C2BC Enters Second Year at ICMS
MINGO JUNCTION-A program which focuses on living a positive lifestyle is entering its second year at Indian Creek Middle School and kicks off with a special assembly later this month.
Cool 2B Clean is a student-driven organization comprised of 175 students in grades 5-8 who pledge to make good choices and refrain from drugs and alcohol. It began with a group of seventh-graders who were selected by teachers to be part of the founding membership and was organized with local businessman Ron Galiano, regional owner/operator of McDonald’s in Steubenville, Weirton and the Pittsburgh area. The goal is to have the entire school involved and activities will begin with an assembly on Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. in the gym. The assembly will feature Mingo Pharmacy owner Frank Vostatek and Jefferson County Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Corabi, who will discuss the consequences of taking drugs and making poor decisions.
Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick said students will learn the effects of drugs on the brain as well as legal consequences of their actions, while a third speaker may also appear that day.
“Ron Galiano has worked with local organizations to find a recovering addict that kids could relate to and who would discuss the struggles they’ve encountered because of bad choices and drugs,” Dr. Minch-Hick added, saying the program has become a great addition to the school. “I think it’s been great for the kids to have a leadership role and take ownership in promoting positive behaviors in their own school.”
C2BC began last year with a board of five students representing each grade level, who in turn nominated other participants. More students will be named during the upcoming assembly, while the board will be responsible for spreading positive messages on hallway signs, encourage acts of kindness and provide incentives to keep students on the straight path. Other activities have included Mix It Up Day, where different students were seated together during lunch in a bid to build fellowship with others they otherwise may not speak to. Another bonus is that participants receive C2BC bracelets that make them eligible for discounts at local business sponsors, including buy one, get one Frappes, smoothies and milkshakes after 5 p.m. and half-price meals for up to $15 on Sundays at McDonald’s.
MINGO JUNCTION-A program which focuses on living a positive lifestyle is entering its second year at Indian Creek Middle School and kicks off with a special assembly later this month.
Cool 2B Clean is a student-driven organization comprised of 175 students in grades 5-8 who pledge to make good choices and refrain from drugs and alcohol. It began with a group of seventh-graders who were selected by teachers to be part of the founding membership and was organized with local businessman Ron Galiano, regional owner/operator of McDonald’s in Steubenville, Weirton and the Pittsburgh area. The goal is to have the entire school involved and activities will begin with an assembly on Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. in the gym. The assembly will feature Mingo Pharmacy owner Frank Vostatek and Jefferson County Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Corabi, who will discuss the consequences of taking drugs and making poor decisions.
Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick said students will learn the effects of drugs on the brain as well as legal consequences of their actions, while a third speaker may also appear that day.
“Ron Galiano has worked with local organizations to find a recovering addict that kids could relate to and who would discuss the struggles they’ve encountered because of bad choices and drugs,” Dr. Minch-Hick added, saying the program has become a great addition to the school. “I think it’s been great for the kids to have a leadership role and take ownership in promoting positive behaviors in their own school.”
C2BC began last year with a board of five students representing each grade level, who in turn nominated other participants. More students will be named during the upcoming assembly, while the board will be responsible for spreading positive messages on hallway signs, encourage acts of kindness and provide incentives to keep students on the straight path. Other activities have included Mix It Up Day, where different students were seated together during lunch in a bid to build fellowship with others they otherwise may not speak to. Another bonus is that participants receive C2BC bracelets that make them eligible for discounts at local business sponsors, including buy one, get one Frappes, smoothies and milkshakes after 5 p.m. and half-price meals for up to $15 on Sundays at McDonald’s.
Teacher Chopping Her Locks for a Good Cause
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School is observing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with a series of fundraisers this week, but one teacher is taking her support a step further.
Fourth-grade teacher Jessica Clegg plans to lop off at least a foot of her locks this Friday to donate to Hair We Share, an organization that provides wigs for people with cancer or other medically related hair loss conditions. This isn’t the only time Clegg has contributed to the cause, and she is only too happy to help.
“I’m going to donate my hair to Hair We Share, which gives free wigs to anyone under 18 and they can have cancer or temporary or long-term hair loss,” she said. “This is the third time I’ve donated my hair and I last donated about four years ago.”
She began donating while still in college after learning a friend’s sister was diagnosed with cancer. Clegg also discovered how expensive wigs could cost and wanted to give of herself to make a difference.
