Southern Local School District
Toma: “Your Struggle Will Become Your Strength”
Posted 3/26/2024 at 12:13:58 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Motivational influencer Jordan Toma brought his message of belief in oneself and overcoming adversity to Southern Local High School on March 21.
Toma, of New Jersey, shared his story and how his struggles with dyslexia, anxiety and ADHD ultimately became his strengths and led him on the path to a better life. He addressed roughly 300 sixth to 12th graders in the school gym and distributed T-shirts and copies of his self-penned book, “I’m Just A Kid with an IEP,” to the students amid interactive question-and-answer sessions.
He said he grew up with a lot of self-doubt and was teased about being “the dumbest kid in class,” but his mom, Debbie, was his cheerleader and believed in him enough to motivate him. Toma said those the students believe are “annoying” and who push them to work for something are the ones to appreciate because they are positive influences.
“In my life, I struggled through everything. My mom believed in me so much. [There’s someone] who believes in you, the one who loves you the most...can see your gifts. Your struggle will always become your strength.”
He shared a video of a “Today” interview featuring him and his mother and how her love helped him overcome his personal obstacles. Toma told Southern students that his years in junior and senior high were difficult, so much so that he wouldn’t go to class at public school and received failing grades. He faced hardships when his anxiety got the best of him and caused panic attacks when he got to school and when classmates were mean and taunted him. He missed 100 days of school during his sixth-grade year and his anxiety attacks became a disruption and led to bus suspensions. The absenteeism trend continued through eighth-grade and then he attended a private school during his freshman year, but he was struck another blow when a teacher questioned whether he wrote a paper he spent so much time working on. He stopped going to class and failed out of private school but eventually transferred back to the public school system.
All he wanted was to be a regular student but believed it would never happen.
“I thought anxiety would control my life forever. I would try to run from it but the anxiety got worse,” he continued. “How many of you felt like you didn’t want to be you anymore and you wanted to change to be someone else? In your life, we always struggle. You will overcome all of the struggles and opportunities will present themselves. You are exactly who you’re supposed to be. There’s only one of you.”
He said he learned many life lessons, such as not being defined by the grades he received but by the work he did to achieve them. He worked with an individualized education plan, or IEP, and had a 1.7 GPA and little chance to attend college. Toma said he received rejection letters from 15 colleges before being accepted into the STEP Ahead program at Centenary University in his home state. STEP Ahead is an intensive summer residential program providing specialized support for students who face academic, social or emotional challenges as they transition to college. He learned of the acceptance on the same day he was suspended for committing a senior prank. Although his principal said he couldn’t walk for graduation, the official changed his mind and Toma received his diploma.
But Toma was angry about the eight-week summer transition program which involved tutors and mental health counseling, and he screamed that he hated his mother for pushing him to attend.
“I called the director, Chris, and said I wasn’t going. He said, ‘We’re giving you a chance. If you don’t take this chance, you will never change your life.’”
His mother would drive him one hour away to the campus, and his thoughts of jumping out of the car – something he had done many times in the past—were thwarted when she locked the doors to prevent his escape. Toma made it to the campus and decided to take that leap of faith.
“I said, ‘What if my mom is right?’ I went to class and sat in the front row, even though I’d always sat in the back.”
His luck would change and he received his first “A” on an assignment. He graduated the program with a 4.0 GPA and was awarded as the hardest worker, and then he eventually graduated college with a 3.3 GPA and a psychology degree with plans to counsel school students. However, his path led him in a different direction and his first job was selling windows. He was disheartened about the experience and complained to his mother, who gave him another piece of advice.
“I told my mom I didn’t learn anything that I use for my job. She said, ‘You aren’t always going to use everything you learned in college.’”
Toma said the effort students put forth in school continues in the real world, and he decided to work hard and succeed at his job. He became a top seller and would later find a new career as a financial advisor. He studied hard for the related test, which he failed, but made a second attempt and passed. He succeeded in that vocation and currently operates his own insurance business. He created his platform, I’m Just a Kid with an IEP, and spent two years writing his book, which he self-published after companies rejected it. He also decided to travel to schools and encourage youth to overcome adversity and his social media following boasts nearly 3 million people while his book has sold more than 100,000 copies.
“What got me here was all of my failures, all of my doubts,” he said as he gave more assurances to the students. “We all wind up at a different pace. I promise you that all of your time is coming.”
(Photo Caption: Motivational influencer Jordan Toma visited Southern Local High School and addressed about 300 junior high and high school students on March 21. Toma, who suffered learning disabilities and anxiety as a child, has built a social media following and travels the world encouraging youth to overcome adversity and find their personal strength.)
Southern Seeking Social-Emotional Curriculum for Elementary Students
Posted 3/25/2024 at 11:56:57 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local school officials are seeking ways to develop social-emotional programming to help young students on the elementary level.
Nancy Sakely, a past high school guidance counselor and current teacher at Southern Local Elementary, joined Superintendent Tom Cunningham for a meeting with Ohio Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) about procuring sustainable funding and resources to provide a social-emotional curriculum for youngsters. Sakely said mental health awareness has grown since COVID occurred and children have not learned coping skills at home. While programs exist for high schoolers and adults, she said they are lacking for younger children.
“It was starting before COVID, but COVID impacted mental illness because of isolation,” she said, adding that students have had issues with self-control, not handling adversity, poor sportsmanship, attention and following directions. “I saw a news story on a program implemented for high school students and how it positively impacted the students they were working with, and I wondered why there wasn’t anything for elementary students. We could alleviate a lot of issues at the high school level if we can tackle it at the elementary level.”
She reached out to the superintendent and also corresponded with Rep. Robb Blasdel about seeking sustainable funding to provide a program for the younger children. One idea is to develop a proactive curriculum for the students during their special time and help them learn to make good choices, thereby decreasing issues as they grow older.
“If we work at the elementary level, we can impact students enough that there would be fewer incidents at the high school level because they will have the tools to help deal with adversity,” Sakely added.
At the meeting, she discussed how the program could be implemented, noting that guidance counselors wears many hats and are used differently in every district, so they may not have time to meet with every child. Her hope was to have an instructor on hand to meet with students in groups and individually and to assist with coping skills and age-appropriate supports.
“I want it to be implemented in a way that supports instruction and needs teachers see in the classroom, and most importantly, it supports the students. Maybe it could be included as a special time class, and if there’s a need for help the child can be referred. Classroom teachers are not trained in providing this need,” she continued. “If they are providing it, it takes away from instruction. I’d like to see it at all schools in Ohio because the state tends to be a leader, and this is another way that Ohio can be a leader. The curriculum is there. It can be implemented quickly with the right supportive bodies to determine age-appropriate lessons. If there’s one good outcome, hopefully it’s the recognition of a population that needs better served.”
Cunningham said Sakely approached him about students’ social-emotional well-being and was seeking avenues because school counselors were overloaded. He said schools regularly deal with discipline issues, but agreed the amount has greatly increased since the COVID pandemic.
“Every school has s always had issues and we’ve definitely seen a rise since COVID with discipline and coping skills. They’ve just multiplied,” he said. “There isn’t a lot of mandatory federal or state funding for elementary schools. If we can work with students at an early age with self-esteem and making good decisions, it would benefit them. We met with Rep. Robb Blasdel about funding and she said she was meeting with representatives in Appalachian counties and work with them. She thinks it’s a good idea and would like to help us.”
Officials looked at some resources including LifeWise, which is an after-school program, but Cunningham said not all students would participate.
“We’re looking for something to focus on students during the school day, not just grants but something sustainable for a few years. Our next step is to reach out to local organizations. We’re looking for something students can familiarize themselves with and feel more open and comfortable,” he concluded. “We want to give our students as many tools as possible to be successful in school as well as adulthood.”
Kelly Bear C.A.R.E.S. Program Teaches Kids about Character
Posted 3/13/2024 at 2:00:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Kindergarten students at Southern Local Elementary will be learning all about positive character with the return of the Kelly Bear C.A.R.E.S. program in April.
School Security Officer Jeff Haugh will oversee the program, which is set to run each Thursday from April 11-May 30. Kelly Bear C.A.R.E.S (Character and Resiliency Education Skills) was developed for use by counselors, teachers and others who work with groups of children in kindergarten through third-grade. The age-appropriate multimedia program assists children in developing a positive attitude toward themselves and others, as well as promotes social competence, problem solving, self-control and perseverance. It also teaches kids about personal safety, refusal skills and healthy living habits and empowers them to accept responsibility for their behavior.
Haugh, who has led the program for the past several years, will share related videos with the students and teach lessons on the fundamentals of making good choices.
“We will talk about feelings, emotions and integrity,” Haugh said. “It’s strictly for kindergarteners.”
Lessons will include a different video each week, along with reading and other activities. Officer Haugh said his young charges definitely benefit from the program.
“They do learn a lot and there is a lot of interaction between us.”
The Kelly Bear C.A.R.E.S. program increases individual protective factors in the majority of participating children: self-awareness and self-respect, emotional understanding of self and others, social competence and constructive peer relationships, self-control, empathy and kindness toward others, problem solving and anger management skills, respect for individual differences, healthy living choices, perseverance and resiliency, refusal skills, personal safety and character traits such as honesty and responsibility.
SLHS Mural Project in Sight
Posted 3/1/2024 at 11:07:28 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local High School will be getting a bit more colorful as plans get underway to add a new mural in the building.
Art teacher Laurie Ronshak said her students have been raising money to finance the project, which will be done by local muralist Sara Gordon. Gordon, of Rogers, has been meeting with the group to discuss design ideas and work should begin later this spring.
“We are talking designs and it’s just the beginning of the process to start the mural in the hallway,” Ronshak said. “The students wanted the hallway to be brightened. We wanted it to be colorful with the design.”
Fundraising efforts began last year and have included T-shirt, candy and flower bulb sales and craft night events, and the moneymakers have raised around $7,000 to pay for the project. Students shared ideas and sketches with Gordon, who was planning to return with a draft of the concept.
The rendering will extend outside the art room and include art materials such as paintbrushes, plus it will denote line, shape, color and textures. Ronshak said students will also have a hand in painting the mural.
“I’d like to kick it off with the Art Club members maybe helping to draw the mural on the walls and students will help paint it,” she commented.
Select students from each art class will share their time and talent and assist Gordon with creating the artwork, and they can take pride in beautifying the building and leaving their mark for future generations to see.
Ronshak said the design will go before the Southern Local Board of Education for approval at an upcoming meeting. Hopes are to begin the mural in May and complete work in June.
(Photo Caption: Local muralist Sara Gordon, seated at right center with art teacher Laurie Ronshak, meets with art students at Southern Local High School to discuss design ideas for a new mural project. Students raised $7,000 to create a colorful rendering outside the art room through sales and craft events and hope to have the work completed in June.)
SLJHS Sprouts Hydroponics Project
Posted 2/20/2024 at 11:28:50 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Jr. High School students are growing more knowledgeable about soilless planting through a new hydroponics project.
Seventh-graders in Amanda Wrobleski’s science class are cultivating butterhead lettuce in a newly acquired system in the classroom. Wrobleski funded the project with a $660 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center as well as some assistance from the school district. She said she chose the project because it can be completed year-round in a soilless system, unlike traditional planting which usually occurs outdoors. Her own personal interest in gardening sprouted the idea and she jumped at the opportunity when it became available this fall.
“I wondered how to extend the growing season and decided on hydroponics,” she explained.
The equipment, which was provided by Crop King of Lodi, Ohio, arrived during the holiday break and efforts began in January to grow the seeds.
The seeds were planted in rockwool cubes made from heated basalt rock and placed in the hydroponics system, which then feeds distilled water and liquid nutrients including hydroponic fertilizer and calcium nitrate. Students separated the rockwool and began growing the plants in rows. A total of 36 butterhead lettuce plants have taken root and the pupils are keeping close tabs on the germination process. Wrobleski continued that it was a new and exciting way to learn.
“We plan on harvesting the lettuce and enjoying it with a celebration of the harvest in about two months,” she added. “Each student planted a seed and we’re really excited.”
Her 42 students are also responsible for testing the pH level of the water and adjusting it accordingly so the plants flourish, plus they must replace and clean the 30-gallon reservoir at the base of the tank every two to three weeks.
“Every day they see a little more progress. It gives them a reason to have fun and a little excitement,” Wrobleski said. “I’m also learning along with the students. It’s new and the kids are having fun with it.”
(Photo Caption: Seventh-graders at Southern Local Jr. High are learning about hydroponics by growing butterhead lettuce in a recently acquired system. Pictured are students, from left, Nathan Hawkins, Bryton Beadle, April Beadnell, Katie Kellogg, Addysin Andrenok and Elaina Forbes looking on at the new sprouts.)
Southern Earns Grant Funds to Aid At-Risk Students
Posted 2/16/2024 at 3:40:01 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Southern Local School District has obtained $20,000 to help at-risk students bolster their learning skills.
During the Feb. 13 regular school board session, officials announced that Southern Local Elementary and Southern Local Jr./Sr. High Schools each gained $10,000 allocations from the Acellus online program to focus on students in grades K-12 in need of intervention.
SLES Principal Emily Brinker said she and Assistant Principal Jordan Wrask will work with teachers in their building to decide who can benefit from the program.
“We received a $10,000 grant for intervention through this online instructional program and we will add 12 students once we discuss more with staff,” Brinker said. “It’s online and geared toward an intervention instructional plan.”
She and Wrask took part in a zoom meeting to learn more about it and said they will speak with teachers about which students would qualify. Wrask said it is based on an algorithm and elementary students will work on core subjects, but plans are still in their infancy.
“Each of the kids take an assessment and it’s geared toward their level of learning,” he added.
“We hope to implement it soon and will work to identify the kids,” Brinker continued. “Once we do that, we can [start the program] as quickly as possible.”
Brinker hoped to begin by the end of this month.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham said the junior-senior high school earned the same amount to assist some of its students so they can thrive.
“We received a $10,000 grant for the elementary school and the high school also received it to help grades 7-12,” he added. “Hopefully it goes well. It is computer-based and students need intervention at certain levels. They will be assigned work to do at their own pace.”
In other grant news, Cunningham said the Jefferson County Educational Service Center obtained a driver’s education grant which would place an instructor and also a potential vehicle at SLHS. He added that the Columbiana County ESC was also seeking grant funds help students cover driver’s ed costs.
Among other matters:
--Southern Local Teachers Association President Ryan Smith thanked the board for contributing an extra $200 to the employees’ health savings accounts to assist with rising insurance costs;
--The board approved two-year calendars for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Cunningham explained officials worked with the SLTA and OAPSE members to finalize the calendars and it also assisted the Ohio Department of Transportation so projects would not impact school terms;
--Brinker said four fifth-graders participated in the district spelling bee on Feb. 7 including Brooke Akers, Brooklyn Glosser, Patricia Smith and Sophia Pierson. She added that her building was also implementing new Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) rewards by connecting the school building with transportation. Students who show positive character traits receive pom-pom balls to fill their classroom jars and earn a reward. Other SLES news included an Easter candy sale which produced a $4,000 profit increase for classroom activities, rewards and field trips; another visit from educational consultant Carri Meek to discuss strategies targeting issues that impact student learning; and a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. A $2,500 goal has been set and if met, students will enjoy a picnic this spring while officials will dress as characters from the movie “Monsters, Inc.”;
--SLHS Principal Rich Wright said junior high science teacher Amanda Wrobleski obtained a grant through King Arthur Baking Co. for a springtime project. Each student will receive flour and other supplies to bake a loaf of bread that will be given to someone as a gesture of kindness. He added that Wrobleski’s hydroponics program is also successfully growing lettuce and should be ready in a few months. Other high school news included an upcoming PBIS event, SAT testing on Feb. 27 and students with entries in the Columbiana County Art Show on Feb. 27;
--The board also approved a series of personnel matters, including the resignation of Kyler Woodward as a paraprofessional; the hiring of substitutes Natasha Grim as teacher and secretary, Melissa Dugan as cafeteria, secretary, paraprofessional and teacher, Ernanie Black and Patty Bailey as cafeteria and custodians and Jennifer Timms as teacher; a one-year contract for Carla Phenicie as a three-hour cafeteria worker; the hiring of Brent Boyle as a softball coach for the 2023-24 school year; and the approval of Jan Palmer as a three-hour student monitor;
--Cunningham said he reached out to the county Veterans Service Office to do signup days for seniors planning to enlist in the military while social media personality Jordan Toma was speaking at SLHS on March 21;
--Athletic Director Bob Shansky said there was a move to create seven divisions in each sport next year, which may put volleyball in Division VI;
--Leaders approved a $1,634 contribution to the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding;
--The next regular meeting was set for March 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLHS Media Center.
Southern Local Kindergarteners Learn Kindness
Posted 2/9/2024 at 10:27:32 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Family Recovery Center put the “kind” in kindergarten as the Aiming High program kicked off for February.
Lauren DeMarco, prevention educator for grades K-2 at the Lisbon-based organization, is making weekly visits to the classrooms to speak to students on social-emotional topics including bullying and self-esteem. She stopped by Feb. 9 to address kindness and read the book, “How Full is Your Bucket?”
The book centers on a little boy who learns that each person has an invisible bucket that carries their feelings, and the happier they are the fuller the bucket. He then realizes that being nice to others his own bucket is filled. DeMarco also completed a project with the class in which they identified illustrations of people being kind and unkind, such as sharing or arguing. She explained to the children that while their teacher educates them on reading, writing and math, her job was to discuss social-emotional issues.
“I will be back for three more lessons,” she said. “We also talk about communication, self-esteem and emotions.”
DeMarco shares lessons at elementary schools throughout Columbiana County and said she and colleague Ashley McLaughlin have also spoken to grades 1-4 at Southern during the fall.
“Each grade gets a specific lesson in social-emotional skills. There are four 30-minute sessions,” she added. “It’s really tailored to the grades and we usually have a book [in kindergarten] that correlates with the subject.”
The Aiming High program is funded by the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. It has been held at area schools, including Southern, for more than two decades.
(Photo Caption: Lauren DeMarco, prevention educator for the Family Recovery Center of Lisbon, is meeting with kindergarteners at Southern Local Elementary to discuss social-emotional topics such as self-esteem and emotions. She is pictured here reading to students about the importance of being kind as little Ava Smith looks on.)
Contracts Approved at Southern
Posted 11/17/2023 at 2:33:02 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Contracts were approved for staff and administrators during the Southern Local school board meeting on Nov. 14.
Officials agreed to extend five-year pacts for district Treasurer Greg Sabbato, EMIS Coordinator Whitney Tsesmilles and administrative secretary Tammy Phillips while Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker’s agreement was amended to reflect pay levels across Columbiana County school districts.
Board President Kip Dowling praised Sabbato for his work over the last decade, which included operating within a staff wage freeze over the last few years.
“Greg does a phenomenal job for the school district,” Dowling said. “It’s been three years since he’s had an increase.”
“Greg has done a fantastic job with the district’s finances and I appreciate our working relationship and collaboration,” added Superintendent Tom Cunningham. “He’s very deserving of a five-year contract.”
Sabbato has been part of Southern Local for a total of 13 years, with about four spent as a substitute teacher then faculty member prior to holding his current post. Meanwhile, Cunningham recognized Tsesmilles and Phillips, who have respectively served the district for eight and 26 years, for their dedication to the schools.
“Whitney and Tammy both have been great employees for a number of years and it’s nice to award their contracts for their hard work in the district.”
Sabbato also noted Tsesmilles’ assistance with the EMIS program, saying it has effectively brought funding to the district for operations and educational programming.
Regarding Brinker’s amended deal, officials said the move simply brought her salary in line with other administrators throughout the county.
In other personnel matters, the board approved substitute teachers Abigail Cline, Steven Treadway, Ryan Koontz and Amanda Vernon, nurse Rebecca Frischkorn, paraprofessional Natasha Grim and cafeteria worker/secretary Meeghin Sloan for the 2023-24 school year; rescinded Athletic Director Bob Shansky’s previously approved contract for a technicality because the new union agreement did not include the post, but there is no change to the job; approved a one-year contract for Tiffani McAfee as a three-hour elementary cafeteria worker; approved staffing agreements for E-Rate Coordinator Marjorie Hiller, technology representative Bobby Westover and certified health workers Paige Compton and Jayce Sloan at the Utica Shale Academy; named Aiden and Brian Spahlinger assistant varsity football coaches for the 2023-24 school year; gave supplemental contracts to Greg Sabbato and Julie Dowling for MCTA services and an amended contract for Tammy Phillips, all for USA; awarded a supplemental contract for Julie Dowling for inputting requisitions for the current school year; and approved a stipend for SLHS Guidance Counselor Kenadee Pezzano for work while counselor Alannah Smith is on leave.
Leaders also approved the pending retirement of longtime SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff at the end of the school year after 49 years of service, saying he has been highly respected and will be greatly missed. Officials also accepted the resignation of paraprofessional Sharon Skeens effective Oct. 23.
In other matters:
--Highlandtown Fire Chief Jeremiah Cole informed the board of the need for some updated permits and procedures in light of a recent boiler system installation, namely a new carbon dioxide detector. Cole said he approved a temporary plug until a permanent one was installed and also discussed shutoffs and lockdown devices around the campus. He also mentioned options for the empty fuel tank onsite, including removal or being cleaned, filled with sand or related substances, but the state fire marshal would need contacted in either case.
--Agreements were approved with K Company and Greiner for ongoing services with technical support and maintenance of HVAC and water treatment, respectively.
--Brinker told the board the recent Special Person’s Breakfast event was successful and more are planned for the spring, while upcoming events include a Santa’s Workshop the week of Dec. 4 and the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m.
--SLHS Principal Rich Wright announced juniors were taking the ASVAB test and Eastern Gateway Community College and Kent State University would hold College Credit Plus registration events. He added that the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports award was a trip to the Tri-State Bowling Alley on Nov. 30 and state testing would start Dec. 15. Wright added that character-building programs such as Anti-Virus and Aiming High were also set in the schools with sessions through the spring.
--Ron Sismondo, director of curriculum and professional development at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented three $660 Best Practice Grants to SLES teacher Katie Forbes and SLHS educators Amanda Wrobleski and Lori Biser for their innovative programs.
--The next regular session was set for Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the SLHS Media Center.
Southern Local Teachers Awarded Grants
Posted 11/15/2023 at 1:59:51 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center presented three teachers in the Southern Local School District with 2023 Best Practice Grants to expound upon learning in their classrooms.
Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, awarded Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School teachers Lori Biser and Amanda Wrobleski and Southern Local Elementary teacher Katie Forbes $660 each for their ideas to enhance education during the Southern Local Board of Education meeting on Nov. 14.
Biser’s 35 math students will benefit from her project, “Problem-Based Learning for Algebra 2,” which implements a problem-based curriculum from Math Media in her classes. She said learning method and activities will promote the development of students’ critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and communication skills that are imperative to 21st Century education.
“Their problem-based curriculum utilizes the ‘experience first, formalize later’ approach. Additionally, I plan to incorporate hands-on activities from All Things Algebra as student practice of the mathematical content being taught,” she added, saying this was her first Best Practice Grant award. “I am excited to have been selected to receive this grant and to try something new in my classroom.”
Wrobleski’s project, “Hydroponics Gardening,” will benefit between 40-155 science students by helping them understand the growing process. She said her seventh-grade pupils will establish a hydroponic gardening system in the classroom to also encourage sustainability and biodiversity. Activities will include germinating seeds, creating the hydroponic system and experiencing the growth of edible plants.
“The hydroponics system will benefit my seventh-grade science students,” she said, adding this also was her first grant from the JCESC. “When I found out that I received the Best Practice Grant, I was both ecstatic and grateful. My goal with the hydroponic system is to ignite learning and curiosity in this alternative planting method.”
Forbes will implement “Early Literacy Intervention” to aid 130 Language Arts students at SLES. Her goal is to utilize the early literacy intervention space in the kindergarten and first-grade Title/intervention classrooms and provide multiple learning modalities of phonics and phonemic awareness activities and interventions for students.
“These interventions will be utilized and offered to students who qualify for Tier II and Tier III interventions based on students' benchmark, screening and/or progress monitoring data analyzed throughout the school year,” she continued. “Any student who may require extra support throughout the school year and future years will benefit from the project.”
She added that she was pleased to receive the grant—her first-- to provide extra support for her pupils and looks forward to utilizing the interventions so students will reach expected growth in reading and literacy and better meet their learning needs.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients on their awards and said the projects reflect new and exciting ways to bolster students’ education.
“Our schools have many great teachers with innovative lesson plans and instructional strategies, and we at JCESC are happy to be able to fund many of those ideas so they may become reality for the students in the classroom,” Dr. Kokiko said.
JCESC has disbursed more than two-dozen Best Practice Grants this year with other recipients at Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City School Districts and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center awarded three $660 Best Practice Grants during the regular Southern Local Board of Education meeting on Nov. 14 to expound upon student learning. Pictured are, from left, Southern Local Elementary teacher Katie Forbes, JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo and Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School teacher Amanda Wrobleski while SLHS teacher Lori Biser is absent from the photo.)
SLES Students are Aiming High
Posted 10/6/2023 at 2:12:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-First-graders learned the importance of self-esteem as the Aiming High program began another year at Southern Local Elementary.
Representatives with the Family Recovery Center’s Education Department visited classrooms on Oct. 5 for the first of four 30-minute sessions and will appear each week to discuss a variety of social-emotional topics. Prevention educators Ashley McLaughlin and Lauren DeMarco led a reading activity on self-esteem with the book, “What I Like about Me,” and encouraged the children to embrace the differences in themselves and others. Students then drew self-portraits highlighting features they liked about themselves both inside and out, including their hair, eyes or even a big heart to show their kindness.
McLaughlin said the program uses age-appropriate lessons to reach children at a younger age and deter the likelihood of substance abuse in the future.
“We go to schools for drug intervention, but for younger grades we focus on social-emotional issues. It’s really important to know coping skills because in some cases it can turn into drug abuse.”
