Edison Local
Stanton Promotes Positivity with School Store
Posted 10/6/2026 at 7:12:31 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE- Stanton Elementary School is promoting positivity by rewarding students’ good deeds with a chance to shop at their school store.
Principal Kodi Peterson said the program got underway at the beginning of the school year as a way to bolster the school and district’s mission to “Be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe,” and it has already shown great promise.
“The school store is for kids who meet expectations with behavior, grades, and attendance,” Peterson said. “It’s building characteristics, so when they leave Stanton they ultimately can become good citizens.”
When a student meets expectations, they earn special funds known as “Peterson Pennies” that they can spend at the store. There are myriad ways for students to earn the coins, such as daily deeds or events over a nine-week period. Nine weeks’ earnings include perfect attendance for 10 pennies; Student of the Month for 15 pennies; meeting Acadiance and MAP assessment goals, five pennies each; and no missing assignments, five pennies. Daily earning opportunities include merit and completing a library book report, which result in two pennies each, with one penny each for performing a good deed or helping others, earning an A on test or quiz, donning Friday Edison spirit wear, completing work all week, having a full day of attendance, and meeting all behavior expectations.
Currently, the school store is a mobile cart filled with Edison merchandise, Bluetooth speakers, book sets, snacks, and other goods but Peterson said a permanent spot will be created. Meanwhile, older students keep track of their coin collection while teachers oversee the underclassmen.
“All of the students and teachers are involved,” he added. “The feedback from the teachers is that the students are excited to earn them. They really seem to like it.”
The sixth graders are also responsible for transporting the mobile store and selling items.
“They work the store and are doing the sales transactions,” Peterson commented, saying the program has been beneficial. “The hope is to hit all grade levels, and all grades of students have been earning Peterson Pennies since the beginning of the year.”
Stanton Elementary students are building character and achieving rewards in the process. Principal Kodi Peterson said pupils who meet expectations with grades, attendance, and behavior earn Peterson Pennies that they may use to purchase items at the school store. Sixth graders Trent Roberts, Gideon Filburn, and Bailee Beck are pictured operating the mobile store and selling items to some of their schoolmates.
Lunch with Loved Ones
Posted 10/2/2026 at 10:28:02 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Family members were invited to Stanton Elementary to dine with their students as the school hosted the Fourth Grade Parent Luncheon on Sept. 30.
Dozens of parents, grandparents, and siblings joined the students to break bread and even partake in the Scholastic Book Fair that was being held during the week. Stanton has been holding lunch events throughout the month and more pupils were anticipated to meet with their loved ones.
Summer Tech Internship Gives Students Work Experience
Posted 10/1/2026 at 2:09:09 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Newly minted Edison High School alumnus Camden Waugh continued his hands-on education this summer as he assisted the district technology department in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.
Waugh, of Irondale, was the latest participant in the summer internship program that Edison Local has held for the past three years. The program is supported through Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings together education, business, and community to inspire students to explore and pursue meaningful career pathways, and it has opportunities for students in grades 9-12 or recent grads with an interest in information technology (IT). They can work with the district or at area businesses for a minimum of 250 hours and grant funds are used help reimburse a portion of the intern’s pay. Pupils must have taken part in computer classes or have experience with the student technology leadership program to take part.
Waugh began his service in June and his time wound down on Sept. 30, but the days in between were busy as he helped district Technology Coordinator Rachael Granatir and Assistant Coordinator Tyler Roush provide IT support. He said it has been beneficial as he seeks to one day work in the field.
“It has definitely helped me get way more prepared. I just learned a lot,” he said, adding that he intended to take a gap year before heading on to college. “I made repairs to multitudes of Chromebooks and prepared new ones, and I helped with tickets coming into the tech leads. I really like it.”
Waugh also recommended the internship program to his peers.
“I highly suggest it for anybody who wants a summer job,” he concluded. “It gives you an idea if you’re going into the tech field.”
District Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta said the internship has helped four teens gain on-the-job experience since the program first began. Tech students have a chance to assist the district technology department or an area business and generally work from May to August, but Waugh stayed until the end of September.
“One graduate worked with Knight Time Creations in Toronto. They were looking for part-time employees and we took high school students to [the business] to get a feel for it prior to applying. We’ve also had a student participate with Pierce Media [in Steubenville] in the past,” she explained. “I was also applying for the program because we have the summer internship in the district and we receive funding through the Appalachian STEM Collaborative, so the company gets reimbursed for some of the intern’s pay.”
She added that the district has an application process for interested teens and must provide job descriptions, hourly wages, and other pertinent information as part of the reimbursement grant.
“The program requires the district to pay above minimum wage, and if the students work more than 250 hours, the district is reimbursed for 75 percent of the wages,” Kireta said. “Students are getting experience and we’re getting extra help in IT.”
She noted that Waugh assisted Granatir and Roush over the past few months to get ready for the start of school.
“Between Chromebooks and iPads, every student has a device, and we had a lot of updating to do,” she said, adding that the district includes about 1,400 students in addition to faculty and staff. “This is a high school internship and is open to students in high school or who are just graduated. It’s a great opportunity for businesses and our students, and if other businesses are interested, we can help find a student who might fit their needs.”
Granatir said having Waugh on board has been useful, and his experience with the EHS student tech program was advantageous. The student tech leads are pupils with IT skills who have helped repair and maintain Chromebooks and related technology for the schools.
“He was a student tech lead and helped set up Chromebooks. We do new Chromebooks in the first, fifth, and ninth grades every year,” she continued. “We also check in all Chromebooks in the elementary schools from first to sixth grades. He checked them out for the next year and also assisted with the new wireless access points at Stanton and John Gregg.”
The department also sends outdated equipment away for recycling and Waugh was tasked with gathering, boxing, and shipping those items, plus he aided with general office cleanup and organization.
“He gained an understanding of how the network works,” Granatir said. “It’s nice because you see them learning and understanding and it gives them a sense of responsibility. Cam’s seen the real-world impact of what we’re doing.”
Edison Career Pathways Coach Leah Eft said the program was promoted through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as means to get more students into the in-demand field.
“We have a robust CTE Information Technology program led by Emily Waggoner that we go to when we need students for these types of opportunities because they are prepared to work at this level,” Eft said. “Typically, we ask Emily if any of her students are interested or she suggests students that would be good for the program, and we discuss it with them. We also ask those who are student technology leaders in the building as they have a deep content knowledge in this field.”
She noted that previous interns Jamie Barker and Cheyenne Jordan planned careers in computer science while Maddie Somerville went into communication. Waugh was the latest participant expected to make his way in the tech field.
“This program fits seamlessly into the district’s career-ready vision for all students. The best way to teach students to be prepared for the workforce is to put them into work experiences and guide them to do it with the soft skills and fidelity that is needed of modern workers. Our students are thriving in this type of work,” Eft added. “The district is not just talk when it comes to our students being ‘prepared for tomorrow.’ We are working hard together to ensure this is becoming a reality. The board and the superintendents are sacrificing time, money, and effort to make sure students get these valuable experiences.”
Recent Edison High School grad Camden Waugh learned on-the-job training through a summer internship program in the Edison Local School District. He assisted the district technology coordinators with repairs and preparing Chromebooks and other equipment at schools for the new term and wound down his internship on Sept. 30. Waugh, of Irondale, plans to study information technology in college and work in the field, while the program is supported through Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and provides reimbursement funds for the interns’ pay.
Edison Schools Score Well on State Report Card
Posted 9/28/2026 at 5:11:10 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE- The Edison Local School District scored well on Ohio’s 2025-2026 State Report Card with Stanton Elementary achieving 4.5 stars overall.
Superintendent Bill Beattie was pleased with the district’s performance but said there was room for improvement in some areas.
“Overall, we’re very excited about the results of the state report card,” Beattie said. “We’ve been looking at how to improve scores and that’s a result of the staff that worked to make it happen.”
The district received a four-star rating overall with similar scores for achievement, gap closing (the measurement of how well a school or district is reducing achievement gaps between student groups, using state test results, graduation rates, and other indicators), graduation rate, and college, career, workforce and military readiness. Additionally, it earned three stars for progress, early literacy, and gifted progress and showed an increase in gifted performance, succeeding the 95-percent goal with a result of 96.8 percent, but had 60.8 percent out of a possible 80 for gifted ID and service.
Stanton Elementary earned 4.5 stars overall with five stars for progress and gap closing, four stars for achievement and three stars for gifted progress while the school yielded two stars for early literacy. Principal Kodi Peterson said the school has been working to improve each year and he hopes to maintain that momentum.
“We received [an average of] 4.5 out of five stars. Every year for the past four years there has been a half-star increase,” he said. “It’s nice to see, especially with the staff working so hard and looking at the kids as individuals while helping them to improve overall growth in math and reading. The staff and community should be proud and we look forward to improving even more next year, hopefully.”
John Gregg Elementary received four stars overall, as well as for achievement and gap closing with three stars for progress and early literacy. Principal Tammy Burchfield expressed her pride in the good works her staff and students have done to achieve its scores.
“According to the Ohio State Report Card, John Gregg Elementary exceeded state standards in two key areas for the 2025–2026 school year: academic achievement and gap closing. We also met state standards in early literacy and progress,” Burchfield said. “These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire school community. As we look ahead, John Gregg Elementary will continue to focus on academic achievement and growth, attendance, and positive student behaviors as we work to make an even greater impact on student outcomes.”
She attributed that success to the teachers who work tirelessly to provide high-quality instruction, build relationships, prioritize integrity, and meet the individual needs of our students; the students who demonstrate determination, perseverance, and the willingness to work hard and continue growing; the families who partner with the school, support their children, and hold the students and the school accountable for meeting and exceeding expectations; and the school board and administration who consistently listen to concerns, support ideas, and provide the resources needed to help the staff and students succeed.
“Our teachers deserve to be commended, and our students deserve to be celebrated! These accomplishments reflect what can happen when a community works together toward a shared purpose,” she added.
Meanwhile, Edison High School earned four stars overall, as well as for progress and its 94.8-percent graduation rate, but it received three stars for gap closing. The junior high showed need for improvement with a two-star overall rating, while it gained three stars for achievement and one star each for progress and gap closing. The district is also looking at a growth in chronic absenteeism--which currently stands at 14.7 percent--and some improvements in early literacy. Beattie said officials will review methods to remedy the situation.
“We understand there are issues that need to be addressed. The district and this administration are working to figure out where the opportunities are so we can increase scores in every building within the entire district. We’ve made substantial gains in every building for last year’s report card and the key is to continue to grow, be successful, and provide opportunities for our students,” he concluded.
Edison Local Schools received a four-star overall rating for its district schools with Stanton Elementary achieving 4.5 out of five stars. Officials are pleased with results but said there was still room for improvement. Pictured are pupils in Alicia Hartman’s third-grade class honing their math skills.
Intramural Sports Restart at Edison
Posted 9/28/2026 at 4:43:51 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Intramural sports have made a return at Edison High School and students get a chance to take on their peers in a series of activities.
Health and physical education teacher Gina Fogle has undertaken the role as coordinator and said it has drawn junior and senior high students to get active and team up with other grades for some physical fun in the gym during lunch. Half of the students get to play while the rest have lunch, then they switch for the remainder of the period. Winning teams receive a trophy and their photos are shown on the school’s television screens.
“I was talking to [Principal Matt Morrison] and he said they used to do have intramurals, then he asked if I’d be interested in overseeing it,” Fogle said. “Physical education teacher Tom Bocek had done it and we’re starting it back up.”
Games began in early September, and so far students have enjoyed kickball and volleyball, plus other activities include cornhole, soccer, Pickleball, and basketball. Teams play each day at lunch and Fogle said the students have been very receptive.
“The kids love it and they are so competitive,” she added. “About 65 kids played kickball and the junior high and high school teams were filled. It’s to get the kids involved, especially high schoolers. They have fitness and weight training, but this gets them moving and creates school spirit.”
Meanwhile, Principal Morrison said EHS provided intramural sports for more than a decade and its return was well-received.
“It will get the kids moving and get out of lunch, while Gina Fogle has been very organized,” he said. “The kids are enjoying it.”
Edison High School has restarted its intramural sports program to offer students a fun way to burn off energy during lunchtime. Health and physical education teacher Gina Fogle coordinates the games and said youth have enjoyed volleyball and kickball with more activities being set. Pictured are a group of students enjoying some volleyball action on the gym court.
Edison BOE Hears from John Gregg
Posted 9/21/2026 at 7:20:14 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg officials and students had an opportunity to present to the Edison Local Board of Education as the school hosted the latest session on Sept. 17.
Principal Tammy Burchfield explained that her building leadership team was working to improve outcomes with academics to attendance.
“At one time I had asked them, ‘What is it that you want to build and create?’ And what we came up with is we wanted to build and create upon excellence,” Burchfield said. “John Gregg Elementary has established clearly defined systems and protocols that create a safe, productive environment where students can achieve their highest level of potential and excellence. Then what we did was we had to define what excellence is, so the three things that we're looking at is attendance, behavior, and academics.”
She shared data from the previous year and indicated levels for excellence, good, and developing. The plan was for students to meet standards and she said they must be good before they attain excellence. Requirements for excellence in attendance meant having 50 percent or more of students achieved 95 percent or above in attendance; John Gregg students fell just shy at 48 percent. In the good category, more than 95 percent of students had to attain 90 percent or above and the result was close at 93.3 percent. Burchfield said they did exceed in the developing category with 97.6 percent of pupils attending at least 85 percent of the time.
She added that the State of Ohio has changed some of the parameters as a district and the school developed a new policy.
“As far as attendance, we're developing. That means that we have to do more additional supports to try to get to good. That's our goal is to get to good and then we can hopefully get to excellence.”
Regarding behaviors, Burchfield said 87 percent of students had no office referrals for major incidents, while the standard was more than 90 percent for excellent and they fell slightly short in the good category. But 90.3 percent had no referrals or one under the Tier I PBIS category, which was promising.
“It’s good. It’s solid and that is out of a population of 373 [students],” she continued.
Additionally, she reviewed behaviors on the school bus and said roughly 270 kids use that mode of transportation and results fell within the good level.
Burchfield then moved on to academics, noting that three different measures were used for reading, including the Acadiance reading screener, MAP for progress, and the state test. Although 44 percent of the students were well above the benchmark in the excellent category, officials noted that the result fell short of the 80-percent level with 73 percent for the good level.
“That means we still have work to do, so in this measure, we're developing,” she added.
Twenty-six percent of students reached the 80th percentile for math, which had a standard of 30 percent or above for excellent. Seventy-six percent were above the 40th percentile, which required a minimum of 80 percent for the good category. Burchfield said students were still developing and work would be done to help them improve. According to MAP math measurements, 34 percent were in the 80th percentile—or excellent—and 82 percent were above the 40th percentile to reach the good level.
Among the state testing standards, English/Language Arts (ELA) for grades 3-6 showed 45 percent met the accomplished or advanced requirement--which was excellent--but to be good they had to reach 80 percent. That result was 67 percent, meaning there was room to grow. Fifth graders who took the science test yielded strong numbers as well, with 78 percent hitting the mark for advanced or accomplished and 89 percent being proficient.
“I just wanted to share with you where we were at the end of last year. We have new goals that we've established and then we’ll take a look at it,” Burchfield said, adding that she could provide some updates in the spring.
Meanwhile, student board representatives Cali Cooper and Khloee Clancey had a literal seat at the table with Edison leaders as they shared insight on what their peers were discussing. Cooper and Clancey outlined a list of suggestions for the board that ranged from updated sports equipment to repairs on the campus.
“We are very honored to be here,” said Cooper, who is a fifth-grade student.
“We asked the John Gregg students what their concerns were,” commented Clancey, a sixth grader.
Among their suggestions were to replace the balls used on the playground or inflate them and purchase more foam footballs; to repair a hole in the right lane of the pickup line; and to add more hot lunch choices to the menu. Discussion ensued and the students said they had two hot lunch options but hoped for a few more, while kids may like more fruits since they have a wide selection of vegetables. Cooper also added a need for more Project Lead the Way computer kits in teacher Brooke Barker’s classroom.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said he would speak with district Food Service Director Christine Chipps about the menu recommendations. The student representatives were told to provide more information to their principal and perhaps some changes could occur.
Board Vice President Ron Smyth also praised the pupils for their work.
“Very, very good job. We really appreciate you and can't wait to hear from you again when we're back here in the spring,” he said.
John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield and student board representatives Cali Cooper and Khloee Clancey updated the Edison Local school board during the regular session on Sept. 17. Burchfield highlighted work on improving student outcomes in academics to attendance.
John Gregg Promoting Culture of Community
Posted 9/21/2026 at 3:39:22 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary is promoting a culture of community in an effort to create successful, well-rounded students.
Principal Tammy Burchfield has already held a motivational assembly for first to sixth graders and also addressed preschool and kindergarten students in their respective classrooms to explain how the process builds upon the district’s motto of being “Respectful, Responsible, and Safe,” and she plans to keep the momentum going throughout the school year and beyond. Burchfield utilized uppercase E’s to denote adults as being the leaders with lowercase E’s depicting her estimated 375 students as followers, and she said the purpose was for kids to learn the importance of following rules and meeting expectations.
“We’re trying to create a particular culture and we want kids to know we’re a caring, supportive community,” Burchfield said. “We’re a community with adults and students and all of the adults are leaders. There is a purpose to keep the community safe and they have to be responsible enough to know what the boundaries are and that they are to adhere to them.”
Teachers, aides, administrators, and staff were identified as the adult leaders in the building and their role is to help the pupils learn and grow and provide guidance if they faced a challenge. Meanwhile, students are encouraged to do their best to meet the expectations.
“Every person in the community plays an important role and students are followers, but they could be a leader if the moment arises. There are leaders in the building, at home, and in the community and [students] need to learn how to follow and develop the skills to be a good leader when the time occurs,” she explained. “They are leaders when it comes to their own actions and they are accountable for what they say or do.”
Part of the initiative interweaves Edison Local Schools’ Wildcat mascot and each classroom selected a type of cat to represent them. Choices included Golden Cats, White Tigers, and Lynx and were posted on a bulletin board to show who was part of the community. Additionally, those who make good choices and follow the rules could earn incentives as a reward. Pupils who achieve excellence in their reading and math assessments and are in good standing with grades, behavior, and attendance will receive Burchfield Bucks as to spend at school.
“I want them to be aware there are incentives concerning excellence in achievement and excellence in growth. They can spend their Burchfield Bucks at the school Spirit Corner that is held once a month or in the cafeteria on snacks every day,” she added.
Burchfield said the effort has been fruitful thus far and she hopes to see it continue to grow.
“I’m very happy with the students and staff. It feels like a family-centered community and we’re being very productive,” she said. “We will start with the beginning-of-the-year assessments and then establish goals for the year.”
John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield led a motivational assembly for first-to-sixth graders and also addressed preschool and kindergarten classes individually about creating a positive community. Kids are learning how to make good choices and meet expectations following the Edison Local School District’s mission to be “Respectful, Responsible, and Safe.”
Marcino Leading Edison FFA/Ag Program
Posted 9/3/2026 at 12:50:31 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School alumna Tommi Marcino is back to the classroom, this time to lead the FFA/Agricultural education program.
Marcino, a 2018 EHS graduate, developed a love for animals while growing up on her family’s Richmond farm where they have raised pigs, cows and goats, and was active in 4-H for 10 years. After graduation, she went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in general biology with a minor in education from West Liberty University in 2022, plus a master’s degree in career-tech with a focus on agriculture and a certification in early childhood education from Kent State University from 2024. She also married her husband, Stephen, and had a daughter, Stevie Rose, with a son on the way.
She served as FFA/Ag teacher at Steubenville Big Red High School for four years but took advantage of the Edison post once the opportunity presented itself.
“I decided it was time to come back when the position opened up and the pieces fell where they needed to,” she said. “I’m super excited and really glad to be back. There are a lot of kids I know and it’s fun to meet the other students.”
She officially began on Aug. 1 and has spent time familiarizing herself with the school program and its members. Marcino said her goal is to improve upon student participation, which currently stands at 80 in the high school and about 120 in the junior high. She oversees the freshmen plant and animal classes as well as the Ag physical science course while Cori Griffith handles the junior high classes and high school shop and welding programs.
“We’re really looking to making the FFA Boosters stronger and try to increase student involvement and what they are interested in,” she said.
The program has included a successful Equine team which recently took 11th place overall as a team at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas, in June. Marcino said she is also focusing on other facets of the FFA organization.
“We have interest in other career development events and will have general soils contests with the districts on Sept. 22 and parliamentary procedure in November, and we’re looking to do a general livestock CDE. We have done them in the past and there is interest now. The majority of general livestock CDE’s are in the spring.”
Other ideas include utilizing the onsite greenhouse more often as well as the raised beds. Students provided freshly grown green beans, cucumbers, and corn to the public for a donation during the recent Back-to-School Rally, plus Marcino said members will assist during Festival in the Woods and hold a Veterans Day Breakfast prior to the annual high school assembly in November.
Marcino hopes to see the FFA/Ag program continue to grow during her tenure.
“The Edison FFA is a staple, in my opinion, so I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Edison High School graduate Tommi Marcino has returned as a teacher and adviser for the FFA/Ag program. The Richmond resident currently oversees 80 high school students and hopes to bolster participation among youth and also strengthen the FFA Booster parents’ group.
Ohlin Strikes up Edison Band
Posted 9/2/2026 at 3:49:32 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Matthew Ohlin is striking up the band after taking the podium at Edison Jr./Sr. High School.
Ohlin, of Youngstown, succeeds Marc Sansone as band director after the latter completed more than 30 years in music education, and he plans to carry on much of the program’s success. He currently has 60 members in the senior high with another 60 seventh and eighth graders in the junior high, but he is looking to build more interest among youth.
Music has played a major part of his life while growing up in Mahoning County, and it became something he has honed into a career.
“I’ve been interested in music since the age of 10 and learned the clarinet,” Ohlin said. “Band was fun, and I wanted to keep doing it and never stopped. In 23 years, I’ve never missed a fall band season.”
Ohlin was also a frequent fixture in band camp for more than two decades, taking part as both a student and head director.
He graduated from Springfield Local High School in New Middletown in 2008 and went on to Youngstown State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education in 2016 and obtained his master’s degree in performance this past year. He served at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown for six years and spent three years at Wellsville High School before returning to YSU, where he had also assisted the university’s Marching Pride Band for a year. Ohlin has led as few as 12 members to as many as 130 and feels right at home at Edison. In fact, he is familiar with Wildcat Country after performing in Edison’s annual Tearin’ Up the Turf band show.
“I knew Marc Sansone when I was at Wellsville and we participated in Tearin’ Up the Turf for three years,” he recalled. “When I finished my job at YSU and my degree, Marc reached out to me. I applied and ended up getting the job.”
He said the band’s numbers did not tell the story and he has worked to improve programs in the districts he has served, and he was excited to be a part of the EHS family.
“It’s great. It’s a strong program that has built up over a long period of time. Everyone knew Marc and [his wife and assistant band director] Bev and it has a good reputation,” Ohlin added. “I’d like to continue growing the band.”
He works with EHS Vocal Music Director Nicholas Hughes, who also serves as first assistant band director, and has a bevy of appearances coming down the pike. The Wildcat Marching Band will showcase their talents with performances at Tearin’ Up the Turf XXI on Sept. 12 at the Edison Unified Sports Complex; the Conneaut Band-O-Rama at Conneaut High School on Sept. 19; a band show at Thomas Jefferson High School in West Jefferson, Pa., on Oct. 3; the OVAC Showcase of Bands on Oct. 24; and the annual EHS Variety Show on Nov. 5, in addition to school holiday concerts and events.
Matthew Ohlin is taking his place at the podium as the new band director at Edison High School. The Youngstown resident has ambitions to increase participation and will showcase the students’ talents at upcoming venues, including the annual Tearin’ Up the Turf XXI on Sept. 12 at the Edison Unified Sports Complex.
Edison Meets Staff, Student Reps
Posted 9/2/2026 at 3:34:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-New teachers and student representatives introduced themselves prior to the Edison Local school board session on Aug. 25 as the district prepared to start a new school year.
Officials invited the faculty and students for the small gathering held at the Edison High School cafeteria, where new teachers included Tommi Marcino, Ag teacher and FFA adviser at Edison; Matthew Ohlin, band director at Edison; Savana McBeth, Spanish teacher at Edison; Devyn Wood, math teacher at EJHS; Olivia Fankhauser, third-grade teacher at John Gregg Elementary; and Karrie Bielski, an aide at Edison. Student representatives were also on hand and will provide reports during future board sessions. Among them were Mayelee Rawson, a junior at EHS; Lilyanne Hall, a junior at EHS; Casher Dopp, an eighth grader at EJHS; Joey Adamovich, a sixth grader at Stanton; Emma Hoobler, a sixth grader at Stanton; Isabella Skinner, a sixth grader at Stanton; and Cali Cooper, a fifth grader at John Gregg.
“We have our new staff members here tonight,” said board President Aaron Richardson. “We also have student school board representatives. I know some of you [students] have done it before and some are brand new. As the board moves around to the different buildings—once in the fall and once in the spring—we’ll ask student representatives to come to a meeting and give us a report.”
He said the overall goal is for them to share ideas and potential needs to improve their school experience.
“What we’re looking for is ways from the student perspective that we can improve the experiences at the schools and the facilities. We’ve done changes to lunches and changes to schedules, and we try to do as much as we can within the realm of what the students are saying they needs. It’s been a really good experience for us and hopefully it’s been a good experience for the students.”
Richardson continued that the representatives have provided handouts, led PowerPoint presentations, and shared conversations and surveys with peers, giving ways for the students and school leaders to work together and ensure the students’ school experience is the best it can be.
During the board session, Superintendent Bill Beattie said a preliminary review was underway to determine interest in a possible childcare program led by an outside company. The program would be made available for grades PreK-6 and conducted at Stanton and John Gregg.
“The company Healthy Kids is offering before and after school care, professional development childcare and extended holiday childcare. We sent a survey to parents to obtain interest in options,” Beattie said. “It is no financial obligation to the district. It is turn key and they will handle staffing, registration, and billing. It is funded through tuition with the parents to pay for it. There are possible employment opportunities for Edison staff if they choose.”
The surveys are due Sept. 11 and a meeting will be held on Sept. 14 to review results and decide the next steps. If there is interest, officials will determine when to start the program and potential dates included a soft rollout in November, December or January or to wait until the 2027-2028 school year.
“We are exploring options based upon interest and it is still in the discovery stage,” Beattie said.
Meanwhile, EHS School Counselor Collette Honsowetz updated officials on her ongoing plan which incorporates research-based interventions and a data-informed curriculum, as well as programs that address the entire student while also emphasizing academic achievement, career, and personal and social development. The program is entering its third of a four-year duration and is in conjunction with The Ohio State University and has included meetings with Principal Matt Morrison, creating data, working on interventions, and monitoring data each quarter. Honsowetz previously touched upon district goals for a 3-percent increase in graduation rates, district reading and math and a 3-percent decrease in chronic absenteeism. She had noted improvements during the second quarter and provided more detailed information during the latest meeting on ways to close gaps over the next school year. Honsowetz said she would continue to take a proactive approach with interventions and maintain monitoring grades each quarter, plus she will look at subgroups such as economically disadvantaged and special education students.
“We already have interventions in place and we’ll start strong. In terms of my starting goal, I want to reiterate that we're going to be looking at this in-depth with students. My focus is going to be those subcategories, which is how we're going to close to the gaps,” she added, saying she has identified students in need of intervention. “As always, I'm going to collaborate and consult with parents, teachers, and intervention specialists.”
Among other matters, the board:
- Accepted the resignation of EHS teacher JoAnn Stagani for retirement purposes, effective June 1, 2027;
- Accepted the resignations of paraprofessional aides Nancy Fish and Emily Bottegal;
- Agreed to employ paraprofessional aides Alysanna Rawson at John Gregg Elementary and Amber Decker at Stanton for the current school year;
- Employed Bethany Roberts and Stephen Glykas as bus drivers;
- Approved a distance education agreement with East Central Ohio Educational Service Center for American Sign Language;
- Approved a physical therapy agreement with Jennifer DiPasquale for the present school year;
- Accepted the resignations of Conrad Gump and Frank Marcino as junior high football coaches (half-stipend);
- Approved supplemental contracts for Jody McCafferty, Emily Henry, Jamie Evans, Alicia Hartman, Kelly Dopp, Kristina Turk, Jason Ensinger and Megan Evans as resident educator mentors as well as Nick Howell for volunteer baseball and Frank Marcino for junior high football;
- Approved bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year.
Photo Caption:
Student representatives were introduced to the Edison Local Board of Education prior to the regular meeting on Aug. 25. Pictured are, front from left, Joey Adamovich, Emma Hoobler, Casher Dopp, Cali Cooper, Lilyanne Hall, Isabella Skinner, and Mayelee Rawson. Back: School board member Matt Bordash, board member Josh McConnell, board President Aaron Richardson, board Vice President Ron Smyth, and board member Anna Ault.
Edison Hosts Back-to-School Rally
Posted 8/11/2026 at 9:00:27 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The rain stayed away but participants braved the heat during the annual Edison Back-to-School Rally on Aug. 6.
