Hills Helps Kids, Friendship Room
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School students are doing their part to ensure that people stay warm as the temperatures fall this winter with a mitten tree project.
Preschool teacher Ashley Turnbull has organized the event as a way for the children to help others as the colder weather approaches. She said new hats, scarves and gloves were being accepted until Dec. 16 to benefit both children in need at the school while others will be donated to the Friendship Room warming center in Steubenville.
“The mitten tree was something that I decided to do for the holiday season to help those in need,” Turnbull said. “I am in charge of character education this year [at Hills] and this is the first time I have done the mitten tree. The items will go to students at Hills Elementary who are in need of warm winter items and anything we have left will be given to the Friendship Room.”
She added that many people lack the proper protective outer wear, including youngsters, and the goal is to make sure they are dressed to handle the elements.
“As a special needs preschool teacher, I witness firsthand the countless children that are less fortunate and come to school in the cold winter months without these items to keep them warm, and I wanted to do something to help,” she continued. “The kids have been very excited to bring them in and place them on the tree. So far, we have collected over 50 items and we have had a few parents donate numerous scarves that they have handmade, as well.”
This isn’t the first time Turnbull has rallied students for a cause. At Thanksgiving, students donated $1 to state what they were thankful for through the “Thankful Turkey” project. That effort raised $105, which was split between the character education program and the Friendship Room. Turnbull said the latter funds were used to purchase a case of water, pepperoni rolls, and enough lunch meat and cheese to make more than 30 sandwiches for the cooler outside the warming center to help feed the homeless.
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School students are doing their part to ensure that people stay warm as the temperatures fall this winter with a mitten tree project.
Preschool teacher Ashley Turnbull has organized the event as a way for the children to help others as the colder weather approaches. She said new hats, scarves and gloves were being accepted until Dec. 16 to benefit both children in need at the school while others will be donated to the Friendship Room warming center in Steubenville.
“The mitten tree was something that I decided to do for the holiday season to help those in need,” Turnbull said. “I am in charge of character education this year [at Hills] and this is the first time I have done the mitten tree. The items will go to students at Hills Elementary who are in need of warm winter items and anything we have left will be given to the Friendship Room.”
She added that many people lack the proper protective outer wear, including youngsters, and the goal is to make sure they are dressed to handle the elements.
“As a special needs preschool teacher, I witness firsthand the countless children that are less fortunate and come to school in the cold winter months without these items to keep them warm, and I wanted to do something to help,” she continued. “The kids have been very excited to bring them in and place them on the tree. So far, we have collected over 50 items and we have had a few parents donate numerous scarves that they have handmade, as well.”
This isn’t the first time Turnbull has rallied students for a cause. At Thanksgiving, students donated $1 to state what they were thankful for through the “Thankful Turkey” project. That effort raised $105, which was split between the character education program and the Friendship Room. Turnbull said the latter funds were used to purchase a case of water, pepperoni rolls, and enough lunch meat and cheese to make more than 30 sandwiches for the cooler outside the warming center to help feed the homeless.
Hills Elementary School first-graders Cayden Pagett and Harper Long are among the students helping keep people warm this winter by collecting gloves, hats, and scarves for a mitten tree project. The campaign winds down on Dec. 16 and the items will be given to fellow students in need as well as the Friendship Room warming center in Steubenville.
IC Taking Unique Approach to Bus Safety
WINTERSVILLE-Bus drivers in the Indian Creek School District are taking a unique approach to addressing safety by performing a skit for elementary school students.
District Transportation Director Brenda Staffilino said the skits will be presented during Ohio Bus Safety Week on Oct. 17-21 at Wintersville and Hills Elementary Schools to show kids how to stay secure when waiting for a bus. The skits will take place on Oct. 18 at Hills and Oct. 20 at WES at 9:30 a.m., followed by a bus evacuation drill for students outside. A separate bus evacuation drill will be held at ICMS on Oct. 19.
Staffilino said she was inspired by a similar program she’d witnessed during a conference last year and wanted to share it with local students.
“I was at the Ohio Association of Public Transportation conference in March and Westerville [bus drivers] put it on. I was impressed,” she said. “We’ve never done anything like it, so it’s our first time.”
She created a script that will include bus drivers Shelley Vahalik, Carol Sczruba, and Deb Baker as players and Kenny Wells providing music. Wells will be joined by members of the Indian Creek Middle School Media Club while the student group will also make a video of the performance. A faux bus previously created for last year’s Bus Road-E-O will provide a backdrop for the story. The premise is based on WAIT-- Watch the driver’s hand, [After it drops] then cross the street, Inspect for traffic, and Take a seat.
With roughly 1,200 student passengers aboard the district’s fleet of 13 buses, Staffilino hopes the interactive sessions will help kids remember safety practices as they learn in a new and fun way.
Officials Sharing Bus Safety Tips with Drivers
WINTERSVILLE-Local safety officials recently took part in a special training session to ensure everyone is secure on school buses, and now they plan to share their knowledge with district drivers.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Darago, who serves as a school resource officer for Indian Creek Schools, and Wintersville Police Chief Art Fowler Jr., who also acts as the district’s DARE officer, headed to Hilliard on Nov. 8 for a school bus safety event sponsored by the Ohio School Resource Officers Association. It was held at the Hilliard Joint Safety Services Building and included a classroom demonstration on weapon control and takeaway techniques and practical exercises aboard school buses.
Deputy Darago said it was the first time both officials attended and it was an SRO Bus Driver Safety Workshop Train the Trainer session. The purpose was to train SROs in the methods and techniques to best familiarize school drivers with emergency situations, targeted acts of violence and to recommend possible courses of action to resolve them. An estimated 60 people attended the session, including other SROs, DARE officers, bus drivers, and transportation officials while school superintendents and principals were also invited to participate. He added that participants rotated among three school buses to view scenarios and information included what to do in instances of an occupant with a weapon or bomb, an irate parent attempting to intrude, and a medical emergency.
“We have a few tips for bus drivers to try to diffuse a situation and get the bus out safely,” Deputy Darago continued. “The instructor said two of the most important weapons a bus driver has on the bus are the gas and the brake. If they see a threat, they can get away or brake to make [an on-board attacker] unbalanced. If the drivers don’t feel comfortable with engaging someone on the bus, they can let law enforcement respond and formulate a plan.”
“It was an informative class and gave a lot of insight for what we need to do to tailor trainings to our bus drivers,” Chief Fowler added. “I think it’s a wonderful thing for two agencies to work together to keep the students safe at Indian Creek.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Darago noted that one of the district’s greatest assets were on-board radios with emergency buttons to alert the 911 center.
“We’re lucky in that respect. Always the first thing is to hit the emergency button,” he said, adding that the drivers were already well-versed on some ways to respond. “There are things they already know, but they can always hear it from a law enforcement official and take part in a low-level scenario. These are basic, broad tools we’re giving to them if ever something would arise, not only on the job but in life, and they can put it to good use.”
He and Chief Fowler plan to speak to district bus drivers and share some of the insight they learned at the session. Plans are in the works to hold a PowerPoint presentation and simulation during the professional development day on Jan. 3.
Chief Fowler said the officials hope to incorporate much of their knowledge on dealing with irate parents and disturbances on the bus in order to prevent problems from escalating.
“We learned about school bus incidents throughout the U.S. that we can add to the training session. We’ve already brainstormed, and by working together it’s opened up a lot of doors with this collaboration,” the chief commented.
Deputy Darago noted that the JCSO and Wintersville Police teamed up for the Hilliard training event and officials plan to attend more sessions in the future so they can educate district employees on other beneficial topics.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Darago, at left, who serves as school resource officer for the Indian Creek School District, is teaming up with Wintersville Police Chief Art Fowler Jr., who is also the district’s DARE officer, to conduct a bus safety training session next month for district bus drivers using knowledge they gained during a recent event in Hilliard. The upcoming training centers on irate parents and on-board disturbances and what drivers can do to keep students safe.