Kids will also touch on other life skills such anti-bullying, making good choices, building friendships, understanding feelings and communication skills. Aiming High utilizes “Botvin Lifeskills” and “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” curricula that have been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), among other organizations. The developmentally appropriate lessons incorporate real-world challenges youth face today and the goal is to develop social and emotional competency; promote character education; address bullying; promote a peaceful environment; provide positive interaction between peers; teach resistance to peer and social media influences; and encourage youth to make healthy choices. Meanwhile, programs may likely inspire a reduced intention among students to use alcohol, drugs and other substances, fewer instances of violence and an increased likelihood of student success both socially and academically.
SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff said the center, which has locations in Lisbon and Steubenville, has provided Aiming High programs for more than two decades and the lessons benefit kids as they learn and grow.
“It’s a very good program and the teachers believe it has merit,” Rudloff commented. “They think it’s good for the kids.”
More programs will be held through February for grades K-5 and topics include identifying emotions, kindness and empathy, conflict resolution, peer pressure, decision making, building self-confidence, introduction to medicine and risky behaviors while the Family Recovery Center also offers sessions for junior and senior high school levels. Aiming High is funded by the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information, contact Denise Kuhlman at (330) 424-0531, Ext. 146, or email
[email protected].
(Photo Caption: Ashley McLaughlin and Lauren DeMarco, prevention educators with the Family Recovery Center in Lisbon, led a lesson on self-esteem with first-graders at Southern Local Elementary on Oct. 5. Four sessions will be held throughout the month highlighting social-emotional issues and officials will continue programs through February in grades K-5. McLaughlin is pictured reflecting upon student Jack Stower during a reading activity as classmate Cali Britton looks on.)
Haugh Continuing as School Security Officer
Posted 9/26/2023 at 10:36:22 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local School Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Haugh is continuing his work in the district, but this time he will have a different title.
“It will be Officer Haugh now, not Deputy Haugh,” he said.
Haugh recently received a three-year contract from the Southern Local School District and will assume the role as school security officer on Oct. 1, then officially step down as a deputy at the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office nearly a week later on Oct. 6. He had served the county for a total of 33 years, including 18 years as a detective sergeant, plus he was one of two local hostage negotiators and was part of a joint task force to investigate major crimes. Haugh retired from those duties in 2020 but remained in the patrol division before being assigned as SRO at Southern. He has patrolled the school halls for more than two years and led programs in classrooms such as the Kelly Bear character-building initiative for elementary students, while he brought the CCSO K-9 officer to visit pupils and has been actively involved in boosting campus security measures. During that time, he still performed duties for the sheriff’s office and will soon be commissioned as a deputy officer to lend a hand when needed.
“I’ve been with the county since 1990,” he said. “I retired three years ago and worked in patrol service, then joined Southern Local. This starts my third school year and second full year.”
An SRO is a legal term designated for a law enforcement officer who is assigned to a school district through a memorandum of understanding, but an SSO is fully employed through the school district. He has relished his time in the schools and is looking forward to another three years at Southern.
“I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” he commented. “I enjoy working with the kids and have made a difference in some of their lives. I even got a few interested in going into law enforcement and talked one into staying on the right path. If you can make a difference in one person’s life and keep them from going to the dark side, that’s important.”
Haugh has also appreciated the cooperation of teachers and officials in easing his transition.
“The teachers, staff, school board and [superintendent] Tom Cunningham have been very supportive of me,” he added.
When not in the schools, he will spend time maintaining his new home in Yellow Creek Township and enjoying his family, which includes three children and six grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Tom Cunningham said Haugh has proven himself to be an important part of the district.
“Based on his hard work and dedication and his presence in the district, we know he’s been an asset and look forward to continue working with him,” Cunningham concluded.
(Photo Caption: Southern Local School Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Haugh will now be known as Officer Haugh when he assumes the role of school security officer on Oct. 1. Haugh will formally step down as a deputy for the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office after 33 years but will be commissioned as a special deputy to assist if needed. As SSO, he will be fully employed by the school district.)
Aiming High Presentations Set
Posted 9/20/2023 at 2:13:20 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Presentations of the Family Recovery Center’s annual Aiming High program will be kicking off once again at Southern Local Elementary School.
SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff said the program, which centers on life and character lessons, will return Oct. 5 and run into the new year. Weekly sessions will be led by the Lisbon-based center’s educational specialists Lauren DeMarco and Ashley McLaughlin, who will speak to grades K-4, and Denise Kuhlman, who will address fifth-graders.
DeMarco and McLaughlin will begin by speaking to first-grade classes each Thursday from Oct. 5-26.
“The program will consist of four 30-minute presentations in each classroom,” Rudloff added. “The focus of the program will be on life skills such as making healthy choices, building friendships, understanding feelings and communication skills.”
They will then visit third-graders on Wednesdays from Nov. 1-29 to discuss conflict resolution, peer pressure, making healthy choices and the importance of clear communication and address fourth-graders on Tuesdays from Nov. 7-Dec. 5 on aspects of decision making, problem solving, respecting differences and the correct use of medicine.
Sessions continue at the start of 2024 with DeMarco and McLaughlin meeting second-graders on Wednesdays from Jan. 3-24 to discuss decisions and consequences, building self-confidence, risky behaviors and introduction to medicine, while Kuhlman will visit fifth-graders each Tuesday from Jan. 4-25 to talk about assertiveness, peer pressure, responsibility, communication and respect for oneself and others. DeMarco and McLaughlin will wrap up the program with kindergarteners on Thursdays from Feb. 1-22 to discuss making good decisions, character building and knowing how to be a good person or citizen.
Rudloff said the Family Recovery Center has presented the program at SLES for more than two decades. In the event of a two-hour delay or school cancelation, the speakers will extend the schedule to complete their presentations.
Southern Bash a Success
Posted 8/22/2023 at 10:16:45 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools’ 2023 Back-to-School Bash was another big hit, drawing students, parents and community members in the leadup to the first day of classes.
Hundreds of people gathered on the campus Thursday for food, fun, free stuff and fall sports introductions prior to the start of school on Aug. 23. Sixth-grade and online orientations took place before festivities kicked off and about 40 vendors, including community groups, Columbiana County agencies, churches and school organizations, provided information, school supplies, giveaways and more. Kids also enjoyed inflatables from Sunshine Party Rental of East Liverpool plus music by DJ Chelsea Householder, face painting and a dunking booth while the night closed with a Meet the Indians event featuring school athletes.
Organizer Laura Krulik, who serves as district special education coordinator, said the bash has been held for well over a decade and drawn upwards of 1,000 people. She added that the number of vendors doubled this time and she was grateful for the response.
“This was the most vendors we’ve had including the District Showcase last spring,” Krulik continued. “It went really well. We had more community partners attend than ever before. We had a great turnout and the kids and their families spent a ton of time playing over at the bounce houses and games. We served every bit of food and drink that we had for families.”
She added that the feedback from vendors and attendees was positive and thanked everyone who made it all happen.
“There were so many staff members that helped make this event amazing! Paraprofessionals, teachers, guidance counselors, related service providers, administrators, cafeteria staff and custodial staff gave their free time over the summer to prepare for the bash in the days before the event. Many also turned out to help that night. I take the reservations for spots and put the information out there, but without other staff members, this event would not be possible.”
Among the vendors were the Fair Foundation, East Liverpool City Hospital, Mercy Health of Youngstown, Columbiana County Department of Jobs and Family Services, Family Success Network, SNAP-Ed, RSVP, Ohio State University Extension, Southern Local Alumni Committee, AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, MacLean/Martin Chapel of CARE Funeral and Cremation Specialists, Blue Sky Employment, Salineville Methodist Church, OhioRISE, Cinderella Project, Utica Shale Academy, Touchdown Club, Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, CAACC Health, Behavioral Health and Dental Center, CAACJC Head Start, CAACC Mobility Management, Family Recovery Center, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Columbiana County Educational Service Center/CASH Coalition, Salineville Church of Christ, Mahoning Columbiana Training Association, Southern Local High School Junior Class, Christina’s House and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Ohio Children’s Alliance “It Takes Heart” Ohio campaign. School nurse Heidi McIntosh distributed about 200 bags of hygiene products at her health fair in the high school cafeteria while school counselors helped complete needed forms and the district gave away water bottles to use at the schools’ filling stations. Attendants also had an opportunity to tour the elementary and high school buildings to familiarize themselves with classrooms, faculty and staff.
Several families on hand said they enjoyed the evening immensely.
“I like it. There’s a lot of stuff for the kids,” said Tori Needham, who attended with grandson Leo Corbisello.
“I liked the bounce house,” commented Corbisello, an incoming kindergartener at SLES.
Others enjoyed seeing the children interact and receive free school supplies.
“It’s good,” added second-grader Cassidy Mercer. “I liked the fire truck [inflatable].”
Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker was pleased with the community engagement.
“It’s good to see everyone here and the kids seem excited to be back,” she added. “This is our biggest event.”
SLHS Principal Rich Wright was ready to begin a new school year.
“We’re ready to start and there’s excitement in the air. This is my second year as principal and I’m ready for a good year.”
“I think it was a fantastic turnout,” Superintendent Tom Cunningham concluded. “We are appreciative of all the family members, vendors and staff who took part and look forward to getting back to school.”
(Photo Cutline: Superintendent Tom Cunningham sends Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker plunging into the water in a dunk tank at the district’s 2023 Back-to-School Bash on Thursday. Hundreds of people gathered on the campus in Salineville for food, fun, free stuff and introductions to fall sports teams while the event also included 39 vendors from school and community groups to county agencies, churches and hospitals. Organizers said this year’s festivities were another resounding success.)
Wrask Named Assistant Principal at SLES
Posted 8/17/2023 at 12:42:35 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary students will see a different face in the school office as Jordan Wrask begins duties as the new assistant principal.
Wrask, of Minerva, began on Aug. 1 under a two-year contract but is not a new face to the district, having begun his teaching career at the high school in 2015.
The Guilford Lake native graduated from United High School in 2007 and initially earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from Waynesburg University in 2011. He worked as a pharmaceutical representative in Morgantown, W.Va., but went on to nursing school before his direction turned to education. He completed courses at Cuyahoga Community College and earned an alternative teaching license, beginning as a math tutor at SLHS in 2015 and then teaching at the school from 2017-18. From there, he taught high school math for three years in Lisbon and returned to his alma mater to instruct sixth-grade math and coach track. An opportunity arose with the assistant principal’s post at SLES and it turned out to be a fortuitous move.
“My wife and I are building a house nearby and I thought it was a great opportunity to return to the district. It feels good to be back and it’s nice since I started my career here.”
He and his wife, Madilyn, are eager to start their new lives in the area while three-year-old son Tate will join his dad when he begins preschool this fall. While it is a change from working with 93 sixth-graders to nearly 400 pupils in grades K-5, it is an opportunity Wrask is looking forward to.
“Being in a classroom, I could make an impact on kids and I wanted to make an impact on more than just one grade,” he added. “I’m excited to be here and make an impact on the community.”
SLES Principal Emily Brinker said Wrask would be a wonderful benefit to the school.
“Mr. Wrask will be a great asset to Southern Local. With a background in math, we are hoping he can bring some great strategies to the table. He is dedicated to his career and has already helped make some improvements for this school year. We are ready for a great year.”
Southern Local Superintendent Tom Cunningham also welcomed Wrask on board.
“We believe he will do a great job,” Cunningham said. “His math background, leadership experiences and approachability will be welcomed by students, staff and the community.”
(Photo Cutline: Jordan Wrask is a familiar face as a former math teacher at Southern Local High School and has returned to serve as the new assistant principal at Southern Local Elementary. Wrask began his duties on Aug. 1 under a two-year contract and said he was excited to be back in the school district.)
Southern Focusing on Projects
Posted 8/14/2023 at 10:22:33 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Projects are taking place at the Southern Local campus in an effort to maintain and update the facilities.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham updated school board members on Aug. 8, saying improvements were underway to replace the pitched roof and boiler system at the school building. The projects total more than $1.3 million but will eventually save money down the road.
Burns & Scalo Roofing of Pittsburgh is handling the estimated $799,000 plan to replace the pitched roof which has some leak issues. Officials said repairs had been completed more than five years ago and the new topper should last for the next three decades. The area will receive a shingled roof and should be completed soon.
“The roof replacement started as soon as school was out and it was all a pitched roof. Everything should be completed this week,” said Cunningham. “It must get inspected and we have a 25-year guarantee.”
Additionally, Prout Boiler Heating and Welding, Inc., of Youngstown is overseeing an estimated $525,000 project to upgrade the current unit to a propane-powered system. Work began in June and should wrap up in early fall, and the superintendent noted that the improvement will positively impact both energy and cost efficiency.
“We replaced the old, inefficient boiler system and switched to propane. It will take our efficiency from 60 percent to 95 percent,” he added, saying crews must also burrow under the road to run a line.
Officials had noted that propane costs considerably less and the project could possibly be paid in less than five years. Currently, expenses are being defrayed through a mixture of permanent levy and general funds.
Meanwhile, future updates form the basis of the district’s planned 0.5-mill, four-year permanent improvement levy that is up for vote during the Nov. 7 general election. Officials previously passed a motion to place it on the ballot to help maintain infrastructure to keep it operational. Leaders said the previous levy focused on updates under the school roof but the new measure could be used for paving the parking lots and continuous improvements of facilities. Officials added that it would not raise taxes and costs would remain the same.
Among other action:
--Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker said teachers were returning over the next week for training and they were getting prepared for the start of school on Aug. 23 while kindergarten begins on Aug. 28;
--Southern Local High School Principal Rich Wright said plans were underway for the annual Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 17 and Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) online students would hold orientation at 4 p.m. with sixth-grade orientation at 4:30 p.m. The bash runs from 5-7 p.m. with vendors, inflatables, giveaways and more, and it will culminate with the Meet the Indians event at 7 p.m. He added that teacher in-services were also set for Aug. 21 and 22;
--District Treasurer Greg Sabbato reminded everyone, including board members and spouses, to attend an upcoming health screening on Aug. 21 that has not only helped save lives but also kept insurance costs down in the long run;
--The board approved a series of personnel matters including Jan Palmer as a paraprofessional, Marianna Milajecki as a teacher and Jessica Buzzard as secretary under substitute staff while Ashley Dowling was approved as a school nurse for the 2023-24 school year and Charlie Puckett received a supplemental contract for construction projects. Additionally, Zach Almy and Jackline Donovan were approved to return to regular teaching duties following a reduction in force, officials accepted a resignation from cafeteria worker Julie Armentrout and a summer school agreement was approved with Utica Shale Academy for Fiscal Year 2024;
--Board members John Sawyer and Linda Norris respectively were named Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) delegate and alternate;
--The next regular meeting was set for Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLHS Media Center.
SL Gains Ohio Auditor’s Award
Posted 6/23/2023 at 8:46:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools has earned kudos from the state for its efforts in financial efficiency.
District officials announced the school district received the Ohio Auditor of State Award for excellence in financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and compliance with applicable laws for the fiscal year ending 2022.
“The citizens you represent are well-served by your effective and accountable financial practices,” the award states.
District Treasurer Greg Sabbato said it was the first time the district had gained the distinction.
“I am humbled and I have a good staff,” he continued. “It’s everyone who works here. They do a phenomenal job.”
He credited staff members Julie Dowling and Whitney Tsemilles as well as district Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson and said they were an integral part of it.
“The state does the audit and did not have any findings, and they felt we did a good job with our accounting and financial reports,” Sabbato said.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham praised Sabbato and his staff for their dedication and said it showed Southern was moving in a positive direction.
“This is the first time I’m aware of that Southern Local has earned it,” Cunningham noted. “It goes to show the diligence of Greg and his staff working on the financial side, and that’s an honor we as a district should be proud of.”
Gruszecki Bids Goodbye to Southern Local Elementary
Posted 6/12/2023 at 1:04:30 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Secretary Patty Gruszecki warmly greets 4-year-old Sofia Bailey as the preschooler enters the office at Southern Local Elementary.
With a hug and a smile, she and the youngster share a delightful conversation and Gruszecki compliments the child’s outfit. She tells how the girl calls her “Ladybug” and she has nicknamed Sofia “Sweet Pea,” adding that the youngster even had a haircut modeled after hers.
“She visits me every day and says I’m her adopted grandma,” Gruszecki smiles. “I always say we’re connected at the heart. I don’t know what connected us, I guess it was just supposed to happen.”
This is nothing new to her, and with the exception of the COVID shutdown, rarely a day passed by that she did not have similar interactions with other students. But after 27 years, she will fondly bid goodbye as she formally retires on June 16.
During the last day of school on June 2, she visited a kindergarten class and thanked them for their cards, flowers and hugs, saying she will return for school events. She warmly blows a kiss as she leaves the classroom and acknowledges that her life has always centered on children.
“I did daycare since I was 11,” she said of her years growing up in her native Wellsville. “I was the neighborhood babysitter and my goal was to get married and have children. I loved the kids. While I was a stay-at-home-mother, I did daycare for nine years in my home.”
Prior to her marriage to Frank, her husband of 47 years, she worked for Sterling China as a secretary and would return to the workforce when her three children began elementary school. She was a parent volunteer and then became a teacher’s aide, serving in that capacity for four years at Southern Local Intermediate School. Gruszecki then became a secretary when the primary and intermediate schools combined to form Southern Local Elementary in 2000 and has worked with 10 principals and hundreds of teachers and students in the years following, and each moment has made an imprint upon her heart.
The Highlandtown resident intends to spend time with her family, which also includes seven grandchildren, and perhaps travel, become more active with her church and help people in her community. Two of her grandchildren attend SLES and she plans to return for activities and see the students she’s worked with for so long.
“You work with a lot of great people, but being able to be with the kids, you get to watch them grow up [from elementary to high school]. That’s always been my greatest joy and I’ve never missed a prom. You also meet a lot of families and get attached to the kids.”
Gruszecki has made an equal impact upon those who know her, and several of them shared sweet sentiments in her honor.
“Retirement is one of those milestones that mark the ending of one chapter and the start of another. Trading in those long hours as a secretary for the never-ending days of playing with your grandchildren and spending time with Frank,” said SLES Principal Emily Brinker. “Patty has brought so much joy to this workplace that I also call my ‘family.’ The laughs and tears that have occurred over the years will now be a memory. She has been the face of Southern Local for many years and will be missed.”
Brinker also noted the quotation, “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway,” and wished Gruszecki to cherish the moments ahead.
“Patty will be dearly missed in our school. She has a big heart, a great sense of humor and makes every person she encounters feel welcome,” added Assistant Principal Nicole Beadnell. “She enjoys making connections with students and always has a kind word for them. You could ask for her help with anything and if she didn't have the answer, she would be sure to find it. I will miss our shared experiences and conversations about life. I wish her many years of happiness in her retirement.”
Fellow school secretary and longtime friend Sandy Lewis also wished her well.
“She’s been great to work with. She’s a super, super friend and would do anything for me. I’m going to miss her,” said Lewis.
“Patty will be dearly missed. She has a great heart and passion for her job, the kids, staff and community,” commented Superintendent Tom Cunningham. “I was blessed to work with her every day as the elementary principal and she has made a positive impact on me and others in the district.”
Gruszecki said she has a treasure trove of beautiful memories as she moves on.
“Where can you work and get 35 hugs a day? I’ve always said I had the greatest job in the world,” she concluded. “I’m leaving my way and I can’t believe I’ve gotten all my wishes. I’ve been blessed.”
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary School Secretary Patty Gruszecki is retiring after 27 years of service on June 16, but her tenure has been filled with wonderful memories and connections she’s made with colleagues, parents and especially the students. She is pictured here with preschooler Sofia Bailey, who has visited her every day and established a bond. Gruszecki said connections like this have made her love her job even more.)
SLES Students Get Weather Lesson
Posted 5/8/2023 at 9:44:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Third-graders at Southern Local Elementary School had their eyes on the skies during a weather lesson on May 3.
Meteorologist Paul Wetzl of WKBN-TV Channel 27 spoke to the schoolchildren about his work and shared that he grew up only a stone’s throw away.
“This is home for me. I went to United and played on your field at Southern Local,” he said. “I’m happy to be back at the school.”
He said he was inspired to study weather following a tornado outbreak as a child and he continued to study it intermittently to determine any potential snow days while in school. Wetzl originally planned to be a veterinarian but said he changed his course of study to atmospheric science at Mississippi State University. He later owned a storm-chasing company in the Great Plains and eyed a career creating forecasts behind the scenes; however, he ended up on-camera in Youngstown.
“I love the weather,” he said. “It’s my passion and I love being able to do what I do.”
He discussed the dangers of lightning, flooding and tornadoes and explained high and low pressure using an analogy with beach balls and bowling balls to explain density. Other lessons included the difference between warm and cold fronts and Wetzl used computer maps to help indicate conditions. He also shared interesting tidbits including that hailstones contained rings, much like trees, which denote how many cycles they went through during a storm. The lesson concluded with a question-and-answer session with the students and queries included what it took to be a meteorologist and the technology he utilized in his work. He replied that those interested in the field should continue to learn math and science because they will utilize plenty of it in the field, adding that he relies on computers for his forecasts.
“I look for high- and low-pressure systems, jet streams and wind speeds, and I look at the radar features inside images for wind, rain and tornadoes. The computer does the work but our job is to determine what they are saying,” he said.
Holly Keller, SLES Title I teacher, said the visit concluded students’ work on their weather unit, which included science, writing, reading stories and building their vocabulary. As a result, the children gained an understanding of tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes and more.
“This was the first time we did this project, but we did a similar one three years ago about volcanoes,” Keller commented. She added that teacher Nancy Sakely had contacted Wetzl about visiting the school and he was glad to oblige.
Sakely said students spent three weeks learning about all aspects of atmospheric conditions and even recorded themselves giving a news report.
“Some were roving reporters and two of the three classes did [the lesson],” Sakely added, saying another 20 students in the third class will complete the unit soon. “It fulfills standards on science and technology and the kids were having so much fun that they didn’t know they were learning.”
Meanwhile, several students found Wetzl’s visit fun and educational.
“I learned about the clouds,” said student Jocelynn Jackson.
“I liked when he showeed us the maps,” added classmate Kinzley Blatch.
(Photo Caption: WKBN-TV Channel 27 Meteorologist Paul Wetzl gave third-graders a lesson on the weather during a visit to Southern Local Elementary School on May 3. Students completed a weather unit in their classes and gained more understanding of conditions and forecasting.)
SL Golfers Partake in PGA Program
Posted 5/2/2023 at 8:55:24 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Two Southern Local High School students are learning the ropes of working with the Professional Golf Association through a special program this month.
Seniors Brady Ketchum and Jason Riggs will take part in the 2023 Career Exploration Day at the PGA Championship in Rochester, N.Y., on May 13 and 20. They will be joined by SLHS Head Boys’ Golf Coach Kyle Exline and Head Girls’ Golf Coach Gerard Grimm and have hands-on opportunities during festivities at the Oak Hill Country Club. Exline said he and Grimm received the invitation during previous golf clinics and took the opportunity to attend this year.
“The PGA is seeking younger individuals with a passion for golf to fill various job openings for the tour. This event attempts to entice those individuals by providing an inside look at the various career opportunities within the golf industry,” Exline explained. “They will be taken on a personalized tour of the grounds and have an opportunity to meet key individuals involved in the championship along the way. Tour highlights include tournament operations, technology, media relations and merchandising. Additionally, tickets to Wednesday's PGA championship practice round at Oak Hill Country Club will also be provided to attendees.”
He added that they will also be able to watch the players as a bonus and the students were excited for the chance.
“This event is a new mission for the PGA as they aim to appeal to younger generations,” he said, adding that Ketchum and Riggs would be a perfect fit. “Brady and Jason are two of our seniors from a successful class of golfers. Brady is continuing his golf career at Bluffton University this fall and Jason has expressed an interest in learning about professions in the golf industry.”
Officials hope the students will utilize their passion for the sport to create opportunities that benefit them in the long run. Exline said having such opportunities available is a plus and he hopes to do more in the future.
“With an opportunity like this, the PGA is providing a behind-the-scenes look at the many opportunities they offer. Hopefully, Jason and Brady can use this opportunity to broaden their horizons for life after high school and possibly, solidify their future plans,” he noted. “As long as it's offered, we will always seek out opportunities that benefit our student-athletes. Luckily, we have immense support from our school district to be able to make these events possible for our student-athletes. We are incredibly thankful for the support by our district, administration, and community in making these opportunities possible for our student-athletes.
(Photo Caption: Southern Local High School seniors Brady Ketchum, left, and Jason Riggs will head to Rochester, N.Y., for the 2023 Career Exploration Day at the PGA Championship on May 13 and 20, where they will get an inside look at the various career opportunities within the golf industry.)
SL District Showcase on May 18
Posted 5/1/2023 at 8:50:36 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools will highlight students once again during the annual District Showcase on May 18.
Laura Krulik, district director of special services, said doors will open from 5-7 p.m. and students, parents and the community can partake in raffles, community organizational booths, learning activities and more. Krulik said the date was changed to May last year to follow state testing and help wind down the school year.
“It’s a time of year when teachers often complete more hands-on projects and problem-based learning with students. It gives staff more time to complete fun learning activities with students and create interesting products for parents to come see,” she added. “There will be basket raffles, student work displays, teacher and class demonstrations, musical performances, student artwork, fundraisers, a Southern Local High School FFA petting zoo and pasta dinner fundraiser for the football team, plus more.”
Approximately 30 community agencies, medical groups and school-related organizations are expected to provide items and information for patrons and activities are being conducted inside the schools and around the campus. Among the groups participating are the Utica Shale Academy, Southern High School FFA and school staff to the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services. Attendants may view displays of classroom projects from STEM to history, meet teachers and staff, enjoy music and artwork and obtain items during school nurse Heidi McIntosh’s health fair among other groups.
“The purpose of the District Showcase is for the staff and students to invite their families and the community in to see what we have been working on within the district,” Krulik commented.
