisnaugle, Basil Evans, Jakob Fenske, Dannie Fillman, Jacob Firm, John Fish, Jack Fisher, Chase Furbee, Trista Furbee, Angel Gardner, Braden Ghrist, Hunter Goddard, Emily Gonzalez, Ashley Grafton, Kyle Griffith, Seth Grimes, Rydge Hale, Lainee Harris, Asher Higgs-Keirsey, Camden Hill, Owen Howell, Ronald Inman, Kylie Irwin, Eva Johnson, Isaaiah Johnston, Sierra Johnston, Jeremy Joyce, Sydnee Keenan, Dana Kellar, Taylor Kidder, Abigail Kiger, Harley Kinney, Layne Kinney, Aleni Knight, Nathan Kowalczyk, Andrew Lamp, Casey Lanham, Jacob Larkins, Alexander LaRue, Kelsie Law, Charles Leroy, Elijah Leverett, Alaina Logan, Eric Longo, Allyson Marker, Kaitlyn Markert, Ireland McCafferty, Lauren Mikesell, Samuel Miller, Sarah Miller, Brandon Monigold, Elizabeth Montgomery, Trinity Myers, Dylan Newburn, Zachary Noonan, Rayne Otto, Gage Palmer, Ethan Pappas, Troy Pethtel, Madison Phillips, Hailey Proudfoot, Kaydee Pytash, Dakota Russell, Sean Sanchez, Jayden Sanders, Haylee Saunders, Dylan Scalise, William Schultz, Emma Scott, Damien Shannon, Raven Shannon, Autumn Shaw, Tyler Shrieve, Kenna Skeeles, Amber Smith, Colby Smith, Jared Smith, Troy Smith, Isabella Speedy, Karissa Speedy, Somer Speedy, William Stewart, Briar Stock, Ethan Stout, Bradyn Strawser, Landon Sunyoger, Aiden Sutton, Hannah Swearingen, Samantha Swiger, Patrick Teachey, Kaylee Teeters, Braedyn Vest, Justen Wargo, Austin Warnock, Kaden Wayt, Brady Weaver, Mackenzie Weaver, Searra Westfall, Madeline Whitehill, Haley Willis, Kevin Wires, Issac Workman, Autumn Wright, Kailey Yeager, Hailey Yoho and Kristen Young.
Seventh- and eighth-graders were recognized during the annual Edison Junior High Assembly on May 23. Separate events were held for each grade, who were joined by their families and lauded for perfect attendance and achievements in academics and athletics while the upperclassmen graduated to become the newest freshman class. Pictured are eighth-grade perfect attendees Tyler Shreve, Kelsie Law, Hunter Goddard, Jacob Firm, Kyle Griffith and Sierra Johnston.
Stanton Kids Raise Money for Playground
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary School students have been raising funds to update the school playground, and they received some sweet rewards for their efforts on April 24.
The school PTO, in conjunction with Best Results Fundraising of Powell, Ohio, recognized 16 hard-working students from a moneymaker conducted this past March. The PTO partnered with Best Results and 40 children in grades K-6 sold frozen pizza and cookie dough on March 3-17, and in that time they managed to collect nearly $10,000. Of that, the school received 40 percent of the proceeds-- or about $2,000—to help upgrade the school play area.
More than a dozen children who sold 25 items are more took part in a Build-A-Bear session, doused teacher Cody Peterson with Silly String and then were transported in style on a deluxe limo bus provided by Advanced Entertainment Limousines of Wintersville. Some of the students were also allowed to invite friends and the lucky passengers were treated to lunch at McDonald’s in Wellsville before returning to school.
PTO Secretary Megan Needham said it was the first time the organization partnered with Best Results Fundraising and it was successful.
“We decided to do the program in December because the prizes for the kids were different from other fundraisers we usually do and it gave us more incentives,” she added. “The company did live kickoff for the fundraiser and we received 40 percent of the sales. We raised $2,000 for the playground.”
The overall goal is to raise an estimated $10,000 for the updates, while the work will likely be done in phases. The scope of the project entails adding new gravel and equipment, the latter of which will be selected by the school principal with further approval needed from the district. Needham said the current equipment was outdated and would be replaced with safer, more modern items.