The rally has been held for more than a decade and attracts 400 to 500 people each year. Officials said it provided families a chance to obtain free supplies and connect with community agencies to learn about available resources, plus food trucks and inflatable rides were also available. District students and family members gathered in the parking lot of the Edison High School Fieldhouse as dozens of school and community groups were on hand with games, information, and other items to head back to class. Among the organizations were Ohio Means Jobs, Engage, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Stanton Elementary, John Gregg Elementary, Edison Jr./Sr. High School, Richmond Methodist Church, Edison Transportation Department, Jefferson County General Health District, JB Green Team, OhioRISE, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Special Connections, Coleman Health Services, Family Recovery Center, Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, U.S. Navy and Army Recruitment Centers, Nutrition, Inc., and the Edison Voyagers Club, Football Moms Squad, FFA, band boosters, cheer, and volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country and wrestling teams. Additionally, Richmond Fire and Rescue and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office respectively had their emergency and Special Response Team vehicles on display and district school bus was available for the public to view. Screwy Louie’s had fun on tap with inflatable rides while participants could also enjoy food trucks and cool treats from The Retro Shak, Dr. Sweets, Insane Food Train, and Groovy Drinks. Other offerings included opportunities for parents to complete forms inside the school building, yard signs and bags of supplies from the district and a Meet the Team activity featuring fall sports athletes at the Edison Unified Sports Complex.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said it was another successful turnout and marked the kickoff of classes.
“It’s always an exciting time because its an indication that we’re getting ready to start another school year,” Beattie said.
He noted that many popular attractions had returned from the food vendors and inflatables to community groups, but one new addition was the school bus for younger students to learn proper procedures for their safe transportation.
Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta added that the rally was a great way to unite the community.
“It is always great to start August off by seeing our families and students. The Back-to-School Rally allows families to come to the district, collect school supplies, and ask any questions they might have for the start of the school year,” Kireta noted. “The community organizations that attend get a chance to inform families of the local resources we have available. It is always a positive way to start back to school.”
School leaders said they were very excited to start the new school year.
“The rally was fantastic. This is a great day for Edison,” said EHS Principal Matt Morrison. “It was really hopping around here and we can’t wait to get the school year started.”
“The Back-to-School Rally was a great success and a great way to kick off the new school year. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces again and to welcome the families who are new to Edison,” said EHS Assistant Principal Josh Leasure. “Events like this give students the opportunity to pick up their schedules, school supplies, and bus information while helping everyone feel prepared for the first day of school. We appreciate everyone who came out and helped make it such a positive start to the year.”
“We’re all ready,” added Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson. “We’ve got the offices repainted and have made some upgrades, and we’re going to be implementing a school store for kids and staff to receive items.”
John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield was equally thrilled about the rally and to see her pupils come back to the classroom.
“The Back-to-School Rally is a wonderful opportunity for our families and staff to come together, connect through a meet and greet, and receive important information as we prepare for the start of the school year,” Burchfield commented. “The event was well organized, welcoming, and engaging, and it was evident that our students and families truly enjoyed being part of the Wildcat family. It was a great way to build excitement and community as we begin another successful school year together.”
Representatives of several community groups said they looked forward to the rally because it helped them help the people.
“We have 375 pencil boxes full of school supplies. Last year we had 200, but a very generous congregation gave to this. We put out the call and whatever it is, they always respond,” said church representative Janice Kiaski. “We also include a card wishing them a good school year.”
Vicky Filtz, care coordinator for OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), said officials attend as many local events as possible to spread the word about its services.
“OhioRISE was created in 2022, and from the start we have strived to be at community events to connect with families and offer support,” Filtz said. “We’ve been to back-to-school and literacy night events to share community education and we partner with behavioral health and mental health providers in eight counties.”
OhioRISE is a specialized Ohio Medicaid managed care program for children and youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center as care management entity (CME). It currently serves youth and families in Jefferson, Harrison, Carroll, Columbiana, Belmont, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Stark counties.
The EHS Band Boosters were also present selling T-shirts to raise funds for the program.
“Last year we sold hats and the people have been very supportive,” said Boosters President Janice Board.
Meanwhile, Edison will hold its first day of classes for grades 1-12 on Aug. 26 with kindergarten and preschool set to begin on Aug. 27.
The rain stayed away but hundreds of students and their family members braved the hot temperatures for another successful Back-to-School Rally at Edison High School on Aug. 6. Food, games, inflatables and free school supplies and resources were on tap during the annual event and organizers said it indicated that the community was gearing up for another exciting school year. Pictured are kids enjoying a game provided by the Edison FFA with adviser/ag teacher Cori Griffith seated, at left, and students Leila Sudvary and Adrienne Granatir.
Third-Annual SOULS Livestock Show Slated for August 15
Posted 8/4/2026 at 4:11:26 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SMITHFIELD-The Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) highlights the true sense of community with its third-annual inclusive event on Aug. 15.
Activities are set for 5 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Smithfield with support from Special Olympics Unified Ohio, Jeffco Services, Jefferson County Fair Board, Edison Local Schools, and Jefferson County 4-H. SOULS pairs intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals with mentors representing FFA and 4-H organizations to showcase animals for judging while banners and ribbons will be awarded.
Organizer Amelia "Mimi" Ault, a junior at Edison High School, said a total of 36 exhibitors and mentors will appear in addition to numerous volunteers representing Edison, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Steubenville, Weir, Brooke, homeschooled, and adult participants. A clinic will be held in new show barn where the special exhibitors learn to care for and connect with animals such as horses, dogs, lambs, poultry, pigs, goats, rabbits, and cows. The livestock show will get underway at 5 p.m. to exhibit their chosen animals along with their similarly aged mentors and the event is free and open to the public.
"New elements this year include a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop 20 from Richmond; the national anthem sung by local artist Glory Dami with ASL interpreter Haley Cherepko; informational tables in the arena from local businesses, organizations, and community groups; the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Mobile Service unit will be onsite providing support to families and participants; and a USA-themed photo balloon backdrop," she added. Meanwhile, the junior fair board will sell concessions and baked goods and the 2026 SOULS King and Queen will also be crowned.
Judges include Emily Moore (goat), Kyle Koehnlein (hog), and Suzanne McConnell (rabbit) with Carl Glenn returning as emcee and Ault said participation has more than doubled since the show began in 2024. The daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, she was inspired by her sister, Olivia, who has cognitive and developmental disabilities. They share a love of animals and Ault wanted to offer more inclusion in 4-H activities.
"It gives youth and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the chance to experience a livestock show, learn about animal care, and build connections. It promotes confidence, agricultural education, inclusion, and meaningful participation," she said, noting that it has also impacted the mentors as a result. "The mentors, who are 4-H and FFA members, have told me they are excited for the opportunity to get to know the participants and share their knowledge about their animals. They appreciate the joy that comes from inclusion and always say it is a positive experience. My favorite part is seeing the community come together to support this show, with everyone in the stands cheering on the participants as they shine in the show ring."
She was also thankful for the tremendous amount of support SOULS has received from the organizations and school district, saying it has been consistent since the very beginning.
"We want to thank all the generous supporters and sponsors who made this day possible: Jeffco Services Inc., Special Olympics Unified Ohio, One Niner Sports Photography, and Shimmer and Shine Party Designs. Thank you to our vendor tables—United Way, Ohio Valley Down Syndrome Support Group, Alliance Health, Hancock County Special Olympics, Pathways for Inclusion, Poppy Hill Book Nook, and Hidden Acres Drones. Most of all, we thank our mentors, judges, speakers, volunteers, and especially our special exhibitors and their families for spending the day with us."
More information is available at the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show—SOULS Facebook page and TikTok.
The third-annual Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) is gearing up at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Aug. 15, where a total of 36 special exhibitors with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and mentors representing area 4-H and FFA organizations will show animals for judging in an inclusive event that is free and open to the public. Banners and ribbons will be presented while a SOULS King and Queen will also be crowned. Pictured is a scene from last year's show.
Aspiring Administrators Speak at Edison
Posted 5/30/2026 at 12:01:04 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Aspiring administrators took center stage after completing a program through the Edison Local School District.
Six educators from Edison High School and Stanton Elementary underwent the Aspiring Administrators Academy from September through May, bringing them closer to one day holding a higher position within the school system. EHS teachers included Emily Waggoner, George Ash, Nick Howell, and Derek Gulling while Melaina Lemasters and Julie Cronin represented Stanton. Members on hand shared their project ideas with school board members during the May 19 regular session with their respective ideas focusing on onboarding new employees and wellness.
Lemasters discussed the plan that she created with Cronin, who was not in attendance, as part of the onboarding process for new hires in the district and presented the outline to leaders.
“We decided to make a binder that every new employee would get, including teachers who may come in from other districts to our district. It’s broken down into different tabs and we have [general education], intervention specialists, principals, secretaries, nurse, Title and Literacy Coach, and school counselor, and in the back there is a district contact,” she explained. “The idea of this is if a teacher comes in, regardless of what position they are taking, and they can go through and do the things they are comfortable with and check them off.”
She said if someone were not aware of an issue, they could speak to someone to gain information and write details in the note-taking section of the packet that they may refer to later, if needed.
“They can keep this throughout their entire career and go back and look if they need to. This helps everybody get a general idea of each position, as well. For gen ed teachers, if they need to look in the intervention specialist’s area, they do have to participate in IEP meetings. This gives a break down of what it is and why you need it,” she concluded.
Emily Waggoner then presented on the “Wildcat Staff Wellness Plan,” which supports staff through simple, meaningful practices that promote balance, connection, and resilience.
“The whole goal of this program is to enhance staff morale and their wellness throughout the school year,” Waggoner added. “It hopefully keeps people going and gives them a boost.”
The year-long program would support the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of all staff members and because their wellness directly impacts school culture, school success, and staff retention. Goals include reducing staff burnout and stress; improving morale and engagement; encouraging healthy habits and work-life balance; building stronger relationships among staff; and supporting long-term wellness practices. Waggoner continued that each staff member would receive a Wellness Passport at the beginning of the school year and would complete activities at their own pace, while each completed monthly section earns an incentive with a final reward given once the entire passport is finished.
It would all begin with a Wellness Kickoff staff breakfast during the first professional development day in August, where organizers would introduce the program and distribute the passports. A light activity may also occur that day, after which the monthly events would be held with a focus on such issues as physical activity, stress, mental wellness, and nutrition. A mid-year reset would occur in January to refocus and recharge while a wellness celebration is eyed for May to recognize staff participation. Potential incentives range from gift cards and spirit wear to snack days and a duty-free pass. Meanwhile, community partners may be utilized to enhance program offerings and include fitness instructors, yoga teachers, mental health professionals, nutrition experts, local wellness businesses to provide workshops, demonstrations, or resources to support staff wellness.
Following more discussion, Board President Aaron Richardson praised the plans and Superintendent Bill Beattie said district leaders were committed to assisting those who completed the program if they sought to obtain their master’s degree. Online classes were available and Beattie said he would speak to them further if they were interested. The participants also received certificates of completion for their work.
Current teachers completed the Aspiring Administrators program through the Edison Local School District and are closer to one day holding a higher position within the school system. Members gave presentations and were recognized during the May 19 regular school board session, and pictured are, from left, Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson, Stanton teacher Melaina Lemasters, Edison High School Principal Matt Morrison, EHS Assistant Principal Josh Leasure standing in for teacher Nick Howell, and EHS teachers Derek Gulling, George Ash, and Emily Waggoner. Not pictured is Stanton teacher Julie Cronin.
Howell Named Edison’s May Teacher of the Month
Posted 5/27/2026 at 5:49:25 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Nick Howell has been chosen as Edison High School’s Teacher of the Month for May.
Howell, a lifelong member of the Edison community, resides in Bergholz with Wendy, his wife of 19 years who is also a teacher in the school district. They have three children: Lindsey, 15; Lakyn, 11; and Owen, 7.
The 1998 EHS graduate was a member of the baseball team for four years and played basketball for two years. After graduation, he attended West Liberty University and continued his baseball career with the Hilltoppers. Howell went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and later obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Salem International University.
He returned to his alma mater to begin his career in education, and he is currently completing his 21st year as a teacher and 22nd year as a coach. Throughout his career, he has served as an assistant baseball coach and led both the boys’ and girls’ junior high basketball teams. His pastimes include spending time with his family, traveling, and cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Braves, and Michigan Wolverines.
Edison Equine Team Bound for Nationals
Posted 5/23/2026 at 6:37:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison High School FFA Equine Team is riding high as it heads to a national competition in June.
Members Maddie Granatir, Ellie Richards, Mimi Ault, and Leila Sudvary attended the Edison Local Board of Education meeting on May 21 in Richmond, where they outlined plans for the American Horse Paint Association (AHPA) World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 18-21. The event is the world’s premier Paint Horse competition and takes place annually at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. It has attracted more than 5,000 people from around the globe and celebrates open, amateur, and youth competitors, while it includes such events as reining, roping, hunt-seat, and Western all-around events, as well as exhibits and entertainment.
Granatir, a junior at EHS, explained that they participate in the Equine Management career-tech education pathway through the FFA organization and have competed at state and national events, most notably the National Arabian Judging Contest in Oklahoma last fall. She has competed for the past three years at the state level while Richards, who is a freshman, has participated for a year and advanced to states; Ault and Sudvary, who are both sophomores, are both in their second year with the FFA and have attended both state and national events.
“The Equine Management CTE is a compilation of judging different animal classes. We will judge horses on confirmation and in performance classes,” Granatir explained. “So, that's in hand with work with horses as well as riding.”
She added that it also includes tests and public speaking while utilizing all of their knowledge about the horses and related fields.
“It just it sets us up for a good future because we learn all of these different skills through this one competition,” Granatir said.
Ault added that they had also surpassed other teams to attend the national contest after placing second at the state level.
“We have gone through a lot to get here and beat out 106 teams from throughout the state of Ohio,” she continued, saying the EHS team earned its first banner since 1993.
Richards interjected that expenses included flights, lodging, food, and competition fees while Cori Griffith, who co-advises FFA with Kelli Pridemore, said the organization has raised funds throughout the year from fruit sales and other moneymakers that would help offset some of the costs.
Sudvary said the board’s support would help the team represent Edison at a national level and bolster the members themselves in the future.
“We can ensure equal opportunity for all of our team members, highlight the strength of our agricultural program, bring recognition and pride to the school and community, and help offset the costs for students and the chapter. We’re all planning to do something agricultural in the future and it would look good on the resume that we've gone to a couple national contests now.”
Ault noted that equine was also one of the largest and most difficult competitions to place in and it takes a lot of hard work to make it happen. Members continued that there were tough teams from Texas, Florida, and North Carolina in attendance and having Edison represented also shined a spotlight on the district.
Following more discussion, board members complimented the group on their presentation and agreed to help support their endeavor.
Edison High School FFA Equine Team members, pictured from left, Maddie Granatir, Ellie Richards, Mimi Ault, and Leila Sudvary are heading to the American Horse Paint Association World Championship Show on June 18-21 in Fort Worth, Texas, after placing second in their state competition. The group addressed Edison Local school board members at their recent meeting about the excursion, saying it was a significant moment and competition is fierce. The AHPA show draws thousands of people each year from across the world for its events.
Honor Students Touted at Edison
Posted 5/23/2026 at 6:25:37 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local School District recognized some of its best and brightest during its 2026 Honors Breakfast on May 22.
A total of 45 seniors who gained honors diplomas at Edison High School, its career-technical program and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School were touted for their dedication and perseverance as they concluded their time in high school. This year’s event was more student-driven as some of them took to the microphone and led the program. Following a catered breakfast from Minerva Classic in the cafeteria, the remainder of the festivities took place at the EHS Fieldhouse.
Rilee Givens welcomed the crowd of more than 130 people, including honorees, family members, educators and staff members of influence. She also recognized school administrators and board members on hand and thanked the guidance department for all of their hard work.
“The theme of today’s ceremony is ‘Oh, The Places You Will Go!’ Each student was asked to invite a staff member who made a meaningful impact on their journey. These honored guests represent a wide range of roles—from teachers to support staff—who have helped guide our students along the way,” Givens added, noting that each honoree would receive a copy of the popular Dr. Seuss book as a token of appreciation.
Jon Whitlatch then introduced EHS Band Director Marc Sansone, who addressed the crowd in his final days as a music educator. Sansone, who is retiring at the end of May after 33 years in education, has spent a quarter-century at Edison Local Schools. During that time, he has taught general music and served as assistant high school band director, then became head band director in 2005. He has directed the junior high band, marching band, concert band, and junior high and senior high jazz bands since then, plus he developed the Tearin’ Up the Turf marching band festival which has included area high school, university, and community bands and celebrated its 20th anniversary this past fall.
Among his highlights were travelling with the band to perform across the U.S.; co-arranging the high school’s alma mater; receiving new band uniforms and equipment; and gaining support from the EHS Band Boosters organization; and countless band accolades from OMEA Solo and Ensemble distinctions to being WTRF-TV Band of the Week. In addition, several of his former pupils have performed in university and military bands, with OVAC All-Star Marching Band, and have continued their careers as music educators or in the music industry. He is married to EHS intervention specialist Bev Sansone, who has also served as his assistant band director, and together they have two sons and three grandchildren.
Sansone shared both poignant and witty advice with the crowd, telling the soon-to-be-alumni to find their joy but also never forget where they came from. He jokingly said that he “hated” children because they motivated him to work hard and be a better person, and it was their fault he loved his career. But he also provided a few morsels of sage guidance, telling them to choose something they enjoyed doing and to make good choices. Sansone added that they should also cherish their family and surround themselves with good friends.
“Work hard and play hard. Your investment in your future will pay off,” he continued. “It may take a while, but there is no shame in working hard. Playing hard means finding ways to enjoy life.”
More pearls of wisdom included laughing a lot and laughing often, for the youth and parents to be patient with each other, to use their voices and vote, and to simply be kind.
“People may not remember your name but they will remember how you treated them. You can make a difference in someone's life and not even realize it because you treated someone kindly when they needed it the most.”
He encouraged the honorees to thank people who helped set them on their path and to pay it forward.
“March to your own beat and be true to yourself. Figure out who you are and be that person,” Sansone concluded. “Congratulations! You made it through these steps and have done well so far. This is the only thing you know, now go out and find other things. Surround yourself with good things and good people. Only you limit your options.”
Sophia Henderson next lauded students who earned associate’s degrees through Belmont College as part of the College Credit Plus program. Among them were Elizabeth Booher, Malayna Bright, Nadia Denoon-Habig, Matthew Evans, Sophia Henderson, Rilee Givens, Ben Griffith, Luke Ferralli, Alivia Kowalczyk, Micah Larkins, Kyle Long, Wyatt Russell, Jonathan Whitlatch and Audrina Reese, the latter of whom received degrees from both Belmont and Kent State University.
To graduate with an honors diploma, students must obtain all but one of the following criteria based on third nine weeks’ grades: four credits each in English, math (including Algebra I & II, Geometry, and higher-level coursework), science (including two advanced science courses), and social studies; three credits in one foreign language or two credits each in two different languages; one credit in fine arts; a 3.5 GPA or higher; and a score of either 27 on the ACT or 1210 on the SAT. Meanwhile, career-tech honors students must meet all but one of the following criteria: obtain four credits in math (with coursework above Algebra II) and career-tech courses; be proficient or higher on technical assessments; earn two credits in one world language; a 3.5 GPA or higher; an ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1210; a score of six or higher on all WorkKeys assessments; an industry-recognized credential seal or technology seal; and completion of field experience, portfolio, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, or work-based learning.
Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson and John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield then introduced the honor students, which included Kennedy Baker, Clayton Bokunevitz, Elizabeth Booher, Malayna Bright, Olivia Brousseau, Maiah Christy, Ava Cline, Destony Crimm, Gunner Cronin, Nadia Denoon-Habig, Paige Ellenberger, Matthew Evans, Luke Ferralli, Rilee Givens, Ben Griffith, Brady Haught, Nolan Haught, Sophia Henderson, Brianna Householder, Alivia Hupp, Alivia Kowalczyk, Micah Larkins, Bristol Leanza, Josie Lesnansky, Kyle Long, Andalyn McConnaughy, Kelsey Parrish, Adelynn Pepperling, Josephine Proffitt, Audrina Reese, Brycent Rogers, Catelyn Schiffman, Lena Wagner, Brady Wells, Liam Westfall, Jonathan Whitlatch , Zoey Wright and Gianna Zimmerman.
Additionally, favorite staff members included Dawn Cable, JoAnn Stagani, Amy Bordash, Monica Potenzini, Tammy Sismondo, Megan Evans, Sara Louda, Cody LaRue, Cheryl Woodward, Bill Koehnlein, Jason Ensinger, Chase Nolan, Stephanie Kuca, Mindy Carpenter, Derek Gulling, Mark Smyth, Nick Howell, Gina Fogle, Tamela Marshall, Haley Harshbarger, Danah Beaver, Nolan Marcus, Kris Turk, Emily Waggoner, Nate Moses, Marc Sansone, Faith Hoobler, Kelli Pridemore, and David Schultz.
Meanwhile, Maiah Christy gave the invocation while Malayna Bright delivered the benediction.
Edison High School Band Director Marc Sansone delivered the keynote address during the 2026 Honors Breakfast on May 22. More than 130 people, including 45 honor students, gathered at the school fieldhouse in Richmond for the student-led festivities. Sansone, who is retiring after more than 30 years in education, offered encouragement to the seniors as they make their way in the world.
Leasure Gains OASSA Zone 8 Distinction
Posted 5/23/2026 at 6:23:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School Assistant Principal Josh Leasure has gained distinction as Zone 8 High School Assistant Principal of the Year through the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA).
Leasure, who has served at Edison for the past 10 years, was nominated for the honor and submissions are generally made by students, staff members, administrators, and colleagues. The OASSA Board of Directors, under the leadership of its 10 zone directors, received nominations this spring and named awardees for Middle School and High School Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year within each area. He is now a finalist in the state level process and the OASSA board will select four overall recipients to represent Ohio later this year. Meanwhile, all of the zone winners will be recognized at the OASSA Fall Conference in Columbus this October.
Leasure was thankful for the honor but said it was not a lone effort.
“Awards like this are humbling, but they really aren’t about one person,” he said.
“Edison High School is great because of the administrators, teachers, staff, and students who do their jobs every day and care about each other. Any recognition I receive is really a reflection of the people around me and the culture we’ve built together.”
The Steubenville native earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science at Mount Union University with a master’s degree in education from Franciscan University. He taught social studies for five years and special education for two years at Buckeye Local, Harrison and Edison high schools and, along with Principal Matt Morrison, is responsible for helping to oversee roughly 600 pupils in grades 7-12.
Morrison applauded Leasure for his achievement and said it was well-deserved.
“He has been doing a wonderful job for years,” he continued. “He has developed a great relationship with he students and staff and he’s dependable, loyal, and loves to laugh. He does an outstanding job and the Edison Local School District is very fortunate to have him.”
Superintendent Bill Beattie agreed with those sentiments.
“We’re glad to have him at Edison Local Schools,” Beattie said. “He’s done a fantastic job of having a relationship with the students over the years, which has made his and the staff’s job easier based on the trust he’s had with the kids.”
OASSA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the work of high school principals, assistant principals, and other school administrators in Ohio. Its mission is to advocate for and support the welfare of its members by providing high standards of leadership through consultation and professional development, political astuteness and legislative influence, positive public relations, curricular initiatives, and collaboration with related organizations. The association works to improve educational leadership, promote effective school management, and strengthen the role of principals in Ohio’s public education system. Additionally, Zone 8 encompasses nine counties, including Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Stark, Wayne, Holmes, and Coshocton.
Senior Walk
Posted 5/21/2026 at 6:51:14 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Members of the Edison High School Class of 2026 took a final trek through their old stomping grounds at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools on May 20 during the annual senior walk festivities. The soon-to-be-alumni were greeted with applause, signs, high fives, and hugs from faculty and young students as they paraded through the corridors during the last days at their alma mater, and graduation ceremonies are set for May 29 at 7 p.m. in the high school fieldhouse.
Pictured is senior Olivia Ault smiling proudly as she is greeted by staff and students at Stanton.
Unified Sports Teams Take to the Track
Posted 5/7/2026 at 5:42:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Teams from local schools laced up their running shoes for the third-annual Unified Sports Track Meet on May 5.
Athletes from Edison, Indian Creek, and Buckeye Local High Schools faced off against a “mystery” opponent which turned out to be the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the event was held, fittingly enough, at the Unified Sports Complex at Edison in Richmond. Youth and deputies took part in 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter relays as well as a softball throw and long jump while students and athletes’ family members watched from the stands. Top placers received medals and ribbons but the entire day was a win for everyone.
Unified sports combine students with individual education plans (IEP’s) with general pupils on blended teams and local schools have so far taken part in football, basketball, and track events. Among the participants at the track meet were Olivia Ault, Brennan Butcher, James Bonecutter, Halee Fish, Aaron Wade, Gabe Croskey, Jaidyn Carlson, Isaac Warren, Khloe Neely, and Anthony Rohal for Edison; coaches Franco Barcalow and Jay Snider, cheerleaders Tylee Spencer, Shayne Scott, Haylee Shaffer, Abbey Pendleton, Aziah Ade, Peyton Ewing, Blissani Locke, and Ava Bell, and runners River Adams, Misha Amis, James Donaldson, Skylar Arroyo, David Howe, Ethan Starr, Brayden Stewart, Jabari White, Landon Cullen, Colton Dawson, Tatum Deem, Alex Fabian, Pax Gorby, Aubrie Hanlin, Heath Parker, Ali Hilderbrand, Joey Lopez, Kaleb Manion, David Pawelczyk, and Aiden Speegle for Indian Creek; Jackson Smith, Shyla Louk, Zoey Parrish, Michael Grimm, Logan Coe, Xander Turner, Clayton Doty, Myla Dillon, Chloe Leonard, Destanie Lewis, and Thomas Miller for Buckeye Local; and Sgt. Brad Polaski, Maj. Tommy Koehnlein, and deputies Zach Stackhouse, Lane Herbert, Jake McGinnis, Brandon Kelly, and Matt Morgan for JCSO.
Christina Henderson, director of special education at Edison Local Schools, coordinated efforts with Edison Unified Sports Coordinator Ryan Sronce and said students hit the ground running.
“They were excited to host and compete,” she added, saying unified sports has made a positive impact at EHS. “Students with and without disabilities are working together as teammates, which has naturally increased peer relationships and mutual respect. We’ve seen students who may not have interacted otherwise form meaningful connections both on and off the field and court.”
She continued that unified sports have strengthened the school culture and there is a noticeable increase in school pride and community involvement during events.
“Staff and students rally around these teams in a way that promotes a sense of belonging for all participants. It produces such a wonderfully accepting climate that allows these unified student athletes to experience the roar of the crowd, the excitement of the event and the pride of earning that recognition,” Henderson said. “Unified sports have provided leadership opportunities for general education students as well, who serve as peer partners and role models. This experience builds leadership, communication, and collaboration skills that extend beyond athletics.”
Meanwhile, Sronce said it was a great opportunity to bring the community together.
“Today went wonderfully. It’s cool to see everyone get involved,” he continued. “Having everyone out here all at once was a fun experience and I wish we could get more schools involved.”
Amber Scott, ICHS coordinator, added that she was happy to see everyone unite and support one another.
“It brings the community together and I’ve had people come up to me and say they are working with the kids to prepare for events. It all comes together and it’s amazing,” Scott said. “It’s nice that the community gets involved. We all come together and make friendships with other districts, not just the kids but also the staff.”
Victoria Luyster, Buckeye Local coordinator, said her school has been involved with the program for the past three years and unified sports has bolstered interaction and camaraderie.
“One of the best things is they realize [my students] are like everybody else, that they have the same dreams and sense of humor. They gave high fives after our unified basketball game in March. It encourages people to interact and realize that people are people and want to have friends,” Luyster added. “I think it gives them confidence all around. My students feel included and the others feel accomplished and like they are making a difference.”
And the athletes themselves expressed how exciting the experience was for them.
“It’s good and I have so much fun,” said Jackson Smith, a freshman at BLHS. “I love to see everybody play.”
“I like to be with all of my friends,” added ICHS sophomore Misha Amis, who noted his family was also on hand to watch. “It’s a whole bunch of fun.”
“It’s fun and I like to run,” said Edison sophomore Kaden Eddy, adding that he likes sports.
Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort said the best part was the players’ excitement.
“It’s another opportunity for students to participate in a wonderful event,” Mort added. “The kids are very excited to participate. When we schedule an event, it’s all they talk about.”
He said eventual plans are to add whiffle ball, kickball, mini golf and bowling activities in the future.
Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said his office was invited to support the athletes and participate in the meet and officials were happy to be part of it all.
“It was a beautiful day for a great event and we’re really proud of all the kids who displayed true athleticism,” he said. “I’m proud of Edison Local student body being out her to support the kids.”
As an added perk, the sheriff and his deputies staged their own dash for the crowd to enjoy. Sheriff Abdalla joked that every bag of ice in the county would be retrieved for the deputies after the event.
Students from Edison, Indian Creek, and Buckeye Local took on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office during the third annual Unified Sports track meet at Edison High School on May 5. Unified sports include blended teams of general pupils and students with individual education plans (IEP’s) and the meet included relay races, a softball toss, and long jump. Medals and ribbons were distributed to the top performers but everyone was a winner at the inclusive event.
