(Photo Cutline: Wintersville Elementary student Brock Pendleton poses with construction paper hands linked in solidarity during Unity Day activities at the school. Students donned special T-shirts and promoted togetherness to stand up against bullying).
Wintersville Elementary Celebrates Unity Day
Wintersville Elementary School celebrated togetherness during Unity Day on Oct. 21.
The school’s administration, staff and estimated 650 students donned specially made red and gold Indian Creek T-shirts to mark the occasion, which part of its anti- bullying efforts. The event was spearheaded by the Fourth-Grade Student Council as a way to show support for each other and make the school a positive environment in which to learn.
“I feel this was an extension of our Bully Prevention Week [held in September] because we need to start realizing that we are all working toward the same thing,” said fourth-grade teacher and advisor Toni Voltz. “Unity Day talks about what it means to be united. This allowed them to not just focus on the vocabulary for bully prevention, this focuses on the entire meaning behind what we’re doing. I feel like this provided them with a lot more visuals of the how’s and why’s of it.”
Banners were hung around the school encouraging togetherness while construction paper hands were linked as a further sign of solidarity. Students involved said they got the message and they hoped to spread it further.
“It’s to take care of bullying prevention,” said fourth-grader Nicky Maurer.
“We help people,” added fourth-grader Noah Tweedy.
The event was part of World Unity Day recognition in October. Voltz hopes to do even more to stand up against bullying and promote kindness, such as wearing their Unity Day shirts and performing activities one Friday a month. The student council will soon gear up for its food drive around the holidays and plans to also conduct Random Acts of Kindness week in the spring.
Wintersville Elementary Celebrates Unity Day
Wintersville Elementary School celebrated togetherness during Unity Day on Oct. 21.
The school’s administration, staff and estimated 650 students donned specially made red and gold Indian Creek T-shirts to mark the occasion, which part of its anti- bullying efforts. The event was spearheaded by the Fourth-Grade Student Council as a way to show support for each other and make the school a positive environment in which to learn.
“I feel this was an extension of our Bully Prevention Week [held in September] because we need to start realizing that we are all working toward the same thing,” said fourth-grade teacher and advisor Toni Voltz. “Unity Day talks about what it means to be united. This allowed them to not just focus on the vocabulary for bully prevention, this focuses on the entire meaning behind what we’re doing. I feel like this provided them with a lot more visuals of the how’s and why’s of it.”
Banners were hung around the school encouraging togetherness while construction paper hands were linked as a further sign of solidarity. Students involved said they got the message and they hoped to spread it further.
“It’s to take care of bullying prevention,” said fourth-grader Nicky Maurer.
“We help people,” added fourth-grader Noah Tweedy.
The event was part of World Unity Day recognition in October. Voltz hopes to do even more to stand up against bullying and promote kindness, such as wearing their Unity Day shirts and performing activities one Friday a month. The student council will soon gear up for its food drive around the holidays and plans to also conduct Random Acts of Kindness week in the spring.
(Photo Cutline: Wintersville Elementary students Nicky Maurer, Maddie Ujcich, Noah Tweedy, and Addyson Bank wore flannel duds for Freaky Flannel Friday during the United Way Week fundraiser at the school, which exceeded last year’s monetary total.)
Wintersville Elementary Exceeds United Way Goal
WINTERSVILLE-United Way Week has begun at Wintersville Elementary School and the fundraiser has already exceeded last year’s total collection.
More than 650 students gathered sponsorships to benefit the United Way of Jefferson County, as well as to obtain prizes on various levels. Second-grade teacher Makenzie Householder, who has coordinated efforts with fellow second-grade teacher Sarah Hayes, was pleased with the response it has received.
“We currently have $4,200, which is almost $1,800 more than last year,” said Householder. “We’ve had daily treats and dress up days and a Sadie Hawkins dance with a photo booth, mechanical bull and food.”
She said this year’s moneymaker was altered to incorporate sponsorships instead of daily $1 collections. Students have gathered donations in an attempt to reach different levels for rewards. Level one for $5 allowed them to dress up each day between Oct. 23-29, beginning with Mad Hair Monday; Terrifying Tuesday, where students dress as zombies or monsters; Wacky Wednesday, wear they don mismatched clothes; and Themed Thursday will be all about P.J.’s and painting pumpkins. A Level Two donation of $10 permitted dressing up and a treat each day, such as cupcakes, suckers and chocolate; Level Three includes both dressing up and treats, plus an “Indian Creek Supports United Way” T-shirt for a $15 contribution; Level Four, for $20, includes the three prior prizes and a movie day; and Level Five, which is a $25 donation, incorporates the four levels of prizes plus free admission to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Kids could also add $5 to their total contribution to attend the dance, which was held on Oct. 23.