The event has been for the past 15 years, except during the COVID pandemic in 2020, and has attracted hundreds of people to attend.
Sloan Chosen Student of the Month
Posted 4/20/2023 at 1:24:34 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Southern Local High School senior Cameron Sloan has been chosen as the Salineville Kiwanis Student of the Month for April.
Sloan, the son of Richard and Chastity Sloan of Wellsville, holds a 4.09 GPA and is ranked 15th in his class. In addition to his exceptional academic achievement, he has also excelled in athletics and lettered for four years in football and track, two years in basketball and bowling and one year in baseball. Sloan has served as class president for all four years of high school and is currently the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) President, plus he is a member of the student council, Spanish Club and Varsity Club.
Upon graduation, he plans to join the National Guard and then study business at Youngstown State University with the hopes of owning a business one day.
Marra Gets Five-Year Contract Renewal
Posted 3/28/2023 at 9:24:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools Transportation Supervisor Rob Marra will remain on board a little longer after receiving a five-year contract extension.
School board members approved the renewal during the March meeting, which will carry his tenure from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029. Marra has been part of transportation for 43 years with 11 spent at Southern Local, and his duties entail overseeing a fleet of 15 buses and 10 routes that span roughly 100 square miles throughout the district. Officials said they were excited to keep working with him.
“We’re just fortunate to have his knowledge and experience in our district and we’re looking forward to continue working with him for the next five years,” said Superintendent Tom Cunningham. “He brings a lot of experience to the district and we have one of the finest bus fleets in the area.”
Meanwhile, leaders are looking to develop an area to hold track and field meets at Southern Local High School in the foreseeable future. Cunningham said the district is eyeing a high jump pit to hold dual junior and senior high meets on the school track and officials are performing cost and location analysis for the project. Hopes are to have it ready for next year.
“We put in a new cage for discus and moved the shotput pit to improve the facility for student-athletes,” he added. “We’re looking to put a high jump pit in so we can hold dual meets for the district. It should definitely be done by the next season, and it would be great for our students and community to be able to run and attend meets at Southern Local.”
Officials also approved personnel matters such as affirming teacher Donna Hart, paraprofessional/secretary Ciara Leggett, paraprofessional/cafeteria/secretary Dorothy Ketchum and paraprofessional Kristen Smith on the substitute list; rescinding Alannah Smith as assistant softball coach on the supplemental list and approving Kyler Woodward for the post for the 2022-23 school year; approving supplemental posts for 2022-23 and 2023-24 with Jenny Brewer as freshman girls’ basketball coach, Brian Spahlinger as paid assistant baseball coach, Zach Almy as boys’ assistant track coach, Gerard Grimm as head baseball and girls’ golf coach, Kyle Exline as JV baseball and boys’ golf coach, Mike Skrinjar as boy’s head track coach, Jimmy Malone as boys’ assistant track coach, Kathy Randolph as girls’ head track coach, Michele Skinner as junior high cheerleading advisor and Rich Wright as junior high wrestling coach; approving a stipend for Matt Gates for Hutson Building maintenance for the 2022-23 school year; approving an amended staffing agreement for John Wright at the Utica Shale Academy for the current school year; and approving the resignation of bus driver Carrier Pierson.
In other action, the board:
--Approved field trips for Southern Local High School Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) to PNC Park on May 10 and the Spanish Club to the Gateway Clipper on May 21;
--Approved the revised 2022-2023 calendar with June 2 as the last day for students and June 5 as the last day for teachers;
--Set the next regular meeting for April 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLHS Media Center.
Hurtig Shares Message of Hope Amid Adversity
Posted 3/27/2023 at 9:22:30 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Brad Hurtig was a high school junior, three-sport athlete and a youth with the world as his oyster, but it all changed in a split second.
While working near his hometown in Northwestern Ohio, he was severely injured in an industrial accident and lost both of his hands. Hurtig received prosthetic limbs and his hopes on the football field appeared to be dashed, but he found the determination to overcome adversity and return to the game. He shared his inspirational story at Southern Local High School on March 21 and told students that they should find a way to reach their goals. Hurtig, who formed his Find A Way program in 2015, was joined by the band 10Talents and continued his motivational message of hope that evening in a separate event for the public.
He and his three brothers were raised in an active family and he said sports were a popular conquest. Hurtig played linebacker on his high school football team and was a stellar athlete, but one June night in 2002 he was working to earn some extra money when the fateful incident occurred. He, his brother and a friend were operating a 500-ton sheet metal press machine used to create car parts. While attempting to straighten a crooked piece of sheet metal, Hurtig’s limbs became trapped in the machine and he severed his left hand and right arm.
“The first thing I remember was not the physical pain. The first thing I remember is hearing someone scream at what they saw when they looked at me. When I looked down, part of my left hand was still attached...and half of my right arm was missing.”
Hurtig was taken to one hospital but transported by medical helicopter to another facility and underwent multiple surgeries, but doctors were unable to save his left hand. He completed physical and occupational therapy but pondered not playing sports again.
“I desperately wanted to go back in time and change what happened, but I couldn’t,” he added. “I came home to start a new life without hands. For me, I wanted to keep pressing on...but it caught up with me. I started to feel overwhelmingly sad because of things I’d never do.”
Hurtig returned to school the next term with an aide to help him in class but was later outfitted with prosthetic arms featuring moveable fingers. His computer was also adapted with voice-activated software to help with classwork and he would also be able to ride an adjusted ATV to have some normalcy. But support from his football coach led him to seek another dream—to join the team once again.
He was invited to attend practice and a simple gesture turned into a valuable lesson.
“I saw a water bottle at the coach’s feet. My coach looked down at the bottle, then he looked back up at me. He thought for a moment and said something that would ultimately change my life. He said, ‘If you are thirsty enough, you would find a way,’” Hurtig recalled. “I said, ‘I could do this.’”
He proceeded to pick up the bottle and take a drink, saying the water never tasted so good. That challenge gave him new perspective and the coach provided a chance to serve as a kicker for the team. It would take several attempts to kick a proper field goal before he switched gears and eventually returned as a linebacker; however, he faced some opposition to using his metal limbs during games. He was temporarily forced to wear padding on his arms before being permitted to play with his prosthetics. With grit and determination, Hurtig went on to lead the team in tackles and earn First Team All-Ohio during his senior year.
Fast forward to adulthood, and he has since traveled around the country to motivate students and businesspeople with his words of encouragement and corporate safety. Hurtig, who has been featured on the likes of ESPN and in the New York Times, said anyone could attain their dreams if they tried hard enough.
“We don’t know how strong we are until strong is the only option. You need to go after it relentlessly,” he added.
The presentation was interspersed with music from the band while Hurtig invited students to participate in challenges to retrieve a water bottle using their mouths, elbows and knees to show determination amid adversity. He closed with advice and encouragement for the pupils.
“If you are truly thirsty enough, you will push yourself further than you ever imagined,” he concluded. “If you are willing to have the right mindset, you will adapt and persevere and you will find a way.”
(Photo Caption: Motivational speaker Brad Hurtig shared a message of hope amid adversity with Southern Local High School students during a presentation on March 21. Hurtig lost both of his hands in an industrial accident as a teen and learned to use prosthetic limbs, and his determination helped him lead his high school football team in tackles as a linebacker and win First Team All-Ohio status.)
SLES Gets Moving for AHA
Posted 3/1/2023 at 10:34:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary students got moving and reached their $3,000 goal for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge.
About 385 students in grades PreK-6 solicited money throughout the month through letters, email and social media and collected the contributions, then they took part in the annual Move-A-Thon during special time in the gym on Feb. 23-24. Kids could dance, hula hoop, jump rope, perform a high jump and complete an obstacle course while teachers and school PTO members assisted. Physical education teacher Kathy Randolph said an incentive was put into place for the moneymaker and this was the earliest the school has achieved its goal.
“This is the first year we met our goal before the Move-A-Thon,” she said. “We made more than $3,001.”
One incentive was put into place to ensure they attained their objective, which is to hold a picnic this spring where Randolph, SLES Principal Emily Brinker, Assistant Principal Nicole Beadnell, district Director of Special Services Laura Krulik and school nurses Heidi McIntosh and Ashley Dowling will don dinosaur costumes, and now there’s another to help raise event more.
“We’ve created another incentive to have the dinosaurs race on the football field,” Randolph added.
This year’s theme is “Be the Torch” and features dragons with a bevy of prizes available per funding level. They range from decorative clip-ons for backpacks and key rings to a KHC fitness watch, but students could also earn a mystery gift for every $50 raised with a “golden egg,” making them eligible for a drawing to take part in a virtual meeting with characters Finn and Kelly and possibly others. Randolph said second-grader Parker Locke and fourth-grader Sophia Pierson won so far but she hoped for more, and about 50,000 are available nationwide for a chance at the virtual reward. Meanwhile, students could also earn Finn’s Lifesaver Award by learning CPR and pledging to get healthy.
SLES has raised in excess of $5,000 in the past for the organization and proceeds are used to fund education, research and more to battle heart disease. At the conclusion of one event, Randolph reminded a group of fourth-graders about the importance of their support.
“This is why we do [the Move-A-Thon]. We do this to help kids get the technology and services they need so they can do what you kids just did.”
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary fourth-graders Jayce Tsesmilles and Lane Weston jump through hoops to benefit the American Heart Association during the school’s annual Move-A-Thon on Feb. 24. Nearly 400 students in grades PK-6 jumped rope, completed an obstacle course and more for the AHA’s Kids Heart Challenge and raised $3,000, but now they are eying a $3,500 goal with fun incentives including a spring picnic and school officials wearing costumes.)
SLES Students Step up for AHA Fundraiser
Posted 2/10/2023 at 11:53:10 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary students are literally stepping up to help the American Heart Association during its annual fundraiser.
About 390 PreK-6 pupils kicked off AHA’s Kids Heart Challenge on Feb. 2 and are currently collecting funds from contributors. Students solicit through letters, emails, Facebook and other social media and donations may be collected in person or sent to an online account. The kids will also take part in the school’s Move-A-Thon on Feb. 23-24 and complete a series of physical tasks such as dancing, hula hoops, jump rope, jumping and an obstacle course. Preschoolers are expected to participate that Thursday with the remaining classes joining in that Friday.
Physical education teacher Kathy Randolph said different stations will be available during each class’s special time and jumping and jump rope contests are included. Meanwhile, incentives are in place to help the school reach its $3,000 goal.
“Our goal is $3,000 and we were up to $900 after five or six days,” she said. “If we reach it, they will have a picnic this spring and select staff will dress up in costumes.”
This year’s theme is “Be the Torch” and highlights dragons with decorative clip-ons for backpacks and key rings among the prizes. Others include socks, jump rope, a playground ball and T-shirt at the $5 to $250 levels to a mystery XL fidget popper at the $500 amount and a KHC fitness watch at the top level of $1,000. Students may also earn a mystery gift for every $50 raised with a “golden egg” making them eligible for a drawing. About 50,000 golden eggs are available nationwide with one winner to be named per region, and recipients will win a virtual meeting with the characters Finn and Kelly and possibly others.
Randolph added that kids can also earn a prize by simply making a pledge to get healthy.
“They can earn Finn’s Lifesaver Award by learning CPR and taking pledges to exercise and make healthier decisions with their family,” she said.
SLES has raised upwards of $5,000 in the past for the organization and proceeds are used to fund community initiatives, education, research and quality of care to battle heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer in the world.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary fourth-graders Melanie Meek and Nate Forbes each earned more than $100 during the first week of the school’s Kids Heart Challenge to benefit the American Heart Association, making them the top earners so far. The school kicked off its annual fundraiser on Feb. 2 and will hold a Move-A-Thon later this month with jump ropes, hula hoops and other activities to reach a $3,000 goal for the organization. Students can earn prizes through AHA while school incentives include a picnic this spring and staff members donning costumes if they reach the goal.)
SLJHS Begins Anti-Virus Character Ed Program
Posted 2/2/2023 at 10:43:09 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Jr. High School students are learning about the importance of making good choices and how poor ones can lead to consequences through the newly implemented Anti-Virus program.
Sixth-graders got their first lesson in January from Tom Coffee, associate director and mentor with Leader’s Edge. Leader’s Edge, which is located across Ohio, is based locally in Dover and provides leadership and character development. The Anti-Virus program is utilized throughout the world and the curriculum has been implemented in Columbiana County thanks to a generous benefactor. Coffee said it will be enacted in three volumes and he will visit each week for the remainder of the year. His first lesson touched upon corruption and how people can change from making bad habits to more positive decisions.
“The only thing in life you have 100-percent control over is you,” he said. “Your character, the person you are and the person you’re becoming are under your control.”
He noted that there are consequences to actions, and if a person continues to make bad decisions then it becomes a habit. Coffee provided journals for students to complete and said it will aid with self-improvement.
“This is the hardest thing you’ll do in your life—work on your character.”
Coffee delved into the theme of corruption, saying it can occur from a young age and someone may make bad choices to gain acceptance from others. However, a person who chooses the right path can avoid negativity. He described a virus as something found biologically and in electronic devices, and the key is to remove them by wiping them clean and putting up a wall or barrier to prevent further problems.
“It’s like a wall,” he said. “Do you think we need barriers in life? Regardless of how cool it may be to do something, it may not be good to do it. It takes just one time to realize it was a bad choice. Corruption is something that can sneak up on us...and consequences can come later.”
He cited smoking as one example with long-term consequences, saying it may lead to lung cancer or other health problems. Future discussions will also incorporate videos and touch not only upon drugs and alcohol, but choices in general.
During further talks, Coffee cited a list of bad habits such as lying, cheating, drinking alcohol, smoking, having a bad attitude, violence, risky behavior and gangs. He defined gangs as including cliques which kids may see in school, and he said risky behaviors not only impact the youth themselves but also others. He peppered his lecture with personal stories, telling of friends who made choices which were life-altering and even life-ending.
“These aren’t just things you may struggle with, but it could be somebody at home,” he said. “Some of my friends didn’t make it to graduation because of their risky behaviors.”
The Anti-Virus program focuses values such as hard work, responsibility, emotions, restraint, common sense and generosity. Coffee said he will continue speaking to the junior high students through the rest of the year while students can learn how they can change themselves for the better. He added a visual example by putting drops of green dye into a glass of water to represent corruption, then he placed the glass into a clear container and repeatedly filled the cup with water until the green liquid dissipated and the glass was clear once again. He said people can do the same to eliminate corruption and bad habits, but it will not be an easy fix.
“You can change but it will take time, dedication, focus and effort,” he concluded. “I got rid of my bad influences and continued to make good choices.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Principal Jess Krulik said Anti-Virus and the Aiming High program, the latter beginning at SLJHS in February through the Family Recovery Center of Lisbon, also tied in with the school’s Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports (PBIS) system to promote good choices and positive actions throughout the building.
“I think the movement coming from the elementary to the junior high is a big step and the kids are given a lot of freedom they haven’t had before,” he said. “With that, the character values programs we promote will mold them into better students. We’ve supported [Anti-Virus] and Aiming High and wrapped it in with PBIS, so when they get to high school they have moral and character development.”
(Photo Caption: Tom Coffee, associate director and mentor with Leader’s Edge of Dover, began the Anti-Virus character education program with sixth-graders at Southern Local Jr. High School. The program looks at making good choices and ties in with the expanded Aiming High program, which is coming in February through Family Recovery Center of Lisbon, and the school’s ongoing Positive Behaviors and Intervention Supports (PBIS) system to promote positive actions throughout the building.)
Southern Building Character Programs
Posted 1/19/2023 at 10:36:41 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools will build upon its character-based programming by introducing Aiming High and Anti-Virus to junior high students.
The district has hosted Aiming High, which is provided by Family Recovery Center of Lisbon, for more than two decades. More programs kicked off this month for second- and fifth-graders and it will expand to the seventh- and eighth-grade classes in February. During one recent visit on Wednesday, prevention educator Kierstin Fillman spoke to second-graders about identifying feelings and emotions and methods to cope during periods of sadness, nervousness, anger and more.
Fillman said her topics each week include self-esteem, feelings and emotions and coping skills, decision-making and growth mindset. She added that she has witnessed plenty of interaction among the kids and they have been very engaged in the activities. At her session, students described feeling happy, sad, angry and excited and the corresponding emotions from smiling and crying to yelling.
“If we can start to recognize those emotions, especially that you get a red face when you are angry, [you can] prevent yourselves from getting angry,” she said, noting that in those situations, they should try quietly counting to 10 or 100, or even taking a few deep breaths. “We want to be able to help ourselves. We want to be able to care for ourselves.”
Fillman also provided information and activities for the students to keep so they can help recognize their emotions and ways to counter negative feelings.
Aiming High has been provided in grades K-5 and offers age- and grade-appropriate programming for each class. When it begins at the junior high next month, those students will learn about such subjects as drug prevention and social relationships. SLHS Assistant Principal Jess Krulik said the intent is to spread positivity and help build values that carry forth in the students’ lives.
“Aiming High will be put in the English curriculum and they will do presentations then,” Krulik said. “We are planning to implement it Feb. 2 in grades 7-8. It will be done on Thursdays through February and they will discuss self-esteem, social relationships, good morals, drug prevention and violence prevention.”
SLHS will also host the Anti-Virus program to the sixth grade on Feb. 30 to help develop character and leadership while speakers will also pay a visit come this spring.
“Anti-Virus is done once a week for a nine-week period and that’s also done through the Family Recovery Center,” he added. “It relates to character values such as hard work, responsibility, emotions, restraint, common sense and generosity. We want to address the junior high and instill programs now so they could carry them forward and we can continue through high school.”
Krulik said everything ties together, even with the school’s Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports (PBIS) system to promote good choices and positive actions throughout the building.
“The Family Recovery Center supports the values with the speakers and we are using these character values to bring speakers such as Markus Folling,” he added, referring to a recent session with the former football player and drug addict who turned his life around and now speaks out on positivity and suicide prevention. “[SLHS Principal Rich Wright] has been speaking to Beaver Local about the speaker they were bringing in and it was perfect for what we are doing.”
To that end, Brad Hurtig is expected to visit around March and discussed how he faced his personal struggles and overcame them. Hurtig is a double-hand amputee who went on to become an All-Ohio athlete and now speaks to his theme, “Find A Way.”
“It all works with our PBIS. Once we had Markus Folling, we started incorporating it into the PBIS so we can support the values of what the speakers were pressing—staying away from drugs and having positive thoughts.”
He said there has been a growth in PBIS rewards among SLHS students, who have been treated to ice cream sundaes and snacks as a result of their good deeds. The most recent PBIS reward was extended to about 200 pupils.
(Photo Caption: Kierstin Fillman, a prevention educator at the Family Recovery Center of Lisbon, talks to second-graders at Southern Local Elementary about feelings and emotions during the latest session of the Aiming High session. Aiming High will expand into the junior high starting in February in addition to the Anti-Virus program and visiting speakers for character building and enrichment. Southern Local officials are aiming to incorporate positivity and values throughout the buildings so all students learn to make good choices.)
Southern Local Resets for 2023
Posted 1/19/2023 at 10:08:36 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Southern Local School Board of Education hit the reset button during its first gathering of 2023.
Kip Dowling and Scott Hart remained in their respective positions as board president and vice president with John Sawyer still acting as legislative liaison and Karl Blissenbach named student achievement liaison during an organizational meeting on Jan. 10. Officials conducted a series of sessions to discuss tax budget and records retention matters and capped it off with a regular meeting. During the latter, the board submitted final numbers to the Columbiana County Budget Commission. District Treasurer Greg Sabbato said there were no major changes and Southern was looking at future projects.
“The budget is the same except we have the old and new permanent improvement (PI) fund,” he said. “We paid off our bond and moved money into the new PI fund.”
He referred to the retirement of a 4.21-mill bond that was approved in 2000 and fully remitted last year. By doing so, it helped lower numbers by 40 basis points to the benefit of taxpayers. Meanwhile, Dowling asked how much money the district saved by fully remitting the bond funds and Sabbato estimated the sum at more than $170,000. He added that all of the funds will have a healthy balance for the end of Fiscal Year 2024.
Now leaders have their eye on upgrades over the next few years, including the replacement of the 20-year-old roof which has been prone to leaking and new turf on the football field. Sabbato said officials had looked at the roof project two years ago, but COVID affected those plans and costs have since risen. However, he said $800,000 has been allocated for the work should they move forward. Long-term goals include replacing the turf at Wigwam Stadium over the next few years and putting a restroom in the wrestling room, yet any movement on an auditorium or the expansion of the elementary school parking lot are further down the road. In the meantime, the Classroom Facilities Fund is defraying costs for a new propane boiler. Sabbato said the old PI fund was more restrictive when it came to projects while the new fund provides more latitude and allows for such improvements as security. He noted that the district may also qualify for grants to complete work.
In other matters, the board heard reports from Southern Local High School Principal Rich Wright, who said ASVAB testing was being set while Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) rewards were being given to about 200 students. He continued that the Aiming High program would begin at the junior high in February with discussions on substance abuse and social relationships and ACT testing would be held for juniors in March. He added that state testing was set for April 25-May 4. Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker planned to approach PTO members about volunteering during lunch duty to free up classroom aides and said SLES teachers would be working with consultant Carri Meek during professional development on the next waiver day.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham said high school officials reviewed an ACT prep program over the holiday break and are looking to implement it in classrooms. He added that tests were free and mandated by the state while the software tools could be used in class and students can also work online at home. Cunningham said two-part waiver days were eyed for Jan. 20 and Feb. 10, at which time the elementary school would work on educational improvement projects and the high school would focus on the Bridges Out of Poverty program regarding disadvantaged students. The programs will then be swapped in February with SLES discussing Bridges Out of Poverty and SLHS discussing curriculum. On a related note, the panel approved the waiver days.
Among other action:
--The board approved the hiring of substitute personnel including Brittany Crow, Jamie Clemens, Regina Conley, Kayla Cope, Jackie Giovenco, Lacey Locke, Angela Martin, Vicki McCauley, Joy McIntosh, MaryEllen Palmer, Jocelyn Parrish, Shawnna Parrish, Michael Peters, Carla Phenicie, Heidi Price, Michelle Salus, Richard Sloan and Dawn Spooner, cafeteria workers; Dawn Gotschall, Taylor Gauntt, Melanie Glosser and Tara Javens, bus drivers; John Farnsworth, Bob Fox, Daniel Helman, Vicki McCauley, Emily May, Jocelyn Parrish, Heidi Price, Michelle Salus, Dawn Spooner, David Ulbright and Samantha Vest, custodians; Brooke Echols, Julie Garner, Kim Smith, Kayla Cope, Jamie Clemens, Vicki McCauley, Joy McIntosh, Angela Martin, MaryEllen Palmer, Michael Peters, Carla Phenicie and Michelle Salus, secretaries; Kaylynn Barnhart, Ann Chamberlain, Jada Derrington, Brian Eastham, Lexie Elliott, Jody Lockhart, Tony Martini, Jacob Melott, Marianna Milajecki, Jan Palmer, Kathryn Pastore, Frank Rose, Hannah Sevek, Kate Spahlinger and Pam Tedeschi, teachers; and Kaylynn Barnhart, Jean Boley, Jamie Clemens,Kayla Cope, Brittany Crow, Julie Garner, Jackie Giovenco, Richard Haught, Lacey Locke, Angela Martin, Jan Palmer, Jocelyn Parrish, Shawnna Parrish, Richard Sloan and Amanda Vernon, teacher’s aides. Sabbato said the state auditor suggested approving them twice a year;
--Alanna Smith was named assistant girls’ softball coach for the 2022-23 school year;
--Leaders accepted a $150 from Blissenbach for the athletic fund;
--Athletic Director Bob Shansky noted that the school’s bowling team has improved while the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were in the Top 4 in the OVAC and spring sports were getting underway;
--Food Service Director Samantha Fryman updated leaders on happenings in her department, saying the elementary school was working on an Elmo’s Birthday theme in February and a Super Bowl event was eyed for the high school;
--Pencil-and-paper assessment testing was approved for OST ELA and OST Mathematics for third-grade students for the school year;
--Sabbato informed the board that most school records have been maintained in a warehouse with separate backing systems kept secure digitally in Clouds and any historical information would be sent to the historical society;
--Cunningham honored officials for School Board Recognition Month for January and distributed certificates of appreciation, plus a dinner was being set for February;
--The next regular meeting was set for Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLHS Media Center.
(Photo Caption: The Southern Local Board of Education got organized for 2023 but kept Kip Dowling and Scott Hart in place as board president and vice president, respectively. Pictured are, from left, Karl Blissenbach and Linda Morris. Back: Hart, Dowling and John Sawyer.)
Southern Staff Seeks to Help Disadvantaged Students
Posted 1/18/2023 at 3:00:55 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Southern Local School District administrators and staff are looking to help disadvantaged students by taking part in a Bridges Out of Poverty program.
Two waiver days are set for Jan. 20 and Feb. 10 for all-day professional development sessions, and at that time each building will have a chance to learn how to support students living in low-income households. District Director of Special Services Laura Krulik organized the session and junior and senior high staff will complete the workshop next week while elementary personnel hone their focus on student learning with educational consultant Carri Meek. SLES will switch gears at the Feb. 10 session and be introduced to Bridges Out of Poverty while SLHS will talk education.
With the district’s poverty level currently standing at 73 percent, officials want to find ways to support the students so they can achieve success in life. Participants will center on the economic class and learn strategies for communities to alleviate poverty. According to the program, they will review poverty research, examine a theory of change and analyze poverty “through the prism of the hidden rules of class, resources, family structure, and language” with a goal to build resources, improve outcomes and help support those to move out of poverty.
SLHS Assistant Principal Jess Krulik said students are impacted because it affects their ability to learn.
“Kids have had a hard time learning because they’ve been raised in poverty. [The session] gives a deeper understanding of challenges that people with poverty face and ways we would battle the pitfalls they have,” he noted. “It also gives insight into hidden rules people in poverty have. I think it will be helpful to our staff.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham said he took part in sessions many years ago and it would definitely be an advantage today.
