Jefferson County ESC Blog
OhioRISE a strong partner with Union Local
Posted 3/19/2025 at 1:01:39 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BELMONT – OhioRISE strengthened local partnerships and reached out to families during a community night at Union Local Elementary March 13.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
Anna Bodkin, social worker for the school district through East Central Ohio Educational Service Center Student Support Services, said OhioRISE was a natural choice to invite when she was organizing the event. She has frequently worked with the program and seen its value firsthand. OhioRISE has proven apt at making families aware of the tools out there to help them thrive.
“OhioRISE has been a great asset to us here at Union Local Elementary. Any time I have a referral, I reach out to them. They quickly respond to my referral and they let me know what they’re able to do for our kids,” she said. “I hear from families that they are a great resource to link families to whatever resource they might need, whether for mental health services or if they need transportation. Whatever it is, whatever they’re struggling with, OhioRISE is great and we love working with them.”
Bodkin recalled one case where a family with needs had recently moved into the district and care coordinators worked efficiently to find providers that met those needs.
“They linked them with a multitude of services that they didn’t know because they were new to our district.”
She estimated about 200 people attended the family fun night and had the opportunity to hear about providers including OhioRISE.
Care Coordinator Vicky Filtz said OhioRISE has had a presence in Union Local since the program’s inception in 2022 and time has strengthened that partnership. Care coordinators are always finding new ways to help.
“We have worked with them very closely for a lot of different families, a lot of different situations to figure out how we can support them in school and in their community life.”
Filtz said this ability to find and connect with services is particularly valuable in the rural counties OhioRISE works with.
“A lot of folks don’t know what services and supports are there,” she said. “Our care coordinators do a really good job of facilitating services that a youth and family need.”
She spoke with many interested families.
ECOESC Community Care Coordinator Jessica Yost said OhioRISE is an invaluable partner in the team supporting Belmont County’s youth.
“OhioRISE is awesome at collaborating with other agencies to have all-around care.”
Missy Smith, a nurse for the school district, said OhioRISE is always there for them.
“They’ve been a wonderful resource for us to coordinate with the families. We have one child right now that has trouble coming to school, has a lot of health issues and they’re helping us coordinate,” she said. OhioRISE has been crucial in getting the child into school with the family’s confidence.
She said OhioRISE also helps to coordinate transportation to medical appointments and counseling as well as securing appointments with eye doctors and pediatrics.
“It’s been a good experience. It’s a good resource for the parents.”
Clinical Director Jackie Moran of the Valley Behavioral Health Therapeutic Autism Center reports productive partnerships.
“They’re able to bring the school and the community resources together so that they’re all on the same page,” she said.
“We’ve had a couple of clients who have worked with them, and they’ve been a good support in finding resources and just helping families when they have kids with needs that are struggling.”
Care coordinator Erica Clark stopped by. She is active in Belmont, Monroe and Harrison Counties.
“It’s very exciting to be working with kids and families in their home and getting families’ needs met by getting them resources and supports that they can’t get elsewhere or the families don’t know where to go to get those supports.”
Care coordinators have many accomplishments in their counties. Clark recalled one case where she helped improve the educational setting of a child with autism.
“In our area, you just have to know where to look to find different therapies or different support groups,” she said. “Peer support is a big one in our area. Peers helping peers.”
Clark had worked as an educator at Union Local and saw the needs that OhioRISE could fill.
“I love helping kids and a I felt like there weren’t enough resources or parents didn’t know where to go,” she said. “I’m glad that I’m able to give back and help do that.”
She is optimistic as word of the program continues to spread and more young people are registered.
“OhioRISE is a great program to be involved in.”
Sheriff James Zusack was in attendance and took the opportunity to learn more about OhioRISE. He said he would keep the information in mind and convey it to his road deputies.
Photo Caption:
OhioRISE care coordinator Vicky Filtz and intern Eli Wilson took the opportunity during a community gathering at Union Local Elementary to share information about the program and the services it provides to young people. OhioRISE works closely with Union Local.
Kaden Haddox takes first place in Jefferson/Harrison regional spelling bee
Posted 3/11/2025 at 5:22:53 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BRILLIANT – Top spellers in Harrison and Jefferson Counties went head-to-head in the 40th Herald-Star Jefferson/Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee to decide who will represent the area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.
The regional bee was the culmination of district spelling bees through fall and winter. Out of the hundreds of local spellers who competed, 30 spellers from the six school districts of Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City took the stage at Buckeye North Elementary.
After the first 10 rounds the bee was down to the last two spellers. The contest continued for a total of 41 rounds, when sixth grader Kaden Haddox of Indian Creek Middle School took the lead over sixth grader Brheanna Boyles of Buckeye Local Junior High, who came in second place.
The match was an intense one, with both students tackling some tough words, until Brheanna Boyles misspelled “caducity” and Kaden Haddox correctly spelled “codswallop,” then “abscess,” and won the regional bee. He will represent the area of Jefferson and Harrison Counties the week of May 25-30, with the national bee May 27-29.
This marks the second time Kaden Haddox, of Steubenville, competed at the regional bee and his first time earning the number one spot. Following the bee, he was flush with excitement that accompanied his moment of victory.
“I was really nervous,” he said. “I was confident that I was going to make it far, but I didn’t know that I was going to get first.”
Kaden studied five days a week to ready himself for regionals. He will prepare for the national contest. He also intends to try for regionals and beyond in the upcoming years.
He had some advice for up-and-coming spellers.
“Never give up and keep practicing.”
Kaden’s parents, Nick and Jessica Haddox, were in the audience and saw their son’s hard work pay off.
“It was a lot of time spent, and he worked very hard,” Nick said. “Going over quite a few words at a time.”
Jessica agreed.
“He’s a self-motivated kid. He studies a lot on his own in addition to assistance from us too, so I have to hand it to him.”
Nick said they hung on every word until the moment Kaden won.
“It was very nerve wracking and very exciting, and just very proud at the end,” he said. “Very impressed with all the kids. They all did a great job. I’m just very proud of Kaden for putting the time in.”
They will be accompanying Kaden to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Jessica said this was an opportunity for him to see the sights and meet other top spellers from across and outside the nation.
“Kaden’s kind of a history buff too, so I think he’ll just enjoy being there.”
Brheanna Boyles of Connorville, a returning champion who had made the D.C. trip last year, congratulated Kaden Haddox.
“I hope he enjoys it there,” she said after the match. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to win or not, but I’m still happy I tried my best.”
She also had words of encouragement for young spellers: hard work and persistence will take them far.
Ross Gallabrese, executive editor of the Herald-Star and spelling bee committee member, commended the students who made it to the regional bee. He said more than 160 words were posed to the spellers, with the two finalists taking on about 40 words in total.
“They did so well, and I think that contributes not only to them, but to all the teachers and all of the parents and all of the aunts and uncles, neighbors and friends.”
Prior to the spelling bee, he reflected on seeing students vie to earn the top spot during past years. He said each speller represents the commitment of many.
“It’s always an exciting time. The kids have really worked hard to get here, but it’s not just the kids it’s their whole support structure,” he said. “There are a lot of nerves going on right now. I know the kids are nervous, but in the end, it always makes for a great competition.”
JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo, who serves as coordinator of the regional bee, thanked the district spelling bee coordinators for preparing the students. He thanked Buckeye North Elementary for hosting the regional bee.
“I really want to thank the people that are working in the district," he said before the bee’s opening. “They do a lot of work behind the scenes to get them ready.”
He noted how students benefit from competing in the bees.
“This is good for them to get out in front of their peers and get in front of their family, friends and other folks in a competitive atmosphere.”
Sismondo thanked the sponsors, adding their investment in the future makes the spelling bee possible. The organization is entirely volunteer, and sponsors can be assured that every dollar they donate goes directly to the students.
Anyone interested in a sponsorship may contact him at 740-283-3347 extension 152 or visit https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/Default.aspx.
Honoring study and leadership at 40th academic league tourney
Posted 2/21/2025 at 6:47:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
WINTERSVILLE – The 40th annual Jefferson County Academic Competition League Tournament marked some milestones Feb. 18 when top scholars from area school districts competed at Indian Creek High School. The tournament saw both its fourth decade and a change of coordinators.
Two teams will be representing the area at the northeast regionals: the tournament winner and the league winner.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center finances the academic competition. The school districts of Buckeye Local, Carrollton Exempted, East Liverpool, Edison Local, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Toronto and St. Clairsville-Richland City Schools each sent teams to the tournament. They were quizzed on a variety of subjects including history, geography, science and math.
The Carrollton High School team took the victory, going head-to-head with Indian Creek High School in a double elimination tournament. The score was 32 to 23 before sudden death rounds, with a final score of 36 to 28.
Indian Creek was already heading for regionals as the league champions after winning a majority of the seven contests held November through February. During the Feb. 18 tournament Indian Creek came out on top in matches with East Liverpool and Buckeye Local in the final rounds of the night’s double elimination matches, but Carrollton’s team were the tournament champs.
The Carrollton team’s academic coach, Jason Eddy, said this is the first time in nearly 10 years that the district fielded a team that will make it to regionals. They will continue to practice for the upcoming challenge.
“We’ve got a really balanced team,” he said. “We’ve only got one senior, so everybody’s coming back except one.”
Team Captain Bryce Hartong, a junior, said they had much to be thankful for, and they were grateful for Eddy and the hard work of everyone involved in the competition.
“It was like a little Cinderella story almost. We got knocked out last year,” he said. “We really give it our all every single time, and that really works.”
Indian Creek academic coach Barbara Turner commended her team’s hard work. This will be the third time in a row Indian Creek competes at the regional level.
Team Captain Marshal Houser, a senior, said they practice regularly and will prepare for the regional matches, where contestants will be quizzed more in-depth on their subjects.
“We have a team that’s pretty well knowledgeable and well rounded,” he said. “We trust each other.”
Co-Captain Abby Zinsmeister, a senior, agreed.
“It’s just a lot of practicing,” she said.
This was also Ellen Swickard’s first time as coordinator following the retirement of Rich Gregor, who had helmed the academic competition for more than 15 years. Swickard and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko had a plaque prepared in his honor. Gregor was unable to attend in person, but Swickard contacted him via phone for the presentation.
“We’re missing you, especially today as we want to recognize you,” Kokiko said. He added the league owes much to Gregor’s exemplary leadership. “Congratulations, Rich.”
The assembled students, coaches and staff concluded with a rousing: “Thank you, Mr. Gregor!”
During a telephone interview afterward, Gregor spoke about his work during the formative years of the academic competition. He took the role after retiring as a coach from Edison Local. He recalled the satisfaction of seeing the teams rise to the challenge and excel.
“Everybody had their chance to be champions, and that was probably one of the nicest parts,” he said. “It was exceptional to see how many different schools had so many outstanding students.”
He said while competition is often intense, he has worked on building a matching sense of respect and camaraderie among the different teams.
Gregor also led the competition during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic which set back the junior varsity teams, but the academic competition has since recovered.
“Everybody has gotten along so well for the last three or four years,” he said. “Everybody is cooperating.”
He said the students are well versed in many academic subjects. He knows of two former competitors who later appeared on collegiate Jeopardy.
Gregor said the academic competition is in good hands with Swickard, another retired long-time Edison Local educator.
“She does an exceptionally good job,” he said.
Recognition also went to the Indian Creek and Carrollton teams as Varsity League champion and runner up respectively, and Edison Local as Junior Varsity champion and Indian Creek as Junior Varsity runner up.
Kokiko commended the coaches and teams for their dedication.
“We have a lot of extracurriculars, and it’s important to us to have an academic competition as well.”
The date for the regionals will be determined when sufficient teams have qualified in the Northeast region. Qualifying teams must register by March 21. There are usually 16 teams at the regional contest. The competition is held in Copley High School.
For more information, visit https://www.ohioacademiccompetition.com/.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko and Ellen Swickard, coordinator of the Jefferson County Academic Competition League, recognize retired coordinator Rich Gregor prior to the league tournament. Organizers, staff and students expressed their appreciation for his more than 15 years of leadership.
January is School Board Appreciation Month!
Posted 1/16/2025 at 4:47:46 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Let us take the time to say 'THANK YOU' to the JCESC Governing Board for their continued commitment and dedication througout the years!
This governing Board is a group of leaders who instill success and a belief in JCESC, its' employees and support staff which allows for growth and development in exponential ways. Thank you JCESC Governing Board!
JCESC VLA curriculum earns nationwide homeschooling award
Posted 12/19/2024 at 11:56:53 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE, OH – The Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) has earned national attention for providing tools for homeschooling families, having recently received the 2025 Best Homeschool Curriculum and Resources award from How To Homeschool.
How To Homeschool is a highly regarded national organization that provides resources, reviews and recommendations for homeschooling families across the United States.
VLA Director Mark Masloski and Assistant Director Martariesa Logue said the award reflects VLA’s commitment to empowering families with high-quality flexibility and engaging educational tools.
Masloski said VLA has offered homeschool curriculum for about 20 years and it is used in the local area, across the nation and in other countries. Logue said the curriculum has proven valuable for students involved in sports overseas.
“We’ve always had homeschool students and parents that wanted opportunities for students to learn virtually, and I believe that our platform is attainable and it’s an easy transition for students and parents to work through the content and curriculum,” Masloski said.
He said parental control is a central feature to VLA’s curriculum, with parents able to monitor their children’s learning.
“They’re able to print out progress reports, transcript reports, they can see how long their child is being active in the unit,” he said. He also pointed out the varied options VLA has on offer.
“What they like about us is there’s a flexibility,” he said. VLA’s curriculum includes electives such as music, art and physical education. “That might not be something that’s available for homeschool parents that they’re able to utilize with us.”
Masloski said the VLA’s K-12 material is also age and grade-level appropriate and the curriculum lines up with state requirements so a student will not be left behind should the child transfer into the public school system.
He said good experience with VLA has helped spread word of their services throughout the homeschooling community. VLA has become a staple for homeschooling families.
“A lot of homeschool parents have multiple children, so we have seen students that started here at a very young age until the 12th grade, and we have their siblings that are homeschooled,” he said.
Logue added the curriculum is offered at an attainable price for large families.
They recount how the program has evolved. Logue said they have incorporated a wide range of interactive engaging curriculum and Masloski noted the many offline activities that homeschool parents appreciate.
He said VLA also offers coursework in the classics.
“They want to see Roman mythology or Greek mythology or Renaissance art,” he said. “We have a population of homeschool students and parents that are Catholic, so they want their child to learn some Latin. They know we have something scripted already. It makes it a little easier for them, they don’t have to reinvent the curriculum for their child.”
Parents can also conveniently create a portfolio of student progress.
“With our system, there’s plenty of content that they can create a really good student portfolio and share their work and how they’re progressing,” he said.
“We’re able to offer them more opportunities for learning and learning in a different variety of ways, and I think that’s what the award shows. We have the capability to not just meet one type of homeschool parent, but a variety of homeschool parents,” Masloski said.
“We have plenty of courses,” he said. “Each parent can individualize their student’s lessons based on the student’s needs. That’s a big part of what we can do for those parents so they can have a unique individual plan.”
Logue added for convenience the VLA system is available on the internet rather than bound to a specific app.
“So all the students need is an internet connection,” she said. “If they don’t have the internet, they can easily export it into a pdf file.”
Masloski and Logue anticipate future innovations that may interest homeschoolers. VLA staff will attend the Greater Ohio Homeschool Convention April 24-26 in Columbus. Masloski said they were very attentive to new developments and the needs of homeschooling families. He said one option could be creating an online support group.
“We’ve been ahead of the game just with the offline activities and making sure our information’s appropriate for parents. They understand that there’s not going to be anything inappropriate in our content and our lessons. The big thing is choice, and there’s plenty of choices for parents to make with our content curriculum. We might be a small organization, but our courses aren’t small. We have a variety of different courses and a variety of different levels of courses.”
VLA has built a strong reputation.
“There’s a trust factor,” he said. “At ESC, everybody knows our first thought is the students.”
He said families know their children can count on support and individual attention.
“They’re comfortable with us.”
Logue said VLA is adept at tracking a student’s learning curve as they transition to or from homeschooling. These and other services make the program a well-regarded resource among schools.
“We are recommended by the schools. When a student wants to go homeschool, one of the options that the schools do say is check out VLA, because they already know us,” she said. “So it is an honor for schools to recommend our curriculum to their homeschool parents.”
One parent’s testimonial on the VLA site praises the range of core classes and electives, the ease of keeping track of her son’s progress, and the quick and friendly responses to any questions.
“It’s not primarily dependent on multiple choice answers as many online school programs are, so I have a much easier time seeing if my student is truly understanding the material,” she said, adding she is able to review the material being taught. She said the ability to send the assignment back for correction is unique among the programs she has tried and very helpful for assuring mastery of subjects. She also praised the rubrics included with writing assignments, which are valuable in reviewing and grading. She has multiple children of different ages homeschooling and plans to move her son’s younger sister into the VLA program.
Located in the R. Larry George Training Annex at 1913 Estelle Ave., Steubenville, the VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum.
JCESC Road to Success Driving School offers courses close to home
Posted 12/12/2024 at 6:53:47 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – A new opportunity is available to give teens access to convenient and flexible driving education. The Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) is tackling this need by launching the Road to Success Driving School. According to JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, the issue of transportation had been discussed during a number of meetings and the Road to Success program was a great opportunity for the JCESC to work with member school districts to create a tool aimed at increasing students’ ability to earn a driver’s license.
“We are assembling a great team of instructors and continue to grow our capacity to serve area youth,” Kokiko said.
Program Director Dr. Nicole McDonald, JCESC Director of Grants, said learning to drive is a significant milestone for teens, but access to driving education often proves a challenge. The innovation of Road to Success is its partnership with local school districts to fit seamlessly into students’ busy lives. Young drivers can get their all-important time behind the wheel directly after school, after practices or during the weekends. McDonald said the driving instruction is as accessible as any other extracurricular activity. Students are picked up directly from their schools or needed location, removing the need for parents to manage transportation logistics.
“Driver’s education shouldn’t be a burden,” McDonald said. “We’re committed to making it easy for teens to develop the skills they need to become safe, confident drivers.”
Once students complete a 24-hour online course they are eligible for on-the-road instruction. Driving instructor and training manager Tom Mort, a teacher at Indian Creek High School, said 20 students have completed the program since instructors began taking them on the road in early August. Of these, 17 have taken their driving test and all have passed. Each teen spends eight hours behind the wheel in four two-hour sessions.
“We’ve put a lot of hours on the road so far.”
Road to Success operates in Buckeye Local, Steubenville City, Toronto, Indian Creek, Harrison City, Edison Local and Southern Local School Districts.
New drivers can begin behind-the-wheel lessons at age 15 years and six months.
“They have to have their permit for six months,” he said. “By the time their 16th birthday rolls around, they’ll be eligible to take their license.”
Students get experience navigating intersections, entering and exiting highways, driving at higher rates of speed and in other different situations including county roads and back roads. The routes were submitted to the state for approval.
“When we get in the car, our driving instructors always reference back to what they learned in the classroom,” Mort said. “Any scenario that comes up, they are going to learn it in the classroom, but you can’t beat hands-on. The kids really learn the most on the road.”
McDonald secured “seed money” through the Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) grant. This initiative was created to expand access to teen driving programs, addressing a shortage of available options in many communities.
JCESC and individual schools pitched in to purchase nine cars.
“Our concept was each school has participated in purchasing one of these cars,” McDonald said. “It’s the whole education community supporting this project.”
This cooperation strengthened the grant application.
There are currently three certified instructors and five more are in the process of being certified through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The goal is to have an instructor from every participating school. The cars will also eventually be housed at the schools.
Mort anticipates Road to Success will be a popular program and excitement is spreading. He has driven with 15 students and all say they will tell their friends. The presence of a student driver car should also raise interest.
“Seeing that car in the parking lot, for those students walking into school every day, we think that’s going to be an incentive.”
Another element that sets Road to Success apart is the new drivers know and trust their instructors.
“The students like the fact that we are local,” he said. “The students just like the fact that they know their instructors.
Their instructors are their high school teachers.”
Currently, instructors pick the teens up at their homes and drop them off after driving sessions. This affords instructors the opportunity to speak with the parents about the students’ progress.
Mike Haney, a certified driving instructor from Steubenville High School where he also teaches through the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, was enthusiastic to join the Road to Success team. He had also noticed a need among students.
“A lot of the students know how to drive, but they never received a driver’s license,” he said. “It’s going to help a lot of students, especially the underprivileged students.”
Photo Caption:
Driving instruction for students is accessible through the Road to Success Driving School, sponsored by JCESC and in partnership with area schools. Program Director Dr. Nicole McDonald, JCESC Director of Grants, is joined by Mike Haney, left, a certified driving instructor from Steubenville High School, and driving instructor and training manager Tom Mort, a teacher at Indian Creek High School.
Edison Projects Support Student Focus to Enrichment
Posted 11/22/2024 at 7:09:18 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local School District educators gained funding support to help students focus and also enrich their learning experience.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has provided three Best Practice Grants totaling $2,100 to teachers at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools and JCESC Intervention Specialist Patty Ferrell presented the awards to recipients Kelly Dopp, Summer Householder and Mikayla Tice during the Edison Local Board of Education meeting at Edison High School on Nov 21.
“According to The Science of Hope, hope is not an inherent trait. It is a skill that can be taught by having goals, pathways and a sense of agency. The Hope Bearers Project will allow students to emphasize how others used their goals, pathways and sense of agency to make an impact,” she explained, adding that it will benefit more than 30 second-to-sixth-grade students. “Each enrichment student will research a famous ‘hope bearer,’ or a person who has brought hope to a community or to their world through their careers/entrepreneurship/medical advances/political influence/etc. Not only will they focus on the life and achievements of their hope bearer; they will also have to identify the goals, pathways and sense of agency these people used to achieve their accomplishments.”
The fifth- and sixth-grade students will turn their research into a wax museum presentation during the school’s art show, painting a life-size background and dressing as the subject while also giving an oral presentation in the first person. Meanwhile, the second to fourth-grade pupils will create a life-size pop-up book about their hope bearer to display at the event and each book will include at least three pop-ups to illustrate important facts about that subject’s influence on the world. Dopp continued that students will benefit through career connections since they will be researching unique careers and entrepreneurs; build hope skills by learning how impactful people used their goals, pathways and sense of agency; and bolster creativity by engineering the pop-up books and designing their wax museum scenery and costumes.
Dopp is a previous Best Practice Grant recipient and was excited to receive the funding.
“The Hope Bearers project is powerful because it incorporates research, public speaking and many ELA skills and the ideas behind hope and grit that students need to have,” she said.
Householder, a gifted intervention teacher at Stanton, is implementing “Stanton Entrepreneur Market” to help about 30 students through project-based learning.
Gifted intervention students in grades 3-6 will create a business plan, gather materials and market their products. Their final project will involve selling these items at the annual Stanton Art Show, with all profits being donated to a charity chosen by the students. This unit allows students to explore economic concepts, improve math and English skills and make real-world connections through hands-on learning. By participating in this project, students will enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future career opportunities.
“I will be utilizing the Best Practice Grant to create an Entrepreneur Market with my enrichment students. My colleague, Ginger Bloomer, will also be participating in this project with me. I was inspired by our colleagues at John Gregg who completed this project with their enrichment students last year,” she said. “Using concepts from the book, Genius Hour: Passion Projects That Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry, by Andi McNair, students will work together to create a business plan, gather materials and create and market products. The students will have the opportunity to display their items at the annual Stanton Art Show on March 27. Members of the community will have a chance to shop and purchase student made products. All profits earned from the sale of products will be donated to a local charity voted on by the students participating in the project.”
Householder added that it was her first such grant and she was excited to be among the recipients.
“I am looking forward to working on this project with my students. I feel this project is a perfect way for students to learn important skills not only that they will use in school but for life.”
Tice, who teaches kindergarten at John Gregg, will utilize her grant to support 26 kindergarten students through “Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet.” The Wiggle Wobble Chair feet are tools designed to help all students, particularly kindergarteners, by fostering focus and reducing anxiety in the classroom. They provide students with movement while allowing them to maintain concentration on academic tasks aligned with Ohio Learning Standards. Research supports their effectiveness in improving attention, persistence, and reducing off-task behavior, especially for students with ADHD and hyperactivity. If implemented, these chair feet would significantly enhance student engagement and self-regulation, contributing to better academic performance.
“These feet connect to students' current chairs and allow them to have movement while learning. The Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet tool is designed to help students focus while staying calm and to help increase academic performance as well as alleviate anxiety and hyperactivity,” Tice continued. “They provide the necessary movement to foster their brains and encourage students to maintain their focus on academic learning. This helps the students to engage for a greater amount of time on the topic being discussed.”
She added that the items also help students limit off-task behavior because of fidgeting or feeling the need for movement, which hopefully will allow them to regulate the need and focus on the task at hand. Students with and without disabilities benefit greatly from the movement while learning.
Tice said she is a prior grant recipient and was extremely grateful for the JCESC’s generosity and ability to impact the students.
“I look forward to using the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet in my classroom and am extremely excited to see how these will better help my students learn. I am also looking forward to seeing the enjoyment from the students when they each get them. I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity that the JCESC has provided to all area schools.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients for aiding students through their progressive ideas.
“The JCESC has supported efforts of our classroom teachers to bring forth insightful, innovative projects to fuel the students’ minds and improve upon their education, and the Best Practice Grants enable them to put those ideas into practice,” Dr. Kokiko added. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique methods for their classroom. We appreciate their hard work and are pleased to provide these opportunities and promote such creativity.”
Edison Local Schools have received a total of 53 Best Practice Grants over the past 16 years to enhance learning and others included the Buckeye Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Southern Local, Toronto City and Steubenville City school districts as well as the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: Three teachers from Edison Local School District received the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Best Practice Grant with each gaining $700 for learning projects. They were awarded during Edison’s school board session on Nov. 21 and pictured are, from left, Mikayla Tice, Summer Householder and JCESC Intervention Specialist Patty Ferrell while teacher Kelly Dopp is absent from the photo.)
Indian Creek Teachers Obtain Funding for Projects
Posted 11/22/2024 at 6:32:06 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
MINGO JUNCTION-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center awarded three Indian Creek Local School District educators with funding to aid students through social emotional learning, reading and math programs.
JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi presented Best Practice Grants totaling $2,100 to Alyssa Lollini, Ashley Turnbull and Robyn Scott during the Nov. 21 Indian Creek Board of Education session at Indian Creek Middle School.
Lollini, an intervention specialist at Hills Elementary, will focus on intervention and social emotional learning (SEL) for more than 20 students through her project, “It’s Okay to Feel All the Feels.” Through the project, she provides SEL support for a growing group of students each day and the funding will purchase items to aid students in both the resource room and their general education classrooms. Research highlights the importance of SEL, showing it improves academic performance, prosocial behavior and reduces stress among students.
“I have been very fortunate during my time at Hills Elementary to devote a time slot in my schedule daily in order to see a small group of students for social emotional learning support and sadly that group of students continues to expand. The goal of my grant application and project is to purchase items to continue to support my students both in the resource room, but also in their general education classrooms,” Lollini said. “Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students. Overall, my hope is to teach my students that feeling different emotions at any point in their day is absolutely okay, give them the tools they need to understand their emotions and know how to handle their big emotions in their little bodies.”
Students will cover five areas through their social emotional groups, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making. The groups are decided upon based on teacher recommendations as well as a discussion with the PBIS Tier II team. Promoting social and emotional development for all students in classrooms involves teaching and modeling social and emotional skills, providing opportunities for students to practice and hone those skills, and giving students an opportunity to apply these skills in various situations.
“One of the ways of achieving this is delivering explicit lessons within SEL, practicing the skills in small groups, and then finding opportunities for students to reinforce their new skills throughout the day. One of the best feelings as a teacher is always seeing academic growth in your students, but it is a completely different sense of proudness when you start to see your students using skills covered in social emotional learning groups, outside of the resource room.
She added that she has received to Best Practice Grant awards and she was beyond thankful to the JCESC for the opportunity to support her students’ needs.
Ashley Turnbull, a preschool intervention specialist at Hills, will use her allocation to help about 66 students and promote writing skills through the “Preschool Sensory Corner.”
In the preschool program, pre-writing skills and handwriting readiness are a key focus, supported by the Step Up To Quality Program. Turnbull aims to enhance students' fine motor development to better prepare them for
kindergarten. A variety of items, including finger popper fidgets, hand grip strengtheners, and triangular writing tools, help students develop finger strength, hand-eye coordination, and proper grip for writing. These tools, along with creative resources like sand writing trays and tracing boards, offer engaging ways for students to progress from fine motor exercises to early writing skills.
“The grant was written for pre-writing and fine motor activities and will allow us to strengthen our students in this area to have them prepared better for kindergarten,” Turnbull said. “It incorporates plenty of hands on, fun, learning activities for the students to engage in. Some of our favorite items are the sand trays to practice writing, our finger strengthening activities and our ‘rock’ crayons.”
She is a prior grant recipient and said she was grateful for the funding, which will help engage students in fun ways to practice their pre-writing skills.
Scott, a second-grade teacher at Cross Creek Elementary, is utilizing her grant for “Building Math Thinkers” to aid about 65 pupils.
Building Math Thinkers helps students explore math concepts in a hands-on, engaging way without fear of failure. Scott said this approach allows learners to interact with math physically, fostering a growth mindset by encouraging them to experiment and problem-solve. It will be utilized during whole-class instruction, small-group sessions, and independent learning, helping students of all levels, including those with learning gaps or who need an extra challenge. Differentiation will be key in reaching diverse learners, allowing them to build confidence and a deeper understanding of math
“Building Math Thinkers uses the tool called ‘Math Stackers’ to encourage learners to take risks and explore math concepts without fear of failure. Math Stackers puts the power of math in students' hands and gives them a new way to think about and interact with math,” she commented. “Building Math Thinkers will be used during whole-class instruction, small-group instruction and independent exploration.”
Scott is another previous grant recipient and said she was excited to earn the funding.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko lauded the educators for thinking outside the box when it comes to assisting their students.
“The JCESC has supported efforts of our classroom teachers to bring forth insightful, innovative projects to fuel the students’ minds and improve upon their education, and the Best Practice Grants enable them to put those ideas into practice,” Dr. Kokiko added. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique methods for their classroom. We appreciate their hard work and are pleased to provide these opportunities and promote such creativity.”
Indian Creek Local Schools have received a total of 51 Best Practice Grants over the past 16 years to support educational opportunities and others included the Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Southern Local, Toronto City and Steubenville City school districts as well as the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: Indian Creek Local School District teachers were recognized during the regular board session on Nov. 21 for receiving three Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Best Practice Grants totaling $2,100 to implement programs in their classrooms. Pictured are, from left, Alyssa Lollini, Hills Elementary Principal Erin Alloggia representing Ashley Turnbull and JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi. Not pictured is Robyn Scott.)
JCESC Grants Increase Learning Opportunities
Posted 11/21/2024 at 9:20:51 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
TILTONSVILLE-Educators in the Buckeye Local School District have gained a windfall to help them increase learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Cameron Best, Crysta Christian and Stephanie Crust and each received a $700 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to implement programs intended to expand students’ minds in the realm of agriculture education, science and social emotional learning. Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, presented the funds during the regular school board session on Nov. 18 at Buckeye South Elementary School.
Best, who serves as an Ag education instructor at Buckeye Local Jr./Sr. High School, will use his allocation for his “Ag/FFA Hybrid Corn Plot” project to select and plant different varieties of corn near the high school and harvest the crop, gaining hands-on experience in the process.
“Buckeye Local Ag students will be divided into groups where they choose a variety of corn to plant in the lot next to our high school. The students will monitor and learn through all stages of preparation, planting, growth and harvest. In the Fall of 2025, they will compare data records and determine what variety of corn best fits our region,” Best said.
He added the students have already learned how to take soil samples and determine how to use the results to properly fertilize in preparation for planting, and then they will research the corn varieties and take part in all aspects of planting from plowing and tilling the soil to harvesting the vegetable. They will relay their findings and conclusions to the public for local farmers and agriculture enthusiasts to incorporate in further operations. Finally, the pupils will learn how to market their product and all aspects of agribusiness operations.
Best said it was his first Best Practice Grant and he was thrilled to receive the award and benefit more than 21 students in his program.
“I am beyond grateful for being selected as one of the recipients of the Best Practice Award and for the JCESC’s support of Buckeye Local Schools and in specific our new ag program.”
Christian, who teaches third-grade science and social studies at Buckeye South Elementary, was awarded for her project, “Hands-on Science.” The project integrates hands-on science investigations and experiments that align with third-grade learning standards.
“This grant will allow me to purchase high-quality materials to supplement my curriculum, giving students opportunities to engage in hands-on investigations and experiments to deepen their understanding of concepts. Materials will be used to align with the standards and follow our curriculum while integrating the nature of science in the classroom,” she added, saying about 46 science students will be served.
Christian is another previous Best Practice Grant recipient and said it has helped her expand her students’ minds.
“I am grateful and thrilled to receive a Best Practice Grant. This grant will bring science to life for my students. They are enthusiastic learners and love to explore and experiment. High-quality science materials will allow for more engagement and deeper understanding of the science standards and concepts. My students are excited to have the tools they need to behave and learn like scientists.”
Crust, who serves as gifted intervention specialist at BLHS, plans to bolster her students’ imaginations through her project, “Creative Minds: Enhancing Gifted Education through Art and Social Emotional Learning.”
The initiative integrates art with social emotional learning (SEL) to support gifted students in developing emotional intelligence and teamwork skills by having them participate in interactive art activities and collaborative projects. The plan also aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards, encouraging creativity while fostering essential social skills. Crust said this approach helps students grow both socially and emotionally through engaging, hands-on experiences.
“The goal is to develop emotional intelligence, teamwork and problem-solving skills through engaging art activities. Students will participate in projects like creating emotion collages to express feelings, making mood portraits that reflect their emotions and illustrating decision-making scenarios through scenario paintings. They will also engage in digital art projects and virtual exhibitions and may collaborate on community murals. The plan is to display student artwork in the school, as well. Overall, this initiative aims to enhance emotional intelligence and creativity.”
Crust noted that she has received Best Practice Grants in the past and she was grateful to obtain the funding.
“I’m extremely excited to partner with local artists who will provide their expertise and mentorship to the students.,” she said. “I am appreciative of local artist Abbey Wilson, Buckeye Local alumna and a former teacher in our district and the high school volleyball coach, for her input for the proposal and her willingness to come into the school and share her artistic abilities with our students.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko was equally enthusiastic about the broad vision the educators have brought forth with their project ideas.
“The JCESC has supported efforts of our classroom teachers to bring forth insightful, innovative projects to fuel the students’ minds and improve upon their education, and the Best Practice Grants enable them to put those ideas into practice,” Dr. Kokiko added. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique methods for their classroom. We appreciate their hard work and are pleased to provide these opportunities and promote such creativity.”
Buckeye Local Schools have earned nearly 50 Best Practice Grants over the past 17 years to enhance learning experiences and others included the Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Southern Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City school districts as well as the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center bestowed three $700 Best Practice Grants upon three Buckeye Local School District teachers during the Nov. 18 school board meeting. The funding will support projects from agriculture and science to creative writing. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo with Buckeye Local High School Ag education teacher Cameron Best while BLHS gifted intervention specialist Stephanie Crust and Buckeye South Elementary teacher Crysta Christian were absent from the photo.)
Best Practice Grants Broaden Students’ Horizons
Posted 11/21/2024 at 9:09:05 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville City School teachers are broadening students’ horizons with distinctive projects to enhance education in STEM, science and social studies.
Kylee Gentile, Sara Nocera and Crystal Wicker each obtained Jefferson County Best Practice Grants for $700 to foster growth not only in their students’ minds, but also in their environment. Dr. Nicole McDonald, JCESC director of grants, presented the awards during the Steubenville Board of Education meeting on Nov. 20.
Gentile, who is first-grade teacher at Pugliese West Elementary, will implement “Project Pollinator” to promote growth in the natural environment and benefit about 300 science students.
“Project Pollinator is an exciting opportunity to encourage butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to visit our school garden and the community at large,” Gentile said. “Pollinators are drawn to plants rich in pollen and nectar so plans for this project include creating a special garden to cater to these critters and putting up butterfly houses here at Pugliese West, as well as at other SCS locations!”
She is a first-time grant recipient and was thrilled to be selected.