Householder said the top fundraising class would be treated to a pizza party while the top 20 fundraising students will receive a ride on a party bus to the mall for pizza and laser tag.
Principal Lorrie Jarrett was impressed with the outcome thus far.
“We’ve exceeded our goal,” she said. “They are really very giving.”
Wintersville Elementary Exceeds United Way Goal
WINTERSVILLE-United Way Week has begun at Wintersville Elementary School and the fundraiser has already exceeded last year’s total collection.
More than 650 students gathered sponsorships to benefit the United Way of Jefferson County, as well as to obtain prizes on various levels. Second-grade teacher Makenzie Householder, who has coordinated efforts with fellow second-grade teacher Sarah Hayes, was pleased with the response it has received.
“We currently have $4,200, which is almost $1,800 more than last year,” said Householder. “We’ve had daily treats and dress up days and a Sadie Hawkins dance with a photo booth, mechanical bull and food.”
She said this year’s moneymaker was altered to incorporate sponsorships instead of daily $1 collections. Students have gathered donations in an attempt to reach different levels for rewards. Level one for $5 allowed them to dress up each day between Oct. 23-29, beginning with Mad Hair Monday; Terrifying Tuesday, where students dress as zombies or monsters; Wacky Wednesday, wear they don mismatched clothes; and Themed Thursday will be all about P.J.’s and painting pumpkins. A Level Two donation of $10 permitted dressing up and a treat each day, such as cupcakes, suckers and chocolate; Level Three includes both dressing up and treats, plus an “Indian Creek Supports United Way” T-shirt for a $15 contribution; Level Four, for $20, includes the three prior prizes and a movie day; and Level Five, which is a $25 donation, incorporates the four levels of prizes plus free admission to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Kids could also add $5 to their total contribution to attend the dance, which was held on Oct. 23.
Householder said the top fundraising class would be treated to a pizza party while the top 20 fundraising students will receive a ride on a party bus to the mall for pizza and laser tag.
Principal Lorrie Jarrett was impressed with the outcome thus far.
“We’ve exceeded our goal,” she said. “They are really very giving.”
(Photo Cutline: Indian Creek Middle School Grade 5-6 Principal Toni Dondzila meets with 20 sixth- and eighth-graders for a regular lunchtime Principal’s Reading Club to inspire students to enjoy reading literature for pleasure.)
Principal’s Club Building at ICMS
MINGO JUNCTION-Indian Creek Middle School students are picking up a book outside of the classroom to take part in a new Principal’s Reading Club.
Grade 5-6 Principal Toni Dondzila began the lunchtime meetings in September and now it stands at 20 participants. Sixth- and eighth-graders gather in the school conference room each Monday at lunchtime to read and discuss a selection of novels based upon their grade levels. Dondzila said interest has been building in literature as an extracurricular activity.
She was inspired to start a similar group while principal at Wintersville Elementary but revisited the concept at the middle school following a request by a student.
“A sixth-grader came to me wanting to start a reading club. I asked an eighth-grader I knew loved reading,” she said. “I asked the sixth- and eighth-grade teachers to recommend books.”
Ten sixth-graders and 10 eighth-graders meet up to read and discuss novels and Dondzila said the experience has inspired her, as well.
“They push me, especially the sixth-graders. It’s a highlight for them,” she continued. “It was student driven.”
But she hopes the idea of reading for enjoyment continues well into their future.
“Research shows that test scores go up the more they are exposed to reading. My hope is for them to have a lifelong love of reading and be part of a book club.”
Principal’s Club Building at ICMS
MINGO JUNCTION-Indian Creek Middle School students are picking up a book outside of the classroom to take part in a new Principal’s Reading Club.
Grade 5-6 Principal Toni Dondzila began the lunchtime meetings in September and now it stands at 20 participants. Sixth- and eighth-graders gather in the school conference room each Monday at lunchtime to read and discuss a selection of novels based upon their grade levels. Dondzila said interest has been building in literature as an extracurricular activity.
She was inspired to start a similar group while principal at Wintersville Elementary but revisited the concept at the middle school following a request by a student.
“A sixth-grader came to me wanting to start a reading club. I asked an eighth-grader I knew loved reading,” she said. “I asked the sixth- and eighth-grade teachers to recommend books.”