“I cut off 18 inches of hair,” she said. “The second time, I was just ready to cut it and decided to donate it again. This time, I brought it up to [school event organizer] Ginny Pawelczyk and she said it was a good idea.”
Pawelczyk is a third-grade teacher at Hills whose son, David, was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a baby but has been in remission for the past eight years. Throughout the week, students are wearing hats as part of “Caps for Kids with Cancer” and purchasing popsicles and raffle tickets for a chance to attend a future Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. Those same raffle tickets will be drawn for seven lucky students to help Clegg with her haircut. All of the winners will be announced during an assembly on Friday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. in the school gym and Pawelczyk hoped to raise $1,000 for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for cancer research.
Pawelczyk’s son is not the only student who has faced the disease. Fourth-grader Brayden Tipton, son of Brandon and Christina Tipton of Steubenville, had undergone a bone marrow transplant and treatment after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) two years ago. Brayden is back at school and still visits his doctors for checkups, but he said he is doing much better. Additionally, his schoolmates donated $600 to Brayden and his family during previous fundraising efforts and he noted his appreciation for Clegg’s kind gesture.
“I feel good,” he said. “She’s helping people.”
(Photo Cutline: Hills Elementary School teacher Jessica Clegg is chopping off her locks and donating them to make free wigs for youth with cancer and other medically related hair loss maladies. Her special haircut will occur during an assembly this Friday as part of “Caps for Kids with Cancer” in observance of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month for September. Clegg is pictured with fourth-grade student and cancer survivor Brayden Tipton.)
MINGO JUNCTION-Hills Elementary School is observing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with a series of fundraisers this week, but one teacher is taking her support a step further.
Fourth-grade teacher Jessica Clegg plans to lop off at least a foot of her locks this Friday to donate to Hair We Share, an organization that provides wigs for people with cancer or other medically related hair loss conditions. This isn’t the only time Clegg has contributed to the cause, and she is only too happy to help.
“I’m going to donate my hair to Hair We Share, which gives free wigs to anyone under 18 and they can have cancer or temporary or long-term hair loss,” she said. “This is the third time I’ve donated my hair and I last donated about four years ago.”
She began donating while still in college after learning a friend’s sister was diagnosed with cancer. Clegg also discovered how expensive wigs could cost and wanted to give of herself to make a difference.
“I cut off 18 inches of hair,” she said. “The second time, I was just ready to cut it and decided to donate it again. This time, I brought it up to [school event organizer] Ginny Pawelczyk and she said it was a good idea.”
Pawelczyk is a third-grade teacher at Hills whose son, David, was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a baby but has been in remission for the past eight years. Throughout the week, students are wearing hats as part of “Caps for Kids with Cancer” and purchasing popsicles and raffle tickets for a chance to attend a future Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game. Those same raffle tickets will be drawn for seven lucky students to help Clegg with her haircut. All of the winners will be announced during an assembly on Friday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. in the school gym and Pawelczyk hoped to raise $1,000 for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for cancer research.
Pawelczyk’s son is not the only student who has faced the disease. Fourth-grader Brayden Tipton, son of Brandon and Christina Tipton of Steubenville, had undergone a bone marrow transplant and treatment after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) two years ago. Brayden is back at school and still visits his doctors for checkups, but he said he is doing much better. Additionally, his schoolmates donated $600 to Brayden and his family during previous fundraising efforts and he noted his appreciation for Clegg’s kind gesture.
“I feel good,” he said. “She’s helping people.”
(Photo Cutline: Hills Elementary School teacher Jessica Clegg is chopping off her locks and donating them to make free wigs for youth with cancer and other medically related hair loss maladies. Her special haircut will occur during an assembly this Friday as part of “Caps for Kids with Cancer” in observance of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month for September. Clegg is pictured with fourth-grade student and cancer survivor Brayden Tipton.)
Hills Doubles Fundraising Goal for Pediatric Cancer
MINGO JUNCTION- Hills Elementary schoolteacher Ginny Pawelczyk celebrated more than one milestone on Sept. 22 after succeeding in her goal to raise money for a pediatric cancer cure.
Pawelczyk, a third-grade teacher at Hills Elementary School in Mingo Junction, held a week-long “Caps for Kids with Cancer” fundraiser to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s research facility. Each day was bookmarked by two special occasions—her son David’s birthday on Sept. 18 as well as her own that Friday.