“I am so grateful and excited to receive this funding. Our garden is a big part of our school community, and it is a great hands-on learning experience for students. Gardening is a skill that students can take with them beyond the classroom,” Gentile added. “I would like to thank the Jefferson County ESC for providing this opportunity to teachers. We are happy to be awarded the funds needed to assist our students in exploring learning beyond textbooks and outside of the classroom.”
Nocera, who teaches first grade at Wells Academy, intends to impact 50 STEM students with her project, “Building the STEM Bridge to Create the Future Leaders.” The project aims to bring hands-on learning back into first-grade classrooms by integrating KiwiCo STEM kits with existing lessons in reading, math, social studies, and science.
My project is to bridge the gap between textbooks and direct instruction by incorporating STEM activities that coordinate with first-grade current curriculum. I am going to incorporate some of the KiwiCo STEM kits with some of our existing lessons of reading, math, social studies and science to create a hands-on learning experience that will help the students retain the lessons, create a better understanding, form connections with the content and maybe even help them discover a future career path,” she said.
Nocera added that she has received several Best Practice Grants and she was honored to be recognized again.
“I am honored and grateful to have received the grant for a third time. I know my students will be thrilled with the STEM kits.”
Wicker, a third-grade teacher at Pugliese West, is covering even more territory with the project, “It’s a Small World Continent Study” and benefit about 80 pupils.
The project offers social studies students an immersive exploration of the continents through a variety of interactive activities and research projects, where they will learn about world cultures, map continents, create paper plate representations and explore global animals, culminating in a final project where they guide their families through transformed classrooms representing each continent. The Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach integrates science, language arts and geography standards, making learning both fun and meaningful. The goal is to ignite students' curiosity, foster a love for exploration and promote a deeper understanding of the world.
“The students will embark on an exciting lesson that teaches students about the Earth's continents. This project-based learning experience will allow students to understand the seven continents and some of the countries that belong to each one,” she explained.
She added that her third-grade team gained a similar grant last year and they were excited to gain another award.
“My team and I are thrilled to receive this grant! We can't wait to begin our PBL and learn all about the seven continents. We are excited for our students to have this amazing opportunity.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko applauded the educators for their forward-thinking abilities.
“The JCESC has supported efforts of our classroom teachers to bring forth insightful, innovative projects to fuel the students’ minds and improve upon their education, and the Best Practice Grants enable them to put those ideas into practice,” Dr. Kokiko added. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique methods for their classroom. We appreciate their hard work and are pleased to provide these opportunities and promote such creativity.”
Steubenville City Schools have garnered a total of 37 Best Practice Grants over the past 12 years to enhance learning experiences and other recipients included the Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Southern Local and Toronto City school districts as well as the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center awarded three $700 Best Practice Grants to teachers during the Steubenville Board of Education session on Nov. 20. The grants will help implement innovative programs to expound upon student learning. Pictured are, from left, Kylee Gentile, Valerie Olton representing Crystal Wicker, school board President Tom Timmons, Sara Nocera and JCESC Director of Grants Dr. Nicole McDonald.)
Southern Local Teachers Gain Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/14/2024 at 10:53:49 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Three Southern Local School District teachers were named recipients of the 2024-25 Best Practice Grants through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School teachers Dr. Lisa Houck and Amanda Wrobleski and Southern Local Elementary educator Breann Steff were recognized by Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, during the Nov. 12 school board session and each gained $700 to finance their classroom projects which center on zoology, geology and reading.
Dr. Houck’s project, “Animal Specimens for Zoology,” will examine preserved specimens from various animals as part of the students’ introduction to taxonomy and classification. About 70 science pupils will engage in hands-on learning opportunities and learn to compare and contrast different characteristics among invertebrates and vertebrates.
She said this was her first such award and she was eager to introduce the program to her class.
“I was so excited that I will have these specimens to share with my students when we cover zoology,” Dr. Houck added, who instructs high school biology, anatomy and physiology and environmental science.
Wrobleski’s 42 eighth-grade science students will learn all about “Geologic Processes in Action,” which aims to help them distinguish between geologic processes from erosion to weathering. The students will use a stream table and river model to manipulate slope, water flow and sediment to observe how the Earth’s surface is shaped.
“The model has a water pump with jets and adjustable slopes that allow students to manipulate variables to demonstrate erosion, drainage, deposition, delta formation and more,” she said, adding that she previously gained a similar grant for her hydroponic system. “I am very grateful for the 2024 Best Practice Grant because it allows for students to grow, learn and expand their science skills using hands-on learning for scientific investigations.”
Steff’s program, “Lights…Camera…Reading Fluency,” transformed 22 second-grade readers’ theaters into full classroom plays with each student assigned a role and the class will work together to create costumes and a stage. Students will eventually perform for their families and other classrooms and the initiative has boosted students’ reading fluency, comprehension and confidence, while also bringing excitement and community into the classroom.
“All of my students get a role, whether it's a main part or a narrator’s role, and we practice for about two months. We take time to make a stage, gather costumes and even have rehearsals closer to the date. Then we take an entire day and put on around five shows throughout the day that last around 10 minutes each. So far, we have put on “Rapunzel” and “Cinderella,” Steff continued. “Seeing this project grow over the last two years has been so exciting. Not only has this made my students more fluent and comprehensive readers, but it has also helped me in my teaching strategies as well. With the help of this generous grant, my class can now have sturdier props, real costumes, microphones and more reusable materials that can be saved year to year and give us extra time that can be focused towards the literacy aspect of the reader's theater while turning it into a play.”
She said it was her first Best Practice Grant award and she appreciated JCESC, noting that the excitement and engagement in her young charges make it even more rewarding, while the grant not only supports the project but also reinforces the importance of hands-on learning.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients for their engaging and forward-thinking projects.
“The JCESC has supported efforts of our classroom teachers to bring forth insightful, innovative projects to fuel the students’ minds and improve upon their education, and the Best Practice Grants enable them to put those ideas into practice,” Dr. Kokiko added. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique methods for their classroom. We appreciate their hard work and are pleased to provide these opportunities and promote such creativity.”
Southern Local has received 30 grants over the past decade and had three of six submissions approved this year. Other recipients included Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City school districts and Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: Southern Local School District teachers received $700 Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to expound upon learning in science and reading. Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, is pictured with Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School teachers Amanda Wrobleski, at left, and Dr. Lisa Houck while Southern Local Elementary teacher Breann Steff is absent from the photo.)
OhioRISE offers helping hand at Lisbon Trunk or Treat
Posted 10/30/2024 at 1:31:15 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
LISBON – OhioRISE handed out help and valuable information to families of children who might need them during a trunk or treat organized by the Head Start Community Action Agency of Columbiana County Oct. 17.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
Care coordinators Andrea Andrusewicz and Jennifer Lynch were among the celebrants in their fun attire. They had candy for the young trick-or-treaters and explained OhioRISE’s services to their families.
While offering QR codes for referrals, Andrusewicz noted all the trunk or treat’s guests were potential beneficiaries of OhioRISE.
“It’s a great place to get the word out at Head Start,” she said.
Last year about 400 families and almost 600 people from Columbiana County and beyond attended. Some heavy foot traffic made the rounds in the latest trunk or treat, and many were introduced to OhioRISE. Andrusewicz, who lives in the area and has worked at Head Start, saw quite a few familiar faces.
Vendor agencies included many close OhioRISE partners. Head Start often refers families to OhioRISE, and services also dovetail with Help Me Grow. Andrusewicz recalled connecting one family of a child with behavioral issues to the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) for parenting education. Behavioral issues may stem from mental health or other underlying issues, and OhioRISE wants families to know support is out there.
Community Support Programs Supervisor Tana Snyder of the Counseling Center of Columbiana County which operates Triple P and other programs said OhioRISE has been an invaluable partner.
“It’s been excellent. We’re very collaborative with OhioRISE. We appreciate them reaching out. They make referrals, we have contact with their case workers,” Snyder said.
“We have worked with a few case workers here in Columbiana County, but we’ve also been in contact with some of the case workers in Jefferson County as well,” she said. “Through some of the visits, we’ve been able to share resources with their Ohio workers as well as them being able to share some of the resources they have for us.”
Bonnie Virden, also with the Counseling Center, said OhioRISE has assisted them helping families in other counties.
“In Jefferson County it’s opened up lots of doors for our parents, being able to collaborate with OhioRISE,” she said.
“They seem to know where some little spots are where we can get the families the help that they need,” she said. “It’s a great place. It’s a great opportunity for the parents and people like us to partner with and give the families more resources.”
Family advocate Leanne Wells of Head Start has worked with OhioRISE to help families who wish to pursue better lives.
“It’s been amazing! (OhioRISE) has helped provide so much help,” she said. “We had a family last year and they were homeless and (OhioRISE) worked with community partners to provide a hotel for them to go to until they found a home to stay in, and (OhioRISE) provided help to find a home.”
Wells said OhioRISE was always welcome.
“We love OhioRISE and we will always use OhioRISE when needed.”
Head Start Family and Community Partnership Coordinator Heather Henthorne said OhioRISE was a natural choice to invite.
“We’ve worked closely with OhioRISE with a couple of our families. I get to see them. I work with the Family and Children First Council, so I always get their updates and it’s always really nice to hear how many families they’re serving, so naturally we were happy to have them come.”
Early Childhood Office Manager Candi Welsh of the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities said OhioRISE’s services mesh well. She knows of OhioRISE from attending FCFC meetings and commended any help in connecting families with resources.
“It’s hard to let everybody know, too. There’s not enough out there to let these people know.”
CEO Tom Andrews of the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County said OhioRISE has been an important addition to the annual trunk or treat.
“We’re familiar with OhioRISE,” he said. “We’re glad to see OhioRISE here to participate in this.”
Andrews said OhioRISE is a key component in the “wraparound” philosophy of customizing services from different agencies to meet a child’s needs.
“I think the best thing is their coordination with our Columbiana County FCFC. Our case management doing wraparound services and referring to them, then referring them out to OhioRISE for those kids and families that really need those services, so it’s been a great coordination between OhioRISE and the FCFC committee,” he said. “It’s a really good connection.”
Afterward, Andrusewicz said word is getting out.
“It went really well. I was actually surprised by how many of the children I handed cards to, their parents said they already had OhioRISE,” she said. “Familiar and already have a care coordinator in their home.”
To learn more about OhioRISE, call 740-792-4011, email [email protected] or visit OhioRISE online at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/CareManagementEntity.aspx OhioRISE care coordinator Andrea Andrusewicz speaks to CEO Tom Andrews of the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County when OhioRISE participated in a trunk or treat in Lisbon. OhioRISE works closely with multiple agencies to coordinate services for children who need assistance.
Students Learn about Options at Career and Education Fair
Posted 9/14/2024 at 12:54:19 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
WINTERSVILLE-High school students learned about their future options during the third-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair on Sept. 11.
Hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee, the fair was held at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville and included about 60 vendors including colleges and universities, businesses, trade organizations, first responders and military recruiters while hundreds of students were in attendance and represented Bridgeport Exempted Village School District, Edison Local Schools, Harrison Hills City Schools, Indian Creek Local Schools, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville City Schools and Toronto City Schools. The committee, which is headed by Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, includes 12 members representing school districts and businesses who helped organize the fair while the districts also transported their pupils. Safety played a role in the latest event amid recent school threats and organizers worked with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Lauttamus Communications for extra security.
Chamber President Kate Sedgmer said 500-700 students took part and had an opportunity to find out the many career and educational opportunities available, not only to ensure their future success, but also to encourage the students to live and work locally.
“We always expect between 500-700 students, depending on how many schools are involved and who they feel need it the most,” Sedgmer said. “The chamber’s Workforce Training and Education Committee promotes keeping students local. Hopefully they learned the top seven careers in the Ohio Valley and come back after they get their degrees.”
Students were given “passports” and visited each vendor table as well as roundtable discussions on entrepreneurship, trades and apprenticeships, health care, public relations and community outreach, finance, and military and first responders, plus they had a chance to win prizes from laptops and iPads to Stanley Cups. Sedgmer said there was plenty of interaction among the students and vendors and hopefully it inspired them to remain close to home.
“Our workforce friends are here to explain what the local top-paying jobs are. We’ve gotten 15 new vendors and we have a large turnout of colleges and universities, trade organizations and businesses from the tri-state area. We collect feedback from students and vendors every year and base any changes on their advice. We also went to extra lengths to provide security thanks to the sheriff’s office and Lauttamus Communications.”
She also thanked the workforce training and education committee for making the fair possible and building interest in local career and educational opportunities.
Dr. Kokiko added that the career and education fair has flourished since it began.
“Over the years, I have watched this event grow from a simple idea to the occasion we have today. What an excellent opportunity for area students to learn about future careers, enlistment opportunities and higher education all in a single visit. Students can then take the vast amount of information learned in this general setting and focus on aspects they find most appealing,” he continued. “We are fortunate to have the education and workforce committee as part of an active chamber of commerce. Kate and her staff do an excellent job in engaging our business and education communities with events such as this throughout the year. If your business or student has not been a part of our event, we strongly encourage you to consider participating in the future.”
Several vendors on hand agreed that it was successful, saying students were engaged and asked plenty of questions.
“We had a lot of people come through who seemed interested,” said Kacey Goodlan, a certified clinical medical assistant on hand with Trinity Health System. “Most of the questions were about tuition and costs.”
“It’s been great. The kids are definitely interested in the trades and they are curious about what the trades and unions are. They may be in high school and not thinking about the future, but it’s never too early to plan that seed,” said Nathan Butts, executive director of Project BEST. “There is going to be a large need in the next 10 years to come. There will be a lot of retirements and jobs need to be filled.”
Kelly Worley, a coordinator with Youngstown State University, said students were very engaged and eager to learn what options were available through education.
“It’s been wonderful. The students seem really motivated to continue their education,” Worley added.
A few of the students were excited to take part in the experience.
“I really liked it,” said Paige Ellenberger, a junior at Edison High School. “It gives us opportunities for college and careers and gives us information.”
“It gives you a lot of options,” added Kylie Hamilton, also a junior at Edison. “I like the different things they provide about jobs and college and you get a lot of information.”
Toronto juniors Brady Fair and Ethan Humpe echoed those sentiments.
“I’m deciding what I want to do and it gives me options,” said Fair.
“I got to meet college representatives and got opportunities [to learn what is available],” added Humpe.
Sponsors for the event included Trinity Health System, TIMET, Capital Health Care Network, WesBanco and YSU.
Hundreds of high school students from Jefferson, Harrison and Belmont counties gathered at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville for the third-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair on Sept. 11. It was hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Education and Training Committee and included 60 vendors such as colleges and universities, military recruiters, first responders, businesses and trade organizations. Organizers said the goal was to give students options for their future and hopefully inspire them to live and work in the community.
VLA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Posted 9/7/2024 at 10:39:03 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – The Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) celebrated 20 years of bridging the distance with convenient and effective educational tools. Following a work session Sept. 5, VLA Director Mark Masloski spoke to educators from multiple districts at the R. Larry George Training Annex.
“It’s amazing how far we’ve come.”
Masloski said VLA has enjoyed “unbelievable support” from schools and the community.
“We are student-centered. We think of our students first, and of our teachers and our schools,” he said.
Masloski spoke of the variety of courses available to districts that use JCESC. The VLA is highly accessible and accommodating to schools and provides ready resources for education.
“Everything we develop is to support teachers and help students.”
The courses are versatile, with educators able to quickly find lessons and suggestions for a myriad of subjects, along with resources such as PowerPoint illustrations, videos and tests. Masloski said teachers have the option of taking part or all of a VLA lesson as it applies to their subject.
VLA has also been successful in the use of artificial intelligence to help support the program.
“We’ve created some really good scenario questions,” Masloski said. Students can use the material independently with a mentor or in a classroom setting. Masloski elaborated on ways teachers can assess students to see how well they have learned the material.
Masloski highlighted two newer offerings. VLA has a conservation course to earn a Conservation Science credit, and many students are enthusiastic about hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. VLA now also offers a financial math course to equip students with life skills such as paying their taxes, renting and buying a car or leasing an apartment.
“Those are two courses we’re so proud of.”
Invitations went out to staff who work far from the Steubenville office and rarely see their coworkers in person, as well as to past staffers familiar with VLA’s early days. Among these was Susie Fristick, who worked at VLA writing courses for 11 years and retired several years ago. She shared memories of seeing the program come alive.
Fristick recalled seeing the coursework benefit students as she helped in testing new ideas and determining if they fit the needs and opportunities of the educators.
“I am just so proud of what that product is, and how it’s been, and the people who were so helpful,” she said.
“I’m just so grateful for this opportunity to say hello to all of you, and how proud I am of these traditions.”
She commended Masloski for keeping the team spirit alive.
Afterward, many educators, staff and former staff were invited to an open house at the VLA offices. Assistant Director Martariesa Logue welcomed them.
“Thank you for supporting us and sending students our way.”
Outreach Coordinator Brant Starkey said the VLA had much to be proud of, having served more than 133,000 students in the past two decades.
“We want to work with organizations and schools,” he said. “We’re here for you.”
Starkey speaks from experience as an educator within a correctional facility, where VLA coursework was ideally applicable when working with incarcerated youth from both Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Starkey said VLA proved itself a program ahead of its time. During the COVID-19 pandemic when online education became widespread, VLA’s existing practices and resources served educators and students well.
“That was something that needed to be recognized,” he said.
“I can’t even tell you how proud I am to be part of this organization,” Starkey said.
He commended those who oversaw VLA’s conception and growth, saying today’s staffers were standing on the shoulders of those who came before.
Guests included Harrison Central Elementary Assistant Principal Donnie Madzia. He said VLA is often used in his school, and he is arranging a visit of VLA staff to the school to make teachers more aware of the tools on offer. He was interested in hearing how VLA has grown.
“That’s pretty impressive.”
Also present was Vance Miller, director of the Jefferson County Alternative School. Miller commended VLA’s accessibility and the quick response time of staff to any technical questions. VLA is also convenient in allowing parents to check students’ progress.
“VLA has been great, not only for our students but for our parents and our teachers as well. It’s very user-friendly,” he said. “This is my fourth year. We’ve used VLA since Day One and it’s grown so much.”
He is looking forward to reviewing the updated course catalogue and seeing how it will benefit his students.
Sharon Doty began work at VLA in 2004 and saw its growth alongside the march of technology. She was with VLA through 2013 and still makes regular use of the program as she works with students.
“They have so much interactive growth,” she said. “Not just go in and read the question and answer it. They can interact and learn through the multimedia that’s available.”
VLA has given students more opportunities to complete a course, and teachers more avenues to reach them.
“I liked that it was an individualized program where we could give the student feedback on problems that they missed.”
Doty said some of the math lessons she generated are still being used by VLA.
The R. Larry George Training Annex is located at 1913 Estelle Ave., Steubenville.
VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at
https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx or contact VLA staff at
[email protected] or 740.283.3347 ext. 100.
Photo Caption:
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy team celebrates 20 years of providing top-tier teaching tools to educators nationwide and beyond. Pictured from left are Director Mark Masloski, Assistant Director Martariesa Logue, instructional designer Bonnie Moore, and intervention specialist and teacher/mentor Patty Ferrell. In back, from left are tech support Cody Westling, instructional designer David Moore, and Outreach Coordinator Brant Starkey.
VLA Marks 20 Years Bringing Education Far and Wide
Posted 8/30/2024 at 11:05:10 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – The Jefferson Educational Service Center (JCESC) Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) is marking 20 successful years of changing lives with educational opportunities throughout the country.
A celebration is scheduled for Sept. 5 at the VLA Department in the lower level of the R. Larry George Training Annex at 1913 Estelle Avenue. The entire VLA staff is expected to attend, including one staffer who works in Florida and another in Cambridge. Speakers will include long-time staff members, JCESC officials, and VLA Director Mark Masloski. School principals and other officials from school districts that work with VLA have also been invited.
Outreach coordinator Brant Starkey reflected on the VLA’s accomplishments since the program went online in 2004.
“We have served over 500 districts throughout the 20 years of the existence of VLA,” he said. “Over 133,000 students have been served, which I felt was kind of impressive.”
The VLA has kept pace with technology as it applies to education, testing new developments to determine which will best benefit students.
“We have been able to use various different types of technology as it has advanced through the years. Right now we use state of the art tools for the program. We have partnerships with a number of different organizations in the educational field.”
“We have done our due diligence to try to find the best services to help the students.”
VLA’s services would stand them in good stead during COVID-19.
“Four or five years ago we were dealing with the pandemic, and a lot of online curriculum providers sprung up as an answer to that, which I thought was great in and of itself, but I just thought it was important to point out that we were around 15 years prior to that.”
The VLA’s practices have earned attention. The program has become very well-regarded by the state.
“We have a very strong relationship with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce,” Starkey said.
“They know what we do here. They have actually in a lot of cases referred schools and districts to us because of how well we do what we do,” he said. “To have the state’s governing body for education point to us as an effective resource for helping students and schools get information that they need is something that we take a lot of pride in.”
Starkey credits VLA’s success to putting the participating schools’ needs first.
“The content that we create here is pertinent, it’s relevant, it is what the schools are looking for to offer their students,” he said. “Whenever we have a school or an organization come onto us that was from another curriculum provider, we constantly hear about how much better our platform is, how much easier it is to operate, and as a result their ability to do what they do alongside their students is greatly enhanced.”
VLA’s commitment to customer service is another hallmark. Schools that work with them can expect a response to any question in 48 hours or less, and usually on the same day.
“We’re a small organization, but we pride ourselves on being accessible,” Starkey said. “Customer service is something that we constantly hear about from the schools that we serve, about how impressed they are about how quickly we help them, how quickly we get back to them when they inquire about something, and how quickly their issues are resolved.”
Starkey also commends the program’s many new employees who have embraced VLA practices and are making valuable contributions.
The VLA is looking to the future. The program offers newer courses that focus on social and emotional learning due to the prevalence of social media.
“A lot of students today are dealing with social and emotional issues that weren’t around maybe just a generation ago.”
Another significant development is artificial intelligence, and VLA has not shied away. Staff attend numerous conferences and seminars about applications of AI.
“We’ve tried to get out in front of it and use it as much as we can to augment and supplement what we do in serving the students and the organizations they’re in.”
Starkey said VLA is being used in numerous states and has been utilized in all 50 states and countries across the world, depending on where students are located. The VLA can serve people who speak multiple languages.
“We truly believe in what we’re doing here. We understand that we do what we do inside these walls, but we know it’s impacting so many people beyond even just Jefferson County.”
Starkey also pointed out the wide variety of courses.
“Most of the organizations that use us have perused our course catalogue, and we offer over 300 courses from K-12, a lot of those are modified for students who need a little bit in the way of help.”
He said VLA is constantly adding new courses. One of the latest is a conservation science course many are excited about, particularly in rural parts of their service area.
“We’ve got hunters, we’ve got fishermen, we’ve got boaters, we’ve got people that are outside. In addition to the basic biology and the physical sciences and the life sciences and those things, we came across some curriculum that allowed us to develop a conservation science course that talks about how to help preserve animal wildlife,” he said. “That’s very big in this part of the state and in other parts of the state as well, so we’re very excited about that.”
The latest feather in VLA’s cap is accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, recognized as a sign of quality throughout all 50 states and internationally.
JCESC Board President Barry Gullen said there is much to celebrate.
“We’re glad to be able to have that program for the schools and for the students. It’s growing. We’d still love to see more expansion to whatever school districts may need it, and I think our people are doing a good job,” he said. “It’s a positive thing for the students.”
VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum.
Photo Caption:
Brant Starkey, from left, outreach coordinator with the Jefferson Educational Service Center (JCESC) Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), VLA Assistant Director Martariesa Logue and VLA Director Mark Masloski along with other staff have reason to celebrate. VLA is marking its 20-year anniversary Sept. 5. The Steubenville-based program is being used across the state and beyond.
OhioRISE Moves into New Office at Lisbon Schools
Posted 8/22/2024 at 9:50:05 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
LISBON – OhioRISE has the full support of Lisbon Exempted Village School District as they go forward into the new school year, with the district providing an office at McKinley Elementary for OhioRISE’s use in connecting children with resources.
Care coordinator supervisor Jordyn Wheaton was on-hand sharing information about the program during a back-to-school gathering Aug. 19. His was the only agency with a table set up. Wheaton was grateful for the district’s support and excited to interact with the community. He described the “wraparound” philosophy of organizing resource providers and building a team around the child. Many families were interested, accepted information and asked questions.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Columbiana, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
Missy Kemats, a guidance counselor for the district, took Wheaton on a tour of the building and showed him the office where OhioRISE care coordinators could stop and conduct business, as well as meet with families who have transportation difficulties in the rural area. The office is expected to be available to OhioRISE three days per week.
Kemats said OhioRISE was a perfect fit as a partner.
“It’s a good connection for community and the school for parents to have that kind of wraparound access that OhioRISE provides for the families. I think it’s real necessary and I have been impressed with the people that I’ve dealt with through OhioRISE,” she said. “OhioRISE looks at the whole child, looks at the family and really helps the parents gather the resources that they need, and OhioRISE seems like they’re there every step of the way for the children.”
Kemats said OhioRISE brings expertise in finding available services. She recalled one family with children who have behavioral and health needs.
“OhioRISE has really rallied around that family to help them find resources and network for this family. They’ve done a wonderful job.”
Superintendent Joe Siefke also welcomed Wheaton and was enthusiastic about working with OhioRISE. He recognized the importance of OhioRISE and the good that could be done by establishing a presence in the Columbiana County seat.
“We obviously felt like it was an opportunity to do some things for our kids, and the more opportunities we can provide for the kids of Lisbon, the better off we’re going to be,” he said. “We’re very excited about flourishing that relationship. We’re very excited about the different services the company can offer our kids. The people we’ve met so far with OhioRISE have been top-notch.”
Wheaton said the office promises several advantages to OhioRISE’s mission. He said this move coincides with OhioRISE’s growing presence in the area.
“We’ve had increasing involvement steadily over time. We’ve just had more and more kids in the area, so that’s why the school is bringing us in, having a physical location at the school so we can engage with these kids a little easier.”
He said the on-site office also affords the opportunity to more easily involve the school district and bridge any gap in communications.
JCESC OhioRISE Assistant Director Lindsay Brandon said the office would be a great addition.
“We are excited to have office space available in Lisbon for the dozen coordinators in the county. This is going to allow us to serve the kiddos more efficiently and provides a space to meet with families without having to leave Columbiana County.”
Among the attendees was Columbiana County care coordinator Andrea Andrusewicz, who said the office was a positive step. She said one obstacle has been travel distance and availability of services, with care coordinators often finding inventive recourses such as virtual options.
She said the on-site office is also welcome, since the Canton office is an hour away.
“I’m excited for that,” she said. She added this will enable care coordinators to spend more time in the county and establish additional connections.
“We have a lot of resources coming and the progress is good. We’ve teamed up with the local police departments and so now we get referrals from them, which is huge because they’re the ones who see the behaviors firsthand. That’s definitely a big step.”
Several families at the back-to-school event were familiar with OhioRISE and said the program has benefited their children.
One grandmother said the change in her grandchild was “tremendous,” adding the care coordinators quickly recognized and responded to needs and a difficult situation, as well as helping the child become more involved in programs, community and extracurricular activities.
Another mother said her family had spent days at a library researching information, but care coordinators knew of resources and were able to provide them.
Photo Caption:
Lisbon Exempted Village School District Superintendent Joe Siefke welcomes Jordyn Wheaton, a care coordinator supervisor with the OhioRISE program, to the district. A new OhioRISE office is now located at McKinley Elementary. OhioRISE is growing in Columbiana County and a location in Lisbon will help its mission to bring resources and families together.
OhioRISE growing in Harrison County
Posted 8/16/2024 at 12:54:14 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
CADIZ – A new school year is bringing new opportunities for OhioRISE to strengthen its partnerships in Harrison County and bring valuable resources to youth who need them. An exuberant crowd characterized the Back to School Bash at Harrison Hills City School District’s John W. Stephenson Center Aug. 13, and Care coordinator Vicky Filtz was among the community partners on-hand to greet children and families.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Harrison, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Jefferson, Monroe, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
Filtz said they are establishing a presence, serving approximately 14 families in Harrison County.
“We know that number is likely to increase once the school year starts and they start to be identified, so we want to be here and be a support to those families.”
She said OhioRISE’s outreach efforts – such as participation in a family literacy night in spring – have already borne fruit.
“We have a number of folks that stopped by and said they were already working with our program and they were excited about the progression that they’re seeing and the service and support they’re getting through it,” she said. “I’m just eager to see where this next school year goes for us.”
Filtz said a key is to ensure care coordinators are “local experts,” with familiarity or roots in the areas they work.
“Although we serve eight counties, strategically we try to hire care coordinators that are living in the counties that they’re supporting, so that they can be those local experts, so that they have those connections to resources.”
She said an advantage is efficiency in finding resources when families need them most and making connections in real time.
“We can be really good community partners with using the different services and supports that are available.”
Filtz said OhioRISE can also make connections with services not located in Harrison County, whether by helping families reach outside the area or exploring virtual service providers if there are any local gaps.
Superintendent Duran Morgan is familiar with OhioRISE from attending Harrison County Family and Children First Council meetings. He said the program is a welcome addition to organizations that offer community support in Harrison County.
“It certainly helps to provide for the families and children of Harrison County and Harrison Central,” he said. “They’re difference-makers.”
Rob Richards, middle school guidance counselor who also has a private practice, has spoken with OhioRISE representatives and sees great potential.
“Some of the stuff they offer is very worthwhile I think,” he said, adding the care coordinators’ dedication is impressive. “They always seem to be available for our kids. They really make an extra effort to reach out and stay in contact with our guys when they need it.”
Richards said OhioRISE is valuable when people have difficulty in navigating resources.
“They seem to do a good job of filtering out what’s necessary and what’s not necessary and providing the best services for us.”
Donnie Madzia, assistant principal at the middle school, said he was glad to have OhioRISE.
“Any time you can help children out, whether it be for any kind of disability or for anything educationally, we’re welcome to have them, so we’ll be working with them.”
Madzia said the middle school has a need for resource providers.
“I’ll be definitely looking forward to working with anybody like that,” he said. “That’s the thing we need to know about in our school system. The more resources that are out there we are not aware of, we can make contact with them and they can lead us in the right direction for our students here at Harrison Central.”
Mildred Reed, registration clerk at WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital, took some information, saying OhioRISE seemed a good program for referrals.
Another woman said her children were participating in OhioRISE and that she was overjoyed at their improvements. She was impressed by the quality of the care coordinators, adding they go above and beyond and have formed strong relationships with her children. She said the coordinators have put them in touch with services they had not considered.
Filtz also pointed out a new partnership with the Cadiz-based Crossroads Farm the Mine, a faith-based rural teen engagement center for sixth-through 12th graders. Filtz said Crossroads has been certified as a vendor and OhioRISE is able to use “flex” funds to help a youth or family interested in that type of activity but lacking financial means.
“To let them know that they have a space where they’re cared for and that they can kind of let down their guard and connect with other youth and adults that can support them.”
Carrie Olson, administrative director for Crossroads Farm – the Mine, said this was an opportunity to offer fellowship and character building.
“We’re excited to start getting to connect more with OhioRISE because we serve a lot of students who may need help in a variety of areas, and OhioRISE has the ability to connect them with other resources, but we’re also a great resource for OhioRISE to be able to connect students to as well. We have adult leaders who care about investing in students.”
Photo Caption:
OhioRISE care coordinator Vicky Filtz, left, and Alison Grimm, marketing and outreach for the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, share information about the program during the Harrison Hills City School District Back to School Bash. OhioRISE connects resources with children and families in need of them.
JCESC book vending machines a treat for the mind
Posted 8/16/2024 at 12:15:54 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – This year, many students will choose a treat for their imaginations when they put a coin in the school vending machine, now that the Jefferson County Educational Service Center has purchased vending machines filled with books for every school in the area.
Dr. Nicole McDonald, Director of Grants for JCESC, said the machines were obtained with Extended Learning and Recovery Grant funds, aimed to help redress learning loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. McDonald said the grant was divided among all schools in the area, with portions used for different projects. Book vending machines was the largest project.
Toronto City Schools, Edison Local, Buckeye Local, Steubenville City Schools, Indian Creek, Harrison Hills City Schools and Southern Local Schools in Columbiana County all benefited, and every building in each district now has a machine.
“We purchased 22 vending machines. Some of the schools already had vending machines, so we were able to just fill them,” McDonald said. “We filled all 22 vending machines, and we filled an additional four.”
Every school building was provided $2,500 worth of books.
“So they got to have a shopping spree that they could purchase through Scholastic Books, which will give them book points to continue to purchase books after the grant funding has been spent.”
The vending machine project is in support of the districts’ Positive Behavior Intervention and Support initiatives (PBIS).
“It’s designed to provide incentives for behavior, or perhaps attendance or whatever the schools decided to use it for,” McDonald said. Students who demonstrate productive behavior earn a coin, which they can use in the vending machine for the book of their choice.
“The vending machine will vend books, just as it would vend potato chips and soda.”
At Toronto Junior/Senior High School, Dean of Academics Melissa Brown said students were excited to look over the selection of books. She pointed out each of the district’s three vending machines, with books geared toward elementary, middle and high schoolers.
“We were just grateful for the ESC, because they gave us the funding to stock both of these machines.”
Principal Betsy Jones said students will be nominated by their teachers to choose a book from the machine.
“It’s their reward and they get to keep it,” she said.
Dean of Students Brian Perkins expects the students will be enthused.
“I’ve been a part of the PBIS team for a few years now. To be able to offer our kids a reward system like this is a fantastic way to encourage positive behavior. Students love to read, and we like to give them that opportunity to earn a book of their choice.”
Eighth grader Haley Bodnar was eyeing some books with interest. She said the vending machine was a good motivator.
“I think it’ll make kids behave, since they get a reward for it.”
Eighth grader Gracie Ruberto also said the machine could encourage reading.
At Harding Middle School, Principal Bryan Mills said the book vending machine is an interesting innovation that has already caught the eye of students.
“It’s caught a lot of attention, just because it looks great,” he said. “It’s full and it’s ready to rock, so the students are excited to be utilizing it for this school year.”
Mills said rewards will be based on students’ positive behaviors in school, such as helping another student.
“Those students’ names will go into a lottery,” he said. “We do pass out rewards monthly, and then bigger rewards by semester, so every month we recognize those students.”
Success For All reading coach Gina Arlesic said the vending machines are stocked with a wide range of authors and topics of interest, including sports and history. She said independent reading and response is another element of the Success for All program.
“This is one way for us to get a few books into the students’ hands.”
She has also stocked books by the same author.
“So that if students like one book, it might encourage them to get another book and read another book in the series.”
Sixth grader Carmen Mills was interested.
“A lot of kids like reading, and it helps them get more education when they have a big book machine that stands out in the school.”
Fifth grader Olive Scherich agreed.
“It encourages students to read. It’s more of a fun way for students to get to learn. I think it’s cool.”
The Wells Academy elementary school in Steubenville High School had already purchased a book vending machine last school year, using a grant through JCESC, and JCESC was also able to provide books to stock it.
First grade teacher Sara Nocera said the Wells Academy has had its machine since December of last school year, and she spoke to its effectiveness.
“There was a lot of buzz. When they saw it, they thought it was just a regular vending machine,” she said. She described the young students’ reactions when they would stop and look at all the books on display. “They get really excited. It has just been a positive thing.”
She said the rewards are based on good behavior, academic achievements and good deeds.
“Every two weeks three students get picked. It’s a special prize to go to the book machine,” she said. “We have around 350 students, and every single one of them received a book from the machine last year.”
Nocera said a physical book also serves as a break away from reading on a screen.
“The students are absolutely in love with it. They can’t wait to receive a book from the book machine, and they just love looking at the titles. It’s been a very positive reinforcement to encourage reading.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said they were pursuing the mission to benefit their schools.
“The JCESC strives to make positive impacts on our member school districts and the education of area students. We are really excited about the possibilities for students with the school vending machine project. Literacy is a vital part of education, and we hope to foster a love for reading among students and assist in the development of this foundational skill.”
JCESC Governing Board President Barry Gullen agreed.
“Every time we could do something that’s going to have a positive impact on students anywhere and specifically here in this situation Jefferson County, the ESC and the board are 100% for it,” he said. “The funding we put in, we’re just happy we were able to do our little bit to help all the schools.”