Indian Creek Leaders Optimistic about Policy Changes
MINGO JUNCTION-Issues impacting schools across the state were the focus of discussion during the Indian Creek school board meeting on Nov. 17, and leaders are optimistic that there will be changes coming for the better.
Hundreds of educators rallied at the Statehouse that Tuesday, and members from Indian Creek were among those on hand. The crux of their concerns revolved around the need to ease test scores required graduation. Under the current plan, students must average at least 2.6 points out of a possible 5 across the seven end-of-course tests to earn a diploma. The policy, which begins with the class of 2018, also has an option to get a “remediation-free” score on a college entrance exam or to obtain an industry credential to get a job. Legislators believed this would be a better way to prepare students for college or work amid a large number of pupils taking remedial classes, but school superintendents have indicated that too much testing was involved and educators were not included in the planning process. For now, the state board is eyeing possible modifications and a decision could be made over the next month.
During Thursday’s meeting, ICBOE President Kimberly Mark mentioned the rally and hoped that state leaders were taking districts’ concerns about the standards into consideration. She also noted that Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear recently spoke to the Ohio School Facilities Commission about providing schools with the same advantages for educational growth.
“I think this is making an impact,” Mark said. “Every kid should have these opportunities.”
“I think the superintendents did a nice job in saying what needed to be said,” added board member Dr. John Figel. “It’s nice to see the effort. You hope the legislature is listening and hopefully it will have some impact.”
Mark agreed and replied that Indian Creek administrators have spoken to state officials and attended the rally, which was appreciated. Dr. Chappelear, who also attended the rally, said several hundred other districts were represented at the gathering and he, too, believed that voices were being heard.
“I think there will be some movement,” he added. “The new state superintendent knows we jumped into this too quickly and needed to phase it in. I think the state board will make a decision in December. We’re not afraid of rigorous education or of raising the bar, but we need to do it in a way that meets the needs of the students.”
He commented that local districts should have a say when it comes to educational policies.
“There is too much testing and educators need to have a place at the table. There are too many policies being developed that need changed after implementation. If educators were consulted and included in the policy planning, there would be a better chance of getting them right the first time.”
He said the graduation requirements needed to be reviewed by the state board, but efforts will continue to push for changes.
“Most people feel they are too rigorous and reliant upon Ohio’s state testing, and it looks like the state board will consider modifying these requirements,” Dr. Chappelear concluded. “That will remain to be seen, but we want to keep the pressure on them to do so.”
ICHS Key Club Aids Urban Mission
STEUBENVILLE-Indian Creek High School Key Club members showed their generosity by rolling up their sleeves to help the Urban Mission Ministries, Inc. prepare for this year’s holiday distribution.
About 13 members headed to the Steubenville site on Nov. 15 to help stock food, clean cots, and organize clothing and toys to assist the local organization’s many clients. ICHS teacher Julie Robinson, who shares co-advisory duties with educators Barb Turner and Patricia Dalesio, said Key Club members handled many tasks throughout the day and would return to help again on Dec. 7.
“We’ve done this for about nine years. The Key Club kids come all day. We have signups, and if they go [now] they can’t sign up for the next one,” she said, adding that more members would get a chance to be involved.
For some youth, it was their first time volunteering at the mission, but others were glad to come back and make a difference.
“I like it a lot,” said senior Sam Robinson, who has taken part for four years. “It helps students understand what it’s like to not be as fortunate as they are.”
“I like helping people out,” agreed senior Gabe McGrew, who also made a return.
“[I like] helping people out that don’t have as much as others,” said freshman Bailey Penner, who marked his first time volunteering at the mission.
Sophomore Josh Speaker said it was his second year to be involved and he also enjoyed pitching in.
“I love it,” Speaker noted. “Helping people is the best thing ever.”
Among their tasks were unloading the produce truck and reviewing used bicycles to determine what repairs were needed before they could be distributed at Christmas. The Urban Mission turkey is expected to appear at the club meeting on Nov. 22 and the Key Club, which has more than 150 members, has even more plans to help the community. Next up is a fundraiser to benefit the United Way of Jefferson County and the teens plan to hold frozen turkey bowling that Tuesday for $1 with proceeds going to the organization.
STEUBENVILLE-Indian Creek High School Key Club members showed their generosity by rolling up their sleeves to help the Urban Mission Ministries, Inc. prepare for this year’s holiday distribution.
About 13 members headed to the Steubenville site on Nov. 15 to help stock food, clean cots, and organize clothing and toys to assist the local organization’s many clients. ICHS teacher Julie Robinson, who shares co-advisory duties with educators Barb Turner and Patricia Dalesio, said Key Club members handled many tasks throughout the day and would return to help again on Dec. 7.
“We’ve done this for about nine years. The Key Club kids come all day. We have signups, and if they go [now] they can’t sign up for the next one,” she said, adding that more members would get a chance to be involved.
For some youth, it was their first time volunteering at the mission, but others were glad to come back and make a difference.
“I like it a lot,” said senior Sam Robinson, who has taken part for four years. “It helps students understand what it’s like to not be as fortunate as they are.”
“I like helping people out,” agreed senior Gabe McGrew, who also made a return.
“[I like] helping people out that don’t have as much as others,” said freshman Bailey Penner, who marked his first time volunteering at the mission.
Sophomore Josh Speaker said it was his second year to be involved and he also enjoyed pitching in.
“I love it,” Speaker noted. “Helping people is the best thing ever.”
Among their tasks were unloading the produce truck and reviewing used bicycles to determine what repairs were needed before they could be distributed at Christmas. The Urban Mission turkey is expected to appear at the club meeting on Nov. 22 and the Key Club, which has more than 150 members, has even more plans to help the community. Next up is a fundraiser to benefit the United Way of Jefferson County and the teens plan to hold frozen turkey bowling that Tuesday for $1 with proceeds going to the organization.
Indian Creek Middle School in Mingo Junction will kick off its new Cool 2 Be Clean (C2BC) program this Monday with an assembly at 1 p.m. The student-driven project is only the second of its kind in the area and will include expert speakers talking to kids about the dangers of drugs. Youth will be nominated to take part in C2BC every two weeks and pledge to live a clean lifestyle without drugs and alcohol, while they also receive bracelets entitling them to earn privileges both in and out of school. Among the founding members are, from left, seventh-graders Aiden Minch-Hick, Austin Starr, Mitchell Williams, Kailey McMillion and Ava Schloss.
C2BC Kicks off Monday
MINGO JUNCTION- A new student-driven program kicks off Monday at Indian Creek Middle School, and it’s a first for the local area.
Cool 2 Be Clean (C2BC) is an organization in which students are nominated by their peers and take a pledge to make good choices and refrain from drugs and alcohol. A group of seventh-graders were selected by their teachers to comprise the founding membership and the program was started in conjunction with a local businessman. Hopes are to have the entire student body—or about 680 students in grades 5-8—get involved.
Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick said Ron Galiano, regional owner/operator of McDonald’s in Steubenville, Weirton and the Pittsburgh areas, initiated discussion about bringing a project which was close to his heart into area schools. Galiano had already implemented it at Peters Township Middle School in Pennsylvania where his daughter attends and hoped to impact students in this area for the better.
“It’s a student-driven program but gives recognition to kids who make positive choices in their lifestyle, like staying away from drugs and alcohol,” Dr. Minch-Hick explained.
Now, seventh-graders Kailey McMillion, Mitchell Williams, Aiden Minch-Hick, Ava Schloss and Austin Starr have organized the kickoff assembly set for Monday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Among those featured will be two Pittsburgh-area pharmacists discussing the impact of drugs on the human brain and a recovering drug addict gaining help through the Family Resource Center of Steubenville.
McMillion and Williams will lead the assembly and name the next crop of nominees, as well as the negative impact of drugs on the body and mind. They will also introduce the day’s speakers.