“We are using this workshop as a way to work collectively to improve strategies dealing with social and financial disadvantages. Poverty, both situational and generational, impacts student learning and we want to look at ways to increase student success across the board.”
Southern Local Boosting Security with Grant
Posted 1/9/2023 at 10:07:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-A $200,000 grant allocation is helping Southern Local Schools boost its security systems and promote a safer learning environment.
Southern was among more than 700 school districts selected for Ohio K-12 School Safety Grants with about $100 million being disbursed in 57 counties, and it will utilize its portion to upgrade cameras and access mechanisms around its buildings. District Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson said the elementary and junior/senior high school structures each gained $100,000 for the upgrades, and some of the equipment has already been purchased while more was being procured.
“We are getting camera upgrades and security upgrades in the buildings and it has to be done before September of 2024,” Sampson said. “It can also reimburse the schools for costs of work done between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 30, 2023. We had to complete a safety needs assessment that was done by our School Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Haugh and Advanced Training Group Worldwide (ATG) of Lisbon. The goal is to increase our score on the safety assessment and align ourselves with the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) school safety checklist and decrease vulnerabilities to catastrophic situations.”
The schools’ assessments showed some areas in need of improvement with regards to equipment and monitoring, and now leaders are taking steps to rectify the matter so the district’s faculty, staff and estimated 745 PreK-12 students can focus on education.
“They will be updating outdated equipment as well as adding more safety features for areas that may not be efficiently covered,” she said. “Some of the items have been purchased and we’ll be reimbursed and others will be completed by the end of this school year.”
Deputy Haugh and District Technology Director Josh Manist have already helped acquire updated hand-held safety radios, windshield dashcams for school buses, metal detector wands, Tattletale security pagers and additional scanners for badges that are mounted at the entrances. Future purchases include ballistic window film, cameras, software upgrades, portable road barriers and weather stations, the latter of which will be placed outside the elementary and high school buildings.
Sampson noted that some work may continue, but all of the updates should be completed by the 2024 deadline. Meanwhile, she was pleased to see the district gain a grant award since it was a competitive process.
“It’s great to be approved and be able to provide more effective and efficient safety and security measures in both buildings.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham echoed the comment, saying Sampson and Deputy Haugh were very involved in the planning stages.
“We’re really fortunate to receive that funding. Mrs. Sampson and Deputy Haugh did a lot of work with the analysis on our buildings and what the security needs were,” he said. “It definitely helps the district and the upgrades will be long-lasting.”
Meanwhile, the district previously conducted safety drills involving an active intruder scenario and bomb threat, which also included the lockdown and evacuation of students and participation of local safety forces to test the school safety plan. Officials said more scenarios are eyed in the future.
Aiming High Program Back at SLES
Posted 12/15/2022 at 1:36:47 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary students will learn about character building to peer pressure as the Aiming High program returns this January.
Representatives of the Family Recovery Center in Lisbon have visited SLES throughout the fall to address life skills topics with pupils in first, third and fourth grade on such issues as making healthy choices, conflict resolution and problem solving. Now they will resume in January and February and speak with children in the kindergarten, second- and fifth-grade classrooms. SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff said FRC educators have been visiting the school for more than two decades to discuss how kids could be their best selves.
“The program will consist of four 30-minute presentations,” he said. “In the event of a two-hour delay or a cancelation day, they will extend the schedule to ensure that all four programs will be presented to the students.”
Second-graders returning after the holiday break will learn life skills such as decisions and consequences, building self-confidence, risky behaviors and introduction to medicine on Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 while fifth-graders will hear about assertiveness, peer pressure, responsibility, communication and respect for oneself and others on Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Kindergarten classes will hear about during their sessions on Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 22. Representatives Kierstin Fillman and Ashley McLaughlin will speak to second-grade and kindergarten students while Denise Kuhlman is scheduled to address the fifth-graders.
McFolling “Speaks Life” at Southern Local
Posted 12/15/2022 at 12:50:17 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Markus McFolling was a football player when an injury led him to a downward spiral. Now he’s sharing his message of hope and encouraging others who are facing struggles in their own lives.
McFolling, of Canton, visited Southern Local High School on Dec. 9, where he led two sessions with junior and senior high students and also met with teens at lunchtime. A high school and college athlete from Seaside, Calif., he was a running back for the San Antonio Talons professional arena football team for more than three years when he injured his shoulder. He underwent surgery following the mishap and ultimately developed an addiction to painkillers.
“My doctor prescribed Percocet and I would do whatever I had to so I could get high,” he said. “I was a star athlete who became an addict.”
His addiction impacted his family, which included wife Chelsea and then baby daughter Averie. McFolling would purchase narcotics on the street and was arrested after attempting to acquire more from various doctors. In 2017, he was charged with deception to obtain prescription drugs and chose the honest path by pleading guilty in court, and his words moved the judge to drop the charges. McFolling sought help in a faith-based rehabilitation program and has worked to stay on the straight and narrow. It was also around that time that he decided help others.
“I wanted to use my pain and turn it into message. I realized I was someone who was good enough,” McFolling added. “When I was in rehab and I was at my lowest of lows, I said I was going to do great things.”
He went on to form the Reach1 organization, which stands for Reconciling Every Abandoned Child Home, and has traveled to schools, conferences and community events across the country to share his story of overcoming adversity. In October of 2018--nearly one year to the day he made that choice—he spoke to his first high school. Since then, he has addressed 310,000 people across the country and his next ventures were in the Dominican Republic and a session with the Seattle Seahawks. His personal life has also improved when his family expanded with the addition of another daughter, Dakota.
McFolling said people should use positive, life-affirming words to help others who are facing depression, anxiety, addiction and other struggles.
“There’s someone in this room right now that’s going through it right now,” he added. “In 2017, about 57,000 people lost their lives to an overdose. That’s more than the Vietnam and Korean Wars combined.”
He asked students if they or someone they knew had been facing struggles with addiction or other issues, to which many teens raised their hands. He also conducted several exercises where the youth closed their eyes and raised their hands if they had thoughts of harming themselves within the past month to year. Other activities involved having several pupils look at themselves in mirrors and say affirmations, plus they shared positive words with teachers.
He said the purpose was to “speak life” and lift up themselves and others, and McFolling noted that teachers, parents and other adults were available for the youth to talk to.
“If you remember anything else I say today, remember this: I see you and I see you’re struggling, but your life has so much purpose.” Promise me you will talk to an adult sometimes when you need to.”
(Photo Cutline: Speaker Markus McFolling addressed junior and senior high students at Southern Local on Dec. 9 as he shared his journey from athlete to addict and his mission to encourage positive living in others. McFolling developed his Reach1 organization and has since spoken in schools, churches and other venues. He is pictured here performing an exercise with junior high students during one of his sessions.)
Students Learn about Problem Solving
Posted 11/29/2022 at 8:54:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Students got a lesson in problem solving when it comes to personal issues as part of the ongoing Safe Student, Healthy Student program at Southern Local Elementary School.
Cathy Grizinski, associate director of the HelpNetwork of Northeast Ohio, who spoke to fourth-graders on Nov. 22 about how they can address personal issues in an effective manner. HelpNetwork NEO provides crisis intervention services for Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties when dealing with mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, victims assistance, health, utilities assistance, special needs, seniors and more.
“All of us go through problems whether we are adults or your age,” Grizinski said. “A lot of you are already dealing with issues. People call a place like the Help Hotline or Phone Friend because they need someone to talk to.”
She and the students discussed instances which could create stress, such as fighting with others, and how stressful situations could impact the body both physically and emotionally.
“It’s such a challenge,” she added. “When it comes to problem solving, some are easy to solve but others have to be figured out. There are many times where we have to learn how to make better choices. When you are stressed, you feel scared, overwhelmed, mad, sad or upset. Emotions sometimes take over how we respond.”
She said the key is to identify their feelings when a problem occurs, decide how to respond and find solutions.
“Anytime we look at the pros and cons and then we act, we become good problem solvers,” she noted, saying it was important to be good problem solvers.
She added that the hotline is available when needed, but others such as parents, teachers, coaches, pastors and siblings would also be willing to listen. She provided informational cards to the kids for further assistance. For more information about HelpNetwork, call 211 or go online to HelpNetworkNEO.org.
SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff has conducted classroom sessions throughout the fall and will continue through the year with virtual and in-person programs also involving local and state organizations. Upcoming events include a natural gas program for fifth-graders on Dec. 2; the Ohio Optometric Association with virtual programs featuring “Sammy Safe-Eyes” for kindergarten students and “The Adventures of Rhet and Tina” for first-graders on Dec. 6; and “Bullies Are Not Welcome in Our School” with promotional materials being distributed throughout the school on Dec. 7.
(Photo Caption: Cathy Grizinski, associate director of the Help Network of Northeast Ohio, spoke to fourth-graders about solving personal problems as part of the school’s yearlong Safe Student, Healthy Student program. She informed students about finding effective solutions and encouraged them to speak with parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, siblings or other trusted individuals if they need help while HelpNetwork’s 211 help hotline was also available.)
Southern Local Elementary Teachers Earn Classroom Grants
Posted 11/10/2022 at 1:10:54 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Three Southern Local Elementary School teachers will be sharing more than $1,000 in grant funding to provide interesting learning experiences for students.
Holly Davis, Karen Marquis and Tracey Richards each received a $660 Best Practice Grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center that will be put towards innovative classroom projects. JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo doled out the awards during the monthly Southern Local school board session on Nov. 7 and praised the educators’ creative ideas.
“I am here to deliver three Best Practice Grants to three of your teachers,” he said. “We raised [the amount] by 10 percent to $660, or about $1,980 total. There were 45 applications and five from Southern Local. They were all good and we selected three from your district.”
Davis, who instructs kindergarten, plans to share her “Daily 5 in KC” reading and Language Arts project with other kindergarten classes and provide activities for hands-on, independent learning. She will purchase supplies so teachers can focus on individual student needs while keeping the children engaged. Among the choices are “Read to Self,” “Work on Writing,” “Read to Someone,” “Listen to Reading” and “Word Work,” which she said would help students become independent learners as well as better readers and writers.
“I have 18 students in my classroom,” she said. “I will also share the activities and supplies with the other three kindergarten classes for use in their Daily 5 rotation.”
Davis previously applied for and received another Best Practice Grant and said she was blessed to receive the latest allocation.
“My students will benefit for years to come because of this grant. I am truly thankful for this opportunity. I would like to thank JCESC and Southern Local for the opportunity to apply for such an amazing program to benefit my classroom today and in the years ahead.”
Marquis, who instructs fifth-grade math and science, will utilize her windfall for “Creating Stories in the Sky.” She will purchase a Homestar Flux planetarium project while students work together and use problem-solving skills to construct a 16-foot-by-10.5-foot planetarium. It could be set up in the gym and is large enough for classrooms of 23-25 pupils to view constellations which could only be seen from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere.
“I will have all of my 44 students working to construct a planetarium. All of the elementary students will be invited to use it this spring after it has been constructed,” Marquis said. “I am so excited I received the grant because it will allow me to bring the universe to life for my students. Instead of us going to a planetarium in Pittsburgh, the students can experience a smaller version of it every year by making our own reusable planetarium here at Southern. I want the students to be able to see the universe from different aspects of the Earth. It went with this year’s theme of ‘Build, Build, Build.’”
She added that students also experience math and engineering on a real-life level by using them to form different shapes from triangles and hexagons and create the dome planetarium.
Marquis previously received a Best Practice Grant to purchase eight CUE robots that students can control through coding. The robots are used to construct projects and complete engineering tasks and challenges, while the district helped acquire eight iPads and a cart for storage. She said the iPads are extremely useful in helping students complete coding for the robots.
Richards, who serves as a full-day preschool teacher, plans to implement “Preschool STEM and STEAM” kits in a cross-curriculum method to assist with literacy and engineering skills. Teachers will read stories to students in a group activity, then the pupils will be able to act out the stories using puppets and complete an included STEM challenge.
“I am very excited to have been chosen to receive a Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center,” she said. “The goal of the project is to make a multi-dimensional approach in supporting students’ language and literacy skills as well as supporting their creative expression that will allow them to master early engineering.”
The project will benefit about 24 full-day preschoolers annually as well as an additional 32 students each year in half-day classes. She said this was her first such grant application and she was pleased to be chosen as a recipient.
“I am very thankful, excited and honored to receive this grant. I am very excited to be receiving a Best Practice Grant because I believe that it is important to teach STEAM/STEM to my students because it will help them learn skills relevant to the 21st Century, including innovation?and cultural sensitivity. Thank you to the Jefferson County ESC for giving me the opportunity to apply for this grant so I can supply our two preschool classrooms with resources that we would not normally have. I can't wait to start using these resources and improving my class.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients and said the grants helped support education so all students may thrive.
“There are certain events or occasions that folks look forward to each year.? At the JCESC, one of those events is when the board and staff can read the innovative teacher Best Practice Grant applications that have been submitted,” he added. “Our schools have many great teachers with ground-breaking lesson plans and out-of-the-box instructional strategies, and we are happy to be able to fund many of those ideas so they may become reality for the students in the classroom.??Congratulations?to our winners and we look forward to seeing what unique ideas will be submitted next year.”?
(Photo Caption: Three Southern Local Elementary School teachers were recipients of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s 2022 Best Practice Grants for ingenuity in classroom education. The grants were awarded during the Southern Local school board’s meeting on Nov. 7 and pictured are, from left, Tracey Richards, Holly Davis and Karen Marquis with JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo.)
Students Learn Many Lessons with Food Drive
Posted 11/2/2022 at 10:29:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Some Southern Local Jr. High students are learning more than one lesson by spearheading a food drive.
Pupils in Tiffany Scheel’s sixth-grade math class are collecting items for the Southern Community Center Food Pantry in Salineville until Veteran’s Day and bins are available in the lobby of both the high school and elementary buildings. The class is accepting nonperishable items including instant mashed potatoes, turkey or brown gravy, boxes of stuffing, cake, brownie and Jello mix, cake icing, egg noodles and canned vegetables for the pantry’s Thanksgiving distribution.
“The math class is using this for their statistics unit and will collect data on the items donated,” Scheel said. “We began (on Oct. 24) and will collect until Nov. 11. This is something new this year to get the students interested in data collection and analogies.”
The collection bins are separated by grade levels as part of the process, and she said several lessons are being instilled with the project. In addition to providing information for their math calculations, it gives back to community members in need. The food pantry has served dozens of households and Scheel welcomed others to contribute to the cause.
“The entire school is collecting Thanksgiving food items and the public is invited to donate.”
Food Program Starting at Buckeye West
Posted 10/17/2022 at 11:32:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
ADENA-Buckeye West Elementary is starting a new food program to ensure students are sustained outside of school.
School nurse Mandi Cook has circulated letters to the community about the Blessings in a Backpack program modeled after a similar venture in the Harrison Hills City School District. Cook said there was a definite need and she is collecting items to make sure kids don’t go hungry when classes aren’t in session.
“I am looking for monetary gifts or nonperishable food donations to start Blessings in a Backpack,” she said. “It’s designed to meet nutritional needs of school-aged children, so I am accepting ramen noodles, oatmeal, cereal packs and granola and Nutrigrain bars. Being here, I see the different needs of kids and hear their stories. I wanted to be able to do something so if they are not in school they can still get nutritional food and snacks.”
She contacted officials at Harrison Hills for input on their program and sent letters soliciting donations for her collection. There has been a response thus far with some drinks, snacks and food supplied by local individuals and groups. Among them is the Dillonvale Food Pantry, which provided tuna, spaghetti rings, canned goods and juice for the weekly meals. She is also accepting fruit cups, cheese crackers, applesauce, pudding and canned goods and items can be dropped off at the school in Adena during business hours. Cook plans to provide needy students with bags of food for the weekend and eventual plans are to supply enough for holiday breaks.
“My goal is to start by Nov. 1 and then every Friday I will send them home with a backpack. Sometimes people need extra help, and this is a good way to make sure the kids are getting some sustenance so they are not going hungry. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and help our youth.”
Cook is also seeking grant funds to support the program and is pondering a possible Thanksgiving project. Her idea is for students to help collect food items with the class raising the most receiving a prize. Monetary checks for Blessings in a Backpack may be made to the Buckeye West Elementary School and sent to the school at 243 N. Mill St., Adena, 43901. For more information, contact Cook at (740) 546-3331 or 546-3413.
(Photo Caption: Buckeye West Elementary School Nurse Mandi Cook is starting a new program to ensure students are fed outside of school and is collecting items to take home on weekends. So far, she has received contributions of juice, fruit cups, soup and cereal and anyone wanting to help may contact her at (740) 546-3331 or 546-3413.)
Southern Local Educators Undergo Safety Training
Posted 10/17/2022 at 11:25:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Southern Local School District is addressing safety by training staff to subdue aggressors in an active situation.
Two educators underwent intensive training through Advanced Training Group in Lisbon between Aug. 24 and Sept. 1 to assist in incidents if needed. Southern Local High School guidance counselor Alannah Smith and junior high teacher Todd Walters spent four days working with ATG staff learning skills that may be utilized by the likes of military and safety forces. Deputy Haugh said he has attended ATG training in the past and it was no easy feat, especially for the likes of everyday citizens.
“This is not something the average person would have to go through,” he said. “The training is normally reserved for Navy SEALS and SWAT teams, but a lot of what they go through could be used in a school scenario.”
He said he had been in talks with ATG operator Adam Newbold, who had conducted trainings with the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office over the years and also worked with federal officials. The duo spoke about educating some educators and two representatives were sent from Southern for some hard-core instruction.
“They train that you can do anything if you have the belief,” Deputy Haugh added. “It’s something you can’t imagine going through yourself and it affects you physically and mentally. It’s far more advanced than anything I’d put anybody through, but the opportunity came up and we grabbed it.”
Smith concurred, saying the experience was very intense.
“It was four days, or 16 hours, of training with hand-to-hand personal defense, recognizing a potential threat and acting accordingly,” she commented. “There are opportunities to go back for train the trainer. It was extremely useful and I’ll be able to use it throughout my life. I definitely learned life-saving skills to save yourself in any situation.”
Walters described the training as very demanding and structured and said Newbold showed them techniques that make a huge difference in a desperate situation.
“I believe the training was well worth it and all of it has merit,” he noted. “It was one of the most unique instructions I’ve had and he puts you through the paces. It was very physically challenging. I’ve told people, ‘You’ll never experience anything like this in your life. It doesn’t matter your size, age or gender.”
Newbold, a retired Navy SEAL, has also served as a special advisor to the CIA and commended Smith and Walters for their dedication to the unarmed defense sessions.
“They did an exceptional job and are very capable. We took them to a whole new level,” he said. “It’s fighting in a high-risk, life-or-death arena. It’s used on SEAL teams and special tactics teams and shows reflexive reaction to a threat and situational awareness,” Newbold explained. “I’ve worked with thousands of civilians and we do a lot of training with different schools in active shooter, aggressive response and armed and unarmed defense.”
He said having those skills is vitally important, and having that added layer of protection in a school scenario makes a difference.
“When my child goes to school for seven or eight hours a day, I want them to be protected, and our faculty and administrators have to be protectors. I believe it’s every adult’s responsibility to protect the children. We’ve been working with schools and churches for the past 10 years, but for the past four years it’s become a high priority for schools. Even if you have an SRO and they are on the other side of the school and something happens, we feel within every school system there are people with proper instruction who can fill the gap.”
He said the training also helps give people opportunities to get away quickly or help until authorities respond to the scene. Meanwhile, more school staff were expected to undergo training at ATG and officials may also take part in a threat identification program with criminal profiler Phil Chalmers in Massillon on Oct. 26.
Deputy Haugh said it was just another way to prepare should an actual event occur in the schools, and it takes a hard lesson from the tragedies at Uvalde, Parkland and other schools.
“One thing in common with the school shootings is everyone believed it would never happen there. The Southern Local school board and administration have been very supportive of ways to enhance safety.”
(Photo Caption: Adam Newbold, owner of Advanced Training Group in Lisbon, presents certificates to Southern Local School District teacher Todd Walters, at left, and guidance counselor Alannah Smith for completing intensive training at the facility. School leaders said it is another layer of protection in the buildings should an active situation occur.)
SLHS Students Learning about Aquatic Life
Posted 9/30/2022 at 2:57:24 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local High School is giving pupils a closer look at underwater life through the creation of a manmade aquatic ecosystem.
Biology II students developed a koi pond last year and recently stocked it with goldfish with the intention to observe the creatures in their natural habitat. SLHS Assistant Principal Jess Krulik, who headed the project as a science teacher last year, said it will hopefully be used as a perpetual tool for hands-on learning. The project was funded with a $600 Best Practice Grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and Krulik said students and members of the FFA organization helped create the pond in the school’s courtyard, but the maintenance and research will be done by current teacher Lisa Houck’s class.
“I had an ambitious group of kids and they wanted to do it. We started it with the environmental science class and created it to have an aquatic environment to test the water and vegetation samples and study microscopic life,” he said. “I wanted to show them that life begins with the smallest microscopic organism and includes the largest water life.”
The project’s development took some time, but once plans were in order students and FFA members dug up the ground and added the pond this past spring. Krulik added that it has been fruitful thus far.
“There were already microscopic organisms and it became its own environment,” he said.
Classes will be responsible for testing, analyzing and modeling ecosystems to learn how the fish and other water life survive and thrive in the environment.
“We’ve been watching the algae and so far, we have tadpoles,” said junior Tyler Rawlings, who aided in its creation. “It will be used in the future between the biology and other classes to take samples and will be monitored further.”
Meanwhile, Krulik said the goal is to teach more students in the years ahead as part of a sustainable program.
(Photo Cutline: Students Landyn Bess and Gage Murphy view the koi pond established last year in the courtyard of Southern Local High School. Biology students developed the pond for testing, analysis and modeling aquatic ecosystems and the pond was recently stocked with fish to aid the experiment.)
Tribe Time Program Open to SL Students
Posted 9/3/2022 at 10:48:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Tribe Time Before and After School Program is open to Southern Local students for some fun and learning.
Operated by Aubrey Bach and Jamie Mitchell of the A&J Kiducation Learning Center LLC in Wellsville, the program is now in its second year at SLES and sessions are available for students in the school library from 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. About 20 kids in grades PreK through age 12 take part but Bach said there is always room to grow.
“This year is going to be much bigger. We offer a multitude of activities and will run a club theme in the afternoon,” she said. “We’ve had Lego night and movie nights and are planning a luau and a pizza night. We have a calendar for the parents to let them know what they are.”
Tribe Time was formed when the district teamed up with Kiducation leaders to provide a program for students, and now two sessions are offered each weekday. Children can participate in the morning sessions for homework assistance and hands-on activities until their classes begin while afternoon sessions continue with the themed events to provide some extra fun. Attendance presently averages between 10 to 13 children per day with Erin Smith serving as lead teacher and Kayla Terdina acting as assistant teacher.
Southern Local and Kiducation officials work with families during the enrollment process to develop a transportation plan but families may self-transport if they choose. Costs are $5 per session or $40 per week and $100 per month unlimited and may be covered by the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services’ assistance program if eligible, but children need not attend all week. Bach said Southern Local staff members may also enroll their children into the program for free in appreciation for welcoming Tribe Time to the school community. All they need to do is follow the enrollment process for services.
“We’ve also just received our star rating and will soon be able to access county assistance, plus we’ll have funding options for those who self-pay to fit their needs,” she noted.
For more information, contact Bach at (330) 853-6390 or Mitchell at (330) 383-7860.
SLES Open House on Sept. 16
Posted 9/2/2022 at 10:47:14 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary School is inviting students and their families to an open house at the building on Sept. 16.
Activities will be held from 5-6 p.m. and teachers and staff will be on hand to welcome kids and parents to view grades PreK-5 classrooms, meet educators and take part in some fun learning activities. Principal Emily Brinker said about 420 children are enrolled and the gathering, which was usually held during the district’s annual Back To School Bash, will allow guests to get acquainted with the people and educational environment.
“There will be make-and-take activities and people can see the classrooms,” she said. “It’s a replacement for what we would do during the Back To School Bash. There will also be refreshments and snacks and it’s a good time to get the parents in to see what their kids are doing in class.”
Students will also receive a free ticket to attend the Southern Local High School Indians’ Hall of Fame football game against Columbiana that evening at 7 p.m. For more information about the open house, contact the school at (330) 679-2305.
SL Back to School Bash Set for Aug. 18
Posted 8/8/2022 at 2:43:20 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Students in the Southern Local School District can enjoy some fun before they return with the annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 18.
Events run from 4-6 p.m. and will include inflatable rides to giveaways. District Director of Special Services Laura Krulik, who is organizing the bash, said there will be something for the entire family to celebrate the upcoming school year.
“There will be a bounce house, slide, games, food, D.J. and giveaways,” she said.
About 30 vendors will be on hand from community agencies and health providers to churches to provide free school supplies, hygiene items, T-shirts and more. Fundraisers will also be held and something new includes a double slide for the little ones to enjoy to inflatable sports games. Close to 1,000 people have attended the bash, which has been held for roughly a decade but was temporarily put on hold during the COVID pandemic. It was restarted last year with alterations to meet safety protocols.
In addition to activities, there will be a sixth-grade orientation at 4 p.m. in the gym with a Meet the Indians presentation to close at 6 p.m. Krulik said Southern Local Elementary will not hold an open house during the bash but instead has plans for September.
Southern Honors Seniors at Assembly
Posted 6/3/2022 at 12:24:33 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Graduates-to-be gathered once more at Southern Local High School before collecting their diplomas for the annual Senior Assembly on May 25.
Proud family members looked on as many of the 48 seniors collected more than $137,000 in scholarships, including a four-year university grant plus other awards, in the school gym. Senior Class President Ronni Mayfield congratulated her peers and thanked everyone for supporting the seniors as they attained their milestone. SLHS Principal Jay Kiger also heralded the class for their amazing accomplishments, saying they made him extremely proud.
