Weirton native Anastacia Galloway, a professional development associate at Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colo., addressed educators and community leaders during the 28th annual Administration Breakfast sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center on Thursday. About 70 officials gathered at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville to fellowship and prepare for the new school year.
School and community leaders converged upon St. Florian Hall in Wintersville on Thursday as the Jefferson County Educational Service Center hosted its 28th annual Administration Breakfast.
Eighty-seven people representing school districts, colleges, community organizations, courts, and local government gathered to hear speakers, fellowship, and get ready for the school year. Dr. George Ash, chief executive officer of JCESC, welcomed the crowd and thanked the governing board for sponsoring the breakfast for nearly three decades. He also recognized board President Larry George, who along with Vice President Ken Simeral had a building named in his honor this past week. A new professional development building on Estelle Avenue is now known as the George-Pugliese Training Annex, which is also in tribute to the Charles M. and Theresa M. Pugliese Foundation, while the JCESC office has been renamed the Kenneth D. Simeral Building. Dr. Ash also thanked Mayor Dominick Mucci, who was on hand, and Steubenville city leaders for supporting the acquisition for the annex. Finally, he lauded Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, who has led the educational service center since last Sept. 1.
Dr. Kokiko then welcomed officials representing Eastern Gateway Community College, Franciscan University, Brightway Center, Jefferson County Alternative School, and St. Paul’s School and recognized new district and school administrators. He also summarized JCESC’s achievements, namely the more than $900,000 in grants secured for local school districts; $590,000 in safety grants given over the past 13 years; $170,000 worth of savings through shared legal services; the implementation of a truancy liaison with the Jefferson County Juvenile Court that has helped decrease excessive absences; trainings and other professional development that has helped more than 2,700 teachers and administrators over the past school year; $110,000 in savings through the Virtual Learning Academy; and the $32 million saved for Ohio members through the Jefferson Health Plan. He further noted that JCESC serves 82 of 88 Ohio counties through VLA and/or the health plan and is also one of eight ESC’s in the state to have accreditation through AdvancED, which serves 20 million people internationally.
He concluded that, in essence, schools were part of the Nigerian proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”
“The basic meaning is that a child’s upbringing is a communal effort. The responsibility for raising a child is shared with the larger family, sometimes called the extended family,” he said. “Even the wider community gets involved, such as friends and neighbors. Children are considered a blessing from God for the whole community. I would contend that educating a child is, as well.”
Meanwhile, superintendents Fred Burns of Toronto City Schools, Bill Beattie of Edison, Dana Snider of Harrison Hills, Dr. T.C. Chappelear of Indian Creek, John Wilson of Southern Local, and Melinda Young of Steubenville City Schools, as well as Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Principal Dan Hartman introduced their respective administrators in attendance and gave a brief overview of happenings in their school districts.
The main speakers included Anastacia Galloway, a Weirton native who currently serves as a professional development associate at Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colo., and Cleveland-based attorney Mark Jackson.
Galloway said Eagle Rock’s purpose is to engage young people in education with emphasis placed upon the high school level and full scholarships are provided to youth from low-income areas. Galloway also provides professional development services and has collaborated with JCESC and local schools for the past year on such events as the Principal’s Learning Academy. She has also worked with Toronto officials to address such issues as disruptive behaviors and interventions for discipline and plans to bring a team from Eagle Rock to the area on Sept. 14-15 for Common Professional Development Days and a Principal’s Collaborative event. Galloway will also host a screening of the documentary “Most Likely to Succeed” at Harrison Hills on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. and invited educators and members from surrounding communities to attend and provide input.
Attorney Mark Jackson, who has provided legal counsel for school districts and the Jefferson Health Plan through JCESC, highlighted a series of state and federal court decisions that affect educators. The crux of his presentation focused on social media involving school employees and Jackson said policies could be put into place to address acceptable use and disciplinary action for misconduct.
The Jefferson County Alternative School has a new home at the Coleman Professional Building on Johnson Road in Steubenville and is working with youth to keep them on track in education and society. Pictured at the school is director Mark Masloski, who took the post this year.
The Jefferson County Alternative School Program has found a new home to help students with disciplinary issues thrive both in school and in life.
Formerly housed at the Jefferson County Justice Center and operated in collaboration with the county juvenile court, the alternative school is now located at the Coleman Professional Building on Johnson Avenue in Steubenville. The program now falls under the auspices of the JCESC but continues to provide students in grades 5-12 an opportunity to succeed academically and progress to graduation outside the traditional class setting. The alternative school provides a structured, behaviorally-enhanced approach to students who demonstrate a pattern of maladaptive behaviors such as poor attendance, aggression toward others, withdrawal, poor peer/adult relationships and court involvement. The primary goal is to teach students the behaviors necessary to return to their home school program and function within acceptable norms of the community, while the school’s curriculum is aligned with Ohio Learning Standards.
The move occurred on Aug. 1 and director Mark Masloski is overseeing the program, which has worked with nine students so far and serves county youth in grades 5-12.
Masloski previously taught at Conotton Valley and Harrison Hills City Schools and was an intervention specialist at Steubenville High School for 15 years, plus he taught scholar history and government and was a department chair. He said his new position allows him to implement programming that would benefit students with disciplinary issues.
“Administrators in the school districts decide after going through the intervention process and disciplinary issues [to send those students to us]. “If an in-school suspension or time out doesn’t work, we are the alternative solution for them,” he explained.
He added that students must attend at least five days, at which time they are assessed so they could receive further assistance.
“My three goals are to ensure that everyone has an [Individualized Educational Plan], so every student gets a baseline assessment in reading and math to determine what their levels are; to give them coping strategies with counseling through Coleman Professional Services; and preparing for career readiness,” Masloski said. “I wanted to provide an entire curriculum in seven academic courses including English, science, social studies and math. Everything’s lined up with state standards and testing is done at the alternative school. After five days, we send an assessment with grades and comments on their strengths and weaknesses.”
And being located at the Coleman Professional Building provides an advantage with counseling programs available to assist the youth.
“We have a new partnership with Coleman for group and individual counseling,” Masloski continued. “We hope to get parents involved, as well.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said many people were involved in the transition to the current ESC-operated program and he thanked the Jefferson County Commissioners and Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Corabi for their support in making the shift seamless, as well as local school boards and superintendents who have backed the alternative school. They include Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Toronto City, and Steubenville City Schools. The JCESC also worked with Sheriff Fred Abdalla and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to provide security for the site.
“The districts worked as a group with the JCESC to develop a dynamic experience genuinely rooted in education and counseling aimed at correcting behaviors that have led students to the program,” Dr. Kokiko added. “We believed strongly in having an alternative education setting for the both the districts and communities we serve.”
JCSO Deputy John Parker said security is only one of the tasks the sheriff’s office fulfills.
“We are providing security to keep the campus safe so the student has a good, safe learning environment and assist the instructor to try to bridge the gap between law enforcement, education, and whatever social issues that may come forward to the actual school resource officer,” Parker commented. “We are trying to bridge the gap with them and help them get back on track in their academic career and help them be better individuals in society.”
The program also works with Deputy Joe Porter, social educator Alison Burell, Coleman Professional Services Director Lisa Ward, and counselors Daniel Cook and Vivian Minto to help keep the youth on track. For more information, contact the alternative school at (740) 996-7104.
Parsons noted that the site is incorporating the Virtual Learning Academy, which offers an online curriculum of 150 core and elective courses. One advantage is that seventh-grade students can now take Spanish, something which had only been offered to eighth-graders in the past. Meanwhile, the K-8 students can sign up for an afterschool program in October and spend one hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday taking elective courses in English, science and other subjects. Another plus is that teachers may incorporate the services into their own classes.