Photo Caption:
Junior Chloe Fifher, from left, at Toronto Junior/Senior High School, accepts a book from the building’s new book vending machine. Dean of Academics Melissa Brown hands her the book. Behind them are senior Tatum Derringon and Junior J.J. Rebich. The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has secured grant funding for purchasing book vending machines for schools in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, and stocking vending machines for schools that already have them.
OhioRISE Joins Panel at Stark Health Summit
Posted 7/1/2024 at 9:04:54 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
NORTH CANTON –OhioRISE is making strides in bringing resources to help the youth of Stark County. Program administrators made some valuable connections when they joined a panel at the 2024 Stark County Health Improvement Summit at Kent State University at Stark on June 27.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Jefferson, Monroe, Stark, Tuscarawas, Harrison, Columbiana, Belmont and Carroll Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
OhioRISE Assistant Director Lindsay Brandon and care coordinator Vicky Filtz joined service providers from the United Way program Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families. Programs with guaranteed funding was a topic of the panel, and Brandon said OhioRISE has an advantage of stable funding through Medicaid.
Brandon said several other states have launched similar Medicaid initiatives with positive results prior to the Ohio program. She anticipates sustained funding via Medicaid as OhioRISE continues to be successful in helping families.
“We do feel like it’s a strong program,” she said.
Filtz gave background on OhioRISE and its work supporting youth and families with behavioral health needs, and who are at risk of being involved in multiple systems. She said they work not only with families but also partner with community organizations and services. This means providers have the benefit of cooperation and sharing information rather than operating separately.
Discussion turned to matters such as the importance of working with multiple agencies. Filtz said OhioRISE continues to progress in building networks in each of the communities where they operate. Filtz said one key component is forming relationships. This involves getting the word out about OhioRISE and all it does, as well as gathering information from community partners.
“To find out what they’re doing to help support the families we’re working with, because we need to make sure we’re providing efficient connections to those resources that are most appropriate to each family,” she said.
“We do that across all the counties that we’re serving, which is giving us a better opportunity to leverage those services for our youth and families,” Filtz said.
Filtz said she welcomes anyone wishing to reach out for more information.
She added that OhioRISE has been inventive in adapting to challenges such as the shortages of service providers in an immediate area. Alternative services have included setting up virtual appointments until an optimal solution is available.
“It’s getting creative and thinking outside the box on what we can do until those opportunities arise,” she said. She said OhioRISE is always on the lookout for ways to connect people with new community resources.
Brandon related one of OhioRISE’s success stories. The program found community support for a family, which enabled them to keep their child at home rather than going into residential treatment.
“Our goal is always to keep kiddos at home with their families and make sure that we are helping to provide them with community supports,” she said. “It’s always a success when we can keep kiddos in their home.”
Filtz said one of the best approaches to engaging the community is active listening. She said OhioRISE care coordinators can often be found at community events such as health fairs, where they can meet families, learn more about their needs and share what OhioRISE can offer.
“It’s really about creating an open communication and open dialogue with those families,” she said. Care coordinators can see if OhioRISE can match those needs.
“It goes back to that community partner relationship,” she said. “It really helps you to create that initial buy-in.”
During the question-and-answer period, Brandon said OhioRISE’s ability to navigate resources for families dealing with issues such as food, housing, and utility costs can also reduce the strain they are under.
“It helps to have a person who is their contact and the one that’s helping to search resources and make connections for them, so that they’re not on their own,” she said. “You feel like you’re the only person out there and you’re all on your own, trying to find things. You are not even sure what is available or where to look. Care coordination through OhioRISE can alleviate this feeling.”
Afterward Adrianne Price, vice president of Community Impact with the United Way of Greater Stark County, said she thought they might work well with OhioRISE, adding OhioRISE is able to assist young people who have more intense needs than United Way typically helps.
Brandon added she looked forward to collaborating with Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Families.
Stark County Health Department Director of Administration and Support Services Kay Conley said about 150 people from a wide range of health systems, social service agencies, treatment programs, mental and behavioral health programs and faith-based agencies attended the summit. She said community partners welcomed the chance to learn more about OhioRISE.
“It was a great opportunity to open communications more with our partners to share more about OhioRISE,” she said.
Photo Caption: Jefferson County Educational Service Center OhioRISE care coordinator Vicky Filtz, seated, left, and Assistant Director Lindsay Brandon take part in a panel discussion during the 2024 Stark County Health Improvement Summit. The program has stable funding through Medicaid and helps children and youth in multiple counties. The panel was moderated by Kelly Potkay, accreditation coordinator and health educator with the Stark County Health Department.
Jefferson County VLA gives tools, tech insight on panel
Posted 6/26/2024 at 7:26:52 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – Technology is advancing, and as new educational tools are developed, educators face the question of gauging their effectiveness. During a webinar viewed by professionals from multiple states, Director Mark Masloski of the Jefferson Educational Service Center (JCESC) Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) brought his department’s expertise and experience to bear in addressing how to “separate the wheat from the chaff.”
Masloski joined a four-person panel hosted by EdGate, an educational organization based in the state of Washington. The subject of the panel, Secrets of K-12 EdTech Product Adoption, was innovative educational tools and why some succeed while others do not.
The webinar featured a wide range of professionals including Dr. Michael Rubin, principal of Uxbridge High School in Massachusetts; David Berg, director of digital innovation with the student-centered program Big Picture Learning and co-creator of the ImBlaze internship management platform; and Dr. Sara Delano Moore, vice president of content and resource for the math learning program Origo Education.
The yearly webinar has often had close to 200 viewers with a stake in education.
Masloski gave background on the Jefferson County VLA, which offers online curriculum. The VLA has more than 300 core and elective courses for students in grades K-12. VLA also has agreements with hundreds of schools. Masloski said the VLA has worked with EdGate for about one year. Masloski said EdGate’s assistance has been valuable as the VLA creates courses and keeps pace with states as they update their education standards.
The webinar began by addressing developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and its possible applications. Masloski agreed with other panelists that AI has both its strengths and weaknesses. While AI can quickly produce factual information, it lacks strategic reasoning and an understanding of causal connections that children learn through social interactions.
“AI is a tool. We went from the chalkboard to whiteboards. You still need that human element. You still to teach kids and come up with strategies for how to use those tools,” Masloski said.
In answer to another question from the host about interactions that promote learning, Masloski said social and emotional learning can often be done through play. He elaborated on the potential of leveraging gaming for educational purposes, such as crafting engaging curriculum for students to learn teamwork, appropriate behavior and how to handle frustration.
“We were able to work with a new employee who just graduated from a local university to create a course called Gaming Concepts,” he said. “It gives a way for students to be more engaged.”
Masloski said the VLA maintains a strong rapport with the teachers and students they work with in order to understand their needs. He said the VLA upholds the JCESC’s philosophy: “Students are our first concern.”
The panelists also discussed evaluating new tools for operational efficiency. They noted the new technology must empower teachers and help in making a difference to students.
Masloski said for this to work, there must be a buy-in among those using a new product. He said the VLA is diligent in making sure teachers are not overwhelmed by technology.
“You want to make sure it is attainable, and when the kids use it, you want them to have success in it as well.”
Talk turned to the value of providing free pilot programs to schools. Masloski said the VLA offers pilots to the schools it works with. He said new tools are also tested by
VLA staff and new employees.
“It takes time to evaluate a product or a vendor. We pilot constantly,” he said, adding the VLA is currently creating several pragmatic courses with real-world applications as they work with students. Masloski commended the VLA staff for their dedication.
“You have to have a great team, and we’re lucky enough to have a team.”
Panelists noted that adopting a new curriculum can mean a significant commitment of money and time and it was important to gather data about how a pilot program is operated by the school.
Masloski said the VLA has regular meetings with schools when they utilize a pilot.
“The support system has to be there, and you have to be communicating throughout the pilot.”
Masloski also agreed with other panelists that a tool must speak to the content and skill curriculum of the school and work in local context. He said the VLA has continued to evolve since its inception 20 years ago to support students who were learning from home.
“We want to make sure we are student-centered first, so when we look at curriculum and courses, we want to make sure its aligned to the standards,” he said. “We create a (learning management system) for that school uniquely.”
He said the VLA has also used AI to create better assessments.
“We have a young group of tech savvy employees right now who are creating exceptional assessment questions on content that students can relate to. We want to make sure we’re forward thinking and always updating our program.”
Masloski joined the talk on topics such as training students for jobs and internships in their communities.
In following JCESC’s students-first philosophy, he said while incorporating technology is important, the lessons must also have real-world applications for when students are away from the computer screen. He said this means students must not only understand the lesson, but why it is being taught.
“We really want the students to be lifelong learners and get a skill set,” he said. “We use technology, but there’s a human element. Everyone here wants students to be successful, and we’ve just got to make sure that we understand how much to use and when to use it.”
An in-depth EdGate interview with Masloski can be found on YouTube, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOXOgnlGsTU
This year marks the VLA’s 20th anniversary, and an open house is being planned.
VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, home schooled, etc. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx or contact VLA staff at [email protected] or 740.283.3347 ext. 100. Photo Captions: Director Mark Masloski of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy gave a unique perspective when he appeared on a panel of educational professionals from multiple states. The panel focused on evaluating new technological tools for their effectiveness. Masloski said the VLA’s practices put an emphasis on practical applications of tech.
Director Mark Masloski, bottom picture, of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy gave a unique perspective when he appeared on a panel of educational professionals from multiple states. The panel focused on evaluating new technological tools for their effectiveness. Masloski said the VLA’s practices put an emphasis on practical applications of tech. Also pictured are Dr. Sara Delano Moore, vice president of content and resource for the math learning program Origo Education, and host Rich Portelance, senior marketing consultant for the educational organization EdGate.
OhioRISE gains insight from Bridges Out of Poverty
Posted 6/26/2024 at 7:08:48 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – OhioRISE Care coordinators from multiple counties are getting some more insight into how best to help meet the needs of people who are shaped by the realities of poverty.
On June 17 and June 24, a total of about 50 care coordinators participated in Bridges Out of Poverty workshops. The program aims to give them more tools to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like for those experiencing generational poverty.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs in Jefferson, Monroe, Stark, Tuscarawas, Harrison, Columbiana, Belmont and Carroll Counties and operated by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. OhioRISE was formed to coordinate resources and put families in touch with what is available.
OhioRISE Director Linda Trushel said this is the first time OhioRISE has used Bridges Out of Poverty. She added she is familiar with the program, and it came highly recommended.
“I think it really helps us just see the whole picture of our families, because they all come from different backgrounds and different perspectives and it just helps us be more well-rounded,” she said, adding care coordinators who attended one of the trainings have reported new insights about the families they work with.
Columbiana County Family and Children First Council Coordinator Steve Ullom delivered the presentation. He is a certified Bridges Out of Poverty instructor.
Ullom reviewed the situations families in poverty often contend with. Ullom emphasized the importance of building relationships with families as key to working successfully with them. This means taking time and working to understand the unique situations, needs and priorities of the people they are helping.
“Change happens when relationships happen. If you’re not able to invest the time and energy and willing to put the resources in to build relationships with families, then they have no reason to trust us. If they don’t trust us, then we can’t help them,” he said afterward.
“Unless you figure out how to build a bridge between you and them, not only will communication not happen, but all of the other things you are trying to accomplish will not happen.”
One distinction he stressed was generational poverty, which occurs when a family has experienced poverty for three generations or more. Ullom referred to studies of social learning that indicated young children are taught how to think and act by their environment. He said this impacts the tools and resources people perceive as available for success.
Ullom said a key approach is embracing the philosophy of meeting people where they are and seeking to understand their perspective. He added care coordinators may need to step outside the framework of their assumptions. He encouraged the care coordinators to think about different social classes and the environments that shape children who grow up in generational poverty.
This includes the different ways of communication. He said the coordinators should not hesitate to ask questions in order to maintain clarification, adding you don’t know what you don’t know.
Ullom illustrated his talk with several examples, including a story of people taking up a collection to help a poor family, but who purchased an appliance the family did not need. He said well-intentioned attempts to help may be ineffective if people fail to understand a situation. Ullom said a care coordinator’s job starts with a commitment to be understanding as well as understood, and to listen, not just try to be heard.
“We’re not defining their problems for them. We’re helping them to identify what their own priorities are, based on their own needs and life experiences,” he said.
Ullom was joined by OhioRISE Care Coordinator Supervisor Maryalice Surgenavic, who described the hardships that might be faced by a child growing up in poverty.
At the close of the training, care coordinators like Rosetta Ballard, who often works with families in Stark County, said the program had good information.
“I’m going to take all of it with me.”
Ballard said the program also asked coordinators to think about whether they were looking at families from the individual perspective, a community perspective, or an institutional or policy perspective.
“I think that was important,” she said.
Care coordinator Veronica Earley, who also works in Stark County also found much of value in the seminar.
“I heard a lot of interest. This is the best seminar I’ve been to,” she said. “You don’t know how you’re seeing things.”
She said the program also underlined many of the details that illustrate how families in poverty try to navigate through life.
“It made you think and took you out of your comfort zone and asked you to really evaluate your thoughts and your feelings and how you perceive other people and how they live.”
Care coordinator Lauren DeMatteis who works in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties said she is familiar with the program and has found it helpful as coordinators interact with families and try to understand their experiences and the barriers they may face.
Afterward, Ullom said Bridges Out of Poverty helps care coordinators learn from their families so they can better create plans to help children.
“One of the key things that I try to bring across through the training, and I know one of things the administration was hoping is that it could begin people thinking about the fact that everyone’s life experiences are different, and how you were raised was different, and what you think and how you feel are different.”
Ullom said the care coordinators were an attentive audience who asked good questions and gave positive feedback.
“I think they took it really seriously, and I’m hopeful that it begins a larger conversation.”
Photo Caption: Steve Ullom, Columbiana County Family and Children First Council coordinator and certified Bridges Out of Poverty instructor delivers the program to OhioRISE care coordinators. He stresses the importance of communication.
Jefferson County OhioRISE marks two years of helping young people
Posted 4/13/2024 at 3:57:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – For the past two years, friendly faces and helping hands have been present and lending some much-needed help to young people in need through OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) and its dedicated and compassionate staff.
OhioRISE Director Linda Trushel said the program kicked off March 7, 2022 with the first group of new care coordinators. As the title suggests, staff members at the forefront of OhioRISE must be willing to go above and beyond, with understanding as they work in a wide variety of communities to help children.
During a March 18 onboarding orientation at the R. Larry George Training Annex in Steubenville, JCESC CEO, Dr. George Ash welcomed the newest members of the team on behalf of the JCESC board and administration. Staff from the JCESC treasurer’s office were also on-hand to answer questions about employee benefits.
Michelle Wells of Woodsfield, Kyleigh DiCarlo of Mingo, and Amy Barcus of Toronto all bring experience working with children with special needs. They look forward to being there for the children.
OhioRISE care coordinators work with members ages birth through 21, their parents and families.
Trushel said OhioRISE specializes in holistic care, with staff adept at coordinating behavioral, medical and pharmacy health services.
“We’re looking for somebody who’s willing to work hard,” she said. “Going beyond the call of duty to help families get the services they need so their family can be successful.”
Trushel said coordinators build a true relationship with members, and a long-term investment is called for in supporting their development through the stages of life.
Care coordinators connect members with counseling and peer-support services for young people facing the same issues.
Trushel said the care plans are individualized for each family, based on backgrounds and goals, so evaluation skills are a must for any care coordinator. Services range from helping members find a provider to navigating available services.
Members are eligible for in-patient and out-patient behavioral health care services.
A young child dealing with emotional issues can receive calming supplies and older children may be eligible for job and life skills training to discover new career paths. There are maternity benefits for pregnant members and nutritional counseling and gift cards for exercise equipment or gym memberships. Tools are also provided to help manage emotional health needs and substance misuse.
The onboarding day included training for the care coordinators in safeguarding members’ privacy.
The staff numbers about 60 and Trushel expects employees to keep growing as they meet needs in Jefferson, Monroe, Stark, Tuscarawas, Harrison, Columbiana, Belmont and Carroll Counties. OhioRISE care coordinators work with more than 700 children in the area of service at this time.
The names and photographs of every employee are listed on the JCESC website at www.jcesc.k12.oh.
“We have hired consistently every month,” she said. “We’re getting more and more services for the families we serve in each county. Some of our smaller counties like Monroe and Harrison are accessing more virtual services. We’re learning what those services are and how we can support families that live remotely.”
Trushel said they have been conducting onboardings twice a month. During their three-month orientation new coordinators will be assigned mentors who will share their experience.
Supervisor Celestine Barnes also shared information about situations they will likely encounter in practice, saying the new hires will have the opportunity to shadow experienced coordinators and gain hands-on insight about the nature of the job. She related stories such as helping install safety measures in a member’s home and helping them seek a driver’s license or employment.
“We can be very creative in the way that we help them,” Barnes said. She said a coordinator’s empathy and experience is an invaluable resource to families. Anyone interested in becoming a Care Coordinator, please apply at https://jcescvla.bamboohr.com/careers/23.
OhioRise is a Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystems needs. To learn more about OhioRISE, call 740-792-4011, email
[email protected] or visit the Jefferson County Educational Service Center website at jcesc.k12.oh.us.
Photo Caption: Jefferson County OhioRISE Director, Linda Trushel, right, shares experiences with the program’s newest care coordinators Michelle Wells, from left, Kyleigh DiCarlo and Amy Barcus. OhioRISE has marked its two-year anniversary of helping young people.
Jefferson ESC a High Achiever again
Posted 3/9/2024 at 5:18:22 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE – the Jefferson County Educational Service Center has once again proved itself a boon to its member school districts through savings on programs and services. The state of Ohio has designated the ESC as High Performing for the 2023-2024 school year. This marks the seventh straight year.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said hitting this mark is part of JCESC’s mission and a sign of successful progress.
“It was a requirement of ESCs to go through this process to be deemed a high-performing ESC,” he said. “We’ve got to select five programs. We have to then look at the cost that we charge, and we have to find those exact costs from other agencies and compare their costs to ours.”
He said the ESCs must demonstrate a threshold of 5% savings. The Ohio Department of Education evaluates applications from each of Ohio’s 51 ESCs. The ODE compares prices with private service providers and determines the total percentage of cost savings.
ESC services and supports to school districts include professional development, technology, planning and administrative services. Programs are geared to help improve student learning, enhance quality of instruction, expand access to resources and maximize operating and fiscal efficiency.
JCESC Treasurer Ethan Tice said the five services submitted by JCESC were school psychologist, speech therapist, legal services, occupational therapist and alternative schools.
“They’re actually the same services that’ve been submitted in the past as well,” he said.
He said savings are based on data from 2023 for 2024.
“We’re considered a high-performing ESC this year based on data from last year,” he said. “I don’t have my data from this year because the year’s still going on.”
Tice said the total percentage saved comes to 39.38% and the total savings for the school districts came to more than $1 million.
“That’s the important thing,” he said.
Tice said the advantage to using JCESC is the ability to hire a professional to divide time between more than one school district.
“The cost is split then,” he said. “I compare what that cost is, based on what that cost would be if they hired a company.”
For example, he said attorney’s fees are another high expense, since they are often called on for tasks such as union negotiations and fees include travel, meeting attendance and documentation.
“It adds up very quickly, and when we can hire one attorney and split that cost between multiple districts, it’s a lot less,” he said.
Tice said the cost saving means JCESC makes a real difference in school district operations that impacts the individual student.
“It really makes me reflect and think about the big picture,” he said. “With all this money being saved, the districts can now use this money for other support services. At the end of the day, by us saving them money, students are benefitting.
“These dollars really do impact students,” he said.
“Every time we save a district money, ultimately they’re going to put those funds back into the district,” Tice said. “All of these things truly does come back to what we’re all here for, and that’s helping students.”
Kokiko said the Jefferson County ESC’s goal is to provide support where it will do the most good. He added school districts are dealing with various issues arising from factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties.
“They’re looking for additional supports for their kids,” he said.
Kokiko said these programs and services will only grow in the future. One upcoming driver’s education program could start as early as this semester or with the beginning of next school year.
JCESC Governing Board President Barry Gullen also commended the hard work that made the achievement possible.
“It’s an honor to have received this high-performing distinction from the Ohio Department of Education once again. This distinction is a representation of the dedication of our JCESC employees, service districts, and Governing Board members,” he said.
Aaron Rausch, chief of budget and school funding with the Ohio Department of Education, sent an email congratulating JCESC.
“Across the state, ESCs reported significant savings to client school districts. This represents only part of the value that you and your colleagues are providing to school districts across the state,” he wrote.
JCESC’s member schools including Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Southern Local, Toronto and Utica Shale Academy.
For more information visit jcesc.k12.oh.us or call 740-283-3347.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been designated High Performing by the state for the seventh year in a row.
AI, education development tops the talk at Ohio technology conference
Posted 3/7/2024 at 9:17:38 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
COLUMBUS – Staff of Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy were looking to the future during the Ohio Educational Technology Conference. The conference, held Feb. 13-14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, boasted more than 300 educational sessions, with many focused on how school districts can integrate new technology into the classroom.
Director Mark Masloski said technology advances swiftly and the VLA’s mission is to remain “ahead of the curve” in matters of education.
Masloski said the advent and use of artificial intelligence was a ubiquitous topic, as was ensuring the tools are used appropriately.
“Helping our students understand the ethics part of it. What’s the right and the wrong way to utilize it?”
Masloski said some districts are exploring AI use, while others are hesitant.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said, adding his staff left the conference confident they were ahead of the technology.
“We know what technology’s coming out, so we need to make sure that we’re prepared for it. That’s a huge goal of ours,” he said.
“It really solidified that we are on the right path,” he said. “I think the people that utilize it in this office was comfortable with it, understands it. I think we’ve been utilizing it the right way.”
Masloski said the science of reading was one example, adding this was not discussed during the conference itself, but the VLA has been working with other ESC departments to integrate new technology.
He said some possibilities include the use of AI drawing to assist in putting student-produced images in a report or a PowerPoint presentation. AI can also be used to quickly generate questions about a video’s content to determine if the student is paying attention.
“That’s kind of what’s made possible with AI, in the sense of the intervention and enrichment,” he said. “Students are able to be a little bit more creative in their approach.”
He said another use for AI in the classroom is to construct outlines for writing projects.
“The next day, the teacher hands them that outline, and they’re going to do some freewriting for 30 minutes without a computer,” he said. “Let’s use the AI and use it for the right tool and ask it to write prompts, and once we get that outline, let’s use our brains.”
Masloski said they also took the opportunity to pursue other avenues of professional development during the conference.
“We have a pretty strong group that went there, and we were able to openly discuss our strategies moving forward and our goals for Virtual Learning Academy.”
Scheduled conferences included how schools have adapted using digital learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, how students can enhance digital books with multimedia, the use of assistive technology for students with disabilities, and Zoom applications.
“We were able to come back every evening and highlight what we learned throughout the day,” he said. One staff member might attend a talk about social and emotional issues, and another could learn how people with emotional issues could employ technology.
“We’re able to bridge that together in our department through our coursework to create something unique for our kids to be engaged. With our VLA curriculum the biggest thing is the engagement of our kids,” he said. “It reaffirmed what we’re doing and how well we’re doing it.”
VLA Assistant Director Martariesa Logue said the exhibitor section was packed with more than 2,000 attendees and VLA staff had the opportunity to attend multiple, related sessions.
“It’s open to everyone in Ohio, which makes it huge,” she said, adding that all schools are invited, whether public or parochial.
Keynote speakers also talked about resources to support educator growth and ways to support students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
“It was fast paced, but we also had enough time to make those connections and to learn what’s trending in Ohio,” she said. “Data science is a new trending topic. AI was also trending there, and we are up to date on that.”
Logue said esports were another subject of interest and a coworker went to three esports sessions.
“All of our local schools are now developing their own esports teams, so it was really neat to get more information. Not only can they have teams, but you can also have curriculum so the students are receiving credit for something they’re also playing.”
She said gaming is an option for a student to earn a tech credit and elective credit.
The Jefferson County VLA has agreements with more than 180 schools and five ESCs across Ohio.
The Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) is an online curriculum provider offering over 300 core and elective courses to students in grades K-12. VLA serves all students including those who are credit deficient, home bound, home schooled, etc. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within your already existing curriculum. To learn more about the JCESC Virtual Learning Academy, visit the website at
https://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx, contact VLA staff at
[email protected] or 740.283.3347 ext. 100.
Photo Cutline: Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy staff learn about technological developments and impact in the classroom during the Ohio Educational Technology Conference.
OhioRISE Hosts Open House
Posted 1/5/2024 at 2:56:58 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
OhioRISE. A program which serves the community’s youth, focusing on their mental and behavioral health issues.
OhioRISE works with various local resources to provide them with appropriate care to reach a positive outcome.
OhioRISE officials gathered for an open house Dec. 12 to showcase its new location to the community. This Jefferson County Educational Service Center care management entity, is now housed within the Regional Programs Building, located at 600 Lovers Lane.
OhioRISE was previously located in the basement of the ESC annex, moving to its new site in November of 2023.
In addition to OhioRISE, JCESC programs housed within the Regional Programs Building include Engage and Help Me Grow Home Visiting.
The purpose of the open house was to provide the opportunity for community partners to see the new building and meet its staff members, officials noted.
Those attending the event were given the chance to hear all of the services OhioRISE provides to the community, in addition to touring the facility.
Assistant Director Lindsay Brandon stated the new space accommodates space for 24 coordinators, supervisors and directors.
“The program started on July 1, 2022 and have become an integral part of the community,” Brandon said. “We’ve really flourished and became a community partner, which is nice to see.”
Brandon explained the overall responsibility of OhioRISE care coordinators is to take the results from the youth’s Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength (CANS) assessment, and place them with those who can help them the most.
“The CANS assessment is a tool that gathers the child and caregiver’s story to better understand their situation and determine the best ways to provide help,” according to officials. The assessment is used to determine eligibility for OhioRISE and assist with care coordination.
She stated those at OhioRISE are a support system which helps youth and their family obtain the appropriate services they seek, such as educational, developmental disability, child protection, juvenile justice or mental heal and addiction supports.
“OhioRISE brings all of these systems together to support the needs of enrollees through care coordination,” officials said. Care coordinators assist those who have been referred to them by either a parent or caregiver, a school counselor or therapist, a court, pediatrician or child protection or developmental disability staff member.
Brandon noted the importance of making people aware that those at OhioRISE are not a direct form of crisis support, but rather, the entity which directs enrollees to the appropriate support facilities.
Care Coordinator Jamie Spencer stated, “We work with families who have Medicaid or the Ohio Medical Card and who qualifies for the program. If we feel they need therapy, mental health, physical therapy or occupational therapy, we will work with that therapist and see if they are hitting the goals they have to hit.”
“We are there to coordinate the child’s care,” Spencer continued, providing the example of dyslexia and finding the proper resources to help the child obtain the proper resources for that disability.
Discovering what the issues are can be done through the CANS assessment, she noted, saying the in-depth testing is done by answering questions and takes approximately an hour to complete.
Mary Kakascik, an OhioRISE supervisor, said each supervisor works with eight care coordinators whose duties include, but are not limited to, checking charting, providing support, CANS assessments, accompanying youth and families on visits, providing outreach on caseloads, making informational calls, answering the crisis hotline.
Kakascik said there are many responsibilities and duties which are required of the care coordinators, as OhioRISE serves eight counties.
“We each work with the FCFC and attend monthly meetings,” she stated. Meeting for Jefferson County are held bi-monthly, she added. “Six supervisors are responsible for one county each. We have three supervisors who handle the counties up north.” The counties served are Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Monroe, Carroll, Columbiana, Stark and Tuscarawas.
In regards to those youth suffering from substance abuse, Kakascik said OhioRISE officials support the families which choose to keep the child in their home rather than place them in a facility or hospital.
“We take them food from the food bank so they can get meals and we attend their IEP meetings,” she said of the some of the services offered to these individuals.
She said referrals come from all sorts of entities, some of which are the parents of the youth, schools, probation officers, Child Protective Services and the courts. “We reach out and set up their assessment once we receive their enrollment information,” she said.
OhioRISE will continue to help those in need, with officials saying there are a number of ways in which to contact them to begin the enrollment process.
Best Practice Grants Expand Learning at Creek
Posted 11/21/2023 at 3:53:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
WINTERSVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center disbursed more than $1,800 as part of its 2023 Best Practice Grant awards at Indian Creek Schools, allowing educators there to expand students’ minds with unique lessons.
Janet Maxon of Indian Creek High School and Indian Creek Middle School teachers Jaime McCumbers and Michael Minor each received $660 grants during the Nov. 16 regular school board session at Cross Creek Elementary and their projects will center on the realms of history, geography and science.
Maxon plans to use her allocation for “Class VR: Immersing Ourselves in the World,” which includes purchasing a Meta Quest 2 headset to get a virtual view of times and places in a true immersive experience.
“Using ClassVR, students can go on virtual field trips and visit anywhere, any time and even impossible places, all directly from the comfort of the classroom. Sending your students to places around the world using virtual reality can be a reflective, realistic and immersive experience where they explore different countries, cultures and landmarks and use these experiences to further develop their verbal and written skills,” she said. “Theory-based conceptual subjects can often be difficult for students to visualize and comprehend and teachers often use demonstration and visual cues to boost engagement and knowledge retention.”
The technology would be used by more than 120 World History students in her classroom.
McCumbers’ fifth-grade social studies students will get a closer look at the world with “Middle School Geography” using tools to learn about directions, longitude and latitude and coordinates, the latter of which are also part of their math standards. She said her pupils will understand how to use the compass rose for cardinal and intermediate directions during lessons about magnetic and true north, plus they will use the Battleship game to practice learning about the grid system.
“The project is hands-on learning geography in social studies class using globes, compasses, games and more,” she added, saying the program would benefit 130 currents students as well as future classes.
Minor is honing his efforts on hydroponics with his “IC Hydroponic Greenhouse,” which includes creating a standard vegetable garden with plans to eventually transition to a “fish-fed” nutrient system. His eighth-grade science students would grow lettuce which would then be used in the cafeteria for school lunches, as well as other vegetables and plants that can be sold or used within the Indian Creek community. The project would also benefit the entire school from classes working with the greenhouse to enjoying the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor by consuming the homegrown goods.
“Our goal is to create a hydroponic, and standard, vegetable garden, operated all year in our new greenhouse,” he said. “Once the hydroponic system is running and students are engaged, phase two is the transition from artificially fertilized vegetables to a fish-fed system. Fish will produce the nutrients naturally and will be kept year-round in a heated fish stock tank. The fish will also be raised to sell or feed the community.”
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko looks forward to distributing the grants each year, saying they help educators expand young minds with enriching and rewarding projects.
“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, Steubenville City, Toronto and Southern Local School Districts and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center presented three 2023 Best Practice Grants to teachers at Indian Creek Local School Board of Education meeting on Nov. 16 for science, geography and history-based projects. Pictured is Indian Creek Middle School teacher Michael Minor with JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi while fellow recipients Jaime McCumbers of ICMS and Janet Maxon of Indian Creek High School were absent from the photo.)
Grants Enhance Learning at Harrison Hills
Posted 11/18/2023 at 2:49:52 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
CADIZ-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has awarded its 2023 Best Practice Grants to forward-thinking teachers at Harrison Hills City Schools.
Educators Rebecca Agostini and Misty Barker of Harrison Central Elementary and Susan Macenzak of Harrison Central High School each gained $660 allocations to highlight STEM, social-emotional and physical science programs at their respective buildings. JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko presented the awards during the regular Harrison Hills school board meeting on Nov. 16.
Agostini will implement “STEM: Incorporating Hands-On Learning and Critical Thinking in the Classroom” in the second phase of continued STEM and STEAM lessons. She plans to purchase STEM activities to motivate students to think outside the box, develop critical-thinking skills and incorporate other subjects such as mathematics and reading in the classroom. Among her ideas are to incorporate more centers, hands-on learning activities and creative thinking and her 110 students would benefit by being actively engaged throughout their learning. Agostini also hopes that students who normally do not excel at paper-and-pencil learning will tremendously benefit from this format.
“The project will allow me to purchase coding activities, design building sets, brain-building activities and much more,” she said. “This project will benefit my students this year and hopefully for years to come.”
She is a previous grant recipient and was appreciative of JCESC for their generosity each year.
Barker hopes to meet students’ social and emotional needs through her project, “Social-Emotional Learning in Elementary Classrooms.” She plans to use social-emotional learning strategies and incorporate materials such as picture books to teach students how to deal with their emotions in the most constructive manner possible. Her vision is to form a calming corner in the classroom to refocus, as well as starting a lunch bunch for students who want to work on socialization skills throughout the school year. The project will support approximately 100 fifth-graders in her classroom but the resources may be utilized by other grade levels.
“These needs are often overlooked, yet they are vital to student success. My vision includes teaching students how to deal with their emotions in the most constructive manner possible; setting up a calming corner where my students are able to safely go to spend a brief amount of time getting refocused; and starting a lunch bunch for students to work on socialization skills,” she continued.
Barker was grateful to be selected a second time for the grant, saying it was amazing to have such resources available within the community to fund classroom projects.
Macenzak, a science teacher at Harrison Central High School, intends to enhance learning for freshmen with her project, “Using Motion Detectors to Graph Motion.”
“With this project, students will be able to act out different motions, and with the detectors they will see what the resulting position versus time graph, velocity versus time graph and acceleration versus time graph look like,” Macenczak said. “These sensors connect directly to the students' Chromebooks to collect the data. They will also be able to make the connections with force and acceleration.”
The project will benefit about 100 current physical science students as well as physics pupils, plus it could help more classes in the future. Macenzak, a previous grant recipient, said she was excited to receive this year’s grant because
she has another way for students to learn science and math by using real-life, hands-on activities to see results right away.
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the purpose of the Best Practice Grants is to support teacher ingenuity and enhance learning opportunities for the students.
“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, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City, Toronto City and Southern Local School Districts and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: Amber Fomenko, director of special education for the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented 2023 Best Practice Grants to three teachers during the Harrison Hills City school board meeting on Nov. 16. The $660 awards will help educators pursue programs for STEM, social-emotional learning and physical science. Fomenko is pictured, at left, with Harrison Central Elementary teacher Rebecca Agostini while HCES teacher Misty Barker and Harrison Central High School teacher Susan Macenzak were absent from the photo.)
Toronto Teachers Funded for Science, STEM Projects
Posted 11/17/2023 at 2:39:17 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
TORONTO-Teachers in the Toronto City School District are expanding minds with science and STEM-based projects with funding from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo presented 2023 Best Practice Grants during the Toronto school board meeting on Nov. 16 and Michelle Blazek and Jason Kodysz of Toronto Jr./Sr. High School and Nikki Wright of Toronto Elementary each received $660 to aid with their endeavors.
Blazek’s plan is “Increasing Interest and Observations in the Natural World” by building her students’ knowledge of eclipses. She intends to hold a watch party for the total eclipse this spring and purchase special glasses for the occasion, plus she will have cross-curricular events around the day. She said eclipses have great historical and cultural significance and offer many opportunities for hands-on learning.
“I want to bring the eclipse to Toronto Jr./Sr. High School,” she said. “I am planning an eclipse watch party for the school for the big April 8 eclipse.”
The activity would benefit the entire school and Blazek, a prior grant recipient, was “honored and appreciative” to earn another award.
Kodysz is utilizing his share to create “Ceiling Periodic Table Part Two and a True Model of the Solar System.” He will complete a periodic table project from a Best Practice Grant award he received last year and add a model of the solar system to his classroom. The massive solar system will incorporate 250 Styrofoam balls representing each of the 35 worlds, including eight planets, 16 moons, eight dwarf planets, two Kuiper Belt objects and an asteroid and the lesson will benefit about 35 students for now.
“I feel grateful that I will be able to teach the students in a realistic way in which they get to see what the universe is really like, not just simply taught from a textbook,” he added.
Kodysz has received Best Practice Grants on previous occasions.
Wright will promote “Magnets in STEM” with art and STEAM students in grades K-5. She said the project will benefit the learning process by helping younger students build hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Some activities include building electromagnets and using electromagnetism to build a catapult, doorbell and a compass, while others will focus on the Earth as a magnet, magnetic strength and how electricity flows through a magnet. She noted that the project also includes an introduction to circuits.
“This grant will benefit the elementary building of around 500 students. I will use my materials in STEM class to show and learn about magnetism and real world uses of magnets,” she said. “Each grade level from kindergarten to fifth-grade will learn about topics such as identifying magnetic materials to building a model of a maglev train.”
She also is a previous Best Practice Grant recipient and was very thankful for the opportunity again this year.
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the educators on their innovative concepts to bolster student learning.