The youth mirrored its first assembly after one they viewed at PTMS and even invited some of those speakers to attend the local event. However, the young organizers hope the assembly will be just the tip of the iceberg.
“We’re starting the program and planning the assembly and sponsors,” McMillion said. “We plan to nominate [fellow students] every two weeks and we get bracelets.”
The newest nominees can then select more students and the goal is eventually have the entire school pledge to life clean and stay away from illegal substances. Participation does have its privileges both in and out of school and students can even earn free or discounted goodies from participating businesses. McDonald’s will provide half off a purchase of up to $15 on Sunday and buy one, get one free deals on Smoothies, Frappes and shakes throughout the week. Other sweet deals include discounts and coupons through Island Creek Sporting Clays and Hibbetts Sports, respectively, and the youth board is also seeking other businesses to take part.
“The goal is to have the entire school involved, or at least have everyone make good choices,” added Aiden Minch-Hick. “It’s more that people will see their friends do this and it will persuade them to be involved.”
Meanwhile, another assembly will be held later this year. The teens consider it to be quite an accomplishment to have only the second C2BC program in the area.
“It’s definitely a big responsibility,” McMillion said.
C2BC Kicks off Monday
MINGO JUNCTION- A new student-driven program kicks off Monday at Indian Creek Middle School, and it’s a first for the local area.
Cool 2 Be Clean (C2BC) is an organization in which students are nominated by their peers and take a pledge to make good choices and refrain from drugs and alcohol. A group of seventh-graders were selected by their teachers to comprise the founding membership and the program was started in conjunction with a local businessman. Hopes are to have the entire student body—or about 680 students in grades 5-8—get involved.
Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick said Ron Galiano, regional owner/operator of McDonald’s in Steubenville, Weirton and the Pittsburgh areas, initiated discussion about bringing a project which was close to his heart into area schools. Galiano had already implemented it at Peters Township Middle School in Pennsylvania where his daughter attends and hoped to impact students in this area for the better.
“It’s a student-driven program but gives recognition to kids who make positive choices in their lifestyle, like staying away from drugs and alcohol,” Dr. Minch-Hick explained.
Now, seventh-graders Kailey McMillion, Mitchell Williams, Aiden Minch-Hick, Ava Schloss and Austin Starr have organized the kickoff assembly set for Monday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Among those featured will be two Pittsburgh-area pharmacists discussing the impact of drugs on the human brain and a recovering drug addict gaining help through the Family Resource Center of Steubenville.
McMillion and Williams will lead the assembly and name the next crop of nominees, as well as the negative impact of drugs on the body and mind. They will also introduce the day’s speakers.
The youth mirrored its first assembly after one they viewed at PTMS and even invited some of those speakers to attend the local event. However, the young organizers hope the assembly will be just the tip of the iceberg.
“We’re starting the program and planning the assembly and sponsors,” McMillion said. “We plan to nominate [fellow students] every two weeks and we get bracelets.”
The newest nominees can then select more students and the goal is eventually have the entire school pledge to life clean and stay away from illegal substances. Participation does have its privileges both in and out of school and students can even earn free or discounted goodies from participating businesses. McDonald’s will provide half off a purchase of up to $15 on Sunday and buy one, get one free deals on Smoothies, Frappes and shakes throughout the week. Other sweet deals include discounts and coupons through Island Creek Sporting Clays and Hibbetts Sports, respectively, and the youth board is also seeking other businesses to take part.
“The goal is to have the entire school involved, or at least have everyone make good choices,” added Aiden Minch-Hick. “It’s more that people will see their friends do this and it will persuade them to be involved.”
Meanwhile, another assembly will be held later this year. The teens consider it to be quite an accomplishment to have only the second C2BC program in the area.
“It’s definitely a big responsibility,” McMillion said.
Pawelczyk Recognized for Pediatric Cancer Awareness
MINGO JUNCTION-A Hills Elementary School teacher is being recognized for her work to raise money for a pediatric cancer cure.
Ginny Pawelczyk, a third-grade teacher at the school, was recognized by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a Gold Ribbon Hero for her efforts in generating money for Children’s Hospital. She has worked to raise funds and awareness for the past three years since her six-year-old son, David, was diagnosed as an infant. Fittingly, her recognition came at the conclusion of a recent weeklong campaign she led at the school which generated $1,025 for the cause.
Pawelczyk was nominated by UPMC nurse Karen Fante at the beginning of September, which is also National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and the announcement was made on Sept. 30 by Hills Principal Michele Minto. Pawelczyk was surprised and touched, saying the award was not just for her.
“It’s not just me doing it, it’s for everybody in the building who spread awareness. They’re the ones that raised the money,” she said. “It’s our second year of raising over $1,000 and we did it with popsicles and hats. We’ll fund a cure for cancer one popsicle and hat at a time, but it was nice to be recognized.”
The students donated $1 or more to wear a hat and purchased popsicles for 50 cents throughout the week of Sept. 26-30.
Pawelczyk was inspired to help when her own son, six-year-old David, was diagnosed with a brain tumor as an infant. At only seven months old, he suffered from ependymoma and the tumor had suppressed his brain stem and was paralyzing him. He was Lifeflighted to Pittsburgh and underwent a 14-hour surgery, followed by dozens of radiation and chemotherapy treatments which rendered him permanently deaf in his right ear and hindered his pituitary gland. He’s had to take growth hormones, suffered paralyzed vocal cords, and was on a feeding tube until three years ago. Furthermore, he has had several mini-strokes and a condition called moya moya which caused blood vessels to collapse in his brain. That required surgery and an artery on the outside of his skull was connected to his brain. Today, he has annual scans but is a thriving first-grader at Hills. Pawelczyk said that has motivated her to help other children because they, too, deserved a fighting chance.
“Pediatric cancer still receives only 4 percent of its funding from the government and it still needs funding. It is grossly underfunded,” she added. “They’ve only had three new pediatric treatments in 21 years. That’s only 4 percent of funding for bone, blood, brain—all of the cancers. They need to invest in the future.”
In addition to activities in September, she also raises money as part of St. Baldrick’s festivities each spring in Toronto. Although the September recognition is over, Pawelczyk established a site to contribute to on line and community members may donate anytime.
“People can still donate online and it goes directly to the Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Foundation,” she said.
Donations can be made online at www.givetochildrens.org/TeamDavid.
Wintersville Elementary School was transformed into a confectioner’s delight as the site hosted its joint literacy night event with Hills Elementary on Dec. 8. “The Sweet Land of Reading” was the theme and the event drew 268 students and parents for a night of learning and fun. Pictured are Jaime McCumbers of Wintersville with her kids Morgan, a second-grader at WES, and Jack, 4, playing a Candyland game using word clues.
Sweet Rewards at Literacy Night
WINTERSVILLE- Wintersville Elementary School turned into a confectioner’s delight as it hosted students from WES and Hills Elementary for a joint literacy night event.
“The Sweet Land of Reading” was the theme of the activity on Dec. 8, which drew an estimated 270 students and parents. The school gym and classrooms hosted a variety of learning games aimed at reading, math and event Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects for grades PreK-4 while a snack was provided in the cafeteria. In the art room, children completed a gingerbread house of their own design and worked with their parents in the gym to complete word games modeled after Candyland, while students also created “Grinch Dust” to keep away the Dr. Seuss villain during a book reading in one of the classes. Classroom doors were also decorated following the theme, but the main goal was to boost family interaction in a fun and educational manner.
Karen Lloyd, literacy coordinator at WES, said the evening was an overall success. More than 100 families—or roughly 350 people-- registered to participate while a majority of them did attend.
“We had a great turnout and great responses too,” Lloyd said. “I think [both literacy night events] have been great. With ‘The Sweet Land of Reading,’ we wanted to work on communication. Parents have to communicate with their children, including the little ones, because vocabulary development is lacking since everyone is on their [phone] devices. People are texting, not talking.”