Ten sixth-graders and 10 eighth-graders meet up to read and discuss novels and Dondzila said the experience has inspired her, as well.
“They push me, especially the sixth-graders. It’s a highlight for them,” she continued. “It was student driven.”
But she hopes the idea of reading for enjoyment continues well into their future.
“Research shows that test scores go up the more they are exposed to reading. My hope is for them to have a lifelong love of reading and be part of a book club.”
(Photo Cutline: Indian Creek High School students are taking part in the Believe in Ohio Program with guidance from science teacher Barbara Turner. Pictured, from left, are Turner, Harrison Trikones, Kelly Kovach, Kyle Weaver, Devin Kniszek, Drew Markja, Isaiah Martin. Not pictured are Nick Donohue, Steven Westlake and Tristan McDonald.)
ICHS Students Put Problem-Solving Skills to the Test
WINTERSVILLE-Indian Creek High School students are putting their problem-solving skills to the test in the 2014-2015 Believe in OHIO Program.
High school students across the state were invited to submit Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Commercialization and Business Plans for the program, which is provided by the Ohio Academy of Science and Entrepreneurial Engagement with Ohio with support from NorTech, the Ohio General Assembly and the Ohio Board of Regents. This year’s theme is “OHIO Roadmap to Future Jobs and Prosperity,” and the free program helps prepare students by introducing them to the “Innovation Economy of the Future,” inspiring them to pursue their STEM education and careers in Ohio, and encouraging them to become one of the innovators and entrepreneurs Ohio needs to develop new products, services and jobs of the future. While the Believe in Ohio program includes many components and activities, an integral part is an annual STEM Commercialization and STEM Business Plan Competition that began this past school year and allows students to compete for nearly $2 million in cash awards and scholarships to colleges and universities statewide.
Nine students at ICHS are entering the program under the tutelage of teacher/advisor Barbara Turner. She approached honors chemistry students last year about the prospect and they have met weekly to discuss ideas. Among those participating are Harrison Trikones, Kelly Kovach, Kyle Weaver, Devin Kniszek, Drew Markja, Isaiah Martin, Nick Donohue, Steven Westlake and Tristan McDonald.
“They pick a category, think of a solution and write a paper using research to show why it’s going to work and how it solves the problem,” Turner said. “We had 18 signed up last year as interested but six to eight regularly come to meetings and have started developing a commercialization plan.”
As part of the competition, each pupil is tasked with providing a written plan for grading by local teachers at the high school level, but Turner said engineering and technology experts will also be involved in the process. In addition, students may also be required to do a “stand and deliver” podium/PowerPoint presentation or create a poster board for an oral presentation. Depending on the number of participants, up to $2,000 in competition awards may be provided to each high school. Local awardees must be selected and reported to the Ohio Academy of Science by March 12 to be eligible for the regional competition. The regional portion entails judging of the written plans in late March. Scores range from 12 points for good to 36 points for superior and local high school teachers may nominate superior-rated student plans to participate in one of the regional competitions. The state competition occurs around April or May and judging will include both an evaluation of written plans as well as a brief presentation to judges. The regional and statewide competition offers nine STEM Commercialization Plan categories and three Business Plan categories. STEM Commercialization Plan categories primarily emphasize proof of STEM concepts and include Advanced Materials, Aerospace and Aviation, Agriculture, Food Technology and Bio-Products, Computer Science and Information Technology, Alternative Energy and Energy Storage, Environmental Technology, Medical Devices, Products and Services, Cellular, Molecular, Genomic, Pharmaceutical and Regenerative Medicine, and Sensing and Automation Technologies and Manufacturing. In addition, STEM Business Plan categories focus on the business and financial proof of concepts and include Biological/Medical, Physical/Engineering, and Earth/Space/Environmental.
ICHS Students Put Problem-Solving Skills to the Test
WINTERSVILLE-Indian Creek High School students are putting their problem-solving skills to the test in the 2014-2015 Believe in OHIO Program.
High school students across the state were invited to submit Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Commercialization and Business Plans for the program, which is provided by the Ohio Academy of Science and Entrepreneurial Engagement with Ohio with support from NorTech, the Ohio General Assembly and the Ohio Board of Regents. This year’s theme is “OHIO Roadmap to Future Jobs and Prosperity,” and the free program helps prepare students by introducing them to the “Innovation Economy of the Future,” inspiring them to pursue their STEM education and careers in Ohio, and encouraging them to become one of the innovators and entrepreneurs Ohio needs to develop new products, services and jobs of the future. While the Believe in Ohio program includes many components and activities, an integral part is an annual STEM Commercialization and STEM Business Plan Competition that began this past school year and allows students to compete for nearly $2 million in cash awards and scholarships to colleges and universities statewide.
