Educators Welcomed Back at Administrative Breakfast
STEUBENVILLE-Ninety educators and representatives of community organizations gathered at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville on Thursday for the annual administrative breakfast hosted by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko welcomed the group back for another school year while superintendents and other administrators from districts in Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties briefly updated the audience and recognized officials from Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, JCESC, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern Local, Steubenville and Toronto. Others on hand represented Brightway Center, Coleman Professional Services and ProgressBook. The main speakers for the event included Eastern Gateway Community College President Dr. Jimmie Bruce, who shared exciting news about growth and opportunities; Anastacia Galloway-Reed, professional development associate with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., who discussed trainings and other programs the organization did in partnership with JCESC and local districts to enhance classroom learning; Mark Jackson, general counsel for Jefferson Health Plan and an attorney for schools through Pebble and Waggoner of Columbus, who highlighted recent court rulings that impact educators; and Mark Smith, truancy officer for Harrison Hills City Schools, who shared a spirited message about going the extra mile to help a child achieve success.
Dr. Bruce projected positive growth in attendance numbers and new programs at both of EGCC’s Steubenville and Youngstown campuses. Combined with online students and high schoolers taking part in College Credit Plus, he estimated that enrollment numbers could reach as much as 9,500 students, making it the largest enrollment in the state.
“This fall, EGCC will be one of, if not the fastest-growing community colleges in the U.S.,” he said. “I think there is more we can do yet. When I came to the college two years ago, I think we had 500 students in College Credit Plus. We expect to have 1,600 in the four counties, so it’s thriving and growing.”
EGCC is also adding new programs in the realms of health care, information technology and business management as well as the availability of short-term certificate programs and associate degrees, all while retaining an affordable tuition rate of $3,500 per year. Dr. Bruce said students who take part in College Credit Plus not only gain credit hours for college courses but
also save on costs in the long run. He also referred to financial aid opportunities such as grants and scholarships; benefits such as free tuition available to Ohio Education Association (OEA) and Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) members and their families; a partnership with Trinity School of Nursing, which will be housed on campus starting this winter; the $2 million Student Success Center set to be unveiled in the fall of 2018 and will include a Barnes & Noble Bookstore, café and student services areas; and the addition of the Gators baseball team this year with future plans to form volleyball and men and women’s basketball teams.
Dr. Bruce encouraged the audience to spread the word about EGCC’s offerings and noted that local high schoolers could learn more when the community college hosts Consider College Fest on Sept. 26.
Galloway-Reed, who hails from Weirton, said her team has traveled throughout the country to assist educators but it was a privilege to come home and collaborate with JCESC and local schools.
“In the past year in Ohio, I’ve worked closely with [JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi] in the professional development department, and we worked with related arts teachers on project-based learning,” she said, adding that she has collaborated with Toronto and Harrison Hills City Schools and the Jefferson County Alternative Schools, as well.
Jackson updated the crowd on statutory changes in the state budget bill, including student eligibility regarding College Credit Plus and an attempt to remove the resident educator program. The latter was among the 47 vetoes given by Gov. John Kasich but legislators are reconvening next month to consider overriding them. Other items under consideration are an opioid instruction requirement as part of prevention education; eased regulations regarding substitute education aides with temporary licensure; and a framework for students to gain credit on work-based learning.
He also highlighted court rulings, including a federal district case allowing school districts to bar unauthorized people from the premises during school hours and an Ohio appellate case regarding interpretation of OTES evaluations.
Finally, Smith gave an impassioned speech encouraging educators to “go the extra mile” to help a child. As a truancy officer, he said he has helped students and families connect with resources, but there were growing issues youth faced such as abuse, alcoholism and teen pregnancy. He told school officials that it may be difficult to step outside the box but people needed to have authentic, caring hearts to help a child overcome problems.
“If you have any opportunity to help a child in need, do it at all costs. The kids we are all dealing with are facing real world issues,” he commented. “We have seen an onslaught of alcoholism, drugs, abuse, broken families and teen pregnancy. Go the extra mile and do something genuine and true.”
He recalled helping one student facing a difficult issue and noted that one small action could make a huge impact on a young life.