She noted that open communication with children, particularly the younger set, helps build vocabulary and brain synapses. Games such as the Candyland method enabled parents to work with their children and answer questions about synonyms, antonyms and related topics.
Meanwhile, Hills Elementary conducted the first collaborative event this fall and each school will host its own literacy night sometime in the spring.
Sweet Rewards at Literacy Night
WINTERSVILLE- Wintersville Elementary School turned into a confectioner’s delight as it hosted students from WES and Hills Elementary for a joint literacy night event.
“The Sweet Land of Reading” was the theme of the activity on Dec. 8, which drew an estimated 270 students and parents. The school gym and classrooms hosted a variety of learning games aimed at reading, math and event Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects for grades PreK-4 while a snack was provided in the cafeteria. In the art room, children completed a gingerbread house of their own design and worked with their parents in the gym to complete word games modeled after Candyland, while students also created “Grinch Dust” to keep away the Dr. Seuss villain during a book reading in one of the classes. Classroom doors were also decorated following the theme, but the main goal was to boost family interaction in a fun and educational manner.
Karen Lloyd, literacy coordinator at WES, said the evening was an overall success. More than 100 families—or roughly 350 people-- registered to participate while a majority of them did attend.
“We had a great turnout and great responses too,” Lloyd said. “I think [both literacy night events] have been great. With ‘The Sweet Land of Reading,’ we wanted to work on communication. Parents have to communicate with their children, including the little ones, because vocabulary development is lacking since everyone is on their [phone] devices. People are texting, not talking.”
She noted that open communication with children, particularly the younger set, helps build vocabulary and brain synapses. Games such as the Candyland method enabled parents to work with their children and answer questions about synonyms, antonyms and related topics.
Meanwhile, Hills Elementary conducted the first collaborative event this fall and each school will host its own literacy night sometime in the spring.
Wintersville Students Collecting Food
WINTERSVILLE- Wintersville Elementary School students are showing their generous spirit by collecting food to help the needy.
The student council, which is comprised of third- and fourth-graders, will gather goods on Dec. 12-16 and deliver the items to the Wintersville United Methodist Church Good Neighbors and Wayne Township Food Pantry on Dec. 20. The students will also help stock food for distribution.
Advisor A.J. Renner said the collection was an annual program and the students were excited to get involved.
“We have 20 members who are going to collect the food and deliver it in a box truck on the 20th,” Renner said. “We are having a pizza party for the class that collects the most items and we’ll do a contest every day and announce the winning student and class.”
Student council members will decorate boxes for each homeroom to collect the items and the goal is to gather 2,000 pounds of food. Renner added that the food will be delivered to the pantries after 4 p.m. and the students will receive pizza for their assistance.
She said the school organization, which recently added third-grade representatives, has also been busy assisting other local groups. Most recently, members sold special bracelets to observe drug awareness for Red Ribbon Week in October and helped teachers Sarah Hayes and Makenzie Householder peddle baked goods to raise about $2,400 for the United Way of Jefferson County in November. Renner commented that the students enjoyed supporting community causes.
“They’ve done really good things,” she concluded.
Verizon TCC of Wintersville presented eight boxes of school supplies to Hills Elementary School as part of its “Teachers Rock!” program, which recognizes educators for going above and beyond to help the children. Pictured with a few of the goods are, from left, Hills Elementary Guidance Counselor Lois Pate, students Clarenda Orban and Ava Francis and TCC Verizon representative Caleb Smith, who is also a former Hills Elementary student.
Teachers Rock at Hills Elementary
MINGO JUNCTION- Hills Elementary is getting stocked with some brand new school supplies compliments of Verizon’s “Teachers Rock!” program.
Caleb Smith, tech advisor at the TCC Verizon store in Wintersville, presented the school with eight boxes filled with crayons, paper, pencils and other classroom necessities on Jan. 17 to replenish some much-needed supplies.
Hills Elementary officials were grateful for the gifts and said they will make a difference when it comes to learning. Principal Michele Minto said the gesture also holds a significant meeting since Smith has a personal connection to the school.
“He was my former student and wanted to send all of [the boxes] to Hills,” she said. “We usually run low this time of year. I was very thankful that he thought about us and could help us out.”
“Teachers Rock gives out school supplies to help teachers because we know it gets expensive,” said Smith, adding that his former stomping grounds could benefit. “We do a lot of things in the community. I attended Hills and my grandmother worked there and it’s pretty close to home.”
He said the giveaway was part of the company’s Culture of Good movement, which recognizes teachers who go above and beyond and thanks them for all they do for children and communities. While distribution occurred a little early at Hills, Smith said another 32 boxes will be dispersed at area schools throughout February. The goal is to provide teachers with boxes of supplies they would typically purchase themselves and help them focus on what matters most—education.
Verizon has given back to communities by way of backpack distributions in August, which Caleb said totaled 2,500 bags alone in local Ohio districts, as well as the “Teachers Rock!” program. Nationally, the company has provided $10,000 to Children’s Hospital near Chicago and created 1,500 bedside boxes for its young patients.
Little Greenthumbs
Photo Cutline: Preschoolers at Wintersville Elementary School proudly showed off their green thumbs after growing plants in class. Teacher Karen Lloyd received a $600 Best Practice Grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for a greenhouse project while the children harvested seeds into plants and learned the process behind growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. Pictured are, from left, Jionni Gombar, Gage Brown, Ethan Vergona, Jacob Saffle, Makenzie Harding and Ty Banfield. Back: Jovani Ortiz, Lucas Fox, Promise Hunt, Savannah Huber, Gracie Wright, Aurelia Jones, Avery Peckins and William Riffee.
Photo Cutline: Preschoolers at Wintersville Elementary School proudly showed off their green thumbs after growing plants in class. Teacher Karen Lloyd received a $600 Best Practice Grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for a greenhouse project while the children harvested seeds into plants and learned the process behind growing flowers, herbs and vegetables. Pictured are, from left, Jionni Gombar, Gage Brown, Ethan Vergona, Jacob Saffle, Makenzie Harding and Ty Banfield. Back: Jovani Ortiz, Lucas Fox, Promise Hunt, Savannah Huber, Gracie Wright, Aurelia Jones, Avery Peckins and William Riffee.
IC Partnering with Children’s Hunger Alliance
WINTERSVILLE- The Indian Creek Local School District is partnering with the Children’s Hunger Alliance on a new program to ensure that elementary students nourish their bodies while they feed their minds.
The district received a $2,000 mini-grant from the Columbus-based organization as part of a Breakfast in the Classroom program that feeds youngsters in class so they are focused and ready to learn. District Assistant Superintendent John Belt said hopes are to implement the program by the end of this school year.
“We are partnering with the Children’s Hunger Alliance to explore ways of increasing the number of children eating breakfast,” he said. “One of the ways is to do grab-and-go bags and breakfast in the classroom.”
Students will be able to eat nutritional meals in class, which will keep them energized and reduce the amount of time they are out of class while dining in the cafeteria. Belt said the funds will help purchase hardware such as hot boxes and a possible point-of-sale computer, if needed.
“We’ll continue to work with the Children’s Hunger Alliance and possibly explore after school and summer feeding programs,” he added. “Right now, we’re working on increasing breakfast participation. The pilot program should be at Wintersville in the next three weeks and we hope to have something in place at Hills by the end of the school year so we can get data on the program.”
District Food Service Director Eric White said the program impacts more than 900 students at the elementary schools, including 504 at WES and 404 at Hills. Since the population at Hills has a higher poverty rate, it qualifies for free breakfast program through the government, while the program at Wintersville is covered by the district.
“Our goal is to increase breakfast participation by 20 percent,” White said. “This will make the food more readily available by taking it to the classroom instead of them coming to the cafeteria. I’m very excited. I want to feed as many kids as we can, and I know there are kids who are not getting the nutrition that they need.”