Nine students at ICHS are entering the program under the tutelage of teacher/advisor Barbara Turner. She approached honors chemistry students last year about the prospect and they have met weekly to discuss ideas. Among those participating are Harrison Trikones, Kelly Kovach, Kyle Weaver, Devin Kniszek, Drew Markja, Isaiah Martin, Nick Donohue, Steven Westlake and Tristan McDonald.
“They pick a category, think of a solution and write a paper using research to show why it’s going to work and how it solves the problem,” Turner said. “We had 18 signed up last year as interested but six to eight regularly come to meetings and have started developing a commercialization plan.”
As part of the competition, each pupil is tasked with providing a written plan for grading by local teachers at the high school level, but Turner said engineering and technology experts will also be involved in the process. In addition, students may also be required to do a “stand and deliver” podium/PowerPoint presentation or create a poster board for an oral presentation. Depending on the number of participants, up to $2,000 in competition awards may be provided to each high school. Local awardees must be selected and reported to the Ohio Academy of Science by March 12 to be eligible for the regional competition. The regional portion entails judging of the written plans in late March. Scores range from 12 points for good to 36 points for superior and local high school teachers may nominate superior-rated student plans to participate in one of the regional competitions. The state competition occurs around April or May and judging will include both an evaluation of written plans as well as a brief presentation to judges. The regional and statewide competition offers nine STEM Commercialization Plan categories and three Business Plan categories. STEM Commercialization Plan categories primarily emphasize proof of STEM concepts and include Advanced Materials, Aerospace and Aviation, Agriculture, Food Technology and Bio-Products, Computer Science and Information Technology, Alternative Energy and Energy Storage, Environmental Technology, Medical Devices, Products and Services, Cellular, Molecular, Genomic, Pharmaceutical and Regenerative Medicine, and Sensing and Automation Technologies and Manufacturing. In addition, STEM Business Plan categories focus on the business and financial proof of concepts and include Biological/Medical, Physical/Engineering, and Earth/Space/Environmental.
(Photo Cutline: Hills Elementary students Amelia Ferroni, Kirsten Driscoll, Lucca Morrelli, and Georgie Stoddart read their winning essays during the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 30 in Mingo Junction.)
Cherry Blossom Festival Honors School History
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School played a big part in the Seventh Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Mingo Junction on April 30, which drew dozens of people to celebrate efforts of educators both past and present.
Students, their families, educators, and community leaders were not deterred by the light rain as they gathered at the Cherry Blossom Memorial Park near the former Mingo Junction High School, where they heard songs from the Hills and Indian Creek Middle School Choirs, speeches from school and local leaders, and essays from Hills students. The Mingo Business Association sponsored the event and village Councilman Adam Peeler acted as emcee. The crowd heard patriotic and other songs from the choirs while Indian Creek Local School Board and MBA member Bob Smith gave a brief history of the park, which was founded to honor educators and staff members who made a difference in the lives of children at MHS, Mingo Central Jr. High, Hills, Harmony, and St. Agnes schools. Cherry blossom trees and a memorial wall were added to honor those individuals and children have been invited to the park each April to take part in the ceremony. Officials said the Hills students are the “lynchpin” for the preservation of Mingo High School’s history, which lasted from 1893-1993.
“This park started seven years ago. We were thinking of what we could do to honor folks who were educators at Mingo High School,” Smith said. “We were going to plant a tree for everyone honored, but we were approached about having people who touched lives at Mingo High, St. Agnes, Hills, and Harmony, but everything dealt with people who came to Mingo High School. We have a steep tradition here in Mingo. We’re still prof and we’ll continue this thing as long as we can do it.”
Mingo Mayor John “Wiz” Fabian welcomed attendants and lauded MBA Vice President Jim Freiling and his wife, Kathy, played key roles in making the park and festival happen.
“I think we have a very good relationship with the Indian Creek Local School District and I’m proud to have [ICMS] in Mingo,” Fabian added.
Hills Elementary Principal Cecilia Fritz touted teachers and other school members for their hard work, saying she was pleased to be part of the district.
“Every day, your children come to our schools for an education. That wall of fame has not only educators, but bus drivers who have helped [as aides to take children to the buses],” she added. “All of those trees represent educators the children have gotten. They are growing and so are your children.”