Sunshine and Springtime
Posted 4/29/2026 at 10:10:58 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
First graders at Stanton Elementary got a chance to enjoy the sunshine and springtime when they held recess outdoors. With only a few more weeks until the end of school, they were working off their excited energy by climbing, swinging, and sliding on the playground equipment during favorable weather. A few of the little adventurers include, from left, Allison Lefever, Sophia Nitz, Daisy Ryan, and Ivy Moore.
Districts View CTE Programs at Edison
Posted 4/20/2026 at 7:06:11 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND- Edison Jr./Sr. High School’s career-technical education (CTE) programs have evolved to give students more exposure to opportunities, and representatives from regional school districts got a close look during a visit to the campus on April 15.
Officials from Delaware County Schools and Townsend Community Schools of Erie County in Ohio and the Gateway School District in Monroeville, Pa., stopped by with representatives of EnvisionEdPlus (EEP) during the “Pathways in Motion” tour, a two-day excursion featuring Edison and other districts throughout northeast Ohio to showcase how their work with EEP has impacted students and their potential to find success after graduation.
District Career Pathways Coach Leah Eft said EEP officials asked if EHS wanted to be part of the tour to highlight how far it has come since first getting involved with the consulting firm in 2018. She was thrilled to have Edison included to showcase the school’s CTE programs.
“I think it’s exciting. The fact that (EEP Founder and CEO) Michele Timmons chose Edison just shows what the administration has worked on for the last few years, and it’s great to have that recognition.”
She noted that EEP has been there since the very beginning and courses have evolved through time, resulting in opportunities to earn seals, certifications, and apprenticeships.
“They were part of our journey for creating pathways to planning graduation,” she said. “Since we started to do their trainings, the pathways have really evolved in grades K-12. We already had Ag courses but added three CTE’s for engineering, biomedical, and interactive media. We’re also looking to do Community Impact, which is public service jobs and helping different professions.”
Timmons explained that EEP was an innovation-focused educational consultant and grant-writing company which worked with Edison after Ohio changed its graduation requirements.
“We’ve been working with schools and helping them think differently…so kids have a better idea of what they want, what they are interested in, and what are the next steps to graduate,” she continued. “Edison has been with us this entire time. They came to one of our first sessions and have been involved in grants we’ve written. Now we’re seeing all the great things Edison has been doing over the last eight years.”
Timmons noted immense growth within Edison’s programs since the partnership began.
“When I met Leah, they were grappling with changes in graduation and now there are pathways, career-based interventions (CBI), industry credentials, great opportunities for the students, and significant partnerships with industry,” she added. “This is our first time here since we’ve been doing all of this work and I’m tickled pink to see everything in action.”
Eft led the school tour while Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta was also on hand. The group viewed Derek Gulling’s engineering program and learned how students are gaining knowledge about aerospace, civil, computer and mechanical engineering. Gulling said students took courses each year and gained certifications, plus his pupils discussed projects they have undertaken from 3D printing to flying drones.
“This is what teaching should be,” he added. “They learn hands-on skills.”
Senior J.J. Reynolds said he was a certified drone pilot and plans to create his own roof-inspection business. He credited Gulling because he was looking to have a viable career.
Next, they stopped to view Kelli Pridemore’s FFA program, where she discussed Ag education opportunities and FFA competitions to the on-site wood and metal shops, welding shop, and greenhouse.
“We are an intracurricular program and all of the students are required to be in the FFA,” she commented. “They compete in events and it’s an extension of the curriculum.”
The tour continued with JoAnn Stagani’s Biomed courses, where the visitors viewed stations with displays and spoke with students about their studies of the healthcare field ranging from forensics to diseases. Stagani added that they also completed independent projects and the courses utilized Project Lead the Way curriculum and grant-funded equipment for the labs. The group then stopped to see junior high Ag students preparing the planting beds as they spoke with teacher Carissa Griffith about the greenhouse and planting projects. Pupils were replanting flowers from the greenhouse into the outdoor garden beds and Griffith said there were varieties of plants on tap, including flowers, vegetables and herbs. Finally, they concluded their stop with the tech pre-apprenticeship program, where District Technology Coordinator Rachael Granatir and several pupils discussed how they assisted the IT department with Chromebook repairs and related aid. At least two students work per period and gain hands-on knowledge along the way, while senior members will train underclassmen to take over the next year.
“We have a home-grown program with a help desk,” Granatir said, adding that they have also worked with local businesses and there were opportunities for summer help through tech internships.
From there, the educators gathered in the fieldhouse for a debriefing and the visitors said it gave them plenty of food for thought. Townsend Community School Superintendent/Principal Ryan Bohn said his facility worked with dropout prevention and had three satellite locations, working with six counties in total. His hope was to look at additional CTE programs over the next three to four years and fine tune programs that are currently available. Leaders from Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware County echoed that sentiment, saying 1,600 students attend that school but nearly a quarter attend the area career center, and administrators were looking at providing more on-site opportunities.
Gateway Schools Superintendent Guy Rossi said his district was reviewing pathways along with work-based learning and credentialing.
“It’s always helpful to visit schools because it gives different ideas and perspectives,” Rossi added. “We can think of what can fit and what we can do well. Part of our comprehensive plan is for career pathways and giving students opportunities to explore in high school to find their interest so they can go on to college or the workforce.”
Education leaders from schools in Ohio and Pennsylvania visited Edison Jr./Sr. High School on April 15 as part of the Pathways in Motion Tour through EnvisionEdPlus (EEP), an innovation-focused consulting and grant-writing company which has worked with EHS and other schools to help education evolve with career-technical education (CTE) to credentialing, apprenticeships, and related opportunities. Visiting administrators stopped in Derek Gulling’s engineering class to learn about students’ projects and opportunities.
DI Teams Going to Global Finals
Posted 4/17/2026 at 8:56:30 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Two Edison Jr./Sr. High Destination Imagination teams have proven their mettle at the state level and are now headed to the Global Finals this May.
Both the freshmen team “Us” and the seventh-grade group “I Forgot Their Names” excelled at the recent competition in Cincinnati, where they were among 100 teams from across the state taking part in the educational program. D.I., as it is known, involves youth working to solve open-ended challenges and presenting solutions to hone knowledge and build their skills in critical thinking, teamwork, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), and conflict resolution. Now they will make their way to Missouri on May 21-24 to join more than 1,000 contestants from the U.S. and other countries, including China and Mexico, at the Kansas City Convention Center. There, they will complete team and individual challenges in categories such as fine arts, technical, scientific, engineering, improvisational, early learning, and service learning.
This will mark the fourth time “Us” has been bound for the globals, and it has reached as high as 10th place out of 50 teams in a previous event. Members Lindsey Howell, Daleanee Devore, Learynn Hanson, Beckett Dopp, Nate Myers, Connor Richardson, and Olivia Ferguson said they can’t wait to return.
“I feel excited,” Beckett Dopp commented.
The team, which is advised by Amanda Richardson and Eric Ferguson, will take part in the senior-level engineering challenge with its project, “Above and Beyond.”
“We had to create a structure to extend far and high and that could carry up to 10 weights, then we wrote a story about something that expands and goes above and beyond,” Howell explained.
In addition to the competitions, participants will also enjoy interactive activities and cultural exchanges with teams from other countries; special events such as opening ceremonies, block parties, and creative showcases; opportunities to trade pins and explore team-created props; and exposure to diverse problem-solving approaches and teamwork strategies. However, the local members also plan to spread some positivity during their time at the global finals.
“We were trying to find ways to include more fun into the trip and we’re decorating clothes pins with positive messages and pinning them to people in Kansas City,” said Hanson, adding that the messages will range from “Good Luck” to “Be Kind.”
And while most of the junior high team “I Forgot Their Names” are new to the big show, everyone is equally ecstatic about the opportunity to display their ingenuity. That team, which is advised by Alicia Krepps, centered its middle-level scientific challenge around a memory-stealing apparatus with a story based in an abandoned asylum.
Members Cadence Bendle and Casher Dopp gained some prior exposure with Bendle being part of the John Gregg Elementary team “The Baconators,” which ranked 13th out of 40 teams during its appearance, and Dopp joining his elder brother, Beckett, when the latter attended a contest. Bendle and Dopp said they can share their experience and what is expected on the international stage with newcomers Briar Bendle, Kinsley Cline, Clairann Jolly.
“I’m excited,” said Cline, as everyone else agreed.
“It’s a lot of fun and the experience is better,” Bendle added, saying a popular activity is pin trading while attendants have a chance to meet plenty of new people.
The group has been fundraising to defray travel expenses by collecting donations from area businesses and holding food sales and penny wars. One upcoming venture is a spaghetti dinner benefit on April 25 from 3-7 p.m. at Richmond Methodist Church. It will feature pasta, salad and dessert for dine-in or take out and the cost is by donation, while Kathy’s Little Kitchen kettle corn will be available along with raffles to help generate extra funds for the journey.
District D.I. Coordinator Kelly Dopp expressed her pride in the teams’ accomplishments and said they have worked diligently to advance so far.
“Our high school team, ‘Us,’ is a group of freshmen who have been doing D.I. together for over five years. They are a veteran group who understands the ins and outs of what the judges are looking for. They strive to hit the highest score points possible in every category, and this year they went above and beyond by building a motor-operated rainbow that changed from black and white to color during their performance. The rainbow was structured as a piece of scenery, but the movement was amazing to the audience. I'm proud of the extra hours this team has put in to push themselves to improve each year,” she noted. “Our junior high team, ‘I Forgot Their Names,’ worked extra hard this year to create a storyline that is memorable and creative. They created and perfectly performed their characters, who had the judges in stitches during their performance at states. I'm looking forward to them getting to experience the many events and different cultures at Globals.”
Two Edison Jr./Sr. High teams are headed to the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., on May 21-24 with both newcomers and returning competitors joining more than 1,000 contestants from the U.S. and other countries to complete open-ended challenges. Members of the freshman team, “Us,” are returning for the fourth consecutive time and include, front from left, Beckett Dopp, Olivia Ferguson, Lindsey Howell and Learynn Hanson. Back: Connor Richardson, Nate Myers, and Daleanee Devore. The seventh-grade team, “I Forgot Their Names,” includes Cadence Bendle, Casher Dopp, Briar Bendle, Kinsley Cline, and Clairann Jolly.
EJHS FCA Chapter Spreads the Gospel
Posted 4/17/2026 at 4:45:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-A new Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter has begun at Edison Jr. High School and dozens of students gather each week to commune and give praise.
FCA is a non-denominational, nonprofit Christian sports ministry which was formed more than six decades ago and focuses on coaches, campus, camp, and community ministry. It encourages athletes and coaches to use their influence to impact the world for Jesus Christ and is currently found in 115 countries. Presently, there are two chapters at Edison and the junior high organization was created this past fall. Seventh-grade students Casher Dopp, Josiah Filburn, and Bryson Moses assisted adviser Leah Eft in coordinating the chapter and about 30-40 pupils in grades 7-8 gather every Tuesday during lunch.
"We officially began at the end of September," said Dopp. "We teach about Jesus and sometimes watch a slideshow or video."
"We just wanted to preach about Jesus," Filburn added. "We have had pastors come in from the community."
"In the past, they hadn't had a junior high FCA and Mrs. Eft asked me and Casher to help, and then we asked Josiah and it came together," Moses commented.
Dopp, Filburn, and Moses also lead prayers and rotate presentations each week, and most recently it was Dopp's turn as he shared a video on the parable of the sheep and goats. The story relates to following Jesus and helping others, with the moral being that everyone matters and helping them is like helping Jesus. Dopp completed his brief presentation with a question-and-answer period. The chapter has primarily held meetings but may do more outreach in the future, and the leaders say feedback from their peers has been favorable.
"I've heard positive things," said Filburn.
"They definitely like it because they've been consistent [with attendance]," Dopp added.
Moses said being part of the organization has also helped him hone his skills and he hopes to do more in the future.
"One of my goals is to be a leader in high school, not just junior high," he continued. "When I get to high school, I want to be one of the leaders of its FCA."
Meanwhile, Eft noted that FCA began at Edison 15 years ago and currently has 15 members in its high school chapter.
"It was started about 15 or 16 years ago to give students a safe space to study the Bible at school. Students came to the adults to get this started and membership is optional," she said.
She also praised the EJHS group, adding that the leaders have been prepared and conducted great sessions each week.
"The junior high chapter has been amazing," Eft concluded. "It started because students came to me asking about this opportunity in the first semester this year, and there have consistently been at least 30 students attending the sessions. We have not done any community activities yet, but I foresee this happening in the future. FCA is student-led and we have the best!"
Edison Jr. High School began a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter last fall to spread the Gospel and give students a safe space to study the Bible. About 30-40 seventh and eighth graders attend sessions each week with leaders Casher Dopp, Josiah Filburn, and Bryson Moses while local pastors have also visited to share His word. Pictured is Dopp leading a presentation during a recent gathering.
Edison DI Teams Bound for States
Posted 3/26/2026 at 4:04:28 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Two Edison Jr./Sr. High Destination Imagination teams are bound for Cincinnati as they compete for a chance to head to the Global Finals.
The freshmen team Us and seventh-grade group I Forgot Their Names will attend the state D.I. competition on March 28 at East Lakota High School, where they will face about 100 teams from across Ohio and hope for a chance to attend the global event in Kansas City, Mo., on May 21-24. If all goes according to plan, they will join more than 1,000 teams from across the U.S. and other countries including China and Mexico at the Kansas City Convention Center to complete team and individual contests. D.I. is an educational program where teams work throughout the year to solve open-ended challenges and present solutions. The goal is to gain knowledge and experience in critical thinking to teamwork as well as build STEM and conflict resolution skills and contests include fine arts, technical and service learning.
The EJHS team, Us, previously placed 10th out of 50 teams in the middle level technical challenge during the Global Finals while the Baconators of John Gregg Elementary ranked 13th out of 40 teams in the fine arts challenge. Members of the elementary team are now part of the seventh-grade team, I Forgot Their Names.
Us, which is advised by Amanda Richardson and Eric Ferguson, includes members Olivia Ferguson, Lindsey Howell, Nate Myers, Daleanee Devore, Connor Richardson, Learynn Hanson and Beckett Dopp, who were ready to seek another spot in Kansas City.
Ferguson noted that Us has gone to globals at least a half-dozen times through the years and they were excited about the prospect of heading back to states. Their team’s project, “Above and Beyond,” is entered in the engineering category and requires some mobility within its construct.
“We have to make something that is able to move on both sides,” Dopp explained, saying the project took six months to complete.
I Forgot Their Names, which is advised by Alicia Krepps, includes junior high students Briar Bendle, Casher Dopp, Clairann Jolly, Adrianna Miller, Cadence Bendle, Lakyn Howell and Kinsley Cline. Cadence Bendle said she previously headed the globals with The Baconators team and it was her third time going to the Ohio contest.
“I went to globals before,” she added. “We’re excited about going to states.”
“The basic set is an abandoned asylum with a memory device. Someone wants to replace bad memories with good ones,” Cline commented.
Kelly Dopp, district D.I. coordinator, said the teams have been fundraising for the program through concession stands during John Gregg Elementary School’s recent art show and a soda sale planned for later this month at John Gregg. She was thrilled to see the teams advance with a chance to go even further.
“We are very proud of our teams for moving on to states. These two teams have a lot of students who have been doing DI for years, so they are well rounded in all the areas D.I. assesses. We think they will do really well when they compete on Saturday.”
She also was thankful for the support they have received from the school district, D.I. parents and the community.
“From cheering them on, to being happy for them when they advance to supporting our fundraisers, our Edison community has been great for the DI students! We appreciate your support and are excited to see how our teams do at states.”
Two Edison Jr./Sr. High teams are headed to the Ohio Destination Imagination competition this weekend in Cincinnati, where they will seek opportunities to go to the Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., in May. Members of each team attended the globals in the past and ranked 10th and 13th, respectively, in their categories. Among them are representatives of the freshman team Us, which includes, pictured from left, Olivia Ferguson, Lindsey Howell, Nate Myers, Daleanee Devore, Connor Richardson, Learynn Hanson and Beckett Dopp, as well as the seventh-grade team I Forgot Their Names. Members are, in front, Clairann Jolly, Adrianna Miller, Cadence Bendle, coach Alicia Krepps, Casher Dopp, Briar Bendle, Lakyn Howell and Kinsley Cline
Edison Elementary Schools Raise Nearly $8K for AHA
Posted 3/11/2026 at 4:16:36 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local’s elementary schools are jumping for joy after raising nearly $8,000 for the American Heart Association.
Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools both held their Kids Heart Challenge benefit on Feb. 27 and students spent their time in the gym taking part in heart-healthy activities. They also raised funds for the AHA and earned prizes at various levels as they joined the “KHC Lifesavers League.” At the conclusion, Stanton collected $3,750 and John Gregg garnered $4,200 to support the cause.
Tammy Saphore, physical education teacher at Stanton, said kids completed a variety of fun tasks to get them moving such as jump rope, a football throw, basketball free throws, hula hoops and a Gaga ball tournament.
“The Heart Challenge took place throughout the day during the students' related arts times,” Saphore said. “There were over 50 kids registered to participate in this year's event. The purpose is to help bring awareness to kids about heart-healthy habits and that heart issues can affect anyone of any age. Also, it’s to help raise money for the American Heart Association.”
Stanton’s top collectors included Drake Hurst, Branlin Wilson, Adaley Hardwick and Scarlett Weaver, and Saphore said a $1,000 goal was set but students went the extra mile.
“Stanton raised over $3,000 last year,” she noted. “This has been a great event and it has grown a little each year.”
Karrie Bielski, physical education teacher at John Gregg, said things were really hopping in her building.
“We sent flyers to the parents and the kids get really excited to do this,” said Bielski. “The day was planned out per grade and they got the opportunity to do jump rope. The entire school was involved and there were contests in the gym and we had winners. The program offers rewards for the amount of money they raised and proceeds go back to the American Heart Association.”
Students managed to collect more than $4,000 with Isabella Wood being the top moneymaker.
Kids who registered online received a wristband, plus they earned a gift at each funding level between $5 to $1,000. Prizes included toy figures, jump ropes, T-shirts, a hydro bottle and a build kit while those who learned hands-only CPR also gained a lifesaver’s cape. Proceeds from the Kids Heart Challenge support cardiovascular and stroke research, education and community outreach.
Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools raised a combined total of nearly $8,000 to benefit the American Heart Association during this year’s Kids Heart Challenge. Students collected donations throughout February and earned prizes at various levels, from toys to T-shirts and more. Among Stanton’s top moneymakers were, pictured from left, Drake Hurst, first place; Branlin Wilson, second; Adaley Hardwick, third; and Scarlett Weaver, fourth. Proceeds benefit the AHA to support cardiovascular and stroke research, education and community outreach.
Stanton, John Gregg Taking Fitness Challenge
Posted 3/9/2026 at 3:06:05 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONNDSVILLE-Edison Local’s two elementary schools have become the latest to take the Governor’s Healthy Ohio Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, joining thousands of students across the state of Ohio.
Students at Stanton and John Gregg are working to improve exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits and bolster their physical and mental health. They may work to complete six goals over 10 days to reach bronze level; 10 goals over 20 days for silver; or 12 goals in 30 days to attain gold. The students also receive workbooks to help complete their plans over a 90-day period and activities are all-inclusive, ranging from cardio to flexibility. Kids may walk, jog, dance, do sit-ups, stretches, jumping jacks and more while working at their own pace. Among the nutritional goals are to consume more water, fruits, and vegetables while also eliminating caffeine and sugar, among other habits, to improve their sleep. They may also track their progress and complete their goals at home or at school. At the conclusion, they will receive certificates signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, and program ambassador and former Ohio State University and NFL player Ted Ginn Jr.
The fitness challenge, which kicked off in September for students in grades 3-8, is entering its third round and currently includes about 391,000 kids in 1,400 schools.
Stanton physical education teacher Tammy Saphore said the program was similar to one she has conducted, but she is focusing on kids in grades 1-6 to help bolster their physical and mental well-being.
“We officially began March 2,” Saphore said. “The students will be setting personal goals in phys. ed and working towards those goals.”
She added that pupils in grades 2-6 have been undergoing a similar challenge throughout the year and she has addressed goal-setting skills with her classes.
“The students and I talk about setting realistic goals for ourselves and what that means. First, we set personal goals for sit-ups and push-ups. These goals are made at the beginning of the nine weeks, worked on throughout the nine weeks and then tested at the end of the quarter,” she explained. “Students are given 30 seconds to do as many sit-ups and push-ups as they can. The results are charted and they record if they met their goal and set a new goal for the upcoming nine weeks.”
Saphore said it may also spur competition among the children.
“As soon as we get going testing our goals, it turns into a challenge of who can beat whom and who is going to do the most sit-ups or push-ups.”
She added that the Tressel Challenge as well as the sit-up and push-up challenges would wrap up in May.
At John Gregg, physical education teacher Karrie Bielski said her students began their program in February and it has been going well.
“Everybody has the opportunity to choose if they want to do it and they choose what they want to do,” Bielski commented. “They pick strength, flexibility or cardio and nutrition and sleep goals with options to create their own. They bring their booklets and can do any work or reflection time in class.”
Once students complete their goals, they receive paper medals in gym while their names are announced on the school’s P.A. system. Their information is also sent to challenge coordinators in Columbus to obtain the certification. Like Stanton, Bielski said the challenge will end in May.
“It’s inclusive to anyone with any ability on any schedule and a majority of my students have been participating,” Bielski concluded. “They have had a positive attitude and are trying something new, and my job is to help them understand that this is fun and will help them make better decisions.”
Photo Caption: Students at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools have joined the Governor’s Healthy Ohio Team Tressel Fitness Challenge and are among nearly 391,000 students across Ohio who are building good habits to improve their physical and mental well-being. Pictured are Stanton students performing jumping jacks to get fit.
John Gregg Art Show, Entrepreneur Market on March 12
Posted 3/5/2026 at 9:45:17 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-As John Gregg Elementary students gear up for their annual art show, the fifth and sixth graders are preparing to sell their homemade wares at their Entrepreneur Market.
The school will host “Past, Present, Paint: A Walk through Art History” on March 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Students in grades PreK-6 will showcase their colorful works which are inspired by famous artists. The evening will also include take-and-make family art centers and a photo booth while concessions will be sold to benefit Edison Local School District’s Destination Imagination teams. Among them are artist-themed dirty sodas such as “The Warhol,” “The Van Gogh,” and “The Michelangelo” as well as snacks including taco in a bag, hot dogs, and nachos and proceeds benefit Edison Local School District’s Destination Imagination teams.
Patrons can also partake of the Entrepreneur Market from 6-7 p.m., which will feature a variety of original goods including keychains, recipe jars, body scrub, mugs, and more. All of the merchandise is being created by 32 enrichment students and will be sold for cash only, while proceeds benefit a local charity. Art teacher Kelly Dopp, who leads the enrichment program with computer teacher Brooke Barker, said the students learned to create their own business and were involved in all aspects from developing the logo to making the product. The project received a $600 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to help purchase supplies for making the products and the goal is to be self-sustaining to help fund further events.
“This is a lengthy unit that Mrs. Barker and I created based on the book, ‘The Genius Hour: Passion Projects That Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry,’ by Andi McNair. Using the six P’s of the passion project (passion, plan, pitch, project, product, and presentation), students create their own sellable product—a good, not a service—based on a personal passion,” Dopp explained.
The pupils learn how to create their product and include a production budget, then they pitch their plans to their peers in a “Shark Tank”-style format. She added that they gain feedback on their ideas and start creating their products, as well as a business name and logo. Dopp obtains supplies using revenue from the previous market so students can produce their items. They get to sell their wares during the art show and proceeds will go to a community service project chosen by the group. Previously, their venture benefitted Children’s Hospital.
“This unit promotes a variety of skills, critical thinking, and creativity,” Dopp continued. “Students are required to do math to prepare a budget, create a fair product price and figure out the amount of ingredients or supplies needed for their project. They also work on their reading and writing skills by researching their product, learning about types of persuasive techniques, and writing their own pitch. Presentation skills are also practiced to prepare the students to interact with customers at the market.”
Dopp said her learning goal is for the students to integrate reading, writing, and math skills to create their own business and product for a real-life entrepreneur market. Several of her students said they were excited to be young entrepreneurs and they have learned a lot throughout the process.
Sixth-grader Tripp Porter created models of tornado intercepting vehicles for his project.
“They are meant to go inside tornadoes. They are 3-D printed and I hand-painted them,” he said. “I like tornadoes and severe weather.”
Maddox Richardson took a sweeter route and created jars filled with ingredients to make delicious treats.
“I like to bake and I want to own a restaurant in Richmond,” Richardson said as he filled jars with dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. “I’m getting experience and I like it. It’s pretty fun and I want to make baking cookies easier for people.”
“It’s my favorite thing to do for the art show,” said Brea Moses, who prepared body scrub as her product. “I love doing it.”
Dopp said it was the second year for the market, which is alternated with the school’s living wax museum event.
Meanwhile, second-, third- and fourth-grade enrichment students will have projects on display that evening which feature their interested careers, with second and third graders creating pop bottle biographies and fourth graders inventing game boards.
Fifth- and sixth-grade enrichment students at John Gregg Elementary are preparing to sell homemade wares from mugs to body scrub during the Entrepreneur Market at the school’s annual art show, “Past, Present, Paint: A Walk through Art History,” on March 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Kids in grades PreK-6 will showcase their original designs while activities will be held and concessions will be sold to benefit Destination Imagination teams. Pictured is sixth grader Maddox Richardson preparing recipe jars full of dry ingredients for cookies.
Amelia Ault Gains Community Chime Award
Posted 2/19/2026 at 11:07:45 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School sophomore Amelia Ault’s work in making 4-H activities more inclusive has gained her distinction with the Community Chime Award from Pathways for Inclusion.
The Cadiz-based organization surprised Ault with the honor during the Feb. 12 unified sports basketball game between Edison and Indian Creek high schools at EHS in Richmond. Pathways for Inclusion board member Amanda Deluca read a nomination letter from Ault’s 4-H adviser, Ashley Thompson, explaining how the teen implemented the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) two years ago with activities held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Ault, the daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, created SOULS in honor of her sister Olivia, who has cognitive and developmental disabilities. Now, exhibitors with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities are paired with 4-H and FFA mentors to display animals during a special event in the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena in Smithfield each August. Banners and ribbons are awarded while this year it included a SOULS King and Queen crowning, plus events ended with a square dance for all. Since it began, SOULS has gained participation from students at Edison, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, McKinley STEM Academy, Harrison Central, Weir and Brooke high schools.
“She realized the lack of inclusion for livestock showing in the 4-H setting and wanted to make it more inclusive for everyone,” Deluca read, adding that Ault collaborated with the Jefferson County 4-H, county Board of Developmental Disabilities, county fair board, local school districts and the Special Olympics of Ohio Unified Sports program to make it all possible.
Deluca said providing opportunities such as these exemplified Pathways for Inclusion’s mission to reflect compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to inclusion.
“The Community Chime Award is presented by Pathways for Inclusion to recognize individuals and organizations who actively support and advance inclusive practices within our community. This award celebrates those whose dedication helps create pathways to connections, accessibility, and belonging for individuals of all abilities—amplifying the mission of Pathways for Inclusion through meaningful action.”
She added that the award represented character shown through integrity and service; heart, demonstrated by genuine care for others; inclusion, practiced through guidance, advocacy, and example; and empowerment, inspired by creating opportunities for others to grow and thrive. And like a chime, the impact may not be loud or visible, but it is meaningful and far-reaching.
“It is my honor to present this Community Chime Award today to someone we feel truly embodies the heart of Pathways for Inclusion and helps move our mission forward in the community, and whose actions continue to empower and inspire those around them. We at the Pathways for Inclusion board thank you for creating lasting pathways and meaningful change for our community.”
Ault, who was on hand promoting her SOULS initiative, said the award was unexpected.
“I was so surprised,” she said, adding that she was humbled. “I thought [Pathways for Inclusion] could be another organization we could pair with to grow the event.”
She said signups for this summer’s show should begin in March and she hoped to spread the word at the unified sports game since students from both schools had participated in SOULS.
Meanwhile, Thompson praised Ault for taking the initiative.
“She just impresses me by trying to find more opportunities for individuals in the community,” she said.
Amanda Deluca of Pathways for Inclusion presents Edison High School sophomore Amelia Ault with a Community Chime Award for her efforts to make activities more inclusive with the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. People with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities are paired with 4-H and FFA member mentors to exhibit animals at an event each August to give them guidance and experience.
Unified Sports Exemplify Inclusion
Posted 2/14/2026 at 2:09:15 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Unified sports teams from Edison and Indian Creek high schools battled it out on the hardwood Feb. 12 at Richmond, but there also was a show of community and inclusion.