“I continue to be amazed by these accomplishments. You have demonstrated resilience and grit.,” Kiger said. “This class has been motivated and hugely impactful. You’ve set the bar high for future graduates.”
Academic and athletic awards plus $137,150 in scholarships were distributed during the event. Among the recipients were the following:
--Emily Walker, K.L. Martin Award for $300,
--Emily Walker, Franklin B. Walter Scholarship nominee, $100;
--Emily Walker, Southern Ruritan Club Scholarship, $500;
--Elizabeth Mostella, Southern Local Perfect Attendance Award K-12;
--Elizabeth Mostella, Columbiana County Coaches Association Scholarship, $500;
--Adriana Gilliam, Bethany College Kalon Scholarship for $27,000 annually for four years ($108,000);
--Emily Walker and Elizabeth Mostella, American Red Cross Scholarship for $250 each;
--Abbey Powell, Kampfer Family Scholarship, $750;
--Andrew DeSellem, Columbiana County Farm Bureau Scholarship, $1,000;
--Andrew DeSellem and Emily Walker, Marcus K. Walter Memorial Scholarship, $1,100 each;
--Kaden Korbel, Ira Lewis Thompson Memorial Band Scholarship, $250;
--Andrew DeSellem, Silas Black and Mariah Anderson, career tech honors diplomas;
--Andrew DeSellem Silas Black, Mariah Anderson, Marissa Stewart, Makya Shaw, Emily Walker and Caleb Prendergrast, FFA honors cords;
--Christopher Mason, Andrew DeSellem, Silas Black, Mariah Anderson, Marissa Stewart and Makya Shaw, Columbiana County FFA Scholarships for $250 each;
--Marissa Stewart, 4-H honor cord;
--Emily Walker, Student Council Dedicated Member Scholarship for $500;
--Ronni Mayfield, Student Council Above and Beyond Scholarship for $500;
--Rebecca Possage, Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers’ Scholarship, $300;
--Elizabeth Mostella, Kim and Ashley Bergman Memorial Scholarship, $1,000;
--Silas Black and Elizabeth Mostella, U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Awards;
--Andrew DeSellem, U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award;
--Ronni Mayfield, U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Excellence;
--Jordan Powell, American Legion Unit 442 Auxiliary Scholarship, $250;
--Andrew DeSellem, Sebastian Bach, Silas Black and Emily May, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 442 Scholarships for $1,000 each.
Additionally, SLHS teacher Alyssa Lockhart presented Southern Local Alumni Scholarships and said a total of $341,500 has been given to 375 awardees with $18,000 provided last year. This year’s recipients included Emily Walker, $2,500; Sebastian Bach, $2,250; Emily Flannery, $2,000; Andrew DeSellem, $1,750; Abbey Powell, $1,750; Elizabeth Mostella, $1,750; Cameron White, $1,500; and Rebecca Possage, $1,500.
Shansky then announced Ohio High Schools Athletic Association Awards for Ronni Mayfield and Bryce Foster, who earned the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Awards, and Elizabeth Mostella, who received the Scholar Athlete Award.
Family members bestowed honor cords upon seniors and recipients included Damon Allen, Mariah Anderson, Sebastian Bach, Sophia Beatty, Silas Black, Riley Collins, Alexis Crooms, Mason Dalehite, Andrew DeSellem, Emily Flannery, Adriana Gilliam, Grace Haught, Emily May, Ronni Mayfield, Elizabeth Mostella, Rebecca Possage, Abby Powell, Jordan Powell, Jordan Rannick, Logan Rhodes Ella Rose, Makya Shaw, Marissa Stewart, Emily Walker, Robert Westover and Cameron White.
Ronni Mayfield and Marissa Stewart presented a class history while Andrew DeSellem and Emily Walker provided a humorous class prophecy regarding the grads at their 10-year reunion. Meanwhile, the junior class took their place in the senior seating section and Mayfield closed the celebration with a thank you to the crowd and congratulations to her fellow seniors.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local High School Senior Class President Ronni Mayfield addresses the crowd during Senior Assembly on May 25. Nearly 50 seniors were on hand with many collecting among $137,000 in scholarships and other awards while their proud family members looked on.)
District Showcase at Southern
Posted 5/20/2022 at 12:26:02 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools opened the doors once again for its annual District Showcase on May 12, welcoming families to view their students’ skills and talents on display.
Crowds circled the exterior of the campus to meet vendors which included school groups and community organizations, from Utica Shale Academy, Southern High School FFA with a petting zoo and school staff providing popcorn and goodies to RSVP of Columbiana and Jefferson Counties, the Columbiana County Fair Board and county Department of Job and Family Services with information and give-away items. Attendants viewed displays inside of classroom projects from STEM to history, met teachers and staff members, listened to the musical stylings of the fourth-grade and high school choruses, looked at student artwork and obtained more info and goods from Akron Children’s Hospital and school nurse Heidi McIntosh’s health fair among other groups.
District Director of Special Education Laura Krulik, who organized the event, said it was good to return to more normalcy after COVID stifled previous activities. Krulik added that 23 organizations took part and quite a few new ones hopped on board after she submitted an invite through the county’s Family and Children First Council, of which she’s a member.
“Last year, we had it all outside [for social distancing]. This year, I thought we could have it both inside and outside,” she said. “I’ve been part of the Family and Children First Council in Lisbon and sent them a flyer, then I got more responses. We have a lot of new people. Utica Shale Academy brought their new instructors and we have RSVP of Columbiana County, Pierpointe Behavioral Analysts, the Columbiana Fair Board, Christina House and the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development.”
Others included the Assembly of God, United Health Care Family Recovery Center’s ADAPT Program, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Help Me Grow, the Salineville Church of Christ, The Counseling Center of Wellsville, Camp Gideon, Youngstown State University, Blue Sky Employment Counseling, the Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association (MCTA) and the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County. Participants also had a chance to bid for original artwork in a silent auction to benefit the people of Ukraine; buy lemonade from SLES fifth-graders to help furry pals at the county dog pound; purchase clay bowls made by elementary children for the “Empty Bowl” benefit with proceeds going to the Southern Community Center to help end hunger; dine on delicious pasta during the football team’s fundraiser; or seek to win gift baskets and other prizes. People were encouraged to collect nine puzzle pieces from participating vendors and complete the picture, then submit it for a chance to win a drawing.
Krulik said she received many good responses and people were happy to be back.
“I think everybody’s happy. For some people, it was their first event. We were spread out and trying to enjoy it safely.”
A few attendants voiced their pleasure at returning to the showcase.
“I like to see what the kids are doing and what the community has to offer,” said parent Jesse Johnson.
“I got to meet teachers and catch up on things they did, and they have a lot of free stuff for the kids,” added mom Myrna Baker.
“I like the fact that I got to sing,” said SLHS sophomore Marah Morris. “I also enjoyed looking at the projects.”
“I enjoyed the art show,” said freshman Paige Morris.
(Photo Cutline: Students and parents turned out for the annual District Showcase hosted by Southern Local Schools on May 12. Warm weather did not disappoint and participants got to view displays, meet teachers and staff, take part in fundraisers, receive information and prizes from vendors and more. Pictured is little Hudson Reed, 1 ½, as he and aunt Jamie Boyle of Wellsville get a feel for some textured artwork created by elementary students.)
Coaches Remain on Job at SL
Posted 5/20/2022 at 12:14:56 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Two coaches will remain in charge after being backed by parents and athletes during the May 10 Southern Local school board meeting.
A crowd of people attended the session in the Southern Local High School cafeteria, many of whom had spoken in favor of coach Mike Skrinjar at the April meeting after learning he may not return to the court. However, the board overwhelmingly approved his return for the next season and were met with applause. Skrinjar also noted his gratitude for the response.
“Thank you for all the support,” he said. “I will continue to challenge the athletes and do all I can.”
Coach Rich Sloan addressed the board saying he and his family faced retaliation for what his backing of Skrinjar, while he received a letter saying he may not return to his athletic post.
“People with good intentions make promises; people with good character keep it,” he said. “My intentions have always been to motivate people. Since this happened, I’ve been torn down. It’s never been about me; it’s been about the student-athletes.”
One parent said it was unfair for Sloan to have received a letter to step down and that the parents expected someone to support and motivate the kids, which Sloan did. Others agreed, saying Sloan was a good coach. Following more talks, board President Kip Dowling said the panel was unaware anything had transpired and it would be addressed. Superintendent Tom Cunningham later read a statement to the audience indicating the letter was rescinded.
“A lot of people were here for concerns,” he said. “The board appreciates the input and there are always areas to grow. The district has rescinded the letter and corrective actions have been taken. We wanted to make it known to the public.”
Meanwhile, school leaders approved a bevy of new and returning faculty and staff in the district. Decisions included three-year teaching contracts for Terra Rauschenberg, Karla Calderon, Kyle Exline; two-year contracts for Erin Newburn, Jessica Coleman, Victoria Nuske, Matt Gates and Breann Jones; one-year teaching contracts for Alannah Kutan, Nick Woods, Paige Jackson, Kenadee Pezzano, Elizabeth Callahan, Larry Rudloff and Bob Shansky; a two-year contract for Marjorie Hiller as the central administrative technology specialist; one-year teaching contracts for new intervention specialists Abby Dalton and Abigail Monte; and a supplemental contract for Charlie Puckett for stadium maintenance. Additionally, officials approved Kylee Maple and Jesse Liggit as full-time substitute teachers for the 2022-23 school year as well as the resignations of custodian Calvin Sell for retirement effective June 3 and three-hour elementary cafeteria worker Lacey Locke effective May 3.
In other business, the board:
--Approved Kyle Exline, Zach Almy, Gerard Grimm, Brett Hughes and Kelly Malone as summer school teachers plus a $2,500 stipend for the instructors which will be paid through ESSER funds;
--Approved the five-year forecast with Treasurer Greg Sabbato expected a positive balance for the next four years but he was also being cautious since the state funding model was not clear;
--Heard from Southern Local High School alumna and elementary art teacher Kim Adams, who said the SLHS Alumni Association invited them and the latest graduates to take part the 128th banquet on May 28. Adams said the 181st class was being inducted and the event also would celebrate 25 years for the Classes of 1995-97 and 50 years for the classes of 1970-72. She encouraged the board and newest alumni to take part, saying Southern was built on history and traditions;
--Heard from Southern Local Elementary Principal Rich Wright that students were participating in field days while fifth-graders were learning about entrepreneurship through a lemonade project. He noted that a picnic will be held May 23 to celebrate raising funds for the American Heart Association and administrators would be dressed as characters from the movie “Toy Story.” SLHS Principal Jay Kiger added that the year was winding down with a successful prom and FFA banquet while the aviation students visited the Columbiana County Airport to view aircraft, including teacher Emily Forbes Bowling’s plane;
--Heard that Kya Sloan and Maddie Jones qualified for the junior high state meet;
--Approved the list of Class of 2022 graduates;
--Heard from a former student and his mother about being told by a coach to play sports while suffering injury and health issues and claimed he still suffered long-term damage from a massage gun the coach used to relieve pain on his neck. Both said they had spoken to officials and a formal investigation occurred but they were never contacted, while the mother recently quit her job with the district and enrolled her son in another district;
--Set the next regular meeting for June 14 at 5:30 p.m.
SLES Students Lead Food Drive
Posted 5/4/2022 at 11:40:29 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary School students collected more than 700 canned and boxed items during a recent drive for the Salineville Community Center Food Bank. The event was held over a two-week period in April and top homerooms included Elizabeth Callahan’s kindergarten, Taffy Voorhees’s third-grade and Karen Marquis’s fifth-grade classes, which collected more than 100 items each and will receive a sundae bar as a reward. Pictured with the donations are, front from left, Mackenzie Rohrer, Easton Gowin, Liam Crawford, Kaylynn Hannan, Remi Rector, Garrett Shaw and Tyler Barnhart. Middle: Madyson Gruszecki, Serenity Wallace, Wyatt Ketchum, Eric Slagle, Jayce Tsesmilles and Jacob Hickman. Back:Addysin Andrenok, Vaida Jo Willis, Justice Younger-Hart, Katie Kellogg, Kalayah Crute, Eliana Forbes, Payton Davison and Lucie Lee.
Students Take off with Flight Simulator
Posted 5/3/2022 at 11:06:32 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Students can head to the Wild Blue Yonder without leaving the classroom through a unique new flight simulator at Southern Local High School.
District Technology Director Josh Manist and his group of high school tech interns created a custom-built system for Emily Forbes Bowling’s aviation classes to help give her 50 pupils a bird’s eye view as they learned about flying. Bowling said she wanted to add equipment for the past two years, and when school leaders permitted the plan to take off, Manist assigned the task to his talented young team.
“We started getting a plan together and ordering parts,” said Bowling. “It was March when they started assembling it.”
The total manhours equated to roughly a week, and in the end her class was outfitted with a new computer which also had been built by students, a Microsoft Flight Simulator program, a 48-inch-screen-sized, single ultrahigh resolution monitor and rudders, yoke and throttle quadrant through Redbird, the latter of which are controls used in actual flight schools. The system uses a Google Earth program to simulate different aircraft in any part of the world, from Youngstown to New York City and even Japan, and can even include live weather and air traffic patterns plus communication with multiple players. Bowling, a licensed pilot, took a turn and mimicked flights in a Cessna 152 at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, along the Hudson River in New York City and in the horizon above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bowling planned to start using the equipment in May.
“You can literally fly anywhere in the world, from your backyard at the local airport to somewhere really exotic,” she continued. “It’s pretty realistic.”
“Calibrating the controls and flights was the most difficult part,” Manist commented. “It’s good equipment and everything is well made. We ordered all the parts to be as realistic as possible for the training. It would be exactly what they see if they go take flying lessons.”
Bowling said three aviation classes are being held this year and she is incorporating more junior high students to learn about airplanes, rockets, helicopters and drones and they even will visit the Columbiana County Airport in May to talk with other pilots and see actual aircraft. The course, which has been offered for the past two years, has even inspired some pupils to seek a potential career in the skies.
“One of the kids in last year’s class approached me about getting a pilot’s license and is thinking of going into the Air Force,” she said.
With the simulator, students will have a chance to practice should they also decide to pilot a real plane in the future. Bowling was grateful to Manist and the tech team for their hard work while team members also enjoyed the experience.
“It was fun to put it together,” said senior Damon Allen. “We’ve been building computers for a while and the system is awesome. If you want to learn about aviation, [the class] would be a huge step forward.”
“It was a good experience,” added senior Scott Pelley. “I learned a lot about aviation.”
Manist’s son, sixth-grader Zane, also participated by testing the equipment.
“I thought it was cool that we could work on it and fly it,” Zane added. “It’s one of the best things and I can play on it.”
He also showed interest in taking the aviation class in the near future.
Westover said the computer included the largest CPU’s and graphics card and Bowling helped source the parts for the system, plus the large, curved monitor added an extra sense of realism for the panoramic views.
“The size factor [of the monitor] is hard to find and this fit the role perfectly. With the help of Mrs. Bowling and everyone, we got this made and it’s possible for everybody to use it. We had fun putting this together and testing it.”
Meanwhile, Manist has had tech interns for the past nine years with students in grades 9-12, but he is looking at adding underclassmen. The interns have been responsible for preparing Chromebooks for state assessments while Zane Manist and Westover have also created model airplanes to fly outdoors, but he said it would be great to build an even better simulator, if possible.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local High School Technology Director Josh Manist and his group of tech interns custom built a flight simulator for aviation classes led by teacher Emily Forbes Bowling, who is a licensed airplane pilot. The system allows students to take off without leaving the classroom and the system was a very involved but rewarding experience for the students who created it. Pictured are Bowling, seated in front, with Scott Pelley, Zane Manist, Sebastian Bach and Damon Allen. Back: Bobby Westover, Kayden Korbel and Josh Manist.)
Anti-Virus Youth Education Program Coming to Southern
Posted 3/25/2022 at 9:14:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Southern Local Jr. High School is bringing back one character-building program to help students become well-rounded community members.
Kristy Sampson, district grants manager, said the Anti-Virus Youth Education program will be available within weeks to help develop positive traits. This is the second time Southern Local has provided the Anti-Virus program after COVID-19 put previous plans on the backburner.
“We first implemented it in the junior high levels two years ago and partnered with a youth group facilitator in our community. Due to COVID and the inconsistency of being in and out of school, the programming wasn't offered the past few years. Now that we are back in school, we felt it was important to re-implement the lessons at the junior high level,” Sampson added. “Our guidance department stepped up to facilitate the lessons this year and then we will develop a multi-year and multi-level of implementation into our older grade levels to reinforce what they have learned and applied in junior high. “
She said a donor funded the program for all Columbiana County schools and a representative of Leaders Edge, which distributes it, recently contacted her. Sampson then began working with school counselors Kenadee Pezzano and Alannah Kutan and the idea is to begin implementing weekly sessions later this spring.
Anti-Virus is described as a non-profit character development program for fourth-grade and middle school students across the country with emphasis on mentoring youth to live a life based on good character. The curriculum focuses on seven main character traits: ambition, responsibility, hard work, emotions, restraint, common sense and generosity. The goal is to help youth develop character and competency in life and leadership so they can become productive citizens and leaders in their communities.
“The program is geared towards junior high students and the purpose is to increase students’ awareness of character traits that limit their personal development and application of character traits that increase personal development,” Sampson added. “It is being piloted this May and then the implementation plan for the 2022-23 school year will be finalized prior to school starting in August. The program is eight or nine lessons that are approximately 30 minutes each, so it is something that could be facilitated during nine weeks.”
By the conclusion, students will learn how to live with resiliency, combat bullying, develop a positive image, make good choices, develop healthy relationships and navigate social and emotional difficulties.
“It’s social-emotional learning for junior high students,” Pezzano commented. “It’s going to be implemented by me and Ms. Kutan at the end of this year and we’ll possibly have a mentor for the Anti-Virus program. We can offer it in-house and they can also have someone come in.”
Morris Returns to Southern Local Board
Posted 3/11/2022 at 1:19:07 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Linda Morris has returned to the Southern Local Board of Education after being appointed to a vacant seat at the March 8 session.
Morris had served for 26 years and left in December after being narrowly surpassed by fellow board member John Sawyer during an election recount; however, she still remained active as the board’s representative for the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center. She came back when SLBOE Vice President Rodney Edmiston submitted his resignation after being found unqualified to hold the office. SLBOE members approved his resignation at the meeting and brought Morris back on the board.
“We had no additional candidates on the ballots and it was an extremely close race between Mrs. Morris and Mr. Sawyer,” said board member Karl Blissenbach. “We feel it’s appropriate to appoint her at this time.”
Morris was welcomed back and will complete the remainder of Edmiston’s term, which is just under two years.
Meanwhile, SLBOE President Kip Dowling said a new vice president was needed since Edmiston held the role for the current year. Blissenbach motioned to have Scott Hart take the post and the board overwhelmingly approved the selection.
Among other matters, the board:
--Heard reports from Southern Local Elementary Principal Rich Wright, who said students in grades K-5 took MAP assessments and fifth-graders did very well, while the information will be used by teachers to improve learning. Wright added that the staff was also working on social-emotional learning and improving school culture. He noted that PreK-3 were having a Blast Off Literacy Night on March 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. while a book fair was underway. Some Principal’s Fund money was being used to provide books to every student, but they can also purchase their own;
--Heard from Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School Assistant Principal Adam Loudin, who said students also took MAP assessments and showed some growth in grades 6-11 with the biggest gain made with sixth-grade math. He said data from the assessments was being reviewed to improve education. Loudin continued that 80 percent of the teachers participated in mental health wellness activities in February and it would go on with staff. Other highlights included end-of-course exams on March 22 with a wrap up on April 14 while next year’s high school course lists would be completed soon;
--Learned from Cunningham that officials were looking to add the weekly Anti-Virus character building program beginning the last nine weeks of this year;
--Heard from Athletic Director Bob Shansky, who recognized the wrestlers and basketball teams;
--Learned from Food Service Director Samantha Fryman that student meal participation was at 85 percent and they were in favor of a la carte and special meals such as pickle pizza with new options available at the high school. Elementary students also enjoyed Dr. Seuss activities in their dining area;
--Continued its membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2022-2023 school year;
--Approved substitutes Dawn Spooner as custodian and cafeteria worker and Mackenzie Reynolds as a cafeteria worker and secretary;
--Approved Brian Spahlinger as volunteer assistant coach of the varsity and JV baseball teams;
--Rescinded Mark Witherow’s supplemental as volunteer assistant girls’ basketball coach for the 2021-22 school year and named him JV girls’ basketball coach for the season;
--Approved a contract addendum for vacation and severance payout per policies for employees Tammy Phillips, Rob Marra, Charlie Puckett, Julie Dowling, Whitney Tsemilles and Josh Manist;
--Approved the 2022-23 school calendar;
--Approved contracts for services of a speech therapist and speech therapist supplemental from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for the 2022-23 year;
--Set the next meeting for April 12 at 6:30 p.m.
(Photo Cutline: The Southern Local Board of Education returned longtime member Linda Morris to the panel following the resignation of Rodney Edmiston at the March 8 regular meeting. Member Scott Hart was also selected vice president, succeeding Edmiston in that role. Pictured are, front from left, John Sawyer and Linda Morris. Back: Board President Kip Dowling, Vice President Scott Hart and Karl Blissenbach.)
K-9 Hunter Visits SLES Students
Posted 2/23/2022 at 9:59:56 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Deputy Damin Beadnell of the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and his four-legged partner, K-9 Officer Hunter, visited Southern Local Elementary School on Feb. 10 and to meet with students. The children got to see the duo up close and learn how K-9 Hunter assists law enforcement with drug detection and other matters. K9 Hunter succeeds longtime canine cop Jesy, who recently retired from service. Deputy Beadnell and K-9 Hunter are pictured with third-graders during one of their presentations.
Auditorium, Other Uses Eyed for Lot at Southern
Posted 2/11/2022 at 12:08:11 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Southern Local School officials are eying plans for a lot located next to the campus, one of which is a potential auditorium for the district.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham discussed the idea during the regular school board session on Feb. 8, saying a structure on neighboring property the district received two decades ago would be getting razed and leaders were looking at various uses. The land could house a new structure and provide more space for music and other performances that are currently shown in the cafeteria, but Cunningham noted that added parking for the elementary school and other options were also being considered.
“We had a building committee meeting and are looking at the potential for an auditorium for the district,” Cunningham said. “It’s long overdue. We’ve contacted a couple of architects and want to get a few preliminaries.”
Meanwhile, local Herbalife Nutrition officials Mike and Josh Shope spoke to the board about forming a nutrition club at the school to sell shakes and teas for healthier sustenance. The items, which could be sold before school, at lunch and after school, contain low to no caffeine, sugar or calories and boost energy. Additionally, Southern could reap a financial benefit.
“It’s definitely non-profitable for us. It’s something for the kids and definitely for the staff as well. They would have a personalized app and can set up a customized menu, and you can have students help with lunch and afterschool activities. It would be for one hour before school, at lunch and one hour after school,” said Mike Shope.
Josh Shope said it would be a satellite club and could be renamed by Southern to suit its “Indians” theme.
“You can potentially make up to 60-percent profit which can go into the principal’s fund,” he continued. “It’s a healthier option than what you get out of vending machines.”
Herbalife is available at sites in Lisbon and Columbiana, but Southern would be the first school program. School leaders suggested using a business or math student or offering service hours toward business and graduation pathways, in addition to Positive Based Intervention and Supports as personal incentives and awards. Following more talks, Cunningham sought to discuss the matter further with the Herbalife officials.
In other action, the board:
--Heard from Southern Local Elementary Principal Rich Wright, who said fifth-graders were planning to go to Camp Fitch on Feb. 14-16 while a Move-A-Thon was being held Feb. 25 to raise money for the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, where a $4,000 goal has been set. Wright said funds were being raised and school leaders were dressing as “Toy Story” characters and holding a picnic as a reward. He added that Cunningham and SLES Assistant Principal Emily Brinker were working on an intervention plan for fourth-grade reading daily from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Kids would ride the high school bus, have breakfast and head to an assigned classroom for the program. The intervention will be offered Feb. 22 until testing begins.
--Learned from SLHS Principal Jay Kiger said new tables were finally coming to the school cafeteria, winter sports were ramping up and he hoped to see school return to some sense of normalcy;
--Heard from Cunningham that the new school sign should be in place this month and commended the guidance counselors and others for their work on social-emotional learning. He added that speaker David Kahout was visiting Feb. 17 and VEX Robotics would soon be offered to grades 4-6;
--Heard from District Treasurer Greg Sabbato that Southern has received more than $7,800 in revenue from a lease on a gas well adjacent to the school property an could have upwards of $10,000 at the end of the year;
--Approved teachers Zachary Almy, Amanda Mayfield and Justin Gardner, custodian/cafeteria/secretary Vicki McCauley and cafeteria worker Julie Gates on the substitute list;
--Approved the resignation of high school science teacher Mary Lou Taylor, effective May 31, and wished her well in her endeavors;
--Approved a five-year contract for William Watson as superintendent of the Utica Shale Academy;
--Hired Julie Armentrout as a high school cafeteria worker from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;
--Scheduled the next regular meeting for March 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center.
SLBOE Seeks Guidance on Fund Carryover
Posted 1/14/2022 at 1:12:37 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Southern Local Board of Education is looking at what to do with excess funding left from a bond that has been paid in full.
Officials accepted the 2022 tax budget following a brief meeting held before the regular gathering on Jan. 11, where District Treasurer Greg Sabbato said there was a $52,000 carryover from the remittance of a 4.21-mill bond passed in 2000 and officials were looking what to do next.
“[Permanent Improvement] is broken into two: old and new. The new budget has a lot more specific uses such as security and classroom facilities that we collect a half-mill for use on the buildings only,” he said. “We paid off our bond early las year, so we have $52,000 in the old budget. I need to call [Columbiana County Auditor] Nancy Milliken to find out what to do with the excess we had from paying it off.”