“We’ve also been using [JCESC programs] for enrichment. If a student is behind, we use it to get them at a pace they can handle,” Parsons added. “As of now, we’re the only Catholic school in the area that offers it.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko welcomed St. Paul School into the fold.
“We are pleased to have Mr. Parsons and St. Paul’s become part of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. As a group, we have a lot to offer our members and one another,” Dr. Kokiko said. “Being involved in education, we share many of the same challenges and having the ability to work together provides the opportunity to capitalize on each other’s strengths and collectively provide the best education possible to those we serve. Having another educator at the table further strengthens our group and increases the positive impact we can have on students.”
Dr. Ash echoed those sentiments.
“I wish to welcome Mr. Parsons and St. Paul Catholic School as they join the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, and I also want to commend Mr. Parsons for having such an innovative educational vision and mission.”
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center hosted speakers from the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., for a professional development session on Sept. 14 at the George-Pugliese Training Annex in Steubenville. Weirton native Anastacia Galloway, a professional development associate at Eagle Rock is pictured discussing project-based learning with an estimated 40 music, art and core teachers from throughout the county and the program was provided through a related arts grant obtained by the JCESC.
Southern Local Junior High student Eric Colussy works on a water filtering system in a lab at Eastern Gateway Community College during the “How It’s Made” Summer Manufacturing Camp sponsored through U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office, Jefferson County Educational Service Center, and EGCC on July 18-22. Students toured local companies and completed activities at the college’s labs that were based on what they learned at the businesses.
Ten students got a close look at inner workings of local businesses during the inaugural “How It’s Made” Summer Manufacturing Camp on July 18-22.
Sponsored by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (R-Ohio), Jefferson County Educational Service Center and Eastern Gateway Community College, the event included middle school students from Jefferson and Columbiana counties and tours of area companies with related projects conducted at EGCC. Ryan Pasco, director of energy and engineering initiatives at EGCC, said the group toured facilities such as Nelson’s Fine Art and Gifts in Steubenville, Ohio Coatings in Yorkville, Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Barium & Chemicals Inc. in Steubenville and ARM US Inc. near the Jefferson County Airpark in Wintersville. Following each trip, the students returned to the community college and worked with EGCC professors and instructors on projects centered on what they learned each day. Pasco said the small group number made starting the program easier and hopes are to build up participation in the future.
“They had a really good time. When they were done taking tours, they came back to the college and would do hands-on experiments and projects related to what they’d seen that day,” he added, saying officials hoped to continue the camp on an annual basis. “Sen. Sherrod Brown has already done this camp with other districts. We wanted to instill the idea that there is a career in manufacturing and may not require a four-year degree. We got together with the Jefferson County Community Action Council, Jefferson County ESC, Mayor Domenick Mucci and city council.”
Officials met since February and collaborated with the Jefferson County Port Authority to contact local businesses for their participation. The five sites readily opened their doors and Pasco, along with EGCC administrative assistant April Poynter, conducted pre-tours to gather ideas for each curriculum. Students spent Monday learning about computer-aided design and Photoshop-based production at Nelson’s Fine Arts, which creates everything from Catholic crosses to T-shirts; went to Ohio Coatings and enjoyed a full day of instruction in the company’s lab; toured Cardinal Power Wednesday, followed by further activities at EGCC; went to Barium & Chemicals on Thursday and studied crystallization and water filtering; and wound down with a trip to ARM, concluding with a virtual welding activity in EGCC’s lab. EGCC and JCCAC representatives chaperoned during the program while such eateries as Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Arby’s and Convenient Food Store donated food for the students’ lunches. Pasco further cited work by EGCC professors Dave Moffat and Ben Alexander, plus welding instructor Gary Coulter in the school labs. He also recognized Mark Nelson of Nelson’s Fine Arts, Rachel Blankenship of Barium & Chemicals for closing down its lab for the program, Ross Ivkovich of Steubenville City Schools for volunteerism, and Toronto City Schools for providing bus transportation.
Students on hand represented the Indian Creek Local, Southern Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City school districts and said they enjoyed the unique learning experience.
“It’s been lots of fun,” said Southern Local Junior High student Emily Walker. “It’s been really educational.”
“I mostly liked visiting the Cardinal Plant saw how it worked,” added Alfred Carducci, a student at Harding Middle School.
Caden Mason, Carducci’s schoolmate, echoed those comments.
“I also liked the Cardinal Plant because they took us up [14 stories],” Mason added, saying he has an interest in structural engineering but believes the camp helped show something people don’t always get to see. “If I [planned] to be an electrical engineer, I think it could help gain some experience.”
JCESC Earns High-Performance Designation
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been designated by the state as a high-performing ESC for its efforts to provide myriad services in a cost-effective manner.
Officials learned of the distinction through the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Budget and School Funding after making an application this past summer. ODE officials indicated that ESC’s across the state reported more than $54 million in savings for the services they submitted to the department. This represents significant value that ESC’s are providing to local school districts, which is only a fraction of the total savings provided each year.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said documentation was provided to the department for consideration and information included such services as psychologists, speech therapists, legal services, occupational therapists, and a teacher for the visually impaired. In all, the services yielded a total savings of $654,370-- or 36 percent over independent or private vendor costs. According to the ODE, cost savings across all five of the primary services must generate a minimum of 5 percent for an ESC to be classified as high-performing.
“Our goals are to provide quality services in the most cost-effective manner possible,” Dr. Kokiko added. “We’re very pleased to receive this designation and that we’re able to provide that level of savings to the districts so they can re-invest and repurpose those funds for other needs.”
In the application, officials noted that JCESC embraced a system-wide culture of service to help meet a wide array of client needs.
“JCESC coordinates collaborative programs to eliminate duplication of human and financial resources, participates in interagency collaborative programs across Columbiana, Jefferson and Harrison counties to provide efficient, cost-effective responses to at-risk student issues, and provides collaborative, cost-effective direct services for students with disabilities,” it stated. “JCESC client districts are located in the Appalachian region of Ohio covering more than 800 square miles and serving a little more than 11,000 students. Given the vast region and limited resources, collaboration enables the necessary services to be provided in the most economical manner possible.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern, Steubenville, and Toronto City Schools in Ohio as well as St. Paul School in Weirton, W.Va.
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been designated by the state as a high-performing ESC for its efforts to provide myriad services in a cost-effective manner.
Officials learned of the distinction through the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Budget and School Funding after making an application this past summer. ODE officials indicated that ESC’s across the state reported more than $54 million in savings for the services they submitted to the department. This represents significant value that ESC’s are providing to local school districts, which is only a fraction of the total savings provided each year.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said documentation was provided to the department for consideration and information included such services as psychologists, speech therapists, legal services, occupational therapists, and a teacher for the visually impaired. In all, the services yielded a total savings of $654,370-- or 36 percent over independent or private vendor costs. According to the ODE, cost savings across all five of the primary services must generate a minimum of 5 percent for an ESC to be classified as high-performing.
“Our goals are to provide quality services in the most cost-effective manner possible,” Dr. Kokiko added. “We’re very pleased to receive this designation and that we’re able to provide that level of savings to the districts so they can re-invest and repurpose those funds for other needs.”
In the application, officials noted that JCESC embraced a system-wide culture of service to help meet a wide array of client needs.
“JCESC coordinates collaborative programs to eliminate duplication of human and financial resources, participates in interagency collaborative programs across Columbiana, Jefferson and Harrison counties to provide efficient, cost-effective responses to at-risk student issues, and provides collaborative, cost-effective direct services for students with disabilities,” it stated. “JCESC client districts are located in the Appalachian region of Ohio covering more than 800 square miles and serving a little more than 11,000 students. Given the vast region and limited resources, collaboration enables the necessary services to be provided in the most economical manner possible.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern, Steubenville, and Toronto City Schools in Ohio as well as St. Paul School in Weirton, W.Va.