“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 Southern Local School Districts and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: Three Toronto City School teachers were awarded 2023 Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center during the Nov. 16 school board session to further programs in their classrooms. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo, Toronto Jr./Sr. High School teacher Michelle Blazek and Toronto Elementary Assistant Principal Lori Rawson standing in for teacher Nikki Wright. Not pictured is THS teacher Jason Kodysz.)
Southern Local Teachers Awarded Grants
Posted 11/15/2023 at 2:01:35 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.)
Literacy Grant Boosts Engagement, Education
Posted 10/30/2023 at 11:09:28 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is helping schools’ youngest students reach their potential with a recent grant award.
JCESC Director of Grants Dr. Nicole McDonald obtained a Comprehensive Literacy Grant this summer from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and will utilize the $101,250 award for preschool education. JCESC and DEW, in partnership with Step by Step Learning Company, are providing funds to Indian Creek Local and Steubenville City Schools for their preschool programs. Dr. McDonald said it was the first time JCESC applied for the grant and it was a highly competitive process.
“The focus is to support early literacy instruction for emergent readers. The grant will fund professional development for all area Pre-K teachers in emergent literacy instructional (ELI) practices with an additional focus on qualifying schools for instructional modeling and coaching,” she explained. “Qualifying schools will also receive intensive support in parent engagement activities pertaining to early literacy.”
She said all area schools will be welcome to join the ELI training but Indian Creek and Steubenville are receiving the modeling, coaching and parent-engagement activities. Dr. McDonald noted the instruction is geared towards emergent readers, language acquisition, vocabulary building, letter recognition and letter-sound recognition.
She called the allocation a “remarkable development for early childhood education” and said it will empower the programs to provide enhanced literacy instruction and support to parents of preschool students, with a specific focus on improving literacy skills at home to complement school-based learning.
“The two esteemed preschool programs, Steubenville City Schools and Indian Creek Local Schools, will receive invaluable instructional modeling and coaching from Step by Step Learning Company. This collaboration aims to equip educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to facilitate parent learning sessions, ensuring that parents can actively contribute to their child's literacy development.”
The parent learning sessions, aptly titled "Teach Me to Read at Home," will be a key component of this initiative. Dr. McDonald said the sessions will offer parents practical guidance on how to support literacy learning at home in a way that complements their child's school education. The goal is to foster a supportive and engaging environment for young learners, helping them build strong literacy skills from an early age.
As part of the grant program, each family will receive a comprehensive manual to accompany the three parent learning sessions. The manuals will serve as valuable resources for parents, providing them with actionable strategies and tips to enhance their child's reading and writing abilities. She said the materials will be accessible and user-friendly, ensuring that all parents can actively participate in their child's literacy journey.
Furthermore, the grant's impact extends beyond the selected programs and will also support all area preschool programs in instructing emergent readers.
“This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of educators can access valuable resources and training to nurture literacy skills among their young students, helping to bridge the gap between home and school learning,” Dr. McDonald concluded. “The Comprehensive Literacy Grant initiative represents a significant stride in advancing early childhood education in our community. By engaging parents and educators in the shared goal of enhancing literacy skills, we are laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for our young learners.”
The programs have yet to be implemented at Steubenville and Indian Creek and officials there say it plans to benefit hundreds of students in the long run.
“The Comprehensive Literacy Grant will enhance our Success For All Curiosity curriculum by increasing parent knowledge of activities that can be done at home to build on the skills the preschoolers are learning at school, such as oral language development, letter recognition and pre-reading,” said Wells Academy Principal Tommy Kotsanis, noting that about 260 pupils will be impacted at Steubenville schools. “The grant will provide real-life literacy experiences to do at home to be able to build on developing and emerging skills through make it take workshops and informational meetings.”
Michele Minto, director of curriculum and instruction at Indian Creek, noted that her district plans to host family engagement events during the winter and spring.
“Our events will benefit 180 preschool students at our two elementary schools. The events we will offer will give parents the knowledge to help their child be successful in kindergarten,” Minto concluded. “Not only will the parents receive the knowledge, but they will be able to practice the skills that they learn with their own child.”
Quest Alternative School Receives STEM Grant
Posted 10/23/2023 at 2:02:40 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Quest Alternative School has received a $5,000 grant to expound upon STEM learning for students.
The site, which is operated through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, received the windfall for its project “A Quest for STEM,” through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program and funds were derived from Battelle, a Columbus-based company that conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. According to Battelle officials, the grant was among 233 awarded this fall to create sustainable, STEM learning projects and the program reached students in one of every seven school districts (130) across 60 Ohio counties.
“Every student should have access to the kind of quality STEM education that drives opportunity for families and leads to new jobs in their local communities” said Kelly Gaier Evans, director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. “This program connects champions of STEM in local communities to a broad and deep network of STEM schools, STEM resources, and peer-educators.”
Alternative School Director Vance Miller said officials learned of the award earlier this month and the funding will be used to acquire STEM kits for lab projects.
“With the current climate of education and many local schools offering more STEM-based curricula, we wanted to allow our students to continue STEM-based projects and studies while placed at the alternative school,” he said. “We are learning what STEM is and how we can better utilize STEM projects within our current curriculum.”
Miller added that students currently use various educational technology in the classroom as well as real-life problem-solving skills and solutions, noting his gratitude to JCESC Director of Grants Dr. Nicole McDonald for obtaining the funds.
“We are very humbled and excited to receive this grant, for it will fund beginner kits for our students to learn hands-on STEM activities and projects,” Miller said. “Efforts from Dr. McDonald made this all possible, and the alternative school is very thankful for her work and support in this endeavor.”
Quest Alternative School offers alternative placement for Jefferson and Harrison County students and is based at 256 John Scott Highway in Steubenville. About 15-20 students are typically housed at the site per day and receive the educational tools they need to learn. Meanwhile, Battelle officials stated the
grant program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.
“Battelle is proud to invest in expanding the reach of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, the state’s primary vehicle for advancing STEM across Ohio,” said Wes Hall, vice president of philanthropy and education. “These grants empower educators in all corners of the state to shape the next generation of solvers.”
Preschool Training Session at JCESC
Posted 9/29/2023 at 1:38:12 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Fifty preschool teachers and paraprofessionals from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties attended a professional development session at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s R. Larry George Training Annex in Steubenville on Wednesday, where they listened to representatives from CHANGE, Inc. about issues affecting their young charges. Two sessions were held on child abuse recognition and prevention and the prevention and recognition of communicable diseases, which were respectively led by Danielle Stroud and Jessica Valesko.
Career Fair Gives Options for Future
Posted 9/25/2023 at 10:18:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
WINTERSVILLE-Area students learned about options for their future during the second-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair on Wednesday.
About 500 students converged upon the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville for the activity, which was hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee. There they met with about 85 vendors representing colleges and universities, technical schools, military recruiters, safety forces, trade organizations and local businesses to speak with representatives and obtain information on programs and opportunities to carve their career paths, plus they participated in roundtable sessions with experts to discuss subjects from finances to job qualifications.
Chamber President Kate Sedgmer said numbers were up regarding vendor involvement and it provided a wide range of choices for students’ consideration. She noted that the fair was a means to showcase what’s available in the area and hopefully inspire students to build their futures at home in the Ohio Valley.
“We had an exciting day and about 500 students came along with 85 vendors,” Sedgmer added. “There colleges and universities, military recruiters, trades and local employers and there was a roundtable discussion so students have opportunities to sit down with local employers and representatives of trades, finances and entrepreneurships. We’ve grown since last year and would like to see it become a regional event.”
She also thanked the fair’s sponsors for their support, saying they help keep kids working locally in the future.
Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, who serves as the workforce training and education committee chairman, said it was another successful venture and would likely continue each year.
“It went well. We’ve got an increase in vendors participating and the program has grown,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “Our goal for next year is to continue growing the program and getting more students to come.”
Several vendors said they enjoyed meeting the teens and sharing opportunities to build their future.
“It went very well,” said Katie Parrish, admissions counselor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. “The kids have been very receptive.”
“It’s been great to see the faces of the kids and see how we as representatives of Franciscan University can interest them in coming to Franciscan,” added fellow admissions counselor Natalia Caraballo.
They said plenty of interest was shown in education, nursing and business administration programs, while similar interest was also found at the Wheeling University table where admissions representative Cameron Gibson was queried about courses.
“It’s been phenomenal,” said Gibson. “We’ve had a couple interested in exercise science and athletic training since those are our most popular fields. A lot of them were definitely interested in those.”
Vinny DiCarlantonio, human resources coordinator for Trinity Health System, was also pleased with the response.
“It’s been really good,” he commented. “They are interested in many of our departments and there were several queries about labor and delivery, radiology and healthcare tech management.”
SSGT E-5 Nicole Baker, a recruiter for the U.S. Air National Guard, also highlighted options to join the military while also paying for schooling.
“I had questions about boot camp and what’s involved and what jobs are available, but a lot of people are shocked that we pay 100 percent of their tuition,” she added.
Teens also had a chance to partake in a scavenger hunt to win iPads and laptops during the event. Students from Bridgeport, Brooke, Buckeye Local, Steubenville Catholic Central, Edison, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Toronto and Southern Local were among those in attendance. Many enjoyed the career fair and said they learned a lot about what opportunities are available to them.
“Everyone was very professional and I thought it was very useful,” said Ron Hawthorne, a senior computer networking technology student at Jefferson County JVS and Indian Creek attendant, adding that he was interested in programs at Eastern Gateway Community College.
“I liked the AEP program,” added Kevin Campos, a senior multimedia and design student at the JVS and ICHS. “I found it interesting, and I also liked The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. They gave options and explained things to me.”
Kyleigh Haines, a junior animal science management pupil at the JVS and Buckeye Local student, said she enjoyed the Hocking College program and the opportunities that were shared with her. Trinity Spencer, a fellow junior animal science student at JVS and Edison attendant, agreed.
“I like that you were able to find out about careers and learn about different colleges,” Spencer said, noting her interest in Kent State University’s vet tech program.
“It was fun,” said Shelley Young, a junior culinary arts student at JVS and ICHS attendant. “I got to see what courses there were to find out what I need.”
Sponsors included Summer’s Enterprise, LLC, Interstate Waste Services, Inc., Eastern Gateway Community College, Timet- Titanium Metals Corp., Trinity Health System, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Hilscher-Clarke Electric Co.
(Photo Caption: About 500 students converged upon St. Florian Event Center Wednesday for the second-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee. There the students meet with 85 vendors representing colleges and universities, technical schools, trade organizations, businesses, safety forces and military recruitment to learn about options for their future.)
JCESC Celebrates First Year of OhioRISE
Posted 7/27/2023 at 1:37:30 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-It has been one year since OhioRISE began and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center marked the occasion with a celebration on July 21.
Representatives and supporters simultaneously gathered at the R. Larry George Professional Training Annex in Steubenville and the Canton office at the Key Bank Building for a luncheon to honor OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), a statewide initiative through Aetna Better Health that works to address children with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs. JCESC is one of 20 regional providers, or care management entities (CMEs), and covers an eight-county area known as Catchment J that includes Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Monroe and Stark.
JCESC became involved with OhioRISE after looking to expand outreach services beyond grades K-12 and address issues schools face today. Officials said they noticed an increasing number of challenges surrounding mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities among students which ultimately could impact schools and families. Working with organizations such as the Family and Children First Council, Help Me Grow, Early Intervention and ENGAGE, as well as growing programs including alternative schools, Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) and Jefferson Health Plan, helped prepare for becoming a CME. When Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Aetna would oversee the program, JCESC leaders realized it would create access to knowledge and resources the service had to offer and would enable the regional CMEs to maintain local services for local children and families. Leaders determined that about 2,335 youth ultimately would be served throughout the region with an overall estimate of 60,000 kids statewide.
JCESC obtained a $1.1 million start-up grant to launch the initiative in July of 2022 and has since formed two offices on Lovers Lane in Wintersville and at 100 Central Avenue North in Canton. CME Program Director Linda Trushel said the sites employ 34 care coordinators, in addition to four supervisors plus herself and Assistant Director Lindsay Brandon.
“Right now, we’ve helped 453 children within the eight counties,” Trushel said. “A referral is made by a provider who feels a child has a mental or behavioral health need and we can complete a CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment to determine eligibility for the program.”
The care coordinators then find sources to assist the child so they may be successful in the community. Trushel added that aid could range from health care to even pool passes or driving lessons. Community partners include children’s services agencies, county juvenile court systems, community mental health agencies, county Mental Health and Recovery Boards, county Boards of Developmental Disabilities, schools and food banks. She noted that the program has benefitted children and their families in myriad ways.
“The children have a person who is constantly in their lives to talk to, and it has also improved communication between the parents and children,” she said. “It also helps them with community supports and lets them continuously live with their parents. Anything is possible to support the family, and it supports them in ways that Medicaid or local providers can’t. It individualizes the needs of each family.”
Trushel said the process to establish OhioRISE was a major one and she was thrilled to see how far it has come over the past 12 months.
“It has been quite a year and we are blessed to have this party,” she said, thanking everyone for their efforts. “A year ago, we stood here figuring out how we could help families, and in March of 2022 we worked on the program.”
Meanwhile, Brandon led festivities at the Canton location where she and staff members highlighted the occasion.
“It was a great opportunity for our staff to come together to celebrate one year of growth in this program. The staff enjoyed this time together discussing their successes and ways they can continue to grow as the program continues to progress,” she said.
JCESC CEO Dr. George Ash was pleased to not only see the initiative come to fruition, but also to watch it grow.
“I’m excited about what’s to come and am grateful to all of the community partners and supporters that are benefitting communities from Monroe to Stark counties,” he commented, reflecting on how he once worked with social services in the past. “It reminds me of helping with families and it made a difference in their lives. I think about the care coordinators and you are the most important to us and those families. What you’re doing is making such a huge difference.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko echoed those sentiments and said officials were working behind the scenes to make things better for coordinators.
“I do believe you are the face of the organization and the face of the families,” he said at the Steubenville gathering. “I know you have a tough job. It’s the ones you can reach that helps you keep going. There is a lot to celebrate and this is one way to do it.”
Dr. Kokiko also thanked the JCESC Governing Board for sponsoring the celebration and congratulated everyone involved in the initiative.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid indicated that OhioRISE was the state’s first highly integrated care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs. The remaining CMEs provide community mental health and substance abuse, specialty care coordination, hospital and educational services. OhioRISE is available to youth under age 21 who are Medicaid-eligible. For more information on public and partnership opportunities, contact Dr. Kokiko at (740) 283-3347 or
[email protected] and Trushel for children’s referrals to the program at
[email protected] or (740) 792-4011, ext. 502. More information is also listed at
www.jcesc.org/CareManagementEntity. For general inquiries about OhioRISE, contact Jill Tayfel, CME relationship manager for Aetna, at
[email protected]. The 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at (740) 792-4012.
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center marked the first anniversary of OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), a statewide initiative through Aetna Better Health that works to address children with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs. JCESC is one of 20 regional providers, or care management entities (CMEs), and covers an eight-county area known as Catchment J that spans from Monroe to Stark. Representatives and supporters were invited to a celebratory luncheon in Steubenville on July 21 to recognize the initiative that currently assists 458 children and their families.)
Students Honored at ACT Recognition Breakfast
Posted 5/3/2023 at 11:11:19 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE- Twelve students from four area school districts were honored for their major achievements during the ACT Recognition Breakfast on May 2.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center touted seniors from Edison, Indian Creek, Steubenville and Steubenville Catholic Central High Schools for scoring 30 or higher on their ACT exams during the event at Froehlich’s Classic Corner in Steubenville. Eleven of the 12 honorees were on hand for the eighth-annual breakfast, which was briefly shelved during the COVID pandemic but restarted this year. JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko greeted honorees, their family members and school leaders and said the students were in a very select group.
“We are here to honor you, the brightest academic performers in the counties we serve: Columbiana, Jefferson and Harrison,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “To put some perspective on your achievement, you are one of only 12 students from the nine school districts the JCESC represents. Today, we will celebrate your hard work and dedication to reaching this benchmark.”
Referring to the latest figures from 2021, he said nearly 1.3 million students took the ACT test and yielded an average composite score of 20.3 out of 36. A score of 30 or higher placed the honorees in the 93rd percentile of all test takers and the students’ scores ranged from 30 to 36. Dr. Kokiko added that only 4,055 students achieved the perfect score two years ago. He congratulated the youth and also recognized parents and family members who played key roles in their lives, plus he thanked school district staff and JCESC Governing Board members for their ongoing support.
JCESC Governing Board President Barry Gullen said he was pleased to be a part of the event and lauded students and those who positively influenced them.
“Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy what you are doing,” he said, advising the students to thank their family, teachers and mentors who helped them attain their success. “Congratulations! You are going to be here and you are going to guide us.”
Jefferson County Assistant Prosecutor Cerryn Marshall was the keynote speaker and offered advice as the students forge their paths to the future. Marshall’s theme was “Life’s a Balancing Act,” and she said they will face ups and downs as they make their way in the world, but they should learn and grow from their experiences.
“This is a major milestone in your life. Now you are moving on and it’s a balancing act. You are going on your first steps to reach your goals and dreams,” she said. “You are learning and growing.”
She advised them to find themselves and take chances, take classes outside of their majors, join clubs and step outside of their comfort zone. Marshall said they will face failure in their lives but should learn from it and move forward; listen with curiosity, speak with honesty and act with integrity; respect others and themselves; and have fun and enjoy this time of their lives.
Marshall also quoted inspirational leaders and closed with words from author Leo Tolstoy, who said: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
Gullen and JCESC Governing Board Vice President William Schaefer then distributed certificates to the recipients, which included Jaycee Blake, Logan Gubanez and Matthew Whitehill of Edison; Santosh Schaefer and Lindsey Zifzal of Indian Creek; Camden Daley, Francis Desany, Kellen Marshall and Franklin Vostatek of Steubenville; and Theresa Kerker, Daniel Macdonald and Leon Zaleski of Steubenville Catholic Central.
Blake, the son of Eric and Michelle Blake of Bergholz, received a 30 on his exam and holds at 4.0 grade point average. He plans to attend The Ohio State University.
Gubanez, the son of Samuel and Betty Gubanez of Toronto, scored a 32 on his ACT test and holds a 4.0 GPA. His future plans are currently undecided.
Whitehill, the son of William Whitehill of Toronto, earned a 30 on his ACT test and holds a 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend Kent State University.
Schaefer, the son of David and Nantha Schaefer of Wintersville, gained a 36 ACT composite score and has an unweighted 3.992 GPA. He plans on attending The Ohio State University and will likely major in computer science.
Zifzal, the daughter of Dwayne of Melissa Zifzal of Wintersville, yielded a 30 on her exam and holds a 3.98 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati and major in mechanical engineering with hopes of participating in the ACCEND program, where she would earn both her bachelor and master’s degrees within five years and complete four co-op experiences.
Daley, the son of Steve and Janet Daley of Mingo Junction, scored a 32 on his exam and holds a 4.657 GPA. His future plans are to attend the University of Dayton and major in civil engineering.
Desany, the son of Matthew Desany and Virginia Stauring of Wintersville, received a 33 on his ACT exam and holds a 4.6 GPA. His plans are to study computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and one day start his own software company.
Marshall, the son of James and Cerryn Marshall of Steubenville, scored a 30 on his ACT test and holds a 4.72 GPA. He plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy to further his education and serve our country.
Vostatek, the son of Frank and Melissa Vostatek of Mingo Junction, received a 32 ACT composite score and has an unweighted GPA of 4.0 with a weighted average of 4.81. He will attend Ohio University as a member of the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Assurance Program and intends to become a radiologist.
Kerker, the daughter of Joseph and Alyssa Kerker of Bloomingdale, received a 34 on her ACT test and yielded a 4.746 GPA. She will major in biology at the University of Notre Dame with future plans to study pre-med.
Macdonald, the son of Paul and Suzanne Macdonald of Steubenville, scored a 33 on his exam and holds an unweighted GPA of 3.9 and a weighted grade of 4.425. He plans to attend Franciscan University with a double major in psychology and Spanish.
Zaleski, the son of Robert and Laura Zaleski of Wintersville, earned a 32 on his ACT exam and holds a 3.788 GPA. He plans to study biology at Franciscan University.
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center hosted restarted its annual ACT Recognition Breakfast on May 2 for students who achieved a score of 30 or higher on their ACT exams. Pictured are, front from left, Leon Zaleski, Theresa Kerker, Lindsey Zifzal, Daniel Macdonald and Jaycee Blake. Back: Santosh Schaefer, Francis Desany, Kellen Marshall, Camden Daley, Franklin Vostatek and Matthew Whitehill. Not pictured is Logan Gubanez.)
JCESC Leads Culturally Responsive Practices Training
Posted 3/31/2023 at 11:28:06 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center led a Culturally Responsive Practices training session with Harrison Hills City Schools’ district team on Wednesday. Amber Fomenko, JCESC director of special education, and Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, were facilitators of the program that includes four courses: Program Introduction, Cultural Responsiveness, Socio-Political Awareness and Academic Achievement. Officials completed the second course, which introduces the importance of understanding the social and political topics that shape the lives of students, families and communities. Educators also consider how to use these topics in their classrooms in ways that are genuine to their students and provide opportunities for students to enact change in their communities. Training has been provided to Indian Creek, Toronto and Harrison with Buckeye Local slated for next year. Interested districts may contact Fomenko or Sismondo at JCESC at (740) 283-3347.
Macdonald Ready to Return to National Spelling Bee
Posted 3/15/2023 at 12:26:44 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Andrew Macdonald is preparing to return to the 2023 National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May where he will face hundreds of contestants from across the globe.
Macdonald, the son of Paul and Suzanne Macdonald of Steubenville and an eighth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Jr. High School, was named champion of the Jefferson-Harrison Regional Spelling Bee on March 11 after correctly spelling “reggae” at Buckeye North Elementary School in Brilliant. He was among 49 contestants representing public, parochial and homeschools in the two-county area and said he is already planning to review words for the main event on May 28-June 3. He will have a six-night stay at Gaylord National Resort and National Convention Center and take part in a variety of activities in addition to the competition. More than 200 youth have participated from across the U.S. as well as the Bahamas, Germany, Ghana, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.
He made his way to the third round of the national bee last year, but his journey ended when he was bested by the word “epiglottis.” Still, he enjoyed the environment, made friends and got to enjoy spending some time with his family during his excursion.
“I’m really excited, probably more than last year because I know all of the experiences I’d get to have there,” Macdonald said. “The competition itself is fun, not just being on stage and participating but also watching it live. I was really hoping to go back and thankfully I’m doing it.”
He counts English as his favorite subject at Bishop John King Mussio, thanks to his teacher, Jamie McGinnis, and said he’s always had an interest in spelling. He prepped for his first national attempt by studying word lists and practicing with his parents, plus he has viewed word apps and sites online.
“My main goal this year was to study for the regionals,” he said. “I’ve started working on the list [for nationals].”
Macdonald, who is the youngest of five children, said his family was proud of his achievement.
Mom Suzanne said she was thrilled for him and he was eager to make his return.
“He came home and said he wanted to go back, and he started studying. Everybody thinks it’s about the competition but its not. It’s a fun and educational time. I’m proud of his hard work and perseverance.”
She added that he also got a chance to meet kids from around the world.
“We’re excited. It’s a great experience and there are kids from all over,” she said. “It has a more international feel and he got to make friends. They had activities and he also attended workshops and field trips in Washington. It was very social and educational.”
Rounding out the Top 10 were Erin Joyce, a sixth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Elementary as runner-up; Ava Mizak, a seventh-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Jr. High, third place; Jocelyn Saltsman, an eighth-grader at
Jefferson County Christian School, fourth; Susie Safranski, a sixth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Elementary, fifth; Jonas Eddy, an eighth-grader at Buckeye Local Jr. High School, sixth; Joseph Taylor, an eighth-grader at
Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School, seventh; Katie Summers, a seventh-grader at Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School, eighth; Anthony Riley, an eighth-grader at Indian Creek Middle School, ninth; and Sophia Sedgmer, a sixth-grader at Harrison Central Elementary, 10th.
Other participants included Chyanne Crothers, a fifth-grader at Buckeye North; Aubrey Myers, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary; Jocelyn Matthews, a sixth-grader at Buckeye West Elementary; Madelynn Keister, a fifth-grader at John Gregg; Anastasia Mitchell, a fifth-grader at Stanton Elementary; Evan Conn, a fifth-grader at ICMS; Jackson Gibson, an eighth-grader at Toronto Jr./Sr. High School; Melelina Santiago, a fifth-grader at ICMS; Morgan Stock, a sixth-grader at HCES; Trenton Hess, an eighth-grader at Toronto; Mayaunna Mitchell, a sixth-grader at Harding Middle School; Manuella Petrides, a seventh-grader at Harding; Jonathan Viola, a sixth-grader at ICMS; Keeley Johnson, a seventh-grader at ICMS; Madison Taylor, a sixth-grader at HCES; Jack McCumbers, a fifth-grader ICMS; Kyle Beranek, a fifth-grader at Buckeye South Elementary; Jacob Thompson Jr., a seventh-grader at Toronto; Garen Mader, a seventh-grader at Toronto; Emilia Taylor, an eighth-grader at ICMS; Cameron Knight, a sixth-grader at Buckeye West; Janelle Cooper, a sixth-grader at Buckeye South; Lucy Wear, an eighth-grader at Heart of Mary Homeschool; Ryder Tibbs, an eighth-grader at BLJHS; Braeden Record, a sixth-grader at Toronto; Kellen Carte, a sixth-grader at Stanton; Devin Newsom, a seventh-grader at Toronto; Learynn Hanson, a sixth-grader at John Gregg; Jaydin Hilton, an eighth-grader at Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High; Nolan Greiner, a sixth-grader at Harding; Paige Maffitt, a fifth-grader at HCES; Madison Huggins, a fifth-grader at Stanton; Phoebe Goffoli, a sixth-grader at HCES; and Cole Carey, an eighth-grader at Harding.
The Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee was presented by the Steubenville Herald-Star and sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, Special Tactics and Rescue Training, Old Glory Embroidery, Ascent Resources, the Mingo Knights of Columbus, PNC Bank, Ohio Lottery and Gary W. Cain and Auctioneers. Serving as co-coordinators were Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development; along with Amber Fomenko, JCESC director of special education; Linda Lenzi, JCESC gifted coordinator; and Patty Ferrell, JCESC intervention specialist.
(Photo Caption: Andrew Macdonald, an eighth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Jr. High School in Steubenville, is ready to make a return to the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee later this spring in Washington, D.C. Macdonald, who won the Jefferson-Harrison Regional Spelling Bee this month in Brilliant, made it to the third round of the national competition but is eager for another chance. He is pictured here with his trophy from the regional event.)
Aetna, OhioRISE Assist East Palestine Families
Posted 2/23/2023 at 11:29:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Aetna Better Health of Ohio and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s OhioRISE program are reaching out to assist families they serve in East Palestine following the toxic train derailment in that community.
The organizations provided cleaning supplies and other essentials for five families involved with the program that were temporarily displaced by the disaster on Feb. 3. JCESC’s OhioRISE program, which stands for Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence, is a specialized Medicaid managed care system for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs and Aetna serves as the managed care partner. JCESC is one of 18 care management entities (CME’s) for OhioRISE and represents an eight-county region known as Catchment J that includes Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark.
CME Program Director Linda Trushel collaborated with Amy Swanson, Aetna OhioRISE contract administrator and state liaison, and Maryalice Surgenavic, CME supervisor for Catchment J in Columbiana and Stark counties, to aid those families so they could resume their lives with some sense of normalcy.
“Aetna reached out to me on Feb. 15,” Trushel said. “Amy Swanson said she had been glued to the news stories on the train derailment. She was so devastated for that area of the state.”
Swanson had wondered about community needs and whether OhioRISE members were struggling. Efforts were soon underway to order supplies including Clorox Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray System starter kits, Mrs. Meyer’s Kitchen Essentials sets with hand and dish soap and all-purpose cleaner, trash bags and a care package of snacks to help them as they returned home. The items were delivered with a note from Aetna Better Health -- OhioRISE around Feb. 20.
Trushel said it was one small way to further assist those affected by the derailment.
“This is a true random act of kindness,” she continued. “JCESC has been working with Aetna since March 2022 and this shows how much they truly care about all OhioRISE members in Ohio.”
The OhioRISE initiative currently serves 250 families with offices located in Steubenville and Canton. Care management coordinators help complete a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment to determine eligibility and offer referrals for counseling, therapy and finding community resources. Assistance is rendered for mental health and substance use while youth with multisystem needs are often involved in community systems such as juvenile justice, child protection, developmental disabilities, education and addiction treatment. Children covered by Medicaid will obtain assistance and those with private insurance can receive a waiver for help. For more information, contact Trushel at (740) 406-0440 or go online at
Care Management Entity (jcesc.k12.oh.us). A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at (740) 792-4012.
VLA Officials to Present at Conference
Posted 2/7/2023 at 1:03:54 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Representatives with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Virtual Learning Academy will be among the speakers during the 2023 Ohio Educational Technology Conference on Feb. 14-16.
VLA Director Mark Masloski and VLA Assistant Director Martariesa Fiala attend with Shawn Hicklin, a science teacher for United Local Schools in Columbiana County, during the venue at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The OETC, which is presented by the Ohio Department of Education, is one of the premier P-20 state educational technology conferences in the U.S. According to the ODE, it draws more than 4,500 educational technology professionals and enthusiasts to explore the forefront of P-20 learning and innovation in Ohio. It is designed to “cultivate partnerships, promote collaboration, deliver high-quality information and make technology accessible and enjoyable for educators” and attracts teachers, curriculum and technology coordinators, administrators, higher education professors and administrators, and everyone who is interested in learning more about what’s happening in technology today.
Masloski and Hicklin will present on “Online Learning Dashboard: The Unknown Feature of ProgressBook,” during educational sessions Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. while Masloski and Fiala will speak on “Looking to Track Your Students’ Offline Time? We Can Help!” on Thursday from 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Seventy-five percent of school districts statewide utilize ProgressBook but may not be aware of the feature known as the “Online Learning Dashboard.” Masloski said school districts that use ProgressBook and engage students in online learning will gain an understanding about the tool during the session.
“The Online Learning Dashboard in ProgressBook is the landing page for teachers' materials. You can access courses, activities, grading screens, settings screens, the recycle bin, the ProgressBook Library and more from your Dashboard,” he said.
Among some of the important features are courses which can be linked to one or more GradeBook classes and content such as learning activities, quiz assessments and resources that students can use. Custom content may also be created in collaboration with other teachers and curriculum directors and all Online Learning Dashboard features align with state academic standards and enables blended learning. Because it is seamlessly linked to GradeBook, online assignments and grades can be managed in a single location.
“The Online Learning Dashboard will provide everyone in your district with a meaningful student experience. Your school district can regain valuable time from tedious, manual tasks with automated grade reporting—everything from access to real-time data and ease of use to reliable, secure, and compliant processes,” Masloski noted. “Your teachers can create online assignments and quizzes to utilize during the school day, at home and even create assignments in the future. Parents will have access to the right information at the right time. They will easily access grades and course progress, and students will easily engage with online assignments and quizzes.
This also contains amazing features that every teacher will love. This wonderful tool will help educators run an inclusive classroom by allowing teachers to assign multiple versions of the same test. One can also add many of your favorite tools you're already using into the Online Learning Dashboard via the embed feature.
“Using ProgressBook's Online Learning Dashboard will change your life. This is the one tool every educator needs to save time, give feedback and gamify our classes for the next generation.”
Meanwhile, Masloski and Fiala will discuss tracking students’ offline time during remote learning with the Learning Management System (LMS).
“LMS tracks online time when students log into their accounts and complete assignments, which accounts for their seat time. These assignments can include content, engagement activities, and assessments. What about the time students spend working outside the LMS, on a call from the school or at an out-of-school site? Educators can track students' time by adding offline time. The ODE has approved that this offline learning time can be utilized and recorded as part of student seat time,” Masloski commented.
E-schools have learning opportunities that are not tracked by the school's online system and that take place offline or not on a computer. Schools also need to track student offline learning opportunities and have those opportunities checked and approved by teachers. These include non-computer, non-classroom learning opportunities such as reading, research, completing assignments offline, phone calls with students to discuss coursework, field trips and credit-bearing work experience. A teacher can certify these learning experiences so that the time a student spends doing them can be included in their seat time. The Virtual Learning Academy LMS supports students, teachers, and administrators to add the time students work outside the LMS. In addition to the time log, student work, including pdf activities, word documents, pictures, and movies, can be attached as evidence of the offline time.
Per ODE, remote learning can be viewed as a continuum, depending on the unique circumstances of a school, its educational delivery partners, and the connectivity, abilities, disabilities, and ages of students. If possible, remote learning plans should include an array of learning opportunities that are both online and offline to accommodate these unique circumstances. Wherever a school is on this continuum, the Virtual Learning Academy LMS can support you in providing learning opportunities and ensuring that your students receive credit for their time.
“This feature is not exclusive to students. School districts with the 21st or Learning Loss Grants can adapt it for use with adults within their learning community. It can be used by staff and volunteers to log their time or to support their professional development,” Masloski concluded.
(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy Director Mark Masloski, Assistant Director Martariesa Fiala and United Local School District science teacher Shawn Hicklin will be presenters during the 2023 Ohio Educational Technology Conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Feb. 14-16 and will discuss the little-known “Online Learning Dashboard” feature of the ProgressBook program and tracking students offline time during remote learning. OETC, which is being presented by the Ohio Department of Education, is one of the premier P-20 state educational technology conferences in the U.S. and draws more than 4,500 educational technology professionals and enthusiasts to explore the forefront of learning and innovation in Ohio.)
January is School Board Appreciation Month!
Posted 1/9/2023 at 10:17:44 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
These past years have been some of the most complicated years in history... now is a perfect time to take a moment to say 'THANK YOU' to our JCESC Governing Board for their selfless service, unwavering commitment, and extraordinary confidence & dedication!
The JCESC staff is truly grateful to have this group of individuals leading our organization...thank you!
Grants Given at Indian Creek
Posted 11/18/2022 at 12:29:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
WINTERSVILLE-Teachers in the Indian Creek Local School District are focusing on many facets of improving students, and they are getting some financial aid to make it happen.
Erin Alloggia, Alyssa Lollini and Emily Gault were lauded during the regular school board meeting at Cross Creek Elementary School on Nov. 17 for gaining Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Linda Lenzi, JCESC gifted coordinator, congratulated the trio and said they will each receive $660 to put their projects into practice.
Alloggia, a preschool teacher at Hills Elementary, will use her portion to promote her project, “Enhancing Emotional Development of Children” The grant will help purchase valuable resources from Conscious Discipline to benefit more than 195 preschoolers at Cross Creek and Hills. She said teachers and support staff can utilize strategies that could change the course of a student’s life. Conscious Discipline, which was created by Dr. Becky Bailey, teaches skills for children and adults and also focuses on creating a classroom family where optimal development of all members can be achieved.
“Through the grant, my project will impact not only the 75 preschool students at Hills Elementary, but also the 120 preschool students at Cross Creek Elementary,” she said, adding that she has received previous grants and was appreciative to earn another. “I am so thankful and grateful to be a recipient of one of the grants. Through this grant, the preschool teams at both elementary schools will now have the tools to aid the students in learning about feeling, empathy, resilience, impulse control and school family.”
Lollini, a kindergarten and first-grade intervention specialist at Hills Elementary, aims to incorporate “Hands-on Learning for Hardworking Students.” Her plan is to purchase learning resource activities so students can learn new skills that move away from the traditional pencil-and-paper concept. She said students will not only improve upon their academic skills, but also learn how to take turns, wait and work together as partners and team members. Items within the grant range from alphabet recognition materials to math manipulatives and may also be shared with the general education teachers to use in their classroom settings.
“For many of my students, learning new academic skills can be hard and frustrating, which ultimately can impact them wanting to come to school and learn. My hope is that if I can make learning fun, engaging and captivating, students will be excited to learn new skills and build upon their weak areas,” Lollini explained. “This project will allow me to bring in as many hands-on learning items for reading and math as possible to give my students additional opportunities to work on different skills that step away from paper-and-pencil activities. When having activities that make learning fun and engaging, students may be more willing to participate and step out of their comfort zone. When learning is fun, the impact that it may have on students in regards to retaining the information increases because it becomes an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
She added that the project would impact about 30 students throughout the week; however, the items will be available to general education teachers for their classrooms. She is a prior grant recipient and plans to put her latest allotment to good use.