Sabbato planned to report back during the next school meeting and the board later agreed to submit the tax budget for consideration by the county budget commission. Superintendent Tom Cunningham said the district may need to seek a judge’s approval to move the money into the general fund.
“It’s nice to see property taxes go down,” noted board member Scott Hart. “That’s a good thing.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham also updated the board about happenings around the district, saying teachers were regularly meeting to share ideas and resources during teacher-based team (TBT) sessions and talking about concerns at the grade level. He added that a waiver day was held on Jan. 3 for some professional development while another is eyed for March 4 to focus on the school safety plan. Cunningham said Deputy Jeff Haw, school resource officer, had reviewed the current plan and was building relationships with staff and students within the buildings.
“We’re looking at doing a full-scale [scenario],” he commented. “We want to go through scenarios with teachers and do drills with students the in the classroom, as well. We’ve done fire drills in the past but haven’t done one lately due to COVID.”
Cunningham further addressed Tribe Time before- and afterschool activities and that officials were seeking grant funds to expand the program. He noted that online tutoring was also available and said the Winter Homecoming Dance was set for Jan. 22 with the district spelling bee on Jan. 26.
Leaders also garnered praise from Southern Local Elementary teacher Nancy Sakely, who thanked the board for putting its students and staff’s safety first. Officials previously moved to re-institute its masking policy at an emergency meeting Jan. 4 after noticing that COVID cases were up to the same level as before the holiday break. Cunningham said the district was trying to control the spread in order to keep kids in class. Masks will be worn for a two-week period as a precaution and then officials would revisit the issue.
“We will have the mask mandate through Jan. 18 and look at the numbers that Friday and make a determination for the following week,” he continued.
Sakely thanked officials for making the move, saying her third-grade students understand the reason behind the move and the district was making the best decision for those it serves.
“I can’t express strongly enough my personal praise on your decision to mandate masks in the classrooms. I am proud to work for a school board who is a leader in the county on this issue,” she said. “I had planned to wear a mask at school after the holidays. This was a personal decision based on the unknown contaminants I would be exposed to and possibly carry to my elderly mother and/or infant grandchildren. The mask doesn’t help with only COVID, but other airborne infections such as the flu and the common cold. Do I find the mask inconvenient? Yes, but it is a necessary inconvenience to possibly keep myself and others from getting sick. I explained this to my third-grade classroom. Those eight-year-olds get it.”
She mentioned recent news that three school districts from Austintown to Newton Falls already went remote for the week and did not enforce a similar mandate.
“The mandated mask wearing will hopefully prevent remote learning down the road. Data shows remote instruction and social seclusion negatively impact student academics and mental health. Hopefully other districts will take your lead and require masks for students and staff based on the numbers acquired from their school nurses and county health department. Again, thank you for your leadership and determination to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for the students and staff,” Sakely concluded.
In another matter, she thanked the board for giving staff members bonuses, saying it was an appreciated surprise amid an altered education during the COVID era.
“We are approaching two years of remote learning, calamity days and student and staff illness. We the staff have struggled to provide the best education possible under unprecedented conditions. Thank you for recognizing that.”
Among other action, the board:
--Approved a series of personnel matters including extra duties for Carter Hill at the Utica Shale Academy; continuing contracts for cafeteria workers Chastity Sloan and Kelley Korbel; a list of substitute teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, teacher’s aides and secretaries; and a contract for Alannah Kutan for testing coordinator at the Utica Shale Academy. Leaders also approved the resignation of intervention specialist Stephanie Gonzales;
--Recognized former board member Linda Morris, who ended her term in December following recent elections, with a plaque congratulating her for 26 years of service with Southern Local Schools. She will continue to serve as a representative on the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center board;
--Was lauded for School Board Recognition Month in January as Cunningham distributed plaques to Morris and current officials;
--Approved the district’s records retention policy following some discussion. Sabbato explained nearly all of the paper files, such as student transcripts extending back decades, were digitized and the policy determined which records could be kept and which could be disposed of. He said transcripts would be available online while other files that are not digitized are pulled manually, and he reminded leaders that the policy was updated last year. Board member Karl Blissenbach questioned potential risks, but Sabbato said the files could be easily recovered;
--The next regular board meeting was set for Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center.
(Photo Cutline: Longtime Southern Local Board of Education member Linda Morris received a plaque from Superintendent Tom Cunningham during the Jan. 11 meeting for 26 years of service to the school district. Morris ended her term in December following elections but will remain a representative on the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center board.)
Flannery Chosen as November Student of the Month
Posted 12/1/2021 at 11:05:32 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Southern Local High School senior Emily Flannery has been chosen as the Salineville Kiwanis Student of the Month for November.
Flannery, the daughter of Michael and Jennifer Flannery of Aliquippa, Pa., presently holds a 4.126 GPA and is ranked fifth in her class. She has participated in yearbook and hoped to join student council, Science Club and track this year. Upon graduation, she will have taken 31 credit hours at Eastern Gateway Community College through the College Credit Plus program.
She plans to continue her education at EGCC and hopes to go on to Youngstown State University to study electrical engineering or dietetics, saying she was influenced by her parents since her father is an electrical engineer and her mother has taught her about nutrition.
Southern Local Teachers Awarded Mini Grants
Posted 11/17/2021 at 11:27:42 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Teachers in the Southern Local School District are enriching learning opportunities for students after receiving allocations through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo presented three $600 Best Practice Grants during the Nov. 15 school board session for Karen Marquis, Janice Pierce and Eric Sampson to enhance education in their respective classes.
Marquis plans to implement a “Wonder Workshop” for 55 fifth-grade math and English/Language Arts students at Southern Local Elementary School to introduce them to coding. She will purchase two Cue Robots and said the project will help kids’ self-guided exploration of programming languages and robotic capabilities. The program will be incorporated into small centers in her classroom and allows all students to work with the robots. Activities are designed for grades K-5 teachers and students and offers step-by-step lesson plans covering six fundamental coding concepts that engage kids in hands-on learning and project-based assessments. Wonder Workshop has a database of lesson plans and turn-key activities that can be implemented across all core subject areas, plus there is STEAM-related content and easy-to-integrate ideas for grades K-8.
“This program helps the kids to build problem-solving skills through coding, engineering and design. Cue is also a step up from the dash robots that students had the opportunity to work with in the fourth grade,” she added. “The computers will be able to build things.”
This is her first mini grant and Marquis was grateful to gain the financial support and expand her students’ horizons.
“I am very excited about this opportunity. I am excited about learning how to do the coding myself and finding ways to challenge my students,” she said. “This is a practical way to introduce engineering and coding to students who are interested in technology. The program is built so that students will feel successful while learning something new and challenging.”
Pierce, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at SLES, is using her funds to create a Monarch butterfly habitat and pollinator garden after discovering its population was declining. She said her 42 students will learn how to plant and maintain the garden but grades K-5 could benefit from its educational properties in the future. She previously received Best Practice Grants and said the latest allotment will help bolster educational advantages.
“I love seeing the students’ excitement when the Monarch butterflies emerge in the fall. It will be a wonderful educational experience to watch all the stages. Also, students will benefit from the learning process by developing an understanding of the Monarch butterfly environment,” Pierce explained. “Students will gain a better understanding of the importance of maintaining a sustainable habitat and can experience their life cycle.”
Sampson, a physical education teacher at Southern Local High School, will use his portion to add a little more fun with the formation of a “Disc Golf Course” project on the campus. He instructs grades 6-12 but added that elementary school teacher Kathy Randolph and her class were also included in the grant process. The course will benefit at least 300 students and even the community.
“Disc Golf has exploded in popularity over the last few years. It is a perfect sport that checks many boxes of the [Ohio Department of Education’s] physical education standards. Students will be participating in physical activity while walking the course, learning on working with others, learning proper throwing and manipulative skills of a disc and even map reading to navigate the course. Disc golf baskets will be installed on the campus of Southern Local Schools. The course would be available to all students in all physical education courses, as well as the community after school,” he said.
Sampson received a similar grant last year for his surveying class and was pleased to benefit from the Best Practice Grant program yet again.
“The grant program is a wonderful opportunity provided by the JCESC that allows us as teachers to have an enormous impact on student learning and success,” he commented.
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko lauded the teachers and said the purpose of the mini grants was to support the enhancement of learning.
“The JCESC has a mission of building capacity through innovative cost-effective programs. The Best Practice Grants are a great example of allowing our classroom teachers to be innovative in the practice of educating their students,” he commented. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique and innovative methods for their classroom. We are grateful for the teachers’ hard work and happy to support their creativity.”
Southern Local has received a total of 21 grants since it began participating in the program in 2015 and more funding was awarded this year at Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Steubenville, Toronto and the Utica Shale Academy.
Safety Programs Back at SLES
Posted 11/3/2021 at 12:36:57 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary School has a full slate of programming on the horizon to prepare its students on matters of safety.
School Counselor Larry Rudloff spoke to students about the “Wise and Safe Use of Natural Gas in the Home” on Oct. 28 and shared a video with the kindergarten class. Kids learned about measures they could take to deter dangers such as not storing paper near or touching gas-based appliances to alerting adults if they detect a gas leak. Rudloff also distributed handouts provided by Columbia Gas which included an example of the odorant mercaptan, which is used to detect gas leaks.
“It’s all about safety in the home and making good choices,” he said, adding there were ties to the school’s annual fire prevention week with an escape plan activity for students and parents.
The safety series continued with Rudloff discussing “McGruff the Crime Dog on Gun Safety” with second-graders on Oct. 29 and school bus safety on Nov. 3 with first-grade classes. More events include an American Electric Power science program with Rudloff talking to kindergarteners on Nov. 4; Nickie Ostick and Amy Kavanaugh with the Christina Shelter presenting on “Good Touch, Bad Touch” to third-graders on Nov. 8; Rudloff addressing “Firearm Safety, It’s Your Call: Playing It Safe Around Guns” in the fourth-grade classroom on Nov. 9; school leaders recognizing “My Character Matters” in grades PreK-5 on Nov. 10; Rudloff with “John’s Choice: A Story about Honesty” in the second-grade classes on Nov. 16; “The Great American Smokeout” being recognized in grades PreK-5 on Nov. 18; Rudloff returning with “Railroad Safety” with third-grade students on Nov. 19; and Cathy Grizinski set to talk to fourth-graders about “Health Network/Help Hotline/Phone Friend” on Nov. 23.
More activities will resume in December following the school’s Thanksgiving break.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary Counselor Larry Rudloff spoke to kindergarteners about natural gas safety and distributed handouts scented with mercaptan, an odorant used to help identify gas leaks. The session is just one of many safety-based programs scheduled at the school through November and December.)
Southern Local Hosting Veteran’s Day Program
Posted 10/21/2021 at 10:34:42 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Past military members will be honored during Veteran’s Day festivities at Southern Local High School on Nov. 11.
The school will host a hospitality hour at 8:30 a.m. in the SLHS cafeteria, followed by the annual program in the gym at 9:30 a.m. Band director Emily Forbes Bowling said the event will include patriotic music to speeches with some changes in light of COVID-19 protocols.
“The program will follow our traditional format with students from all grade levels contributing art projects, musical presentation and special readings,” she said. “To make the event as safe as possible, we ask that all guests and participants please wear a mask while inside the building. We will also be limiting student attendance to those who are participating in the program. All other students will watch the event from their classrooms on a special livestream.”
She added that 50 veterans have attended the festivities with their families.
SLBOE Talks USA Growth
Posted 9/16/2021 at 2:00:31 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Education is expanding to more hands-on learning at the Utica Shale Academy as the Southern Local Board of Education took further steps to bring it to fruition on Sept. 14.
The board formally approved the donation of the Hutson Building by Utica East Ohio Midstream to now house the community school on East Main Street in Salineville. USA Superintendent Bill Watson said students will begin classes Sept. 20 and more programs are in the works to help them find success in the future.
“We have 78 kids at Utica Shale Academy and have become a worksite for the [Mahoning and Columbiana County Training Association] hospitality program. Forty-eight kids can earn industry credentials and work 40 hours a week, earning $10 an hour,” Watson said.
He added that Southern Local will also partner with the Kubota Tech program to provide students with diesel mechanics training, plus they would learn how to use the equipment to help them get ahead. Watson said more space is being obtained with three acres being purchased near the new site to establish a garage. Concrete pads were being poured to prepare the property while USA also acquired equipment including a zero-turn mower, side by side and a front-end loader tractor with a backhoe. Instructors will be sent for training in Tennessee and hopes are to start the program during the second semester.
“We plan to have heavy equipment in operation. If we buy the equipment to work on, we will use it too.”
Watson said USA is only one of two sites in Ohio using Kubota Equipment with the other being Ohio State University ATI, and an articulation agreement may be formed following two upcoming meetings.
“We’re trying to be at the forefront of it,” he commented.
In the meantime, students have been busy earning their community seal by completing beautification projects around the Hutson Building.
Under personnel matters, the board approved substitutes for the 2021-22 school year including teachers Jackie Donovan, Pam Tedeschi, Jesse Liggitt and Jean Pastore, paraprofessional and secretary Paige Compton, secretary Linda Frischkorn, cafeteria worker and secretary Brittany Homewood and bus drivers Ashlee Heaton and Melanie Glosser. Officials also gave a continuing contract to Alexis Powell as a cafeteria worker; approved Elizabeth Callahan as a long-term kindergarten sub for the current school year; approved supplemental contracts for Brian Spahlinger as assistant football coach, Stephen Grimm as varsity assistant boys’ basketball coach and Richie Sloan and Tanner Patterson as junior high boys’ basketball coaches; approved Alyssa Lockhart as yearbook advisor for the current school year; and approved a one-year limited contract for Kimberly Crawford as a three-hour high school cook.
In other action, the school board:
--Heard from Southern Local Elementary Principal Rich Wright that students and staff were back into a routine and he thanked officials for their support. He added that Carri Meek of Instructional Growth Seminars and Support would be observing needs at the school while Southern leaders started comprehensive math assessments for the Third Grade Guarantee to improve areas. Wright further noted that art teacher Kimberly Adams was sprucing up the building and the school’s Scholastic Book Fair was scheduled for Oct. 11;
--Learned from Superintendent Tom Cunningham that school nurse Heidi McIntosh and staff members finished COVID protocols while schools and buses were regularly cleaned to reduce the spread of illness. People are strongly encouraged to wear masks and he said the number of absences has been falling;
---Heard that Breakfast with the Superintendent will resume Oct. 15 at 7:30 a.m. in the SLES Media Center and further sessions will be held on the second Friday of each month;
--Learned the fencing project at the district bus garage was nearly complete for added security purposes;
--Approved an agreement with the Columbiana County Board of Development Disabilities to provide educational services for school-age students from Southern Local;
--Approved an agreement with Pierpointe Behavior Analysts of Connecticut to conduct functional behavioral assessments and consultations for individual students;
--Approved the calendar for the Southern Local Online Academy for Jefferson County and statewide students using the optional online program;
--Approved a Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) participation agreement with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center;
--Set the next meeting for Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.
Tribe Time Offers Before, After School Programs
Posted 9/10/2021 at 10:53:38 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Students in the Southern Local School District have a place to learn and grow before and after classes with the newly formed Tribe Time program.
The district teamed up with Wellsville-based A&J Kiducation Learning Center LLC to provide a before and after school program for elementary students. Doors officially opened on Aug. 26 and students ages 4-12 can participate from 7-8:45 a.m. and from 3:30-6 p.m. The youth attend sessions in the Southern Local Elementary School cafeteria with homework assistance and hands-on activities to keep them occupied while high school students will also be offered tutoring and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. Southern Local and Kiducation work with families during the enrollment process to develop a transportation plan but families may self-transport if they choose. Tuition costs $5 before school and $10 after school and may be covered by the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services’ assistance program if eligible, but children need not attend all week.
Aubrey Bach, who has operated Kiducation with Jamie Mitchell for the past seven years, was approached by district Director of Federal Programs Kristy Sampson about the idea after a community query showed a definite need. According to the query, the public indicated interest in an afterschool program with homework help and STEM activities for grades 3-10 and organizers were pleased to bring something to the community.
“We’re just really excited to offer this to the community and believe the kids will really benefit,” Bach said. “We have about 18 enrolled but [the number attending] varies.”
She and Mitchell organize the program and may hire help in the future if needed.
“We are open Monday to Friday at 7 a.m. and take them to class around 8:45. Then we come back after school is over and provide a snack, homework help and a lot of hands-on activities. We do hands-on STEM science experiments and make slime or play dough and have five activity centers with cars to blocks.”
Sampson concurred that children are gaining the fundamentals of an education in a familiar atmosphere and having fun at the same time.
“Tribe Time is a wonderful opportunity for our children and families enrolled to have children in a safe environment to extend their learning and relationship building with our staff and community,” she noted.
For more information or to enroll, contact the elementary school office at (330) 679-2343 or Bach at (330) 853-6390.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary kindergarten student Courtney Kelly partakes in some fun learning activities during Tribe Time, a before and after school program offered by the Southern Local School District and the A&J Kiducation Learning Center LLC of Wellsville. Kiducation officials operate the program at 7-8:45 a.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. in the SLES cafeteria on weekdays. For more information or to enroll, contact the elementary school office at (330) 679-2343 or A&J Kiducation operator Aubrey Bach at (330) 853-6390.)
Christopher Milo Returns to Southern
Posted 9/10/2021 at 10:45:55 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- Christopher Milo has returned to Southern Local Schools to bring positivity to students and staff alike.
The Chagrin Falls-based motivational speaker and concert pianist has appeared a recent teachers’ orientation and the district’s annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 19 and is visiting several times a month to connect with youth and is expected to return again Sept. 17. He said he was eager to help people cope with issues that have grown since the onset of COVID-19 and, like others, his plans were shelved to work in the community and he was unable to reach his intended audience of 100,000 strong.
“I’m pleased to partner with the district,” he said. “We have a perfect time to rise above to be the change these kids need.”
Known for his 13 Messages from Milo (13MFM) mentoring program, Milo’s heart is as big as his mohawk as he’s shared words of encouragement and positivity with his varied audiences. Milo has visited schools, universities, churches and businesses for nearly 15 years and has given messages with stories about his own life, namely his six-month ordeal as a paraplegic in 1992 who was told he would never walk again, but he also discusses bullying and the importance of having good character. He began his partnership with the school district prior to the pandemic and often visited the school advising school leaders, leading assemblies or talking to students in the classrooms, plus he attended Indians football games to cheer on the team.
In the wake of school shutdowns, the internet has provided another outlet with his Facebook and Instagram pages and YouTube channel throughout the COVID era, but Milo longs for face-to-face interaction in schools, churches and other venues. He hoped to resume his in-person duties barring further outbreaks and related closures, yet he said he makes himself available online when needed.
“The plan is to comply with the State of Ohio, but at the same time be a helpful resource for administrators and teachers. Everybody needs help...and I think this will be one of the best years yet. There has been a lot of social isolation and it has been a struggle [with COVID]. I talked to Southern Local students all year long.”
Southern Local High School Principal Jay Kiger said Milo has been a vital force in assisting students in need and having him back in the schools is important. Kiger noted that Milo would visit classrooms and partake in assemblies when able.
“We’re excited to see Christopher Milo return to the schools,” Kiger said. “Good teachers have that It Factor and Milo has it because he can relate to the students. He should be returning twice a month for the foreseeable future and we want to adopt his ‘13 Messages for Milo’ as our building philosophy. He will meet to talk to our counselors and spend the day in the building going to the life skills classes.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham noted that officials are still navigating COVID and its related protocols when it comes to social distancing, but they will continue to focus on students’ well-being.
“We are looking at ways to meet social-emotional needs and have a full-time school psychologist, plus we are still partnering with the Red Zone and have two guidance counselors,” Cunningham added.
For more information, go to
www.christophermilo.com, his 13 Messages Facebook page or @official_christopher_milo page on Instagram while his videos can also be found on YouTube.
(Photo Cutline: Motivational speaker Christopher Milo is returning to Southern Local Schools to share his messages of encouragement and positivity following the COVID-related shutdown. Milo, seen here at the district’s Back to School Bash speaking with students, parents and Utica Shale Academy Superintendent Bill Watson, can also be found online at www.christophermilo.com. and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.)
SLES Secretary Marks Milestone
Posted 6/21/2021 at 10:55:17 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary School secretary Sandy Lewis marked a major milestone after celebrating 50 years of employment with the school district.
Lewis, of Salineville, was surprised by staff with a gathering in her honor on June 4 in the SLES gym. She was joined by nearly 100 guests including family, friends and school staff of the past and present and said the honor was humbling and completely unexpected.
“I was called in by [SLES Associate Principal] Emily Brinker to the gym,” she said. “They did a pretty good job. There were people here I had worked with and it was a wonderful thing to do which I did not think was necessary. It was very unexpected and very appreciated.”
She said her love of children always keeps her coming back, but Lewis initially did not plan to work with the youngsters.
“I applied for the high school secretary, but they decided that year they were going to have an elementary secretary, so that’s what they gave me,” she recalled.
She began working for the district at age 20 in 1971 and has served with more than a dozen principals plus numerous teachers, staff and students. Lewis added that it was also convenient while caring for her son, Christopher.
“I love the kids and it was very beneficial for me as a single mother that when he had a vacation, so did I.”
Lewis watched the district evolve from operating six schools to consolidating to one building. At one time, Southern had four elementary buildings with No. 16, Highlandtown, Franklin and Wayne and she was the first elementary secretary in the district. Lewis divided her time between two principals who each operated two buildings, and that continued until a second secretary was added and Lewis remained at Highlandtown and No. 16. By 1990, the district only had No. 16 and Franklin Elementary Schools for grades K-4, Highlandtown Elementary School for grades 1-4 but Wayne had been closed, plus Southern Middle was available for grades 5-8 with Southern Local High School for grades 9-12. In 1991, officials closed and sold the No. 16 and Franklin buildings and Highlandtown was called Southern Local Primary School and taught grades K-2 while Southern Local Middle School was renamed Southern Local Intermediate School and educated students in grades 3-6. Ground was broken about a decade later for the K-12 complex that currently sets along State Route 39 near Salineville. Southern Local Primary and Middle Schools became known as Southern Local Elementary around 2004.
Throughout the years, Lewis has looked forward to returning each August and greeting the little faces coming into the building. It’s that affinity which drives her to keep going. She has since watched her son graduate Southern and marry current SLES kindergarten teacher Nikki Lewis while grandson Conner just graduated and granddaughter Kennedy became a freshman at the high school.
“I love the kids and get new ones every year,” she added. “I’ve liked everyone I’ve worked with. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here 50 years and I attribute that to coming to work.”
Southern leaders praised Lewis for her commitment to the kids and hope to see her continue for years to come.
“We’re blessed here at Southern Local Elementary to have two great secretaries,” said SLES Principal Rich Wright. “Sandy knows everybody in the community and she’s a great asset.”
“Sandy always has the kids in mind,” added Brinker. “She is a dedicated member of our staff and we truly appreciate her. She is the face of the elementary building when students, families and staff first walk in. She has a great heart and in one way or another she has truly helped everyone.”
Fellow school secretary Patty Gruszecki agreed.
“It’s been a privilege working with her for the past 15 years. Her dedication and love for the students is irreplaceable. I’m looking forward to us working many more years together.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham noted his history with Lewis and said she was a mainstay in the district.
“I have been blessed to work with Sandy, first as the elementary principal and now as superintendent. She knows every family and cares about everyone in the district. She has a passion for the community and someone that I hope to work with for many more years.”
As for Lewis, she said she had absolutely no thought of retiring at the moment and looks forward to the next school year and beyond.
“I enjoy what I do or I wouldn’t be here.”
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local Elementary School secretary Sandy Lewis recently marked 50 years of working in the district and said her love of children has brought her back each year. Lewis was surprised with a celebration at the school on June 4 featuring family, friends and past and present school staff.)
SLES Leaders of the Month
Posted 4/21/2021 at 11:43:09 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary selected its Leaders of the Month for March. Among the students recognized were, front from left, Zayleigh Gimbus, Auden Medeiros, Izayah Crooms, Wyatt Spalding, Nick Kruel, Payten Crooms and Coby Boyle. Second row: Aubrey Potts, Teagan Beadnell, Emma Fisher, Kailynn Thompson, Weatherby Pitts, Madyson Gruszecki, Kayden Yoho, Heylee Reynolds, Ryleigh Burns and Sarah Haught. Third row: Savannah Bailey, Aubree Pucci, Donnavin Watson, Nick Marra, Aiden Davis and Ava Phillips.
Spring Cleaning
Posted 4/7/2021 at 12:36:45 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local High School FFA members Tristan Adams, pictured at left, and Sam Ludt help spruce up their campus by weeding beneath a budding tree near the district office in Salineville. Students in the organization took advantage of the warmer seasonal weather to do a little spring cleaning around the school grounds and plan to do some mulching and other beautification in the next few weeks.
School, Community Help Save Lives at Blood Drive
Posted 4/6/2021 at 1:47:48 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-School and community members stepped up and gave of themselves as Southern Local High School hosted a blood drive on March 31.
Sponsored by the school’s National Honor Society, roughly 40 people rolled up their sleeves and donated to the American Red Cross in the SLHS gym. NHS Advisor Jody Lockhart said 38 pints were collected at the conclusion and she was pleased with the turnout after COVID-19 restrictions shelved the organization’s previous events.
“We got a lot of community members. I think it was because we had a flyer at the medical facility in Salineville and people have been going in for their COVID shots,” Lockhart said. “We had 47 signed up but expected some cancelations. There were teachers, administrators and students as well.”
She added that the district notified the public through flyers, emails, phone calls and media and those efforts definitely made a difference. Lockhart also expressed a special thank you to community members who heeded the call to help save a life. The student organization has sponsored several events each year and collected more than 30 pints, making graduating seniors eligible to receive a Red Cross scholarship. Lockhart said three drives were initially scheduled but halted due to health restrictions.