When she put out the call to students and staff in an attempt to raise $1,000, they came through in spades and ended up doubling the amount. Not only did it exceed her expectations but it also was the highest amount her project has ever raised. She made the announcement during a special assembly at the conclusion of the week. Pawelczyk was among many who donned a black and gold “Team David” T-shirt in honor of her eight-year-old child, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor while still an infant. His plight put her on a path to raise money and awareness about the disease and her school community has stood behind her every step of the way.
“Last year, Hills Elementary raised $1,025,” she told the crowd. “This year, Hills raised $2,000!”
Funds were raised through donations of $1 or more to wear a different hat throughout the week, as well as through popsicle sales and a Pittsburgh Pirates basket raffle where one lucky student would earn two tickets to a Pirates game as well as adult- and child-sized team T-shirts. Third-grader Rhea McGee eventually won the basket, as well as a chance to cut fourth-grade teacher Jessica Clegg’s hair. Clegg’s trimmed tresses were donated to Hair We Share, an organization that provides wigs to people with cancer or other maladies which cause short- or long-term hair loss. Nik Hodgkiss, owner of Clutch Salon in Steubenville, completed Clegg’s look with a fresh style.
Clegg said it was the third time she donated her locks and she was inspired by the relative of a friend who also battled cancer.
“It’s just hair and it will grow back,” she said of her contribution, adding that it will help those in need.
Pawelczyk had “happy tears” because of what the school’s collection meant—that more children with cancer will get the help they need to survive. She noted that two Hills students besides her son were also diagnosed and the school’s support has made an impact.
“You should feel good about yourself because all of that money is going to Children’s Hospital where they are finding cures for childhood cancer. When you look around, you have classmates who have been affected. This money is the reason they are here—because of the research.”
She also recognized Clegg’s efforts to help others by literally giving of herself.
In the end, Pawelczyk was recognized with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
“That’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten or could ever ask for,” she smiled.
MINGO JUNCTION- Hills Elementary schoolteacher Ginny Pawelczyk celebrated more than one milestone on Sept. 22 after succeeding in her goal to raise money for a pediatric cancer cure.
Pawelczyk, a third-grade teacher at Hills Elementary School in Mingo Junction, held a week-long “Caps for Kids with Cancer” fundraiser to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s research facility. Each day was bookmarked by two special occasions—her son David’s birthday on Sept. 18 as well as her own that Friday.
When she put out the call to students and staff in an attempt to raise $1,000, they came through in spades and ended up doubling the amount. Not only did it exceed her expectations but it also was the highest amount her project has ever raised. She made the announcement during a special assembly at the conclusion of the week. Pawelczyk was among many who donned a black and gold “Team David” T-shirt in honor of her eight-year-old child, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor while still an infant. His plight put her on a path to raise money and awareness about the disease and her school community has stood behind her every step of the way.
“Last year, Hills Elementary raised $1,025,” she told the crowd. “This year, Hills raised $2,000!”
Funds were raised through donations of $1 or more to wear a different hat throughout the week, as well as through popsicle sales and a Pittsburgh Pirates basket raffle where one lucky student would earn two tickets to a Pirates game as well as adult- and child-sized team T-shirts. Third-grader Rhea McGee eventually won the basket, as well as a chance to cut fourth-grade teacher Jessica Clegg’s hair. Clegg’s trimmed tresses were donated to Hair We Share, an organization that provides wigs to people with cancer or other maladies which cause short- or long-term hair loss. Nik Hodgkiss, owner of Clutch Salon in Steubenville, completed Clegg’s look with a fresh style.
Clegg said it was the third time she donated her locks and she was inspired by the relative of a friend who also battled cancer.
“It’s just hair and it will grow back,” she said of her contribution, adding that it will help those in need.
Pawelczyk had “happy tears” because of what the school’s collection meant—that more children with cancer will get the help they need to survive. She noted that two Hills students besides her son were also diagnosed and the school’s support has made an impact.
“You should feel good about yourself because all of that money is going to Children’s Hospital where they are finding cures for childhood cancer. When you look around, you have classmates who have been affected. This money is the reason they are here—because of the research.”
She also recognized Clegg’s efforts to help others by literally giving of herself.
In the end, Pawelczyk was recognized with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
“That’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten or could ever ask for,” she smiled.