“I am very excited, grateful and thankful to the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for picking me as one of the recipients of this grant. I cannot wait to tell my students and begin using the different materials during my sessions with them.”
Gault, a speech and language pathologist, will assist more than 100 speech and language therapy pupils at both Cross Creek and Hills with her project, “Everyone Deserves a Voice.” Her allocation will fund a one-time purchasing license of Boardmaker 7, which is downloadable onto a maximum of two devices, or one for each therapist to assist students with verbal communication issues.
“Students will now have access to picture communication symbols and books that can be used as an alternative means of communication for those who are non-speaking, highly unintelligible or those who just struggle in certain instances to communicate their wants and needs,” Gault said, adding that it was her first grant award. “I am very thankful and excited to receive this grant. So many students will benefit from this project and I’m excited to implement it for many students.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients and said the Best Practice Grants helped bring grant ideas to fruition for the betterment of student learning.
“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.”
This year, JCESC awarded more than 20 Best Practice Grants to teachers at Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Steubenville, Southern Local, Toronto and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi presented 2022 Best Practice Grants to three educators at Indian Creek Local School for their innovative projects during the regular ICBOE meeting on Nov. 17. Pictured, from left, are Erin Alloggia and Emily Gault with JCESC Gifted Linda Lenzi while recipient Alyssa Lollini was absent from the photo.)
Southern Local Elementary Teachers Earn Classroom Grants
Posted 11/10/2022 at 1:09:07 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.)
Harrison Teachers Heralded as Grant Recipients
Posted 11/9/2022 at 2:07:53 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
CADIZ-Harrison Hills City School teachers earned high marks after they were awarded the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s 2022 Best Practice Grants.
Harrison Central Elementary School teachers Rebecca Agostini, Misty Barker and Alisha Steele each received $600 grants to further programs which engage students and expound upon their education. JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko presented the grants during the Oct. 27 regular school board session.
Agostini, a fourth-grade science teacher, will use the funding for “STEM: Incorporating Hands-on Learning and Critical Thinking in the Classroom.” The project will impact 95 students today and even more in the future.
“My goal is to motivate students to ‘think outside the box’ and develop critical thinking skills and incorporate other subjects such as mathematics and reading in my classroom,” she explained. “With the money received from this grant, I am purchasing multiple STEM kits, bins and activities. Students will be able to design and build using different resources.”
Agostini is a past grant recipient and said she was thrilled to receive the funding again.
“I am so excited that my students will get the opportunity to benefit from STEM learning. I am grateful to have this option for students and I want to thank the Jefferson County ESC for this opportunity each year.”
Barker, a fifth-grade language arts teacher, is promoting creativity and inspiring students with “The ‘Write’ Attitude.”
“The goal of my project is to get students excited about writing,” she said. “Creating a non-traditional, yet comfortable work atmosphere is one method to increase student engagement. I will be purchasing surf portable lap desks and dry erase clipboards that will enable students to easily transition in and out of the confines of my traditional classroom setting. I find that this flexibility sparks creativity which in turn creates the right attitude for writing.”
She said the flexible seating will be available for 106 students and multiple students at different grade levels. Barker added this was her first application and grant award.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have been selected for the grant,” she said.
Steele, a fifth-grade intervention specialist, collaborated with sixth-grade intervention specialist Kelly Zeroski and plans to use their grant to help roughly 20 students with reading disabilities each year through her “Let’s Read” initiative. She said the project would place fiction and nonfiction books of varying text difficulty levels into students’ hands as they partner up to read in a fun and functional setting.
“Our targeted student base for this project is students with special needs with a focus on reading disabilities including dyslexia. Students would choose their flexible seating mat which we would label with fun creative titles that would allow students to focus on that topic,” she added. “The project could be used with students benefitting from movement while learning. The grant allows for the purchase of books, activity mats and two subscriptions to learning resources.”
Steele said she has received Best Practice Grants in the past for other reading projects and was excited to receive the latest allocation.
“The students will have the opportunity to learn while having fun. We have a great group of students that are looking forward to all the new resources. I am extremely grateful that the Jefferson County ESC offers this grant for teachers. Mrs. Zeroski and I are very appreciative of the funding and can't wait to begin the project with our students.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the recipients and said the intention of the grant is to support education.
“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.”
(Three Harrison Hills City School teachers were heralded for their efforts to excite and engage students in education and awarded $600 Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center during the Oct. 27 school board meeting. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko, teachers Rebecca Agostini, Alisha Steele and Misty Barker and Harrison Hills Superintendent Duran Morgan.)
OhioRISE Staff Undergoes Training
Posted 10/24/2022 at 12:23:32 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Jill Tayfel, care management entity (CME) relationship manager for Aetna Better Health of Ohio, led a training session about deescalating behaviors and diagnostic criteria for mental, behavior and addiction disorders with care coordinators for the OhioRISE program, which will serve Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Monroe and Stark counties. OhioRISE, which stands for Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence, is a specialized Medicaid managed care system for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs with Aetna serving as the managed care partner. About 16 people attended the session on Friday at the R. Larry George Training Annex at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center in Steubenville and JCESC is one of the regional providers for the program. Another session was set for this Wednesday in Canton, where JCESC also offers OhioRISE services at its Stark County CME facility at 100 Central Plaza North. For more information, contact CME Program Director Linda Trushel at (740) 792-4011, ext. 502, or go online at www.jcesc.org/CareManagementEntity. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at (740) 792-4012.
Packer Named Principal of the Year
Posted 10/10/2022 at 12:02:40 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Julie Packer’s guidance at Buckeye South Elementary has not gone unnoticed, earning her the title of 2022 Principal of the Year.
Packer, who was named director of preschool, special education and student services this year in the Buckeye Local School District, was recognized during a Student Success Council meeting in September by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Candidates are nominated for the distinction, which is now in its fifth year, and Packer is the third Buckeye Local principal to be honored.
Her roots are firmly planted in the district, being raised in the Adena area and graduating from Buckeye Local High School. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a minor in music at Muskingum University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University in Tennessee. Packer has been an educator for the past 18 years and served as both a teacher and principal, spending the past five years at South. Her nomination letter detailed her boundless efforts working with faculty, staff and students, her constant presence throughout the building and her strength in the face of the COVID-related shutdown and flooding that prompted a temporary relocation to the former St. Joseph Catholic School in Tiltonsville.
“Managers accomplish things by using resources. Leaders manage by motivating and setting an example and then supporting people while effectively using all other resources,” the letter stated. “Julie Packer is a dynamic leader, not just a manager! Being out in the building is how she measures needs, compliance and behavior. Julie sets high standards for staff and students. She believes that academic excellence only comes with effort by students and staff.”
JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo echoed many of the sentiments, describing Packer as a valuable educator.
“Julie Packer has been recognized for her outstanding school leadership for the 2021-2022 school year. She has demonstrated exemplary contributions of leadership with Buckeye Local Schools and with Buckeye South Elementary in which she held the position of principal,” Sismondo said. “She has demonstrated evidence in the areas of leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, school environment and personal excellence.”
Packer noted her excitement for receiving the honor, saying she was grateful to be part of the local school system.
“I am beyond honored to be recognized as Jefferson County Educational Service Center's 2022 Principal of the Year. As Steve Jobs once said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ I definitely love being in education and try each day to be better than I was the day before,” she said. “I pursued my educational career because I knew I wanted to help children and I have never regretted that choice! No two days are alike and some are really crazy and stressful, but I always get up the next day ready to do it all over again. I want to say thank you for the nomination and recognition.”
(Photo Caption: Julie Packer was named the 2022 Principal of the Year by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for her work leading Buckeye South Elementary in Tiltonsville. The Adena-area resident, who is also a Buckeye Local High School graduate, has spent the past six years working in the district and recently became director of preschool, special education and student services. She is pictured with Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development.)
Brock Joins JCESC as Community Liaison
Posted 10/4/2022 at 11:27:11 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has added personnel to assist youth amid trying times.
Angel Brock, a licensed professional clinical counselor, was named as one of two community liaisons through a Family and Community Partnership Liaison Grant through the Ohio Department of Education. JCESC has received a total of $270,000 through two two-year grants, the first of which was given during the 2020-21 school year to create a position currently held by Jennifer Agresta, who also serves as assistant principal at Harding Middle School. Brock was added through an allocation for the 2023-24 term and will work with Agresta to provide a network of community resources for youth and families in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is based at the Jefferson County Alternative Center in Steubenville and began her role in August.
“The focus of the grant is for children involved in the legal system, not necessarily those in juvenile court but also foster care,” Brock said. “We’ll be working with the court system. The liaison is to help link these services so schools are connected to community resources.”
The program impacts children who face absenteeism to foster care, those who have been affected by the justice system in some form and implements Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for students also experiencing homelessness, adjudication, who are English learners, have parents in the military, have disabilities and who are migrants. Brock and Agresta interact with school districts and such organizations as Children’s Services and the Friendship Room.
Brock received her undergraduate degree from Robert Morris University, earning a bachelor’s in business administration in industrial psychology. She went on to receive her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Franciscan University and obtained her licensure. She served as dean at the Ohio Valley College of Technology for four years and also taught at Eastern Gateway Community College, Grand Canyon University and OVCT before becoming a behavioral health coordinator for Trinity Health System. Brock then went into private practice and also has performed psychological evaluations for people entering nursing facilities.
She now works with youth in a different capacity by helping schools address mental health needs and trains educators on facets of behavioral health, and her task also connects to the new OhioRISE initiative by signing off on safety plans for the children they serve. JCESC was designated as one of 20 regional providers for OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), a specialized Medicaid managed care system for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs and Aetna Better Health of Ohio is the managed care partner for the program. The initiative went live July 1 and JCESC serves an eight-county region including Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark with facilities in Steubenville and Canton.
So far, Brock said she has been enjoying her new experience.
“I love the people. I’m going to work with people with crisis treatment plans for children through the ESC and will sign off on clinical plans,’ Brock explained. “I do see an extreme need for services for everyone, especially children.”
Meanwhile, Agresta said she and Brock will continue to support youth so they receive the care they deserve.
“We will connect schools, families and youth to community resources and local systems of care. Since its implementation, we have worked with schools to give them resources for students and families returning to school after being placed in the justice system,” she continued. “We give the resources to the school districts, and they use them on an as-needed basis for students. This grant covers all students under the ESC’s umbrella and each ESC in the state has a liaison. I am excited to continue the work with the ESC and Angel. I feel that we are making a difference in students' lives.”
Career, Education Fair Draws Crowd
Posted 9/23/2022 at 9:59:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-More than 1,000 high school students from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties converged upon the Fort Steuben Mall on Thursday for the County-wide Career and Education Fair.
Hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee, the fair had an estimated 87 vendors including businesses, trade organizations, colleges and universities, safety forces and military recruiters while students attended from Buckeye Local, Catholic Central, Edison, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Toronto and Southern Local.
The committee, which is headed by Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, includes 12 members representing school districts and businesses who helped organize the fair while the districts also transported their pupils. The event was a first-time effort and organizers hope to see it continue.
Chamber President Kate Sedgmer said the fair was successful and everyone was very engaged. She added that the goal was to introduce students to career fields that are available in the area so they stay local to work after high school or return home from college to build their lives.
“We were very fortunate and it went smoothly,” she said. “All of the businesses and colleges that came from near and far have made it successful.”
Among the highlights were vendors’ tables with representatives from the likes of Timet Corp., and Trinity Health System to Wheeling University and the University of Rio Grande, roundtables with business and college officials discussing everything from production and manufacturing and finance to entrepreneurship, trade apprenticeship and healthcare. Other offerings included free food, giveaways, games and interactive displays.
Some students on hand said they enjoyed the career fair because they learned about options for their future.
“It’s pretty nice to just talk to people from colleges,” said Landon Sgalla, a junior computer networking student from Jefferson County JVS and Buckeye Local.
“I think it was very informative and helpful for people who don’t know what they want to do,” added Conner Scott, a junior at BLHS.
“I thought it was a good opportunity,” said Indian Creek student Leyla Greene. “There was a lot for people who don’t want to go to college.”
“It’s been fun,” said Payton Hersman, a senior at Southern Local High School, who said he enjoyed speaking with college officials.
Representatives on hand agreed it was a great venue to share their knowledge and help students determine their path in life.
“It seems like they are very open to learning new things about jobs opportunities,” said Sarah Malecha, supervisor for Softite Community Federal Credit Union of Mingo Junction.
“We had some with questions about jobs and financial information,” added Tammy Pasqualla, supervisor for the Softite Community Federal Credit Union location in Martins Ferry.
“I do interviews and resume building and help students get from school to college or the workforce,” said Jordan Spence regional network coordinator for Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) of Marietta, adding that he offered guidance to attendants. “My job is getting them career ready.”
Lisa Pearce of Manpower was pleased with the students’ engagement and said she looked forward to taking part in future events, while Jess Kelley of Trinity Health System concurred. Kelley, who serves as community outreach specialist, noted that Trinity was more than a medical facility and provided opportunities for marketing and other skill sets. Pat Maple, environmental engineer for Timet Corp., said his company also had an array of jobs from electrical and welding to mechanical and environmental health and safety engineering.
“We employ a broad scope of degrees and certifications” Maple said.
Jason Welch, an instructor for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 246 of Steubenville, provided a welding simulation and said it provided a hands-on experience for interested youth.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, who led the chamber’s workforce committee, thanked everyone for participating and said he hoped to see the fair continue.
“I appreciate all the people who worked together to make the event happen, as well as the area businesses and colleges that showed up to share information with the students,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “I hope this will be an annual event. We’ll take what we learned this year to make next year’s even better.”
Meanwhile, sponsors included the chamber, JCESC, Village of Wintersville, Trinity Health System, Timet Corp., Steubenville Electrical JATC, Eastern Gateway Community College, American Electric Power, Summer’s Enterprise, Notre Dame College, Ohio College Tech Prep and the Capital Healthcare Network.
(Photo Caption: More than 1,000 high school students from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana Counties attended the inaugural County-wide Career and Education Fair at the Fort Steuben Mall. The event was hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Education and Training Committee and sponsored by area businesses, colleges and trade organizations. Youth met officials to discuss options for their future and also enjoyed free food, giveaways and interactive experiences.)
County-wide Career Fair Planned for Sept. 22
Posted 9/14/2022 at 1:19:24 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Area high school students are invited to take part in the County-wide Career Fair on Sept. 22.
About 1,000 students from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties are expected to attend the event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at Friendship Park in Smithfield. Hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee, the fair will include dozens of businesses, trade organizations, colleges and universities and military recruiters in the commercial building. Chamber President Kate Sedgmer said the purpose is to provide students with options as they forge paths for successful futures.
“The chamber of commerce has a Workforce Training and Education Committee and we talk about ways to get our kids to stay local,” Sedgmer explained. “We want to introduce them to career fields that are available here, and the goal is to get kids to stay here after high school or go to college and return home.”
The committee, which is headed by Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, includes 12 members representing school districts and businesses who helped organize the career fair while the districts will transport their pupils. Students have been invited from Buckeye Local, Catholic Central, Edison, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Toronto and Southern Local. Times will be staggered for their arrivals and Sedgmer said vendors will have intriguing displays to promote their fields.
“We will have around 90 vendors including educational institutions, businesses, trade organizations and all five military branches and they will give students hands-on experience to see if their field is something the kids are interested in,” she continued. “This is the first time for the career fair and we needed a place that is large enough for all of the students and vendors and a place for semi-trucks and simulation projects. [The fairgrounds have] a beautiful space that should be used more often.”
Sedgmer thanked the committee for their hard work and said the group was also responsible for an event last February at Eastern Gateway Community College that featured business leaders, trade union officials and military representatives informing guidance counselors and career advisors on opportunities in the workforce. She hoped the career fair would become an annual activity and also thanked sponsors, which include the chamber, JCESC, Village of Wintersville, Trinity Health System, Timet Corp., Steubenville Electrical, EGCC, Summers Enterprise, Notre Dame College and the Capital Healthcare Network.
“I’m really excited to see all of the businesses gathering to help students. They have elaborate plans for the students to share what’s here in the county.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kokiko hoped to see a great turnout for this new and exciting venture.
“There are nearly 100 vendors between the colleges, businesses and trade organizations,” he said. “We are looking forward to having as many as 1,000 students involved.”
Canton CME Now Accepting OhioRISE Participants
Posted 7/29/2022 at 7:43:20 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
CANTON-The doors are now open for a new Care Management Entity (CME) in downtown Canton to accept participants in the new OhioRISE program.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house were held Friday, July 29 on the lower floor of the Key Bank Building at 100 Central Plaza North and area agencies were invited to mark the occasion, including the Family and Children First Council, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and community officials. The facility is offered through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center in Steubenville, which was designated one of 20 regional providers for OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence). OhioRISE is a specialized Medicaid managed care system for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs with Aetna Better Health of Ohio serving as the managed care partner. The initiative went live July 1 with JCESC serving an eight-county region including Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark.
CME Program Director Linda Trushel said the site includes a total of 22 employees with 15 care management coordinators on hand to aid families in the Stark County area. Trushel said the coordinators help complete a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment to determine eligibility and offer referrals for counseling and therapy. Assistance is rendered for mental health and substance use while youth with multisystem needs are often involved in multiple community systems such as juvenile justice, child protection, developmental disabilities, education and addiction.
“OhioRISE is the new generation of Medicaid to serve children with behavioral health needs,” she said. “It’s so exciting. The setting is very conducive for families and we’re located near the other agencies we work with to provide resources.”
Trushel noted that children covered by Medicaid will obtain assistance and those with private insurance can receive a waiver for help. Currently, there are 345 children in the databank within the eight-county area, but OhioRISE would ultimately serve 2,335 youth across the region and an estimated 60,000 statewide. JCESC received an estimated $1.1 million to establish two start-up locations in Stark and Jefferson counties and the Canton facility operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a crisis hotline also available 24/7.
“The facility is for families to have a safe place to meet with our care coordinators,” added Assistant CME Program Director Lindsay Brandon. “I think it’s really great because it’s going to let us reach the community and help families in the area. We have a presence in Jefferson County and this will help us in the northern area to serve them the best way we can.”
Meanwhile, Trushel said the program would offer centralized care in one location.
“All of the services will be conducted through Aetna and there is only one stop, so all children in Ohio will have the same benefits for their mental health needs and there will be more respite care providers for the families.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko was equally delighted to see the facility operating in an effort to support youth, which aligns with the ESC’s mission.
“JCESC has been working to create the tools necessary to support the successful implementation of the OhioRISE program in our catchment area,” Dr. Kokiko said. “The Canton office will be a great resource to both our employees and the children and families we will serve. We are excited about officially opening the office and look forward to working with the community.”
Plans are underway for the Steubenville CME facility, which is eyed to open later this fall.
The remaining CMEs provide community mental health and substance abuse, specialty care coordination, hospital and educational services. They include Unison Health, Harbor, National Youth Advocate Program, Choices Coordinated Care Solutions, CareStar,
Lighthouse Youth and Family Services, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Healvine, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, The Village Network, The Buckeye Ranch, I Am Boundless, Inc., Wingspan Care Group, Coleman Health Services, OhioGuidestone, Positive
Education Program, Ravenwood Health and Cadence Care Network while some of those organizations are in partnership with the Child and Family Health Collaborative.
For more information on public and partnership opportunities, contact Dr. Kokiko at (740) 283-3347 or
[email protected] and Trushel for children’s referrals to the program at
[email protected] or (740) 792-4011, ext. 502. More information is also listed at
www.jcesc.org/CareManagementEntity. For general inquiries about OhioRISE, contact Jill Tayfel, CME relationship manager for Aetna, at
[email protected]. The 24-hour crisis hotline is available at (740) 792-4012.
(Photo Cutline: A new OhioRISE Care Management Entity (CME) is now accepting participants in the Stark County area after a ribbon cutting and open house were held at the Canton location on July 29. OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is a specialized Medicaid managed care system for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs with Aetna Better Health of Ohio serving as the managed care partner. The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is the regional provider in an eight-county area including Jefferson, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark. Pictured during the event are, from left, JCESC CEO Dr. George Ash, care management coordinator Celestine Barnes, CME Program Director Linda Trushel, office manager Samantha Clevinger, care management coordinator Renee Wine and JCESC IT Director Patrick Keenan. The site operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact (740) 792-4011, ext. 502, or go online at www.jcesc.org/CareManagementEntity. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at (740) 792-4012.)
JCESC Lauds ACT Honorees
Posted 5/11/2022 at 10:15:58 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is honoring local students who gained high marks on their ACT exams.
Fourteen graduating seniors from Edison, Indian Creek, Steubenville Catholic Central, Steubenville and Toronto High Schools are being recognized as 2022 ACT honorees for scoring a 30 or higher on their composite tests. JCESC held an ACT Recognition Breakfast for four years before COVID-19 canceled events, but those soon-to-be-alumni are still being spotlighted for their achievements.
Larry George, president of the JCESC Governing Board, was amazed at the students’ abilities to succeed on the exams and said it was a testament to the encouragement of their families and the educational practices of their schools.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment and I am proud that the ESC sponsors this award,” George added. “It’s a simple token of our appreciation for these students who scored so well on their exams, and I wish them all the success of higher education and in their future.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said only 5 percent of an estimated 1.85 million test-takers—or about 92,000 students—attain such high scores and may also apply to 1,382 colleges or universities across the nation with a good chance of being admitted. The State of Ohio tests 75 percent of their graduates with an average composite score of 22, compared to the national average of 60 percent of students tested with an average score of 21.
“Each year, we see students recognized for a variety of accomplishments,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “The JCESC believes, in addition to the many recognitions that take place over the school year, that we take time to recognize those students who excelled academically on the ACT. We would like to congratulate the students, their families and the schools the students attend on this outstanding achievement. Although the test itself is single-day event and represented by a number, we know their success is the result of years of hard work and would like to wish the students continued success in the future endeavors.”
Among Edison’s achievers are Katelin Kowalczyk, Kathryn Maille, Emma Phillips, Tommy Phillips and Mikayla Reed.
Kowalczyk, the daughter of Scott and Lisa Kowalczyk of Bergholz, received a 31 on her exam. She holds a 4.0 grade point average and has been active in volleyball, Beta Club, FFA, Spanish Club and prom committee. She plans to attend The Ohio State University and study environmental science.
Maille, the daughter of Dan and Victoria Maille of Bloomingdale, scored a 30 on her exam and yields a 4.0 GPA. She was a band member during her high school career and plans to study history at Penn State University-Altoona, then hopes to become a librarian.
Emma Phillips, the daughter of James and Jamie Phillips of Amsterdam, earned a 33 and has an unweighted GPA of 4.00. She has been involved in the marching, concert and jazz bands playing clarinet and serving as an officer, plus she co-founded the chess club, is co-captain of the academic competition team and is a member of Spanish and drama clubs, Jefferson County Youth Coalition and the Valley Youth Initiative. Phillips plans to attend Columbia University to study biochemistry and minor in women’s, gender and sexuality studies, but her goal is to attend medical school, complete a surgical residency and become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a research hospital.
Tommy Phillips, son of Robert Phillips and Christina Gilday of Steubenville, scored a 33 and has a 3.99 GPA. He has participated in golf, academic team, Valley Youth Initiative, drama club and Spanish Club. Phillips plans to attend either Harvard, OSU or the University of Michigan to pursue a double major in mathematics and political science.
Reed, the daughter of Michael and Tina Reed of Richmond, scored a 30 and holds a 4.0 GPA. Activities include varsity sideline football and basketball cheerleading captain and varsity competition cheerleading, National Sr. Beta Club as president with 350 hours of community service, marching band secretary, concert band, Valley Youth Initiative, Spanish Club, Fall 2020 EGCC Student Ambassador, freshman choir, 2021-22 Homecoming and Prom courts and a lifeguard at Belleview Pool. She plans to attend University of Pittsburgh Honors College and medical school to become a doctor of anesthesiology.
Indian Creek senior Kendall Driscoll, the daughter of David and Dawn Driscoll of Wintersville, scored a 30 and has an unweighted 3.97 GPA. She is a four-year member of Key Club and served as treasurer, academic team co-captain and in the marching band with the mellophone squad and as a section leader. Additionally, she is a three-year member of drama club and has been vice president and a two-year member of the robotics club and the National Honor Society, serving in the latter as president. Driscoll plans to attend OSU and major in biomedical engineering.
Steubenville Catholic Central honorees include Francesca Asci, Jack Blake, Johnny O’Karma and Eleanor Stoutz.
Asci, the daughter of Donald and Michelle Asci of Steubenville, received a 33 on her ACT exam and holds a 4.5 GPA. She has participated in tennis, chess club, academic team, band, National Honor Society, Key Club, International Thespian Society as well as miscellaneous community service projects. She plans to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Blake, the son of Jeff and Julie Blake of Wintersville, scored a 35 on his exam and holds a 4.579 GPA. He has participated in marching band, theater, swimming, the Kairos Retreat, football, tennis, chess club, as a soccer referee, lifeguard and Steubenville Nutcracker Village volunteer. He plans to attend Notre Dame to study computer science.
O’Karma, the son of John and Michelle O’Karma of Weirton, earned a 33 and has a weighted GPA of 4.491. He has earned 10 varsity letters in golf, swimming and tennis as well as three academic letters; received the 2020 All-Ohio Golf Academic Award and was part of the 2020 OVAC Golf Championship team; has volunteered for 262 community service hours of community service; served as a two-time leader for the Lisieux household, two-year class vice president, three-year academic team member, four-year treasurer for the Key Club and an NHS member. He will attend the University of Notre Dame to study aerospace engineering.
Stoutz, the daughter of Eric and Monica Stoutz of Steubenville, received a 32 on her ACT exam and holds a 4.3 GPA. She played clarinet in the CCHS Marching Band, participated in drama club, was inducted into the NHS and International Thespians Society, became a Kairos Leader, attended the annual Kairos Retreat and assisted the Steubenville Dance Committee. Her future plans are to attend an unnamed college and pursue a master’s degree in psychology.
Steubenville seniors who made the grade include Cole Antill, Theo Loot and Caitlin Lukacena.
Antill, the son of Charles and Judy Antill of Steubenville, scored a 30 on his ACT and holds a 4.54 GPA. He has been active in wrestling, golf, tennis, Key Club, Rotary-Interact and NHS. Antill plans to attend Youngstown State University and major in mechanical engineering.
Loot, the son of Brian and Emily Loot of Steubenville, scored a 32 on his ACT composite exam and holds a 4.5 GPA. He played varsity soccer for all four years of high school and plans to attend Franciscan University, then earn a law degree.
Lukacena, the daughter of James and Holly Lukacena of Wintersville, received a 30 on her exam and yields a 4.64 GPA. School activities include softball, band, majorette, Key Club, Rotary-Interact, Nike Club, NHS in addition to 300 hours of community service plus employment at the Follansbee Municipal Pool. She plans to attend Ohio University to major in chemistry pre-med, complete medical school and become a cosmetic dermatologist.
Toronto senior Kyle Leonard, the son of Chris and Tracey Leonard of Toronto, received a 30 on his test and has a 4.0 GPA. Leonard has participated in Key Club, student senate where he was president, Beta Club, Phi Theta Kappa, NHS, Close Up and the National Society of High School Scholars. He plans to attend St. Olaf College in Minnesota and his major is undecided.
(Photos: Kowalczyk, Maille, Phillips E, Phillips T, Reed of Edison; Driscoll of IC; Asci, Blake, O'Karma and Stoutz of SCC; Antill, Loot and Lukacena of SHS; and Leonard of Toronto)
George Honored for 35 Years of Service by OSBA
Posted 4/6/2022 at 12:07:18 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-One local educational leader has been honored for his dedication to students and schools during the Ohio School Boards Association’s Northeast Region Spring Conference.
Larry George, who is president of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education, was awarded for 35 years of service during the conference in Warren on March 28. George received a Silver Star as well as a service award in the Star Program for his activity and was humbled to earn the distinction.
“It’s nice to be honored,” he commented. “The voters are the ones who put me in every time I run.”
The Wintersville resident said he originally was appointed to fill the vacated seat of C.B. Henderson on both the JCESC and JVS boards and was later re-elected to the former panel. He has seen education evolve during his tenure and is glad to have been a part of it.
“I’m happy to serve and I enjoy it. It’s amazing to see what it was like in the mid-80s to now with Jefferson Health Plan, the Virtual Learning Academy and Help Me Grow at the ESC. We’re offering legal services to districts and professional development and others services to help keep them up to speed,” George continued.
He served along with Ken Simeral at JCESC and on the JVSBOE, succeeding Simeral as president of both panels five years ago. During his time at the JVS, he has witnessed the addition of new programs such as small animal science and heavy equipment operator that is set to begin this fall, plus building and equipment upgrades to bring the school into the modern era. Other plans are to start a new subdivision and continue preparing students for the workforce. At JCESC, he also was essential in the formation of the professional training annex on Estelle Avenue which bears his name.
“I’m honored to be on both boards and they have been all about teamwork,” he said. “We work well with the individual boards and student success is our goal.”
Meanwhile, JCESC Governing Board Vice President Barry Gullen said George’s commendation exemplifies his longtime support for education.
“Larry George has supported education through his work with the JCESC for more than three decades, and this award is a testament to his longevity and dedication. He has given his time to provide learning opportunities through professional development of teaching staff, programs for students and more. He truly cares about the kids and the schools that we serve,” Gullen commented.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated George for his achievement and said he has been a true leader.
“One of the high points in my career in education has been working with Mr. George. He is a tremendous resource when understanding the historical perspective of education as well the Jefferson County Educational Service Center but more importantly, a visionary who is willing to take risks when looking toward the future,” Dr. Kokiko concluded. “The JCESC and our members schools have benefited immensely from Mr. George’s service and leadership.”
(Photo Cutline: Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board President Larry George was honored for 35 years of service during the Northeast Region Ohio School Board Association Conference in Warren on March 28. He is pictured, at center, with OSBA Trustee Sally Green and OSBA Chief Executive Officer Rick Lewis.)
JCESC Gains $212K to Support Vulnerable Youth
Posted 3/24/2022 at 12:43:05 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-More funding is coming to the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to help support vulnerable youth in the community.
JCESC procured a $212,000 Family and Community Partnership Liaison Grant from the Ohio Department of Education for the 2023-24 school year to create a second liaison’s position who will assist a representative already in place. The purpose of the liaisons is to aid children in need by providing community resources to get the youth back on track. A $58,000 allocation was given during the 20-21 school year to create a position that would help school districts and families facing increased needs as a result of COVID-19. Jennifer Agresta, assistant principal at Harding Middle School, was selected to fill the role and establish a network of community resources, partners and support services for vulnerable youth and families.
JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko said the latest grant is an extension and will carry the program for the next two years.
“It’s to build family and community partnerships two work with the vulnerable youth population,” Fomenko added. “Right now, the liaison has gone through trainings and she surveys local districts to get information. We’ve picked a vulnerable area and that’s our focus: justice-involved youth.”
The program impacts children who face absenteeism to foster care, those who have been affected by the justice system in some form and implements Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for students also experiencing homelessness, adjudication, who are English learners, have parents in the military, have disabilities and who are migrants.
“They had to form a coalition that works with the justice system that’s part of the community to get supports to help those youth,” Fomenko continued, adding the group includes juvenile court and probation officials. “They will look at trying to get a mental health provider to be part of it because the focus is on the whole child, so that will include the social-emotional piece. The liaisons give resources to the districts in the ESC’s consortium.”
Agresta said the new liaison will work with the other school districts and such organizations as Children’s Services and the Friendship Room.
“We look for the resources schools would need to pass along to the students and their families,” Agresta explained. “It could be absenteeism or delinquent juveniles in the juvenile detention center to help them transition back into school seamlessly. It’s stockpiling these resources in a place and schools can go to one location and ask what resources there are for a situation.”
JCESC Grant Tackles Learning Loss
Posted 3/4/2022 at 11:53:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has received a $1 million grant to review the ramifications of the COVID pandemic upon education in a bid to put students back on track to learning.
JCESC was awarded funding through the Ohio Department of Education for the 2023-24 school year which Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said was part of a two-phase plan. Funds were previously given to review needs while the latest allocation would help seek solutions.
“JCESC was awarded funding for the 2022-23 school year and we were given $1 million through 2023-24 to address issues identified in the first round of funding. The first phase was to identify needs and the current round is to put programs in place to address phase one,” he said. “We found academic needs and mental health needs through the learning loss.”
He added that a measurable decline was shown in academic achievement during the 2020-21 school year which was caused by the shutdown of schools. Leaders viewed the learning loss curve before, during and after the pandemic and are now taking steps to rectify the situation.
“Our goal is to continue to enhance an afterschool tutoring program, to address literacy issues and provide Heggerty curriculum training to school district staff. We’re going to look to employ a mental health coordinator to work with students and local mental health agencies and a preparatory course to assist with ACT testing following a decline in schools,” Dr. Kokiko continued. “We’ll begin talks this spring with districts to implement this in the fall.”
JCESC provides other services to help youth through educational and behavioral supports. Schools have utilized the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) to assistant students who may now be credit deficient as well as a host of other test preparation programs in the system. JCESC also offers a variety of high-quality professional development programs aimed at classroom teachers and assisting them with identification learning loss plus strategies for gain. The organization even sponsors the Quest For Success before- and after-school program for students in grades 5-8 who attend Jefferson County schools, and the program also offers virtual online tutoring to help youth get ahead with their studies. Tutoring is available Monday to Thursday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. while students utilize the Google Meet link and work with Quest staff and education students from Franciscan University. The program is a Homework Help with math and literacy using the IXL curriculum for personalized learning. Students can log into a Google Meet for sessions to receive homework and intervention assistance. For more information or to register, contact Mark Miller at
[email protected].
Meanwhile, JCESC recently received a $1 million grant through OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) and will serve as one of 20 regional Care Management Entities (CMEs) for children with severe behavioral needs. That grant will aid start-up costs to build local systems of care for youth and the ESC’s program will benefit some 2,300 children in Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Monroe, Carroll, Columbiana, Tuscarawas and Stark counties. The initiative is anticipated to add 150 jobs and aid some 2,335 youth throughout the region.
OhioRISE Initiative Creates Job Opportunities
Posted 2/23/2022 at 10:02:16 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been named as one of 20 regional providers under a new initiative for children with severe behavioral needs and will require plenty of help to support the effort.
JCESC has received grant funding through OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) and will serve as one of the community-oriented Care Management Entities (CMEs) statewide. Each CME will receive between $900,000 and $1.2 million for start-up costs to build local systems of care for youth and the ESC’s program will benefit some 2,300 children in eight counties including Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Monroe, Carroll, Columbiana, Tuscarawas and Stark.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the program gained $1,110,000 to establish local supports, which could add up to 150 jobs, and spots must be filled before the system goes live this July 1.
“Over the past several years, the JCESC board’s vision has been to expand our outreach and services beyond grades K-12 and help address some of the issues that schools were facing prior to children entering school and upon graduation,” he added. “We began to see an increasing number of challenges in areas of mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities among our students. These issues impacted the education in our schools and the lives of our students and families. We started getting involved in the Family and Children First Council and Help Me Grow, Early Intervention and ENGAGE, and the knowledge and experience has helped us prepare for becoming a case management entity.”
In addition, he said the JCESC’s experience at growing other programs such as alternative schools, the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) and Jefferson Health Plan demonstrated a capacity to successfully implement an initiative of this scale. Officials then learned about OhioRISE and soon became involved. When Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced last April that Aetna Better Health of Ohio would oversee the OhioRISE program, Dr. Kokiko said it created access to knowledge and resources the service had to offer and would enable the regional CMEs to maintain local services for local children and families.
“The $1.1 million grant will fund the initial startup and this would be a bill-back program through Medicaid. The startup will allow us to hire people as well as put the infrastructure in place. The plan is to initially staff one at Jefferson County and one in Stark County with satellite locations in the other areas,” he explained.
About 2,335 youth ultimately would be served throughout the region and an overall estimate of 60,000 kids statewide. The network to support them includes two categories: moderate care coordinator and intensive care coordinator.
“A majority of the 150 people will be in these two categories,” Dr. Kokiko said. “Qualifications include experience in helping children through mental health, child welfare, developmental disabilities, juvenile justice, special education and behavioral health care.”
He said the JCESC was grateful for the opportunity to expand its reach and assist children even further.