Edison hosted the latest matchup—its first home game--and both sides worked to add points to the scoreboard, with Indian Creek staying ahead in the first period by 42-22. The players steadily traversed back and forth in the high school gym and Creek maintained the lead until the very end, shoring up a 67-40 victory with a basket from team co-captain Brayden Stewart in the final three seconds. However, the real win was the camaraderie between all of the players, because in unified sports each team includes general students and pupils with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Edison’s team included Student Leadership Council members as coaches, and rounding out the participants were Wesley Kimmerle, Braxton Antill, Jaidyn Carlson, Kaden Eddy, James Bonecutter, Olivia Ault, Brennan Butcher, Kyle Long, Sophia Henderson, Nolan Haught, Abby Carpenter, Abby Boka, Lacie Pelley, Paige Somerville, Clayton Boukenevitz, Allie Kireta, Bella Evans, Allie Whitlatch, Janelle Nicholson, Josie Profit, Tim Degarmo, and Andrew Kirkman. Indian Creek members included coach Franco Barcalow, co-captains Brayden Stewart and players Kaleb Mannion, Colton Dawson, Alex Fabian, Misha Amis, Tatum Deem, Parker Heath, Michael Campana, Jabari White, Landon Cullen, Ethan Starr, River Adams, David Howe, and James Daughtery with cheerleaders Aziah Ade, Peyton Ewing, Shayne Scott, Haylee Shaffer, Tylee Spencer, Blissani Locke, Ava Bell, Maddie Adams, and Abbey Pendleton.
The gym was packed with students from both schools as well as players’ family members cheering on all of the athletes, while Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. and members of the sheriff’s office were also showing support. Cheerleaders from Edison and Indian Creek were also on hand while the EHS Pep Band entertained the crowd. It was the first time that Edison hosted a basketball game, although they have played Creek in the past, and there were talks for a possible rematch during “March Gladness” at ICHS.
Christina Henderson, director of special education at Edison Local Schools, coordinated efforts with EHS Unified Sports Coordinator Ryan Sronce and said it exceeded her expectations.
“It was full of excitement, unity, and love,” Henderson said.
“Today was something fun to see,” added EHS Unified Sports Coordinator Ryan Sronce. “The kids came out and supported both teams, and the inclusion was awesome. We’re ready for a rematch.”
ICHS Unified Sports Coordinator Amber Scott was thrilled by the crowd’s response and the passion of the athletes.
“This is what inclusion is all about,” Scott continued. “I’ve seen people grow since they were freshmen until now and they demonstrated that it’s not about them, it’s about others.”
She also praised a nonverbal student who joined the cheer team, saying the teen’s transformation defined her career.
Meanwhile, Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort counted the game among the best ones held.
“This might have been the greatest event we’ve ever had,” he commented. “Both teams cheered each other on and it was one of the best events yet.”
Even the players were ecstatic about being part of the event.
“I liked everything about it,” said Wesley Kimmerle, a seventh grader at Edison.
“It’s good,” added Stewart, a senior at ICHS. “I like it all and had fun.”
Edison High School hosted its first unified sports basketball game on Feb. 12 against Indian Creek to celebrate inclusion and unity in blended teams of general students and pupils with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Creek was victorious by a score of 67-40 but everyone was a winner. Meanwhile, there are talks of a possible upcoming rematch. Pictured is Edison’s Wesley Kimmerle taking aim for a basket.
Rematch Set for Indian Creek Edison Unified Sports Game
Posted 2/10/2026 at 9:20:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison and Indian Creek will face off in a rematch at their upcoming unified sports basketball game on Thursday.
Edison will host its first such event in the school gym in Richmond at 10:30 a.m. where students and players' family members can view sportsmanship in action. Unified sports combine general students and pupils with developmental and intellectual needs in blended teams to promote inclusion and understanding as well as have fun with athletics.
Jason Sronce serves as school unified sports coordinator at Edison with district Special Education Director Christina Henderson also being involved, and officials said they were looking forward to the matchup because it gives their kids a chance to showcase their skills on the court. Henderson said players included Wesley Kimmerle, Braxton Antill, Jaidyn Carlson, Kaden Eddy, James Bonecutter, Olivia Ault, and Brennan Butcher while members of the school's Student Leadership Council were also participating as coaches.
"The student body will attend and it is open to the families of the athletes," she added, saying the school program has definitely evolved over the past few years. "We started with hosting a track meet and attended basketball and flag football games hosted by Indian Creek. This will be the first unified sports basketball game that we will host and we are researching the possibility of adding additional sports."
Both sides will have plenty of support from cheerleaders and student body members while players' families were also invited to attend, plus the EHS Pep Band will perform before the game.
Indian Creek Unified Sports Coordinator Amber Scott said her team has also been practicing for the matchup.
"[Co-Captains] Brayden Stewart and Kaleb Mannion have taken on leadership roles and the team goes to practice during the first flex period," Scott added. "It's nice that they take the initiative. You see the responsibility and leadership and it will help those kids become better adults."
The ICHS team also includes Alex Fabian, Misha Amis, Paxson Gorby, Colton Dawson, Franco Barcalow, Parker Heath, Dylan Romanyak, Quinn Ujcich, Sawyer Pietro, Landon Cullen, Zach Bigio, Jabari White, and Michael Campanna. Scott said the events promote community and build camaraderie, something she hopes will continue far into the future.
Jefferson County Unified Sports Coordinator Tom Mort said Edison was initially set to play Buckeye Local and plans changed, but Indian Creek stepped in for a game.
"Amber Scott got the kids together and Christina Henderson was thrilled because they had everything in place, and hopefully they can make a return trip to Creek," Mort said, adding that the program builds camaraderie amongst the youth. "It promotes unity with our special needs and general education students, breaks down barriers, and promotes acceptance."
Indian Creek, Edison and Buckeye Local plan to square off again this spring while ICHS is eying another basketball game with Buckeye Local in March.
Unified sports teams from Edison and Indian Creek, pictured here at a previous event, will tip off in a basketball game on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Richmond, which will be Edison's first time holding court. Unified sports promotes inclusion as well as fun in athletics, and students and cheerleaders from both schools will be on hand in addition to the players' families and the EHS Pep Band.
Edison School Board Regroups for 2026
Posted 1/23/2026 at 8:39:22 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local Board of Education regrouped for 2026 and returned some familiar faces to lead the panel.
Aaron Richardson and Ron Smyth will continue as board president and vice president, respectively, following their election at the organizational session on Jan. 14. They were sworn in by district Treasurer Amanda Gump and officials approved a series of operational items for the year. In addition, Smyth named legislative liaison and delegate for the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) annual conference in the fall.
During the subsequent regular session, Superintendent Bill Beattie discussed stipends for school administrators who oversaw responsibilities for attendance following the recent resignation of truancy officer Anthony Pierro. The board had accepted Pierro's resignation, which also included his supplemental coaching duties, and Beattie said building leaders had taken on tasks such as submitting letters and making phone calls to notify parents and the juvenile court in cases of chronic absences.
"I don't think the time is right to fill the position now, but it will be valuable moving forward," Beattie continued.
The proposals were placed on the February meeting agenda for the board's consideration.
In other matters, the board:
- Approved the resignation of longtime Edison High School band director Marc Sansone, who plans to retire at the end of the school year, while Laura Maple was hired as a non-certified substitute at Stanton Elementary.;
- Approved Memorandums of Understanding with Youngstown State University, Kent State University, and Belmont College for the College Credit Plus Dual Enrollment Program for the 2026-2027 school year;
- Approved R.A.R. Engineering Group, Inc. for professional service for water and soil monitoring required by the Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations;
- Permitted the Edison Jr. High Wrestling team to host a tournament on Feb. 1 in the school gym;
- Approved the purchase of two new school buses for the district's fleet;
- Was honored for School Board Recognition Month for January with certificates provided by the superintendent;
- Set a planning session for Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at the EHS Fieldhouse with the next regular meeting scheduled for Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at Stanton Elementary.
The Edison Local Board of Education regrouped for 2026 but returned some familiar faces to lead the panel as Aaron Richardson and Ron Smyth were respectively re-elected as board president and vice president. Pictured are, front from left, Superintendent Bill Beattie, board President Aaron Richardson, Vice President Ron Smyth, and Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta. Back: Board members Anna Ault, Matt Bordash, and Josh McConnell and district Treasurer Amanda Gump.
John Gregg Begins DARE Program
Posted 1/14/2026 at 6:37:06 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary School’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program has officially gotten underway with students learning how to make good decisions.
DARE works with students in grades K-12 with grade-appropriate subjects such as peer pressure, drug dangers, and making good choices. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Gorby, who serves as the school resource officer, recently wound down a four-week session for fourth graders and has since started programs for second- and sixth-grade classes. The fourth-grade program ran from Dec. 5-Jan. 8 with four sessions held before and after the holiday break due to weather-related school delays and cancellations. The second-grade program includes two 20-minute sessions held each week from Jan. 13-Feb. 4 and the sixth-grade program includes a 45-minute session planned each week over a 10-week period and running from Jan. 16-March 20, weather permitting.
Gorby, who is in his second year as SRO at John Gregg, said the program themes are specifically tailored to each grade level and the sixth-graders’ sessions will culminate with a graduation and DARE certification.
“We follow the DARE decision-making model and discuss how to make better choices,” he said. “We look at problem solving and how to define, assess, respond, and evaluate.”
He said fourth-graders gained an understanding about bullying and recognizing harmful versus helpful drugs, while second-graders are learning about who to call during emergencies, how to follow directions, how to tell when things are safe to touch, taste, smell and eat, and to be aware of what is around them. Meanwhile, sixth-grade students will learn about the affects of alcohol and vaping on young, developing bodies and minds, how to handle risky situations and make safe and responsible choices, resistance strategies and responding to social, peer, and self-based pressure, how to identify stress and its effects on the body and communicate them to others, and bullying.
“DARE is more encompassing. It’s not just about alcohol and drug use; it’s more about becoming a better citizen,” Gorby continued, saying the response has been great. “There’s been a really good response to the fourth-grade talk. The amount of participation was incredible, considering it was my first class to teach.”
Gorby underwent DARE training in Columbus in September along with other JCSO deputies and local law enforcement officials, where they prepared to work with grades K-12, studying curriculum material and creating lesson plans to present to youth on topics ranging from 9-1-1 emergency calling to Stranger Danger. The trainees completed presentations at the academy before working with elementary schoolchildren in the Columbus area. Gorby said he will attend future sessions to gain updates on any changes in the curriculum.
“Every few years they revamp the curriculum and I’ll attend a DARE/SRO conference to discuss what we’re seeing in schools and program changes,” he said, noting there were potential hopes of expanding DARE programs into Stanton Elementary and Edison Jr./Sr. High School.
Gorby concluded that he was enjoying his new role, which takes him out of his usual routine and puts him into the classroom.
“It gives me more one-on-one time with the kids,” he said. “I get to provide some knowledge to them and make a difference.”
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Gorby, school resource officer at John Gregg Elementary, has begun a new role as DARE officer at the school. DARE, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, works with students in grades K-12 with grade-appropriate subjects such as peer pressure, drug dangers, and making good choices. Deputy Gorby recently concluded a program with fourth-grade students and is now focusing on second- and sixth-grade classes with the latter to receive certification.
Edison Schools Receive Gold Award for PBIS Programs
Posted 12/20/2025 at 8:09:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local Schools are celebrating after earning a gold award from the state for its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices.
The district received the distinction from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for initiatives to bolster and reward positive behaviors in students at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools and Edison Jr./Sr. High School. All of the buildings received a gold rating following a review by state officials which led to the district gaining an overall award.
Amy Bordash, district College Credit Plus (CCP), gifted and state testing administrator, said every school applies based on a tiered system. PBIS teaches students how to react positively and promotes a positive school culture, while it also works to reduce negative behaviors at school.
“The state evaluated us and our the PBIS processes and incentives in the buildings and the evaluator checks to see if we met all the qualifications, and you could get bronze, silver or gold,” Bordash added. “Because all of the buildings got gold, they presented us with the district award.”
She was pleased with the efforts of each building’s staff and students to achieve the award.
“I’m really proud of the PBIS teams, the teachers, and staff in the buildings. They really work hard to make each building a positive place for the students,” she added. “Each team meets and looks at the data to help inform decisions. They are looking at exactly what’s happening in the buildings.”
There are three tiers of PBIS which correspond to the levels of expectations, with Tier I being more all-encompassing and Tiers II and III being more specified. Superintendent Bill Beattie said efforts centered on collecting data-based evidence with the schools’ programs.
“I’m very thankful to all of the schools and Amy Bordash for being committed to make it happen,” Beattie commented. “I was proud that the buildings were awarded, and to receive it as a district is a great accomplishment.”
Edison High School Assistant Principal Josh Leasure, who oversees the PBIS program at his building, said Edison was recognized for demonstrating strong, consistent implementation across the building.
“Edison earned this recognition because of our school-wide commitment to positive behavior, clear expectations, and using data to guide decisions. It reflects the intentional work our staff does every day to support students and build a positive school culture,” he continued. “At Edison, our expectations are simple and consistent: students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and safe. We explicitly teach these expectations and reinforce them daily by recognizing students who model them. Staff “catch students doing the right thing” through verbal praise, incentives, and recognition programs that make positive behavior visible and meaningful.”
He noted that the schools approximately 600 students in grades 7-12 are included in the PBIS program and officials have seen improvements in attendance with fewer discipline referrals and more positive interactions between students and staff.
“Students better understand expectations and are taking greater ownership of their behavior in classrooms, hallways, and common areas,” Leasure said. “We believe teaching positive behavior is about more than school—it’s about preparing students for tomorrow. By emphasizing respect, responsibility, and safety, we are helping students build the skills they need for employment, enlistment, and enrollment after graduation. This recognition reflects a shared commitment from Edison’s staff, students, and families to that goal.”
John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield said her school was honored to be recognized for attaining the gold status.
“My teams have worked hard at organizing and created processes to create and maintain a respectful, responsible and safe environment for our students and staff,” she added.
Burchfield said her building formed a PBIS team that focused on Tier I expectations, then defined and taught them to the students, plus incentives are in place to encourage and reward positive behaviors.
“These expectations are a part of all that we do. We have a second team, a PBIS Tiers II and II team, that meets to focus on behavior needs and supports for individual students,” she added. “There has been a huge improvement overall in our school culture. We recognize students for being respectful, responsible, and safe by awarding them a ‘Shout Out’ card. They place the card on a board and when the board fills up, three cards are randomly chosen. Those students are announced and walk to the office to receive a prize from the principal's treasure chest. We also recognize students for excellence in academics, behavior, and attendance, and students in ‘excellent standing’ receive Burchfield Bucks that can be used at our monthly Spirit Corner. Our students look forward to our Spirit Corner day.”
Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson said the tiers of PBIS focused on the school-wide practices and expectations and also working with families.
“We also recognize students who are respectful, responsible and safe with ‘Caught Ya’ tickets and we recognize the Student of the Month,” Peterson added. “It’s a lot of work we’ve put in for the last three years and it’s nice to see the staff working together for the building and the district overall.”
He also has seen an increase in positive behaviors among students as a result.
Certified Drone Pilots
Posted 12/20/2025 at 7:58:19 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Five students in Edison High School’s drone program headed to Haski Aviation in New Castle, Pa., on Dec. 16 to take their FAA Part 107 drone certification exam. All five passed and are now certified drone pilots, giving them an advantage in a variety of related careers. Pictured are, from left, Brady Wells, Kyle Long, Gunner Cronin, Luke Ferralli, and Jayden Kelly.
John Gregg Enacts Operation Christmas Cards
Posted 12/12/2025 at 1:51:29 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary is enacting a special endeavor to bring smiles and brighten up the holidays for soldiers and senior citizens with the annual Operation Christmas Cards program.
Melissa Huggins, a visual impairment (VI) aide at the school, is leading the charge for another year and activities kicked off on Halloween, now hundreds of cards created by students were being sent to recipients in the armed forces as well as area nursing homes.
We had about 2,500 cards,” Huggins said. “I packed a total of 64 envelopes for members of the military and I am sending cards to 10 local nursing homes.”
She initially sent flyers home with students and posted them on Edison’s and her social media pages so people could provide addresses for active military members. Preschool and kindergarten students colored and signed prepared cards while first to sixth grades decorated cards and added their own messages. The holiday program was created by a former educator but Huggins has organized it for the past two years and said it was very significant to her because her son, Hunter, is an active duty flight medic in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed in Alabama.
“I come from a military family and my father, grandfather, son and his wife have served, so I think it’s very important that the military members have something from home.”
She added that the students and servicemembers equally enjoyed the cards.
"I think the kids really enjoy it, and I put a letter with the packet explaining what this is and ask military members to text or email pictures. Last year I got a lot of responses from the military and replies from the nursing homes.”
Overseas cards were sent prior to Thanksgiving break while stateside mail went out the first week of December, plus the nursing home cards were being mailed prior to Christmas break.
Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary third-grader Ella Prokopakis and kindergarten student Gracen Huggins pose with a few of the cards being sent for the annual Operation Christmas Cards program. Kids in preschool to sixth grades are spreading cheer to military members serving overseas and stateside, as well as local nursing home residents this holiday season.
EJHS Band Hosts Holiday Concert on Tuesday
Posted 12/12/2025 at 1:43:46 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Jr. High School Band is making sweet music this holiday season with a Christmas concert set for Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The
performance is set for 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium in Richmond and is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the music program. Band director Marc Sansone said about 50 seventh- and eighth-grade members will take the stage along with the 18-member junior high jazz band to play classic songs and holiday tunes with a twist.
“The seventh grade will play ‘I’m Gettin Nuttin for Christmas’ and ‘And to All a Good Night’ and the eighth grade will play [the Hawaiian Christmas song] ‘Mele Kalikimaka,’ ‘Flutists, We Have Heard on High,’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’” Sansone added. “The junior high jazz ensemble will perform ‘The Herald Angels Swing,’ which is a big band version of ‘Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.’”
He said the public is welcome to attend and enjoy ringing in the season with songs. Meanwhile, the high school marching band will also make an appearance this Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Richmond Christmas Parade that is set for 5 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop
Posted 12/12/2025 at 1:39:29 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Santa’s Workshops are underway at schools all across the area, particularly at John Gregg Elementary where students got into the spirit of giving. Classes visited the makeshift marketplace in the school library and students browsed among gift ideas for the whole family. Pictured is second-grader Jax Glover getting some assistance from PTO volunteer Morgan Kanter during his shopping excursion.
Edison Local getting back to basics with JCESC Best Practice Grants
Posted 12/2/2025 at 7:50:01 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND – Students at Edison Local School District are building a strong foundation with an emphasis on critical thinking with the help of a round of Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center. Three grants of $700 each were awarded during the Nov. 19 board of education meeting.
Nathanael Kline’s students will be taking a step back to strengthen the basics with some paper-based interventions for students in English and Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. More than 150 students will take part.
Kline said his students and their families had expressed an interest in introducing some low-technology learning tools including student planners, color-coded notebooks and flash cards.
“There’s a growing need to have limited screen time and electronics fasting where you just work with paper and use regular flash cards rather than electronic flash cards, make annotations on paper rather than electronically. The emphasis was on reaching mainly my ELA students but also some Science and Social Studies students.”
Other families have asked for less screen time for children who have sensory issues, ADHD or who tend to be distracted.
Kline said the district has made an investment in strengthening students’ executive functions and them “thinking about their thinking.” He will be encouraging a more organized approach, with students working to meet deadlines. He anticipates the flash cards will aid in faster vocabulary recall. The students will also be working with fewer distractions.
He added the simple act of holding a pencil and writing may increase focus.
“There’s definitely an association between handwriting and being able to recall words, write, spell, decode. We definitely want to make that connection.”
While all the materials are consumable, Kline has two years’ worth of planners and will work with many of the same students during that time and observe how they organize their thoughts.
“I’ll see them for two years. I’ll be able to track the beginning and end of their planners, how much better they are at taking notes and learning what they need to write down and what they don’t need to write down.”
He is a past grant recipient and is grateful to everyone who supported the project.
Stephanie Kuca, who teaches 10th graders at Edison High School, is introducing physical activity through yoga and reflection on poetry with the Metaphors and Mindful Movement program. More than 20 students in her class will benefit.
“The idea for this project and course was inspired by my own experience with yoga and mindfulness during the pandemic. I wanted to give my students the opportunity to experience literature content in a different way and to include more movement in class,” she said.
Kuca added studies suggest yoga and mindfulness greatly increase teens’ self-awareness and emotional regulation. She hopes to see her students better manage stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and increase their self-esteem. She noted other studies that suggest teens spend an excessive amount of time in front of screens, and it negatively impacts their mental health.
“So, this course should help students’ physical and mental well-being because exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins which can help boost one’s mood,” she said.
“My hope is that when the minimester class is over at the end of May, they continue to practice mindfulness in a way that feels right for them and contributes to their life in a positive way.”
Meanwhile Miguel Brun at John Gregg Elementary will be equipping young students with tools for literacy using orthographic mapping.
“The teachers at Edison Local have gone through extensive training on the science of reading, so they are now aligning their instruction with how the brain learns to read,” he said. “When we’re born, we are hardwired to speak, we’re not hardwired to read, so we have to be very intentional that the practices that we do are based on how our brains learned to read.”
He went on to describe how readers store words through the mental process of orthographic mapping.
“You have to be an accurate and instant word reader to free up the cognitive energy to focus on the linguistic processes that are needed to comprehend our language, such as vocabulary, background knowledge, language structures, verbal reasoning, literacy knowledge,” he said. “We want our students to be increasingly strategic.”
The program will give novice readers more opportunities to build the word-forming area of the reading brain. He has purchased decodable textbooks that will help translate word reading into passage reading.
“With that process of orthographic mapping, you’re basically supergluing the word’s pronunciation to its spelling and also attaching meaning to that.”
Kindergarteners through third graders will use the decodable texts, as will any striving readers still working on basic phonics skills.
“It’s for those students who are working in those tiers of support who need that additional practice.”
The initiative is very sustainable, with texts that can readily be reused.
“We’ll be using these books for years to come.”
Brun is a prior grant recipient. He purchased magnetic boards to build orthographic mapping using word chaining. The boards are still in use today.
“I definitely want to thank the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for funding our grant and allowing students to continue to build to the ultimate end goal of being proficient readers.”
Photo Caption:
Patty Ferrell, intervention specialist with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presents a Best Practice Grant to Nathanael Kline, intervention specialist at Edison Local High School. Not pictured are teachers and grant recipients Stephanie Kuca and Miguel Brun. Their projects will help students in building a strong foundation of focus, mindfulness, introspection and literacy.
EHS Biomed Students Make Presentations
Posted 11/25/2025 at 12:32:24 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School Biomed 4 students put on their thinking caps and created ways to optimize emergency rooms in a presentation for school leaders.
Students in JoAnn Stagani’s science program were tasked establish plans for improving facilities and presented their ideas on Oct. 23-24. Pupils had previously heard from EHS alumni Kayla Prokopakis-Campbell of Boardman Community Hospital and Allegheny Health Network, Isaac Evans from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 495 in Steubenville, and Trevor Coffy, a flight medic for Stat-Medivac 14 in Youngstown, plus they visited Trinity Medical Center where they shadowed in the emergency room and toured the new fast track area.
“The whole project started with a [scenario] when a patient falls ill and comes to an E.R., then dies in the E.R. while waiting. The students had to come up with a plan for a more efficient E.R. and include a layout, innovation, equipment or software, and staffing,” Stagani said. “We had four group presentations that was viewed by teachers, counselors, and administrators.”
Twelve students collaborated in three-person teams and selected a community, such as an inner city or site similar to Richmond where Edison High is located, on which to base their designs. Among their innovations were a pharmacy delivery system to efficiently administer medication and a mister to disinfect the room.
“The purpose was to come up with a way to make the E.R. more efficient,” Stagani added.
This is the first year for the Biomed 4 class, which prepares students who plan on entering the healthcare field. Biomed 1 focuses on subjects such as forensics, vital signs and charging; Biomed 2 studies the human body systems, terminology, and developing a physical therapy rehabilitation plan; Biomed 3 focuses on family pedigree (genetics), contact tracing and research; and Biomed 4 centers on scientific research.
Photo Caption:
Biomed 4 students at Edison High School were tasked with designing more efficient emergency rooms and made presentations to school teachers and administrators on their innovative ideas. Pictured is one of the teams, which includes Lillie Shane, Ayden Christianson and Kelsey Parrish. Biomed 4 is a pathway for students interested in working in the healthcare field.
Presentations, Programs Lead Sessions
Posted 11/25/2025 at 9:51:44 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Presentations, Programs Lead Session
RICHMOND-The issue of educational and other programming topped discussion during the regular meeting of the Edison Local Board of Education on Nov. 19.
Board members gathered at the Edison High School Fieldhouse in Richmond, where they heard from high school student representatives Brenna Liggett, Leila Sudvary, and Casher Dopp about updates and ideas on possibilities for their school.
Liggett, a junior, touched on some student concerns including upperclassmen lunch periods, extra bathroom time, and use of bookbags, and noted a suggestion box was requested outside the cafeteria so students could provide meal choices. She instead inquired about providing a salad bar to increase options and reduce waste in pre-made salads. Liggett also broached the possibility of creating a club fair to expose students to extracurricular activities and also build recruitment in organizations and sports.
“I think it would be a good idea to host this at the beginning of the school year during school hours so all of our students could participate,” she continued. “I think this is a great opportunity for the students to get involved and for the clubs that put in a lot of effort to show themselves off and see if they can get people interested.”
She also hoped to work with school counselor Collette Honsowetz on a peer-mentoring program to build connections and social engagement. She was inspired by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and said it would be a great opportunity for students to make connections outside their grade levels and improve empathy.
Sudvary, a sophomore, said she completed a project book for 4-H for mental health and drug and suicide prevention and wanted to implement it at school.
“Sometimes the student struggling with these issues can connect with a peer or feel like they understand better. It’s good that students maintain a positive environment,” she added. She also offered ideas to create a ‘You Matter’ bulletin board with information and QR codes to link students to resources as well as a display where students could write cards of gratitude.
Dopp, a seventh-grader at Edison Jr. High, shared issues about some needed improvements in the annex bathrooms and asked officials to consider the possibility of transporting EJHS students to games.
“We could bus students to away football games and basketball games to give them safe, fun things to do on Friday nights,” he commented.
Leaders praised their presentations and board President Aaron Richardson said the student representative program has truly grown.
“I think what’s interesting and what I appreciate about your presentation is the evolution of when we first implemented this program,” Richardson continued. “To me, it’s interesting to see…that you guys are trying to implement programs that are going to help the environment and you’re going to help each other.”
EHS Principal Matt Morrison also provided an overview of the Maymester courses being implemented this spring in the junior and senior high school buildings. Starting May 4, the school will offer courses over an 18-day period that will be incorporated into altered time blocks. Officials said planning got underway in August and teachers were encouraged to create a course based upon their own interests and are within their certification parameters. Examples include “Art Around the World,” “Greenhouse Management,” “Clean Energy and Watt Works,” Living the Constitutional Convention,” “World Lit Iconic Films,” and “Finance for the Future,” among others at the high school, while EJHS will include “From Sea to Shining Sea,” Echoes of Equality: Civil Rights,” and more. The senior high will run on four 94-minute blocks while the junior high will have 12 classes with three 47-minute blocks and one 94-minute period.
“Our nine weeks end and we’ll start Maymester on May 4,” said Superintendent Bill Beattie. “It’s a modified calendar. It’s a creative way to meet the interests of teachers and engage students with a more hands-on approach.”
Morrison said the building was getting ready for the change and students will have several opportunities to take the classes they choose.
Meanwhile, school counselor Collette Honsowetz presented a comprehensive program with a mission to provide research-based interventions and a data-informed curriculum, plus programs that address the whole student while also emphasizing academic achievement, career, and personal and social development. It is currently in the second year of a four-year plan and is being done in conjunction with The Ohio State University, and she said its vision also meets the district’s goal of getting students prepared for tomorrow and to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed. Honsowetz explained that EHS had three school counselors and she worked with the social-emotional aspect while Leah Eft focused on careers and Karen Crawford oversaw academics.
“Part of what we’ve been doing here over the last few years is we’ve been focusing on a comprehensive school counseling program,” she said. “Some of the things is does is we identify the knowledge and skills students need. We really use data to direct [where we’re going].”
She added that like teachers, counselors also have standards and spend 80 percent of their time on direct and indirect services, including counseling, referrals, and instruction, while 20 percent focuses on data, identify gaps and plans to close them. Honsowetz also outlined the cycle of a year for a counselor, saying they meet with Principal Morrison, create data, work on interventions, and monitor the data each quarter. The end goals range from having a 3-percent increase in the graduation rate to a 3-percent decrease in chronic absenteeism.
“We were able to reach the goal this year,” Honsowetz continued, saying she hoped to provide an update on her findings in the spring.
Among other matters:
- Jefferson County Educational Service Center Intervention Specialist Patty Ferrell presented three $700 Best Practice Grants to district teachers for their innovative programs. Recipients were Nathanael Kline, Miguel Brun, and Stephanie Kuca. Kline was on hand and said his project involved paper-based interventions for executive function and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS);
- Leaders heard from Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta that she met with EHS career coach Leah Eft and EHS FFA Advisor Kelli Pridemore about career-tech opportunities, and one was an ag business plan where students are involved in a work-release program. She was also eyeing a public service pathway, developing capstones and utilizing pre-apprenticeship options, plus she was reviewing the idea of implementing a Sources of Strength organization for peer mentoring;
- The board accepted the resignations of Ethan Waggoner as junior high wrestling coach and Luke Spencer as varsity wrestling coach, as well as EHS school nurse Jenna Still and Stanton Elementary teacher Nancy Davis, the latter for the purpose of retirement in July. They also employed Olivia Shaw as a registered behavior technician and Melinda Weaver and Jeanette Mase as paraprofessional aides at John Gregg Elementary;
- Officials appointed Ron Smyth as the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board representative for a three-year term ending in December of 2028;
- The board set the next regular meeting for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at EHS.