Photo Cutline: Rhea McGee, a third-grade student at Hills Elementary, earned the chance to cut teacher Jessica Clegg’s hair during a special assembly on Sept. 22. The school raised $2,000—it’s highest amount ever—for pediatric cancer research through a weeklong “Caps for Kids with Cancer” fundraiser spearheaded by fellow teacher Ginny Pawelczyk, whose now-thriving son was once diagnosed with the disease. McGee won a Pittsburgh Pirates basket raffle containing two team T-shirts and two tickets to attend a future game. Pictured are McGee and salon owner Nik Hodgkiss with Clegg as Pawelczyk and the crowd look on.
Alumni Band Reuniting for IC Pregame Show
WINTERSVILLE-Past members of the four high school bands within the Indian Creek Local School District will reunite on the field at Kettlewell Stadium this Sept. 8, marking the first time they have gathered in five years.
About 117 graduates from Indian Creek, Mingo Junction, Wayne and Wintersville High Schools will take to the field around 6:30 p.m. for a pregame show and perform five songs with current members of the ICHS Marching Band. In total, about 272 musicians to majorettes are expected to take part. The reunion was coordinated by John and Donna Minor, directors of the Indian Creek Alumni Association, with help from ICHS Assistant Band Directors Kim and Kent Howell.
John Minor said the group last gathered in 2012 and officials decided to get together again.
“The alumni band will be opening the first home football game,” he said. “We have 117 members from 1963 to 2017 and graduates from the four high schools. We’re looking forward to that. Donna is the organizer but most of the credit goes to Kim and Kent Howell. Without them, it wouldn’t have happened. The last time they played was 2012 It’s been five years, so we decided to do it.”
Minor continued that former members were contacted through social media, phone calls and word of mouth with the participants traveling from as far as Chicago. Instruments are being supplied by neighboring school districts to outfit the multitude of players and music has been sent via email so they may practice ahead of time. A rehearsal will take place at 3 p.m. that afternoon, followed by free food and fellowship. Meanwhile, former band directors will also be featured at the evening event.
The following week, the ICAA will host Alumni Night in conjunction with Indian Creek’s homecoming game. Free food and fellowship will be on tap in a tent outside the stadium to welcome past and recent grads on Sept. 15 from 5:30 p.m. until the game at 7 p.m.
“It’s a get-together to reminisce and talk to friends we haven’t seen for years,” he noted.
DJ Ralph Parissi will return to spin tunes and Minor said last year’s inaugural effort drew about 250 alumni members.
Meanwhile, the ICAA is slowly gathering names and information on past grads and so far have compiled a list of 10,000 names. Minor recognized alumna Marijo Young for her work in categorizing the data and more names are always being gathered.
“Our goal is to eventually be able to contact graduates from all four schools,” he said.
Anyone with information may contact the Minors at (740) 264-3186 or via email at [email protected].
Upgrades Done at Indian Creek
WINTERSVILLE- Indian Creek Local School District officials spent their summer making some much-needed improvements to its facilities at a cost of nearly $240,000.
District Assistant Superintendent John Belt said work was finalized in late July on a new sound system and roofing at Kettlewell Stadium while other projects wrapped up at Indian Creek High School and the district office on Bantam Ridge Road.
Those who attend games and other events at the stadium will notice new red metal roofing atop the ticket booth, two concession stands and a storage facility as part of an estimated $14,000 upgrade. Work was completed by Kline Home Exteriors of Sugarcreek and paid through the general fund since it was a permanent improvement project.
“We replaced them with 40-year metal roofs. They were last upgraded years ago and were long overdue,” Belt commented.
More quality sound will also be available at the stadium through a new system installed by Off The Wall Signs of Wintersville. The estimated $7,000 project replaces equipment that was more than two decades old. Belt said it was completed with a mixture of athletic funds and a monetary donations, meaning it was no cost to taxpayers.
“It was primarily athletic funds and an Indian Creek Chiefs Football donation towards the project,” Belt noted. “We upgraded from a two-speaker system to a five-speaker system, tripled the watt output and it has Bluetooth capabilities so the students operating the equipment can upload playlists. It should improve the quality and variety of music we offer during stadium events.”
He continued that both the high school and district offices received repairs to their boiler systems totaling $16,000 and the improvements were greatly needed. Work was done throughout the summer by H.E. Neumann of Wheeling and also ended in late July.
“It was a necessary repair because neither facility could produce heat in the winter had the repairs not been done,” Belt explained. “The boiler system at Bantam Ridge was 20 years old and the one at the high school was over 30 years old. Both of these buildings operate on a single boiler and typically large buildings have two or more. All of our buildings, with the exception of the middle school, have a single boiler.”