“Be the person among your group in life and in school to be positive,” he urged. “Let’s start exposing the good in the lives of kids and let them know they are meant for something more. Encouragement is a mighty backbone for success.”
Dr. Kokiko closed the gathering with some final thoughts, saying he recently heard a speech on how changes could impact society. He said many changes have occurred in area districts with new administrators and teachers in schools.
“I truly believe in education and the importance of continued growth,” he said. “Things are going to change, and organizations that adapt survive, thrive and embrace change. We have a lot of new faces in the audience today. I hope you identify and embrace the changes and provide the best possible education for your students. Understand that the ESC is here to support you and your initiatives.”
STEUBENVILLE-Ninety educators and representatives of community organizations gathered at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville on Thursday for the annual administrative breakfast hosted by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko welcomed the group back for another school year while superintendents and other administrators from districts in Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties briefly updated the audience and recognized officials from Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, JCESC, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern Local, Steubenville and Toronto. Others on hand represented Brightway Center, Coleman Professional Services and ProgressBook. The main speakers for the event included Eastern Gateway Community College President Dr. Jimmie Bruce, who shared exciting news about growth and opportunities; Anastacia Galloway-Reed, professional development associate with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., who discussed trainings and other programs the organization did in partnership with JCESC and local districts to enhance classroom learning; Mark Jackson, general counsel for Jefferson Health Plan and an attorney for schools through Pebble and Waggoner of Columbus, who highlighted recent court rulings that impact educators; and Mark Smith, truancy officer for Harrison Hills City Schools, who shared a spirited message about going the extra mile to help a child achieve success.
Dr. Bruce projected positive growth in attendance numbers and new programs at both of EGCC’s Steubenville and Youngstown campuses. Combined with online students and high schoolers taking part in College Credit Plus, he estimated that enrollment numbers could reach as much as 9,500 students, making it the largest enrollment in the state.
“This fall, EGCC will be one of, if not the fastest-growing community colleges in the U.S.,” he said. “I think there is more we can do yet. When I came to the college two years ago, I think we had 500 students in College Credit Plus. We expect to have 1,600 in the four counties, so it’s thriving and growing.”
EGCC is also adding new programs in the realms of health care, information technology and business management as well as the availability of short-term certificate programs and associate degrees, all while retaining an affordable tuition rate of $3,500 per year. Dr. Bruce said students who take part in College Credit Plus not only gain credit hours for college courses but
also save on costs in the long run. He also referred to financial aid opportunities such as grants and scholarships; benefits such as free tuition available to Ohio Education Association (OEA) and Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) members and their families; a partnership with Trinity School of Nursing, which will be housed on campus starting this winter; the $2 million Student Success Center set to be unveiled in the fall of 2018 and will include a Barnes & Noble Bookstore, café and student services areas; and the addition of the Gators baseball team this year with future plans to form volleyball and men and women’s basketball teams.
Dr. Bruce encouraged the audience to spread the word about EGCC’s offerings and noted that local high schoolers could learn more when the community college hosts Consider College Fest on Sept. 26.
Galloway-Reed, who hails from Weirton, said her team has traveled throughout the country to assist educators but it was a privilege to come home and collaborate with JCESC and local schools.
“In the past year in Ohio, I’ve worked closely with [JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi] in the professional development department, and we worked with related arts teachers on project-based learning,” she said, adding that she has collaborated with Toronto and Harrison Hills City Schools and the Jefferson County Alternative Schools, as well.
Jackson updated the crowd on statutory changes in the state budget bill, including student eligibility regarding College Credit Plus and an attempt to remove the resident educator program. The latter was among the 47 vetoes given by Gov. John Kasich but legislators are reconvening next month to consider overriding them. Other items under consideration are an opioid instruction requirement as part of prevention education; eased regulations regarding substitute education aides with temporary licensure; and a framework for students to gain credit on work-based learning.
He also highlighted court rulings, including a federal district case allowing school districts to bar unauthorized people from the premises during school hours and an Ohio appellate case regarding interpretation of OTES evaluations.