Photo Caption:
Edison Jr./Sr. High School pupils, pictured from left, Brenna Liggett, Leila Sudvary and Casher Dopp presented their student representative reports to the Edison Local Board of Education meeting on Nov. 19 and highlighted issues and ideas at the building. Among them were a club fair to showcase organizations and sports and build recruitment, opportunities to help youth with mental health and drug and suicide prevention matters, and busing junior high students to away games for a fun and safe activity.
EHS Performing “The Addams Family”
Posted 11/19/2025 at 9:28:26 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. They’re all together ooky—and they’ll be at Edison High School!
Get ready for a new take on the classic television show as the school’s vocal department performs a musical version of “The Addams Family” on Nov. 21-22 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens while kids ages 3 and under are free. The cast features 85 students in grades 7-12 as they bring back a blast from the past with memories of the popular and frightfully fun series. Join Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Lurch and more in a production referred to as “a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family.”
The original story follows every father’s nightmare: a now-grown Wednesday Addams, who is considered the ultimate princess of darkness, falls in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. She confides in her father and begs him not to inform her mother, forcing Gomez to keep the secret from his beloved Morticia (Oh, the horror!). But everything changes when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
“Audiences can expect to have a ‘ghoulishly’ fun night filled with laughter and great memories,” said EHS Vocal Department Director Nick Hughes, who is directing the production. “We will also have basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, snack items for sale, Wildcat gear and T-shirts from past productions for sale. We will have items for ‘Good Luck Bags’ for the cast and crew that will be for sale, as well.”
Leading the cast are Nevaeh Hunter as Gomez, Leila Cable as Morticia, Michelle Davis as Wednesday, Lanie Kruel as Pugsley, Nikolas Kline as Uncle Fester, Bella Evans as Grandma, Lauren Watters as Lurch, Maddie Granatir as Mal Beineke, Kloe Riley as Alice Beineke, Felicity Hilton as Lucas Beineke, and Huntley Board as Little Wednesday with the Addams ancestors portrayed by Madilyn Householder, Gwendolyn Stine, Luci Kruel, Halee Fish, Gracie McPeek, Ellie Richards, Kallie Granatir, Ava-Marie Harris, Cadence Bendle, Mark Higginbotham, and Cecilia Stacey.
For more information, contact Hughes at [email protected]
Family Dining
Posted 11/19/2025 at 9:20:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Preschoolers had a fun family dining experience as John Gregg Elementary hosted a parents’ luncheon on Nov. 13. An estimated 250 people—or approximately 70 families--were in attendance, including parents, grandparents, siblings, and students who enjoyed meals from the cafeteria or goodies brought by their loved ones. Afterwards, they had a chance to browse among literature and other merchandise in the school library where the PTO hosted the Scholastic Book Fair. Pictured are, clockwise from left, grandmother Darlene McCleary, Sofia Beckett, Kayne Boydston, Kenzie Heldt, Memphis Heldt, Sunnie Beckett, Mason Beckett and Brian Beckett.
Hayes Takes Part in Envision Forum
Posted 11/19/2025 at 9:11:43 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary student Landon Hayes got a glimpse of his future by attending the Envision by WorldStrides Program this past summer.
Envision immerses youth in culture, leadership and STEM experiences by providing programs such as the Junior National Leaders Conference and National Youth Leadership Forums for Medicine, Business and Pathways to STEM. Hayes, the son of Duane and Amanda Hayes of Bergholz, participated in the NYLF: Pathways to STEM program at Bowling Green University from July 6-10. While there, he took part in various hands-on simulations and workshops that inspire forward-thinking elementary school students to become next-generation innovators, engineers, doctors, software developers and scientists. His schedule included a variety of sessions on social and emotional learning, medicine, engineering from robotics to building bridges, medicine and forensic science with a robotics tournament, and the week concluded with an engineering design showcase.
“I got to build a robot with a partner and we programmed and played soccer with other robots,” Hayes added. “I liked it because I got invited to something big.”
Hayes had a chance to learn on the BGU campus but stayed nearby with his family for the duration of the program. He was nominated by teacher Amy Sinicropi, who said he was a great choice to participate.
“I nominated him because he is quite intelligent and thinks above and beyond an average sixth-grade student. He is knowledgeable about many different topics,” she said. “When we completed projects, he would always think outside of the box and help his peers create a unique final project.”
Meanwhile, Hayes added that he would recommend the program to other youth and he was interested in a future career of working with robots.
Now in its 40th year, Envision by WorldStrides provides opportunities from New York and Los Angeles to Seattle and Miami, while it offers innovative, safe, fun and empowering programs that enable students to discover their passion, explore a career, make a difference and realize their dreams. Envision became part of WorldStrides in 2018 and now provides nearly 20 different career, leadership, and technology programs that take place in cities across the United States and the world. WorldStrides, the largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world—and themselves—in new ways. Programs range from elementary through post-graduate levels and feature specializations like performing arts, sports, career exploration, and study abroad. The mission remains focused on giving high-aspiring students in elementary school through college the unique opportunity to turn their career and life aspirations into reality. About a million exceptional students have benefited from the transformational experiences the programs provide.
John Gregg Elementary student Landon Hayes attended the Envision by WorldStrides program on July 6-10 at Bowling Green University, where he took part in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM program and gained hands-on learning while exploring options for his future.
Biomed Students Visit Franciscan
Posted 11/19/2025 at 8:59:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School Biomed IV students recently toured the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s St. John Paul II Library and nursing facilities to complete research for their class. The career-technical education (CTE) pathway includes six independent research projects and students learned how scientific research differs from modern methods by finding credible sources. Eleven juniors and seniors visited the university campus on Oct. 9 and were shown what resources were available in the library, plus they toured the nursing school building where they viewed simulation labs, lecture halls and labs. EHS teacher JoAnn Stagani said she visited the Franciscan library while a high schooler herself and believed it would inspire her class. Pictured with students is reference librarian John Kristine at St. John Paul II Library while EHS student Annie Board is pictured at the nursing lab.
John Gregg Students Benefit from Incentives
Posted 11/14/2025 at 6:40:10 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary students are benefitting from incentives that reward improvements in academics and behaviors.
Principal Tammy Burchfield said pupils have experienced growth both inside and outside the classroom and are rewarded through “Burchfield Bucks” as well as a Shout Out Board displayed near the main office. The incentive program has been underway for the past few years and is designed to recognize those who show improvement with tests, attendance, and good behavior.
“There are different measures [for receiving Burchfield Bucks] if they receive excellence in perfect attendance, reading above the benchmark, MAP testing for math and reading if they are in the 80th percentile or over and being accomplished or advanced on state tests,” Burchfield said. “In some measures, Burchfield Bucks are also given out for significant growth.”
Students who receive the unique currency may redeem them for items in the Spirit Corner which is led by the school PTO each month. She noted an uptick in academics and behaviors, saying the method has proven to be successful.
“Every year, we do see an increase as the grade levels get older,” she said.
Another incentive is the Shout Out Board, where kids doing good deeds are recognized. Teachers and staff may provide names of students, then they receive small cards that they place into numbered slots on the board.
“The cards maintain the three expectations of the school, which is being respectful, responsible, and safe. When they are ‘caught,’ they receive the cards,” she continued. “The board holds 100 cards and I randomly choose three cards, then the students are called to the office and select items from a treasure chest. They may also receive the card back, and after they accumulate five they may exchange them for Burchfield Bucks to make purchases.”
Four of the faux dollars may also be turned in for a token to the school’s book vending machine, while students who hit a goal and fill the board several times could earn a whole-school prize, and among previous rewards were an organized field day to play outside and enjoy game stations. Burchfield said the board has been filled consistently, showing that kids are doing plenty of good on a constant basis. The purpose of the incentive plan is to create an environment that produces proficiency in reading, math, writing, and collaborative skills so students are prepared for tomorrow.
Photo Caption:
John Gregg Elementary students are benefitting from incentives that reward them for good grades and positive behaviors, including the implementation of Burchfield Bucks and the Shout Out Board. Burchfield Bucks, named for Principal Tammy Burchfield, are given when students excel in perfect attendance, reading above their benchmark and MAP testing and state tests. Among recent recipients have been, pictured from left, Blossom Blue, Jacob Kinney, Colt McCoy, Jaycee Rendell and Bella Webb.
John Gregg All Aglow for Literacy Night
Posted 11/7/2025 at 3:23:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary will be all aglow for its upcoming literacy night on Thursday, Nov. 13.
“Red, White, and Glow” will be held for grades PreK-3 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will feature an evening of patriotic tales and family fun. Principal Tammy Burchfield said kids will receive treat bags and then take part in educational games in their classrooms.
“It’s a ‘Red, White, and Glow’ event with a patriotic theme [in honor of Veterans Day],” Burchfield said. The kids will go into their grade-level classroom where they will participate in glow-in-the-dark reading activities, plus we’ll have a food vendor with items available for purchase.”
Among the offerings are “Star-Spangled Storytime,” “Red, White, and Read” grade-level literacy activities, the “Declaration of Imagination” craft corner, “The Freedom Trail” scooter book walk, and the “Picture-Perfect Patriots” photo booth to capture the memories. Participants also have a chance to shop at the school’s Scholastic Book Fair and add some new material to their personal libraries.
Meanwhile, The Retro Shak will serve up goodies and specializes in the some of the country’s best comfort food-- macaroni and cheese—while the cafeteria will also have hot dogs, potato chips, cookies and water on hand for hungry attendants. D.J. Chelsea Householder plans to spin tunes during the festivities and art students also created original works for exhibition.
Edison Schools Plan Veterans Day Programs
Posted 11/7/2025 at 2:56:26 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local Schools will recognize the men and women who bravely served in the armed forces with several assemblies set for Nov. 11.
John Gregg Elementary will hold its annual Veterans Day breakfast and assembly in the school cafeteria, with the meal starting at 8:30 a.m. and the program to follow at 10 a.m.
“We have a veterans’ breakfast at the start of the day and the students are allowed to invite a veteran,” said Principal Tammy Burchfield. “They get a catered breakfast and then the rest of the student body comes in and we’ll have the Veterans Day assembly.”
About 68 guests were invited to partake in the event while a total of 383 students will also attend. The program will include music and readings with first-grade class performing the National Anthem while each class will have a themed project. Art students will display patriotic works, plus handmade cards and keepsakes will be provided. It will conclude with a slideshow featuring photos of the veterans to recognize their courage.
Edison High School will hold its 36th annual Veterans Day assembly at 10 a.m. in the old gym and include members of the Richmond Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 740 along with musical tributes and speakers. EHS teacher Paul Baker is spearheading the program and said it will include a mixture of music and words of remembrance.
The program includes the National Anthem, Military Salute and Taps by the EHS Band under the direction of music educator Marc Sansone and the high school choir performing “Song for the Unsung Hero” with the eighth-grade choir’s rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” under the direction of vocal department director Nick Hughes. There will also be readings of Lt. Col. John McCrae’s patriotic poem, “In Flanders Field,” by teacher Caitlyn Schultz, Kelly Strong’s poem, “Freedom Is Not Free,” by educator William Koehnlein, President Abraham Lincoln’s historic speech, “The Gettysburg Address” by teacher David Schultz, and Eve Bunting’s “The Wall” by former educator Tony Kovalesky. It will also include VFW members and conclude with remarks by Principal Matt Morrison.
Stanton Elementary will wrap up events that day with its program at 1:30 p.m. Teacher Maryann Hoobler is coordinating the event, which will include patriotic songs, essays and further recognition of past and present service members. Hoobler said the event is open to the public and the community is welcome to attend.
“The program will include a coloring contest for grades 1, 2, and 3 and the fourth-grade students will present Thank You cards to the veterans,” she added. “Fifth- and sixth-grade students will read poems and essays honoring the veterans and explaining the history of Veterans Day. The program will also include songs and will conclude with a slideshow of Stanton students and staff members thanking our veterans that we were born free.”
She added that the intent of the annual celebration was to honor veterans on their special day.
“It is my great honor to organize this event each year. Our students look forward to being part of this program.”
Additionally, the Edison High FFA Chapter will host a veterans breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 15. FFA Advisor Kelli Pridemore said members will serve the meal in the school cafeteria from 8-10 a.m., and there is no cost but donations will be accepted.
“We did not ask for an RSVP but are hoping for 50 people,” said Pridemore. “It’s a free breakfast for veterans with fellowship. The last event was held two years ago on Veterans Day.”
She noted that the breakfast was a way to honor the men and women who have served our country, while families are welcome to attend by donation
EHS Drone Program Taking Off
Posted 11/6/2025 at 4:51:44 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School’s drone program is really taking off as it exposes students to a growing career pathway.
Led by engineering teacher Derek Gulling, the program was launched during the 2023-24 school year and currently includes 11 juniors and seniors. Since its inception, Gulling said the pathway has gained plenty of interest among the pupils.
“The school started the drone program to boost interest in exploring drone flying as a career,” he said. “It has been a very popular elective. I teach them how to fly drones safely and responsibly, and I also instruct them in the U.S. regulations and airport operations to prepare them to take their Part 107 certificate which allows them to fly drones for jobs.”
Students utilize DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Skydio drones for their lessons, which include reading charts and learning to fly the apparatus to obtain certification through the FFA. Gulling said he has seen a growing number of pupils join the program through the years.
“We max capacity year after year. Many students can’t afford to independently purchase these drones as they can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars,” he added. “They appreciate being able to learn to fly higher quality drones and many continue to pursue the certificate.”
Gulling continued that his students have opportunities to pursue a multitude of careers as drone operators, and among the fields that utilize the equipment are electric companies, search and rescue organizations, public service, law enforcement, and agriculture. Some of his students say they have an eye on a potential career in drone-based fields and the education they are getting of the program is giving them a real advantage.
“It gives us an opportunity to expend our abilities in the workforce and we can do so much with our drone license,” said senior Brady Wells. “I hope to maybe go into the Air Force and will already have a license.”
“I think it’s fun because we get to go out and fly them and it’s hands-on learning,” added senior Kyle Long.
Edison High School offers a drone program that can prepare juniors and seniors for a growing number of high-tech careers. Pictured are, front from left, Kyle Long, Gunner Cronin and Zach Trimble. Back: J.J. Reynolds, Luke Ferralli, Jackson McBane, Clayton Bokenuvitz, Matt Evans, Brady Wells, Brad Berardinelli, and Jayden Kelly.
EHS FFA Places Fifth at National Contest
Posted 11/6/2025 at 4:43:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison High School FFA gained fifth-place honors during the 55th Annual National Arabian Horse Association Judging Contest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently.
Four Edison students attended on Oct. 24-25 and were among 22 teams and 100 individuals from states all across the country, while the event was sponsored by the National Arabian Horse Federation. While there, students evaluated horses and gave presentations for judging, and in the end the team of Micah Larkins, Maddie Granatir, Mimi Ault, and Leila Sudvary gained fifth place in performance class with Granatir earning 10th place individually.
“The team evaluated 10 different classes of Arabian horses and gave oral reasons for four classes,” said FFA Advisor Kelli Pridemore, adding that the team was coached by previous advisor Chuck Cline. “The team placed fifth in the performance class, and Maddie Granatir placed 10th individually in the performance class.”
The students qualified for the national event by placing sixth in the Ohio FFA Equine Contest last spring, and while in Oklahoma they had an opportunity to tour various sites including an aquarium and the Philbrook Museum of Art. Pridemore said the team members were ecstatic about participating and enjoyed the experience.
“The students were excited to attend and demonstrate their equine knowledge,” she commented.
The Edison FFA currently has more than 100 members and they are getting ready for more upcoming competitions, including job interview and parliamentary procedure contests, while the annual fall fundraiser was winding down with items to be delivered in mid-December.
Edison High School FFA members gained fifth-place honors during the 55th Annual National Arabian Horse Judging Contest in Tulsa, Okla., in September, where they were among 22 teams and 100 individuals from various states. Team members, pictured from left, Mimi Ault, Maddie Granatir, Micah Larkins, and Leila Sudvary are pictured with their fifth-place team ribbon for performance class while Granatir also earned 10th place individually.
EHS FFA Attends National Convention
Posted 11/6/2025 at 4:32:28 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Ind., on Oct. 28-31 to take part in the 98th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo.
Nine members attended along with advisors Kelli Pridemore and Cori Griffith, where they joined about 73,000 other FFA participants from around the country at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. According to the national organization's website, the event is one of the largest student conventions in the world with a mission to develop, educate and inspire. Students attended workshops to develop leadership, personal growth, and career success, while teacher workshops also provided educators with new ideas and activities to integrate into their classrooms. The convention also included educational tours, such as agribusiness systems, animal systems, biotechnology systems, natural resources systems, and power, structural and technical systems, while members, teams and chapters were also recognized during the expo for their accomplishments. Additionally, more than 300 exhibitors were on hand representing agriculture, colleges, fundraising, the U.S. Armed Services and auto and truck manufacturers.
Pridemore said the event intends to broaden the young members' understanding of leadership and service.
"The National FFA Convention exposes students to FFA on a national level. They were able to meet people from all over the country," she continued. "The students enriched their leadership skills and bonded through the week of travel."
FFA members attended a career fair and convention sessions during the event.
"We attended convention sessions where we heard from keynote speakers, national FFA officers, and saw national FFA talent," Pridemore said.
While there, the group also toured Ozark Fisheries, a local fish farm; took a behind-the-scenes tour of the ocean section and enjoyed the Indianapolis Zoo; toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and "kissed the bricks" at the Brickyard; and attended a rodeo.
Photo Caption:
Edison High School FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Ind., for the 98th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo on Oct. 28-31, where they attended workshop sessions and heard from keynote speakers, plus they viewed several hundred exhibits at the expo and toured local sites. Pictured are, front from left, Adrienne Granatir, Bella Evans, and Chloe Cornish. Back: Lena Wagner, Sydney Newburn, Maddie Granatir, Jon Whitlatch, Noah Lucas, and Kloe Riley.
Edison Lighting Upgrade Nears Completion
Posted 10/28/2025 at 6:35:16 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE- Edison Local Board of Education members learned that an ongoing lighting project is nearing completion in the district.
Superintendent Bill Beattie informed officials during the Oct. 21 session that a $330,000 safety lighting plan had concluded at Edison High School and work at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools were close to wrapping up.
The plan secures facilities through new illumination, metal detectors and electronic door access systems and is part of a $338,403 grant the district previously received through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS) School Violence Prevention Program. Funding must be used by June of 2027 and some improvements have already been completed with detectors being installed, while new illumination is being added and plans are underway for electronic access. Beattie said LED flat panel lights were installed in the junior high classrooms over the summer while work on exterior lights began in September.
“The exterior lighting project at the high school complex is complete. They are currently updating the exterior lights at Stanton and John Gregg,” he said. “Those should be completed at the end of October.”
The latest work entailed adding 25-foot, four-sided LED light poles around the practice field and parking lot at Edison with walkway lighting at the EHS Sports Complex. Roof-mounted LED floodlights were also added around the perimeter of the high school with more planned at Stanton and John Gregg.
Officials noted that the flat-panel lights would create a safer environment at Edison and increase brightness in a more cost-efficient manner; contribute to a positive learning environment and promote student well-being, focus and overall academic performance; brighten the area and bolster overall safety. Additionally, the update benefits students and the public during events at the sports complex, deters trespassers and lessens the chance of unlawful activity. The roof-mounted floodlights will promote safety through well-lit surroundings, which also contributes to a positive learning environment at the elementary schools in addition to bolstering energy efficiency and environmental health.
The board also heard from Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson, who spoke about the students’ morning meetings to help start the day in a positive and welcoming way. Peterson said the sessions build classroom community, teach social skills, and set the tone for learning, plus it helps students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn together. He also discussed the 7 Mindsets curriculum for social-emotional learning. The Tier 1 SEL curriculum has been used at Edison High School and is being implemented at both Stanton and John Gregg Elementary this year and includes topics such as “Building a Common Language,” “100-percent Accountable,” and “Attitude of Gratitude.” Peterson also mentioned the upcoming literacy night on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 5-7 p.m.
Under personnel matters, the board revised its administrative and fringe benefit agreement to accommodate the addition of Amy Pettit as a registered behavior technician (RBT), who will serve under the district’s Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). As RBT, Pettit will provide services to students who have behavioral issues. Other staffing issues included approving certified substitutes William Stephens, Jr., music; Jennifer Bahen, grades 1-8 education; Crystal Hatcher, Carlye Sempiek and Sara Shay, general education; and Abby Wilson, visual art; approving non-certified substitutes including Karrie Bielski, aide/secretary/custodian/NBC; Melissa Pesta, aide; and Kaylie Reiser, aide/secretary; approving a supplemental contract for Seth Filburn, junior high boys’ basketball; accepting the resignation of Stanton Elementary paraprofessional aide Bailee Haught and varsity boys’ wrestling coach Anthony Materna; and approving Kelli Pridemore as a substitute van driver.
Among other action, the board:
- Approved a swim team contract with Steubenville City Schools for practices during the current school year;-
- Approved visual impairment (VI) service agreements with the Harrison Hills and Toronto City school districts for the current school year;
- Set the next regular meeting for Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at Edison High School.
Stanton Kids Maintain Math, Literacy Knowledge through Summer Programs
Posted 10/28/2025 at 6:27:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students at Stanton Elementary School maintained their knowledge throughout the summer with the help of a few math and literacy programs.
Students took part in the new Stanton Avenger Math Summer Challenge as well as the annual Summer Reading Challenge to dodge what is referred to as the summer slide. Also known summer learning loss, it is a phenomenon in which kids slightly regress during their time off and lose ground in key subject areas. The math challenge is a new program started by intervention specialist Michelle O’Karma and was designed to help pupils put their calculating minds into practice, while literacy specialist Emily Henry spearheaded the reading challenge to inspire a love for literature.
For her part, O’Karma said 23 pupils in grades K-5 crunched numbers with assignments and returned to school to enjoy a fun reward.
“Kids participated in the Stanton Math Avenger and were given packets to practice basic math facts over the summer to avoid the summer slide,” O’Karma said. “When they came back they had a freeze pop party and extra recess. Then we put names in a hat and drew a name, and the winner received a free book from our book vending machine.”
Third-grader Ryan Taylor was the lucky winner of the gold coin to acquire some new reading material. She said the challenge was the first of its kind and would help kids be were primed and ready for the new year.
“It was a way to keep them energized,” O’Karma added. “We decided to do it so the kids would be prepared with math skills when they came back. Normally we just do a reading program, but we also decided to do math this year.”
She added that the math program would be continued on an annual basis.
Meanwhile, Henry led the second-annual summer reading program, where students read various levels of books to keep their minds sharp during their vacation.
“The students were given a choice to pick between different levels for the number of books to read. They could choose to read 10 books, 20 books, or 50 books. They had a sheet to color in a picture of a book and then log the title of the book,” she added.
About two-dozen students took part in that program to help keep their reading skills in tune, but she said benefits were two-fold.
“The purpose is to keep kids reading in hopes that they do not regress with their reading skills over the summer. It is also my hope to build a love of reading with our students,” Henry added. “This year we let the students decide how many books they wanted to read and it was an opportunity for them to set and work toward a goal.”
She continued that the students enjoyed the program and will receive a book to nurture their love of reading.
Stanton Elementary students took part in summer math and reading challenges to stay sharp during their time out of school and to be ready when they returned to the classroom. About two-dozen kids in grades K-5 took part in each program and third-grader Ryan Taylor was the lucky winner of a new book after completing the Stanton Avenger Math Summer Challenge, while more literature was being distributed to those who participated in the literacy program.
Digital Engineering Students Fashion Festive Projects
Posted 10/28/2025 at 6:19:01 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Students at Edison High School’s new digital engineering course put their skills to use to create a festive project for the fall season.
Derek Gulling, math and engineering teacher at EHS, said nine juniors and seniors completed a pumpkin project where they fashioned components for their autumnal assignment and honed their abilities in the process.
“The students were given kits from Chaney Electronics and they had to solder each of the components into place,” Gulling said. “The project allowed them to practice their soldering skills while creating something to take home that is relevant to the fall season. The project works via an integrated circuit consisting of resistors, capacitors, and integrated chips. It lights up and makes a sound when built correctly.”
He added that the project was part of the brand-new engineering course, which falls within the school’s career-tech pathways to help equip students for future careers in the ever-evolving workforce. Digital engineering refers to the study of the fundamentals of electronic circuits that process digital and analog signals. It has been described as the integration of digital technology and data-driven models to design, develop and manage complex systems that can be used in artificial intelligence, automation, and more. Many industries are modernizing to utilize the method, including aerospace, automotive and manufacturing.
Gulling said the project, which is among many students will complete throughout the school year, will enable them to build upon their capabilities.
“They practice soldering skills and required discipline to place components like resistors, capacitors, and integrated chips in the proper polarity,” he noted, saying students learn to focus and utilize their knowledge.
He added that they enjoyed completing the pumpkin project, as well.
“All of them complimented the project, citing its required challenge to solder numerous components,” he continued. “The class, as a whole, was started to continue our course offerings in the engineering CTE program.”
Photo Caption:
Edison High School students created festive fall projects for fun and to learn some fundamentals in their digital engineering course. Pictured are, from left, Zach Trimble, Trevor Rudy, and Jayden Kelly displaying their creations.
Teachers Present at Gifted Education Conference
Posted 10/16/2025 at 5:24:10 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-Two John Gregg Elementary School teachers presented their unique ideas for student enrichment during the annual Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) conference in Columbus.
Art teacher Kelly Dopp and computer teacher Brooke Barker, who oversee the enrichment program at the school, joined Edison Local School District Gifted Coordinator Amy Bordash during the event at the Hilton at Easton on Oct. 12-14, where Dopp and Barker highlighted their project-based learning program before 70 educators and experts from across the country. Dopp explained that she, Barker and Bordash submitted a proposal for their presentation that was accepted for the event.
“We attended a two-day session of presentations on gifted education for our professional development,” Dopp said. “We shared our project-based learning program and we had over 70 people watching our presentation.”
They discussed many of their projects which are showcased during the annual John Gregg Art Show, including their living wax museum based on people students have researched; a young entrepreneur’s market where pupils sell homemade wares with proceeds helping to keep the marketplace sustainable; pop-up book biographies and pop bottle biographies based on famous figures; and “A Circus of Circuits,” a science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) collaborative which combines artwork and moving pieces in the style of innovative artist Alexander Calder, who is best known for developing the idea of mobiles as kinetic, or moving, sculpture with the circus as his focal point. About 30-40 students in grades 2-6 take part in John Gregg’s enrichment program, where they also utilize Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules to empower them to solve problems relating to the real world.
“We were very excited for the opportunity. It was just like we were teaching, but we were teaching adults,” Dopp continued. “We were getting many questions and it felt like we were supporting other enrichment teachers and helping them by giving good enrichment project ideas.”
During her presentation, Barker talked about projects including the wax museum and the Circus of Circuits, which was developed using a $4,000 Toshiba America Foundation Grant. Students have also completed kindness projects, such as recycling materials into birdfeeders, creating magic dough snowmen to decorate and give away, and creating puppets shows for preschoolers while reading books including “Snowmen at Night.”
“I also spoke about our Fun Fridays, where we do activities with kids as encouragement for their hard work over the past week,” Barker added. “We focus on collaboration, teamwork, game days with word and math games, snap circuits, and building or engineering activities. We’ve also been involved with Project Lead the Way and this is my fifth year of working with computer modules, plus we do PLTW through enrichment.”
She said they have been receiving inquiries since they made their appearance.
“There were gifted educators from across the country. There were professors, experts in the field of neuroscience and gifted coordinators,” she added. “We’re getting overwhelmed with requests for information, and someone reached out from Lancaster City Schools. It’s been very rewarding because what we’re doing makes a difference.”
Meanwhile, Bordash was pleased with the opportunity as well as the response from the presentation.
“The district is proud to recognize Kelly Dopp and Brooke Barker for presenting at the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) Conference. Their session drew a standing-room-only crowd, a true testament to the interest in their work,” Bordash concluded. “Participants shared that they learned valuable strategies and left feeling inspired to apply the ideas in their own classrooms. Kelly and Brooke represented the district with excellence, showcasing the strong practices and commitment to gifted education in our schools.”
Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary School teachers Brooke Barker, pictured at left, and Kelly Dopp presented on their project-based learning program during the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OACG) Conference on Oct. 12-14 in Columbus. They joined Edison Local School District Gifted Coordinator Amy Bordash and said their enrichment program has drawn interest from educators.
Edison Students Experience Envision Program
Posted 9/24/2025 at 11:15:02 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-Two Edison Local Schools students gained leadership, culture and STEM experiences through the Envision by WorldStrides Program.
According to its website, Envision by WorldStrides was developed 40 years ago and its programs are innovative, safe, fun, empowering, and enable students to discover their passion; explore a career; make a difference; and realize their dreams. Four programs are available for students to attend, including the Junior National Leaders Conference and National Youth Leadership forums for Medicine, Business and Pathways to STEM. Current Edison Jr. High seventh-grader Casher Dopp and John Gregg Elementary fifth-grader Talon Glover respectively attended programs at Washington, D.C., and Bowling Green State University in July to explore opportunities and get hands-on knowledge for their future.
Dopp, the son of Chris and Kelly Dopp of Richmond, spent five days in the nation’s capital viewing historical and cultural sites as part of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference on July 21-25.