Meanwhile, the district added two new Bluebird model buses to its fleet. Belt said about $200,000 was spent to acquire a general transport bus and a handicapped-accessible vehicle through a cooperative purchasing program from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Regional Educational Service Agency (OME-RESA).
(Photo Cutline: New metal roofing tops the ticket booth, concession stand and other buildings at Indian Creek High School’s Kettlewell Stadium, which was one of the various updates completed throughout the school district this summer. Other projects included a sound system upgrade at the stadium, boiler repairs and the purchase of two new buses, while all of the improvements totaled nearly $240,000 and were paid through general funds and donations.)
Rock-N-Paint at Wintersville Elementary
WINTERSVILLE-About 166 students and parents joined teachers and staff at Wintersville High School to add some color and school spirit in a fun event.
The first annual Rock-N-Paint event was held Oct. 12 in the school cafeteria, where students from preschool to fourth-grade could sit with friends, family and teachers to design colorful rocks and enjoy fellowship. Second-grade teacher Amanda Renner organized the free event, which was sponsored by teaching staff, and said it was a way to get together for some fun and free activities. Snacks were provided to attendants followed by painting and it ended with some play time in the school gym before heading home.
Renner said more participation was anticipated but she was pleased with the turnout.
“We had 148 children and 18 adults,” she said, adding that 30 school faculty and staff member also volunteered their time. “We base painted 250 rocks and it’s at no cost and parents could come, plus it’s a way to get to know our families.”
She added that it also helped encourage school spirit and some family-oriented fun.
“It’s a way we can step apart from socioeconomic status because it’s at no cost to the community. It’s all about school spirit and fun.”
A group of teachers brainstormed ideas before opting to decorate the rocks as part of a local craze. Children had the option to keep their artwork or hide it in the community to be found by others.
Meanwhile, others on hand enjoyed the activity.
Jeff Miller joined his preschool-aged son, Mayson, at the event and said they couldn’t wait to hide the rocks they made. Fourth-graders Delaney Bates and Kamryn Wood noted that they just liked being together.
“We’re having fun painting together,” said Bates.
“I like that I get to paint with my best friend,” added Wood.
Renner continued that sessions will be held annually but other free activities are eyed throughout the year to bolster a sense of community. Coming up next is the sports-themed Literacy Night set for Oct. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at WES and held in conjunction with Hills Elementary School. Literacy and math events will be on hand for some fun, interactive learning.
(Photo Cutline: Jeff Miller joined his son Mayson, a preschooler at Wintersville Elementary, as well as family members Ashley Vein, Carlina Morales and Diane Fittro for the first-annual Rock-N-Paint activity on Oct. 12. The event was organized as a free and fun way to boost school spirit and community and roughly 200 students, parents and school staff attended.)
READ Program Pairs Students with Pets
MINGO JUNCTION-One program at Indian Creek Middle School is helping students improve their reading skills by offering a four-legged friend to listen.
Fifth-grade teacher Jane Bennett implemented the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program in September to assist pupils with reading comprehension. Those who may be uncomfortable reading in front of others can curl up with a good book next to the family pet in a neighboring conference room and share a tale.
“It’s a technical program that I found online. The R.E.A.D. program is a sendup from the Humane Society and I brought in my daughter Jenna’s dog, which is training to be a therapy dog. I did research and found that students who are uncomfortable reading in front of people can read with a pet. They can practice and can read without the feeling of being judged,” she said. “I asked [ICMS Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick] to give this a shot.”
Winnie, a four-year-old Border Collie, visits the school each Thursday to spend time with more than a half-dozen kids as they work to improve their comprehension skills. Bennett said the pooch has made a real connection with her students and also helps alleviate any anxiety with a kiss or comforting snuggle, and she has noticed a distinct difference already.
“It has truly motivated them,” Bennett said. “This is the first time I’ve tried it and I’m excited. I’ve seen a complete 180-degree turn and it’s amazing. I plan to do it all year as long as it works and keeps them motivated. The motivation is there, the effort is there and they can’t wait until [Winnie] gets here.”
She commented that participating students have shown more of a willingness to read in class, and one day she hopes to add a smaller pet in the classroom to benefit all of the students.
“I hope to have a class pet, such as a guinea pig. The kids can also learn about responsibility and how to take care of it,” she concluded. “If I can reach one or two of the students, I feel like I’ve accomplished what I needed to do.”