Finally, Smith gave an impassioned speech encouraging educators to “go the extra mile” to help a child. As a truancy officer, he said he has helped students and families connect with resources, but there were growing issues youth faced such as abuse, alcoholism and teen pregnancy. He told school officials that it may be difficult to step outside the box but people needed to have authentic, caring hearts to help a child overcome problems.
“If you have any opportunity to help a child in need, do it at all costs. The kids we are all dealing with are facing real world issues,” he commented. “We have seen an onslaught of alcoholism, drugs, abuse, broken families and teen pregnancy. Go the extra mile and do something genuine and true.”
He recalled helping one student facing a difficult issue and noted that one small action could make a huge impact on a young life.
“Be the person among your group in life and in school to be positive,” he urged. “Let’s start exposing the good in the lives of kids and let them know they are meant for something more. Encouragement is a mighty backbone for success.”
Dr. Kokiko closed the gathering with some final thoughts, saying he recently heard a speech on how changes could impact society. He said many changes have occurred in area districts with new administrators and teachers in schools.
“I truly believe in education and the importance of continued growth,” he said. “Things are going to change, and organizations that adapt survive, thrive and embrace change. We have a lot of new faces in the audience today. I hope you identify and embrace the changes and provide the best possible education for your students. Understand that the ESC is here to support you and your initiatives.”
Dr. Chuck Kokiko, superintendent of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, greeted a crowd of about 90 educators and community organization representatives during the annual JCESC Administrator’s Breakfast on Aug. 10 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville. Each district recognized administrators and provided updates on projects, while speakers included Dr. Jimmie Bruce, president of Eastern Gateway Community College; Anastasia Galloway-Reed, professional development associate with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo.; Mark Jackson, general counsel for Jefferson Health Plan; and Mark Smith, truancy officer for Harrison Hills City Schools.
21st Century Grant Aids Quest for Success Program
STEUBENVILLE-A five-year, $850,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education is helping to establish a new afterschool program targeting middle school students.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center received the 21st Century Grant from ODE to form Quest for Success, which will focus on Jefferson County students in grades 6-8 with programming to boost math and literacy skills as well as social development. Mark Masloski, JCESC administrative assistant and Quest program manager, said the grant will provide $200,000 annually for the first three years, followed by $150,000 during year four and $100,000 the final year. Activities will be held each week at the former McKinley Elementary School which houses Steubenville City Schools’ board office and Jefferson County Alternative School and the first program begins on Oct. 23 from 2-5 p.m.
“Evidence-based literacy and math intervention will be utilized by Franciscan University and Coleman Professional Services, who are the primary partners for this grant,” Masloski explained. “In addition, the program will offer weekend events and family activities throughout the school year.”
Franciscan University and Coleman Professional Services will provide students and counselors for the events and about 12 hours of programming are required per week as part of the grant’s stipulations. Literacy and math intervention activities will be held four days a week through May using the STAR Reading and STAR Math online programs while social and emotional programs, family and community outreach and career and college readiness events will also be in the mix. He added that the sessions will include time for snacks, surveys and exercise followed by the online programming and Quest activities. Franciscan University’s education department will conduct literacy nights and book club on Mondays with Coleman representatives offering Character Counts and Manners Matters on Tuesdays, Reekdoe Education Services holding career and college readiness events on Wednesdays and family and community outreach offered by McGuire Associates and JCESC staff on Thursdays. JCESC officials are also working with Brightway Services of Smithfield to schedule programs and Saturday events and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been contracted to provide transportation.
Quest’s support system includes Masloski as program manager, Fatima Smuck as site coordinator and Craig McGuire as grant evaluator with others serving as community coordinator, family coordinator, career and readiness coordinator, online programmer and academic tutors. Masloski thanked the Jefferson County school districts for their involvement and support, Steubenville City Schools for housing the program, the JCBDD for providing transportation and the program’s primary partners. JCESC leaders said they were pleased to receive the funding and excited about benefitting students by providing additional support and intervention for their academics and social and emotional well-being, as well as an opportunity to have a positive outlet outside the school day. In addition to program staff support, Quest will utilize county-wide resources to help support students and families.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko commented that the programming will fill a definite need in the school community.