“It’s a leadership program for students and you have to be nominated by a teacher,” he said, adding that he was named by sixth-grade teacher Tally Pasiuk while attending John Gregg last year. “If a teacher thinks you have good leadership qualities, you are nominated.”
Dopp added that he spent three days sightseeing and visiting landmarks including the Capitol, White House, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and Washington Monument, plus he completed a My Day in Office simulation at Maryland State College.
“It was very fun, and I learned a lot about American History and what President George Washington did,” he added.
Dopp, who is currently a student representative for the Edison Local School Board, was also active as a school board student rep and a student council member while at John Gregg.
Glover, son of Chance and Krystle Glover of Bloomingdale, attended the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM program at Bowling Green on July 6-10 and took part in hands-on simulations and workshops to inspire his future interests. His schedule included a variety of sessions on social and emotional learning, medicine, engineering from robotics to building bridges, medicine and forensic science with a robotics tournament, and the week concluded with an engineering design showcase.
“We dissected a calf heart, built a small rollercoaster, built a car and did battle with robots,” Glover said. “I liked a lot of stuff about it.”
Glover was nominated by fourth-grade teacher Leanne Sinicropi at John Gregg for NYLF Pathways to STEM, which is open forward-thinking elementary school students who will evolve into next-generation innovators, engineers, doctors, software developers, and scientists.
Meanwhile, both students had an opportunity to board with their families at nearby hotels while attending the programs. Envision by WorldStrides provides opportunities across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, St. Louis, Denver, Raleigh, Seattle, Nashville and Atlanta, among other cities. Envision became part of WorldStrides in 2018 and now provides nearly 20 different career, leadership, and technology programs that take place in cities across the United States and the world. WorldStrides, the largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550,000 students see the world—and themselves—in new ways. Programs range from elementary through post-graduate levels and feature specializations like performing arts, sports, career exploration, and study abroad. The mission remains focused on giving high-aspiring students in elementary school through college the unique opportunity to turn their career and life aspirations into reality. About a million exceptional students have benefited from the transformational experiences the programs provide.
Edison Jr. High seventh-grader Casher Dopp (pictured) went to Washington, D.C., and John Gregg Elementary fifth-grader Talon Glover attended Bowling Green State University for separate forums in July as part of the Envision by WorldStrides Program. Dopp was part of the Junior National Leaders Conference while Glover took part in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM program.
Pridemore Heads Ag Program at EHS
Posted 9/13/2025 at 4:40:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Kelli Pridemore is getting back to her educational roots and inspiring minds as the new FFA and agricultural educator at Edison High School.
The Carrollton native, who succeeds longtime teacher Chuck Cline, is a graduate of Carrollton High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education at The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University. Pridemore served in a similar role at her alma mater in Carrollton for 16 years and now brings her knowledge to Edison to share with 77 ag students and more than 120 FFA members. She hopes to carry on the school’s long-standing traditions.
“I’d like to get more students involved in FFA activities at the local, state, and national level and continue to have students succeed in career development,” she added. “I also want to continue keeping the community involved in Edison FFA activities.”
Pridemore also runs a farm in southern Carroll County with her husband Steve, with whom she shares six children ages 9-22. She took a hiatus following the birth of her youngest child but remained in education, working as an instructional supervisor at Quaker Digital Academy for two years and mentoring other ag teachers for eight years before taking the post at EHS.
“My children are grown with my four youngest in school, and I wanted to teach in school,” she explained. “An opportunity opened up and I’m excited to bring my experience with the program and continue the tradition of Edison’s FFA.”
Through the years, the FFA has earned American and state degrees while members competed in various career development events, the latter of which yielded state individual and team winners to Top 10 finishers. The industrial arts and ag program combined and students have spent their time utilizing the greenhouse and shop, the latter of which includes welding booths, a CNC plasma table and metal-working equipment. Meanwhile, a school team earned seventh place this past year in equine management and will travel to the 55th Annual National Arabian Horse Judging Contest in Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 24-25. The event invites FFA, Arabian Horse Association, and collegiate judging teams to participate.
Students have also gained leadership and community service skills through events such as the annual Classic Tractor Show and Car Cruise-in, fundraisers for the Wounded Warrior Project and Children’s Hospital, participating in Wreaths Across America, holding Veteran’s Day breakfasts and doing projects at the school ballfields and Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Pridemore said current plans include attending the annual Ohio Farm Science Review this month in London and soil judging events, as well as the National FFA Convention that is set for late October. Members are also selling sausage sandwiches during Wildcat football games as a fundraiser for their organization.
Kelli Pridemore began her new post as agricultural educator at Edison High School, bringing her knowledge from 16 years of teaching in Carrollton to Edison’s estimated 200 ag students and FFA members.
Edison Media Program Builds Creativity
Posted 9/13/2025 at 4:32:20 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School students have another option in career pathways with the addition of a media program.
The School Publications Media class includes 27 students in grades 9-12 who are showing their creativity through graphics and digital projects. Teacher Emily Waggoner said the course began this year.
“With all of the technology on campus, we created a class so students could create the content,” Waggoner said. “They are making graphics and content for the scoreboard and the kiosk in the fieldhouse, and one of our hopes is to do a morning news segment.”
Efforts began during the summer after officials discussed ways to utilize the building’s technology and promote events. The fruits of their labor are already being displayed on TV monitors throughout the school to advertise sporting events and other activities and keep others informed. To assist them, the program received a $25,000 grant from the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation to support STEAM courses, and the funding enabled officials to acquire five Canon EOS Rebel T7 cameras, a GoPro Hero12 Black action camera, a Fujifilm X-S10 digital camera, and four tripods.
“I send students weekly athletic lists and they create Canva [digital software] edits for the TV. They go to sporting events and take pictures to use in class and we’ll send graphics and information to [district media coordinator James Evans] to post. The students have access to TV’s in the buildings and it’s a good way to bring technology into an older building. They also understand how the scoreboard works, so we can develop something for that as well,” she continued. “It’s a newer class, so each student will get a different job each nine weeks and learn about film and management. They will get a glimpse into graphics and it touches upon work-based learning.”
Waggoner added that the course was a popular addition and has already reached maximum capacity.
“I have kids asking how to get into the class and they want to sign up next year. It’s a full-year class and they can join if there is a spot.”
Sophomore Kelsi Holland said she has enjoyed the class and recommends it to her peers.
“I love it,” she said. “I like using Canva (graphic design software) a lot and putting my creative ideas on TV. It’s very fun. The class is very interesting and I’d highly recommend it.”
“They find out how things go from the classroom to the real world and see it in real life,” Waggoner said.
Edison High School teacher Emily Waggoner, left, and sophomore Kelsi Holland pose with one of Holland’s designs on the school TV monitor which was created in Waggoner’s new media class. Twenty-seven students in grades 9-12 are learning how to film and create promotional items and information throughout the campus, from the monitors and kiosk in the school building and fieldhouse to the scoreboard at Cartwright Memorial Stadium.
Edison Touts New Teachers & Student Reps
Posted 8/26/2025 at 4:34:28 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education recognized new teachers and staff who joined the school district, as well as student representatives for the 2025-2026 term, during the monthly session on Aug. 21.
Seven educators were welcomed this year during a small reception held prior to the meeting at Edison High School. Among the new employees are Nate Wharton, an art teacher at Stanton Elementary; Hailee Casto and Meghan Jackson, intervention specialists at Stanton; Alicia Long, fourth-grade teacher at John Gregg Elementary; Katie Oinonen, English/Language Arts at Edison Jr. High. Chase Nolan, math teacher at EHS; and Kelli Pridemore, FFA educator at EHS.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said the reception was an opportunity for officials to get to know the new employees and he welcomed them to the district.
"It was a meet and greet," he explained. We're excited for the new staff we've hired and we've gotten a nice mix of new people with experience and new ones coming out of college. We're excited about what they can bring to the district."
Student representatives for each school were also introduced and will address the board during future sessions. Representing Edison are Leila Sudvary and Brenna Liggett with Casher Dopp at EJHS, Emma Hoobler and Lena Wickham at Stanton, and Henry Bernhart and Brea Moses at John Gregg. The student reps were sworn in by board President Aaron Richardson and will be responsible for gathering information and ideas to share with the school board, serving as a voice for their peers in each building.
Meanwhile, officials were updated on safety lighting upgrades which will continue throughout the district. Beattie said the project was part of a $330,000 plan to secure facilities, which also includes metal detectors and electronic door access systems.
The district previously received $338,403 through the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS) School Violence Prevention Program to add another level of security. The funding must be used by June of 2027 and some improvements have already been completed with detectors being installed, while new illumination is being added and plans are underway for electronic access. Beattie said LED flat panel lights were installed in the junior high classrooms this summer and the next project for exterior lights begins in September.
"The project is slated to kick off after Labor Day and we hope to have it done around Sept. 22," he said. "There will be exterior lights at the practice field at the high school with additional lighting improvements at the stadium."
Those improvements include adding 25-foot, four-sided LED light poles around the practice field and parking lot at EHS with walkway lighting at the EHS Sports Complex. Moreover, roof-mounted LED floodlights will be added around the perimeter of the high school, Stanton and John Gregg. Beattie said work at the elementary schools may occur later this year or in early spring, depending upon the weather.
Officials said the flat-panel lights would create a safer environment at EHS and increase illumination in a more cost-efficient manner. The well-lit surroundings would also contribute to a positive learning environment and promote student well-being, focus and overall academic performance. Additionally, the light poles would brighten the area and bolster overall safety on the campus, plus it would deter trespassers and lessen the chance of unlawful activity. Leaders said it also benefits students and the public during sporting events at the sports complex. The roof-mounted floodlights are intended to promote safety through well-lit surroundings, which also contributes to a positive learning environment at the elementary schools in addition to being energy efficient and environmentally healthy.
Under personnel matters, the board approved certified substitute staff Elissa Thompson, Joseph McCallister, Paul Moore, Shannon Bahen, Donald Bernard, Rich Cernansky, Valerie Lude, Patricia McCreery, Michael McIntyre, Amy Pettit, Shawn Scott and Mychi Stewart; accepted non-certified subs Gina Bengier and Tracie Waggoner; rescinded the supplemental contract for Luke Spencer as wrestling coach; accepted the resignations of Kristen Truex as VoAg teacher and Anthony Materna as assistant wrestling coach at Edison; employed Crystal Knepp and Lynnsee Miles as part-time aides at Stanton; and approved Aaron Henderson and Erin Knipp as certified van drivers with Dana Rohal as a substitute van driver.
Among other action, the board:
- Approved a school policy for personal communication devices and declared it an emergency;
- Revised the administrative salary and fringe benefit agreement;
- Approved overnight field trips were approved for Edison FFA to Camp Muskingum in September for Greenhand Camp and the EHS Cheerleaders to Walt Disney World on Jan. 29-Feb. 1 for a national competition;
- Approved a contract with Trinity Health System School of Nursing for student clinical experiences;
- Approved a cooperative agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities;
- Approved a service agreement with Jefferson County Educational Service Center for Title I services;
- Approved a service contract with the Stark County ESC for special education services
- Scheduled the next regular meeting for Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at John Gregg.
Student representatives were also sworn in by board President Aaron Richardson and include Brea Moses, Emma Hoobler, Lena Wickham, Henry Bernhart, Casher Dopp, Leila Sudvary and Brenna Liggett.
Edison Local School District officials welcomed new staff and student representatives during a small reception prior to the Aug. 21 meeting. Pictured, in front, are incoming teachers Nate Wharton, Alicia Long and Kelli Pridemore. Back: Chase Nolan, Hailee Casto and Meghan Jackson. Katie Oinonen was absent from the photo.
Edison DI Team Hopes Third Time’s a Charm at Globals
Posted 4/16/2025 at 4:55:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Jr. High’s Destination Imagination team hopes the third time’s the charm as members plan another return to the Global Finals next month.
Members of the team “Us” earned another chance to attend the event in Kansas City, Mo., after placing first in their category at the Ohio Affiliate Tournament in Barberton on March 29, and now they will be among more than 1,000 teams participating from across the country and the world on May 22-25. Destination Imagination (DI) is an educational program where teams work to solve open-ended challenges and present solutions in categories including fine arts, technical and service learning. In return, the youth gain knowledge and experience in critical thinking and teamwork as well as build STEM and conflict resolution skills.
Us has been on a roll this year after excelling at both the regional tournament near Cleveland on March 1 and the state competition, gaining first place for the second year in a row with their technical challenge, “Breaking Point.” Members include seventh-graders Beckett Dopp, Daleanee Devore, Lindsey Howell, Olivia Ferguson, Connor Richardson and Nathan Myers and they are coached by Amanda Richardson and Eric Ferguson.
“This year, our challenge was to build 20 stack items in any shape. We used an electromagnetic device to build it and a wrecking ball mechanism to tear it down,” explained Dopp. “You get more points for how far you get the pieces, but they have to be within a target zone.”
In the end, they earned the top score out of eight teams and a Renaissance Award for the set design and story, as well as some high praise from the judges.
“From the storyline to the acting and then the props, we were hooked. The team took a difficult, but realistic, topic and taught us how to have hope and the treasure of great friends,” the officials stated. “We loved the details of the spectacular life-like set they built, and how it was used in several different ways. But we will always be referencing the talking tree. How amazing from conception to the real bark and the beautiful hanging flowers. From start to finish, we were blown away!”
“We had our character lose something and attempted to get it back,” Dopp added. “We received the Renaissance Award for showing a real situation that can happen to someone and using life-like props.”
Team members are now eager to head to the Show Me State to show what they could do at the global competition. In addition to contests, the team will also have a chance to take part in pin trading with the other attendants at the Kansas City Convention Center and also enjoy the KC Quest city-wide scavenger hunt. Us scored within the top 20 for the middle school technical challenge category during their initial foray at the global finals and peaked within the top 10 last year. This time, the members’ hopes are set even higher, particularly the top three.
“I’m super excited,” said Devore.
“It feels great,” added Richardson. “It’s going to be our third year in a row and we pretty much know the city by heart.”
“I enjoy being there because it’s a great experience and we can just take it all in,” commented Ferguson.
“I feel really good,” said Howell. “We were really nervous at first, but I’ll like just being back at Kansas City.”
“I’m very happy,” said Myers, adding that he will enjoy pin trading and spending time with his teammates.
Members said they practiced twice a week and spent many an hour on Sundays perfecting their performance. Now they will begin fundraising efforts to defray expenses for the trip. Among their plans are to sell punch drinks at school during lunchtime, seek sponsorships from community businesses and approach the Edison Local School Board of Education for support, plus a spaghetti dinner is being scheduled for May 3 from 3-7 p.m. at Richmond United Methodist Church. The cost is by donation only and attendees can enjoy a pasta meal and take part in basket raffles.
"We can’t wait to go out to the community and have them support us,” Devore commented.
The Edison Jr. High Destination Imagination team “Us” hopes the third time is the charm as they return to the DI Global Finals in Kansas City next month. The team scored in the top 10 last year and is aiming higher at the latest competition. Fundraising is also getting underway and a spaghetti dinner benefit is being set for May 3 from 3-7 p.m. at the Richmond United Methodist Church. Pictured are, front from left, Olivia Ferguson and Beckett Dopp. Back: Lindsey Howell, Daleanee Devore, Connor Richardson and Nathan Myers.
Edison Mock Trial Team Shares Knowledge at Scrimmage
Posted 4/16/2025 at 4:49:16 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Students and parents caught a glimpse of the judicial system at work during a mock trial scrimmage at Edison High School on April 9.
Members of David Schultz’s mock trial class made their case as they prepared for the annual Jefferson County Law Day on April 15, where they and other schools tested their skills before actual legal experts. The case was a simulation created by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) and focused on whether the use of AI technology in one instance could be considered parody or defamation. Students acted as plaintiffs, defendants, counsel, witnesses and timekeepers while Schultz and local attorney and class legal adviser Aaron Richardson, who also serves as president of the Edison Local School Board of Education, acted as judges.
Future mock trial class members, students in Schultz’s college American Government class and parents were invited to attend the event in the school auditorium. Schultz said it was a great way to showcase the hard work of the class not only for Law Day, but also throughout the year.
“The scrimmage is to show what mock trial is and it was another practice before Law Day,” he added. “This is the case they’ve been working on all year. There is a different case every year that deals with a Constitutional question.”
The case, which is the same scenario used on Law Day, centered on a student who, after getting into trouble and being suspended from the school dance, posted an AI or “deepfake” video online of the principal. The school leader, who was also running for a political office, was seeking a preliminary injunction to remove the video until the matter was settled. The legal question was whether it was malicious defamation—defined as the act of harming one’s reputation by spreading false information-- as the plaintiff claimed, or the defense’s argument that it was a parody, which is defined as “a creative work designed to imitate, comment on and/or mock its subject by means of satirical or ironic imitation.”
Students presented arguments for both sides, with the plaintiff claiming the video impacted the principal’s reputation and poll ratings and the defense saying it was free speech protected under the First Amendment and posed no threat to her public standing. Students Ben Griffith and Rilee Givens were counsel for the plaintiff, who was portrayed by Jordan Hughes, while Myah Howell and Zachary Kuntz were attorneys for the defendant played by Kaylee Spencer. Expert witnesses were played by Ronaleigh Crawford and Maddison Somerville, while Jamie Baker presented the case summary and witness introductions with Avah Reed, Mazzy Speedy and Justin Goddard, Jr. Additionally, Kaylee Spencer and Kathryn Clancey acted as timekeepers.
Both sides were allotted a particular amount of time for opening statements, questioning and closing arguments and the audience learned about the purpose of direct, redirect, cross examination and re-cross, much like actual court proceedings. The judges also gave rulings to objections and other arguments within the case. Schultz said the legal teams had to be prepared with knowledge of laws behind their argument while witnesses had to memorize statements for the scenario.
“This is our first year and the kids really enjoy it,” he added. “Our teams have to compete on both sides in a real competition. It’s about being able to argue both sides of the law. I think OCLRE does a great job making strong cases and it is a class where we work in sixth period every day.”
The team previously performed well at an OCLRE High School Mock Trial District Competition in Canton this past January, where students competed against teams from Jackson, Hoover and Lake high schools and earned a split decision and four honors. Rilee Givens was recognized as outstanding attorney while Zach Kuntz, Maddison Somerville and Jordan Hughes were all named outstanding witnesses. Although they did not advance to the regional event, Schultz was impressed with their first effort against the veteran programs.
Meanwhile, Aaron Richardson was equally impressed with their efforts and said Edison’s program can only grow.
“I think the kids have done really well, considering everybody involved was learning from scratch. Our performance in Canton far exceeded what they expected. The judges were very complimentary, and a lot of that is because of Mr. Schultz. He has done a great job.”
Edison High School’s mock trial team held a scrimmage on April 9 to showcase their legal knowledge prior to Jefferson County Law Day. Local attorney and team legal adviser Aaron Richardson, pictured at left, acted as judge along with class teacher David Schultz with witness Maddison Somerville giving testimony to plaintiff’s counsel Rilee Givens with Myah Howell, Zachary Kuntz and Ben Griffith seated at right. Students portrayed attorneys, the plaintiff, defendant, witnesses and timekeepers in a simulated case which posed a Constitutional question of defamation versus parody. It is the first year for the mock trial program and officials were pleased with the team’s performance.
Edison Seeking AD’s Replacement
Posted 3/31/2025 at 11:59:46 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education is seeking a new athletic director following the resignation of Tom Bocek at Edison High School.
Leaders accepted Bocek’s resignation, which is effective July 31, during the March 20 session at EHS and Superintendent Bill Beattie said the search is on for a replacement.
“He is relocating to North Carolina and has served as athletic director for four years,” Beattie said. “Tom has been a longtime employee of the Edison Local School District and has done an amazing job. We wish him well.”
The search is now on for Bocek’s successor and hopes are to have the post filled soon.
“We hope to have a new official in place by June 1,” Beattie added.
In other matters, the board:
-Renewed an agreement with A.E. Neumann Co. to maintain HVAC units throughout the district;
-Approved a contract with Allerton Hill Communications for consulting services on social media, mailings and videography;
-Approved a revised job description for the superintendent’s post;
-Approved Lynnsee Miles as cook, custodian and aide on the non-certified substitute list as well as supplemental contracts for Luke Spencer, elementary wrestling; Nate Moses, head boys’ basketball; Nick Howell and George Ash, volunteer baseball; and Hank Boka, volunteer baseball and softball;
-Approved a dual credit memorandum of understanding with Belmont College for the 2025-26 school year;
-Approved the EHS Colt/junior high summer and Edison Power teams to use the EHS athletic facility from May 26 to Aug. 1, as well as the Edison High School Cheerleaders for a youth cheer camp from March 31-April 14 and a cheering competition on Dec. 21;
-Approved service agreements with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for SRO services at EHS, Stanton Elementary and John Gregg Elementary effective Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2025;
-Approved the treasurer’s report, which included a February cash summary of $21,713,848.88, expenditures totaling $1,919,624.82 and donations from Cryogenic Construction, Inc. for $50 to the EHS Drama Club, Kroger for $81.43 and the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for $1,500 to the Close Up Program. Leaders also increased appropriations for the Skills Trainer Project to $11,400;
-Scheduled the next regular meeting for April 15 at 7 p.m. John Gregg Elementary.
Edison Earns Momentum Award
Posted 3/7/2025 at 4:26:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison High School and Stanton Elementary have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by earning the Momentum Award for showing growth in the value-added component on the state report card.
Officials were notified about the distinction in February, which the schools gained for significant improvement on the Ohio Report Card for the 2023-24 school year, and gained certificates from ODEW for the achievement. In a letter from ODEW Director Stephen Dackin, leaders were commended for their commitment to excellence for their students and the community.
“This award recognizes schools and districts that improved their Performance Index by three or more points from the previous year, while also achieving a Value-Added rating of four or more stars,” Dackin stated. “This notable accomplishment celebrates those who consistently give their all to creating a supportive learning environment that fosters growth, collaboration and success. I applaud your team’s dedication to advancing academic achievement and personal development, which will have a lasting impact on your students for many years.”
EHS Principal Matt Morrison commended the teachers and estimated 600 students for their efforts in making the grade.
“Our teachers and students have put a lot of time into creating a positive culture here at Edison High School. We’ve implemented the 7 Mindsets social emotional learning curriculum and a comprehensive guidance program, and part of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) goals is to create a safe, respectful and responsible environment,” Morrison added. “All of those efforts are starting to pay off in the classroom.”
He added that educators have reviewed results from past exams in order to help students where it is needed most.
“We’ve been tracking trend data from the past end-of-course exams and quarterly MAP testing, among others, and we are creating focus standards which have greatly improved our assessment, and more importantly, our growth scores,” Morrison interjected.
Assistant Principal Josh Leasure also noted a decline in disciplinary matters with an estimated 75-percent drop in office referrals while truancy officer Anthony Pierro has called and met with parents to increase family engagement and address attendance issues.
“We’ve been steadily decreasing there and we’ve seen some of the best attendance we’ve had in years. Our attendance rose between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The teachers create a positive environment and the kids want to come to school more,” Leasure said. “The major [disciplinary] referrals have reduced to next to nothing and we’ve primarily been dealing with minor infractions.”
The end result has been improvement with achievement and growth and ultimately the designation. Morrison interjected that teachers have collected data and adjusted where needed in the classroom, also helping students individually to strengthen their learning skills.
Stanton Elementary has also seen growth trends within that building and Principal Kodi Peterson could not be more delighted.
“We increased our value-added score from three to four in a one-year period,” Peterson said. “To be able to get the award, it’s not just about the teachers having students take the state test, but the whole building has to buy into getting that. Over the last five years, we’ve worked to make sure we are providing our students with rigorous material and also the ability to work on skills for students who need that additional support. We are allotting time to help kids improve and work to maximize their learning.”
He continued that schedules were also restructured to make teachers and staff more accessible and help students get the foundational skills they need to thrive. About 45 to 1 ½ hours are allotted for small groups for additional practice while higher-level students also have the opportunity to gain enrichment. About 415 students in grades K-5 have benefitted from those concepts.
“We’re hoping with that in place and with the award, we can continue to progress.”
Teachers Nicole Fidak and Whitney Tingler said their students have been building their potential so they can succeed in the future.
“I’m very proud of our students for the effort they’ve put into their education and what the teachers have done to help the students achieve success,” said Fidak, who instructs the second-grade class. “We have a multi-sensory approach and work to build relationships with them, using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to model positive behaviors and integrating technology into the classroom.”
Tingler, who teaches fourth-graders, echoed those sentiments.
“I’m really proud of the whole building and I feel like Kodi Peterson and all of the teachers work well together,” she added. “He’s a great leader to the staff and has led the way. The teachers work really hard and this shows how well we’ve worked as a unit. We’ve built relationships with the students and they try their best and everything is assessment-driven. We assess the students and make plans to help them by building in small group time that’s tailored to each student. We also do practice assessments to see where they’ve gained and what they need to work on.”
Meanwhile, Superintendent Bill Beattie applauded the recipients and said they showed hard work and dedication to improving education.
“We’re excited for the staff and students at Stanton and Edison High School for getting this Momentum Award, but overall for the district, our test scores are rapidly improving every year. This Momentum Award validates the work they have done from last year to this year,” Beattie concluded.
Edison High School and Stanton Elementary have earned the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Momentum Award for showing significant improvement on the Ohio Report Card for 2023-24. Officials from both schools cite commitments by students and staff to create a positive learning environment and focus on improving foundational skills. Pictured is Whitney Tingler, a fourth-grade teacher at Stanton, helping her students hone their learning capabilities.
Edison Mock Trial Teams Have Day in Court
Posted 2/17/2025 at 8:49:41 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School’s mock trial program is giving students a chance to have their day in court and serve as a voice for the people.
Fifteen members recently participated in the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) High School Mock Trial District Competition on Jan. 17 at the Canton Municipal Courthouse, facing off against Jackson, Hoover and Lake high school with each school providing two teams. Edison went on to earn honors for four of its members.
EHS teacher David Schultz serves as advisor and said the event gives students the ability to prepare for and carry out a trial based upon a faux court case developed by the OCLRE. The case focuses on a Constitutional right and team members act as lawyers, witnesses, bailiffs, timekeepers and researchers, with each team competing in two trials as plaintiffs and defendants and being judged by legal officials. At the conclusion, Rilee Givens was recognized as outstanding attorney while Zach Kuntz, Maddison Somerville and Jordan Hughes were all named outstanding witnesses. Although they did not advance to the regional event this month, Schultz was impressed with their first effort.
“Our first competition was a great learning experience, where we competed against three veteran mock trial programs,” he said. “While our two teams did not get any wins, they did have one split decision and received four out of a possible eight outstanding student honors.”
The group is part of a trial law capstone and other members include Jamie Barker, Kathryn Clancey, Ronaleigh Crawford, Justin Goddard, Myah Howell, Kyle Martin, Avah Reed, Mazzy Speedy, Kaylee Spencer, Kaylee Summers, and Benjamin Griffith. Schultz said juniors and seniors participate for one period each day to acclimate themselves with the judicial process.
“The mock trial team began this year with the creation of the trial law course at Edison, though I fielded a previous team as an extracurricular back 2018-2019 school year,” Schultz said. “They have to develop both a prosecution and a defense for a made-up court case that centers around a perceived Constitutional Rights violation. Students get hands-on experience with developing opening and closing statements, courtroom etiquette, acting skills, public speaking and case law analysis.”
Additionally, local attorney and Edison Local Board of Education President Aaron Richardson serves as legal advisor. Schultz noted that the teams will take part in upcoming events and some students have their eye on a future in the legal field.
“The teams are excited to participate in the Jefferson County Law Day on April 24 at the Jefferson County Courthouse,” he continued, saying county schools will take part in the matchup.
Meanwhile, the program is also giving students a close-up look at the courtroom and several are eying potential careers in their future. Myah Howell and Rilee Givens are both interested in becoming lawyers while Kaylee Spencer hopes to be a paralegal.
“I want to be a lawyer,” said Howell. “My mom works at a law firm and I’ve been around lawyers. [I like] how they represent people and make them heard.”
“It’s the only field that ever interested me,” added Givens.
The OCLRE is a non-profit organization that aims to engage students across the state in learning about government, law and the importance of active citizenship. Based at the Ohio State Bar Association in Columbus, it is among the largest state law-related education programs in the United States, with the participation of teachers and students from more than 70 Ohio counties and more than 1,500 volunteers annually. The state competition is set for March 6 at the Franklin County Courthouse.
(Photo Caption: Edison High School has restarted its mock trial program and has two teams with 15 members who get a closer look at life inside the courtroom. Four members were recently recognized as outstanding students during the Ohio Center for Law Related Education (OCLRE) district competition in Canton last month and the group will also take part at Jefferson County Law Day in April. Pictured are, front from left, Rilee Givens, Jordan Hughes, Kaylee Summers, Myah Howell, Kaylee Spencer and Maddison Somerville. Legal advisor Aaron Richardson, Avah Reed, Ronaleigh Crawford, Benjamin Griffith, Justin Goddard Jr., Kyle Martin, Kathryn Clancey, Jamie Barker, Zachary Kuntz and teacher/advisor David Schultz.)
Edison Organizes, Discusses Curriculum
Posted 1/16/2025 at 4:50:15 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education organized for 2025 and returned two leaders to their seats for the next year.