“We had events scheduled in September and December and canceled both, then we canceled in February. After we got our first vaccine, we considered holding a blood drive again and we did our best to make it COVID compliant,” she continued.
It was safety first as both the school and Red Cross followed stringent guidelines. Donations were by appointment only with no-walk-ins accepted, plus temperature scans and thermometers, social distancing and frequent sanitizing were used and pre-packaged food items were available in the canteen. Red Cross nurses also tested donors prior to collecting blood to ensure the supply was healthy and useable.
But for those who volunteered to donate blood, it was simply a way to give to others.
“I’ve donated once before,” said senior Garrett Brewer. “I wanted to try to help.”
Teacher Kyler Woodward was another repeat donor, saying he has contributed over the past few years.
“I’ve donated twice before and have done the double [red cell donation, or Power Red],” Woodward commented. “I’ve been doing this for at least three or four years. Mrs. Lockhart asked me to do it again and I usually sign up when there’s a spot open.”
Senior Katelynn Exline also understands the importance of donating since she works as a certified nurse’s aide.
“I’ve donated once before. I work in the medical field and I know how much blood is needed,” she said. Exline recommended that others donate in the future.
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local High School senior Katelynn Exline rolled up her sleeve during a blood drive sponsored by the SLHS National Honor Society and American Red Cross. About 38 units were collected throughout the day and strict COVID guidelines were practiced to ensure donations were made safely.)
Moving and Grooving
Posted 3/29/2021 at 11:31:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary School students got moving for the annual American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge on March 18 and surpassed their $2,500 goal. Kids took part in different stations and hula hooped with physical education teacher Kathy Randolph, danced with music teacher Ryan Smith and completed jumping activities with art teacher Kimberly Adams during their special time. The school raised more than $4,253 and was collecting donations until March 25, but students will be rewarded with a picnic in April and teachers and administrators will dress as superheroes in keeping with the AHA’s “Heart Heroes” theme. Pictured are Smith, SLES Assistant Principal Emily Brinker and aide Stephanie Ketchum dancing with second-graders in the library during the event.
Safety Talk
Posted 3/8/2021 at 1:48:09 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Elementary School Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff spoke to first graders during a special presentation on bus safety. Students learned that most severe incidents involve children under age 9 and rules are put in place for everyone’s safety. Classes also watched a video on proper etiquette and answered questions, plus they received activity books to reinforce the message.
Spelling Bee Winner
Posted 2/19/2021 at 12:00:38 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary fifth-grader Delaney Beadnell earned the top spot at the Southern Local School District Spelling Bee on Feb. 10 after correctly spelling the word “tangents” in her final round. Beadnell will move on to the Columbiana County Spelling Bee on March 3 and potentially to the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this spring. A spell-off was also conducted to determine second- and third-place with those posts respectively going to Southern Local Jr. High eighth-grader Mystia Myers and SLES fifth-grader Jensen Allender. Rounding out the top 10 were seventh-grader Alliandra Myers, fourth; seventh-grader Abbianna Bates, fifth; sixth-grader Rylee Digman, sixth; fifth-grader Jessah Harris, seventh; fifth-grader Khloe Ensinger, eighth; sixth-grader Hailey Maines, ninth; and sixth-grader Brody Hamilton, 10th. Beadnell is pictured, at center, with Myers and Allender.
Southern Gains Strong Rating for Special Education Program
Posted 2/3/2021 at 10:57:48 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-The Southern Local School District has earned praise for its special education program with a high rating from the Ohio Department of Education.
District Director of Special Education Laura Krulik said ODE’s Office for Exceptional Children found that Southern meets requirements, which is the highest rating available. According to the ODE website, districts receive a special education profile every year that shows their progress over time in meeting their goals for students with disabilities. The design of the special education profile helps districts use data about the academic growth of groups of students to keep improving their special education programs. The data gives schools answers about such topics as kindergarten readiness, achievement levels, preparedness for life beyond high school and services for children with disabilities.
Krulik said the district had to meet criteria in order to receive the rating.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act established a series of special education indicators to measure services and outcomes for children with disabilities. The Ohio Department of Education works with stakeholders to establish annual targets for these indicators,” she explained. “We met requirements on eight out of eight indicators in the area of compliance. This would include identification of students with disabilities, timely initial evaluations, successful transitions of students from the Help Me Grow to preschool, secondary transition documentation and supports for students, timely and accurate data and no negative audit findings.
She said the district met requirements in two of the three indicators reported in the results, which indicated that a significant number of students with disabilities performed proficiently on state math assessments and the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Krulik noted the district narrowly missed the third indicator—proficiency on state reading assessments—by less than 3 percent, meaning Southern scored a three out of four possible points in that area. However, there was no required corrective action plans to complete.
Southern has achieved the high rating three times over the past five years and Krulik was pleased with the result.
“I am very proud of special education services at Southern Local. We have amazing intervention specialists that truly care about our students' learning and achievement. I am really pleased with our current student progress and staff success!”
Southern Obtains Grant to Equip Food Program
Posted 2/3/2021 at 10:53:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools obtained a nearly $15,000 grant to help equip its kitchen and serve students meals.
District Food Service Director Samantha Fryman said Southern received a No Kid Hungry grant for $14,700 which could provide storage for meals as part of a planned afterschool dinner program. The district has been working with the A&J Kiducation Learning Center LLC of Wellsville to provide programming for elementary through high school students, but COVID has delayed plans possibly until fall. The learning center would potentially lead the program at the Southern Local Elementary School cafeteria for youth while the district would serve older students in the high school on weekdays. Kiducation currently offers preschool services and is expanding its horizons to benefit even more children. Fryman said the food program would enable the district to nourish students’ bodies as well as minds.
“We’re trying to start a Child and Adult Care Food Program,” Fryman said. “It’s an afterschool dinner program. We are almost feeding the full population of the school district, which we’ve never done before.”
She said breakfast and lunch are already provided to students both in the building and working remotely because of the pandemic while extra meals are also given for the weekend. The implementation of the dinner program showcased the need for more storage and Fryman said the new equipment will help contain the larger amounts of food to be distributed.
“The coolers and storage are too small for the capacity, so we applied to get stand-up freezers and coolers so the district doesn’t have to get them,” she said.
Officials learned they were approved for the grant in December and the district would also nourish athletes and those attending afterschool activities but the application process is lengthy. Fryman hoped to have it up and running by spring or fall.
Superintendent Tom Cunningham praised the cafeteria workers for consistently feeding students both in and out of school.
“Between our schools and the shale academy, we feed at least 800 students seven days a week,” he said. “Our cafeteria personnel do a fabulous job.”
He added that the decision to delay the afterschool program with the learning center was the right one.
“Due to COVID, we wanted to make sure everything was safe and we want it to be successful, so we want to take out the limitations and barriers and get it up and running.”
Southern to Return on Jan. 25
Posted 1/19/2021 at 10:36:46 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Plans to resume face-to-face instruction were postponed for a week and now students will return to Southern Local Schools on Jan. 25.
The board held a series of sessions on Jan. 15, beginning with a special meeting to approve Scott Hart to fill the unexpired term of Patricia Exline, who submitted her resignation after more than a year in office. Scott is expected to complete the term, which end on Dec. 31, 2021. The gathering also included an organizational meeting where Kip Dowling, who attended remotely, returned as board president with Linda Morris back as vice president followed by brief tax budget and record retention sessions and a regular meeting with a laundry list of issues tackled by school leaders.
The announcement of the delayed start date followed an executive session during the regular meeting, where officials said classes would not begin on Jan. 19 as initially planned and students had a few more days to work virtually from home. Superintendent Tom Cunningham said a perceived uptick according to the Columbiana County Health Department led officials to consider the change. Another factor was that students would only have a three-day school week inside the building since they would be off for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Jan. 18 and Virtual Friday on Jan. 22.
During the meeting, Dowling questioned school nurse Heidi McIntosh about the latest numbers of staff and students affected by COVID-19. McIntosh replied that 12 students were either positive or in quarantine and five staff members were also impacted. Dowling commented that 15 cases were reported in the Salineville area. On a similar note, Cunningham said Virtual Fridays will continue for the next nine weeks and vaccine distributions were eyed for school staff in mid-February. He also praised everyone for their work during these unprecedented times.
“Our teachers and administrators have gone above and beyond and wanted to keep students safe,” Cunningham said.
About 80 percent of the high school and 79 percent of the elementary school’s pupils were expected to return to in-person instruction with the remainder continuing to work remotely. Additionally, Cunningham said several-dozen students were on hand at the school that Friday to decorate and welcome everyone back, and staff were glad to hear the youths’ voices and laughter in the hallways once again.
In other matters, officials approved the annual tax budget for consideration to the Columbiana County Budget Commission and district Treasurer Greg Sabbato said Southern will be paying off its longtime school construction bond later this month. The district will complete the transaction on Jan. 29 to the tune of $895,000. Sabbato has said that the early remittance through Mellon Bank would save the district about $96,000 in interest and also reduce property taxes by 75 base points. Officials could also start collecting permanent improvement funds, which are less.
“The new permanent improvement loan will go into effect to collect taxes,” he said. “It will start collecting and we will start seeing funding come in the next fiscal year.”
He added that classroom facilities funds will have to be considered in the near future to make building updates, while looming projects include roof replacement, boiler work and new pavement around the school.
“We need to looking at doing that for the four-to-five-year plan,” Sabbato noted.
Among other action, the board:
--Approved a lease agreement with DPS Land Services for 4.54 acres in Washington Township near the softball field to drill wells for Encino Energy;
--Was honored for the Ohio School Board Association’s School Board Recognition Month for January and received certificates for the ongoing dedication;
--Approved contracts for a slew of staff from bus drivers and cafeteria workers to substitute positions;
--Approved Kyler Woodward as volunteer girls’ basketball coach and Brent Boyle as softball coach for the 2020-21 school year;
--Approved updated job descriptions for a special education director and yearbook advisor;
--Approved a memorandum of understanding with Kent State University for College Credit Plus for the 2021-22 school year;
--Learned from
--Heard from Utica Shale Academy Director Bill Watson that students completed the equivalent of 24,249.75 total hours, which equals more than 4,041 days of school. About 34 students who attend the New Castle School of Trades finished 7,344 hours or an average of 36 total days per student. He continued that the Amatrol equipment was in place and officials plan to apply for two Remote X grants, a 21st Century Grant and an Equity Grant this year for the program. Meanwhile, 41 laptops were delivered to students as well as equipment and furniture for the classes;
--Set the next regular meeting for Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
(Photo Cutline: About 26 Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School students took time out to decorate the building and welcome students back to classes. The school district went fully remote in mid-November and officials postponed plans to resume face-to-face instruction until Jan. 25. Officials said 80 percent of the district’s estimated 980 pupils are returning to class with the rest remaining online. Pictured decking the halls are, from left, freshman Delainey Mellott, senior Ashley Shroades, freshman Rylee Mellott and senior Camryn Mellott.)
Hart New Face on Southern BOE
Posted 1/19/2021 at 10:29:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-A longtime fixture in the Southern Local school community is taking on an added role as Scott Hart becomes the newest member of the board of education.
Hart, of Salineville, was sworn in on Jan. 15 to fulfill the unexpired term of Patricia Exline, who resigned after more than a year on the board. Hart is expected to complete the term that concludes on Dec. 31, 2021.
For him, it is a return home of sorts. The 1989 SLHS graduate is a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran and retired as a first-class petty officer. He settled in the area to marry and raise four children--all of whom are SLHS alumni--and he has five grandchildren who will soon be students themselves. Most recently, he has operated the Southern Community Center Food Pantry and serves on its board of directors, plus he has been an adjutant for the John Adams American Legion Post No. 442 for the past two years.
He has become known in Indian Territory for lending his voice to school football and basketball games, coaching the Little Indians and serving on its board. Hart has even posted videos of games on Facebook to entertain Indian fans both near and far.
“It’s really cool to see people who are 60-70 years old who graduated 50-plus years ago watching games at the school they graduated from long ago,” he commented.
Hart now relishes the opportunity to work as a school board member, saying he wants to maintain the district’s standard of excellence and provide the best education possible while also supporting the administration in its endeavors.
“I think it is a way to give back to your community,” he said. “I am a very proud member of the Southern Local family. I love Southern Local.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham welcomed him into the fold and said he will do tremendous work for the district and its students.
“Mr. Hart is a pillar of our community. He is involved in everything from our local food pantry to broadcasting our activities,” he concluded. “He is a well-respected leader and we are fortunate to have his leadership on our board.”
(Photo Cutline: Scott Hart has been sworn in as the newest member of the Southern Local Board of Education, where he will fill an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2021. Hart, a Southern Local grad, has been active in the community and the school and looks forward to his new role.)
Aviation Class Takes Flight at SLHS
Posted 11/23/2020 at 1:41:36 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-One new course at Southern Local High School is definitely taking off as students learn all about aviation.
Emily Bowling may be known for directing the band, choir and theater at the school, but she is also a licensed pilot who is sharing her knowledge with students. She said this was the first year for the class and it is currently offered as a semester elective. Currently, there are five students taking part in grades 10-12 and she plans to have another class during the second semester.
In addition to completing classwork, students learn to fly unmanned aircraft systems also known as drones. Bowling said she began offering the course because there were many opportunities to have a career in the industry and the sky’s the limit.
“Students learn about all aspects of aviation. They are learning about both traditional and fixed-wing airplanes, as well as drones; about the science that allows these machines to fly and the regulations we have to help keep the skies safe,” she added. “They are also exploring careers and educational opportunities in the aviation field. With the proximity to several major airports, along with the growing use of drones in industry, students from Southern Local have a variety of opportunities for careers in the aviation field. Since many of our students may not know much about aviation, I thought it would be great to expose them to all the options we have right here in our region.”
Unfortunately, the advent of COVID-19 led to remote classes and prevented the group from experiencing field trips to local airport facilities, so Bowling has found a way to bring the facilities to them. She said students have held Google Meets videoconferences with officials from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and the U.S. Air Force, but she hopes to one day take students on an actual visit.
Bowling said she has always loved airplanes and was fortunate enough to take her first flying lesson at age 15, commenting that she knew that day she wanted to pursue her pilot’s license.
“Any student can get a student pilot certificate, but you must be 16 to fly solo in an airplane and 17 to test for your private pilot certificate,” she explained. “To earn the certificate, you need a certain number of flight training hours and must have a variety of set flight experiences. After you pass the FAA written test, you have to take the practical exam, which consists of both an oral exam and a flight test by an FAA federal examiner. All maneuvers must meet a high level of proficiency in order to pass this "check ride.”
Now she enjoys sharing what she’s learned with another generation.
“Although some of the students in flying airplanes, most are interested in drones. Many industries have started using drones for businesses, and a commercial drone license requires only a written exam. In our class, we cover much of the material needed to pass the official FAA written exam.”
Bowling said she has received plenty of positive feedback from her students and several of them said they have enjoyed the class.
Senior Hunter Morris, who is eyeing a future as a surveyor, likes the aspect of learning about drones since they are widely used in that field.
“It brings you closer to certification and there is a surveying job to fly a drone,” he said.
“It's a pretty fun class. It's not like I thought it would be, “said senior Nick Wade. “I want to go to college to major in working on airplane engines.”
Meanwhile, Bowling is looking to eventually expand the class to a four-year career pathway.
(Photo Cutline: Darrel Kramer, a sophomore at Southern Local High School, tests his skills while operating a drone in the new aviation class. About five high school students currently take part in the elective course and learn all about aircrafts and the science behind them, and hopes are to one day expand it to a four-year career pathway.)
SLES Leaders of the Month
Posted 11/23/2020 at 1:30:34 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary students were recognized as Leaders of the Month for October. Pictured are, front from left, Beau Smith, Ronan Conley, Finnegan Mohney, Emily Baker and Dylan Davis. Second row: Allan Morris, Bella Hanley, Savannah Buzzard, Farrah Bess and Madalynn Smith. Third row: Emma Boyle, Micah Adams, Rhiannon Holliday and Maddie Garner. Fourth row: Savyona Slade, Tyler Beadnell and Cody Shope. Back: Ava Reed and Jocy Richards.
Wellness Center Opens at Southern
Posted 11/23/2020 at 12:58:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE- The Southern Local Wellness Center is now available to promote health among staff and students.
The center, which started prior to the school going to remote learning, is located in a former weight room behind the high school gym. The site will be open during gym time as scheduled by athletics through the FMX facilities management system. However, officials said it would be available to use at other times including early morning and afternoons. Participants must adhere to strict COVID protocols with athletes kept in small groups for contact tracing and other guidelines but the hope is to help focus on fitness. The idea was formed by high school English/Language Arts teachers and coaches Kyle Exline and Gerard Grimm, who approached school leaders to utilize the space. Exline said officials quickly got on board and the site has already been put to use.
“Coach Grimm and I saw an opportunity to use an unused space for something incredibly beneficial to the school district. We wanted to create a multi-faceted space to benefit all of Southern Local,” Exline added. “We started working on the idea during the pandemic in late May and early June. When you consider the cost of equipment and renovating a whole room, it was a tall task. Luckily for us, [district Director of Federal Programs] Kristy Sampson was able to find creative solutions to support this endeavor. Without her and her hard work, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”
A $12,000 wellness grant helped acquire plates, dumbbells, bars, squat racks, benches, landmines, prowlers, MedBalls, jump stretch bands and stationary bikes, among other items while old equipment was also being repurposed. Those include a utility machine, elliptical and jump stretch stations. More equipment to be procured range from a treadmill and adjustable bench to a GHR station and additional storage units. In addition, the room will be repainted over Thanksgiving Break and signage is also being created. Exline, who also serves as assistant athletic director, head golf coach and junior varsity head boys’ basketball coach, said he and Grimm, who is also head boys’ basketball and baseball coach, also wanted to incorporate former athletic trainer Michaela Bragg, physical education teacher Eric Sampson and Coach Mike Skrinjar into the process to ensure staff and students’ physical needs were met.
“With [Superintendent Tom Cunningham’s] support, Kristy’s hard work and our vision of the space, we were able to make this thing happen,” Exline continued. “It was truly rewarding. Oftentimes, you have great ideas, and quite frankly, some of them are lofty and difficult to make happen. Being able to enter that room as a coach, faculty member and student-athlete, you feel that this space is clean, organized and updated with the best equipment possible. It really encourages you to better yourself from a fitness standpoint.”
Members of the girls’ basketball team began using the facility at the end of October while other sports teams will take advantage of the offerings. Exline said feedback has been positive and hopes the wellness center will become a popular draw.
“I am sure I am more excited about this than the boys but they were impressed with the room and the new equipment when they saw it. We are very fortunate to have this new asset,” he noted. “The girls’ basketball team enjoyed the new equipment and some of the new exercises they were introduced to with the equipment. In this space, we are doing everything we can to develop our young students’ athleticism. Olympic lifts, functional movements and resistance training are pivotal in this regard. I look forward to hearing input from the staff as well.”
Exline thanked everyone for implementing the center and helping the district promote health.
“Collectively, we want to thank everyone who was involved. I cannot stress enough how great of an asset the wellness center is to staff, students and student-athletes. We look forward to maintaining the quality of this space and the integrity of the equipment. The Wellness Center will not go unappreciated.”
(Photo Cutline: Southern Local High School senior Brad Sloan works out on some of the equipment now available in the Southern Local Wellness Center located in the building. The site, which opened prior to the school going to fully remote learning, is housed in a former weight room which was revamped to help staff and students get fit and live a healthier lifestyle.)
NHS Distributes Food
Posted 11/23/2020 at 12:06:44 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Members of the Southern Local High School National Honor Society volunteered their time by assisting with the Thanksgiving food distribution at Southern Community Center of Salineville on Nov. 20-21, where more than 200 complete dinners were packed and given away in time for the holiday. Pictured are, front from left, Cheyann Board, Arianna Goley, Conner Lewis and Delainey Mellott. Back: Sam May, Brad Sloan, Brock Smalley and center director Scott Hart. Not pictured is Addisyn Milhoan.
SL FFA Places Fourth in District Soils Contest
Posted 11/10/2020 at 2:00:35 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
The Southern Local FFA Chapter recently participated in the District III Soils Contest at on Oct. 15, where they placed fourth out of nine teams. Andrew DeSellem led the team, which also included Garrett Brewer, Quinton Gfeller, Addisyn Milhoan and Emily Walker. DeSellem also placed fifth out of 48 participants in the individuals contest. Pictured are, front from left, Addisyn Milhoan and Emily Walker. Back: Andrew DeSellem, Garrett Brewer and Quinton Gfeller.
SLHS Online Lessons Go Live
Posted 11/10/2020 at 11:02:10 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local High School students’ latest Virtual Friday lessons had a twist as teachers went live on Oct. 30 as part of a synchronous schedule plan.
Students now log on between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to take part in online classes and officials said it will also prepare for any future moves to fully remote learning due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As of now, 65 percent of the high school student population attends classes while about 35 percent works remotely.
Principal Jay Kiger said students receive an invitation from the teachers and log on to the classes.
“We are implementing a synchronous schedule and the kids are expected to be face to face with the teachers in the class. The purpose is if we have to go home or get shut down, we have a set schedule and the teachers will teach from the classroom. We asked the teachers to do a test run and it looks like everyone is on board.”
He continued that about 19 high school students were returning for face-to-face learning on Monday, which also starts the second nine weeks of the school year.
Meanwhile, Assistant Principal Adam Loudin added that the synchronized system was part of the school’s contingency plan.
“If we are even 100-percent remote this is what we’re going to do,” he said. “The Virtual Fridays lets teachers schedule the meetings but some were scheduled at the same time and students had to pick and choose [which classes to attend]. Now they can log into a class period and there are no overlaps. It also allows us to keep better track of attendance for the kids. We’re still trying to figure out how we could mesh with the career center since they have full days on Friday, but we are confident about it.”
Superintendent Tom Cunningham said the initial event was successful and it will be continued each week.
“Overall, it went very well,” he added. Cunningham said the district is utilizing more Google Classroom presentations for students and will eventually enact a plan for elementary students.
“Our teachers are getting time to work on their Google presentations for students and that’s been a positive,” he commented. “We will attempt to go that route with synchronous schedules on the elementary side. Some teachers are already well-versed with Google Classroom and some are training, but they are all collaborating in grade bands. I think this will help us for years to come because teachers will have an online database library for years of their tutorials that students may use.”
Moreover, officials said the weekly food delivery program is being altered to accommodate the more than 500 students who normally attend classes face to face but take part in the remote sessions on Friday. The food will now be delivered to their porches so they will be able to retrieve them during a break between classes. Additionally, about 200 remote students are served each Wednesday.
Southern Teachers Earn Mini-Grants
Posted 11/10/2020 at 10:58:10 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Educators in the Southern Local School District earned a total of $1,800 to enhance learning for students.
Three teachers were among the recipients of the Jefferson County Educational Service District’s 2020-2021 Best Practice Grant awards and were recognized during the monthly school board session on Nov. 9. JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo disbursed the mini-grants and congratulated teachers Janice Pierce, Justin Krulik and Eric Sampson on their achievement.
Pierce, who teaches fourth-grade math and social studies at Southern Local Elementary, will use her windfall to form “Wonder Workshop: Introduction to Coding” to benefit about 50 math and English/Language Arts students. The Wonder Workshop will provide students with a powerful sense of collaboration and hands-on learning with robots Dash and Dot. The workshop’s comprehensive solution provides educators with a concrete way to teach the abstract concept of coding which some consider to be the new literacy. Teachers and students will be able to apply coding and robotics across the curriculum.
Pierce was a prior grant recipient while serving as a fourth-grade intervention specialist in 2016 and was grateful to have another opportunity to help the kids.
“I think it’s an awesome opportunity to be able to purchase some STEM materials to incorporate into my math curriculum,” she said. “I would like to thank JCESC for making the funding available for Southern Local Schools.”
Krulik, who teaches grades 10-12 at Southern Local High School, said it was his first mini-grant and will help create an outdoor learning environment for his estimated 125 science students.
An aquatic environment will be built in the school courtyard that enables students to have hands-on application, including testing procedures and the practice of maintaining a homeostatic site. The pond will include plant life, fish, frogs, insects and other abiotic features to create a real-world learning environment with application though water quality testing, experiments of introducing new species and observations and experiments.
“I wanted to thank the selection committee for the opportunity to enhance student learning and understanding,” Krulik said. “I was pleased to be informed that my grant was selected this year and look forward to the process of implementation of the pond and its aquatic environment. Students will benefit from this and have hands-on, real-world experience just outside of my classroom.”
Sampson, who instructs grades 10-12 at SLHS, has earned Best Practice Grants while previously serving the Utica Shale Academy. He said his most recent award will be a great asset to his Introduction to Surveying class and roughly 11 students could gain experience to potentially work in the field. The grant will help purchase equipment to teach the art of surveying and aid in passing the surveying certification exam. Along with guidance from volunteers within the surveying industry, his students will be able to get hands-on experience in the proper operation, use and care of important surveying equipment.
“It allows us to purchase necessary equipment for learning. It is far better for students to get hands-on experience with equipment as opposed to just talking about it,” he commented. “I am grateful to the JCESC for offer this opportunity that will have a tremendous impact on student learning.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko lauded the teachers for offering innovative ideas to benefit their students.
“The 2020-21 school year has brought new challenges for classroom teachers given the current pandemic. JCESC is pleased to have the funding for continued support of the Best Practice Grants,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Many teachers are looking for new resources to meet the unique needs of this school year while others are simply searching for funds to support innovative instructional practices. In either case, JCESC congratulates all of our winners and wish them continued success as they work to provide the finest education to their students.”