“On behalf of all the selected CME’s and the JCESC, I would like to sincerely thank Governor DeWine for his vision and commitment to OhioRISE, as well as all of the cabinet directors and Aetna for this amazing opportunity. We are eager to begin the CME work. Additionally, the grant dollars and support networks provided will ensure the success of OhioRISE while creating a brighter future for thousands of youth and families across the Buckeye State.”
Ohio Department of Medicaid officials announced the launch of OhioRISE last week and said it was the state’s first highly integrated care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multi-system needs.
"Our goal is making sure children with the most complex needs receive the right kind of care, in their hometowns, surrounded by families and communities they know and trust," stated ODM Director Maureen Corcoran. “CMEs are vital to the success of the OhioRISE model. They will serve as the singular point of contact families will turn to in times of crisis, and a welcomed resource for managing day-to-day behavioral health and family support services. Their focus is ensuring that wrap-around, high-intensity care is available, coordinated locally, and clinically integrated for children enrolled.”
The remaining CMEs provide community mental health and substance abuse, specialty care coordination, hospital and educational services and include Unison Health, Harbor, National Youth Advocate Program, Choices Coordinated Care Solutions, CareStar, Lighthouse Youth and Family Services, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Healvine, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, The Village Network, The Buckeye Ranch, I Am Boundless, Inc., Wingspan Care Group, Coleman Health Services, OhioGuidestone, Positive Education Program, Ravenwood Health and Cadence Care Network while some of those organizations are in partnership with the Child and Family Health Collaborative. OhioRISE will be available to youth under age 21 who are Medicaid-eligible. For more information, visit the OhioRISE webpage at https://managedcare.medicaid.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/mac/managed-care/ohiorise.
Full-time positions that are a combination of face-to-face, on-site work will be available with benefits and retirement, and anyone interested from the surrounding areas may apply online at the JCESC website at
www.jcesc.k12.oh.us. Go to the “About” tab and check the employment listing.
January is School Board Appreciation month!
Posted 1/11/2022 at 11:58:54 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
The staff at JCESC would like to extend a heartfelt 'Thank You' to the JCESC Governing Board for always providing support and encouragement! Their leadership has allowed for the JCESC to grow by leaps and bounds as well as earn numerous awards from the State of Ohio. On behalf of the JCESC staff...'THANK YOU!'
JCESC Rated as High Performing
Posted 12/10/2021 at 1:14:33 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has once again been recognized for measures taken to save local school districts money.
The Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Budget and School Funding rated JCESC as high performing based on figures for cost-effective services provided in 2020-21 which enabled districts to put funding back into their coffers.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said those efforts ultimately saved schools more than $720,000.
“ESC’s are required to submit data based on the Ohio Administrative Code. We submitted data for psychologists, alternative schools, legal services, and occupational and speech therapy used by districts in the consortium,” Dr. Kokiko explained. “All of the programs generated $723,957 in savings, or 37.48 percent over outside vendor costs.”
An application was made last summer and all ESC’s must demonstrate and show savings by comparing prices with private vendors. The data indicated that local districts split a total $1,207,423 for services rendered through JCESC while the same price for outside providers equaled $1,931,381. According to the ODE, cost savings across all five of the primary services must generate a minimum of 5 percent for an ESC to be classified as high performing and JCESC has been named high performing for the past three years.
The ESC was notified by Aaron Rausch, director of the Office of Budget and School Funding, who stated that those savings represent value to the school districts.
“We know this is only a part of the total savings you provide each year. This has become even more apparent over the past 20 months. My colleagues and I here at the Department of Education are thankful for your partnership and willingness to take on additional duties as a result of the pandemic,” Rausch added.
Dr. Kokiko said the designation ties directly into the agency’s purpose.
“A part of JCESC’s mission is to build capacity through innovative, cost-effective programs and to improve partnerships and collaborate with educational institutions, families and communities within public and private settings. The high performing ESC application helps validate that JCESC is providing cost-saving programs to its member schools.”
He noted that every dollar the districts save would better serve students through education, and JCESC Treasurer Ethan Tice agreed.
“As a treasurer, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day duties. While completing our High Performing ESC application, it allows time to reflect on how the services we offer as an ESC help provide a significant cost savings to local school districts,” Tice added. “This allows schools to use these saved dollars to benefit students in other ways.”
In addition to providing those services, JCESC also acts as fiscal agent for the Jefferson Health Plan, has partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville and received a 21st Century Grant to provide the Quest for Success program and a Striving Readers grant to bolster literacy in children from birth through grade 12.
Quest for Success is made possible through a five-year, $850,000 grant from ODE and includes a partnership with Franciscan University. The goal is to increase opportunities for students in grades 5-8 to have success in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement and events have been held Monday to Thursday at the Jefferson County Alternative School on Cherry Avenue in Steubenville. Morning sessions are available from 7-8 a.m. with afterschool programming from 2-5 p.m. and more activities are held at the Sycamore Center on North Fourth Street in Steubenville.
JCESC also was among 46 sites in Ohio to obtain the three-year, $500,000 Striving Readers grant through the ODE. The grant focuses on serving the greatest numbers of students living in poverty, students with disabilities, English learners and students identified as having reading difficulties. Five local school districts have enacted the program, with Buckeye Local, Harrison Hills, Southern Local and Toronto City Schools utilizing it at their elementary schools and Indian Creek using its portion to benefit both elementary and middle school pupils. The grant has also provided opportunities for teachers to take an eight-week course at Franciscan University on learning and practicum.
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern Local, Steubenville Catholic Central and Steubenville and Toronto City Schools in Ohio in addition to community schools such as E-School, Ohio Cyber Academy, Jefferson County Alternative School, Coshocton County Alternative School and Help Me Grow in Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont and Carroll counties.
ESC Grant Provides Instructional Coaching
Posted 10/27/2021 at 9:48:49 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Local educational service centers have teamed up to provide teachers another resource to improve upon students’ education.
The East Central Ohio ESC was awarded a $434,185 RemotEDx grant in September to provide virtual instructional coaching to school districts in conjunction with the Jefferson County ESC, Ohio Valley ESC, Muskingum Valley ESC and Gallia-Vinton ESC while Michele Carlisle of ECOESC serves as project manager. ECOESC partnered with the other groups and each are employing a coach while being reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs through the one-year grant. In turn, the coaches work as a team to hold virtual one-on-one or small group sessions with teachers. According to the Ohio Department of Education website, RemotEDx is a state-level initiative that brings together a unique mix of remote, hybrid and blended learning partners from across the state to help schools and districts enhance, expand, and more effectively scale high-quality education delivery models. Consistent with the state’s strategic plan for education, RemotEDx places a premium on equity and seeks to support Ohio’s most underserved students.
Coaches provide a minimum of two days’ face-to-face instruction in addition to online and train educators on strategies to hone their skills and utilize resources. Additionally, YouTube content and a podcast will be produced as an extra resource. Brant Starkey, instructional coach through JCESC, said his work involves assisting teachers in assessing their classroom practice and identifying potential areas for improvement, which may include better and more strategic use of technological tools.
“It is driven by the desire to increase student impact through the use of technological tools that have been properly recommended and implemented,” he added. “The nice thing about this grant and this coaching system is that we are not exclusively bound to the ESC where we are based. If I am not sure how to handle a question that is brought to me, I can either directly ask one of my co-coaches for input, or I can refer the inquiring teacher directly to one of the other coaches. Additionally, teachers are not required to seek out the coach at their particular ESC. Through escsupport.org, they can reach out to any one of us.”
Starkey was excited about the idea of assisting teachers to use technology to impact student learning in a positive way.
“The position is more about getting teachers to evaluate what they are doing in the classroom and seeing if we can come up with a solution to better reach the students that they teach. At the end of the day, it is about helping teachers to make a greater impact on the students they see each day.”
Starkey holds an Associate of Arts degree from Ohio Valley University and a bachelor’s degree in health education 5-12 and athletic training from Marshall University. He taught health for 16 years in the Indian Creek Local School District and pursued an opportunity outside the field around 2014. He has taught at the Jefferson County Justice Center for the past four years and is nearing completion of his master’s degree in education administration from Franciscan University. He is getting acclimated to his latest role and said he and his fellow instructional coaches will work to support and benefit the teachers and their pupils.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko noted that RemoteEDX establishes mini-grants and the consortium applied for funding, and hopes are to renew it in the future to continue the program.
“JCESC viewed the RemoteEDx grant as an opportunity to work with surrounding ESC’s and provide valuable service to our local schools. Just like our students are in different places in their educational program, so are our teachers when it comes to instructional tools and strategies,” Dr. Kokiko said. “With many schools going remote in the 2020-2021 school year, the need for instructional support, especially in the areas of technology became apparent. The grant will allow the newly created network to assist our teachers with their individual needs in an efficient and effective model. We look forward to Mr. Starkey assisting our educators in making the educational experience better for both our teachers and students.”
Quest for Success offering Virtual Online Tutoring
Posted 10/8/2021 at 10:09:27 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Quest For Success program has a new offering to help students keep their grades in check with virtual online tutoring.
Students in grades 5-8 who attend Jefferson County schools may take part in the latest iteration of the program which kicks off for a fifth year on Oct. 18. The before-and-after-school program has held activities at the Quest Center located at 2250 Cherry Ave. in Steubenville and partners with Coleman Professional Services and Franciscan University with the goal of increasing opportunities for student success in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement. Tutoring will be available on Monday to Thursday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. Students will utilize the Google Meet link and work with Quest For Success staff and education students from Franciscan.
“The program will be the Quest for Success Homework Help with math and literacy using IXL [curriculum for personalized learning],” said JCESC Administrative Assistant Mark Masloski, who serves as program manager. “This is the second year and students are able to log into a Google Meet to have tutoring sessions. They can work on homework they need assistance with as well as intervention.”
IXL combines a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, real-time diagnostics, personalized guidance and actionable analytics to personalize instruction and help student progress faster. For more information or to register, contact
[email protected].
Participating students represent Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City School Districts, Bishop John King Mussio, Jefferson County Christian School and home schools throughout the county. Quest for Success is made possible through a five-year, $850,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Education which provides $200,000 annually for the first three years, with $150,000 during year four and $100,000 the final year.
Parker is Administrator of the Year
Posted 9/13/2021 at 1:25:48 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Ken Parker, principal at Harrison Central, was named 2021 Administrator of the Year during the Principals’ Leadership Collaborative meeting on Sept. 9 at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s R. Larry George Training Annex. Parker received a plaque and $700 to be used at his grade PK-12 school. JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo said the governing board recognizes an outstanding school leader each year who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students, and Parker definitely fits that description. The principal was lauded for his exemplary contributions to his profession in the areas of leadership, curriculum, instruction and assessment, school environment and personal excellence. The Administrator of the Year honor has been given since 2018 with Buckeye Local and Harrison Hills City Schools each yielding two recipients. Pictured are, from left, Parker with Sismondo.
Help Me Grow Merging Services
Posted 8/31/2021 at 11:37:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-An organization centered on helping families and babies thrive is merging services this fall.
Help Me Grow, which benefits families in Belmont, Carroll, Harrison and Jefferson counties, will unite its Cadiz and Steubenville locations beginning Oct. 1. The agency currently is sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center with the Cadiz office under the Harrison Hills City School District’s umbrella, but Help Me Grow Contract Manager Linda Trushel said funding issues led to the move.
“The Harrison Hills City School District was notified in May that Help Me Grow lost $460,000 in federal Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV) funding due to a recent needs assessment done by the Ohio Department of Health,” she added, saying the funds were awarded to counties in Southern Ohio.
The results prompted officials to merge the two offices and the staff will now increase to 14 home visitors, two secretaries and Trushel and operate at JCESC’s R. Larry George Training Annex on Estelle Avenue in Steubenville. The group will to continue assisting a total of 325 families in the four-county region by providing visits for prenatal mothers with children through age 3 who qualify. Help Me Grow Home Visiting offers expectant or new parents information and support they need to be prepared for the birth of their child, as well as ongoing education and support to maximize their child’s health and development.
“Our goal is to increase parent knowledge of how children grow and learn, how important it is for children to have a strong bond to their parents and help families learn all the resources in the community so they have what they need to raise their children. We can meet in the family home, virtually or at community site depending on what is easier for the parents,” she added. “I am excited to combine the Harrison and Jefferson families under the JCESC as the administrative agent. The ESC currently serves Carroll, Belmont and Jefferson counties, so adding more families from Harrison and Jefferson will be an easy transition. The JCESC administration has supported HMG services fiscally and administratively since 2013.”
She added that HHCSD served Help Me Grow families in Harrison and Jefferson counties since 2010 and the federal MIECHV grant, which was awarded in 2013, expires on Sept. 30. The move will also result in the closure of the Help Me Grow office on 115 W. Warren St. in Cadiz at that time and Trushel was grateful for the support the agency has received in that area.
“We have made a lot of good friends during that time. I want to thank Harrison Hills City School District for their support and guidance, Superintendent Dana Snider and [District Treasurer] Roxane Harding, along with the staff under their direction. They have all gone beyond the call of duty, Ed Moore has been an awesome landlord and Gary’s Auto Garage staff have been great neighbors. While we will no longer have an office in Cadiz or Harrison County, the same staff will continue to serve families from prenatal to age 3 who live there. We will continue to work with the Harrison County Legions and community supporters for the Back to School, Operation Warm coat giveaway and Share-A-Christmas project in Harrison County.”
For more information on Help Me Grow’s services, call (740) 283-3347.
Substitutes Needed for School Districts
Posted 8/23/2021 at 1:32:18 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-School districts throughout the area are experiencing a shortage of substitute positions and are looking for people to fill the posts.
Substitute teachers to bus drivers are needed throughout Jefferson County and beyond and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center is providing some guidelines for those seeking to apply. JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said substitute teachers were vital to helping children learn.
“Substitute teachers are a very important part of our school systems. In addition to continuing the education process when teachers are out sick, they also provide much-needed classroom covering for teacher training,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “Oftentimes, educational workshops and professional development seminars take place during the school hours and the decision on whether or not teachers will be able to participate is based on the fact that there may simply not be a substitute teacher available. The role of a substitute teacher is often a gateway for new folks to enter the education profession as well as those retiring to stay active.”
Teachers must apply for licensure by contacting a school, district or the JCESC and must not seek a new or renewed license at the Ohio Department of Education’s online system until they have completed the local process. Otherwise, the application will be declined. Applicants must complete the employment process and create an OH/ID account at https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal. The employing organization must be notified to request the employers’ IRN and the organization’s e-signer must approve the application. If working with JCESC, those officials can provide information. Current background checks must be on file with ODE and may be completed at the school district offices or JCESC. Please call to schedule an appointment during school and JCESC business hours. JCESC performs checks on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Costs for BCI checks are $30 and $40 for FBI background reviews with the latter’s results mailed from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to the application within five to 10 business days.
Transcripts must be submitted reflecting the conferred degree, which is a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and may be scanned and uploaded in PDF format to the OH/ID account. ODE does not accept grade reports, photos or photocopies of transcripts or unofficial transcripts. Information must include the following:
- The date of bachelor's degree;
- All transcript pages (front and back);
- A visible registrar's signature and transcript key or guide;
- One PDF file per transcript (Do not upload pages separately);
- Separate uploaded transcripts from multiple universities (Each university transcript must be one PDF file);
- Electronic transcripts which may only be sent directly from a college and must use the email [email protected];
- No transcripts that will expire or are password protected or locked;
Applicants may view previously submitted documents in your OH|ID account under the My Documents section of your CORE Dashboard. Online applications may be submitted by accessing the OH/ID account, clicking on Educator Licensure and Records (CORE), completing the online application from the CORE Dashboard. For complete instructions, go to the link at http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Audiences/Coaching-Permits/CORE-User-Manual.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US. Email JCESC Administrative Specialist Kathy Daubenmeyer the certificate or permit along with current background checks and personal contact information. Upon receipt of the completed documentation, applicants will be added to the participating districts’ substitute list. Those preferring to mail original, official transcripts may send them to the Ohio Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure, 25 S. Front St., Mail Stop 504, Columbus, OH 43215.
Dr. Kokiko said the need for bus drivers has also grown in districts, and they also have an important role in the school system.
“Often in the coaching world, our kids are told that the first step is showing up. In order to educate our students, we need to have them in school. Bus drivers are a key part of our educational system,” he continued. “In addition to bringing students to and from school, they also transport our students on field trip and extracurricular activities. Our districts would welcome any new or interested individuals into their busing programs.”
Anyone seeking a bus driving position must contact the district transportation director to apply as part of that placement process.
Bus drivers must be at least 21 years old with a minimum of two years’ driving experience; be physically qualified pursuant to the Administrative Code; complete semi-annual driver record checks through the ODE while records shall be maintained by
the employer and/or school district for at least six years; be licensed as a school bus operator; hold bus driver certification by a city or exempted village superintendent, community school superintendent, county ESC, county Board of Developmental Disabilities, HeadStart program administrator, non-public administrator or contractor; complete preservice and in-service training; be physically capable of safely and appropriately lifting and managing preschool and special needs children when necessary; be able to cope with stressful situations; have a satisfactory criminal background report (a new report is required every six years with driver re-certification); have a negative pre-employment drug test; and participate in drug and alcohol testing as mandated by federal regulations. Individuals who refuse testing are disqualified from operating a school bus. Those with any of the following shall be disqualified from operating a school bus: more than six points during the past two years; a DUI conviction for alcohol or controlled substances during the past 10 years; two or more serious traffic violations during the past two years; or any railroad crossing violation during the past year.
More information on maintenance personnel to aides is also available for those interested in seeking those positions. For more details, contact JCESC at (740) 283-3347 or email Daubenmeyer at
[email protected].
Parenting Classes Available to Aid Special Needs Children
Posted 6/21/2021 at 8:50:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Parents of children with special needs are getting some extra support with a 14-week training course now available in Steubenville.
ENGAGE, an organization formed through the Family and Children First Council in Jefferson County, is sponsoring the program and has contracted with Kendall Behavioral Solutions of Martins Ferry to provide classes at All 4 Kids, formerly the Children’s Academy located at 4238 Sunset Boulevard. The classes run from June 1-Aug. 31 and are held each Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
FCFC Coordinator Linda Trushel said about a half-dozen families have been involved with the program and it was much needed in the area.
“Parenting a child with special needs is not the same as parenting a child who is typically developing,” she said.
Lessons include behavioral principles, prevention strategies, daily schedules, functional communication training, sleep problems, teaching skills and crisis management. She added that sessions are recorded and parents who miss a lesson may obtain a copy to catch up.
Katie Kendall, a board-certified behavioral analyst who operates Kendall Behavioral Services, co-teaches the sessions with Katie Winter-Hazen, who is also a BCBA and COBA and director of in-home supports for Kendall Behavioral Services. Kendall explained that parents and caregivers have actively participated so they could better serve the children in their charge.
“We currently are providing support to the families by allowing trained individuals to babysit their children so that they can attend the course. We also are able to use part of the course to observe the children and parent interaction, which is instrumental in us tailoring the course to fit the families’ needs individually,” she said. “During the classroom time, we allow them to share what strategies they have used or resources they have found to be useful, so the families can learn from each other. We have already noticed that the support from one another is becoming invaluable and they are forming a bond. They realize they are not alone.”
She added that the course is broken down into weekly sessions to new skills and strategies to use in their natural environments. They also focus on solving problems with them regarding small behaviors and how to functionally communicate with the children. Additionally, they work on addressing how the parent or caregiver’s own behavior can reinforce the child’s behavior as well.
Six parents and grandparents currently take part and the program is based on a Rubric created by Kendall officials.
Kendall said Trushel, whom she’s worked with in the past, had approached her about parent training services. Although the company generally works with clients in a home environment, Kendall agreed to conduct a program at a larger venue.
“I told her we could adapt it and turn it into a group parent training, while also giving parents and grandparents an opportunity for it serve as a support group as well. Linda really made everything possible for this group to happen.”
Kendall added that it was important for parents to keep advocating for their child so they have the best lives possible.
“I truly believe that their possibilities are endless with the right parents pushing them and supporting them. They can achieve and do the unexpected as long as you don’t give up on them. I would also advise parents to welcome feedback and advice from professionals. We often see so many parents get in their own way, which holds the child back. Developing self-awareness is vital tool to your child’s success,” Kendall noted. “We are just so excited to be a part of such a wonderful opportunity for these families. We are excited to see how we can grow this parent training program and grateful that Jefferson County ENGAGE is investing into something that is truly needed. They are setting a standard for other counties and providing a wonderful resource.”
Meanwhile, ENGAGE operates under the umbrella of the Jefferson County FCFC with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center acting as fiscal agent.
For more information about the parent training sessions, contact Trushel at (740) 491-0548 or by email at
[email protected].
JCESC Recognizes Districts for Navigating Difficult Year
Posted 6/10/2021 at 9:26:51 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Area school districts were recognized for their efforts to maintain education while navigating these unprecedented times.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center presented a resolution of appreciation during the June 4 superintendent’s meeting and heralded leaders for keeping studies and safety at the forefront amid the challenges of COVID-19. Schools in the area had a mix of face-to-face, hybrid and remote learning over the past year but have worked their way back to a more normal learning environment.
The resolution states, in part: “Whereas the school year has been subject to well-known difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and many school districts in the State of Ohio and across our nation have not been able to conduct in-person education for various reasons...and schools served by [JCESC] have for most, if not all, of the school year provided in-person education as well as related extracurricular activities and remote education opportunities when necessary in spite of COVID-19 difficulties. The JCESC Board of Education and administration recognizes and congratulates schools and commends all school board members, administrators, teachers and support staff on a job well done.”
The JCESC Governing Board members were on hand and thanked the superintendents, their schools and employees for helping students stay on track.
“Congratulations on a great year,” said member Barry Gullen.
“We are thankful for your dedication and are very proud of what all the districts were able to accomplish,” added President Larry George.
Several superintendents reflected upon the year, saying it was a joint effort between faculty, staff, administration, parents and students. Edison Local Superintendent Bill Beattie noted that despite the disruption of some remote learning, he was pleased with the work his district was able to accomplish.
“We have some truly dedicated administrators, faculty and staff, and certainly the parents and students did their part to make it work,” Beattie said. “Now we can hopefully look ahead to a more normal school year.”
“We were lucky to have in-person learning this year and are looking forward to next year,” said Harrison Hills Superintendent Dana Snider.
On a similar note, leaders discussed learning plans and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said leaders should look at all available options when they create safe opening plans for the 2021-2022 school year. Some of the accommodations made this past year were only possible through temporary health orders and legislation and officials will keep informed on the possibilities for next year.
“As a state and nation, we had some districts that never went back to face-to-face learning this year,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Locally, we may have had some hiccups along the way, but our districts and students did a great job maximizing face to face learning. We will work on developing multiple operational plans but hope next school year has us back to a normal school experience. JCESC will continue to make the safe operation of schools our priority as well as develop a plan to address any learning losses students may have experienced.”
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center recognized school districts for their efforts to navigate these unprecedented times amid COVID while continuing to educate students. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Board President Larry George, board member Barry Gullen, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Zinno, Edison Superintendent Bill Beattie, Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson, Toronto Superintendent Maureen Taggart, Buckeye Local Superintendent Kimberly Leonard, Harrison Hills Superintendent Dana Snider, JCESC Governing Board member Toni Dondzila and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko.)
JCESC Goes Beyond with Assistance during COVID
Posted 5/17/2021 at 6:33:08 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The advent of the coronavirus has Jefferson County Educational Service Center going beyond usual duties when it comes to assisting school districts.
Since the pandemic closed down schools in March of 2020, JCESC and other educational service centers have provided more than online and teacher training opportunities. In fact, they have responded to COVID-19 by supplying districts with masks, rapid tests and capabilities to plan vaccinations for teachers, staff and eligible students. JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the goal was to help students continue their education in a safe and secure manner.
“During COVID times, an average of 20 percent of kids have gone remote this year,” he said. “A lot of kids were not going to school so teachers made sure there was a connection between students and services.”
JCESC has long worked with school districts to maintain a learning curriculum by offering Virtual Learning Academy, which includes an estimated 200 core and elective courses for grades K-12 that are 100-percent aligned to state standards, and ProgressBook, which gives teachers control of lesson plans for students both in class and at home. But COVID-19 resulted in even more opportunities to help the students and schools the organization serves.
“The ESC’s role has expanded during COVID to assist with masks, vaccinations and other needs,” said Dr. Kokiko. “We have distributed masks twice over the school year, and with vaccinations, our initial role was to survey schools to see who would be interested in getting vaccinated among the staff and we informed the health district and helped coordinate agencies to provide the shots.”
Thousands of 3M KN-90 masks were supplied in a collaborative effort between the State of Ohio and Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management Agency so every school student can benefit to attend classes and study more securely. A total of 18,000 masks went to school districts within JCESC’s consortium, which include Buckeye Local, Edison, Indian Creek, Harrison Hills, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville City, Southern Local and Toronto City Schools, in addition to the Utica Shale Academy, Lakeland Academy, Steubenville Catholic Central and Jefferson County Christian School. In addition, JCESC received nearly 1,400 kits for distribution among the districts for staff and students and will follow up if more kits are needed. The schools track the number of kits they distribute and each one uses a scanner and includes a live chat with a health official who provides results via phone call.
But one significant aspect revolves around the formation of a new position to help tie districts and communities together.
JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko said the Ohio Department of Education awarded a $58,000 Family and Community Partnership Liaison Grant for 2020-21 school year which helped create the post. The CARES Act is funding the grant, which will provide 51 liaisons statewide to facilitate the process.
“Funding for this grant was in response to the increased needs of school districts and families due to COVID-19 and Jennifer Agresta is the liaison for our ESC,” Fomenko said. “The JCESC is appreciative to the Ohio Department of Education for the opportunity to build a network of community resources, partners and support services for vulnerable youth and families.”
She added that Agresta and other liaisons will receive training from the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at the Ohio State University to develop strategies to increase local-level communication, outreach and family engagement specifically for vulnerable youth and families. The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center is partnering with ODE to create a professional development plan for high-quality family engagement training which will focus on building community, partnership and best practices between the liaisons.
Agresta, who serves as an assistant principal at Harding Middle School in the Steubenville City School District, said she works with districts and communities to build networks of resources, partners and support for vulnerable youth and families due to COVID-19.
“I am able to collaborate with other liaisons from all over the state to help gather resources to send back to local districts to assist,” she continued. “I am helping to provide support to districts for implementing Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements for students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, experiencing adjudication, who are English learners, with parents in the military, with disabilities and who are migrants. I am also the assistant principal at Harding Middle School in Steubenville City Schools. I believe this helps me understand some of the needs in the schools and allows me to connect with the resources necessary to assist others during this unprecedented time.”
Schools have worked with their health districts with the assistance of Change, Inc., to obtain vaccinations.
JCESC Recognizes ACT High Achievers
Posted 5/3/2021 at 4:05:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is recognizing 13 area high school seniors for their success in achieving high composite scores on their ACT exams.
JCESC has held an ACT Recognition Breakfast for four years to laud soon-to-be graduates who score a 30 or higher on their ACT tests, but COVID-19 forced the cancelation of events for 2020 and 2021. Still, officials hoped to highlight the students’ accomplishments and the latest honorees represent Edison, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Southern Local, Steubenville Catholic Central and Steubenville High Schools.
Larry George, president of the JCESC Governing Board, said the students deserved the accolades and their accomplishments were a testament to the dedication of their respective school districts.
“This is something the ESC is proud to sponsor. These kids are testing over and above,” said George. “In the past, we’ve had a breakfast to honor them and it’s disappointing that we can’t do that again this year because of COVID. We are proud of the students and it speaks to all of the districts preparing them for the next step in their lives.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said that nationwide, 1,670,497 students in the class of 2020 took the ACT and the average score was 20.6. Ohio had an average score of 20.0 in 2019. Of the 19 states that paid for student testing, Ohio tied for fourth in average composite score in the group which saw 98-to-100-percent participation.
“When you begin to look at students scoring 30 or higher on the ACT, you are talking about scores in the top 94th percentile,” Dr. Kokiko added. “JCESC recognizes this outstanding achievement among our member school students and would like to congratulate both the students, their families and school systems for the years of hard work that go into this accomplishment. We wish each student success in their future endeavors.”
Edison High School senior Ireland McCafferty, the daughter of Billy and Jody McCafferty of Steubenville, received a score of 31 on her ACT exam and holds a 4.0 grade point average. She has participated in Beta Club, A Capella Choir, Academic Team and Spanish Club. She plans to attend West Liberty University with a dual major in visual communication design and clinical psychology.
Harrison Central High School senior Alexandra Barcroft, the daughter of Steve and Angie Barcroft of Cadiz, scored a 30 on her ACT test and holds a 4.385 GPA. She has been active with varsity football, basketball and competition cheering, the latter in which she lettered for three years and acts as senior chair captain. She also has been involved with Ohio Model United Nations for three years and participated in mock trial, National Honor Society, as school news/website editor, a baseball concession stand worker/planner for two years and 2020 Biddy Cheerleading coach. Barcroft even dressed up as the HCHS Husky mascot for schools and events, read to children and helped where needed, plus she created compost bins with her service class as a senior project and volunteered at Lancia Nursing Home prior to the COVID pandemic. She plans to attend the University of Akron for biomedical engineering.
Indian Creek High School senior Vyom Dave, the son of Dharmesh and Darshita Dave of Mingo Junction, yielded a 33 on his ACT test and holds a 3.9 GPA. He has participated in tennis, Key Club, NHS, SADD, Robotics Club, Academic Club, Youth Coalition, Biology League and Future Business Leaders of America. He plans to attend Ohio State University to major in computer science and engineering.
ICHS senior Matthew Hope, the son of Suzanne and David Hope Jr. of Bloomingdale, scored a 31 on his exam and holds a 4.6 GPA. He has been active in NHS, Key Club, marching band and concert band during his high school career. He plans to attend the University of Akron to study civil engineering.
ICHS senior Pierce Pietro, son of Mark and Julie Pietro of Mingo Junction, scored a 30 on his ACT test and holds a 4.79 GPA. He has been active in football, swimming and track, has been a member and is currently president of Key Club, participated in NHS and served as treasurer and has worked at Lickety Splitz and Subway. He plans to attend the University of Kentucky to major in biomedical engineering with hopes of working on prosthetic devices for those in need.
ICHS senior Amie Smith, the daughter of Bradley and Erica Smith of Mingo Junction, earned a 32 on her ACT test and holds a 4.69 weighted GPA. During her high school career, she has been active with track and field, cross country, softball, NHS, Key Club, SADD, Drama Club, marching band, pep band, concert band and jazz band, plus she volunteered at the Jefferson County Humane Society and assisted with fundraisers for Key Club and NHS. She plans to attend Ohio University to major in psychology and criminology.
Southern Local senior Sam May, the son of Fred and Erin May of Summitville, obtained a score of 31 on his exam and holds a 4.2 GPA. He has been involved with baseball, basketball and NHS during his high school career and plans to attend Ohio State University.
Steubenville Catholic Central senior Tina Dong, daughter of Qiang Zhang and Bing Dong of Steubenville, scored a 31 on her ACT composite test and holds a 4.515 GPA. She has been active in varsity basketball, tennis, Pep Club, Key Club and NHS. Outside of school, she volunteers at Trinity West and tutors elementary students in English and math. She plans to attend University of Pittsburgh and major in nursing.
SCC senior Joseph Rohde, the son of Jeffrey and Bridget Rohde of Steubenville, earned a 35 on his ACT exam and holds a weighted GPA of 4.666 or an unweighted average of 4.0. He also gained 11 varsity letters in soccer, cross country, basketball and track; took part in seven OVAC championships and received one OVAC First Team Award in soccer and two OHSAA First Team District East awards in track; has volunteered for 219 hours from Boy Scouts to community service; served as an Eagle Scout and senior patrol leader for the Boy Scouts, Gonzaga household leader, NHS president, senior class secretary, Kairos leader and Armis Dei leader. He plans to study chemistry at Franciscan University.
Steubenville High School senior Anthony Desany, of Wintersville, earned a 32 on his ACT exam and holds a 4.0 GPA. He has been active since middle school, where he helped volunteer at a food pantry, and spent his high school years with the Connect Ministries youth group and volunteering at the Sycamore Center. His college choice is undecided but he plans to become a computer animator.
Steubenville senior Tanner Kerr, the son of Thomas and Shannon Kerr of Wintersville, scored a 31 on his ACT exam and has a 4.302 weighted GPA. He was a four-year member of Steubenville High School's marching and concert bands and said becoming involved in school functions and the community greatly contributed to his personal growth. He plans to attend Washington & Jefferson College to major in biology and then seek a career in pharmacy.
SHS senior Emma Settle, the daughter of Jennifer Warner and Daniel Settle of Steubenville, received an ACT score of 31 and holds a weighted grade point average of 4.49. During her high school career, she was involved in a cappella and Jazz Choir, Drama Club, Key Club, tennis NHS and the International Thespian Society and has worked at the UPS Store. Her future plans are to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville to major in pre-med and get accepted into the physician’s assistant program.
Steubenville senior Sofia Slivka is the daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Slivka of Steubenville and scored a 31 on her ACT exam. She holds a 4.56 GPA and has been active in school with Rotary-Interact Club, Key Club, choir, Art Club, Leo Club and the NHS. Both her college choice and major are currently undecided.
Summer School Opportunity
Posted 4/6/2021 at 1:55:25 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
For more information or to register:
VI Students Benefit from iPads
Posted 2/5/2021 at 1:10:33 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-An $8,000 BroadbandOhio Connectivity grant is providing new iPads to benefit visually impaired students in two local school districts.
The technology was acquired by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and will help students at Buckeye Local and Edison Local Schools update older devices. Funding was used to procure six iPads for the visual impairment (VI) unit in both districts and benefits six students as they obtain their education. Officials said costs were split with $2,500 spent for the newer devices and about $5,500 used to purchase public Wi-Fi access.
Nikki Richardson, a teacher of the visually impaired who works through the JCESC, said the iPads will provide updated applications to help them learn.
“The students will use the accessibility features of the iPads to access in the general education curriculum,” she explained. “These features include voiceover, zoom, magnification, talk-to-text, and display and font size options. Book and screen reading applications can be downloaded, allowing students to easily access textbooks and other educational materials. The iPad can also be paired with a refreshable Braille display to enable accessibility for Braille readers.”
Richardson was extremely thankful that students were receiving the technology, saying the VI unit provides services to students throughout Jefferson County who have visual impairment and this would certainly help. Services include accessible materials production, assistive technology instruction, Braille and Nemeth code instruction, orientation and mobility training, daily living skills instruction for the visually impaired and transition planning assistance.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the grant was another way to enhance education for area students.
“JCESC always actively seeks grant funding for our member schools and students. The BroadbandOhio Connectivity grant was a chance to directly help students,” said Dr. Kokiko. “The VI unit was started to provide high quality services to our VI students within the county and in their home district when possible. Before the creation of the unit, students had to travel outside of their school and community to receive the services they needed. We are great full for the school partnerships as well as being able to provide the service locally. Our VI staff does a great job with the students and grants such as these help us to continually improve the program.”
ESC, Schools Touted by L.A.W.S. Movement
Posted 2/4/2021 at 10:29:54 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Local educators have been navigating students through learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, and those efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement (L.A.W.S.) honored nine area school districts and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center with the ninth annual Lee West Award for their ongoing work to maintain education in person or remotely. Cookie West established L.A.W.S. and began honoring educators and community members as a lasting legacy to her late son, Lee, who passed away in a housefire in 2012. She presented individual awards to officials at Buckeye Local, Edison, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, the School of Bright Promise, Steubenville Catholic Central, Steubenville City Schools and Toronto City Schools in addition to JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko.
“I’ve been giving awards for the past eight years and Jan. 31 was the ninth year since [Lee’s] death. We typically have a memorial and award service on that day, but with COVID we felt this would be the best way of celebrating,” she said. “We started to give Teacher Impact Awards because I noticed there were so many teachers who impacted his life in such a memorable way. I knew the contributions they made but they are not only shaping future generations but our generation now, and I wanted them to know how much we appreciate what they do.”
High school students generally have a chance to nominate someone who positively impacted their life, but the advent of the coronavirus altered this year’s presentation and she opted to collectively tout the learning institutions. West gave certificates of appreciation to the districts and thanked leaders for all they do to keep students on track academically during this unprecedented time.
“We decided to think outside the box and still present the award. We gave all of the school districts certificates of appreciation to personally thank them all for the hard work they have to do to get through the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years.”