VLA Expands Course Offerings
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) has expanded its course catalog to provide even more educational offerings to users.
Teresa Silvestri, director of education and outreach at JCESC, said staff were continually adding courses to the fall 2016 online curriculum.
“We’ve added Intro to Sign Language and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word 2013,” Silvestri said. “To help better prepare students for testing, we are developing more test prep courses. We already have those for ACT, Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) and basic study skills, but now we are adding AIR.”
AIR, as it is known, stands for American Institute for Research and the new course will center on English and Language Arts. In addition, a revised course is offered for computer applications and U.S. and World History.
“We’ve revised courses to update them and the content and technology changes to make it more relevant,” she added. “We’ve added the Intro to Jazz and Intro to Rock-n-Roll for fine arts. We’re also working on additional test prep courses in American History.”
Currently, the VLA offers more than 150 different courses and Silvestri said they extend beyond classroom subjects.
“There are career training courses for students to find out about careers they may be interested in, as well as interviewing, resumes, and dressing properly. We’ve also added two gaming courses to learn development, marketing and scriptwriting. There are a total of nine entertainment and technology courses.”
She continued that the VLA curriculum strives to stay ahead of Ohio Department of Education standards and requirements while officials also obtain input from the school districts they work with. The courses are based on need or state and national standards and help better prepare students.
VLA is a robust, online educational delivery system that provides full-year and semester courses for students in grades K-12. It works in cooperation with school districts and can be used to service any student who is home-bound, homeschooled, in need of credit reclamation, dropped out, special needs or at risk, and assigned to alternative schools. For more information, call (740) 283-3347 or (888) 283-3347 or go online to www.jcesc.k12.oh.us.
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) has expanded its course catalog to provide even more educational offerings to users.
Teresa Silvestri, director of education and outreach at JCESC, said staff were continually adding courses to the fall 2016 online curriculum.
“We’ve added Intro to Sign Language and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word 2013,” Silvestri said. “To help better prepare students for testing, we are developing more test prep courses. We already have those for ACT, Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) and basic study skills, but now we are adding AIR.”
AIR, as it is known, stands for American Institute for Research and the new course will center on English and Language Arts. In addition, a revised course is offered for computer applications and U.S. and World History.
“We’ve revised courses to update them and the content and technology changes to make it more relevant,” she added. “We’ve added the Intro to Jazz and Intro to Rock-n-Roll for fine arts. We’re also working on additional test prep courses in American History.”
Currently, the VLA offers more than 150 different courses and Silvestri said they extend beyond classroom subjects.
“There are career training courses for students to find out about careers they may be interested in, as well as interviewing, resumes, and dressing properly. We’ve also added two gaming courses to learn development, marketing and scriptwriting. There are a total of nine entertainment and technology courses.”
She continued that the VLA curriculum strives to stay ahead of Ohio Department of Education standards and requirements while officials also obtain input from the school districts they work with. The courses are based on need or state and national standards and help better prepare students.
VLA is a robust, online educational delivery system that provides full-year and semester courses for students in grades K-12. It works in cooperation with school districts and can be used to service any student who is home-bound, homeschooled, in need of credit reclamation, dropped out, special needs or at risk, and assigned to alternative schools. For more information, call (740) 283-3347 or (888) 283-3347 or go online to www.jcesc.k12.oh.us.
JCESC Officials Speak at Conference
STEUBENVILLE- Jefferson County Educational Service Center officials recently had an opportunity to address their peers during the 61st Annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show in Columbus.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko and Director of Education and Outreach Teresa Silvestri attended the event in late fall and discussed “Creating a School within a School,” which focused on alternative schools and blended and online learning.
“I have presented at a number of conferences but this was my first presentation at OSBA,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Locally, districts have faced a number of challenges to meet various learning needs from alternative schools, online options and blended learning. Given JCESC’s experience to creating unique learning opportunities, we believed this would be appropriate to share with school leaders from around the state as they may have similar needs.”
Silvestri explained that districts can create a school within a school using online options.
“This model serves students in a non-traditional capacity, offers differentiated instruction opportunities, a blended learning component, fits needs of the families, and reengages students leaving the district by providing online options, in order to stay enrolled in the district. Creating a non-traditional environment utilizing online courses will help reach students who might be disengaged with the brick-and-mortar setting.”
She added that the feedback from their presentation was excellent, saying that many people asked questions and spoke to them afterwards. While it was Dr. Kokiko’s first time addressing the OSBA, Silvestri has spoken at the venue in the past and said JCESC officials submitted a proposal to the association and were accepted to participate.
More than 9,000 people attended this year’s conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which included nearly 150 sessions of panel discussions, workshops, one-on-one assistance and nationally renowned speakers addressing a variety of educational issues. Keynote speakers at the 2016 Capital Conference included actor and activist Ernie Hudson of “Ghostbusters” fame, actor and school board member Steven Michael Quezada of “Breaking Bad” and Emmy Award-winning journalist Leeza Gibbons.
STEUBENVILLE- Jefferson County Educational Service Center officials recently had an opportunity to address their peers during the 61st Annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show in Columbus.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko and Director of Education and Outreach Teresa Silvestri attended the event in late fall and discussed “Creating a School within a School,” which focused on alternative schools and blended and online learning.
“I have presented at a number of conferences but this was my first presentation at OSBA,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Locally, districts have faced a number of challenges to meet various learning needs from alternative schools, online options and blended learning. Given JCESC’s experience to creating unique learning opportunities, we believed this would be appropriate to share with school leaders from around the state as they may have similar needs.”
Silvestri explained that districts can create a school within a school using online options.
“This model serves students in a non-traditional capacity, offers differentiated instruction opportunities, a blended learning component, fits needs of the families, and reengages students leaving the district by providing online options, in order to stay enrolled in the district. Creating a non-traditional environment utilizing online courses will help reach students who might be disengaged with the brick-and-mortar setting.”
She added that the feedback from their presentation was excellent, saying that many people asked questions and spoke to them afterwards. While it was Dr. Kokiko’s first time addressing the OSBA, Silvestri has spoken at the venue in the past and said JCESC officials submitted a proposal to the association and were accepted to participate.
More than 9,000 people attended this year’s conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which included nearly 150 sessions of panel discussions, workshops, one-on-one assistance and nationally renowned speakers addressing a variety of educational issues. Keynote speakers at the 2016 Capital Conference included actor and activist Ernie Hudson of “Ghostbusters” fame, actor and school board member Steven Michael Quezada of “Breaking Bad” and Emmy Award-winning journalist Leeza Gibbons.
Graham Joins OVPEC Board
STEUBENVILLE-Jefferson County Commissioner Dr. Thomas Graham has joined the Ohio Valley Public Employers Consortium (OVPEC) Managing Board, which oversees a joint self-insurance cooperative for employers throughout Ohio.
Dr. Graham, of Wintersville, began his term after being approved during the board’s Dec. 14 session to replace member David Manning, who served for roughly a year. The OVPEC Managing Board also includes Jim Herring, executive director of the Jefferson Health Plan, and Don Donahue, fiscal agent. The purpose of the board is to oversee the operation of the Employee Benefits Program and determine the general policies of the OVPEC, which is part of the Jefferson Health Plan and primarily serves public employers. It currently includes eight participating members with 10 to 50 employees.
Dr. Graham said he hoped to use his experience with health care savings to benefit his new role on the board.
“I have been overseeing the county health insurance for about 14 years and inherited a $10 million deficit, but I made major changes and we now have a $3 million surplus,” he added. “I hope to use my expertise to assist the board.”