JCESC has been awarding Best Practice Grants to benefit education at Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Southern Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City Schools as well as the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Cutline: Ron Sismondo, director of curriculum and professional development for the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented Best Practice Grants to teachers at Southern Local Schools during the regular school board meeting Monday. Three grants totaling $1,800 were disbursed to Janice Pierce of Southern Local Elementary and Eric Sampson and Justin Krulik of Southern Local High School, who will use the funds to implement innovative programs within their classrooms. Pictured are Sismondo, at left, with Sampson and Krulik while Pierce is absent from the photo.)
SLES Honoring Vets with Virtual Activity
Posted 11/5/2020 at 11:20:29 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Elementary students are recognizing veterans throughout the month of November as part of a unique project.
Assistant Principal Emily Brinker has invited pupils in grades PreK-6 to submit photos and age-appropriate biographies to honor family members who served in the military branches. The information will be displayed for the entire month and Brinker said more activities will be planned to engage students both in school at home.
“We’re doing a virtual Veterans Day assignment and students can give information and post a picture,” she said. “It will be displayed on our internal television.”
Schools are limiting events in the wake of COVID-19 and Brinker said the virtual ones offer a way to interact and boost morale. Another activity will be posted in December to highlight favorite holiday traditions and students may provide details and pictures for that exhibit. Brinker hopes to assign a new project each month and offer something fun and interesting for the kids whether they are working in the classroom or remotely.
“It’s a virtual assignment with interaction and also keeps the virtual kids engaged,” she said.
Southern Lauds Hepner
Posted 11/5/2020 at 11:17:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Jr. High School math teacher Kristin Hepner was recognized as the school’s Staff Spotlight for October. Hepner, who has been an educator for the past 15 years, was nominated by students and chosen by a school selection committee for the distinction.
Cleanup Crew
Posted 11/5/2020 at 11:12:38 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Members of the Southern Local High School FFA beautified the school grounds by cleaning flowerbeds for the fall season as part of a community service project. Advisor Shelley Pirogowicz said two groups worked outside the district office and elementary school on Nov. 4 and will return to mulch and clean again in the spring. Pictured are, from left, seniors Nick Wade, Joe Chuey and Kaden DeSellem.
Trick or Treat
Posted 10/30/2020 at 10:14:19 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Elementary School was full of little boos and ghouls celebrating Halloween a little early on Oct. 29. Superheroes, princesses, witches and more enjoyed a host of frightfully fun activities during parties in their classrooms, including games, snacks and movies. Pictured are some first-graders who donned their holiday finery for the day, including witches Jocelynn Jackson, Zarrah Mallary and Mariah Shields, Spidermen Zackary Tennant and Deegan Bach and skeleton Parker Lockhart.
Leaders of the Month
Posted 10/26/2020 at 1:57:00 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Students at Southern Local Elementary were selected as Leaders of the Month for September. Among those pictured are, front from left, Landon Gotschall, kindergarten; Skylar Dickson, first grade; first-grader Payzlee McCauley, art; Lydia Tsesmilles, first; Marcus Watson, kindergarten; and Allyn Doak, preschool. Middle: fourth-grader Caleb Lemasters for music; Alivia Beadle, fourth; Elliana Forbes, fourth; Liam Pitts, third; Isiah Plunkett, third; Nate Forbes, second; and Serenity Wallace, second. Back: Jaycob Pearson, MH; Christian Pearson, fifth; Emerson Gotschall, fifth; Delaney Beadnell, fifth; Brody Hamilton, sixth; and Austin Harshbarger, sixth. Not pictured are sixth-grader Jayden Brandenburg, kindergartener Wyatt Smith and preschoolers Jadyn Dowling and Liliana Bowyer.
Contracts Renewed at Southern Local
Posted 9/21/2020 at 12:16:45 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Contract renewals were among the topics at the Southern Local school board meeting on Sept. 15, where pacts were approved for one school administrator and two district staff members.
Officials granted Southern Local Elementary Assistant Principal Emily Brinker a two-year contract after she obtained her administrative license in the midst of her current pact.
“Instead of adjusting her contract in the middle, the board agreed to give her another full year,” said Superintendent Tom Cunningham, adding that Brinker’s salary increased from $63,000 to $72,000 to reflect her move from faculty to the administrative pay scale.
Leaders also approved three-year contracts to Julie Dowling and Whitney Tsemilles, who changed positions while working with district Treasurer Greg Sabbato. Sabbato said district Assistant Treasurer Debbie Huff retired and efforts were made to streamline personnel. To that end, Julie Dowling will act as assistant treasurer with Whitney Tsemilles serving as EMIS and payroll coordinator and they did not receive pay increases.
In other action, the board:
--Rescinded a contract for Jordan Simpson as athletic trainer and hired Karleigh Holderbaum for the position during the 2020-21 school year;
--Approved the local gradebook participation agreement with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center;
--Approved Thomas Redman IV as a junior high football volunteer;
--Approved Nicolas Talbott, Justin Garner, Alexa Bruderly, John Bryan, Jaret Dowling and John Bryan as teachers, Lynn Henderson as nurse and Gloria Morris as cafeteria worker and custodian on the substitute list;
--Hired VLA teachers George Whittaker for grade 7-12 Comprehensive Social Studies; Eric Sampson, 7-12 health and physical education; Kyle Exline, 7-12 English; Laurie Ronshak, art teacher; Lori Deem, 9-12 Algebra II and Integrated Math III; Jess Krulik, 9-12 Environmental Science; Karla Calderon, Spanish; and Ron Infanti, Computer Applications and Digital Skills/Technology Education;
--Approved a one-year limited contract for Alexis Powell as cafeteria worker;
--Set the next regular meeting for Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.in the high school cafeteria.
SL Moving to Virtual Fridays
Posted 9/21/2020 at 12:12:25 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Schools is enacting Virtual Fridays to ensure students achieve academically while working online.
The change begins Sept. 25 in a bid to keep pupils on the same page when it comes to learning whether they are in class or working remotely. The move was made after several mothers shared concerns at the Sept. 15 regular meeting, saying they feared their children were falling behind with lessons because they struggled with the material. Moms Julie Utt and Michelle Cole said they faced difficulties trying to help their kids meet tasks but school officials were helpful in trying to alleviate the situation.
“I think there’s a breakdown between teachers and parents as far as expectations in what they want us to do,” Utt said. “There are things [included in assignments] that we didn’t realize we needed.”
She suggested getting copies of lesson plans or some training to improve parents’ understanding. Southern Local leaders said teachers received training prior to the start of school but suggestions were made such as four-day in-school sessions with one day to help pupils online. Board President Kip Dowling and school leaders encouraged parents to provide feedback if they need help and the district would respond.
Now, Superintendent Tom Cunningham said Southern Local is taking action to resolve matters. The Virtual Fridays concept would allow online students to work more closely with their classroom teachers and learn the material, plus it will help all of the students prepare should the pandemic force schools back to remote learning.
“We’re starting Virtual Fridays so our face-to-face students will have virtual assignments they will do,” he said. “If we have to go fully remote, they will be familiar with it and our online students will have face-to-face interaction with teachers every Friday.”
The district will also offer tutoring opportunities and online help when needed for all online students according to subject with the elementary school to provide assistance for one to three days per week and the junior-senior high school scheduling sessions throughout the week.
“We’re also going to give options if parents want to come in after school and meet with teachers for one-on-one help. We’re trying to accommodate that as well,” Cunningham noted.
Both Southern Local Elementary and High Schools indicated that 60 percent of their students are currently attending school with another 40 percent working from home.
Loudin Joins Southern as Assistant Principal
Posted 8/12/2020 at 4:06:34 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School students will see a new face roaming the hallways as Adam Loudin joins the ranks as assistant principal.
Loudin, of Austintown, was formally hired by the school board on Aug. 11 with a two-year contract and is already settling into his latest role. He comes to Southern Local by way of East High School in Youngstown and completed a prior stint at East Liverpool City Schools where he was already familiar with Jay Kiger, current SLHS principal. He also succeeds Ron Sines, who departed as assistant principal earlier this summer for another position in Athens County.
He originally hails from Portage County and obtained his bachelor’s degree in integrated social studies at Kent State University in 2011, then he received his master’s degree in educational leadership at Youngstown State University in 2018. Loudin began as a history teacher at Cuyahoga Falls City Schools from 2011-12 and became a long-term substitute teacher at East Liverpool from 2014-15, followed by a stint as a teacher at East High School in Youngstown from 2015-18. Most recently, he served as dean of students at East High while also raising a family with his wife April, a teacher in Austintown. Together, they have two children, Tucker and Paisley.
Loudin then embarked on something new when an opportunity arose to take the position at Southern.
“I was looking to do something a little different and wanted to make the jump from dean of students to assistant principal,” he commented. “I worked with [SLHS Principal] Jay Kiger at East Liverpool and he contacted me to do an interview. I loved my job at Youngstown and had a really great team, and [with Kiger] I had an opportunity to work with someone I knew and trusted.”
He previously worked with 470 students in grades 9-12 at East High and will now oversee 380 students in grades 7-12 at Southern, but some of his former duties are quite similar to his new role, particularly when it comes to attendance and grades. Loudin hopes to work with Kiger, school staff and the district to find ways of streamlining and improving upon protocols to be more efficient and better serve the students.
“I love Southern Local. It was bittersweet leaving Youngstown, but the first day I walked in the door everyone was so welcoming here,” he noted. “I look forward to working with everyone.”
Kiger fondly recalled Loudin from his days at East Liverpool, saying he would be a great asset to SLHS.
“We’re very lucky to have him and I think he’s going to do well here,” Kiger concluded. “Knowing his experience and how he relates to kids, he was the perfect fit for us.”
(Photo Cutline: Adam Loudin takes his place as the new assistant principal at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School and said he looks forward to working with staff, students and administrators.)
Southern Local Planning Virtual Graduation
Posted 5/13/2020 at 10:32:57 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern
Local High School seniors will receive their diplomas during a virtual
graduation planned for May 16.
About 74 soon-to-be-alumni will gather in the gym under special
guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a letter from
senior class advisor Robert Shansky, the event will be filmed and aired on
YouTube and Facebook on May 22 at 7 p.m., the date of the original commencement
exercise. Seniors have been notified to arrive at the high school in
appropriate attire and donning caps and gowns for the ceremony. Parking will be
behind the gym with access gained through the former weight room, while honor
cords and National Honor Society stoles will be distributed to honor students.
School
Superintendent Tom Cunningham will join SLHS Principal Jay Kiger, Assistant
Principal Ron Sines and senior class officers at 11 a.m. while the
valedictorian and salutatorian will arrive with their parents around 11:20 a.m.
Southern Local Board of Education members appear at noon and President Kip
Dowling will record a message from the panel, and then the virtual graduation
taping commences at 1 p.m.
Each
senior may have up to six guests and their parents or a significant other may
present the diploma to their graduate. Attendants must try to arrive about 10
minutes prior to their time and will be directed by school officials using
social distancing standards. Graduates have been notified of their specific
timelines beginning with the top 10 scheduled to appear in the first row at 1
p.m.; second row at 1:30 p.m.; third row at 2 p.m.; fourth row at 2:30 p.m.;
fifth row at 3 p.m.; sixth row at 3:30 p.m.; and rows seven and eight at 4 p.m.
The graduates will have their picture taken with their guests as they receive their diploma and will receive a photo package compliments of the school district. Anyone with questions may contact Shansky’s office at (330) 679-2305, Ext. 4002, and leave a message or email him at [email protected].
SLBOE Looking to Add Bowling Program
Posted 3/13/2020 at 12:03:52 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local High School is looking add bowling to its sporting repertoire and received extra support during the March 10 meeting.
Rodney Giannone, a local bowling promoter, was joined at the session by Great Lakes Jr. Gold Tour Tournament Director Jeff Wirtz and Conotton Valley bowling coach Dennis Gordon to offer their services in establishing a program for the district. Giannone had contacted SLBOE board member Rodney Edmiston about speaking at a meeting and brought the men to explain how to get started. He added that Gordon’s team, which only began last year, was heading to the nationals in Las Vegas.
“There’s a lot to offer and I’d like to get something started,” Giannone said.
Wirtz, who operates in Michigan, said he’s worked with high schools and colleges around the region and there were many pluses for athletes. As a tournament director, he runs events in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois and plans to extend to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin next year. He is represented by Brunswick Bowling Company and said he could obtain equipment for Southern’s teams, plus professional coach Bill Henson of Columbus could provide some leadership. He also provided information for high school bowling across the state.
“I’m connected to every collegiate bowling level [at 240 colleges] and there are 22 in Ohio,” Wirtz commented. “There are 105 colleges [in such states as] Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan and I’m the missing link that connects bowlers to college. We have 700 uniquely different bowlers this season and expect another 800 at the end of the season.”
He
added that bowlers may range in age from four to over 20 years old.
“My goal is to promote youth bowling,” he said.
Gordon noted that he started bowling programs at Claymont and Conotton
Valley and offered to help if one was started at Southern. Meanwhile, SLHS
Athletic Director Bob Shansky said teams were already in the works for next
year and a coach was selected to take charge.
“I’ve already met with the local bowling lanes and [Superintendent Tom Cunningham] and I have met and we have a certified coach on staff as soon as [the board approves] it. It’s a winter sport and lasts from November to February. The OVAC also has a bowling championship and it’s one of the fastest growing high school sports in the state.”
Shansky said a schedule has already been prepared for next year and he’s helped develop similar programs at Wellsville and East Liverpool in the past. He continued that quite a few Southern students were interested in participating and teams of at least five people could be formed for boys and girls.
“It’s something I think can benefit winters sports,” Shansky added.
Cunningham interjected that the sport would benefit traditional and
non-traditional athletes.
“We have students who are not in sports and athletes who excel at other sports who want to play,” he concluded. The matter will be on the April meeting agenda and is expected to be approved.
In
other action, the school board:
--Learned from Cunningham that ACT testing concluded at the high school and Utica Shale Academy and also reminded the community to support the district’s 2.25-mill, five-year additional permanent improvement levy up for decision on March 17. Officials said it would be used solely for district-owned facilities to make necessary repairs modernize facilities to educate students well into the future, plus it will decrease existing taxes;
--Heard from SLHS Assistant Principal Ron Sines, who said educational consultant Dr. Frank Bickelman of Ohio State University completed a walk-through with him at the school. Sine added that meetings were held every two weeks to discuss Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Levels II and III questions and officials were also focusing on the “Race Trace Trace Conclude” for writing across the curriculum, while students were struggling more with Level II. He also announced that SLHS students Sophia Beatty, Zachary Halfhill and Gianna Rodgers earned medals during Columbiana County Educational Service Center’s 2020 Student Art Show;
--Learned from SLES Principal Rich Wright that state testing was approaching and teachers and students were learning last-minute items and holding morning intervention for extra help. He added that students are tested throughout the year on DIBELS, Star Early Literacy and Star Renaissance for benchmarks, and then teachers monitor students’ progress to determine growth and use data for future planning. He continued that kindergarten registration was set for April 2-3 with preschool registration on April 16-17, while an elementary literacy night was also slated for next month to boost literacy and involvement at school. Wright also recognized elementary students Elizabeth Pirogowicz and April Beadnell for winning medals at the CCESC Student Art Show and participants Jaxyn Harris, Jaymen Maines, Jett Johnson, Cadence Thompson and Leah Batcha;
--Heard from Utica Shale Academy Director Bill Watson that enrollment was up to 72 students and about 7.935 lessons were completed. He added the group recently took a field trip to Canfield to visit the Iron Workers’ No. 207 JAC and students received applications for apprenticeships. Other highlights included the completion of an audit by the Ohio Department of Education and the approval of the wellness plan;
--Approved substitutes Brooke Moore as
secretary, cafeteria and educational aide and David Abrams as a teacher;
--Approved the second reading of an updated
school policy on sex offender notification;
--Approved a field trip for the Spanish Club
on the Gateway Clipper May 5;
--Approved a supplemental contract for Tammy Phillips to handle agendas for the Utica Shale Academy Board of Directors’ meetings;
--Approved an addendum that students may
elect to attend the Columbiana County Career Center during their junior and
senior years. Students currently attend part- or full-time;
--Set the next regular meeting for April 14
at 6:30 p.m. in the board office.
SLJHS Students Learn about STEAM
Posted 3/6/2020 at 11:56:45 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Southern Local Jr. High students attended STEAM Day at Kent State University in Salem on Feb. 28, where the seventh-graders learned about different careers in nursing, biology, chemistry, horticulture and eSports and eighth-graders became familiar with health and human services, insurance, psychology, criminal justice and English. About 60-70 students from schools throughout the region took part and pictured is student Maggie Staley getting a glimpse of virtual reality.
Southern Classes “Get Schooled” at Game Day
Posted 3/6/2020 at 11:51:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Nearly 20 Southern Local High School students traveled to Youngstown recently for some fun and learning during the annual Hockey for Health “Get Schooled” School Day Game.
Kyle Exline’s sports literature class, as well as several members of the SLHS National Honor Society, participated in events on Feb. 26 at Covelli Center. Organized by the Youngstown Phantoms, the annual event draws schools from throughout the area to visit information booths, conduct STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities, learn about careers in the sports field and watch a Youngstown Phantoms hockey game. Exline said it was a unique way for students to learn about sports and enjoy the day.
“A lot of students I had are taking sports writing and we have quite a few athletes. They enjoyed [the day] and I think it was not only because of the events, but it also was a sport they were not familiar with,” Exline noted.
He
added that about 18 students, which included five NHS members, were on hand and
gained a wealth of knowledge. The sports literature class looks at sports
through a different lens and is open to grades 9-12, although the class is
primarily made up of seniors.
Meanwhile, students from roughly 15-20 schools attended the event and Southern pupils also took part last year. The “Get Schooled” School Day game is the focus of Hockey for Health and attracts thousands of elementary, middle school and high school students. STEM and STEAM students had fun with interactive learning and worked with such organizations as the OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science and Technology. Additionally, youth learned about drug prevention and were engaged though interactive media messaging, STEAM Business Partners and high school job shadowing programs for sports careers. Students also received Youngstown Phantoms “Hockey for Health” booklet for participating.
(Photo Cutline: Students in the sports literature class and National Honor Society at Southern Local High School took part in “Get Schooled” Student Game Day at Covelli Stadium in Youngstown on Feb. 26, where they visited information booths, conducted STEM and STEAM activities, learned about careers in the sports field and watched a Youngstown Phantoms hockey game. Pictured are, from left, Mason Tribelo, Logan Rhodes, Mark Soukup, Caleb Prendergast, Angel Johnson, Ivy Winters, Dustin Mellon, Gage Dickey, Katie Short, Presley Jackson, Kara Boone, Tiffany Joy, Maddie Paxton, Devin Lopez, Tanner Patterson, Jayce Sloan and Cam Grodhaus.)
Southern Local Gives Life at Blood Drive
Posted 2/26/2020 at 10:04:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Southern Local High School students, teachers, parents and community members turned out to give the gift of life during the second American Red Cross blood drive of the year, and now organizers have their sights set on a third event.
Twenty-five
viable units were donated in the high school gym on Feb. 21 in a collaboration
between the SLHS National Honor Society and the Red Cross, where NHS members
manned registration tables to the canteen and Red Cross medical personnel
oversaw the blood collection. Some attendants were first-time donors while
others were regular contributors, but they all had the same purpose: to help
someone.
Senior Dominic Pierson said it was his first donation and he believed it
was important.
“It’s a good cause,” he said. “I would donate again without a doubt because it would save a life. It’s the greatest accomplishment ever to save a kid’s life.”
Junior Arianna Goley, a past participant, agrees that the cause is vital.
“I’ve donated twice,” she added. “I just like giving back and just knowing you are going to help someone who needs it.”
Roxie West, an SLHS alumna and mother of more Southern grads, has seen
the importance of the event as both an oncology nurse and as a community
member.
“I feel like I need to give back. I was an oncology nurse and I’ve donated to help cancer patients,” she added, saying several of her children have also volunteered in the past.
NHS
Advisor Jody Lockhart said the first activity in November raised 32 units while
a goal of 25 units was set for the latest effort. Student members sent about 20
letters to community members who previously gave at the blood drive but she has
seen a mixture of old and new faces.
“The ones who donated before know what to expect,” she said, adding that they are familiar with guidelines for contributions and the process itself.
Anthony Perris, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross in
Canton, praised the school for its consistency in gathering volunteers to help
save a life.
“High schools are one of the most dedicated donor pools. Not only do they have students but also parents who want to help the community. In 2007, [Southern] raised 60 units when the goal was 30. Even for a smaller school, here it is really good. It’s nice to have a new donor, but every time you have a consistent donor pool it’s special.”
Perris said one unit of blood could help multiple people when divided into red blood cells, platelets and plasma. While the program has been biennial, efforts are being made this year to offer a third blood drive on May 6 from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross will provide scholarship money toward a senior
NHS member for every 25 units collected and the funding will help the graduate
further his or her education.
(Photo
Cutline: Southern Local High School junior Arianna Goley gives the gift of life
during the second American Red Cross Blood Drive of the year in the school gym
on Feb. 21. Twenty-five viable units were collected from students, teachers,
parents and community members and Goley has been a previous donor. She is
pictured with Red Cross medical staff Krista Leonard.)
SLBOE Learns Good News at Session
Posted 2/19/2020 at 9:46:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Good news topped the Southern Local Board of Education meeting on Feb. 12 as administrators shared tales of exceptional deeds which helped the students.
In
one instance, the board approved a $500 donation from Denny Goddard, a 1961
graduate, to pay off negative lunch balances. District Treasurer Greg Sabbato
said Goddard was inspired to help after reading stories of similar
contributions in the media.
“He called [administrative assistant] Tammy Phillips over the holiday and wanted to give something. He saw an article about people paying off lunch balances and volunteered to pay them off,” Sabbato said.
Six
students were aided by the donation and officials said Goddard was planning to
make another $500 contribution in the near future to help more kids.
Meanwhile, Southern Local High School Principal Jay Kiger told officials
how motivational speaker and youth mentor Christopher Milo improved a situation
for one student. Kiger said the youth had angrily written on her bedroom walls
in permanent ink and soon regretted the decision. After speaking with Milo, he
took it upon himself to purchase paint so she could cover her mistake and start
afresh. School Resource Officer Deputy Chase Askounes delivered the paint to
her home for the project.
Milo has visited schools, universities, churches and businesses for the past 13 years and spoken to roughly 500,000 students and school officials. He blends his messages with stories about his own life and also touches upon bullying while stressing the importance of values and good character. He uses his lectures to instill his 13 Messages from Milo (13MFM) mentoring program, which aims to positively impact the entire school, cultivate a school atmosphere where students are eager to learn and attend classes, excite the student body by giving them purpose which creates hope and a “can-do” attitude and instill kindness. The 13 messages are to be positive, be genuine, accept, love one another, listen, communicate, work together, be curious, inspire, coach, use your talents, be creative and trust.
Kiger praised Milo for his recent deed and suggested that the school board continue working with the mentor next year. Milo is expected to begin his Milo’s Kids afterschool program later this month with emphasis on his 13MFM program.
During his report, Superintendent Tom Cunningham congratulated senior
Cam Grodhaus for scoring his 1,000th point in basketball and Mason Tribelo for earning a superior rating at the recent Ohio Music Education Association Solo and Ensemble, as well as district spelling bee winner Jaden Morris, runners up and Ava Reed and alternate Aiden Brothers. Cunningham also touted the junior high girls’ basketball team for their recent win against Columbiana and said students were also competing in the Columbiana County Educaitonal Service Center’s annual art show on Feb. 27. He concluded that SLHS Assistant Principal Ron Sines also attended a meeting to learn about reading data and improving student learning as part of the Striving Readers Grant.
In
other matters:
--Sines reported that vocabulary words would be sent out for grades 9-12 and emphasis would be placed on state testing. He added that the new water fountains have been greatly used with students and staff consuming about 200 gallons. Other news included students visiting Columbiana County Career and Training Center; seventh-and eighth-graders planning to visit the Kent State University Salem campus for a STEAM activity day; English teacher Kyle Exline’s planned trip with his sports literature class to see the Youngstown Phantoms for Career Day on Feb. 26; and planned visits by KSU-East Liverpool and Eastern Gateway Community College later this month to set up student registration for testing into College Credit Plus. Testing will be completed on March 18 for eighth graders and high school for EGCC;
--Southern Local Elementary Principal Rich
Wright said intervention will begin on Feb. 25 for grades 3-6 and will be held
three days a week for one month. Students will arrive for breakfast at 7:30
a.m. and have intervention until 9 a.m. before heading to their regular
classes. He added that the American Heart Association fundraiser was also
underway and students were striving to raise money for the cause. If they
succeed, he will dress as a superhero for the day;
--Sabbato reported January’s beginning balance at $821,203 with $1,270,520 in expenses and an ending balance of $829,812;
--The board approved the first reading of a
policy to revise a bonding code for officials. Sabbato said the current policy
required the superintendent, treasurer and teachers to be bonded for $1,000
each but the new plan would only provide for the treasurer to be covered under
Ohio Revised Code rules;
--Officials approved substitute personnel
Amanda Mayfield as secretary and elementary library, Kimmy Boyd-Crawford as
secretary and educational aide and Samantha Catalano as a teacher;
--The board agreed to transfer funds from the
Class of 2019 to the Class of 2020;
--Leaders agreed to continue Southern Local’s membership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2020-21 school year;
--A continuing contract was approved for
Whitney Tsemilles as EMIS coordinator and fiscal consultant at a salary of
$28,000 per year;
--The board approved supplemental contracts for Kathy Randolph, head girls’ track coach; Brenda Kekel, assistant girls’ track coach; Chastity Sloan, junior high girls’ track coach; Mike Skrinjar, head boys’ track coach; Jimmy Malone and Mike Shope, assistant boys’ track coaches; Rick Sloan, junior high boys’ track coach; Kyler Woodward, volunteer high school assistant coach; Brent Boyle, head softball coach; and Andy Vulgamore, assistant softball coach;
--Leaders approved the 2020-21 school
calendar;
--The next regular meeting was set for March
11 at 6:30 p.m.