Fritz and choir director Carolyn Cole were recognized with pavers at the park and Fritz was surprised as the latest inductee to the memorial wall.
Indian Creek School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear recognized the ongoing commitment between the district and community, adding the festival highlighted what was great about the area.
“The one thing that strikes me is the cherry blossoms represent spring, and spring represents hope and the future,” Dr. Chappelear said. “I look forward to partnering with the village and the towns we serve.”
Additionally, fourth-graders Amelia Ferroni, Kirsten Driscoll, Lucca Morrelli, and Georgie Stoddart read their winning essays, which captured the origin of the cherry blossom trees in America and subsequent celebratory festivals in both Washington, D.C., and Mingo. The essayists received passes to the Mingo Junction Community Days event in August, as well as to the community pool. The prizes were compliments of the Mingo Business Association and Mayor Fabian. The children also received proclamations recognizing their achievement from Ohio Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) and Bianca Koup, a representative of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta).
Sen. Gentile congratulated everyone involved and said Fritz was well deserving of the award, adding that the event was a great way to honor the past educators and involve the present with the children’s involvement. Koup said she was honored to help recognize school members who had such a positive impact on kids. The celebration closed with a flag-raising ceremony and refreshments.
Cherry Blossom Festival Honors School History
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School played a big part in the Seventh Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Mingo Junction on April 30, which drew dozens of people to celebrate efforts of educators both past and present.
Students, their families, educators, and community leaders were not deterred by the light rain as they gathered at the Cherry Blossom Memorial Park near the former Mingo Junction High School, where they heard songs from the Hills and Indian Creek Middle School Choirs, speeches from school and local leaders, and essays from Hills students. The Mingo Business Association sponsored the event and village Councilman Adam Peeler acted as emcee. The crowd heard patriotic and other songs from the choirs while Indian Creek Local School Board and MBA member Bob Smith gave a brief history of the park, which was founded to honor educators and staff members who made a difference in the lives of children at MHS, Mingo Central Jr. High, Hills, Harmony, and St. Agnes schools. Cherry blossom trees and a memorial wall were added to honor those individuals and children have been invited to the park each April to take part in the ceremony. Officials said the Hills students are the “lynchpin” for the preservation of Mingo High School’s history, which lasted from 1893-1993.
“This park started seven years ago. We were thinking of what we could do to honor folks who were educators at Mingo High School,” Smith said. “We were going to plant a tree for everyone honored, but we were approached about having people who touched lives at Mingo High, St. Agnes, Hills, and Harmony, but everything dealt with people who came to Mingo High School. We have a steep tradition here in Mingo. We’re still prof and we’ll continue this thing as long as we can do it.”
Mingo Mayor John “Wiz” Fabian welcomed attendants and lauded MBA Vice President Jim Freiling and his wife, Kathy, played key roles in making the park and festival happen.
“I think we have a very good relationship with the Indian Creek Local School District and I’m proud to have [ICMS] in Mingo,” Fabian added.
Hills Elementary Principal Cecilia Fritz touted teachers and other school members for their hard work, saying she was pleased to be part of the district.
“Every day, your children come to our schools for an education. That wall of fame has not only educators, but bus drivers who have helped [as aides to take children to the buses],” she added. “All of those trees represent educators the children have gotten. They are growing and so are your children.”
Fritz and choir director Carolyn Cole were recognized with pavers at the park and Fritz was surprised as the latest inductee to the memorial wall.
Indian Creek School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear recognized the ongoing commitment between the district and community, adding the festival highlighted what was great about the area.
“The one thing that strikes me is the cherry blossoms represent spring, and spring represents hope and the future,” Dr. Chappelear said. “I look forward to partnering with the village and the towns we serve.”
Additionally, fourth-graders Amelia Ferroni, Kirsten Driscoll, Lucca Morrelli, and Georgie Stoddart read their winning essays, which captured the origin of the cherry blossom trees in America and subsequent celebratory festivals in both Washington, D.C., and Mingo. The essayists received passes to the Mingo Junction Community Days event in August, as well as to the community pool. The prizes were compliments of the Mingo Business Association and Mayor Fabian. The children also received proclamations recognizing their achievement from Ohio Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) and Bianca Koup, a representative of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta).
Sen. Gentile congratulated everyone involved and said Fritz was well deserving of the award, adding that the event was a great way to honor the past educators and involve the present with the children’s involvement. Koup said she was honored to help recognize school members who had such a positive impact on kids. The celebration closed with a flag-raising ceremony and refreshments.