He is currently in his 14th year as county commissioner and also serves as an adjunct professor of sociology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Graham holds a doctorate in clinical sociology and also obtained two masters’ degrees in clinical social work and sociology with specialization in sociological analysis.
Dr. George Ash, CEO of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, which is the fiscal agent for the Jefferson Health Plan, welcomed Dr. Graham aboard and said he would be a vital addition to the OVPEC panel.
“We certainly value the expertise and knowledge he can bring and believe he will be an asset to the board,” Dr. Ash commented.
STEUBENVILLE-Jefferson County Commissioner Dr. Thomas Graham has joined the Ohio Valley Public Employers Consortium (OVPEC) Managing Board, which oversees a joint self-insurance cooperative for employers throughout Ohio.
Dr. Graham, of Wintersville, began his term after being approved during the board’s Dec. 14 session to replace member David Manning, who served for roughly a year. The OVPEC Managing Board also includes Jim Herring, executive director of the Jefferson Health Plan, and Don Donahue, fiscal agent. The purpose of the board is to oversee the operation of the Employee Benefits Program and determine the general policies of the OVPEC, which is part of the Jefferson Health Plan and primarily serves public employers. It currently includes eight participating members with 10 to 50 employees.
Dr. Graham said he hoped to use his experience with health care savings to benefit his new role on the board.
“I have been overseeing the county health insurance for about 14 years and inherited a $10 million deficit, but I made major changes and we now have a $3 million surplus,” he added. “I hope to use my expertise to assist the board.”
He is currently in his 14th year as county commissioner and also serves as an adjunct professor of sociology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Graham holds a doctorate in clinical sociology and also obtained two masters’ degrees in clinical social work and sociology with specialization in sociological analysis.
Dr. George Ash, CEO of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, which is the fiscal agent for the Jefferson Health Plan, welcomed Dr. Graham aboard and said he would be a vital addition to the OVPEC panel.
“We certainly value the expertise and knowledge he can bring and believe he will be an asset to the board,” Dr. Ash commented.
Presentation Set on Understanding Trauma Informed Care
STEUBENVILLE-Trauma informed care is at the center of a special presentation for local agencies later this month.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center, in conjunction with Coleman Professional Services and the Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF), will host “Understanding Trauma Informed Care” at the JCESC’s George-Pugliese Training Annex, which is located at 1913 Estelle Ave. in Steubenville. The event is slated for Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and will be led by Ann Brandt, an early intervention specialist at Coleman Professional Services. Organizers said it will be open to OFCF members and their staff.
Linda Trushel, local OFCF coordinator, said it was the first time the presentation was being held and the venue was created to help fulfill a need in the community.
“The Family and Children First Council identified the need to increase knowledge about trauma informed care to agencies whose staff work with families who have children ages birth to 21,” said Trushel.
Among the topics discussed will be providing a foundation of trauma-informed values, robust partnerships, clinic champions, support for providers and ongoing monitoring and evaluation; having a calm, safe and empowering environment for both patients and staff; holding screenings to inquire about current and lifelong abuse, PTSD, depression and substance use; and using on-site and community-based response programs that promote safety and healing.
“This is giving a basic overview of the concept of what trauma informed care is and how it relates to the community,” commented Brandt. “Trauma informed care is the framework of how to approach individuals and understand the needs in relation to traumatic events.”
Such events may range from sexual or physical assault and natural disasters to returning from the military or a death in the family, and Brandt said the organizations involved in the program could provide a link to resources to help address issues.
Coleman Professional Services, which is located in seven Ohio counties including Jefferson, is a nationally recognized provider of behavioral health and rehabilitation services such as psychiatry, counseling, crisis intervention, peer support and even residential and employment services for adults. The OFCF is a partnership of state and local government, communities and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio’s children and families by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families. OFCF’s vision is for every child and family to thrive and succeed within healthy communities. The council includes agencies from Belmont, Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties including the Department of Job and Family Services, Brightway Center, the Community Action Council of Columbiana County and area school districts, and officials said another event will be conducted in the spring. Those planning to attend the upcoming event must RSVP by Jan. 20 by contacting [email protected].
Preschool Educators Learn More about Autism
STEUBENVILLE-Helping preschool students with autism was the focus of a professional development session at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center on March 8.
Educators from 10 school districts gathered at the George-Pugliese Professional Development Annex on Estelle Avenue, where they participated in a program led by Kristine Filhour of the Early Learning Resource Center and Victoria Walker of ABA Outreach Services, both of Canton. The topic of the session was “Understanding Autism in the Preschool Years,” and Filhour, an early childhood specialist, and Walker, a behavioral consultant, provided a PowerPoint presentation on how to identify the characteristics of autism and adjust strategies for individual children to meet their needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is described as “a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in 68 children across the United States are diagnosed with Autism and boys were 4.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Officials said 2,272 preschool students with ASD in Ohio received special education services last year, and today many children with the disorder attend regular preschools and childcare facilities. That means childcare providers and school personnel need to understand how to help those children reach their full potential and early intervention is important.
Preschoolers with autism may avoid eye contact, prefer to be alone, have difficulty understanding emotions and feelings of themselves or others, have obsessive interests, get upset over minor changes in routine, have unusual reactions to sensory stimulation, and flap their hands, rock back and forth or spin in circles. They also may not respond to their own name, demonstrate functional communication, show interest in others’ movements, or engage in social or pretend play. Walker noted there was a range of possible challenging behaviors from self-injurious behaviors and obsessions to rituals and tantrums, among others, but the key was to implement positive strategies. She also touched upon early action from setting up a proactive preschool environment to incorporating effective teaching strategies for children with autism and utilizing resources for support.
“As professionals in the field of early childhood, it is up to us to try to determine what is getting in the way of our children doing well,” Walker said. “Understanding what is getting in the way enables us to make changes in ourselves and the environment to help our children reach their full potential.”
A proactive preschool environment may include clearly marked centers or learning areas, a calming corner, predictable routines, consistency and structure, a positive climate, limited distractions, simplifying rules, and providing transitions that are simple and clear. Other discussion included common triggers and functions and officials said positive reinforcement was an important tool to help increase a child’s repertoire of appropriate behaviors. Types of reinforcement include snacks and toys to praising and hugging the child and allowing them time to play, go for walks, or other activities. Meanwhile, intervention for challenging behaviors would include teaching an alternative behavior to stating directions as a command, not a question. Walker said the use of visual supports
also help modify behaviors and let children regulate their emotions in high-stress situations. Examples of those include First-Then Boards, which provide a schedule of tasks to be performed first and clearly indicate what happens next; a token economy system that provides stars or other tokens to reinforce desirable behaviors; and positive behavior supports for the whole class. Walker concluded by discussing effective teaching strategies, functional communication training, and developing a team approach. Teachers were also encouraged to develop a positive rapport with families,
acknowledge and value family input, communicate frequently with team members, foster a sense of trust, and collaborate with other professionals.
Patty Ferrell, preschool coordinator at JCESC, said the program was inspired by teachers who wanted to learn more about helping kids with autism.
“I always ask the teachers what they want to hear and they said they wanted to know about autism because they have autistic students,” Ferrell said, adding that she contacted the Early Learning Resource Center and officials created the program specifically for the session.
Ferrell was also establishing a small library of materials in her office to keep teachers informed about autism and educational methods.
Kristine Filhour and Victoria Walker, respectively of the Early Learning Resource Center and ABA Consulting, led more than 10 school districts represented with preschool educators in a professional development session about autism on March 8 at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.)
ACT Recognition Breakfast Honors High Scorers
WINTERSVILLE- Area high school students who achieved high scores on their ACT tests were honored during the second annual ACT Recognition Breakfast on April 25.
Sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, the event was held at Zalenski Family Eatery and Pub in Wintersville and lauded teens from Buckeye Local, Edison, Indian Creek and Steubenville High Schools for scoring a 30 or higher on their exams. Most of the five honorees appeared for the reception breakfast where they were congratulated by local educators and officials.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko welcomed the group of students, parents and school leaders to the event and congratulated the students for their accomplishment. He said the honorees’ achievement placed them in a distinct group.
“You have distinguished yourself among an elite group,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Five are graduating from the eight school districts [the JCESC serves].”
He added that those who scored a 30 on their exams were among the top 95 percent in the country; those with a 31 were among the top 97 percent; those with a score of 32 were at 98 percent; and those at 33 or higher were in the top 1 percent nationally.
JCESC Governing Board President Larry George echoed those sentiments and urged the youth to continue on their course to success.
“This is quite an achievement. It is great to see that we’ve got five students score over 30 in such a prestigious test,” he continued. “It’s a great day for the staff and schools you attend.”
Keynote speaker was Dr. John Figel, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Trinity Health Systems and a member of the Indian Creek Local Board of Education, who shared how he learned to appreciate the opportunities his received in life and encouraged the youth to do the same.
“Today, the playing field has changed tremendously. Not only are you competing against students of our nation, but students globally,” Dr. Figel commented. “It truly is a gift you have if you were in the top 95 percentile of the country.”
He continued that it was a God-given gift the students have received, but it comes with a responsibility to achieve other things. Dr. Figel said upon reflection, he did not appreciate the opportunities he had earlier in life. After losing his parents as a child, he said the village of Mingo Junction embraced him and his sister and gave them opportunities in life. After graduating Mingo High School, Dr. Figel studied pre-med at The Ohio State University but said he did not commit to his studies until later in his college career. He went on to further schooling at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and then returned to the U.S., where he completed his medical degree at Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine. He eventually completed his internship and residency in Columbus in family practice
at Grant Medical Center and returned to his roots in the Ohio Valley, serving at Ohio Valley Hospital and St. John Hospital, which is now Trinity Health System. In addition to his many positions in the medical profession, he has been a member of the ICBOE for the past quarter-century.
“It was competitive then and it’s much more competitive today. If I leave you with anything today, appreciate what gift you have, realize it’s a God-given gift and do what needs to be done. It’s like running a marathon: pace yourself, stay the course, realize there may be adversity. God knows you may stumble, but that’s when you get up, brush yourself off and move forward. Wherever the path may take you, good luck to you.”
Certificates were then distributed to Mark Smith of Steubenville High School, who plans to attend Ohio Dominican University and study pre-med; Skylar Fankhauser of Edison High, who plans to study biology at either West Liberty University or Mount Union College; Matthew Maille, another EHS student who plans to attend Kent State University but is undecided on his major. Fellow honorees Rachel Romestan of Buckeye Local and Kelly Kovach of Indian Creek were not in attendance but had their certificates accepted by BLHS Principal Coy Sudvary and Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, respectively.
Dr. Chappelear closed the event with more parting words of wisdom for the high achievers.
“Congratulations on your great ACT scores,” he said. “Work hard, be grateful and treat yourself and others well.”
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center recognized local students who scored a 30 or higher on their ACT tests. Pictured are, from left, keynote speaker Dr. John Figel, Matthew Maille and Skylar Fankhauser of Edison High School, Mark Smith of Steubenville High School, and JCESC Governing Board President Larry George. Not pictured are Rachel Romestan of Buckeye Local and Kelly Kovach of Indian Creek High Schools.)
USA Officials Talk Future Program Offerings
SALINEVILLE-Utica Shale Academy officials are looking at ways to enhance the shale program so students can benefit even more both in the classroom and eventually the workplace.
An advisory board meeting was held May 11 at the Southern Local School District office in Salineville and talks occurred between USA Board President Mark Johnson, USA Superintendent Dr. Mark Furda, Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, advisory board member and independent oil and gas consultant Brian Logue, Southern Local School Superintendent and shale program developer John Wilson, USA Director Eric Sampson, Jim Buttermore of the New Castle School of Trades and Amanda Greathouse of Safety Pro Training Consulting. The purpose of the session was to discuss what is currently available at USA and ways to make students more marketable for employment after graduation.
“We discussed the current curriculum for oil and gas certifications, as well as safety certifications currently offered,” Sampson explained. “We also discussed the partnership with New Castle School of Trades and its welding program with the potential addition of other programs in the future.”
The academy is offered to students statewide in grades 9-12 and provides curricula required by the Ohio Department of Education, as well as and PetroEd industry certification courses. It includes a customizable digital curriculum allowing for acceleration or remediation along with flexible scheduling, plus certification courses in SafeLand, OSHA10, First Aid and CPR, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) awareness and confined space certifications. Academy graduates receive a high school diploma, certificates and college credit options offered through Eastern Gateway Community College.
Recently, USA and NCST officials announced a partnership between the two sites which would allow shale students to take welding courses at the trade school’s East Liverpool location starting this fall. Shale students at both Southern Local and Columbiana High Schools will have the opportunity to obtain a welding certification, which would give them a major advantage when seeking a job in the industry. NCST officials collaborated with Superintendent Wilson on the plan and students will attend three afternoons per week to earn 250 hours of welding credit towards their certification. That collaboration will also boost participation at NCST, which opened its doors in January and currently has 33 adult pupils studying HVAC, industrial maintenance and mechanical and electrical courses. The addition of the shale students will greatly increase that total since both USA sites yield a total of 69 pupils, plus it marks the first time the trade school will educate high school students.
During discussion, Logue and Greathouse shared their thoughts on the current programs and believed they helped to put the students in the best position for future success. Suggestions were also made to add small equipment training to the program.
Logue said the academy was on the mark when it came to providing a lot of the training but there was always room for improvement.
“The program is great. Students are getting basic training for oil and gas in terminology and specialized training that Amanda has given for First Aid, SafeLand and H2S,” he added. “They are getting some good experience.”
He said the welding program through NCST was another benefit while officials should also review adding heavy equipment training on telescoping forklifts, front end loaders and skid steers since they are regularly used in the industry.
Meanwhile, Sampson said the next crop of graduates is set to receive their diplomas on May 24 at 6 p.m. in the SLHS gym with Buttermore as the featured speaker. About 17 students are expected to graduate from the program.
For more information about USA’s programs, contact Sampson at (330) 420-5353 or through the website at uticashaleschool.com.
Author Discusses Inspiring Students’ Creativity
STEUBENVILLE-Educators and parents alike learned techniques to inspire creativity in students during a special workshop on June 5.
Nathan Levy, a New Jersey-based educational leader and writer, has traveled the globe to share his expertise, and that Monday he was at the George-Pugliese Training Annex discussing “How to Make Children Better Thinkers and Writers.” He spoke to more than two-dozen teachers, administrators and parents at the event, which was sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, and conducted exercises designed to stimulate the mind.
His methods include a reading exercise with a riddle that encourages students to ask questions until they can solve the problem. Levy said while they may fail, the goal is to keep trying.
“Research shows that [self-esteem] goes up when you take on something that’s difficult or a challenge,” he said. “The definition of success is when a person gets up one more time [after falling down].”
His methods benefit not only gifted students, but everyone, and he said they should all learn the same way.
“What’s happening around the country today is that all the things that are researched are being misapplied in schools. The key is that parents know their kids can do things. We make a big deal about the language but not the message. You can have faith in the child and believe they can do it.”
Levy further instilled the use of resources to help kids write and think, adding that they should learn without realizing it.
“We want kids to be creative writers, but they should use tools,” he said, adding that he created lists for students to use for character descriptions and other exercises and he also encouraged them to conduct interviews for further inspiration.
He said being a great teacher takes three things: repetition, repetition, repetition.