(Photo Cutline: Winnie, a four-year-old Border Collie and therapy dog-in-training, patiently listens to Indian Creek Middle School fifth-grader Brendan Burns practice his reading skills as part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. Teacher Jane Bennett started the program last month and uses her daughter Jenna’s dog to assist students and they meet each week for sessions.)
MINGO JUNCTION-One program at Indian Creek Middle School is helping students improve their reading skills by offering a four-legged friend to listen.
Fifth-grade teacher Jane Bennett implemented the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program in September to assist pupils with reading comprehension. Those who may be uncomfortable reading in front of others can curl up with a good book next to the family pet in a neighboring conference room and share a tale.
“It’s a technical program that I found online. The R.E.A.D. program is a sendup from the Humane Society and I brought in my daughter Jenna’s dog, which is training to be a therapy dog. I did research and found that students who are uncomfortable reading in front of people can read with a pet. They can practice and can read without the feeling of being judged,” she said. “I asked [ICMS Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick] to give this a shot.”
Winnie, a four-year-old Border Collie, visits the school each Thursday to spend time with more than a half-dozen kids as they work to improve their comprehension skills. Bennett said the pooch has made a real connection with her students and also helps alleviate any anxiety with a kiss or comforting snuggle, and she has noticed a distinct difference already.
“It has truly motivated them,” Bennett said. “This is the first time I’ve tried it and I’m excited. I’ve seen a complete 180-degree turn and it’s amazing. I plan to do it all year as long as it works and keeps them motivated. The motivation is there, the effort is there and they can’t wait until [Winnie] gets here.”
She commented that participating students have shown more of a willingness to read in class, and one day she hopes to add a smaller pet in the classroom to benefit all of the students.
“I hope to have a class pet, such as a guinea pig. The kids can also learn about responsibility and how to take care of it,” she concluded. “If I can reach one or two of the students, I feel like I’ve accomplished what I needed to do.”
(Photo Cutline: Winnie, a four-year-old Border Collie and therapy dog-in-training, patiently listens to Indian Creek Middle School fifth-grader Brendan Burns practice his reading skills as part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program. Teacher Jane Bennett started the program last month and uses her daughter Jenna’s dog to assist students and they meet each week for sessions.)
One-to-One Chromebook Initiative Implemented at ICMS
MINGO JUNCTION-Indian Creek Middle School students will be fully equipped to learn this year, thanks to the addition of the One-to-One Chromebook initiative.
When grades 5-8 return on Tuesday, each pupil will receive his or her own Chromebook to work at school and at home. The project is new to the school and officials are excited to see it take off.
“We had Chromebooks in the district prior to this school year,” Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick explained. “In years past, teachers would sign out a Chromebook cart in our library and the carts had enough Chromebooks for the class. We continued to add Chromebooks as the demand increased. To bring the One-to-One initiative to fruition we had to purchase 200 more computers, so that every student could have their own.”
A total of 600 Chromebooks are now available and Dr. Minch-Hick said hardware for fifth- and sixth-graders was acquired with Title I funding. Another 200 devices will be purchased each year, and there is an added bonus with the program. It will move into the high school by one grade level annually, and in four years the current eighth-graders will keep a computer at the end of their senior year.
Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear initiated the concept and worked with the district technology coordinator, school board and Dr. Minch-Hick to develop a plan. Dr. Chappelear said the goal is to have Chromebooks in grades 5-12 and the technology has become a standardized tool for learning today.
“Kids today are becoming more in tune with the digital world, and this puts the vehicle into their hands so they can utilize it in an educational environment,” he said. “One day, every student is going to have one and we are taking steps to push the program up a year.”
He said the devices create more student-centered learning and also expand resources for both students and teachers through online research and information-sharing capabilities.
“To me, the Chromebooks are a great learning tool for students. They can browse the Internet, share documents on Google Drive and teachers can share resources with students more easily. We think we have a sustainable plan and [technology] is becoming something that’s necessary in the classroom.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to support both teaching and learning,” Dr. Minch-Hick added. “Technology can help our students become more successful because the teacher has more resources to help in a classroom.”
She noted that students can access web sites, online tutorials, blogs, virtual tours and much more. Additionally, it benefits them with online state assessments by allowing them to complete the testing much faster.
Meanwhile, students in grades 4-12 return on Aug. 29 with grades K-3 starting on Sept. 1 and preschool beginning on Sept. 5.