Doug Holmes, operator of Best Results, said it was a family operation which started two years ago and also had ties to the area. He said the company works with schools all across Ohio and coordinate efforts to sell food and candles that benefit the sites. At the conclusion, the company split costs with the PTO to provide the limo lunch day for the kids. Meanwhile, Needham said the PTO would plan another fundraiser with the company next year.
Sixteen Stanton Elementary students enjoyed a limo lunch prize for their hardworking efforts to raise money for new school playground equipment. About 40 students raised nearly $10,000 between March 3-17 by selling frozen pizza and cookie dough while those who sold at least 25 items got to enjoy the limo trip and lunch at McDonald’s in Wellsville. The PTO partnered with Best Results Fundraising of Powell, Ohio, on the moneymaker and split the costs on the trip. Other incentives included a Build-A-Bear session and silly string party while Advanced Entertainment Limousines of Wintersville provided the ride. Pictured are, front from left Caleb Vincenzo, Jacob Doggett, Bek Snyder, Madyson Cornell, Tatiana Spencer, Zen Spencer, Bryson Cunningham, Gracie Dray and T.C. Wiley. Back: Anthony Fiala, Riley Maple, Elliott Martin, Gage Applegarth, Nicholas McKenzie, Michael McKenzie, Gigi LoPrete and Kelsie Holland.
Parent Education Meetings at Elementary Schools
HAMMONDSVILLE-Parents of preschoolers are invited to take part in upcoming meetings at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools to help their child succeed in the classroom.
Sessions will be held at both schools on April 12 at 2 p.m. and the goal is to show parents of three- and four-year-olds how to sign up and navigate the Teach Me to Learn at Home website so they can work with their child. The website was developed to work with the Early Childhood Literacy Program and officials said parents are the child’s first and best teachers. Children often watch parents and imitate what they do, and when a child is shown that reading and writing can be enjoyable it sets a strong example for them to learn new things.
District Administrative Assistant Fatima Smuck hopes that many parents take part and learn how they can help their child become better learners.
“We are doing it at each school in the daytime so parents can come in and also take part in an ice cream social. We’re hoping to have a good turnout,” she said. “It demonstrates to parents how to read to kids properly. They have hands-on activities that they can work on with their children at home and there are multiple resources to use through websites and links.”
The format is similar to previous Teach Me to Learn at Home events and parents will learn how to utilize the programs and complete lessons with their youngsters. Children can learn about letters, sounds and vocabulary building, to name a few. Smuck said a video will be presented to explain the system while activities will also be on hand to do with the kids.
Crews from Dickey Electric rewire one of the many classrooms in the original 1939 building that is undergoing an overhaul at Edison High School. The site will receive a fresh look with new walls, electric and HVAC and the district has been making improvements throughout the school and campus. Much of the work wraps up in August while others will continue during the school year. Funding for the estimated $2.8 million project is derived from levies passed by local voters.
Edison High School Being Revamped
RICHMOND-When students and staff return to Edison High School this August, they will see an entirely new look to the interior of the building.
Work has been underway to revamp the original school structure that was built in 1939 and includes renovating classrooms and installing an HVAC unit to heat and cool the building. The district contracted with Brewer-Garrett Company of Cleveland as the design-and-build firm on the plan and it is all part of an estimated $2.8 million overhaul funded by a 2-mill, five-year emergency renewal levy that voters approved in 2014.
Classrooms on all three floors of the original wing will receive new drywall, drop ceilings, LED lighting and paint while the HVAC system will operate throughout the structure, with the exception of the kitchen and gym. Officials said the band room and VoAg classroom are currently air conditioned by self-contained units. The HVAC project is set to finish in October while officials also plan to run it simultaneously with the classroom upgrades. Other improvements have already occurred, including brand new lockers and new restrooms on the second and third floors while new windows were added to the school addition that was built in 1963.
“The replacement of the window in the 1963 building has made a world of difference to the façade of the building,” said Superintendent Bill Beattie. “The painting of the panels and frames of the windows in the 1939 building has given those a fresh new look as well.”