Karen Lloyd, president of the Indian Creek Education Association, said she and ICEA Vice President Sandra Vojvodich learned of the program during an Ohio Education Association conference in Columbus and it will certainly be beneficial.
“We took great interest in it and had a meeting with the coalition representative,” Lloyd said. “We thought it would add teaching time to the classroom and it would be a way to reach students who don’t go to the cafeteria. Breakfast is such an important part of our daily lives and it would bring savings to the district.”
“We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” noted Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear. “We believe that this partnership with the Children’s Hunger Alliance moves us closer to ensuring that 100 percent of our students begin their day with a great breakfast.”
Heather Loughley, director of school and summer nutrition with the Children’s Hunger Alliance presented Indian Creek School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear with a $2,000 mini-grant to partner in a new feeding program that will provide breakfast in the classroom and help elementary students nourish their bodies while they also feed their minds.
Community Celebrates Cherry Blossom Festival
MINGO JUNCTION-The community of Mingo Junction celebrated its past with help from its future as schoolchildren helped mark the 10th annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Wednesday.
Dozens of people gathered at Cherry Blossom Memorial Park behind the former Mingo High School for music, words and the traditional tending to nearly 30 cherry blossom trees by students of Hills Elementary and Indian Creek Middle School. The event was sponsored by the Mingo Business Association and recognizes the area’s rich educational heritage.
Village Councilman Adam Peeler welcomed the crowd while patriotic and other songs were performed by the ICMS and Hills choirs. Carolyn Cole, music teacher at Hills, was also recognized for her impending retirement and received roses, gifts and appreciation for her longtime service to children and support of the festival. Village Administrator Bob Smith, who also serves on the Indian Creek Board of Education, shared the history of the festivities, which began with a conversation between himself and organizers Jim and Kathy Freiling.
“This started close to 10 years ago when we talked about how we would recognize teachers who taught in this building,” Smith said.
He added that the Wall of Honor was created to laud educators in the former Mingo High School site, but then the accolades were extended to other school staff and other schools, including Mingo Junior High, Harmony, Hills and St. Agnes. Today, there are 90 honorees and more will be added this fall. This year’s recipients have been announced and include retired teachers Sandra Leone and Carolyn Bickerstaff and former bus drivers and custodians Gary Webster and Jim Fisher, who will be formally inducted in September. Additionally, pavers will be installed in honor of Bene Leone, who served as mayor of Mingo from 1948-60, and Justin Freiling and Meighan Freiling, respectively graduates of Mingo High School in 1988 and 1991.
“This is very near and dear to my heart because the people on those plaques made a major impact upon me and many other people here,” Smith continued, also tipping his hat to the Freilings for their work on the event. “I’m very proud of what’s going on here and I’m proud of the students. You’ll remember this.”
Winners of the festival essay contest also read their original works about the importance of the day. Essayists included Calista Loggie, Riley Tongate and Emigin Cutri. Loggie said the festival recognized the century-long existence of the school and the system that now exists from Mingo to Wintersville, while the park was created for everyone to enjoy. Tongate added that the event reflected upon those people who changed lives for the better and Cutri noted that people celebrated the great cherry blossom tree and worked to maintain the park.
They then received proclamations from U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson’s (R-Ohio) office and gift certificates from the MBA. Paul Mitchell, field representative for the congressman, said there were local ties since Ben Leone, another staffer in the Congressman’s Washington office, was the son of former teacher Louis Leone, who had a plaque on the park’s Wall of Honor.
“I am extremely honored to be here at such an awesome community event,” Mitchell said. “Your history, your message extends beyond this community’s border.”
Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear also cited the Freilings and Cole for their service and then expressed his appreciation to the MBA and village for being strong supporters of the school system.
“I feel lucky because [they] really reach out and make us part of the community. We are in this together,” Chappelear said. “We’ve got a lot going on in the community and there is an offer from the state to fund new buildings. It’s a great day to be in Mingo Junction and I appreciate the support you give to the district and the kids.”
Following the ceremonial raising of village, state and American flags, Roetta Lewis of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Mingo discussed how April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month. She explained the significance of the blue pinwheels dotting the area and said A Caring Place, the Wintersville-based child advocacy group, provided some for the children to place beneath the blooming trees.
Jim Freiling then described how students of yesteryear planted those very trees and the many children who have tended to them since. He led about 40 youngsters to the trees for fertilizing, mulching, pruning and planting of pinwheels.
“Ten years ago, kids your age planted these. It’s just a great project and this park is your park,” Freiling commented. “You are going to carry on the tradition of the park. It’s all because of you.”
IC Meets on Facilities Plan
WINTERSVILLE-Indian Creek Local School officials are reaching out to the public in a series of community sessions this week, where they are sharing funding options and seeking input on the potential for two new buildings.
Joshua Predovich, project manager of SHP Leading Design in Columbus, led the first meeting Monday before an estimated 30 people in Wintersville Elementary School auditorium and gave details about a state funding proposal to help create new high school and elementary buildings since renovations to the current facilities would be too costly. Predovich said his company has worked with school districts, including nearby Harrison Hills, to help update or build facilities. SHP is assisting Indian Creek as it seeks funding and Predovich said the district has worked with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) on the endeavor. The Ohio School Facilities Commission, or OSFC, is the financial arm of the OFCC and a proposal was on the table.
The state offered to cover 40 percent of the costs to construct two new buildings, while the district would have to raise 60 percent of the local portion either through a bond issue or income tax levy. A recent assessment Indian Creek High School and WES by architects and other experts reviewed HVAC and electrical units and other amenities, handicapped accessibility and the structure itself. They were compared to structures in like new condition and officials also review educational adequacies, and the result indicated that it was more feasible to build new sites rather than to renovate. Other factors include the two-thirds’ rule, where the OSFC recommends replacement when renovation costs equal two-thirds of the construction price. Another issue is that future enrollment projections show a gradual decline over the next few years.
Estimated renovation costs include more than $11.7 million for ICHS, about $14.7 million for WES and nearly $9.05 million at Hills Elementary. However, constructing a new PreK-4 elementary school and a grade 9-12 high school facility would total $43,358,666. Of that, the state would defray about $16.9 million while the local portion would cost over $25.4 million. Predovich said the state’s offer was an improvement over the past since previous options included Ohio footing a 32-percent share for construction of Indian Creek Middle School and 33 percent during a failed bond issue attempt. He noted that the two current schools were both approved under the Exceptional Needs Program since they are in the most need of renovation or replacement.
“I think you’ve got an excellent opportunity ahead of you,” Predovich said. “There are 609 school districts in Ohio, and when you get in the Exceptional Needs Program it moves you up to the front of the list for funding.”
He also introduced WES Principal Lorrie Jarrett, who offered her perspective on the challenges of being in the existing elementary building. Jarrett said the structure was outdated and not handicapped accessible, but her main concern was the safety of her estimated 510 students.
“Two things come to mind. Our playground is fenced in [across from the school]. However, we have the K-4 building and they have to cross traffic, and that’s a concern. Sometimes, people do not obey the stop sign and sometimes they don’t obey the speed limit,” Jarrett explained. “This building has no accommodations for people who are handicapped. It’s all stairs and there is no accessible bathroom.”
She told of one student on crutches who had difficulty getting around but his parents hoped to keep him in the school.
“It’s a hard building to get around and you have to climb 50-60 stairs at some point,” she added, noting that travel time to classes or the restroom often impeded upon instructional time because it took so long for students and staff to maneuver throughout the building.
SHP representatives broke down the recent assessments and said ICHS, which was built in 1947 but had improvements between 1953-71, faced high costs for heat and electrical upgrades totaling about $3.7 million. When officials applied for the Exceptional Needs Program in 2007, the school had already reached 66 percent. The assessment did not account for the modular classrooms since a new building would have no need for the structures. While the roof was in good condition from its recent replacement, the other systems such as the boilers were well beyond their usefulness. Classroom space and safety were other issues since the modulars were in open space. As for WES, that building was created in 1964 and was already at 76 percent for the ENP. Hills, which was built in 1967, included an addition in 1998 but also included modular units on its campus. It stood at 77 percent of the ENP.