Aaron
Richardson and Ron Smyth were re-elected to their posts as board president and vice president, respectively, during an organizational session on Jan. 8 at the Edison High School Fieldhouse, where officials also approved operational policies for the district. The regular session immediately followed and Assistant Superintendent Kireta said a review was underway of the district’s math curriculum and she was speaking to teachers to obtain their thoughts.
“We need to look ahead to update our math. We have made progress with scores,” she said. “If teachers are happy [with personal gains], we’ll stick with that. If the teachers want to explore other options, we’ll look at it.”
Kireta added that there were different philosophies involved with the curriculum and the teachers were the ones who had to use the program. She hoped to gain some insight to determine the best option.
Among other matters, the board:
-Approved Kelsey Vodvarka as the district’s Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a revision to the administrative salary and fringe benefit agreement to accommodate her position;
-Hired Brenda Kmatz as a part-time cook at EHS effective Jan. 8 and approved Valerie Lude, Casey Mozingo and Stevie Roberts on the certified substitutes list;
-Heard an update on costs for new cafeteria tables at the high school and Beattie said he received pricing from Martin Seating at a cost of $36,451. He added that it included a $1,200 cost difference and 76 extra seats, but he planned to speak with the principal and have more information at the February meeting;
-Approved the treasurer’s report, which included a December cash summary of $23,315,383.91 with $2,164,093.05 in expenditures. Donations were also accepted from Hilscher-Clarke for $500 for student needs; William and Linda Truby for $100 to the Ron Smyth Basketball Scholarship Fund; Linda DeSimone for $100 to John Gregg Elementary’s music department; and the Bergholz Community Foundation for $5,627 to John Gregg for hoodies;
-Named Smyth as delegate for the Ohio School Boards Association’s annual conference with Anna Ault as alternate, while Smyth was also designated to serve as legislative liaison;
-Was lauded by Beattie for School Board Appreciation Month for January;
-Set a planning session for Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the EHS Fieldhouse for developing leadership and other items;
-Agreed to continue holding meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. with exceptions for June and September. Officials agreed to move meetings to June 26 and Sept. 17 with another potential change for April’s session. The next regular meeting will be held on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at Stanton Elementary.
Edison Projects Support Student Focus to Enrichment
Posted 11/22/2024 at 7:13:41 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.)
Edison Students Attend Leadership Day
Posted 11/19/2024 at 11:11:45 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
More than 30 Edison High School students traveled to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 171st Air Refueling Wing at Pittsburgh International Airport as part of the All Star Leadership Day on Nov. 6. EHS Guidance Counselor Karen Crawford said it was the first time the group attended and they completed a “pre-flight checklist scavenger hunt” and met airmen, toured a C-17 and KC-135 aircraft, participated in fun challenges, conducted leadership and teamwork exercises and viewed an F-16 demo flight. About 500 students from the tri-state area participated and Edison’s representatives were sophomores to seniors who showed leadership skills in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and the College Credit Plus program. Organizers also discussed leadership and what students can do to make an impact upon their school and community. Pictured are, front from left, Jordan Hughes, Jordyn Flenniken, Alison Kireta and Jayden Kelley. Middle: Wyatt Russell, J.D. Henderson, Kyle Long, Sophia Henderson, Gracie Hupp, Mariah Hunter, Katie Phillips Rilee Givens, Avah Reed, Ben Griffith, Ronaleigh Crawford, Jon Whitlatch, Bella Evans, Leila Cable, Maya Filburn, Kelsey Parrish and Lillie Shane. Back: Cecilia Shepherd, Chandler Griffith, Dominic Grim, Abigail Carpenter, Brecken Banovsky, Nolan Haught, Clayton Bokunevitz, Brady Wells, Jon Busana, Dylan Falla and Wyatt Bernhart
Henderson Joins Edison Local as Special Ed Director
Posted 10/1/2024 at 11:36:46 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Longtime educator Christina Henderson is taking on a new administrative role as special education director for the Edison Local School District.
Henderson, of Amsterdam, joined the district on Sept. 3 and has spent nearly three decades in the special education field. Most recently, she was the Transition To Work coordinator at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and said she has always been focused on a career in administration.
“This is my 29th year in education,” she said. “It’s always been a goal to be a special education director and it was the route I wanted to take.”
In a way, she has also returned to her roots as an Edison Local alumna. Henderson graduated from the former Edison North High School, now Stanton Elementary, in 1991 and says she walks the building’s halls today but sees things in a different light.
“I see familiar faces and I get the chance to work with people I’ve known all my life, people I knew when I was a student, so I’m coming home.”
She earned both a bachelor’s degree in education and special education in 1996 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 2000 at Franciscan University, followed by her Transition To Work endorsement from Kent State. Henderson began as a special education teacher for cross-categorical grades K-2 at Toronto City Schools and moved on to the high school, where she also served as a track coach and was a volleyball coach at Stanton. She headed to the JVS for one year but moved with her husband Aaron when he was relocated to Michigan for his job. She worked there at Lake Orion Schools for two years but later returned home to raise her twins, J.D. and Sophia, who are now juniors at Edison High School. Henderson went on to work in the TTW program at the Harrison Career Center before heading back to the JVS, where she helmed that program until this year.
“When I got my administrative degree 24 years ago, it was my goal to be a special education director. When opportunities came up before, my children were younger and it was not a good time. Now that they are older, I felt I could make my move and be effective in this position.”
Henderson said she is focused on serving Edison students and families to the best of her ability.
“At the JVS, I had students with a variety of different disabilities from different school districts in the county and dealt with outside agencies with a focus on transitioning students to careers,” she said. “In this role, I am involved with special needs from preschool to graduation and I get to focus on Edison Local kids.”
While she’s no longer in the classroom, Henderson is still busy overseeing the district’s special education program to ensure the students succeed. She said the transition has been smooth and she is fortunate to have the support of district leaders and colleagues, plus she is learning the ropes along the way.
“It’s very different and there is a lot to learn, but the support has been phenomenal,” she added. “I’m learning the role and how to best serve the students and families in this district. I think learning this role and what is needed and how I can best do it for them is my goal. I want to be very effective at this role.”
Christina Henderson has taken on a new role as special education director for the Edison Local School District after spending 29 years as an educator. Most recently, she served as the Transition To Work coordinator at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and said she wants to serve Edison students and families to the best of her ability.
Greenhouse Project Still Growing
Posted 9/7/2024 at 6:38:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The greenhouse at Stanton Elementary School has been refurbished and is being used to cultivate some green as well as students’ minds.
Principal Kodi Peterson said work concluded this summer on the longtime hothouse, which received new windows and a coat of paint.
“We’ve replaced the glass panels, cleaned, repainted and resealed the greenhouse and have a compost bin with leftover scraps from the school cafeteria,” said Peterson. “It is managed by the kids and work was done over the summer by contractor Trevor Eisnaugle.”
The greenhouse, which was last updated about 10 years ago, is currently being utilized by third-grade teacher Alicia Hartman’s students as they grow flowers and vegetables to generate funds for an ongoing project.
“At the moment, we are growing zinnias and we were studying the parts of the plants,” said Hartman. “We started green beans and did a germination experiment and then we plan to add radishes and kale for fall weather crops.”
Hartman said hopefully the class could reap the rewards of the crops and serve the food at school.
“It would be nice if we could grow food for the cafeteria to use,” she added.
But the initial produce was sold over the past year through the Smarty Plants Greenhouse project. Last year, nearly 50 students planted a variety of flowers, vegetables and more to peddle starter plants online. Hartman utilized a $660 Best Practices Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to help fund supplies and expects the project to be sustainable for years to come. She said the idea blossomed after she moved into a new classroom which included the greenhouse. In addition to planting, the class also kept tadpoles and butterflies which were later released into their environment.
“Since last year, we’ve sold yellow squash, zucchini, watermelons, peppers, green beans, sunflowers, zinnias, mint, catnip, thyme and basil,” Hartman continued. “We earned nearly $500 to go back into the greenhouse program and for field trips for third- and fourth-graders. The money will benefit this year’s and last year’s students.”
Among those treks are to the Laurel Caverns and Fort Necessity in Pennsylvania next May, plus she hopes to purchase gemstones for a panning project.
“It will be something every kid needs to travel with and they earned it with the greenhouse program.”
The class will continue selling their home-grown goods and are planning to add some new items for spring. Hartman said the project also helps meet third-grade learning standards.
“The third-grade standards introduce science and I’m trying to make it interesting and part of the focus is life science, or the life cycles of plants and animals. The students see how it truly works while math students learn how to budget, take orders and make change,” she noted. “It’s a very entrepreneurial life experience for them.”
Students Buster Bowman and Bryer Crawford said they enjoy getting their hands dirty and learning to become green thumbs.
“I like learning about plants and using seeds,” said Bowman. “We water the plants, grow them in the sun and some are very, very, very, very big.”
“I like plants,” said Crawford. “We’re learning about seeds and how they grow.”
A website was developed to sell the items but requires some upgrades; however, Hartman may purchase a website program to continue sales.
Photo Caption:
Stanton Elementary third-graders Bryer Crawford, left, and Buster Bowman show off some of the budding plants they are growing in their school greenhouse to eventually sell and sustain an ongoing project. The greenhouse underwent some updates this summer and the Smarty Plants project will sell flowers, vegetables and more to generate funds for the program as well as trips, including one set for Pennsylvania in the spring.
Stanton Concludes Summer Reading Challenges
Posted 9/7/2024 at 6:18:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-School may have been out, but Stanton Elementary students still cracked the books as they completed the Summer Reading Challenge.
School Literacy Specialist Emily Henry said the program was open to the entire school and more than a dozen pupils in grades PreK-4 took part from May through August. Students received a sheet containing small boxes containing such activities as “Read a Book at the Beach” and “Read with a Stuffed Animal” with a few empty boxes also included so kids could add some reading events of their own.
“We had 14 participate and they had the option to post photos of themselves on our school Facebook page while completing activities,” Henry said. “It was to encourage them to read over the summer and help prevent the summer slide.”
The summer slide refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that students experience over summer break and statistics show that students can lose up to three months of reading skills over the summer without practice. Henry said students may become distracted by technology, but the reading challenge allowed them to cultivate a love for literature.
“It started from their first day to the last day of summer break and they could read more than 25 books,” she added. “They loved it. I even had a parent comment that they hoped [the program] continues and it encouraged their child to read. The different activity squared definitely motivated the kids to read more.”
At the conclusion, each participant received a prize bag full of small toys, books and snacks while their names were entered into a drawing. The winner had an opportunity to cut the ribbon on the new book vending machine provided through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, plus they could select a book of their own. The lucky recipient was first-grader Paisley Martin and the ribbon-cutting event was held on Aug. 29.
Henry said she plans to continue the program and was considering another one a little sooner during the holiday break to get more students involved.
Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson said the reading program definitely spurred some interest and he hoped to see it grow.
“It was nice to see the kids reading and engaged over the summer and connecting over Facebook, plus we saw the progress of the kids while they were off,” Peterson said.
Photo Captions:
Fourteen Stanton Elementary students in grades PreK-4 participated in the Summer Reading Challenge and read roughly two-dozen books to motivate their minds and curb the summer slide. Pictured are, front from left, Paisley Martin, Gracie Board, Brynlee Wood, Lily Hooper, Ensley Gaffney and Daisy Ryan. Back: Zane Adams, Harper Shreve, Matthew Visyak, Noah Christian, Tristin Wallace and Lliam Ryan while Gracie Adams is absent from the photo. First-grader Paisley Martin won a drawing to cut the ribbon on the school’s new book vending machine and select some literature of her own.
Edison Gets Overview of Future Goals
Posted 8/28/2024 at 8:38:21 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local school board officials learned how the district is looking to improve educational opportunities by setting future goals during the Aug. 21 regular session.
Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta has been developing a plan for 3-percent increases in the graduation rate and reading and math formative assessments as well as 3-percent decrease in chronic absenteeism over the next three years.
“For the district improvement process, we have to submit different plans. Our big three are working on increasing the graduation rate with students being employed, enlisted or enrolled and working with Future Focus to do career coaching with kids. It gives an assessment and they have virtual coaching,” Kireta told the board. “We are also working on attendance and promoting pathways and high-quality instruction over 10 years as well as promoting a positive school climate.”
The first goal calls for an increase in the graduation rate and student preparation for the district’s mission to “Employ, Enlist or Enroll.” There will be an emphasis on college and career readiness with the Future Focus initiative kicking off in October for grades 10-12 and The Grit Project, which utilize career assessments and job coaches to help students chart their career paths. In addition, leaders are also looking to community and family engagement to promote the importance of attendance, conduct parent surveys and promote career pathways.
“We’re working toward a vision of preparing the district for tomorrow and want to have 100 percent of our students employed, enlisted and enrolled,” she said, noting that the graduation rate dropped from 98 percent and was impacted by the COVID pandemic. She said the current number remains in the low 90’s but she hopes to see it improve.
The second goal is to provide high-quality instruction that meets the needs of each student in order to bolster reading and math assessments. Kireta said the district intends to use high-quality instructional materials, the IXL program and instructional planning for clear learning standards, defining instructional planning and offering high-yield instruction.
“The second goal is an instructional goal focusing on high-quality instruction. We will use computer-based programs and work with teachers to focus on instructional planning,” she explained. Kireta added that teachers were being surveyed and the data will be used to measure each goal and ensure issues were being tackled, while discussions would be held with administrators and at teacher-based team (TBT) sessions.
The third goal eyes a decrease in chronic absenteeism by fostering a positive school climate that meets the needs of each student by strengthening Tier II Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and peer monitoring in grades 5-12.
“We are looking at decreasing chronic absenteeism and promoting attendance at younger ages, plus we want to provide peer monitoring. This year, we needed a plan for guidance counselors, and the peer monitoring can definitely happen next year,” she continued. “We also want to get better strategies in Tier II PBIS.”
Kireta noted that professional development and spending should also be attached to those goals.
“We’re working towards improvement and will send [the goals] on to the state. We will do these every three years, and every year I will make sure we are reaching those goals.”
Among other action, the board:
-Approved a bevy of personnel matters, including a three-year contract for administrative secretary Brenda Stone; the resignations of Nate Moses as junior high football coach, Stephanie Kuca as sophomore class advisor, Hannah Boggs as librarian/office aide at John Gregg; and Jody Carson as a cook at John Gregg Elementary for retirement purposes; approving certified substitutes Toni Dondzila, Polly Givens, Patricia Kelley, Sara Ross, Stephanie Balk, Thomas Bocek, Carla Grabits, Jacqueline Harris, Eric Lawson, Jessica Zeigler, Deborah Sciance, William Petrozzi, Marcia Sheets, Greta Gazda-Roe, Diann Baker, Debra Beckar, Donna Dawson, Cheryl DeYarmon, Karen Edmond, Christina Frey, Darlene Mason, Joann Mulrooney, Carol Slates, Pamela Tedeschi, Lori Kinney, Gianna Morgan, Monika Litynski, Amy Roe, Elissa Thompson, Mary Claire Cummings, Paul Moore; Carina Aulicino, Shannon Bahen, Karen Barcus, Lacey Bennett, Donald Bernard, Kyli Bowers, James Dillard, David Guess, Alicia Howe, Jessica Keller, John Koren, Ronda Law, Tamara McConnell, Barbara McElroy, Michael McIntyre, Mark Tyler Miller, Joyce Moody, Shawn Scott, Carlye Sempirek, Mychi Stewart, Gabryelle Walsh and Jamie Wiley; non-certified subs Morgan Ault, Mckenzie Baker, Chelsey Cline, Pam Collins, Lisa Everly, Christina Fox, David Gubanez, Amanda Hayes, David Heckert, April Holland, Angela Kirkpatrick, Brenda Kmatz, Lisa Mazik, Joyce Moody, Heaven Nave, Dixie Sharp, Sara Shay, Rachel Smithers, Phillip Spears, Jeffrey Stone, Darlene Strohmeyer, Charles Taylor, Melissa Wallace, Jamie West and Jamie Wiley; supplemental contracts for Julie Kireta, preschool director; Nate Moses, volunteer junior high football; Dakota Swearingen, junior high football; Tiffany Moses, volunteer volleyball; Noah Hilderbrand, junior high basketball; and Danah Beaver, junior class advisor; hiring Chris Fox as a cook; and giving 40 hours’ extended time to Collette Honsowetz;
-Approved a contract with Trinity School of Nursing for student clinical learning experience;
-Approved an agreement with H.E. Neumann Co. for building environmental systems;
-Adopted junior high soccer as a club sport at EHS;
-Approved agreements with East Central Ohio Educational Service Center for distance education for American Sign Language and Spanish and audiology services;
-Renewed the food service management agreement with Nutrition, Inc., through June 30, 2025;
-Approved a payment to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office for school resource officers for June;
-Approved bus routes for the 2024-25 school year;
-Approved participation for Provision 2 to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students for the school year;
-Set the next regular meeting for Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at John Gregg.
Students Connect with Edison Leaders
Posted 8/28/2024 at 7:55:01 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education greeted the latest group of students who are representing their schools and building a connection between the leaders and youth.
The student representative program was started last year as a way to give students a voice during school board meetings. Nine new and returning members took the oath of office during the Aug. 21 school board session at the Edison High School Fieldhouse and will have the opportunity to address officials at the monthly gatherings. The representatives range from grades 5-12 and include new recruits Brea Moses and Casher Dopp of John Gregg Elementary, Ryan Wilson and Braylee Tingler of Stanton Elementary and sophomore Brenna Liggett and senior Zac Kuntz of EHS, while returning members include seventh-grader Gavin Berardinelli of Edison Jr. High along with freshman Amelia Ault and junior Rilee Givens of EHS.
A brief reception followed with the students and their families invited to partake of treats and school board members said they were excited to see the program continue.
“I can’t wait to see the ideas you will bring to us this year,” said board President Aaron Richardson.
Officials said the initiative was inspired by a presentation at the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference in Columbus two years ago and was a way for students to give insight to issues impacting their schools. Board member Anna Ault said the youth have opportunities to present at board meetings their ideas have been fruitful.
“In its second year, Edison Local continues to prioritize student representation on the board of education. The student representatives act as liaisons between the student body and the board, where their ideas and concerns are presented during the district's monthly meetings. They are encouraged to have a voice at the table during the decision-making process,” Ault said. “The student reps have presented various topics and ideas that have had positive outcomes in the district. Changes include equipment upgrades, the establishment of a Voyagers Club, the revival of the winter dance and improvements in safety, scheduling and nutritional choices.”
She said students must meet eligibility requirements and complete an application process to be selected. Criteria include submitting written responses, obtaining two references and attending an in-person interview. After they are chosen, they are required to attend, present and submit a report during the board meeting.
“Overall, this has been a positive experience, which the board unanimously decided to continue in the 2024-2025 school year,” Ault commented. “I believe what makes our student representatives unique compared to others around Ohio (and elsewhere) is that we have representatives from all of our buildings. Other schools may have one or two upper-class representatives who serve on the board, while we have students from fifth to 12th grade. This gives us a comprehensive picture of what is happening in each of our buildings across the district.”
This year’s representatives were equally enthusiastic about having a voice and speaking for other students.
John Gregg fifth-grader Brea Moses and sixth-grader Casher Dopp were excited to be part of the initiative.
“I like it so far because I will be able to help the building and the students,” said Moses, adding that she was working on ideas to help her school.
“I like it because I think we can do things we need to do for John Gregg,” said Dopp. “I don't have any ideas yet, but once I go to our student council meeting I am going to get input from them to figure out what we need to do.”
Stanton’s Ryan Wilson said he likes having a voice and was thrilled to get started.
“I want to make my school better,” Wilson said.
“I really like it,” added schoolmate Braylee Tingler. “The reason I am doing it I really want to help the students and teachers and help make the school a better place for everyone.”
EJHS student Gavin Berardinelli said he was honored to return and represent Edison.
“The thing that I like the best is how there are so many opportunities because there are so many good people at this school, including staff members,” he commented. “I have had a lot of thoughts and ideas of the elementary school and some were put into thought, and I also have some ideas for the high school and probably will have more.”
Newbies Zac Kuntz and Brenna Liggett were looking forward to working for their schools while returning reps Amelia Ault and Rilee Givens said they’ve already seen some of their ideas put into action.
“It’s going to be nice. I think it will be a good way to help out where I can,” said Kuntz, adding that one idea is to advocate for the number of days students can be absent before taking exams.
“I’m really excited and hope I can have a positive impact on my Edison community,” said Liggett. “I’m glad the board gave me an opportunity to represent my classmates.”
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to collaborate with the board and we’re all very thankful for getting this chance,” said Ault. She added that the district quickly returned the semi-formal dance at students’ request and also helped communicate why other changes could not take place. “It gives us an opportunity to hear them out.”
“It’s a great thing because you definitely have a say and they really listen to us,” added Givens. “It’s important that they give us the time and share how we can make a change in schools in a better way. It also helps with communication between the board and students.”
Photo Caption:
Edison Local Board of Education members highlighted student representatives who will give their voice at future meetings and share ideas to implement in their schools. New and returning members were sworn in during the Aug. 21 meeting and include, pictured front from left, Edison Jr. High seventh-grader Gavin Berardinelli, John Gregg Elementary sixth-grader Casher Dopp, Stanton Elementary fifth-grader Ryan Wilson, Stanton sixth-grader Braylee Tingler, Edison High School freshman Amelia Ault, John Gregg fifth-grader Brea Moses, Edison junior Rilee Givens, sophomore Brenna Liggett and senior Zac Kuntz. Back, from left, are school board members Matt Bordash, Josh McConnell and Anna Ault, board vice president Ron Smyth and board president Aaron Richardson.
Edison Announces Free Meal Policy
Posted 8/20/2024 at 2:54:32 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch to all students beginning on the first day of school Aug. 21.
Under the program, students are still required to fill out the lunch application and return it to school. Breakfast and lunch is free, but if students wish to buy snacks or extras they must pay for them. Students will not be allowed to charge snacks or extras and it is cash payment only.
OhioRISE Welcomes Edison Local Kiddos Back to School
Posted 8/16/2024 at 12:35:45 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND – OhioRISE joined in that Edison Local wildcat spirit, welcoming students to the 2024-2025 school year during a back-to-school gathering Aug. 8. The campus of Edison Local High School saw an impressive crowd of families, many of whom learned about the services OhioRISE has to offer.
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, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Belmont, 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 coordinator Vicky Filtz's table was a welcome sight, with young students stopping by to pick up stress balls and highlighters. She said OhioRISE has worked well with the district in the two years since its initiation, July of 2022, and the care coordinators are excited to support more students and families.
"We work with a lot of the families and students here at Edison Local as well as all the districts that we serve," she said.
"We get a lot of feedback from our families, and I think that they like we're a part of it and can help bring the community supports that they have into the schools to help build better relationships across their service providers, so that everyone is aware and working together to support the goals that they help us to establish."
She said OhioRISE found a home in the district.
"They're always an open door as far as community resources. They welcomed us right from the beginning," Filtz said. Care coordinators met with teaching staff and found ways to support students. "So that they can really focus on the education, and we can focus on the community support for them."
Superintendent Bill Beattie said OhioRISE has become an invaluable extension of the district's mental health services.
"We were really excited when OhioRISE came into Jefferson County. They have helped several of our students with the services they provided, and with some of the placements that they've been able to get for some of our students who had some extenuating needs," he said. "It's something that's helped to close the gap."
High school assistant principal Joshua Leasure said care coordinators go above and beyond. He recalled one instance when a student reported an abscessed tooth.
"The mom was at a loss for words because she couldn't figure out how to solve the problem," he said. "I contacted the OhioRISE coordinator."
Leasure said OhioRISE arranged to have the tooth removed within two weeks at no cost to the family.
"They must have moved mountains, because when we tried to handle it ourselves by calling around, we couldn't solve the problem. They solved it right away for us. It's just good to know they're there if we need an extra resource to help our students."
He said when he has seen other principals and administrators throughout Jefferson County at collaborative meetings, they speak highly of OhioRISE.
"They say nothing but good things about it. To reach out to them and they'll take care of a problem."
John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield said OhioRISE has been a strong partner.
"It's an additional layer of how we can provide support for our different families," she said, adding the school counselor is excellent but can only do so much. "It's always nice that there are some local agents that are willing to step in and help our students, and not just our students but bring in the family also so we can all work together."
Burchfield said school officials meet regularly with OhioRISE coordinators and families to review their progress.
"Whenever we're in the meeting and we come up with some strategies that the families can go and implement. So the next time that we meet, there is somebody who oversees what the family is doing, so we have a connection between our counselor and the liaison at OhioRISE."
She said participants in OhioRISE have seen improvements such as increased attendance and better grades.
"We definitely have some students that because of OhioRISE were able to make some gains."
Filtz said OhioRISE continues to develop as it expands.
"We're able to put staff in specialized positions," she said, adding this has meant more efficiency. "We have an intake team that's triaging our referrals as they come in, so we can make sure that we're getting them to the right place as quickly as possible."
Filtz also pointed out some of the agencies OhioRISE's child and family teams work, and she took the opportunity to touch base.
"I don't think there's anyone here we're unfamiliar with."
Steubenville-based Coleman Health Services works with OhioRISE and provides mobile response stabilization services to youth in mental health crisis. Guardian staff member Sean Young said the crisis team and OhioRISE dovetails well in the "wraparound" philosophy of coordinating diverse resources to meet a child's unique set of needs.
"We coordinate with OhioRISE for referrals and wraparound services," Young said. "It's gone very well. We're thankful to have it in the county."
Filtz met one woman who said her child has been part of OhioRISE since April. She said the OhioRISE team has been invaluable in keeping the child on track, and care coordinators are able to quickly direct the family to any available resources they need. Filtz handed information packets to other families and had requests for additional discussions after the event.
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
Photo Caption:
OhioRISE care coordinator Vicky Filtz talks with some wildcats at Edison Local's back-to-school gathering. Since its inception, OhioRISE has been a partner with the school district in connecting resources with students that need them.
SROs Introduced at Edison
Posted 8/14/2024 at 10:03:16 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
The Edison Local School District will have some new officials on hand for safety and guidance when classes begin on Aug. 21. Superintendent Bill Beattie and Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. gathered with school resource officers who will be located at John Gregg and Stanton Elementary as well as Edison Jr./Sr. High School. Sheriff Abdalla said his office contracted with Edison to add an SRO at John Gregg amid the retirement of longtime SRO Mark Clark, who also served as Bergholz Police Chief and Springfield Township Constable. The district will fully fund the positions for 12 months as well as cover costs for training and equipment. Deputy Ryan Gorby will serve at John Gregg with Deputy Brian Cave at Stanton, while Deputy Jim Marquis will return for his second year at EHS. Sheriff Abdalla said the JCSO has a great working relationship with the district and Edison makes safety a priority. Pictured are, from left, Superintendent Beattie, Capt. Tommy Koehnlein, Deputy Marquis, Deputy Gorby, Deputy Cave and Sheriff Abdalla.
Back to School Rally Draws Crowd
Posted 8/14/2024 at 9:54:16 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local Schools got ready for classes by hosting its annual Back-to-School Rally on Aug. 8.
Several hundred people, including students and their families, beat the heat by getting freebies and enjoying inflatables and treats outside the Edison High School Fieldhouse in Richmond. More than two-dozen vendors representing churches, school sports and clubs and community organizations distributed school supplies, Edison merchandise, information and other goodies while Eddie the Wildcat greeted kids and took photos. Food trucks were also available and sold burgers, pizza, barbecue and cold treats while Screwy Louie’s had inflatable rides on hand for youngsters and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had SRT and other vehicles on display.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said the event has always been a popular draw.
“It’s always nice to have this event. It’s a sign that we’re close to going back to school,” Beattie added. “It’s exciting to see and I hope everyone’s excited as well.”
Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta said local groups also provided resources and the rally was a nice prelude to the new school year.
“The turnout was great. We typically get half of our students for this. There were 27 sports teams, community organizations and churches at the tables and a lot of them had information on the services they provide, school supplies and treats for the kids.
The district also provides drawstring bags with school supplies and Edison merchandise,” she added. “The number of vendors is more than last year and [the event] seems like it’s grown. It’s a fun way to kick off the school year.”
Among the vendors were the Edison High School Mom Squad Football Moms, volleyball, soccer, cross country, wrestling, swim, golf and cheer teams, FFA and band, Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, JB Green Team, OhioRISE, The Grit Project, Future Plans, Ohio Valley Robotics Team, Village Network, Nutrition, Inc., U.S. Army Recruiting Center, U.S. Marine Recruiting Center, Family Recovery Center, Richmond United Methodist Church, Mount Zion Church, Jefferson County Family and Children First Council, Coleman Health Services, Corporation of Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) and Jefferson County Community Action Council. The district doled out grade-appropriate supplies at separate tables to assist elementary through high school students and Kireta said the schools will also have bags on hand once classes are in session.
She added that the food trucks were a new addition and among the businesses featured were Ohio Valley Pizza, Rubbin’ Butts Barbecue, Hokulia Shaved Ice and All American Burger.
Parents and students in attendance said it was also a way to help families who needed supplies.
“It’s great,” said Jamie Virtue of Toronto, the mother of an Edison Local student. “I like the fact that they are giving away free school supplies.”
“There’s stuff for the kids to do and it gets them geared up and ready to go, and they can see their friends,” added Jessica Smith of Richmond, the mother of two Stanton Elementary pupils.