She recognized everyone from administrators and teachers to staff and bus drivers, saying each person makes a valuable contribution to a student’s life. School leaders were touched by the distinction and lauded West for supporting education and the community.
“We appreciate the recognition and everything Cookie and the L.A.W.S. Movement does for our community,” said Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear. “We’re proud to receive the certificate of appreciation presented to all of our staff.”
“It is a great honor to have the school recognized for all the work that the staff has done to help the students. We have people who are dedicated to the success of students and we are proud of this recognition,” said Dr. Todd Phillipson, superintendent at JCJVS.
“We are honored as a school district to be recognized for such a good cause,” added Edison Superintendent Bill Beattie. “Cookie and L.A.W.S. have done a wonderful job in being creative in honoring her son.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kokiko thanked West and said the L.A.W.S. Movement was an incredible way to honor Lee.
“Cookie has shown great personal strength with the tragic loss of her son and has carried on his dream and vision through the L.A.W.S. Movement. JCESC sincerely accepts the L.A.W.S. certificate and appreciates everything Cookie and the L.A.W.S. Movement do for our community.”
In addition to the Teacher Impact awards, L.A.W.S. also distributes Village Impact Awards to people who build healthy villages for children and provides activities such as a family basketball tournament and birthday bash, plus it financially sponsors a summer church camp for 80-100 kids. West next hopes to establish the WHat’s Right program to support single mothers and fathers with spiritual parental approaches to life. She said it was something her son believed in and her goal is to start the program around 2022-23.
For more information or donations, email
[email protected] or send mail to P.O. Box 307, Steubenville, Ohio, 43952.
(Photo Cutline: Cookie West, who established the Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement (L.A.W.S.), presents a certificate of appreciation to Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko for efforts to help students gain an education during the COVID-19 pandemic. JCESC and nine school districts were recognized for their continued work to ensure students learn, be it in person or remotely.)
January is Board Appreciation Month
Posted 1/4/2021 at 11:35:21 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, JCESC would like to THANK our Governing Board members for their leadership, support and kindness they have shown throughout this challenging year. All that you are doing and the time you are giving has not gone unnoticed. THANK YOU!!!
Indian Creek Teachers Receive Mini-Grants
Posted 11/23/2020 at 9:31:38 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
MINGO JUNCTION-Three teachers in the Indian Creek Local School District are helping their students succeed with unique projects both inside and outside the classroom.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is supporting their initiatives by awarding 2020-21 Best Practice Grants to further their goals. JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi presented three mini-grants totaling $1,800 at the Nov. 19 Indian Creek school board session for Austin Cable and Kent Howell of Indian Creek Middle School and Rachel Bodo of Wintersville Elementary.
Cable, who instructs seventh-grade science and outdoor STEM classes at ICMS, will initiate “Project Trail Blazer” to teach outdoor skills to 233 students. He and grant co-writer Matt Cowser, who teaches health, physical education and STEM at the school, said fifth-grade Outdoor Skills students will use the trail that seventh-graders will build to learn orienteering skills and map reading. Additionally, the outdoor STEM class will maintain a trail that was started on school property and build further into the woods. Both classes also will be implementing Leave No Trace Principles topographic map reading. Cable said the opportunity to go outside at school leads to students using the scientific method to solve problems that arise through planning the best route for the trail and the best way to achieve the end goal. The activity is a stress reducer and promotes imagination, creativity and problem solving.
He added that it was the first grant he and Cowser received and they were excited to bring their ideas to fruition.
“We are partnering with M&M Hardware for many of our tools that they will help supply,” Cable commented. “This will help us to take the students outside and pursue outdoor education. Our grant is for some trail maintenance and building tools along with a class compass set to teach orienteering. Students will help to build a nature trail on school property while learning to read maps and use compasses. The timing is perfect, if there is such a thing, with the pandemic because it will help to provide resources that will enable us to take the students outside and learn new lifelong skills in the process.”
Howell, who teaches music to grades 5-6 at ICMS and is an assistant band director for grades 7-12, will purchase 30 electric piano keyboards to help 154 students learn to name the notes of the Treble and Bass Clef used to notate music. Each pupil would learn how to play simple melodies on a piano and then transfer that knowledge to the piano keyboard. This will allow the student to hear the note as well as see it represented on the music staff and they would benefit by adding a sound with the sight recognition of the materials they are learning. Howell said learning to play an instrument requires multiple thinking skills as well as audio and motor skills.
He said it was the first time he applied for and received a Best Practice Grant and was pleased to receive funding.
“I feel very honored and privileged to be awarded the funding,” Howell added. “I just hope to bring a little joy and music into my students’ lives.”
Bodo, special education teacher for grades K-4 at WES, will help 12 students through her project, “Sensory in the Classroom.” She said incorporating purchased sensory integration materials helps to improve self-regulation and serves as a preventative strategy to improve behavior when used to create a more reinforcing environment. Improved function in the classroom affects behavior throughout the school, at home and in the community. This is also beneficial with daily living skills and activities. Sensory integration can maximize functional ability to perform daily and recreational activities and can increase motor planning ability.
“I am so excited to have received this grant,” she said, adding that it was her first award. “My students will benefit from this grant and I could not be more grateful! I want to thank the ESC for providing these grants.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said teachers work diligently to educate their students and the grants provide an opportunity to engage them in new and exciting ways.
“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 awarded 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: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center presented $1,800 in Best Practice Grants to Indian Creek teachers during the regular school board session on Nov. 19. Pictured for the presentation are, from left, Indian Creek Middle School Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick with middle school teacher and recipient Austin Cable via FaceTime, JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi and Wintersville Elementary teacher and recipient Rachel Bodo. Not pictured is ICMS teacher and recipient Kent Howell.)
Edison Educators Earn Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/23/2020 at 9:19:02 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Educators in the Edison Local School District are implementing programs centering on academic and social emotional learning with grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo presented three 2020-21 Best Practice Grants totaling $1,800 to Jordan Tice, Megan McNear and Tiffany Moses during the Nov. 19 Edison Local Board of Education meeting at Edison High School. Tice, a sixth-grade math teacher at Stanton Elementary, will continue a fun, interactive educational project to build their math skills while McNear and Moses, respectively school counselors at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary, will focus on social-emotional learning at their buildings.
Tice’s plan will benefit about 40 math students with “Classroom Amusement Park,” which provides hands-on learning by creating a KNEX classroom amusement park. They will learn how mass affects speed, how gears work, show how kinetic and potential energy are used and create tables and graphs to show their data. The pupils will then present their findings to the class.
Tice has received Best Practice Grant funding in the past for her projects and was thankful for the latest allotment.
“I am honored to receive the Best Practice Grant. Thank you to the JCESC for offering this grant and giving students the opportunity to learn in new ways. My students are excited to get hands on and create a classroom amusement park,” she noted.
McNear and Moses are both using their grants to benefit a combined total of 750 PreK-6 students through monthly activities.
McNear’s project, “SEL Book of the Month,” is school-wide initiative that promotes literacy while also incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) competencies. Each month, a book focusing on an SEL competency will be read in each grade and about 400 students will complete cross-curricular activities aligned with state academic and SEL standards to help build a stronger school community.
She said she received a Best Practice Grant in 2017 and was elated to earn the latest funding.
“I am very excited to get the funding to purchase social emotional learning books for our school and combine literacy and SEL. It is a great opportunity,” she added.
Moses said her project, “Social Emotional Learning Books,” will enable her to visit the PreK-6 classrooms every month for face-to-face SEL lessons with 350 students. Ohio has adopted five SEL standards and her program will touch on each one using books for the entire building book while video lessons will be sent out to students, their parents and staff on a monthly basis.
She added that this was her first such grant award and it would definitely benefit the children.
“I am so excited to receive this funding to help support the social emotional learning of John Gregg students. I feel blessed to receive help in these endeavors and anxious to get started planning my lessons with these new materials.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the teachers for thinking outside the box and engaging students in interesting ways.
“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 awarded 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 at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented three $600 Best Practice Grants to, pictured from left, John Gregg Elementary school counselor Tiffany Moses, Stanton Elementary school counselor Megan McNear and Stanton Elementary teacher Jordan Tice for their projects during the Edison Local Board of Education meeting on Nov. 19.)
Buckeye South Teacher Earns Grant for Sensory Solutions
Posted 11/19/2020 at 8:47:56 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
DILLONVALE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has awarded $600 to one Buckeye Local School District teacher to help provide sensory solutions for students.
Buckeye South Elementary teacher Alyssa Lollini is a 2020-21 Best Practice Grant recipient and her windfall will benefit 10 special education students through her project, “Sensory Solutions for Sensational Students.” Lollini, who instructs students in grades K-4, will purchase materials to promote in-seat positive behavior, attention to task and body awareness. She said sensory interventions using sensory strategies are a part of evidence-based practices to include exercise, reinforcement and self-management techniques, The items will help students decompress and can be used prior to reaching a point of escalation.
This is the first time she received the mini-grant and Lollini said it would definitely help her students.
“I am beyond excited to be one of the recipients of this grant. I can’t wait to order everything and have my students use the different sensory items throughout the day,” she said. “This is such an amazing opportunity to provide them with the tools necessary to help them best succeed! I am incredibly thankful to the ESC for awarding me this grant and I know my students are very excited as well.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko touted Lollini and all of this year’s recipients for their insightful and innovative ideas.
“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 awarded 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.
Grants Promote Science Programs at Steubenville
Posted 11/19/2020 at 8:43:54 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Teachers in the Steubenville City School District are sharing among $1,800 in grant funding to implement projects for student growth.
Three Jefferson County Educational Service Center 2020-21 Best Practice Grants were disbursed to teachers Heather Hoover, Anthony Kinyo and Matthew Filo to help enact programs primarily centered on science and technology.
Hoover, who serves as an SFA facilitator and gifted intervention specialist at McKinley STEM Academy, is spearheading “How Does Your Garden Grow,” a project where 60 cross-curriculum students will explore aeroponic farming (the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium) and the advancements in producing a faster growth cycle and healthier plants, all while using fewer resources. She said students will also gain the knowledge to explain local food systems and distinguish the means to developing an efficient and sustainable soilless farming method. From sowing seeds to plant anatomy, germination calculations and measuring roots, students will be able to demonstrate an ability to produce quality food and develop a 21st Century workforce mindset, which will enable them to discover entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking skills and solutions to global issues.
She currently oversees the academy’s Idea Lab and works with PreK-4 students, seeing each class once a week. Hoover is a prior mini-grant recipient and was excited to have another opportunity this year.
“I have received the Best Practices Grant before and am very excited about continuously having the opportunity to apply for funds such as these,” she said. “I am constantly looking for ways to expose my students to content that is not only aligned to content standards, but also to real world issues and scenarios.”
Kinyo, who instructs grade 9-12 College Credit Plus students in biology and Earth Science, will introduce 100 biology students to “Microbiological Bacteria Analysis and the Efficacy of Disinfectants.” Through the project, students will sample bacteria from around the school and on their bodies and use various disinfectants and antiseptics to test for their ability to kill the bacteria. Students will develop questions and hypotheses and finish the project by writing up a formal lab report with an introduction, materials and methods, results section with data table and associated graphs and a discussion/conclusion section.
He is a first-time grant recipient and said he will utilize funding to implement his project.
“I am extremely excited to purchase some new lab supplies for my students so that they can gain hands-on experience applying the scientific concepts they learn in the classroom,” Kinyo said.
Matthew Filo, who teaches grades 7-8 science and technology at Harding Middle School, is using his grant allocation for “Sphero Bolt Upgrade.” The project intends to upgrade existing Sphero SPRK+ robots, which are programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way students learn, create, and invent through coding,science, music and the arts. Filo said Sphero can change how students engage with abstract ideas in the classroom, where before students were confused and bored with learning. Now students can get excited about engaging with new ideas and concepts. Critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving are also skills that students learn when using the robots.
Filo was grateful to receive his first funding award to enhance learning for his pupils.
“I am super excited about this funding,” he said. “I am a first-year teacher, so I am very excited to try new things to help my students become lifelong learners. Even though this year has been crazy, I am thankful for all the support I have received from Steubenville and the county.”
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the purpose of the Best Practice Grants is to recognize educators who seek unique ways to teach students and help them achieve success.
“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 awarded 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.
JCESC Grant to Provide High-Tech Learning Tools
Posted 11/13/2020 at 12:23:24 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-A $600 mini-grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center will help dozens of Utica Shale Academy students improve their math skills by using some high-tech learning tools.
Superintendent Bill Watson received JCESC’s 2020-21 Best Practice Grant during the regular USA Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 10. Watson said the funds will help obtain online initiative-surface tablets for 70 students in grades 9-12 who are receiving math intervention. He purchased two Microsoft Surface 2 devices that allow staff to write on the tablets and project onto smart TV’s. The equipment will assist in social distancing measures amid COVID-19 and will be beneficial should the school go fully remote, and he said the items will be influential in breaking down the math curriculum. USA has received mini-grants in the past for learning tools and Watson was pleased to see students benefit yet again.
“We utilized the grant in the past to purchase calculators,” he said. “I am very grateful. We are going to purchase Microsoft Surface Go’s for staff to make videos, so if we go remote we will be ready, and if we don’t will have a good tool for students to relearn skills.”
Now in its seventh year, the Utica Shale Academy operates at Southern Local High School and provides a state-required curriculum with a customizable digital program, flexible scheduling and safety certification courses. Graduates earn a high school diploma, certificates and college credit options offered through Eastern Gateway Community College. The site also partners with the New Castle School of Trades in East Liverpool and offers welding and industrial maintenance training for students.
Meanwhile, JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko applauded Watson and other grant recipients as they strive to educate students during the coronavirus outbreak.
“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: Mike Skrinjar, a teacher with the Utica Shale Academy at Southern Local High School, shows off the latest technology acquired with a $600 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Officials obtained two online initiative-surface tablets for 70 students in grades 9-12 who are receiving math intervention and will assist in social distancing measures amid COVID-19, especially if schools go fully remote.)
Southern Teachers Earn Mini-Grants
Posted 11/10/2020 at 10:56:26 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.)
COVID Alters Quest for Success Format
Posted 11/10/2020 at 9:38:28 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The 21st Century Quest for Success is altering its program in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and youth will now participate in a blended format.
The program, which is now in its fourth year, is provided through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and serves Jefferson County students in grades 5-8 who attend the Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City school districts as well as Bishop John Mussio, the School of Bright Promise and Jefferson County Christian School. Quest for Success partners with Brightway Center, Coleman Professional Services and Franciscan University and Ohio Valley Youth Network with the goal of increasing opportunities for student success in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement.
Officials said remote centers will be offered to continue programming for youth in grades 5-8 around the county. Quest for Success will operate Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its location along 2550 Cherry Ave. in Steubenville but will continue remotely from 2-6 p.m. through JCESC and the Ohio Valley Youth Network, which are also in Steubenville.
“In response to COVID and the Restart Program implemented by both the Ohio Department of Education and 21st Century Quest for Success, we have taken a blended approach this year,” said JCESC Administrator Mark Masloski, who serves as program manager. “We had a conference with ODE officials and there are measures for assessing student health, practicing physical distancing, sanitizing surfaces, exercising good hygiene, wearing masks and other components relevant to a student's daily journey—from stepping on the school bus, to learning in the classroom and eating in the cafeteria. There are also considerations for ensuring equity, social-emotional learning and behavioral health; approaches for professional development and effective remote learning; and ideas for assessing students' learning needs and meeting them where they are.”
About 150 students from throughout the county are participating in on-site activities such as character education, On Track, individual tutoring, culinary arts and social-emotional learning while remote subjects include academic tutoring, literacy and math intervention, crafts, a Young Entrepreneurs/Financial Literacy class, chess club, drama and acting, martial arts, youth “Jobs for Life” and computer lab time.
Quest for Success utilizes Renaissance (STAR Reading and Math) and North West Evaluation Association (NWEA) academic programs and conducts activities with its community partners during the after-school sessions. Coleman Professional Services provides counselors to support students’ social development; Brightway Center has offered programming aimed at promoting positive relationships and decision-making; the Franciscan University Education Department hosts family literacy events; and the JCESC provides programs to promote college and career readiness skills. Masloski noted that COVID restrictions have impacted activities at Brightway Center, for now, but there are hopes to conduct other events that are fun and educational.
“We are planning to do the Dome Theater science education series in the spring based on county health department regulations and another Christmas dinner with all health department regulations adhered to,” he continued.
Quest for Success is made possible through a five-year, $850,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education. The grant provides $200,000 annually for the first three years, followed by $150,000 during year four and $100,000 the final year. Anyone interested in becoming involved as a student, parent, volunteer or partner may contact
[email protected].
Harrison Hills Teachers Receive Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/2/2020 at 4:18:52 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
CADIZ-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is recognizing teachers for making the grade with their innovative projects and programs.
Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and professional development, presented three 2020-2021 Best Practice Grants totaling $1,800 during the regular Harrison Hills City School Board of Education meeting on Thursday. Recipients include Kelli Pridemore, project partner Joelle Jones and Susan Macenczak of Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School and Kelly Turner of Harrison Central Elementary, who will receive $600 mini-grants to purchase materials and implement programs to bolster student learning.
Pridemore and Jones’s program, “Hydroponic Lettuce and Tilapia Production,” will benefit 200 agricultural education students. Funds will be used to incorporate a tilapia tank into the existing hydroponic system which would supply food for fish while water from the tank will be used for the lettuce. The produce will be used in the cafeteria or sold to the community and students will be involved in the setup and maintenance of the fish tank and lettuce production. The greenhouse class will be the primary caretakers of the project and will set up the tank and plant the lettuce in the hydroponic system. Meanwhile, business management students will be involved with marketing and sales of the lettuce and fish plus the animal health classes will help care for the fish.
Jones said agricultural education is available to grades 7-12 at the school and was pleased to see the program get selected.
“Being a first-year teacher with many plans and aspirations, I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of this funding. I plan to use the funds to further develop our greenhouse operations and provide new opportunities to my students.”
More than 100 students in Macenczak’s science classes will participate in her project, “Using Snap Circuits to Understand Electricity.” The hands-on activity helps students learn about electricity with coordination from the Ohio Energy Project and supports student engagement and increased learning of electricity and circuits. Students will understand that energy appears in different forms and will create simple electronic projects using safe materials. As students grow in their knowledge, more challenges and projects can be safely explored at the differentiated pace.
Macenczak, who teaches science, physical science, Chemistry, Geology and STEM, previously earned a mini-grant and was excited to do so again.
“I am so excited to receive the grant this year and be able to purchase the snap circuit kits for the students to get hands-on experience with electricity,” she said. “I will be able to use this in multiple classes. I am excited that the students will be able to experience this without having to worry about costly ways of completing the tasks. These kits will be able to be used in my classes for many years and there are many projects the students can complete.”
Finally, Turner’s 20 math and science pupils will incorporate STEM and creative thinking in their project, “Creation Café.” Students will engage in directed use of materials and bins to create and explore while implementing their multiple intelligences. A maker’s space will be established in the classroom for creative engineering, inventing and purposeful play. The students will use the station daily to create, manipulate and explore things in the world around them. The creation café will house STEM, art, engineering, technology and robotics bins.
Turner, who teaches first grade, said it was her first-ever award and she was excited to use her award to implement her idea.
“I am honored and feel this grant will be a true blessing for my first grades this year and in years to come,” she commented.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko applauded the teachers’ ingenuity to engage their students in fun and educational programs amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“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 for over 30 years 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: Teachers in the Harrison Hills City School District were named 2020-2021 Best Practice Grant recipients by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and earned a total of $1,800 in mini-grants for their classroom projects. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Ron Sismondo; Harrison Central Elementary teacher Kelly Turner; Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School teacher Joelle Jones, who partnered with teacher Kelli Pridemore (not pictured) for the project; and HCHS student Abbi Kelley, student representative for the Pridemore-Jones project. Also not pictured is high school teacher and fellow recipient Susan Macenczak.)
Toronto Teachers Touted for Creativity
Posted 11/2/2020 at 4:12:19 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
TORONTO-Teachers in the Toronto City School District have been recognized for their creative learning programs by receiving mini-grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.
Toronto Jr./Sr. High School teachers Lynne Donohue and Jason Kodysz and Nichole Locke and Jenny Dickinson of Karaffa Elementary were named 2020-2021 Best Practice Grant recipients and awarded $600 each to enhance learning in their classrooms. Amber Fomenko, JCESC director of special education, presented the awards during the regular school board session on Oct. 29.
Donohue, who teaches grades 10-12 Language Arts, will use her windfall for “Publish Your Own Book,” a project where her 30 students will study children’s literature and ultimately create their own story. The final project entails pairing up with an art student to write the story and develop a plot, conflict and resolution within an estimated 20-page tome. The students will also design and layout an actual book using a purchased self-publishing kit and the art student will provide the illustrations. Upon completion, the books will be sent to the publishing company with the finished hardcover copy being donated to the Karaffa Elementary School library.
She is a previous mini-grant recipient and said she was grateful for the opportunity to earn it again to finish the project.
“I’m extremely ecstatic about receiving the grant,” she said. “We were unable to do this project last year due to the shutdown, so hopefully we will be able to get the kits in hand and be able to complete them this year.”
Kodysz, who instructs grades 10-12 science including Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science and Astronomy, will put his first mini-grant to use with “Force Sensors” and 30 science students will use sensor technology and measure accurate data. When data is measured using the force springs, numbers are often difficult to measure due to their inaccuracy, often making it difficult to rely on for calculations. However, the sensors use precise measurements and calculations can be performed that result in accurate and realistic measurements. Learning how to use the technology is also beneficial because it prepares students for the real world, particularly since the sensors are commonly used in college and the workforce.
“I am grateful and relieved more than anything else. Physics can be an expensive subject with the equipment that is needed, especially since I am a very lab-oriented teacher,” he said. “I am glad to receive this grant to find better and more realistic ways for the students to learn Physics.”
Locke and Dickinson’s allocation will be used for “Cardio Drumming,” where the elementary physical education and music teacher will collaborate on teaching musical and cardio activities for 180 students. The pupils will learn how to stay in rhythm while raising their heart rate for cardio endurance. The cardio drumming unit will help students to perform exercise movements while staying on beat to different genres of music. Research has found many benefits to drumming such as lowering stress and anxiety levels to reducing tension. It also increases the immune system, metabolism and heart rate for peak cardiorespiratory endurance.
Locke teaches elementary music for grades 1-5 and choir for grades 6-12 and has received a mini-grant in the past while Dickinson, who instructs physical education for grades K-5, is a first-time recipient. Both were excited to receive the funding to support their program.
“I am excited to have won the grant and to be able to combine P.E. and music together,” Locke commented.
“I feel that the two of us will put the grant to great use while we teach our students,” Dickinson added. “Collaboration between music and P.E. will be rewarding for both the students and the teachers.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko congratulated the educators for taking the initiative during these uncertain times.
“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 for over 30 years 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: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center awarded a total of $1,800 in Best Practice Grant funding to teachers in the Toronto City School District for their innovative projects. Pictured are, from left, are Toronto Jr./Sr. High School teacher Jason Kodysz, JCESC Director of Special Education Amber Fomenko, and Karaffa Elementary teacher Nichole Locke, who shares her project with teacher Jenny Dickinson. Not pictured is high school teacher Lynne Donohue. Photo Credit/Warren Scott The Steubenville Herald-Star)
Posted 10/13/2020 at 11:21:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
JCESC Touted for High Performance
Posted 10/13/2020 at 11:20:35 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is being touted by the Ohio Department of Education for ongoing efforts to provide quality, cost-effective services to school districts.
JCESC has been designated as a high-performing ESC through ODE’s Office of Budget and School Funding after applying this summer. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said documentation was provided to the department for consideration and information included such services as psychologists, speech therapists, legal services, occupational service and alternative schools and saved districts nearly $724,000 in the process.
“An ESC is required to demonstrate and show cost savings to schools. We must submit five programs we offer and compare the price of each program with those of private vendors,” Dr. Kokiko said. “Together, the programs generated a savings of $723,957, or 35 percent over other agencies.”
According to the ODE, cost savings across all five of the primary services must generate a minimum of 5 percent for an ESC to be classified as high performing. Dr. Kokiko said the recognition aligned with JCESC Governing Board’s mission to build capacity through innovative, cost-effective programs and to improve partnerships and collaborate with educational institutions, families and communities within public and private settings. Dr, Kokiko said every dollar that can be saved is one more that schools can put toward the education of children.
“JCESC wants to provide cost savings to our schools, and anytime we can provide districts with high quality options at a reduced cost, money can be put back into education. By operating at a greater efficiency, schools increase the amount of funds available to educate children.”
In addition to providing those services, JCESC also acts as fiscal agent for the Jefferson Health Plan, has partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville and received a 21st Century Grant to provide the Quest for Success program and a Striving Readers grant to bolster literacy in children from birth through grade 12.
Quest for Success is made possible through a five-year, $850,000 grant from the Department of Education and includes partnerships with Brightway Center, Coleman Professional Services and Franciscan University. The goal is to increase opportunities for students in grades 5-8 to have success in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement and events have been held Monday to Thursday at the Jefferson County Alternative School on Cherry Avenue in Steubenville with transportation provided by the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Morning sessions are available from 7-8 a.m. with afterschool programming from 2-5 p.m. and more activities are scheduled for one Saturday per month at the Steubenville location and Brightway Center in Smithfield.
JCESC also was among 46 sites in Ohio to obtain the $500,000 Striving Readers through the Ohio Department of Education this past spring. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the state $35 million and approximately 95 percent of the funding is being distributed directly to local schools or early childhood providers. The three-year grant focuses on serving the greatest numbers of students living in poverty, students with disabilities, English learners and students identified as having reading difficulties. Five local school districts have enacted the program, with Buckeye Local, Harrison Hills, Southern Local and Toronto City Schools utilizing it at their elementary schools and Indian Creek using its portion to benefit both elementary and middle school pupils. The grant has also provided opportunities for teachers to take an eight-week course at Franciscan University on learning and practicum.
In the application, officials noted that JCESC embraced a system-wide culture of service to help meet a wide array of client needs.
“JCESC coordinates collaborative programs to eliminate duplication of human and financial resources, participates in interagency collaborative programs across Columbiana, Belmont, Jefferson, Carroll, Harrison, Coshocton and Mahoning counties to provide efficient, cost-effective responses to at-risk student issues, and provides collaborative, cost-effective direct services for students with disabilities,” it stated. “JCESC client districts are located in the Appalachian region of Ohio covering more than 1,378 square miles and serving a little more than 11,000 students. Given the vast region and limited resources, collaboration enables the necessary services to be provided in the most economical manner possible.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern Local, Steubenville and Toronto City Schools in Ohio in addition to community schools such as Utica Shale Academy, Mahoning Unlimited Classroom, E-School, Ohio Cyber Academy, Jefferson County Alternative School, Coshocton County Alternative School and Help Me Grow in Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont and Carroll counties.
JCESC Providing More Masks for Schools
Posted 10/12/2020 at 2:04:13 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has more face masks available to supply public and non-public schools so students can learn safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said coverings were supplied as part of a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies to support students across Ohio and 18,000 masks will be available to schools within JCESC’s service area. Every school student can benefit from 3M KN-90 masks, which are not medical grade but will enable youth to attend classes and study more securely.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA), in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Education, received 2 million coverings this summer through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and distributed them through regional ESC’s in August. At that time, about 12,000 masks went to schools within JCESC’s consortium. The latest allotment will be available to local sites including Buckeye Local, Edison, Indian Creek, Harrison Hills, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville City, Southern Local and Toronto City Schools, as well as the Utica Shale Academy, Lakeland Academy, Steubenville Catholic Central and Jefferson County Christian School.
Any district within the local consortium that is interested in assistance may contact JCESC at (740) 283-3347.
Superintendents, Experts School Student Teachers
Posted 8/28/2020 at 10:07:18 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Local superintendents and other community experts schooled student teachers as they prepared for the next step of their careers during a three-day seminar at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
More than a half-dozen student teachers participated in the sessions on Aug. 24-26, which included talks from Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko and Steubenville City Schools Superintendent Melinda Young. Rounding out that day’s program were Courtney Mason and intern Charleigh Harding of Help Me Grow and Franciscan University Professors Dr. Susan Poyo and Dr. Megan Reister. The seminar was spearheaded by Dr. Mark Miller, assistant professor and director of clinical and field experience, who said similar events were previously held but he invited community speakers to share their knowledge before student teachers headed out into area classrooms. This year’s group will be working at Harrison Hills and Bishop John Mussio.
“In an effort to prepare our teachers, I’ve created superintendents’ workshops to give them an opportunity to talk to superintendents and ask what they want in a teacher. Some sessions are refreshers and are very relevant and useful,” Dr. Miller said. “The students and speakers also interact.”
Young said her district begins conducting interviews in the spring and prospective teachers should submit applications at that time. She also suggested becoming substitute teachers to gain experience, adding that her district has typically hired 90 percent of subs as employees. Meanwhile, officials noted that the coronavirus has led local school districts to take decisive action when preparing for studies with face masks, social distancing and frequent cleaning, plus schools have added thermal scanners to get accurate temperature readings. Technology has been another tool for classrooms since students could work remotely.
“We’re very fortunate in this area because the superintendents meet once a week and go through their plan,” Young commented. “Our plans are very similar. Before the governor mandated masks, we mandated masks.”
She said surveys were also sent to SCS parents, teachers and community stakeholders and as of now 21 percent of Steubenville’s students are working from home. Young provided copies of her district’s reopening plan and shared protocols such as thermal scanners on buses, Plexiglas desk shields, reduced class sizes to about 15 pupils and isolation rooms for ill students. She added that schools have started using more high-tech tools to provide online platforms for teaching.
“Last year, we had pencil-and-paper assignments for two weeks and then saw the writing on the wall. We started to do research on online platforms. We brought teachers together and decided to do Google Classroom district-wide and Pugliese has a pilot program to do it live.”
The remote learning options could also be utilized during snow days or if a student is absent due to illness so there is no lost instructional time.
School districts follow their respective county’s color codes when deciding between face-to-face, hybrid and remote instruction. Face-to-face learning takes place at yellow or orange levels while the hybrid method is implemented at red and all students work remotely at purple. Superintendents are updated each Thursday and may change operations the following Monday based upon the color level.
During more discussion, the superintendents touched upon the amount of work teachers face from planning to grading, but the best lesson is to establish a rapport with students. Dr. Kokiko said classroom teachers are handing over the reins to student teachers, who should learn to be fair and honest and know the culture of the school where they work.
“We let you learn your craft and this is a serious responsibility. We’re a small community and are letting you into our buildings,” he said. “Teaching is a great profession and a challenging profession. We’ve worked with Franciscan University and this is a great program.”
Additionally, representatives of Help Me Grow explained how their program serves families in Jefferson, Belmont, Harrison and Carroll counties with children from birth to age 5.
Mason, who serves as a home visiting supervisor, said the agency keeps in regular contact with families through visits but those have since gone virtual due to the pandemic. Sessions are held weekly to monthly over a six-month period and families graduate after completing three levels of the program. Services range from parenting skills to basic care while representatives also distribute information about nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization and local resources. Referrals may come from doctors and other agencies such as WIC and parents themselves may register by sending or emailing forms or calling the agency. Clients are assigned through sites at Harrison Hills and JCESC and eligible families must be under 200 percent of the poverty level. They may include military families, a mother who is currently pregnant or already has a child and, children with developmental delay, among others, and extra services not affiliated with Help Me Grow include providing car seats, high chairs and cribs.
“We help families get hooked up with other agencies in the area,” Mason added. “We also work with early intervention if the child has a delay and do drop-off visits by giving materials and supplies at home.”
For more information, call (800) 755-GROW (4769) or go online to helpmegrow.ohio.gov.
Also on hand were Dr. Poyo, director of education, who discussed lesson plans, and Dr. Reister, associate professor of special education and early childhood, who addressed behavior management. Others appearing throughout event were Dr. Rebecca Rook, assistant professor of education at Franciscan, who discussed the edTPA assessment and support system; Mark McGuire, internship development director and career counselor for the career services office, on placement services; Dr. Catherine Recznik, professor of nursing, discussing COVID-19, Lori Roberts, gifted coordinator and teacher for Buckeye Local Schools with a talk on gifted education; and Dr. Miller with an intro to student teaching.
(Photo Cutline: Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko and Steubenville City Schools Superintendent Melinda Young address education majors at Franciscan University as they prepared to begin student teaching in area schools. A three-day seminar was held featuring speakers from the university and community who discussed career-based topics, lesson planning and COVID-19.)
JCESC Assisting Schools in Preparation for New Year
Posted 7/16/2020 at 2:35:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The
Jefferson County Educational Service Center is doing its part to assist school
districts in local counties and throughout Ohio as they prepare for a new term
in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
JCESC Administrator Mark Masloski said he not
only has been helping districts under its umbrella in Jefferson, Belmont and
Columbiana counties but also in areas as far as Columbus and Cincinnati. Questions
remain about an actual start date, which for now appears to be in late August, but
schools hopefully to be session this fall. Masloski said officials are looking
for the best and safest way to provide an education for thousands of students,
be they in the classroom or working remotely at home.
“We have been working with a lot of schools in Ohio, probably 100,” he said. “We’re working on how they will implement a blended learning approach for students. What’s happening around Ohio is at the beginning of the school year we’ll be face-to-face in classrooms, but some parents may want to keep their child at home, so there will be a digital platform for them.”
On that note, students may partake of
online learning with the Virtual Learning Academy, which includes an estimated
200 core and elective courses for grades K-12 that are 100-percent aligned to
state standards, or ProgressBook, which gives teachers control of lesson plans
for students both in class and at home.
“If we go to a Level Four and shut down again, the teacher can still use the curriculum through ProgressBook,” he explained.
JCESC has aided districts since the state
mandated school closures in mid-March and provided VLA and ProgressBook
services to maintain a learning curriculum, while additional online tools such
as Zoom and Google Hangout have kept students and teachers in touch through
videoconferencing to discuss their lessons.
Masloski cited the work of school districts to map out an amenable plan to continue
education amid the current health climate.
“All of the schools have many options and strategies and they have plans in place. The public needs to understand that schools are doing what’s best for the students, staff and community,” he continued. “Schools are prepared and have contacted parents about surveys on whether they want their student to return to class or work remotely. There are plans to either do this for nine weeks or for the entire year.”
Access to work is another factor, particularly
in rural areas where internet capabilities are few and far between. Masloski
said online work is also downloadable and may be printed or put onto a zip
drive so affected students may work offline. Details are still in discussion
and he noted that he has remained in contact with school districts via
telephone or internet to ensure operations run smoothly.
“We are working with schools in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus and partner with other ESC’s and this is the time of year where we update our courses, and we are trying to meet the needs of the schools.”
JCESC Honors Top ACT Scorers
Posted 6/11/2020 at 4:26:20 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center is giving a group of high school graduates some overdue honors for achieving high composite scores on their ACT exams.
JCESC has hosted an annual ACT Recognition Breakfast
for the past four years to recognize those seniors who scored a 30 or higher on
their ACT Composite Tests, but the fifth installment scheduled for this spring
was nixed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Honorees represent Edison, Harrison
Central, Indian Creek, Southern Local, Steubenville Catholic Central,
Steubenville and Toronto high schools and leaders wanted to spotlight their
accomplishment during their senior year.
Larry
George, president of the JCESC Governing Board, said canceling the breakfast
was unfortunate but it showcases the best of the best when it comes to testing.
“I know they are going to achieve great things in the future,” George added. “It’s nice when we are able to honor them and their parents are proud. The breakfast is something we hope to continue for many, many years to come.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said only 5 percent of an estimated 1.85 million test-takers—or about 92,000 students—achieve such high scores and may also apply to 1,382 colleges or universities across the nation with a good chance of being admitted. The State of Ohio tests 75 percent of their graduates with an average composite score of 22, compared to the national average of 60 percent of students tested with an average score of 21.
Meanwhile, he shared some words of encouragement as this year’s honorees start a new chapter in their lives.
“JCESC wishes we could have held our ACT Recognition Breakfast as we had in the past. Our board and staff enjoy the opportunity to meet the students and families from our member schools and celebrate this tremendous accomplishment,” Dr. Kokiko said. “This school year did not end as most had planned but the unique times are the ones that you will remember the most as they will stand out in your memories. Be proud of what you have accomplished and best wishes with your future endeavors.”