“If we don’t do anything and keep maintaining them, is that an acceptable situation,” Predovich asked. “Ten years down the road you will have systems costs coming.”
Total cost projections over that time frame range from $24.7 to $27.3 million for upkeep of all four present buildings, including $8.1 million to $8.9 million for the high school; between $9.7 million to $10.7 million at WES; about $5.7 million to $6.3 million at Hills; and $1.2 million to $1.4 million for the district office on Bantam Ridge Road.
“It’s important that we get as much input as possible,” Predovich continued, noting that state tax money was used to pay for the projects. “Your state dollars are here at work all around you. If you choose not to accept their offer, your funding goes somewhere else.”
He continued that leaders also had to calculate local funding initiative since the state will defray abatement and demolition but will not land purchases or construction of an auditorium, new stadium or bus garage, for example, and those were incidentals which would fall under the LFI. Discussion arose from the attendants, and some sentiments were favorable. Among the comments were that the public needed to understand how much would come out of their pockets in the future if they kept maintaining the current buildings. That aspect could also build support in creating the new buildings. Predovich said it was too soon to determine what type of measure would be sought or how much, and that was among the next steps.
Officials have met with the district’s community advisory team to discuss the offer and sessions were held at Hills Elementary that Tuesday with another at Unionport Christian Church on Thursday at 6 p.m. before the community advisory committee meets once more. After that, a recommendation will go before the school board during its regular meeting on April 20 at 7 p.m. at Indian Creek Middle School and board members would decide whether or not to accept the offer. Predovich said if approved, school leaders would consider placing a bond issue on the fall ballot. Further sessions would be held in May and more action could be taken at the Indian Creek Board of Education meeting on May 18. Location was another issue and he said the district had opportunities to rebuild at current sites, but that is another phase of the process. If all goes according to plan and local funding is approved, the new facilities could operating in three years.
The audience was directed to complete a survey by April 10 either online or on paper. The website is found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICFuture17 and links are available on the district website and Facebook page. Name and email is optional and paper surveys must be submitted to the district office.
(Photo Cutline: Joshua Predovich of SHP Leading Design addresses a crowd during one of three community meetings on Indian Creek’s facilities plan, which is looking to potentially build two new schools and sought public input. The state offered to pay a 40-percent share and the estimated construction cost was more than $43 million.)
Bus Safety Road-E-O Set in Tuscarawas County
WINTERSVILLE-Bus drivers from Indian Creek Local Schools and surrounding districts will converge upon the Tusky Valley School District in Tuscarawas County this month for the fourth annual Eastern Ohio School Bus Safety Road-E-O.
The event, which is chaired this year by Beth Dyko of the Tusky Valley School District, is set for April 22 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Tusky Valley Middle School in Zoarville. The eight-hour activity will include a 50-question written quiz and maneuverability courses such as backward serpentine, the off-set course, right turn, front line, depth perception, railroad procedures and student pick-up and drop-off procedures to test the drivers’ knowledge. The top six drivers will then advance to the state Road-E-O in Columbus in May.
There are eight regions within the state and the eastern portion alone includes 15 counties. Indian Creek Transportation Director Brenda Staffilino led efforts to move the venue so more districts could attend closer to home and work to become better, safer drivers. Indian Creek Schools conducted the past two events and attracted upwards of 80 drivers, but this year transportation employees from Indian Creek and Edison Local Schools are among those making the trek to Tuscarawas County.
Staffilino said 11 district drivers were participating at the latest activity while she and six current and retired district drivers will serve as judges, including Shelley Vahalik, Deb Baker, Carol Sczruba, June Busana, Janice Fetty and Linda Howell. She added that the drivers have spent the past few weeks getting their practicing near Hills Elementary and Indian Creek Middle School in Mingo Junction to get ready.
“We have been practicing pick-ups and drop-offs, the backwards serpentine and depth perception,” she commented, saying it not only prepares drivers for the contest but also gives them more experience for working on the roads.
Staffilino has made it mandatory for her district’s drivers who are employed for five years or less as a form of professional development, but she hopes to one day make it a state law.
“I hope to make it a state rule for drivers’ participation in the Road-E-O to be mandatory. When I was a young driver, I learned at this event because you train for it and learn the laws. It teaches them how to be better and safer drivers.”
She added that local businesses have been donating items as prizes and gifts to give as further incentives for drivers, with Staffilino’s Market of Toronto is defraying the cost for entertainment and holding a paint class at the site. Others include The Woof Inn, Curry Drilling, McBane Insurance, Kuester Implement, Advanced Auto Glass, Cen-Pe-Co and Joe’s Pizza of Bloomingdale.
But the ultimate purpose for the Road-E-O is a win-win because district drivers’ scores have improved and it is a plus for the public.
“I think we’re expanding our services. We are doing a lot of busing and the buses are full, so you’d better be good at your game,” Staffilino concluded. “It’s as important to them as it is to us to have good, well-trained drivers. This benefits our community as well as our schools.”
(Photo Cutline: Local school districts are taking part in the Eastern Ohio School Bus Safety Road-E-O at Tusky Valley Middle School in Zoarville on April 22. The daylong event includes a written exam and maneuverability courses and the top six drivers will head to the state event in May. Indian Creek and Edison are among the area districts involved.)
Girls’ Track Team Honored by Community
MINGO JUNCTION-Members of the Indian Creek High School girls’ 4X4 track team recently made history, and now they have been honored by the community.
A special picnic was held at Aracoma Park on June 15 to recognize senior Madison Smith, junior Kelsey Lewis and freshmen Aiamyia Dudley and Sloane Lewis for becoming the first school team to earn honors at OSHAA’s Division II State Track and Field Championship, which was held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at Ohio State University earlier this month. The gathering was organized by the village of Mingo and Mingo Business Association in conjunction with Softite Community Federal Credit Union and Scheutz Funeral Home. School, community and federal representatives were also on hand and congratulated the team on their success.
“We are here to recognize a special accomplishment, the Indian Creek Girls’ 2017 Track Team has made history for Indian Creek at the state track and field tournament,” said emcee John Balzano. “This is the first championship ever for Indian Creek.”
He described the team’s long road to glory, saying members attempted to qualify for the state championships in 2015 in the 4X400 relay but fell short by earning fifth place at the regional and state qualifier. A year later, they made it to the state championship and gained a seventh-place finish. Smith and Kelsey Lewis returned in 2017 with a determination to move up in rankings and earn a championship win with Dudley and Sloane Lewis joining them on that journey. ICHS began competing in indoor track events and in their first season the 4X400 and 4X800 relay teams took second place at both indoor state championship meets. Overall, Indian Creek placed seventh out of 81 teams in the standings.
That momentum would continue with outdoor track wins at Martins Ferry and Jefferson County relays, as well as their first title at the Buckeye 8 Championships. At the latter event, they earned 114 of the schools’ 145 total points and outscored second-place finisher St. Clairsville High School by more than 20 points. The athletes were poised for greatness with more achievements at the OVAC Championships, where Smith was the 400-meter winner and Kelsey Lewis garnered first in the 800-meter run, while the team also won the 4X400 and 4X800 relays in record time. They then took first place at this year’s regional championships and state qualifier and broke a 31-year regional record in the 4X400 relay.
Balzano said the state meet was Smith’s last attempt at a medal since she would soon graduate and Kelsey Lewis also had ambitions to stand on the podium, while the freshmen were out to prove they could race with the veterans. They gained third place in a photo finish with Carrollton High School in the 4X800 relay while Smith and Kelsey Lewis went on to compete in the 800-meter run and placed third and ninth, respectively, but the 4X400 relay would cement their status as they entered as No. 5 seed and literally ran away with their first state championship. The team improved their qualifying time by three seconds, setting new school and OVAC standards and finishing seventh in overall team standings.