“The key is to repeat it often enough that when they take a test or have to write a summary, they have it. My message is to get children learning before they know they’re learning.”
Levy also shared three types of thinking to teach: convergent thinking, or the type that involves right answers; divergent thinking, which includes creative, open-ended thinking and thinking outside the box; and cultural literacy, or having a basic knowledge of subjects.
“Your kids need all three types of knowledge,” he commented. “The purpose of gifted teachers is to make teaching better every place, not just in class.”
Levy, who has spoken to people across the world since 1976, has also authored such books “Whose Clues?” and “Nathan Levy’s 100 Intriguing Questions.” A gifted educator, he has been a teacher, principal and consultant and worked directly with children, teachers and parents. He also developed unique teaching strategies that encourage a love of learning and has mentored more than 30 current principals and superintendents, plus he helped train thousands of teachers and parents to on better ways to engage children in learning. Levy has spoken at state and national education conferences, conducted school-based district in-service and parent workshops and covered a wide range of topics from reading and Language Arts to math, Social Studies, critical thinking, special education and classroom management. His message has taken him across the globe to Great Britain, Denmark, Dubai, Australia and even New Zealand.
Linda Lenzi, gifted coordinator with JCESC, said Levy’s visit was provided through an Ohio Arts Council grant.
“It is the first leg of his cross-country tour,” she explained, adding that it was his first time in the area. “He has talked at the Ohio Association for Gifted Conferences.”
Larry George, president of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board, was honored for 30 years of service by the Ohio School Boards Association’s Northeast Region during its spring conference in March. George is pictured, at center, with OSBA President Denise Baba and Executive Director Richard Lewis.
George Honored for 30 Years of Service
STEUBENVILLE-A longtime member of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been honored for his continued commitment to the betterment of academics.
Larry George, president of the JCESC Governing Board, was lauded for 30 years of service by the Ohio School Board Association’s Northeast Region during its spring conference in North Olmstead on March 22. He received a plaque from regional manager Reno Contipelli and said he was pleased to earn the distinction.
“It’s been a very joyful 30 years,” George said. “This mission has been about informing and educating people about programs. It’s all about the kids, but our responsibility is to the administration and faculty to keep them updated on what is going on in the state.”
He was one of six honorees to be recognized for three decades of service while other commendations were given to those who have served between 10 to 50 years. George became active with the JCESC after being approached by another longtime board member, Geno Morelli, and said he has seen the organization evolve to provide more quality services to educators. He also praised the staff and board for their work and said he was eager to help carry the mission forward.
“It’s been an honor for me to be involved for as long as I have. I never thought I’d be involved for 30 years, but I truly do enjoy it,” he continued. “I have worked with the brightest, most dedicated board members and it’s a great place to work with and for. We have a lot of different programs going on, and from when I started to now our budget has grown and the amount of employees has increased to offer services to the districts. It’s a well-rounded group of educators and we offer help to school districts so they can help the kids.”
George also mentioned the paraprofessional staff, Jefferson Health Plan and other offerings available to districts in Jefferson, Harrison, Columbiana and beyond as a way to save them money and utilize those savings where it counts most—in the education of their students.
In addition to the JCESC, he has also spent three decades with the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board and currently acts as president. During his tenure at both sites, he said he has seen them expand with opportunities to benefit students and staff. Among the achievements at JCESC were the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), Help Me Grow program, shared services between districts, and more recently the formation of the George-Pugliese Training Annex. He added that plans are continuing to construct the Ohio Appalachian Technology Education Center along County Road 43 (Alikanna Road) at the Jefferson County Industrial Park. The two-story, state-of-the-art facility will lodge offices for an estimated 20 employees and expands upon operations at the present JCESC site in Steubenville. Groundbreaking is set for this spring and the facility should be in operation over the next two years.
A 1971 graduate of Wintersville High School, George is a former news photographer and present operator of Photography by George. In addition to his most recent accolade, he received an Outstanding Leadership Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) in 2016.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the recognition was a testament to George’s unwavering support in local education.
“In a roomful of distinguished board members, Mr. George stood out as part of an elite group serving on boards of education for 30-plus years,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “More important than the years served is the work, time and commitment he has shown to our area schools. We are fortunate to have such a devoted individual as part of the JCESC board and our community.”
JCESC Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Ash echoed those remarks.
“Mr. George tirelessly and enthusiastically works for the students in the four local counties as well as 82 of 88 counties in Ohio,” Dr. Ash continued. “It is a pleasure working with a visionary leader with a focus on helping political subdivisions share services and save local resources.”
The conference also included legislative and other updates by OSBA officials and further recognition of Ohio Teacher of the Year honorees, Award of Achievement recipients and Master Board Member awardees and the Northeast Region Blue Ribbon Schools President’s Award of Excellence. Nineteen counties comprise the OSBA’s Northeast Region, including Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.
JCESC provides services to local school districts including Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Southern Local, Toronto and St. Paul Catholic School in Weirton.
USA Joins Forces with NCST to Offer Welding Program
SALINEVILLE-The Utica Shale Academy is teaming up with the New Castle School of Trades to offer welding courses to students at both academy locations to give them even more advantages in the oil and gas industry.
Starting this fall, students at both USA locations at Southern Local and Columbiana High Schools can obtain welding certification, which is a major plus when seeking jobs in the industry. NCST officials worked with John Wilson, superintendent of Southern Local Schools and developer of the Utica Shale Academy, on the program to bring it into fruition.
“We were looking to expand our curriculum and get industry credentials,” Wilson explained. “NCST Director Jim Buttermore and I had discussed what we could do to partner and make it happen- and it will benefit the both of us.”
“Our students will have the same opportunities in both shale academies,” added USA Director Eric Sampson. “We are looking at attending New Castle three afternoons per week throughout the course of the school year with students working towards their welding certification.”
Buttermore said the plan has been in the works for months and will allow students to earn 250 total hours of welding credit for certification.
“That is roughly a quarter of our welding program,” he said. “We want them to be certified at the end, and they will also earn two-quarters credit if they want to complete the program.”
He also was thrilled to be in a partnership with the shale academy and everyone was working towards a common goal.
“I think anything we can do to work together for the students or for the community, that’s all we want.”
NCST, which is based in New Castle, Pa., but has more sites in Maryland and Canada, opened its doors in Columbiana County this January and began conducting classes a month later. It currently has 33 adult pupils in its HVAC, industrial maintenance, and mechanical and electrical courses. However, the number would greatly increase when USA’s students take part in the welding program. As of now, the shale academy has a combined total of 69 students at its two locations and expects to graduate about 27 seniors in May. It also marks a first for the trade school since it will now educate high school students.
Meanwhile, Sampson sees the union as a great benefit for everyone and said it adds another piece to make graduates marketable in the workforce.
“To be able to partner like this expands opportunities for students exponentially,” Sampson added.
Dr. Chuck Kokiko, superintendent of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center which sponsors the shale school, also praised officials for working together to facilitate the latest program.
“USA set out to create learning opportunities related to the oil and gas fields for students. The addition of a welding program is a testament to developer John Wilson and the USA staff’s commitment to creating the best educational experience for students and providing them with additional job-ready skills. I know USA is grateful to New Castle School of Trades for working with school officials and assisting them with making the welding program a reality.”
USA is available to students in grades 9-12 who live across Ohio and provides curricula required by the Ohio Department of Education, as well as and PetroEd industry certification courses. It currently offers a customizable digital curriculum allowing for acceleration or remediation along with flexible scheduling, plus certification courses in SafeLand, OSHA10, First Aid and CPR, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) awareness and confined space certifications. Academy graduates receive a high school diploma, certificates, and college credit options offered through Eastern Gateway Community College.
For more information, contact Sampson at (330) 420-5353 or through the website at uticashaleschool.com.