Among the recipients are the following:
--
Alex Mayle, the son of Larry Mayle and Janet Bendle of Richmond, who attended
Edison High School and earned a grade point average of 3.46. He participated in
the National Beta Club and varsity basketball, was a tutor and American Red
Cross volunteer and now plans to attend The Ohio State University to study
mathematics.
--Harrison Central High School’s Lee Sponaugle, the son of Mickie and Tammy Sponaugle of Cadiz, who graduated with a 3.079 GPA. While in school, he was involved in wrestling, track and football and now plans to join the U.S. Army.
--Rachel
Barnett, the daughter of Robert and Jennifer Barnett of Wintersville, who is an
Indian Creek High School alumna. She graduated with a 4.912 GPA and will attend
Miami University of Ohio as part of the University Honors Program
with a double major in psychology and neuroscience and minor in Spanish. Her
future plans are to attend graduate school and pursue a career in neurology.
--Lainie
Hagerty, the daughter of Sean and Tamara Hagerty of Bloomingdale, a fellow ICHS
grad who holds a 4.931 GPA. Hagerty plans to attend the University of
Pittsburgh Honors College to major in mathematics and her goal is to pursue a
career in secondary mathematics education.
--Madolyn
McDonald, the daughter of Drs. Robert and Nicole McDonald of Steubenville,
another ICHS alumna who holds a 4.858 GPA. She will attend OSU and major in
biology with a minor in music, after which she plans to study medicine
--Myka
Woodford, the daughter of David and Kimberly Woodford of Salineville, who
graduated from Southern Local High School with a 4.222 GPA. She plans to take a
gap year before studying environmental engineering in college.
--Francesca
Boni, the daughter of Dee and Joe Boni of Steubenville and a graduate of
Steubenville Catholic Central High School. She earned a 4.5 GPA in high school
and will study nursing at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
--Brian
Dao, the son of Andy Dao and Ngoovinh Doan of Steubenville, graduated from CCHS
with a 4.0-plus GPA. He plans to attend OSU during the next term.
--Edith
Harold, the daughter of Philip and Rachel Harold of Steubenville, a CCHS grad
who earned a 4.551 GPA. She will attend Franciscan University in the fall.
--Patrick
Kuebler, the son of Daniel and Nellie Kuebler of Steubenville, who graduated
from CCHS with a 4.661 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.
--Margaret “Maisie” Leonard, the daughter of Matthew and Veronica Leonard of Steubenville, who graduated from CCHS with a 4.57 GPA. She plans to attend Franciscan University to study either philosophy or psychology.
--Isabella
Oliver, the daughter of Vince and Nancy Oliver of Weirton, a Catholic Central
alumna who earned a 4.37 GPA. She plans to study nursing at Kent State
University Honors College.
--Alex
Barnhouse, the son of Eric and Lori Barnhouse of Steubenville, who yielded a 4.6
weighted GPA while at Steubenville High School. He will attend OSU in the fall
and major in aerospace engineering.
--Makayla
Walter, the daughter of Mark and Janet Walter of Steubenville, who graduated
from Steubenville with a 4.43 GPA. She plans to attend Ohio University to major
in English and pre-law and pursue a career in law.
--William
Lewis, the son of Shon and Jessica Lewis of Toronto, who graduated from Toronto
High School with a 3.951 GPA. He will attend Shawnee State University to major
in computer science with a focus on game programming.
JCESC Continues to Aid Schools Amid Closure
Posted 4/21/2020 at 11:18:13 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-As
schools shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jefferson County Educational
Service Center is doing its part to assist teachers and students alike.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued closures for
the remainder of the school year in an effort to reduce the spread of the
virus, but the homebound teachers and students have relied upon instructional
materials known as blizzard bags and online coursework to maintain an
education. JCESC has provided help in that realm to prevent disruption to
student learning.
Administrative Assistant Mark Masloski said technology
has been an optimum tool to help students maintain their education outside the
classroom.
“We’ve worked with them and have two platforms: Virtual Learning Academy and Progress Book. Progress Book is something classroom teachers use in the Ohio Valley that puts grades into the gradebook, but they can also use the curriculum. When students complete assignments their grade goes directly into the gradebook,” Masloski said. “VLA is for individual students with a VLA account. Overall, we’ve had an increase but we’ve had more schools do Progress Book.”
He said the online method provides
flexibility so students can work at any time, plus they may also speak on
videoconferencing programs such as Zoom and Google Hangout to discuss lessons.
One upside is that younger generations are more tech-savvy and have been
adapting to their altered educational environment. For those with limited
computer or internet access, printable lessons are available to help keep all
of the students on track.
“I think they have been pretty adaptable and are definitely not far behind [in their schooling]. We’ve also been doing more training with teachers and staff,” he said, noting that JCESC staff also videoconference regularly and update VLA courses as needed.
Coy Sudvary, principal at Wellsville High
School in Columbiana County, said his students were utilizing VLA to assist
with their studies.
“We are using the VLA curriculum,” he said. “Teachers are posting lessons in Progress Book and also into Google Classroom. We are using it in grades 8-12 in various content.”
Sudvary said the VLA curriculum has allowed
staff to use the state-aligned curriculum to support online learning for
students and most of the pupils have adapted to the online format. Some
students do struggle but that is primarily due to lack of internet access or
technology at home.
“The VLA curriculum has been very beneficial and easy to use for our staff and students. We appreciate the support and trainings the JCESC has provided Wellsville Schools.”
Austin Cable, an eighth-grade teacher at Indian Creek Middle School in Mingo Junction, said while the change has been an adjustment, he has still been able to ensure pupils were keeping up to date with their studies. Cable said he has been utilizing the ESC’s science curriculum for his classes along with the Discovery Education Techbook that students used while still in school.
“The online curriculum has helped the lessons to stay Ohio standards-based, and when they complete the assignments their grades get communicated directly to Progress Book, which is the platform we use to keep track of our grades and assignments,” he said. “As for students adapting to working from home, they have adapted well and ask questions through email. It is a bit more complicated to communicate online but everyone is learning some new skills and finding their way through. Sometimes we have students that say they want to be schooled from home and this is a great trial run for them and their parents. I think it will be interesting to see if any make the transition once we get back to the physical school building.”
Meanwhile, JCESC officials also conducted an
online professional development session with educators in the Indian Creek
Local School District. Ron Sismondo, JCESC director of curriculum and
professional development, said the session was done utilizing the Zoom
videoconferencing program which has been a great tool for distance-meeting sessions.
Sismondo used the platform to inform teachers about the Ohio Teacher Evaluation
System, or OTES 2.0, which is the new system for evaluating teachers and will
replace OTES 1.0 beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
“This transition will take place for all districts that have renewed their collective bargaining agreement after Nov. 2, 2018,” he said. “If districts have a collective bargaining agreement in place before that time, they will remain with the OTES 1.0 system until they negotiate a new agreement and then will transition to OTES 2.0.”
He added that the March meeting was for
Indian Creek Middle School teachers and the video platform offered a convenient
way for the group to gather while they practice social distancing, plus it
could serve as a viable alternative classroom.
“The Zoom platform can be a way for teachers to conduct sessions with students in real time and students can interact with the teacher, as well. There are other platforms such as GOTO Meeting, Cisco WebEx and many others,” Sismondo said.
“We are also maintaining all other services that we offer through emails, texts and videoconferencing. We offer any district the opportunity to have any professional development through videoconferencing if they wish to do so during this time or any other time.”
Continuity of Education Plan for Schools
Posted 3/9/2020 at 3:56:08 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
For more information about JCESC Continuity of Education program, contact:
740.283.3347 ext. 134
Distance Learning Grant Aids Local Schools
Posted 1/22/2020 at 10:28:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has received more than $519,000 in federal funds to help local schools give students what they need to thrive.
JCESC gained the U.S. Department of Agriculture Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant administered through the Rural Utilities Service. About 133 projects received grants in 37 states and two U.S. territories and the local funding will be utilized by JCESC and the Help Me Grow program in Jefferson and Harrison counties, as well as the Family Recovery Center, Jefferson County Juvenile Court and many of JCESC’s member school districts. Among the districts included are Steubenville, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Southern Local and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. The federal grant totals $519,602 with a local match of $67,780 and will help install technology and implement Project Access so local rural residents-- namely students and their families-- can take advantage of health and wellness and educational programs via videoconferencing.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the
funds would be used to develop two initiatives to address the needs of residents,
students and families in Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties who lack
sufficient transportation for services. One component would provide
telemedicine services through a variety of counseling services, including
individual behavioral health therapy, group therapy and other forms of family
counseling. An existing mentoring program also will allow for the use of
technology so students may meet remotely for guidance counseling and other
topics. Another facet would support distance learning for early intervention
services, including initial meetings with EI staff, parents and children or
students through videoconferencing to discuss the overall need for testing and
the introduction of why an individualized education program, or IEP, may
benefit their child or student. The technology could also assist with EI team
meetings where multidisciplinary care team members could discuss development or
IEP implementation.
JCESC is partnering with the Family Recovery
Center to offer end-user sites with access to individual and group outpatient
therapy services for families in need. In addition, the agency may present its
Aiming High prevention program via videoconferencing to ensure all districts
have access to the program for students in grades K-6. Help Me Grow also will
use the technology to mentor children who may be struggling at school and
conduct home visits for parent support, early prenatal and well-baby care and
parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of
children to qualifying parents and mothers. Moreover, the county juvenile court
will be a hub site to deliver services to project end user sites.
Dr. Kokiko said the costs over everything
from laptops and cables to cameras and monitors to help bring services into the
21st Century, thereby saving time and improving upon productivity.
“The premise behind this is there was an internal study in the county which found barriers through personal and public transportation. Rural areas have no access and ultimately this equipment will allow us to put the service use by alleviating the transportation issue and schools can link to counselors, the Family Recovery Center and the ESC. This can be adults to adults and adults to students,” he explained.
A similar DLT grant was given to Edison Local Schools last year totaling $498,015 with a $75,000 local match so the district’s three buildings could benefit from related services.
Dr. Kokiko said the endeavor is another way
for JCESC to enhance services.
“As an ESC, we’re very excited to bring these resources to our member districts and the community. Our goal is to increase the availability of resources as well as the efficiency in which they are delivered,” he concluded. “We’re looking forward to working with all of the grant participants and implementing equipment and programs in the coming months.”
JCESC CEO Dr. George Ash echoed those
sentiments, saying the educational service center always looks at ways to
provide quality assistance to the entities it serves.
“This has been an ongoing process of bringing agencies together and it is a work in progress as we keep adding more,” Dr. Ash said. Since 2013, the JCESC has also included the likes of Southern Local Schools, Help Me Grow and the Family and Children First Council.
EdChoice Vouchers Draw Concern
Posted 1/8/2020 at 9:31:02 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Area school superintendents had a chance to address their concerns on the impact of Educational Choice vouchers upon their districts during a recent meeting with state legislators.
Leaders from Indian Creek, Toronto,
Steubenville, Harrison Hills, Edison and Southern Local met with Sen. Frank
Hoagland (R-30th) and Rep. Don Jones (R-95th) at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center this past month about the Educational Choice, or EdChoice, vouchers, which is part of a scholarship program launched in 2006 and offers private school vouchers to students in grades K-12 who are assigned to “low-performing” public schools. Participating private schools are required to accept the voucher as full tuition for students whose families are at or below 200 percent of the poverty level, and school districts—not the state—pay the costs.
The superintendents expressed concern about
how their districts could lose funding to private facilities amid low
indicators on state report cards, even though they have worked diligently to
attain ever-changing standards. Schools which score a D or F, including
performance added for the past two years, are eligible to lose money through
the voucher program. A main sticking point is that while schools are showing
improvement, they may still lose thousands of dollars that could hinder
education. However, there are ideas in the works to ease the situation.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said
the issue spurred officials to contact Sen. Hoagland, who then invited Rep.
Jones, House education committee chairman and a longtime teacher in the
Harrison Hills City School District. Rep. Jones said the matter first came to
his attention in the spring and he was working on an immediate fix until a
permanent solution is found. Among the ideas are to make EdChoice a second
option and move the appropriations date to March or April 1; remove buildings
from the list if their score improves to a C-minus, unless the school receives
a D or F grade in value added; and changing the grading system to meeting,
exceeding or not meeting standards. Legislators are also eying a plan to set an
end date for EdChoice scholarship appropriations and the student must be
enrolled for an entire year to receive the funding.
“A lot of kids are people we haven’t seen in our districts,” he said. “A lot of school districts have good relationships with [private schools in their area] and it’s driving a wedge. One option would be to be put language in as an amendment to a current bill with an emergency clause. We know this is a short-term fix and will have to look at something long-term.”
He added that the state report card does not accurately account for what schools are doing, and surprisingly Steubenville’s Harding Middle School was on the list even though the district earned an ‘A’ rating.
Steubenville City School Superintendent
Melinda Young questioned test scores between her district and an area private
school, saying the latter was considerably lower yet it benefitted through the
voucher program.
“Eighty-two percent at Steubenville are passing, but at the private school students are passing with much lower rates on third-grade math,” she commented, adding that she had difficulty finding information on the EdChoice schools. “What’s fair for me should be fair for them. If a school district gets EdChoice funding, they should have the same requirements I have.”
Amid more talks, Indian Creek Superintendent
Dr. T.C. Chappelear referred to a study by the Thomas Fordham Institute which
found that only more advantaged kids who were eligible used the voucher
program, while they wind up doing worse than if they remained in the public
school system. He said his district stood to lose a half-million dollars as a
result of the current voucher requirements.
“It’s an experiment like charter schools. Our communities believe in our schools and it is frustrating when you have legislators saying you are not doing a good job,” he added, noting improvements over the last three years at Indian Creek High School, which showed growth from an F to an A. “If you take $500,000 out of our district, it will be difficult to maintain that momentum.”
Toronto Superintendent Maureen Taggart said emphasis was also being placed upon health and wellness success and currently half of the district’s children are enrolled in the school-based health care program.
“We have to do so much more than educate children. We’re being graded on an academic report card on other services we’re providing,” she said, adding there was a significant difference with state report card results. “Our score is similar to Indian Creek’s but we’re not on the list.”
Harrison Hills Superintendent Dana Snider noted
that schools are constantly facing obstacles to meet ever-evolving standards.
“I’m okay with testing because it’s set a bar for us,” said Snider. “Now that bar has been set so high that I don’t know how anyone can reach it. I like the value added because I look at the growth of the kids.”
“Every time we spend time testing, we are not spending time teaching,” Young commented. “We should not test every year; we should test in fourth and eighth grades.”
Southern Local Superintendent Tom
Cunningham said students are being put into one mold even though they are not
the same.
Rep. Jones responded that as a teacher, he
was aware of what was happening in schools, while Sen. Hoagland interjected
that the Ohio Department of Education did not appear to be included in the
decision-making process.
“Let’s fix the problem and get back to the job we’re supposed to do and educate kids,” Rep. Jones replied. “I appreciate what I am hearing from you folks. It’s important to have people in that business to help make decisions. The report card has to be fixed and the report card triggers EdChoice. We have to get that thing right first. We have to meet requirements to get federal funding. We should meet the federal requirements and let the schools tell their story.”
(Photo Cutline: Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland
(R-30th) and Rep. Don Jones (R-95th) met with local
school superintendents at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to
address concerns over Educational Choice vouchers. The superintendents said
current voucher requirements would affect funding while private schools were
not held to the same standards as public districts. Rep. Jones, House education
chairman and a longtime teacher, said he was working on immediate fixes until
long-term solutions could be found.)
Edison Teachers Benefit from Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/22/2019 at 10:48:32 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Jefferson County Educational Service Center awarded three Edison Local School teachers with 2019 Best Practice Grants to expand students’ knowledge.
Stanton Elementary teachers Jordan Tice and
Mikayla Tice and John Gregg Elementary educator Kathy Ramsey each received $600
mini-grants during the regular Edison Local school board meeting at Edison High
School on Nov. 21 to put their classroom ideas into practice. JCESC is awarding
a total of 22 grants to seven school districts, a vocational school and a
community school during the 2019-20 academic year to help recipients bring
their ideas to fruition.
Jordan Tice plans to use her mini-grant for
sixth-grade math students to code an MIT program known as Scratch.
“It is designed for younger students to be introduced to code. While students will not have to type out binary code, they will still have to choose the right actions to create the exact movement they want,” she said. “Coding movement is based off of the coordinate plane. This is a sixth-grade standard, so students will be able to understand how the movement actually works. Students will start off by animating their name and this will help them learn the program controls. Then students will be able to create a scene from a story of their choosing and add sound, movement, and backgrounds. Finally, the students will be able to code a game similar to Space Invaders or Mario. The Best Practice Grant will be used to provide students with books that will help with the projects along the way.”
She said the project will benefit 73
students and she has received a Best Practice Grant in previous years.
“It’s an honor to be selected,” Tice added. “This grant has allowed for me to create end-of-the-year STEM projects that genuinely excite the students. Thank you to the Jefferson County ESC for offering this opportunity for teachers.”
Mikayla Tice, a first- and second-grade intervention
specialist at Stanton, will use her windfall to continue a school-wide Book of
the Month initiative which promotes literacy and also incorporates the recently
implemented Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) matrix used across
the district. She said it will benefit 400 students in grades PreK-6 in the
process.
“Each month a book will be chosen and read across grade levels and activities will be completed in each subject area to cover state standards through enhanced learning,” she explained.
Tice is a
first-time Best Practice Grant awardee and was honored to be chosen.
“I am so excited to be able to implement an initiative in the school that will promote literacy and will be a fun way to build community. I cannot thank the Jefferson County ESC enough for providing this opportunity to so many districts. The ESC is truly aiding in the learning of so many students in the area. Stanton Elementary is grateful for all the support that the Jefferson County ESC shows our school and looks forward to using the grant to provide students with enriched and enhanced education through the Book of the Month initiative.”
Ramsey, who instructs music to grades PreK-6 at John Gregg, is establishing an early childhood music curriculum with her project, “Preschool and Above Enrichment through Music.”
The funding will help acquire eight desktop
bell sets that will allow more than 100 students to learn music theory and
recognize various pitches by ear, kinesthetically and visually.
“My project is a Preschool Prodigies music curriculum that introduces early learners to pitch recognition with the use of solfege, colors, rhythms, and the musical alphabet,” she said. “The district purchased the online curriculum which will be used in most of the primary grades. The grant was written in order to acquire several sets of the colored and pitched desk bells that are used for the kinesthetic and aural learning part of the curriculum. It is my hope that our early music learners will be able to have great sense of pitch after several consecutive years of this. It would greatly enhance their singing abilities and learning an instrument.”
Ramsey is a previous Best Practice Grant
recipient and said the latest allocation will be put to great use.
“I am very grateful in receiving this grant. It allows me to purchase the starter sets of bells to begin this new curriculum. More will be needed, but it’s a start. I am excited to see the progress with the students in the next few years.”
JCESC has been awarding Best Practice Grants for more
than three decades 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 Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and
the Utica Shale Academy, while an estimated $106,500 has been disbursed within
the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County
Educational Service Center presented three $600 Best Practice Grants to Edison
Local School teachers during the regular school board meeting on Nov. 21 for
their creative classroom programs. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Coordinator
Patty Ferrell with teachers Mikayla Tice, Jordan Tice and Kathy Ramsey.)
Indian Creek Teachers Obtain Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/22/2019 at 10:44:38 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
MINGO JUNCTION-Teachers in the Indian Creek Local School District are the latest recipients of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s 2019 Best Practice Grants and will use the funds to expand upon technology and literature in their classrooms.
Ashley Turnbull, Rebecca Canestraro and Staci Copeland each gained a $600 mini-grant to develop successful students and were recognized during the regular Indian Creek school board meeting on Nov. 21. JCESC is awarding a total of 22 grants to seven school districts, a vocational school and a community school during the 2019-20 academic year to implement the educators’ innovative ideas.
Turnbull, a preschool teacher at Hills Elementary, will use her windfall for her project, “Auditory Development.” She plans to purchase three Qball Throwable Wireless Microphone Systems that will provide auditory needs in preschool as well as the third-grade inclusion room. The equipment will help those learning to speak and also soft talkers get their voice heard. With inclusion being an important part of the educational setting, she said it can be difficult for some peers to understand and hear other students in the classroom. The Q-Balls will be used for the whole group instruction such as carpet time as well as small-group center academic time.
“We’re really excited,” she said. “This helps [students] get their voices heard.”
The project benefits about 100 students at
Hills. Meanwhile, Turnbull said she has received Best Practice Grants in the
past and was thankful for approval this time.
Canestraro, who instructs third-grade English and Language Arts at Wintersville Elementary, will promote “Expandable Reading to Meet Student Interest.” Her project entails purchasing books to expand a student’s independent reading level by reading books of interest.
The project will allow for the library to
expand its reading collection and priority will be given to expanding
non-fiction selections, since non-fiction library selections are limited and
are typically above grade level. The books will be shared with all grade
levels.
“My project is a classroom library expansion that allows all students the opportunity to read suitable books that accommodate their interests and reading level,” she said.
Approximately 60 students will benefit from the project and this is Canestraro’s first Best Practice Grant award.
“Receiving this grant is very relieving. This grant helps to guarantee that resources are being provided to all learners at their reading level. The grant has provided my classes with access to more literature that appeals to their interest and the expansion of the classroom library would not be possible without it.”
Copeland will use her grant allocation to fund “Differentiation for Gifted and Higher Level ELA through Multimedia.” The idea is to acquire a program to differentiate reading material at higher levels for gifted, above-grade level and post-high school level students. The ‘Actively Learn’ reading program concentrates on critical thinking and depth at many levels through informational text, literature, entire novels and corresponding videos. Copeland, who instructs eighth-grade English and Language Arts at Indian Creek Middle School, said the focus is to shift the teacher’s role to facilitator so the students can take control of their own learning, while the program is aligned to the Ohio Learning Standards.
“I was in need of higher-level resources for my gifted and above-grade level students in the area of Language Arts,” she explained. “These students need to be engaged in high-interest and upper-level reading and thinking texts through technology. In addition, I will be able to differentiate reading material at higher levels to meet my students’ needs.”
About 30 honors and gifted program students
will benefit from the program and Copeland said she was a prior mini-grant
recipient.
“I am very grateful that the JCESC offers this grant, so teachers are able to get the extra resources they need for their students.”
JCESC has been awarding Best Practice Grants
for more than three decades 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 Jefferson County Joint Vocational
School and the Utica Shale Academy, while an estimated $106,500 has been
disbursed within the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County
Educational Service Center awarded three $600 Best Practice Grants to Indian
Creek Local School teachers during the Nov. 21 regular school board session for
their unique classroom programs. Pictured are Indian Creek Middle School
teacher Staci Copeland with JCESC Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi. Not pictured
are Ashley Turnbull of Hills Elementary School and Rebecca Canestraro of
Wintersville Elementary.)
Mini-grants Awarded at Steubenville
Posted 11/22/2019 at 9:59:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
STEUBENVILLE-Teachers
in the Steubenville City School District have gained funding to help promote
environmental and STEM initiatives.
Helen Casto, Heather Hoover and Mackenzie
Filtz each received a $600 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County
Educational Service Center during the Nov. 20 Steubenville City School Board of
Education session. JCESC
is awarding a total of 22 grants to seven school districts, a vocational school and a community school during the 2019-20 academic year to implement the educators’ innovative ideas.
Casto, a fourth-grade teacher at Pugliese West Elementary, will promote vermicomposting with 75 students to generate viable material from food waste and integrates a program which was previously funded through a similar mini-grant. “Raising Worms for Compost” will help continue the compost garden that was started four years ago by a Best Practice Grant and Casto said the garden has increased from two garden beds to 10.
“Pugliese West fourth graders will use vermicomposting to utilize food waste from our homes and school lunches,” she said. “After the worms eat the scraps, the compost will be collected from the worm factory and used in our school garden beds.”
Students will build, document, analyze and perform maintenance to operate the vermicomposting bins and the compost will be used for all school gardening projects throughout the year. In addition, the school’s 485 pupils will benefit since they will use the compost to enhance the soil in the garden beds. Casto said has also received a mini-grant for a prior literacy bag program to implement restorative practices in every grade level, but she was grateful to earn another award and said watching students become excited about learning through gardening has been a rewarding experience.
“One thing that gets our students so excited is finding bugs and worms in the garden and to be able to expand on that excitement, with the funding from the Best Practice Grant, energizes me to become a better teacher.”
Hoover, an SFA facilitator and gifted intervention specialist at the McKinley STEM Academy, is adding “Just a Little Spark” to her lessons by introducing students to simple circuit connections in the primary grade level. About 60 students in grades PreK-4 will benefit from the project.
“Chibitronics is an ideal way to introduce primary students to simple circuit connections. With the use of stickers, paper circuits, and foil tape, this project will enable students to produce connections in the form of individual expression and art. Students will learn to design, connect and create unique and personalized hands on activities and gain a better understanding of electrical components and how they have changed the world,” she said.
Hoover is a first-time recipient and was
honored to receive the funding.
“It is an honor to have the ability to provide my students with uniquely designed hands-on activities that will promote curiosity and innovation,” she added. “I appreciate the opportunity to apply for grants such as this, and JCESC’s ability to help promote greater experiences in the classroom, with their continuous support throughout the county.”
Filtz, who teaches fourth-graders at the McKinley STEM Academy, was excited to receive a grant to help her 21 students grow academically, technologically and socially. Her project, “Robotics and Coding,” would provide students with engaging hands-on experiences using technology to problem-solve and engineer with robotics and to construct circuits. Students will follow the engineering design process of ask, imagine, plan, create and improve.
“My project for the Best Practice Grant includes STEM items to be used in daily science labs. Students will have the opportunity to invent, build and discover in a daily rotation,” Filtz commented. “They will have the opportunity to build circuit connections, build and solve problems with OSMO software and construct robots through coding.”
She is a first-time mini-grant recipient and
was thrilled to be selected.
“I am extremely grateful and excited to be able to provide my students with the ability to use their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to follow the engineering process to invent, build and discover with hands-on experiences with circuits robots, and technology. I would eventually like to add more of the same products so students have a 2-1 ratio.”
JCESC
has been awarding Best Practice Grants for more than three decades 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
Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and the Utica Shale Academy, while an
estimated $106,500 has been disbursed within the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”
Growing Great Kids
Posted 11/20/2019 at 11:42:53 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Michelle Miller of the Tennessee-based Growing Great Kids program led a four-day training session for eight home visitors with the Help Me Grow agency at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center in Steubenville. The program, which was provided through the Ohio Department of Health, focused on the Growing Great Kids curriculum used with clients in the home. Help Me Grow Home Visiting, which is sponsored locally by JCESC and the Harrison Hills City School District, serves about 200 families in Jefferson, Harrison, Carroll and Belmont counties and offers expectant or new parents information and support they need to be prepared for the birth of their child, as well as ongoing education and support to maximize their child’s health and development to age 5. For more information about Help Me Grow, call (740) 283-3347 in Jefferson County or (740) 942-2622 in Harrison County.
Southern Local Educators Earn Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/15/2019 at 11:56:02 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Educators in the Southern Local School District were highlighted for their ingenuity after being selected as 2019 Best Practice Grant recipients.
Ron Sismondo, director of professional
development and curriculum with the Jefferson County Educational Service
Center, presented three $600 mini-grants for Holly Davis, Jessica Coleman and
Andrew Vulgamore during the Southern Local Board of Education meeting on Nov.
13 so the teachers may implement innovative learning projects for their
students. JCESC is awarding a total of 22 grants to seven school districts, a
vocational school and a community school during the 2019-20 academic year to
help recipients bring their ideas to fruition.
Davis, who instructs kindergarten at
Southern Local Elementary, is using her funding to create independent learning
centers. The Centers That Last project will incorporate non-fiction books, word
work, sight words, play dough, writing and phonemic awareness materials so
students are more successful and learn faster when they experience things on
hand. She added that students could work more independently, while hands-on
activities help children to strengthen the muscles of the hand, improve
accuracy and learn functional skills that they will use for the rest of their
lives. The project will benefit 19 students now but will be sustainable well
into the future.
“It is my hope to have these materials for years to come and that many children will benefit from this grant,” she said. “I also plan to share with my sister’s kindergarten class here at Southern Local.”
This is Davis’ first award and she was pleased to be selected as a recipient.
“I am very excited to be one of the three chosen from Southern Local to receive the grant. It will feel like Christmas morning when all the materials arrive. Thank you to the Jefferson County ESC for providing this awesome opportunity to our school district.”
Coleman, who is the fourth-grade intervention specialist at SLES, plans to expand upon the school’s newly created sensory area and calm down corner by adding more elements for students to use, plus additional resources for teachers from books to calm down zones in their own classrooms. The grant will help purchase bean bag chairs, books, a weighted blanket, sensory pad and a calming LED projection light for the sensory area and allow teachers and students an area to work through emotions, behaviors and regulation while keeping students in school.
“The calm down area is primarily used for students who have difficulties with self-regulation and students who have emotional upsets that disrupt the classroom learning environment,” she explained. “Calm down areas can also be used for students who need scheduled breaks, students who need social or emotional specifically designed instruction and students who benefit from check-ins throughout the day.”
Coleman is a first-time mini-grant
recipient and is grateful for the opportunity so she may help her young
charges.
“I am eager to see the sensory space and calm down areas be used by our students,” she said. “Thank you to the Jefferson County ESC for offering this grant, and also thank you to the administrators and staff for working with me to help my vision come to fruition.”
Vulgamore, who teaches career-based
intervention for grades 9-12 at Southern Local High School, has opened the
Wigwam Warm-Up student store to teach his pupils how to operate a business.
“We are creating a student store at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High and the students will run it,” he said, adding that it benefits all students and not only the 33 pupils he teaches in his classroom. “Students will be in charge of ordering, marketing, budgeting, earning projection and manufacturing the products. They will gain real-world learning at a smaller scale and will have the roles of employee, supervisor, CFO and CEO.”
Funding will help provide merchandise such
as snacks, drinks and even shirts, hats and mugs. Purchases also include a Heat
press machine with digital transfer for shirts and hats to mugs and all sale proceeds
will go back into the store to maintain operations. Vulgamore said it was his
first mini-grant and he was pleased to receive the award.
“I am super excited about receiving the grant. I was not sure if we would be able to get the store up and running and would like to say thank you. I am very grateful for being awarded this grant.”
JCESC
has been awarding Best Practice Grants for more than three decades 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
Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and the Utica Shale Academy, while an
estimated $106,500 has been disbursed within the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”
(Photo Cutline: Ron Sismondo, Jefferson
County Educational Service Center director of professional development and
curriculum, presented three $600 Best Practice Grants for teachers Holly Davis,
Jessica Coleman and Andrew Vulgamore during the Nov. 13 Southern Local school
board meeting. He is pictured with Coleman, at center, and Davis while Vulgamore
was not present.)
Utica Shale Academy Obtains Grant for Calculators
Posted 11/15/2019 at 11:52:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SALINEVILLE-Utica Shale Academy students have new tools to obtain success in their studies, thanks to a $600 Best Practice Grant.
Executive Director Bill Watson obtained the mini-grant through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and a check was presented during the regular USA Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 13. A total of 22 grants were awarded to seven school districts, a vocational school and a community school during the 2019-20 academic year and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko made the latest presentation, touting the community school’s work to prepare students for the real world.
Watson said the funds will be used to
acquire 12 new TI-85 graphing calculators to assist approximately 70 students
with their math work. The project will assist in updating the site with the most
current technology and provide guidance for students to become more proficient
with content.
“The current calculators will only allow students to plot one point,” he said. “By using the calculators, students will develop a stronger understanding of graphing and plotting multiple points. This will create an ideal visual and an ability to distinguish between graphs and functions.”
Watson added that students currently borrow
calculators from Southern Local High School, where USA is primarily housed, and
the equipment would help prepare for end-of-year testing. The community school
has obtained grants in the past and he was grateful for the most recent
allocation.
“It’s always nice to have opportunities and this grant is obviously giving our students a lot of opportunities,” he added.
USA currently includes 67 pupils at Southern Local and
the satellite location at Columbiana High School. Now in its sixth year, the
community school is sponsored by JCESC and serves grades 7-12 with a
state-required curriculum which includes a customizable digital program,
flexible scheduling and safety certification courses. Graduates earn a high
school diploma, certificates and college credit options offered through Eastern
Gateway Community College.
Meanwhile, JCESC has been awarding Best
Practice Grants for more than three decades 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 Jefferson County Joint
Vocational School and the Utica Shale Academy, while an estimated $106,500 has
been disbursed within the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Dr. Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”
(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County Educational Service
Center awarded a $600 Best Practice Grant to the Utica Shale Academy to acquire
upgraded calculators for students in the community school. Pictured is USA
Executive Director Bill Watson, at left, with JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck
Kokiko.)
Buckeye Local Teachers Receive Mini-Grants
Posted 11/8/2019 at 9:53:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
DILLONVALE-Educators in the Buckeye Local
School District are among the 2019 Best Practice Grant recipients through the
Jefferson County Educational Service Center and will use their allocations for
unique learning projects.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko recognized
teachers Jeff Merrill, Colleen Weekley and Jenny Potts during the regular Buckeye
Local school board meeting on Nov. 4 and presented each of them with $600
mini-grants to implement their ideas. JCESC is awarding a total of 22
mini-grants to seven school districts, a vocational school and a community
school during the 2019-20 academic year.
Merrill, a math teacher at Buckeye Local High School, said his funding will help eight students develop a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) project for the school’s annual Sea Air & Land Challenge competition. Roughly 40 students from Ohio and West Virginia participate in the contest each year and the event is sponsored by Penn State University’s Electro-Optics Center (EOC).
“My project is an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). I have eight students in my STEM class who will be responsible for building and operating the ROV,” he said. “This is the first time I have received a Best Practices Grant. I feel honored to receive this grant so that the students at Buckeye Local can have even more STEM experiences. They learn to build, troubleshoot and work collaboratively on a common goal.”
Merrill said the
funds benefit junior and seniors in his STEM class and thanked JCESC for
awarding the mini-grant so students have more opportunities to expand their
learning skills.
Weekley, an intervention specialist at Buckeye North Elementary, will purchase critical-thinking activities for her project, “Everyone Needs a Little Help from a Friend,” to communicate and collaborate and think outside the box so students can play to their strengths.
“I am getting hands-on learning materials for students to collaboratively work together. There are STEM activities, science, math, reading and social studies activities, games and challenges. Some of the materials will be used in class, but most of the activities will be utilized during Title or recess time. With students and people so focused on technology, I wanted activities that would challenge the students without the use of technology,” she said. “I am really excited to be able to give the students the opportunity to create, learn and make mistakes on their own in small groups.”
Weekley that it would benefit more about 80-100 fifth- and sixth-grade
pupils but other grade levels may use the materials. She commented that it was
her first Best Practice Grant and she was grateful to have her project chosen.
Potts, a kindergarten teacher at Buckeye South Elementary, will use her windfall for “We Know Our ABC’s and Want to Share Our Recipes,” a project in which her 25 students will publish a cookbook with help from the community.
“This collaborative project will involve the students, their families, the community and the teachers at school. The kindergarten students will create a collaborative ABC’s recipe book that will be professionally printed and bound,” she said, adding that her pupils will be responsible for interviews, writing the recipes and drawing illustrations. “After all of the recipes are collected, the class will work together to bring the book to life. The students will use their letter knowledge to put the recipes in alphabetical order. They will also be able to use their math skills to number the pages. The students will then learn what it takes to be a published author by making a rough draft of the book.”
The book will be released through Studentreasures
Publishing Company and the class will receive 29 copies of the book as included
in the grant, but unlimited additional copies may also be purchased. Potts
added that her students will benefit from the collaboration as well as
practicing the skills they learn in the classroom. Additionally, they get to
share their hard work with the world by displaying their book in the school
library. Potts also hopes to make the book an annual class tradition.
"This grant would allow us to have the start-up supplies to use year after year. Next year, the students would have to pay for the book, but we would be able to start earlier because we will have the necessary items and experience to begin right away.”
JCESC has been awarding Best Practice Grants
for more than three decades 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 Jefferson County Joint Vocational
School and the Utica Shale Academy, while an estimated $106,500 has been
disbursed within the past 12 years alone.
“The Jefferson County Educational Service Center Board governs with a belief of making decisions that are beneficial to our students. Most of those decisions are impactful at the district level,” said Dr Kokiko. “The Best Practice Grant program provides an opportunity to directly assist teachers and students in the classroom. JCESC is grateful to the teachers who apply for the Best Practice Grants and we look forward to funding innovative instructional practices in the classroom each year.”