Indian Creek School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear praised the team and coaches and told the athletes their success will take them far.
“It’s great to see these athletes achieve great things. That is what is going to propel you through life and help you reach your goals,” Dr. Chappelear said. “It makes me proud to be superintendent of Indian Creek. I’m really proud of you and can’t wait until next year.”
More accolades came from Jefferson County Commissioners, who had presented the team with resolutions earlier that day during their regular meeting. Commissioner Dr. Thomas Graham attended the picnic and said the athletes’ drive led to their incredible achievement.
“Great things just don’t happen; they happen because of great people,” he said. “It takes hard work, and second wasn’t going to be good enough. It had to be first. They make Jefferson County proud. They demonstrated that quitting was not an option and they were not going to be denied.”
Ashley Kelman, field representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), also presented a proclamation honoring the athletes.
“Winning a state championship is wonderful, but it’s also rare. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I know Indian Creek is proud of you, I know Jefferson County is proud of you and I know Congressman Johnson is proud of you.”
Meanwhile, Barbara Roman of Softite and Jeff Scheutz of Scheutz Funeral Homes distributed plaques to the team members and village Mayor Ed Fithen surprised the team by announcing that a sign would be placed at the north end of Mingo in their honor.
“Enjoy it. It’s about you,” Fithen added. “The coaches put in a lot of time and pushed you and made you do what you do best. The village of Mingo is very proud of you. This is something not too many people are going to have, and I think it’s a great accomplishment.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of the girls,” added Coach Joe Lewis. “They had a goal and were totally committed to it. We had a lot of support along the way from the coaches, athletic director and school board.”
“It’s really exciting,” said Dudley. “I’m really proud.”
She and the Lewis sisters said they will work to top their accomplishment next year and they were also touched by the community support.
“It’s great to have all of this support from everyone who recognized our accomplishment,” said Sloane Lewis.
“I didn’t think people would get together and do this for us. I’m really happy we did what we did and that people are recognizing our accomplishment,” added Kelsey Lewis.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Smith, adding that she is proud of their achievement and will keep an eye on her teammates after she moves on to the U.S. Air Force Academy. “I’m ready to start my new chapter and excited to see what they do next year.”
The Indian Creek High School girls’ track 4X4 relay team was honored with plaques, proclamations and a picnic at Aracoma Park on June 15 for being named OSHAA’s Division II State Track and Field champs. The village of Mingo Junction is also erecting a sign at the north end of town commending the team for its achievement. Pictured are, from left, Aiamyia Dudley, Sloane Lewis, Kelsey Lewis and Madison Smith with their plaques and sign.
IC Advisory Council Reforming for Levy Campaign
WINTERSVILLE-The Indian Creek Advisory Council is being reformed as the district prepares to place a bond issue on the November ballot to support building construction and upgrades.
The advisory council, which a group of community members headed by Jeff Greco with Amanda Abrams as treasurer, will be meeting in the coming weeks to help bolster support for a bond issue that would finance construction of a new PreK-4 elementary school and grades 9-12 high school as well as renovate Hills Elementary School in Mingo Junction.
School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear said the council has supported levies in the past, most recently a failed levy attempt in 2012, and members would be meeting soon to begin planning for the fall levy campaign. This month, school board members approved submitting resolutions to the Jefferson County Auditor and Ohio Department of Taxation respectively indicating the necessity of a $45 million bond issue and seeking consents from the state tax commissioner and superintendent of public instruction to place the measure on the Nov. 7 ballot. Indian Creek officials have also been working with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) and Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC), the latter of which is the financial portion of the OFCC and has offered to provide $18 million towards the project cost. To that end, two other resolutions were submitted for OSFC notices of recommendation for conditional approval (NOCA) and respectively authorize the school board to participate in the OSFC’s Exceptional Needs Program for the two new buildings.
The district has further collaborated with project manager SHP Leading Design of Columbus to hold community meetings and surveys and also speak with the district’s Community Advisory Team (CAT) about the master facilities plan. Following those sessions, the consensus has been to create a new Indian Creek High School at the current Wintersville campus with a new elementary school at the former Bantam Ridge Elementary site while also making updates at Hills. Another resolution will be passed in July to officially proceed with the bond issue.
Dr .Chappelear said there was a great need to add the two new buildings and make improvements at Hills.
“From my perspective as a superintendent, there are concerns with student safety, handicapped accessibility and classrooms that are not conducive to learning,” Dr. Chappelear explained. “Indian Creek High School presents challenges in that we have four separate buildings that make up our campus. We have a multipurpose room for band and choir instruction, eight trailer classrooms in front with four in the rear of the building and at Wintersville Elementary we lack a clear sight line to the front door.”
He continued that the separate structures on the ICHS campus creates a real challenge to ensure the safety of students and staff since there are a number of unsecured entry points into the buildings, while the entry way at WES posed a logistical concern regarding visitors. The proximity of the main entrance to the school office at Hills was another problem, particularly since it prevents direct sight of visitors after they have entered the school.
“The challenge is all three buildings were constructed at a time when school officials and parents could think differently about school safety.”
Dr. Chappelear continued that handicapped accessibility was another matter since all three schools were constructed prior to the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and limited access to people with physical impairments or related issues.
“Wintersville Elementary provides no accessibility for students in a wheelchair or who need assistance. At the high school, they can only enter at the gym’s side door and are limited to the trailer classrooms and first floor,” he said, noting that the entrance at Hills also has stairs and its doors do not meet ADA compliance because they were constructed with alcoves.
Finally, he touched upon having a conducive learning environment when classroom temperatures could spike in warmer seasons or turn frigid in colder weather. Outdated heating systems have been a source of discussion, namely because parts no longer existed to make repairs.
“We have lost hours of instruction because the temperatures were too hot or cold in the rooms. There are inadequate heating systems and we have the same problem in the winter when students wear their coats to class.”
Summer Feeding Program Gains Huge Response
MINGO JUNCTION-The newly implemented summer feeding program at Indian Creek Schools has attracted a huge draw which has both surprised and delighted officials.
During the June 15 regular school board session, Assistant Superintendent John Belt reported that more than 2,000 students had taken advantage of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program within the first nine days. The district initiated the SSO through the Ohio Department of Education as a means of providing nutritious meals to children from low-income areas after the school year ended. The free program began June 5 and has provided breakfast and lunch at Indian Creek High School in Wintersville and Hills Elementary in Mingo Junction.
“We’re off to a really great start to getting nutritious meals to the youth of the district. The summer feeding program has given 2,304 meals in nine days to youth in the district,” said Belt. “[District Food Service Director Eric White] and I were blown away by the number of meals we’ve served.”
He said some of the meals feed children attending school programs such as Reading Rocks, while other youth who were not involved in activities have also been in attendance. Belt hoped the numbers would indicate a need to the state and allow the program to continue in the future. For now, breakfast is available from 7:30-8:30 a.m. with lunch from 10:30-11:30 a.m., but the youth must have their own transportation to the sites. Belt said it will not be offered the on July 3-7 but will resume the following week. The program runs at Hills until July 28 and at the high school until Aug. 25.
Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear thanked Belt, White and the Children’s Hunger Alliance, which assisted with the program, for making it a success.
“I thank them for driving the process,” he added. “That’s a couple thousand meals that children wouldn’t have gotten.”
In addition to the SSO, Indian Creek also began an in-school program targeting elementary-aged kids. The Breakfast in the Classroom program began in partnership with the CHA, which also provided a $2,000 grant to the district to finance its implementation. The program allows students to eat in class so they don’t lose out on valuable lesson time, and as a result officials saw a jump in activity. The program affected more than 900 students between Hills and Wintersville Elementary and the goal was to increase participation in the breakfast program by 20 percent. However, leaders reported that participation in the school breakfast program jumped from 37 percent to 90 percent among the four classrooms involved, while WES indicated its four classes had upwards of 82 percent participating. That program is expected to expand in the coming school year.