Teachers Share Ideas to Aid Related Arts Students
STEUBENVILLE-Twenty teachers from throughout the area converged upon the Jefferson County Educational Service Center on March 8 for professional development centering on related arts classes.
Educators of music, art, career tech and more met with representatives of Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., at the Kenneth D. Simeral Building to hone their skills in ensuring student success. Teachers represented Edison Local, Indian Creek, the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and St. Paul School of Weirton, while the daylong session included teachers taking part in project-based learning exercises, such as creating project designs based on their discussion and working together to express ideas.
The teachers gave input on such topics as improving student motivation and criteria for success and moved around the room to speak with colleagues from their district and others to exchange ideas and obtain feedback. Anastacia Galloway, professional development associate at Eagle Rock, was joined by art instruction specialist Cindy Elkins and professional development representative Sebastian Franco to lead the session, which was the organization’s third visit to the area.
Galloway said the goal was to inspire teachers in their own lessons for students.
“For the past year, we’ve been diving deep into project-based learning and related arts and we want the teachers to leave with a lesson for their classroom,” Galloway said. “We collaborated with like-minded content. They get to collaborate and get feedback and it’s valuable because [the teachers] don’t always see each other.”
Linda Lenzi, event coordinator with JCESC, said the program was part of a related arts grant the JCESC obtained through the Ohio Arts Council.
Sebastian Franco and Cindy Elkins of the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., helped lead the latest professional development session on project-based learning at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center on March 8. About 20 local related arts educators, including music, art, physical education, career tech and more, gathered at the Kenneth D. Simeral Building in Steubenville to share input and learn ways to motivate students and initiate classroom success. The session was part of a related arts grant that JCESC received from the Ohio Arts Council.
2016-2017 Best Practice Grants
The Jefferson County Governing Board adopted the classroom Best Practice Grant Program as a way to support teachers’ efforts in utilizing new and existing instructional practices that link curriculum, instruction, and assessment with activities that actively engage students in their own learning. To be considered for funding, grant proposals had to be tied to the College and Career Ready Standards, reflect best instructional practices, and enhance the learning process leading to improved student performance.
Out of fifty Best Practice Grant applications, the Jefferson County Governing Board awarded twenty-two Best Practice Grants of $600 each to teachers in school districts in the service area. There were three recipients per district and one from Utica Shale Academy. Winners included: Buckeye Local: Amanda Gruber, Buckeye Local High School; Patricia Tustin, Buckeye South Elementary; and Glenda Shelby Luther, Buckeye North Elementary. Edison Local: Mindy Carpenter, John Gregg Elementary, Kathy Ramsey, John Gregg Elementary, and James Evans, Edison High School. Harrison Hills City: Rebecca Agostini, Harrison North Elementary; Heather Soos, Harrison North Elementary; and Beth Wyers-Burgey, Harrison East Elementary. Indian Creek Local: Rose Pickford, Hills Elementary; Mackenzie Householder, Wintersville Elementary; and Karen Lloyd, Wintersville Elementary. Southern Local: Marylou Taylor, Southern Local High School; Janice Pierce, Southern Local Elementary; and Kimberly Adams, Southern Local Elementary. Steubenville City: Kristin Taylor, Harding Middle School; Jamie Thompson, Pugliese West Elementary; and Heather Hoover, Pugliese West Elementary. Toronto City: Angie Allison, Toronto High School; Kara Kordella, Toronto Jr./Sr. High School; and Amanda White, Karaffa Elementary. Utica Shale Academy: Eric Sampson, Utica Shale Academy.
Regional Spelling Bee
For 33 years, the Steubenville Herald Star newspaper, six local/city school districts, along with eligible nonpublic schools, home schools, and Ohio Virtual Academy located in these school district communities, have supported class, school, and district spelling bees under the rules established by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Jefferson County ESC facilitates the final competition prior to the annual national bee held in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 28-June 2.
During the tenure of the regional competition, many local sponsors have supported the annual bee held this year on Saturday, March 11th, at Buckeye North Elementary. AEP Ohio, MarkWest Energy Partners, Huntington Bank, Ohio Lottery Commission, S.T.A.R.T. and 360 Safe Solutions, PNC Bank, TriState Financial Services, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Signs Unlimited L.T.D, along with the Herald Star, Scripps National Spelling Bee, and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center are the current sponsors of the Jefferson/Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee. Students in grades five through eight from Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City, and Toronto School Districts participate in the bee. Nonpublic school students from the Diocese of Steubenville, Jefferson County Christian School, Ohio Virtual Academy, and Heart of Mary Homeschool are also eligible to participate.
Volunteers from West Liberty University, Franciscan University, Eastern Gateway Community College, and participating school districts provide expertise as pronouncer, assistant pronouncer, judges, and recorder for the regional bee. The 2017 officials included: Mary Ann Zeroski, Pronouncer; Paula Diorio, Assistant Pronouncer; Dr. David Schaefer from Franciscan University, Recorder; Dr. Stephen Criniti and Dr. Jeremy Larance from West Liberty University and Connie Salvayon from Eastern Gateway Community College served as judges for the bee.
The Spelling Bee committee consists of one representative from each participating district, the sponsors, the pronouncer, and the ESC coordinators. The committee facilitates the activities from October through March of each school year. Ron Sismondo from JCESC is the committee chairman. The 2017 committee members included Blair Closser, JCESC; Patty Ferrell, JCESC; Linda Lenzi, JCESC; Susie Nolan, Buckeye Local; Mary Ann Hoobler, Edison Local; Ken Parker, Tammy Starr and Amanda Davidson Harrison Hills; Ryan Finley and Colleen Shepherd, Indian Creek Local; Sue Ebie, Ohio Virtual Academy; Mary Barnes, Steubenville City; Marlene Wolf, Toronto City; Laura Sirilla, Heart of Mary Homeschool; and Ross Gallabrese, Herald-Star Executive Editor.
The generous sponsors provide the following prizes: the Third International Dictionary, Merriam Webster Thesaurus, Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, mint set, trophies, gift certificates from $25 to $250, and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the champion and family. Huntington Bank gives $25 gift certificates to all participants and alternates as well. The 2017 Regional Bee Champion was Grace McKeegan, grade 7 from Heart of Mary Homeschool.
2016-2017 Value-Added Roster Verification Process
The JCESC professional development staff continued to provide support to area districts on the Value- Added Roster Verification process. Many Ohio teachers receive a Value-Added report each fall that provides important data from the previous school year that schools use in educator evaluations and instructional decision making. Superintendents, principals and teachers get ready in the spring for the next school year’s Value-Added reports through the important process known as roster verification.
Teachers can review and refine their class rosters during roster verification to ensure their classroom time is linked to the correct students for the correct subjects and the proper amount of time. The system allows for complex situations, such as when multiple teachers must claim instructional time for an individual student.
2016-2017 eTPES System
The JCESC professional development staff continued to provide training and support to not only area districts but also regional school districts. The Ohio Teacher and Principal Evaluation Systems (eTPES) is an online educator evaluation system for statewide use by Ohio districts and schools. Evaluators can collect and store growth and improvement plans, evidence and documented observations to determine educator performance based upon defined rubrics. The electronic system follows the framework for educator evaluation as adopted by the State Board of Education, which includes multiple measures of teacher and principal performance (50 percent) and student academic growth (50 percent).
Jefferson County ESC supervisors are trained to provide trainings for superintendents, principals and teachers on how to navigate and implement the eTPES system. The Jefferson County ESC provided fall training sessions on district set-up for principal and teacher performance and spring training sessions on principal and teacher academic growth measures. ESC supervisors were available for follow-up sessions with districts.