Beattie commented that Limbach was overseeing the project and performing the mechanical work while LM Construction of St. Clairsville was handling the construction. Electrical improvements at EHS began last fall and are still progressing, while Dickey Electric of Lisbon was overseeing that portion of the upgrade. Beattie added that any future improvements are still being discussed by the board, but nothing has been identified as of yet.
“We have painters painting and pipefitters and electricians working,” said Principal Matt Morrison. “All of the rooms in the entire facility are going to have brand new whiteboards and everything is going to be painted. The entire building will be air conditioned and the 1939 wing is going to be completely renovated. It’s going to be a whole different building inside.”
Moreover, the gym received a fresh coat of paint from contractors while the district also hired a summer paint crew and college students are keeping busy throughout the district as part of the summer work program through the Jefferson County Community Action Council. Much of the work at EHS is expected to wrap up on Aug. 21, but some improvements will continue through the new school year.
“Not everything is going to be done by the first day of school. They will continue throughout the year,” Morrison added. “We’ve kept up with technology and now the [electrical updates] will handle all of the 21st Century tools in our facility. This electrical upgrade was needed because we couldn’t handle the equipment. Our teachers and students have been very patient and worked around the contractors, and our contractors have made sure to stay out of the way of the educational process. They’ve been very professional. It’s going to be worth it in the end.”
In addition to the school itself, more improvements are underway or anticipated around the campus. The press box is being revamped with a total makeover to the interior, plus it is getting a new roof, painting, electrical upgrade and new windows. That project costs $41,000 with work being done by Steel Valley Construction and it should be finished Aug. 1. Meanwhile, a new storage building will be added for the ag program and equipment while the older structure will be razed. The storage facility will be located behind the FFA greenhouse, which itself is also being repaired after being damaged in high winds during a storm around early spring. FFA advisor Chuck Cline, students and custodians were performing the repairs and Morrison said it and the new building should be ready by the beginning of the new school year.
“We’re very proud of the upgrades and ecstatic that we can do this for the students,” he commented. “Our students and teachers deserve this. This is nothing but positive for the district and for our community and we hope everyone sees that money is being well spent on what we cherish the most—our children. All of the district students will benefit from this since they will go through our building.”
Crews with Shelly and Sands Inc. of Rayland added new asphalt to the parking lot at Stanton Elementary School as part of a $160,000 paving project. The district upgraded the lot and entrance to the school building in Hammondsville and work was expected to conclude this week.
Walmart Grant Aids Back to School Rally
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District will be welcoming kids back to class with a little help from Walmart.
The district received a $2,500 Walmart Community Grant to help sponsor this year’s Edison Local Back to School Rally in August. Fatima Smuck, district administrative assistant and rally organizer, said it was the first time Edison received the grant and the funding will help promote the event and provide activities and information to the school community. The activity returned in 2016 following a six-year hiatus and Smuck said efforts will incorporate more involvement from area organizations.
“We’ve received smaller grants from the Walmart Distribution Center [in Wintersville], but this was actually a Walmart Community Foundation grant,” Smuck added, saying the district received the award this spring. “It will be used for the Back to School Rally since we’re going to be working with local agencies. We are also getting book bags and school supplies and working on having the local agencies there to distribute information and help.”
She continued that representatives of Village Network, the Jefferson County Health Department, county juvenile court truancy office and the district food service program will be on hand and attendants have opportunities to receive information and complete applications and other forms for Ohio Medicaid, school enrollment and the Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
Walmart officials stated in their notification letter that the company was pleased to help the community.
“At Walmart, we strongly believe in giving back and are proud to support organizations that improve communities where our customers and associates live and work,” it noted.
Plans are still in the works, but the rally will be held at Edison High School and include games and goodies from Movin’ & Groovin’ Productions of Toronto; a chicken dinner with dine-in or takeout services from 4-7 p.m.; a Meet the Team event featuring fall athletes and a band performance at 5 p.m.; a mandatory fall sports meeting at 6 p.m.; and an Eschool View forms presentation. Athletic passes for senior citizens, fall season tickets and apparel will also be available.
Smuck added that it has become quite a popular event.
“I think we’ve had upwards of 400 to 600 people and every year it has grown,” she concluded.
On the Roof
Upgrades are underway at Stanton Elementary School, which is undergoing an estimated $124,500 replacement project on a section of its roof. Crews with Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. of Wheeling is handling the project over the music department hallway. Work began on June 5 and is nearly completed.