Educators Train at National PLC Conference
WINTERSVILLE-Educators at Indian Creek High School are looking at ways to improve student learning and recently attended a national conference to train on just how to do it.
Principal Louis Retton, Assistant Principal Keith Swearingen and teachers Janet Maxon, Tom Mort and Sondra Vojvodich headed to the Professional Learning Community Conference presented by Solution Tree in San Antonio, Texas, on June 20-22 as part of the ICHS school team. A professional learning community, or PLC, is a group of educators that meets regularly, shares expertise and works collaboratively to improve teaching skills and students’ academic performance. The local team was among an estimated 2,500 educators on hand who listened to keynote speakers and met in breakout sessions to formulate ideas.
“PLC’s are a best practice,” Retton explained. “I have led other PLC’s in other schools where I’ve worked. When the culture of your building becomes collaborative instead of people working in isolation, it’s what is best for the students. The focus of your building will become ‘all students learning at high levels.’”
He said PLC’s will be implemented daily over the next school year, a plan which was unanimously approved by building teachers.
“We will meet daily in differing teams from 7:15-7:45 a.m. and there will be curriculum teams, intervention teams, technology professional development, co-teaching time and other individual items.”
School Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear said the conference trip was financed through a grant from High Schools That Work for professional development. Indian Creek has participated in the HSTW program for the past three years, but it was the first time that district educators took part in the national conference.
“They thought the best use would be to get some training from national experts,” Dr. Chappelear added. “The PLC provides teachers an opportunity to collaborate with one another and share effective learning strategies.”
Driscoll Finding Her Voice at CLO Academy
MINGO JUNCTION- Indian Creek Middle School student Kendall Driscoll has shown a flair for performance and she’s finding her voice while training in Pittsburgh.
Driscoll, 13, the daughter of David and Dawn Driscoll of Wintersville, is a pre-professional with the Civic Light Opera Academy and has appeared in the children’s ensemble of “Mary Poppins” at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center, among other productions.
“They have an academy for students for acting and singing. My mom knew my sister [Kirsten] and I both liked to do it, so we started about four years ago,” she said, adding that her sister was no longer involved. “I love it. It’s so much fun and I have a ton of great friends and everyone’s so nice.”
Driscoll still attends twice a week except during the months of January through March, while she also takes lessons three times per week in ballet and with a private vocal coach.
Since joining the academy, she has appeared in the summer series at Benedum and shows at the academy in March including “Seussical the Musical,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Honk.” Driscoll has also appeared in Indian Creek High School’s production of “Sweeney Todd” and spent two years in drama camp at the Center for Music in Art in Wintersville.
She added that she might consider a career in the arts in the future, but that is one of the options.
“I want to do professional acting in voice or maybe want to be a chef,” she commented.
While not training with the CLO Academy, she has been musically active in her school. Driscoll, who is entering the eighth grade at ICMS, has played the French horn in band and sings mezzo soprano as well as alto and soprano in the choir. She was also named to the principal’s list and has participated in gifted education classes, plus she has served on student council for the past five years and is a member of the Tech Gyrls STEM program and school newspaper. Additionally, she took part in the G.A.L.S. Project Charity Run and has played softball since age 4.
She said about a dozen children between the ages of 3 and 18 were involved in the academy and they completed their recital in May. Driscoll also encouraged anyone interested to take part.
“If you are really interested, check it out. If you like it, go for it because it’s so fun.”
MINGO JUNCTION- Indian Creek Middle School student Kendall Driscoll has shown a flair for performance and she’s finding her voice while training in Pittsburgh.
Driscoll, 13, the daughter of David and Dawn Driscoll of Wintersville, is a pre-professional with the Civic Light Opera Academy and has appeared in the children’s ensemble of “Mary Poppins” at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center, among other productions.
“They have an academy for students for acting and singing. My mom knew my sister [Kirsten] and I both liked to do it, so we started about four years ago,” she said, adding that her sister was no longer involved. “I love it. It’s so much fun and I have a ton of great friends and everyone’s so nice.”
Driscoll still attends twice a week except during the months of January through March, while she also takes lessons three times per week in ballet and with a private vocal coach.
Since joining the academy, she has appeared in the summer series at Benedum and shows at the academy in March including “Seussical the Musical,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Honk.” Driscoll has also appeared in Indian Creek High School’s production of “Sweeney Todd” and spent two years in drama camp at the Center for Music in Art in Wintersville.
She added that she might consider a career in the arts in the future, but that is one of the options.
“I want to do professional acting in voice or maybe want to be a chef,” she commented.
While not training with the CLO Academy, she has been musically active in her school. Driscoll, who is entering the eighth grade at ICMS, has played the French horn in band and sings mezzo soprano as well as alto and soprano in the choir. She was also named to the principal’s list and has participated in gifted education classes, plus she has served on student council for the past five years and is a member of the Tech Gyrls STEM program and school newspaper. Additionally, she took part in the G.A.L.S. Project Charity Run and has played softball since age 4.
She said about a dozen children between the ages of 3 and 18 were involved in the academy and they completed their recital in May. Driscoll also encouraged anyone interested to take part.
“If you are really interested, check it out. If you like it, go for it because it’s so fun.”
Indian Creek Middle School student Kendall Driscoll is feeding her interest in the arts by training at the Civic Light Opera Academy in Pittsburgh. Her experience there has led to appearances in productions within her school district and the Benedum Center.
SUV Raffle Benefits ICHS Band
WINTERSVILLE-The Indian Creek High School Marching Band is raffling off some brand new wheels to benefit its music program.
For $10, one lucky winner could drive away in a 2017 Ford Escape SE with proceeds to help the estimated 150 band members with uniforms, music and related trips. The ICHS Band Boosters officially kicked off the contest on June 14 and students are selling tickets, while they can also be purchased online through the band’s Facebook page. Tickets will be sold at all home games while the vehicle will be displayed at community venues, including Thunder in the Ville on June 23-24 at the high school campus so the public can have a chance to win. The drawing is set for Oct. 13 during the Redskins’ final home game against Beaver Local, which is also Senior Night for athletes and band members.
“We’re trying to raffle a Ford Escape and our goal is to sell tickets at $10 each,” Llewellyn said. “The money is going to instruments, uniforms, music and trips.”
The SUV, which is valued at around $29,000, was provided by Allietta Ford of Wellsburg and has a host of features for a comfortable ride such as power seating, a backup camera and heated seats. Sales representative Mike DeArdo said the business has actively supported local causes from breast and pancreatic cancer fundraisers to the Cancer Dietary Initiative by sponsoring a hole-in-one event.
“When Indian Creek officials came to us, we were happy to do it,” he said.
The marching band has been active over the past few years, most notably appearing at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Plans are in the works to make another faraway journey, this time to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 2019. Officials said a separate fundraiser is in the works to aid that campaign.
Mitzi Probert, second vice chair of the boosters’ ways and means committee, said a mum sale was also set for September to benefit the music program, but for now the band is looking forward to sending one lucky ticketholder away in style with the car giveaway. Officials were also grateful to Allietta Ford for providing the vehicle for the benefit.
“With a trip to Hawaii planned in 2019 as well as the band’s everyday expenses, proceeds from this giveaway will be much appreciated,” Probert said.
The Indian Creek High School Marching Band has kicked off a major fundraiser in partnership with Allietta Ford of Wellsburg. A vehicle raffle is underway and one lucky ticketholder could drive away in a 2017 Ford Escape SE. Pictured with the vehicle are head field commander Alex Rawson, band director Donald Llewellyn Jr. and assistant field commander Kyrsten Mazzaferro. The vehicle will be on display at upcoming venues such as Thunder in the Ville on June 23-24 while the raffle drawing is set for Oct. 13.