2016-2017 Resident Educator Program
The Resident Educator Program is Ohio’s 4 year induction program to the teaching profession and now in its fifth year of implementation. Each year of the cycle focuses on a different aspect of the Resident Educator Program.
Year 1: One-on-one mentoring with an experienced, trained teacher
Year 2: Differentiated mentor support in one-on-one, co- teaching, and/or cohort settings.
Year 3: Differentiated lesson development to prepare teachers for the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA). All Resident Educators must successfully complete the Resident Educator Summative Assessment. They must take the assessment in Year 3 of the program.
Year 4: Resident Educators have the opportunity to take or retake any tasks not completed in Year 3 of the program during year 4.
Resident Educators in Year 4 of the Resident Educator Program are experienced professionals who realize the complexities of teaching and are continually striving to improve their teaching practices. In Year 4, Resident Educators discover how their skills and knowledge in teaching can lead to teacher leadership. Year 4 Resident Educators have opportunities to explore professional interests, to be innovative and creative, and to discover skills and talents within and outside of their local school learning community.
Throughout the four-year program, Resident Educators and their assigned mentors from Jefferson and Harrison County districts, JVS, Diocese of Steubenville, and Board of DD attend at least two cohort capacity-building sessions with fellow Resident Educators and mentors. Facilitated by JCESC coordinators, the fall session sets expectations for the year and prepares new teachers for the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA) that resident educators must take in year 3 of the program. All Resident Educators must complete the RESA in the third or fourth year of the Ohio Resident Educator Program. Resident Educators must successfully pass the RESA and complete the requirements of all four years of the Ohio Resident Educator Program to qualify for a five-year professional license.
The RESA is a performance assessment that requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, as revealed in their day-to-day teaching. Performance assessments provide direct evidence of what teachers do in the classroom, supported by required written commentary and supporting materials that accurately reflect the daily work that teachers do. The 2016–2017 RESA consists of four performance tasks. For each task, resident educators are asked to provide evidence of their teaching and its impact on student learning. As participants in the assessment, resident educators will be prompted to reflect upon and synthesize what they have learned throughout the Resident Educator Program. The evidence resident educators collect and the commentary resident educators submit will demonstrate their teaching proficiency and readiness for a professional license.
JCESC supervisors work with District Mentor Coordinators (DMCs) who facilitate district-level activities during interim periods between the cohort capacity building meetings. ESC staff provide ongoing guidance and updates to participating school districts throughout the school year. They provide zip files or program videos and information containing resources such as ODE requirements, program foundations, and reports required throughout Years 1-4.
Recruiting eligible classroom teachers for mentors and Year 3 facilitators is an annual, ongoing process in each district. JCESC personnel coordinate and provide the two-day training required for teachers desiring to become credentialed mentors.
ESC staff members coordinating the Resident Educator Program attend two Ohio Department of Education (ODE) training events each fall and spring. Upon return, they meet with District Mentor Coordinators (DMCs) and plan subsequent activities for Resident Educators and mentors.
Math Collaborative
Pacing Guides
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center professional development staff facilitated collaborative sessions with area district teachers of grades 7 and 8 Math, Algebra 1 and Geometry to develop Pacing Guides for district consortium use. Teachers from Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Southern Local, and Toronto City developed the Pacing Guides for their respective courses to be implemented in the Fall of 2017.
Common Short Cycle Assessments
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center professional development department staff followed up the consortium Pacing Guide development by facilitating collaborative sessions with area district teachers of grades 7 and 8 Math, Algebra 1 and Geometry to develop Common Short Cycle Assessments that correlate with the consortium Pacing Guides. Teachers from Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek, and Toronto City developed the Common Short Cycle Assessments for their respective courses to be implemented in the Fall of 2017.
Professional Development Opportunities for 2016-2017
▪ 90 Professional Development sessions were held during the 2016-2017 school year. ▪ 306 Hours of Training occurred in 2016-2017. ▪ 1,922 Teachers and Administrators were in attendance.
Breakdown by District Buckeye Local = 258 Toronto = 163 Edison Local = 221 Jefferson County BDD = 41 Harrison Hills = 193 Jefferson County JVS = 28
Indian Creek = 359 Other = 445 Southern Local = 101 (Includes St. Paul, SST Region 12, ESC, Steubenville = 113 Other Districts Outside Service Area
Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC)
52 License Renewals were processed by the LPDC.
The Jefferson County LPDC Consortium will begin its 20th year in August.
The Consortium includes Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Toronto, and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
The Consortium is committed to assisting individual Educators and Educational Leaders as they work together to create high-quality professional development plans, teams, and systems.
Principals’ Leadership Collaborative
Over 100 Administrators participated in the six (6) sessions held during the 2016-2017 school year.
There are three (3) Goals of the PLC: [1] Topics will be Principal-Driven [2] Topics will be relevant to all Administrators [3] Active Participation & Collaboration by all Principals
The topics for 2017-2018 are being discussed and will be presented during the upcoming school year.
Ohio School Counselors Evaluation System (OSCES)
The Ohio School Counselor Evaluation System was introduced in May of 2016. Blair Closser and Ron Sismondo attended a training in Columbus to become OSCES State-Trainers. There were trainings held throughout the State and the Jefferson County ESC presented four (4) of those trainings during the 2016-2017 school year to approximately 116 Principals and School Counselors within Region 12. The OSCES requires School Counselors to demonstrate their ability in all 6 Standards plus a 7th (Metric Student Outcome).
JCESC Office of Exceptional Children (OEC) Review
The JCESC Special Education Department participated in an OEC Review of it special education services provided to school districts in its consortium. The purpose of the review was to determine compliance with federal and state laws for serving students with disabilities and to assist the ESC and its districts in building a continuous improvement plan.
The review process included the following:
1. Pre-Onsite Activities
2. Onsite Review Activities
3. Post Onsite Activities
4. Strategic Improvement Plan
5. Review of the Strategic Improvement Plan
A team from the OEC reviewed records, observed instruction and related services and conducted a public participation session to receive parental input and questions regarding special educational services children were receiving.
The OEC Review Team commended the JCESC on its collaboration with member school districts and the high level of service it is providing to students with disabilities.
For the 2017-18 school year the JCESC with consortium school districts will implement the strategies recommended by the of OEC to enhance and improve services to students receiving special education.
JCESC Alternative School
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) is operating two Alternative School Classroom Units for the 2017-18 school year.
One unit will serve grades K-5 with a projected enrollment of 12 students consisting of one classroom. This unit will primarily focus on younger students who suffer primarily from psychological, mental health, emotional or behavioral issues. Placement will assist students when the severity of problems greatly inhibits their progress in school and school related activities.
The second unit will serve grades 6-12 with a projected enrollment of 40 students served in two classrooms. One classroom will serve grades 6-8, middle school age students and the other classroom will serve students grades 9-12, high school age students.
The Grades 6-12 unit will provide a structured, behaviorally-enhanced approach to students who demonstrate a pattern of maladaptive behaviors that may include poor attendance, aggression toward others, withdrawal, poor peer/adult relationships and court involvement. The primary goal of the program is to teach students the behaviors necessary to return to their home school program and to function within acceptable behavioral norms of the community.
Both units will provide a structured educational opportunity for those students unable to adjust to alternative programs available in their home schools. Students’ work at the Alternative School will earn them credit from their home school. This will enable students to achieve grades and continue grade advancement and keep students on the path to graduation. It will also reduce school suspensions and provide home schools an opportunity for drop-out recovery.
In addition to providing for students’ academic needs, the Alternative School will provide counseling sessions to support students’ emotional growth. Students will participate in group counseling sessions daily, and individual counseling sessions weekly. Case management services will also be provided to those students who require it.
The Jefferson County Alternative School will be located in the Steubenville City School District McKinley Building, 1400 West Adams Street.