“In recent years, JCESC has actively sought funding to provide after-school supports to students as this type of service has been identified as a community need,” Dr. Kokiko added. “We are very grateful to those who helped secure the grant at JCESC as well as the community groups who have stepped in to create what we believe is an outstanding after-school option for students.”
For more information about events, contact Masloski at JCESC (740) 283-3347, Ext. 134, or Martariesa Fiala at Ext. 100, or visit the website at http://questforsuccesssteubenville.weebly.com.
A five-year, $850,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education will benefit middle school students by providing activities to build math, literacy and character skills. The 21st Century Grant will promote the Quest for Success program conducted in partnership between the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, Franciscan University of Steubenville and Coleman Professional Services and activities begin Oct. 23. Pictured are, front from left, are support team members Raymond Saccoccia, Martariesa Fiala and Jason Schwartzmiller. Back: Mark Masloski, Mike Emery and Craig McGuire. Not pictured are Amy Mihalyo, Fatima Smuck and Lee Gillison.)
Dome Theater Takes Viewers Through Time
STEUBENVILLE- Jefferson County students and their families took a trip through time and space during a presentation of the Dome Theater on Nov. 4.
About 25 people attended the event at Harding Middle School, which was sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and coordinated through Quest for Success, a program funded through a 21st Century Grant by the Ohio Department of Education. The Dome Theater, which is based in Grand Rapids, Mich., is a science education program that began in 2008 and travels to schools across the country. It was developed by Rice University and the Houston Museum of Natural Science and History with added support from NASA and includes a portable, high-definition planetarium featuring 30-minute presentations narrated by Tom Hanks, Walter Cronkite and more.
Students ranging from primary to middle school showed up and ventured inside the blue igloo-type inflatable structure, where they could watch programs on the overhead screen. Subjects included “Moons: World of Mystery,” “Dinosaur Prophecy,” “Timespace” and “Titanic” and gave spectators a sense of actually being there. Students on hand said they enjoyed the presentation.
“The program was really good,” said Nolan Blackburn, a fourth-grader at Wells Academy. “It taught me how dinosaurs lived, how the asteroids hit and how they got out of there.”
“I liked it very much,” said Jordan Ribar, a fifth-grader at Harding. “It introduced new things to me about the Titanic and dinosaurs.”
“I liked how they introduced new stuff, and with the Jurassic movie it was neat how Triceratops had long horns,” noted Joby Ribar, a second-grader at Pugliese West Elementary.
“It was cool,” added Julianna King, an eighth-grader at Harding.
Martariesa Fiala, community coordinator for Quest for Success, said the Dome Theater was a unique way to educate the public in a fun environment.
“I think it was a success,” Fiala added.
Fiala was joined by Fatima Smuck, site coordinator for Quest for Success, as well as program representatives Lee Gillison, Amy Mihalyo, Jason Schwartzmiller and Raymond Saccocia plus Harding Principal Bryan Mills. Quest representatives also distributed about the weekly afterschool programs available at the McKinley Building along West Adams Street in Steubenville and registered middle school-aged students to attend. Sessions are held Monday to Thursday from 2-5 p.m. About 30-35 students in grades 5-8 presently attend from school districts throughout the county and the goal is to increase opportunities for students to succeed in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement. Quest for Success, which is funded through a five-year, $850,000 grant
from ODE, is working in conjunction with Coleman Professional Services, Franciscan University of Steubenville and Brightway Center in Smithfield to provide programming. More community events are being planned with a game day set at Brightway Center on Jan. 6 and a family seminar at the McKinley Building on Jan. 20.
For more information about Quest for Success programs, contact Mark Masloski, program coordinator and administrative assistant at JCESC, at (740) 283-3347, Ext. 134, or Fiala at Ext. 100 or go online to questforsuccesssteubenville.weebly.com.
Youngsters and family members enjoyed science programs in an inflatable planetarium when the Dome Theater was presented at Harding Middle School on Nov. 4. About 25 people attended and viewed programs about dinosaurs, space and the Titanic. The program was sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and Quest for Success. Pictured under the dome are, front from left, Anthony Biasi, Elizabeth Taggart, Kayla Biasi and John Prokop. Back: Amelia Taggart, Lisa Biasi and Tammy Fiala.