Upgrades are underway at Stanton Elementary School, which is undergoing an estimated $124,500 replacement project on a section of its roof. Crews with Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. of Wheeling is handling the project over the music department hallway. Work began on June 5 and is nearly completed.
Golf Scramble Benefits Edison Levy Fund
HAMMONDSVILLE-Golf enthusiasts are invited to tee off and benefit local schools during the Friends of Edison Golf Scramble this July.
Four-man teams can head to the green at Spring Hills Golf Course in East Springfield on July 23, where registration begins at 7:45 a.m. and follows with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Thirty-two teams are being sought to participate in the scramble at a cost of $60 per golfer. The price includes green fees, coffee and doughnuts, a light lunch and steak dinner, as well as golf hats, towels and a sleeve of golf balls. Prize money will be awarded to the top three teams and also included are a 50/50, mulligans, skins and skill prizes.
“Our goal is to get 32 teams,” said Edison Local Superintendent Bill Beattie. “Proceeds will help raise funds for future levy campaigns.”
Other fundraisers have included a quarter auction in October and a Wing N’ Sing and Casino Night in February, and Beattie said both of the events were very successful.
Meanwhile, sponsorships are being sought for the scramble until June 30. They currently include Riley Petroleum as a corporate sponsor, Medical Mutual as a $500 hole sponsor on the front and back nine and $300 one hole sponsors Village Network, Minerva Electric, McBane Insurance, Brewer-Garrett and Total Sports Connection. Banner sponsorships are also available at a cost of $200 for black, $100 for white and $50 for gray signage. Among those sponsors are BugBusters, Keuster Implement, Snack Brothers, Stanton Elementary, Cryogenics Construction and Richmond Lions Club.
To register for the scramble, contact Charlie or Dan at Spring Hills at (740) 543-3270. Information for sponsorships is available by contacting the Edison Local district office at (740) 282-0068.
Community Grant Benefits PBIS Program
BERGHOLZ- A $2,000 grant will help John Gregg Elementary focus on students’ well-being through the school’s Positive Behaviors and Intervention Supports (PBIS) program.
School Principal Tammy Burchfield said she applied for funding from the Bergholz Community Foundation in May and recently learned it had been approved. The grant will help offset incentives and activities connected to the school’s PBIS program which aim to improve students’ academic, social and emotional growth. Burchfield said the school has been serving youth in the Edison Local School District for the past 40 years with a mission of providing excellence and improving academics. However, officials have had some difficulty in maintaining that momentum due to external circumstances which have wreaked havoc on students’ social and emotional development, and Burchfield cited an increase in poverty within the Appalachian region as one factor.
She said the grant will allow teachers to review PBIS points among students for good deeds such as improved grades and positive behaviors and provide incentives to continue that upward trend.
“We’re trying to develop a program to encourage them to do well academically and we’re also receiving a counselor this year [who will] go into the classrooms and talk to all of the students about the emotional and social side,” she explained. “Our PBIS team will also look at specifics and meet once a month and maybe identify students on the emotional and social development side [to help]. It’s the first time I have applied for the grant and it will begin during the 2017-18 school year. We’d like for it to be a program that we can continue and improve upon from year to year.”
The school will utilize the Class DOJO program to keep track of points for students who display a variety of positive characteristics, such as jumping a letter grade or more on their report card; making the honor roll; winning Academic Challenge against the principal; displaying positive responses during compromising situations; overcoming trials; demonstrating kindness; following safety procedures; acting responsibly in school; and taking on leadership roles. Students would receive rewards after acquiring a certain number of points throughout the year and during an assembly by the school PBIS team.
Another goal is to develop a connection between school, home and community and would open the school at least once a month to the community for public events. Activities may range from Family Movie Night and Community Character Skits to “Need to Know” seminars for parents, and Burchfield continued that the funding would support seminar presenters and items for the events.
“This program is the perfect outreach for our families within the community. The success of this program will be demonstrated through higher test scores, less office referrals and higher community participation. The bottom line is our students deserve to develop a firm foundation of academics, emotional well-being and social awareness to be successful in this ever-changing world.”