Food Programs Show Resounding Success
WINTERSVILLE-Efforts to keep children fed both in and out of class have been met with resounding success through two programs recently enacted at Indian Creek Local Schools.
District Food Service Director Eric White said more than 8,000 meals were served through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), a program offered through the Ohio Department of Education to ensure that children don’t go hungry during summer break. Breakfast was served at Indian Creek High School and Hills Elementary School from June 5 to Aug. 25 to help make sure children received some proper nutrition. According to the ODE web site, SSO combines features of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) makes it easier to feed children from low-income areas during the traditional summer vacation periods. At least half of the site’s student population are eligible for free or reduced meals (based on the most recent October claim) or at least half of the children attending the summer program are eligible for free or reduced meals. Additionally, children up to age 18 (or up to age 21 with an Individualized Education Plan) are served meals at no cost and must not receive a grade for attending the summer program. Schools offering academic summer school are also allowed to operate the NSLP; school food authorities must conduct at least one on-site visit at each SSO program to monitor operations and ensure compliance; and schools must use the new NSLP food-based meal pattern.
White said 90 percent of the meals were served at ICHS while the remainder occurred at the elementary school in Mingo Junction. Students had their own transportation to the sites and received breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30-11:30 a.m. It is the first time the school district has participated in the program, although it has existed for some time across Ohio.
“It’s very positive. I think it was an awesome program for our area,” he commented, adding that he plans to continue it next summer. “[There will be] a few minor adjustments. This was definitely a learning year, but I am very pleased with the results.”
Another pilot project in schools this year is the Breakfast in the Classroom program, which launched this spring in a partnership with the Children’s Hunger Alliance of Columbus. The organization provided a $2,000 mini-grant to implement the program in three classrooms at Wintersville Elementary and two rooms at Hills. Students received either a hot meal option or cereal, fruit and milk that were delivered directly to their classroom, and the end goal was to keep them fed while also adding instructional time. One report indicated that participation grew from 49 percent to 83 percent at WES and from 37 percent to 92 percent at Hills. White said those numbers were promising and he wants to see the program grow even more.
“We are hoping to reach 85 percent of the PreK-4 population,” he added, saying the district is operating it on a bigger scale and it has been met with great support. “I feel encouraged by the overall positivity from students and teachers.”
The plan impacts more than 900 students between both elementary schools and officials said Hills qualifies for a free program through the government because the population has a higher poverty rate, while WES has been covered by the district.
Ohio Bus Safety Week Observed at IC
WINTERSVILLE-Ohio Bus Safety Week will be observed on Oct. 16-20 with events scheduled at Indian Creek Local Schools.
District Transportation Director Brenda Staffilino said events will be held at Wintersville and Hills Elementary Schools to reach younger students while an activity is also set for Indian Creek Middle School. In addition, local law enforcement will be aboard buses and following the vehicles to deter traffic infractions from other motorists.
Staffilino said she and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Darago, who serves as school resource officer for Indian Creek, will be with a bus on Tuesday and she will return again Wednesday with aid from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. She noted that one ride-along last year ended with a trooper stopping a motorist for a moving violation so the patrols do make a difference. However, the district is getting some extra eyes with the installation of new cameras which improve the view on the interior and exterior of the vehicles. Half of the 13-unit bus fleet are being outfitted with new PRO-VISION equipment that includes zoom capabilities and provides an external view around the perimeter to capture surrounding vehicles. Indian Creek also acquired two new buses, including a handicapped-accessible vehicle, which will be outfitted with the devices over the next week.
Meanwhile, she and the drivers will appear at the elementary schools for a musical skit and to stage a bus evacuation. Those events are set for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Hills in Mingo Junction with another eyed at WES on Friday at 9:30 a.m. 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. She developed a script and incorporated her drivers into the play as a fun, interactive way for kids to learn.
“We wanted to enhance it and make it better than last year,” Staffilino said. “We’re trying to come down to the students’ level and have bus drivers involved. We will do the play and teach them hand signals, designated stops and using the 911 radio if the driver has an emergency.”
She noted that ICMS students will watch a bus crash video with an evacuation scenario set for Thursday at 1 p.m. Since Indian Creek buses travel 1,100 miles per day with an average of 1,500 to 1,800 young passengers on board, Staffilino said the programs and monitoring methods taking place this week will help ensure the youth are safe and secure.