“I liked the inflatables and that they provide school supplies for kids,” said Oliver Smith, a third-grader at Stanton.
“I like how they provide for people who don’t have a lot of money and they give school supplies,” added London Smith, a seventh-grader at Edison Jr. High.
The evening concluded with a Meet the Team event to introduce the fall sports teams and band at Cartwright Memorial Stadium. Edison Local officially begins its new school year on Aug. 21.
Photo Caption: Edison Local Schools held its annual Back-to-School Rally on Aug. 8, drawing a crowd of several hundred students and their families who enjoyed free school supplies, inflatables and giveaways as well as food trucks and a meet-the-team event for fall sports as a prelude to the new school year, which officially starts on Aug. 21.
SOULS Livestock Show Celebrates Inclusion
Posted 8/7/2024 at 4:17:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
SMITHFIELD-Some special exhibitors will get their chance to shine this Saturday during the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
The free activity will be held at Friendship Park in Smithfield on Aug. 10 and features eight county youth and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are paired with 4-H and FFA members, or mentors, to showcase various livestock including rabbits, goats and hogs. A clinic will be held for the special exhibitors at 1 p.m. and will follow by the show at 4:30 p.m.—which is open to the public-- in the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena.
Edison High School freshman Amelia “Mimi” Ault organized the show with administrators and representatives from Edison Local Schools, Special Olympics Unified Sports, Jefferson County 4-H Extension Office, the county fair board and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, while JCBDD’s Jeffco Services, Inc., acts as a sponsor. She was inspired by her sister, Olivia, and their shared love of animals and said she wanted to offer more inclusion in 4-H activities.
“I have a sister that has cognitive and developmental disabilities, so I know there are areas that can be more inclusive for her. This winter, I approached the fair board about adding a dedicated horse class for kids with a 4-H Winning Plan and they overwhelmingly agreed. I was then approached by 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Angie Allison, whose encouragement inspired this idea of a livestock show. Collaborating with her has been a wonderful learning experience.”
Ault, the 14-year-old daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, said plans got underway and she worked to pair the exhibitors for the show.
“The exhibitors chose an animal they wanted to show, and then they were matched with a mentor that had that animal. I also tried to make sure they were similar in age. I think they will all work great together,” Ault said. “There is a clinic for the exhibitors to learn how to show and care for their chosen animal. They will meet their animal and work with them during the afternoon, then they will showcase what they learned and practiced at the show.”
The exhibitors will be judged on showmanship, which is how well they and the animal work together, and placed in each class much like an actual livestock show. Grand champion banners will be given for first-place winners in each category while ribbons will be given to all of the participants. Ault said the show gives the special exhibitors a chance to experience what it is like to be in a 4-H organization.
“The purpose is to increase inclusion of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities into 4-H. There is a whole world of opportunities out there in 4-H,” she added.
Ault was grateful for the support she has received from the organizations, volunteers and generous people who have given them time and talents to make the event possible, and she also gained funding through a Unified Dream Grant and Jeffco Services. She hopes to make it a regular event with even more participation in the future.
“I would love to be able to do this every year or every other year. My hope is that word will get around there will be more interest from special-needs youth that want to participate. I hope our community can come and support the kids and watch them show off what they have learned. Many of them have already told me how excited they are!”
Ault’s sister was equally excited to participate with her friends and Ault said the show only enhances opportunities for inclusion.
“When you see an area that can be improved, you step up and get it done.”
She also thanked everyone for making the show a reality, including Edison Local Superintendent Bill Beattie and Edison High School UCS Coordinator Jason Ensinger, UCS Director Kristi Peters, JCBDD Superintendent Michael Zinno, the county fair board, Angie Allison and the county 4-H Extension Office, Total Sports Connection for the T-shirt design, Make It Fancy Designs for the champion banners, One-Niner Sports Photography for donating their services, 4-H mentors Hannah Randolph, Ethan Warren, Blair Allison, Autumn Grafton, Noah Graham, Alayna Starr, Madison Taylor, Olivia Dudley and Ryker Seditz, volunteer judges Hannah Reynard, Tom Valuska and Cameron Best and exhibitors Olivia Ault, Kaden Eddy, Ben Gump, Alaina Warren, Isaac Warren, Stormy Hooper, Logan Dudley and Jordan Bennett.
For more information, contact Ault at (740) 317-5266 or go to the SOULS Facebook page.
Photo Caption: The Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) will get underway this Saturday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Smithfield, where exhibitors with intellectual or developmental disabilities will be paired with mentors in the 4-H and FFA organizations to show rabbits, goats and hogs for judging and provide inclusion in 4-H activities. Winners will receive grand champion banners while all participants earn ribbons. Organizer Mimi Ault said a clinic will be held at 1 p.m. with the show open to the public at 4:30 p.m. in the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena.
New SRO’s at Edison
Posted 7/20/2024 at 3:21:42 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Two new school resource officers will be walking the halls within the Edison Local School District after officials approved a deal with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
During the session at the Edison High School Fieldhouse, school board members approved service agreements with the JCSO to provide deputies for duty at John Gregg and Stanton Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Deputies Brian Gorby and Brian Cave have already begun working at the respective buildings and the agreement was retroactive to July 1. Superintendent Bill Beattie said the district is continuing a long tradition of providing safety for students and staff in order to maintain a secure learning environment.
“All three SRO’s will be through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and will be on 12-month contracts,” he said. “It will give extra coverage in the evening as well as during the summer.”
Edison High School has employed SRO’s for more than a decade and Deputy Jim Marquis is currently entering his third year at the site. Meanwhile, previous officers have been on hand at the elementary schools in deals with the Springfield and Saline Township police departments.
“Officer Mark Clark was SRO at John Gregg and was contracted through Springfield Twp. He has since retired,” Beattie explained. “Two of the three SRO’s last year were from the sheriff’s office and we’ve always had them in the schools. We began with one at the high school and expanded to the other schools about five years ago.”
“I’ve met with both of these gentlemen,” said board member Ron Smyth. “They both seem excited to get started.”
In other personnel matters, the board approved a three-year contract renewal for EHS Principal Matthew Morrison as a retire-rehire employee which runs from Aug. 1, 2024, to July 31, 2027. Beattie said Morrison was a longtime administrator and it was great to see him continue with the school district.
“We’re excited that Matt decided to come back and he does a fantastic job.”
Tom Bocek also received a one-year contract renewal as athletic director at Edison that extends from Aug. 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. He has served in that capacity for the past three years and Beattie was glad Bocek is making a return.
Tom has been a huge asset as athletic director and both he and Matt bring a lot of stability to the district,” he added.
Among other action, the board:
-Hired Suzy Zorbini as a part-time cook at EHS;
-Discussed whether to implement a new cell phone policy within the district that would eliminate student use within the schools. Leaders said the district already has a rule in place and students may either keep them in their lockers or some teachers have phone caddies in their classroom. The board opted to enforce the current rule, for now, and said the new state policy was not being enacted until next year;
-Approved Gina Fogle as assistant softball coach and Krystle Glover as volleyball volunteer on the supplemental list;
-Announced the Back-to-School Rally was set for Aug. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at EHS;
-Suggested receiving quarterly staff reports around August, December, May and June;
-Set the next meeting for Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at the EHS Fieldhouse.
Agreements Reached at Edison
Posted 7/1/2024 at 10:00:18 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Agreements have been reached with teachers and classified employees in the Edison Local School District after contracts were ratified on Thursday.
During the regular school board session at Edison High School, officials approved negotiated agreements with both the Edison Local Education Association (ELEA) and the Ohio Association of Public-School Employees Local No. 35. Under its memorandum of understanding with the district, teachers will receive a 4-percent pay increase with a $600 signing bonus while OAPSE members will grant $2-per-hour for all classified staff in a three-year deal.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said the teachers and staff will receive pay increases while leaders keep an eye on the district’s finances in the wake of Energy Harbor’s W.H. Sammis Plant closure in Stratton last summer.
“This is the third year of our contract [with the ELEA] and we’ve had salary reopeners for the last two years. We had a one-year agreement on the salaries because of the uncertainty of our finances. In 2022-23 and 2023-24, we negotiated the salary only and had an MOU on the salary for one year,” Beattie said. “Next year, we will negotiate the entire contract with the ELEA.”
Additionally, the board granted administrative employees the same wage increases as the ELEA agreement.
He added that the three-year deal with OAPSE extends from July 1, 2024, to June 31, 2027, and also includes some pay increases.
“With OAPSE, we negotiated for three years on language and one year for the salary with salary reopeners for years two and three of the contract,” Beattie commented. “They got $2 per hour for all classifications. We also added longevity steps and a $300 signing bonus.”
Beattie said the deals impact approximately 108 teachers and about 65-70 staff members and leaders were pleased with the results.
“I think both unions received a fair deal depending on the uncertainty of our finances,” he added. “We are pleased with what we could do. We’re still doing well financially and the trickle-down effect through the plant closure hasn’t started completely affecting us at this time.”
The company’s shutdown last July affected 140 employees with layoffs after serving the community since 1960. It first operated as Ohio Edison then merged to become FirstEnergy nearly 40 years later, but it was later renamed Energy Harbor after emerging from bankruptcy in 2020. The financial impact of the plant’s closure is not yet fully known, but for now Edison prepared to take an estimated $2.3 million hit to its budget starting in 2024. Officials said that figure is reflected in the loss of some property tax but the exact impact has not been realized. The $2 million figure does not take all of the company’s land parcels into account and it will remain under review, but district leaders were hopeful that funding from the Rover Pipeline will help cushion the blow. The pipeline company has been in an ongoing legal battle in an attempt to reduce its 2019 property tax valuation by $2 billion, but the matter remains on appeal. The district has been monitoring the situation and has attempted to adjust the five-year forecast accordingly, but officials still must determine the full effect on real estate and public utility property taxes in the future. The closure has also impacted Jefferson County and the village of Stratton.
In related personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Chandler Hoppel, who served as a guidance counselor at EHS for the past three years and named Collette Honsowetz as her successor. Honsowetz will begin her duties in August. Other staffing decisions included holding a public hearing on the retire/rehire of EHS Principal Matt Morrison; approving a service agreement and SRO package with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for services at the high school; accepting the resignation of Shannon Bahen as assistant softball coach and junior high assistant volleyball coach; approving supplemental contracts for Jessica McCallister as math chair, Jamie Angelini as preschool director and Bethany Cera as athletic trainer with Bev Sansone and Nick Hughes gaining five extended days, McCallister being named student council advisor and Mychi Stewart to serve as band volunteer at the high school; employing Robert Moody as a custodian at EHS; hiring Jamie Barker as a summer intern effective June 10; approving an agreement with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center for occupational therapy for the 2024-25 school year; approving physical therapy agreements with PTA Amy Purcell and MSPT Kelly Crosby for the upcoming school year; and approving OAPSE substitutes including Joyce Moody and Heaven Nave as secretaries/aides/cooks/NBC’s/custodians; Pam Collins as cook/NBC/custodian; and Robert Moody, Charles Taylor and Phillip Sears as custodians/NBC’s.
Among other action, the board:
Approved overnight field trips for the EHS Band to attend Band Camp at West Liberty University and for the school FFA to attend FFA Camp in Carrollton.
Approved an agreement with Franciscan University for clinical experiences for university students.
Approved the treasurer’s report.
Announced it will meet on Wednesdays over the next few months and sessions are set for July 17 and Aug. 21, both at 6 p.m. at EHS.
Edison D.I. Teams Succeed at Global Finals
Posted 6/7/2024 at 4:26:42 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Two Edison Local School District teams performed well at the
Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., with both ranking within the top 15 in the world.
Twelve students representing Edison Jr. High School and John Gregg Elementary attended the competition at the Kansas City Convention Center on May 21-26, where more than 1,000 teams representing such countries as the U.S., Mexico and China completed team and individual contests. Destination Imagination, or D.I., is an educational program where teams work throughout the year to solve open-ended challenges and present solutions. The goal is to gain knowledge and experience in critical thinking to teamwork as well as build STEM and conflict resolution skills and contests include fine arts, technical and service learning.
EJHS’s team, Us, landed 10th in the middle level technical challenge and The Baconators of John Gregg were 13th in the elementary level fine arts challenge. The results were based on points tabulated from both their team and instant challenges and members were pleased with the outcome.
“I was really excited and it was kind of shocking to me because it was out of 50 teams from all over the world,” said Us member Olivia Ferguson, adding that she and her teammates worked on weekends in her father’s garage to build their project.
Us, which is coached by Amanda Richardson, also included seventh-graders Beckett Dopp, Daleanee Devore, Connor Richardson, Nathan Myers and Lindsey Howell and The Baconators, which is led by coach Amber Weaver, included fourth- and fifth-grade students Landon Ankrom, Lakynn Howell, Adrianna Miller, Carson Ensinger, Reagan Ingram and Cadence Bendle. The team also originated at John Gregg and advanced to the global finals last year, where members ranked 20th out of 40 teams in the elementary technical challenge category. They made it their mission to return and do better this year, and they succeeded. The group worked hard on their project under the theme, “Pinball Heroes,” and fashioned a pinball game with a corresponding skit about a hero’s extraordinary mission which included a dream concept. They looked forward to returning again next year and doing even better.
“It was super fun,” said Beckett Dopp. “We made the top 10, but next year it’s going to be the top five.”
“We’re doing it next year,” said Connor Richardson.
“I was very proud,” added Daleanee Devore.
The Baconators team only formed this year, making it equally impressive that they advanced on their first attempt. Member Reagan Ingram said they placed 13th out of 40 teams in their challenge, which featured a story involving the Egyptian Sphinx.
“We had to pick a piece of artwork and it had to have a moveable part, which was the nose of the Sphinx, and reimagined art that involved dancing,” explained teammate Carson Ensinger. “It was fun.”
Lakynn Howell added that they met teams from the Ukraine, Poland, Canada and Mexico. Ingram said she was excited about participating as well as watching other teams perform challenges and taking part in a pin trade with groups from other countries. All of the teammates opined that they were nervous about the event but found it exciting and wished to return next year.
The top three teams in the D.I. challenges earned trophies and medals and some were honored with DaVinci Awards for creativity and Renaissance Awards for design. Both Edison teams also had a chance to tour the city and participate in the Kansas City Quest scavenger hunt, the latter in which Us earned third place. They also attended an outdoor performing arts festival and heard a lecture from Pixar officials on creating stories and characters which involved details about crafting such movies as “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.”
District D.I. Coordinator Kelly Dopp was proud of both teams’ accomplishments amid the population of participants.
“I was very impressed with both teams and very proud of how they performed while they were there,” she said. “They had a chance to interact with kids from other countries. I was impressed by our kids’ ability to go and do their challenge in a high-pressure setting, and both teams nailed it.”
She added that more than 1,400 teams have participated in past global contests and there were 100 more teams this year. Dopp said Us members were motivated to go back again when they viewed their name in the rankings.
“When they saw their name, they were so excited and later asked, ‘How can we make it to the top three next year?’”
Meanwhile, she was grateful to the community for supporting the opportunity to attend the finals. The teams raised $36,000 through fundraisers and contributions, including a $10,000 donation from the Bergholz Community Foundation, a $3,600 donation from the Edison Local Board of Education and a $1,000 grant from the Modern Woodsmen of America. Additionally, there were a series of moneymakers from a spaghetti dinner, business solicitations and tag days at local gas stations to lemonade shake sales during the First Fridays on Fourth in Steubenville, slushies sales at lunchtime and penny wars collections at both schools.
Photo Captions: Two Edison Local School District teams performed well at the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., on May 21-26. The Edison Jr. High School team Us placed 10th out of 50 teams in their middle level technical challenge while John Gregg Elementary’s team, The Baconators, was 13th in the elementary fine arts challenge out of 40 teams. More than 1,000 teams took part from the U.S., Mexico, China, Poland, and other countries. Pictured are, at left, The Baconators with their fine arts project featuring the Egyptian Sphinx and members of EJHS’s team, Us, at right with their dream-centered “Pinball Heroes” presentation.
Sixth Graders Graduate
Posted 6/7/2024 at 6:00:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary said goodbye to its sixth-grade students during a graduation ceremony on May 30, sending about 58 pupils on to middle school at Edison Jr. High. The event included student recognition and video presentation for family members and school staff and concluded with a parade at the school campus.
Swickard’s Time Comes Full Circle
Posted 6/6/2024 at 10:39:49 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Ellen Swickard has found the formula for success teaching chemistry, physics and other sciences at Edison High School for the past 40 years, and now it’s time for her to say goodbye.
Swickard officially retired on May 31 after decades within Edison’s schools, coming full circle from her days as a student to returning to teach hundreds of others in schools throughout the district. The Pleasant Hill resident graduated as valedictorian from Jefferson Union High School in 1980, then she attended Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University) with the intent of following her mother’s footsteps as a nurse. However, her interest would eventually shift to education.
“The program at Mount Vernon was only for two years and I would have to transfer to do my clinicals, so I chose not to do it,” she said. “I love science and math. During my freshman year, I received a chemistry award and it solidified that I’d major in chemistry. By the end of my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to teach it.”
She remained at the top of the class, graduating as salutatorian in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She began teaching at Springfield High School in the fall of 1984 and went on to gain her master’s degree in secondary education from the University in 1990, graduating summa cum laude.
“I started at Springfield High School for four years and then continued at Edison South. I came to this school in 1988,” she said. “I taught chemistry, physics, eighth-grade Earth science, ninth-grade physics and upper level Earth science.”
She had an offer to teach elsewhere but remained at Edison because it also afforded the opportunity to live at home, where she still resides. Swickard estimates that she has taught roughly 4,000 pupils during her tenure and has watched many venture into professional careers from pharmacists and nurses to researchers and college professors.
“The one thing I’ve not had is someone becoming a chemistry teacher. One of the phrases I’ve told my students is ‘Everything comes back to chemistry. It explains nature and health and it can all be traced back to protons, neutrons and electrons.”
Her classroom at EHS includes an adjoining lab filled with books, beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, Florence flasks, funnels and more, but it has also become a second home. She did attempt to retire in 2015, but that would only last a day and she returned as a retire/rehire. This time, she does plan to step away for good.
“I will take it one day at a time and get caught up on things I’ve pushed aside,” she said, which includes spending time with family and traveling. “This has been my home, and I’ve probably spent more time here in this building than I have at home making sure the kids are ready.”
She was the featured speaker during the school’s 2024 Honors Breakfast on May 24, sharing pearls of wisdom about making good choices in life. She brought tears to some and a standing ovation at the end, leaving an indelible mark on the people around her. Swickard noted that while she is grateful for the people she worked with and the students she’s taught throughout the years, the ultimate litmus test is seeing how former pupils succeed after high school.
“It’s always wonderful to see the graduates succeed in their chosen fields. That’s always a plus,” she concluded. “My evaluation is how they are doing in college. I tell them to always do your best.”
Photo Caption: Edison High School teacher Ellen Swickard stepped away from the classroom after 40 years of instructing chemistry and other sciences. She intends to take one day at a time and enjoy retirement after seeing her school life come full circle.
Edison Celebrates Seniors with Honors Breakfast
Posted 5/30/2024 at 3:23:14 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School celebrated 20 seniors for their accomplishments during the 2024 Honors Breakfast on May 24.
Students receiving honors diplomas were invited along with their families and special teachers and staff to break bread in the school cafeteria and take part in a program led by school administrators. Superintendent Bill Beattie welcomed the crowd of more than 100 people and introduced special guests, including district Treasurer Amanda Gump, Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta, Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson, John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield, EHS Principal Matt Morrison and EHS Assistant Principal Josh Leasure.
“The theme of today’s event is ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’ We have invited staff members and the staff varies from teachers to secretaries and the students would receive a gift for their hard work and dedication,” Beattie added.
Following the invocation by Faith Bell, attendants enjoyed a catered meal by the Minerva Classic 57 Family Restaurant and continued with the program, which featured keynote speaker Ellen Swickard. Swickard, who is retiring from EHS after 40 years, shared advice with the students as they moved on to the next chapter of their lives.
She brought a shadowbox gifted by a previous student and described its inscriptions, noting that they could be useful in the seniors’ future.
“On the one side it reads: ‘It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.’ By your presence here at this breakfast, you all heeded those words of advice and did a lot of things right! For each of you, that has been much more rewarding than the regret of ‘I shoulda, woulda, coulda,’” she continued. “That being said, I really want to focus on the reverse side. It reads: ‘Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.’”
She also noted the tenets of the National Beta Club, which she advised for more than 30 years at Edison, and said they included character, achievement, service and leadership. Swickard said the honorees represented them through their achievements and they had much to look forward to.
“Being intelligent and gifted is a wonderful blessing that will afford you many tremendous opportunities in life. How you choose to take advantage of those opportunities will determine the quality of life you lead,” she added. “Oh, life will not be without mistakes: There was only one perfect life and none of us are Him! But a life of choices made with character and lived with integrity will be a life of little regret and less heartache than if the opposite were true.”
Swickard said she was inspired by the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Less Taken,” and closed with a reading.
“I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence,” she read. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
She bid the honorees farewell with more advice of her own.
“May each of you wisely choose your path from this place and may God go with you and bless your journey,” she concluded.
It was time to recognize the honor students, and Kireta said requirements included four credits each of English, math (including Algebra I and II, geometry and higher), science (with two advanced classes such as physics and chemistry) and social studies; three credits of one foreign language or two credits of two different languages; one credit of fine arts; a 3.5 grade point average or higher; and a score of 27 on ACT tests or 1210 on SAT exams. New this year were two students, Chloe Brooks and Caden Rudy, who earned career tech honors diplomas. Those included the aforementioned criteria as well as a score of six or higher on all three sections of the Work Keys Assessments; meeting requirements to earn the Industry Recognized Credential Seal or Technology Seal; and field experience and portfolio, Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal or Work-Based Learning.
Burchfield and Peterson announced the honorees and their special teacher or staff member, who presented the graduating senior with a copy of the Dr. Seuss book. The honor students included Alexandra Ash, Mackenzie Ash, Faith Bell, Chloe Brooks, Grace Browning, Nolan Buchanan, Rebecka Evans, Zachary Evans, Lily Larkins, Kylee Leishman, Emma LoPrete, Natalie Lucas, Caden Rudy, Hailey Teichman, Kendra Teichman and Isabella Thornton while special guests included Debbie Bickar, Amy Bordash, Dawn Cable, Chuck Cline, Haley Hashbarger, Chandler Hoppel, Bill Koehnlein, Susan Pytash, Amy Sinicropi, Marc Sansone, David Schultz, Tammy Sismondo of Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Ellen Swickard, Kristen Truex, Kristina Turk and Cheryl Woodward.
The event closed with the benediction by Cheyanne Coil.
Photo Caption: Twenty seniors were recognized during Edison High School’s 2024 Honors Breakfast on May 24, which included family members and special guests. Keynote speaker was retiring teacher Ellen Swickard, who was departing after 40 years with the school district.
Edison Student Establishing SOULS Program
Posted 4/29/2024 at 4:38:02 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-As the Edison Local School District adds unified sports to its repertoire, one student is looking to add a program which bridges inclusion and animals.
Edison Jr. High eighth-grader Amelia (Mimi) Ault is working with officials to form the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS), which is set for Aug. 10 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. SOULS is a livestock show for county youth and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and unified special exhibitors will be paired with similar-aged mentors who will guide them through the entire show experience, including how to care for and show their preferred livestock animal. An informational flyer and survey are being distributed to all county schools seeking youth mentors and special exhibitors, and those interested in participating should make their submissions by May 17 while Ault said matches will be made in June.
“My goal is to bring students in Jefferson County 4-H and FFA together for a livestock show, showcasing the unique strengths of individuals with disabilities. This would provide everyone involved with an opportunity to create bonds, promote agricultural education and expand interests while gaining valuable life experience,” she said.
Ault added that Edison is the first in the state to partner with Special Olympics and start a Unified Livestock Club. She has met with Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Director of Youth Engagement Kristi Peters, district Superintendent Bill Beattie, EHS Youth Sports Coordinator Jason Ensinger, district Director of Special Education Jamie Angelini, Edison FFA advisors Chuck Cline and Kristen Truex, Jefferson County Special Olympics Coordinator and county Board of Developmental Disabilities Activities Coordinator Steve Forte and county 4-H Youth Extension Educator Angie Allison, and she plans to further collaborate with the county fair board.
“I began initial phases by getting approval for the event from the school and Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. I then attended the local superintendent's meeting to share information about the project,” she continued. “[The fair board] has already given permission to use the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at no charge for the event. So far, everyone I have reached out to has been very positive and accommodating.”
Ault, the daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, said the activity was close to her heart.
“This event combines my passion for showing animals with my interest in helping individuals with disabilities. My sister Olivia, who has developmental delays and impairments from a stroke before birth, inspired me to come up with this idea,” she said. “I feel that this would be an excellent addition for youth in our county.”
Meanwhile, Peters applauded Ault for her efforts to bring a unique perspective into the realm of Unified Champion Schools.
“We are so excited to partner with Mimi on bringing her SOULS project to life in Jefferson County. With her sister at the heart of the project’s inception, Mimi is moving full steam ahead in creating a Unified Livestock show in conjunction with the county’s fair. This is a very new concept for Unified Champion Schools in Ohio and is the first of its kind here,” she added. “We are incredibly proud of the drive, leadership and focus that Mimi has exemplified since sharing the initial idea for this project last month. Since that time, she has pulled in major players to support her efforts in bringing this project to life. The innovation of our youth leaders is truly what drives the Unified Champion Schools movement, and Mimi certainly has risen to the occasion. We are in awe of all that she has accomplished in the SOULS project thus far, and are eagerly anticipating what is next for her not only with SOULS but within the Special Olympics mission as a whole.
“I believe that I can speak for us all when I say that Mimi has impressed us all with her ability to focus on a goal and execute it to completion. We have watched as this incredible young woman begins the process of applying for grant funding, reaches out to community partners for in-kind gifts, conducts meetings with the Who’s Who of Jefferson County and works tirelessly to secure every item necessary to ensure the event’s ultimate success. All this while simultaneously attending to a rigorous high school schedule – and doing it all with the maturity, grace, fire and drive of someone well beyond her years. We are jazzed with Mimi’s trajectory and cannot wait to see what is next!”
Additionally, Edison is planning to take part in sports activities with other area schools involved in the Unified Champion Schools program, such as football and basketball, while a track meet is set for May 14 at the EHS campus in Richmond. Ten EHS students took part in the Unified Sports Leadership Summit at JCBDD’s Jeffco Center in Steubenville last month while about 20 pupils have participated and assisted with track practices.
Ault hopes the livestock club will also increase numbers and said she will also be seeking further assistance from the public.
“In addition to mentors and exhibitors, I will be reaching out to local businesses, clubs, organizations and county leaders to gain interest. My hope is that this event will be well-attended. It would be an honor to see special-needs youth create lifelong memories and shine in the show ring.”
(Photo Caption: Edison Jr. High School eighth-grader Mimi Ault is working with officials to form the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS), which is set for Aug. 10 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. SOULS is a livestock show pairs county youth and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and unified special exhibitors with similar-aged mentors who will guide them through the entire show experience. Registration is being taken until May 17 and matches will occur in June. Ault, pictured at left, was inspired by her sister, Olivia, who has impairments and developmental delays, as well as a love of animals.)
Programs, Projects Lead Edison BOE Session
Posted 4/23/2024 at 11:39:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-The Edison Local Board of Education heard highlights of some amazing student programs during the regular board meeting on April 18.
The board held its latest session at John Gregg Elementary and heard from Kelly Dopp, district Destination Imagination coordinator, that two teams had advanced to the Global Finals in Kansas City, Mo., on May 21-26. The Edison Jr. High School team Us is making a return to the national stage with seventh-graders Beckett Dopp, Connor Richardson, Nathan Myers, Daleanne Devore, Lindsey Howell and Olivia Ferguson, who will participate in the technical challenge, while the first-time group known as The Baconators includes fourth-and fifth-graders from John Gregg, including Lakynn Howell, Adrianna Miller, Carson Ensinger, Cadence Bendle, Reagan Ingram and Landon Ankrom. It is the first time the fourth- and fifth-graders have participated in D.I. and the global event and they will take part in the fine arts challenge.
About 1,400 teams from around the world will take part in the event and D.I. is an educational program in which teams work throughout the year to solve open-ended challenges and present their solutions. Each challenge participant gains knowledge and experience in areas including creative and critical thinking, project management, team building, conflict resolution, STEM, perseverance and a completion mindset.
Us members Lindsey Howell, Daleanee Devore and Connor Richardson discussed how their project failed during last year’s globals, adding that they built their props this year and used materials to make it sturdier. Baconators member Adrianna Miller spoke about why she loves D.I. while teammate Cadence Bendle said each of the members brings a unique skill to their team.
A series of fundraisers are underway including a joint spaghetti dinner at the Richmond United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 4 from 3-7 p.m. that is dine in or carry out and by donation only. Following their presentation, the board was asked to donate toward the trip and agreed to give $3,600 to support the students.
Meanwhile, teacher Tally Pasiuk and some of her fifth-and-sixth-graders discussed their “Be Responsible, Save Food” initiative to curb food waste at John Gregg. The effort promotes collecting unused, pre-packaged food and milk and storing them for use in the afterschool and primary programs. Six students gather breakfast and lunch items and small cartons of milk each day and make them available to those who stay after school for Destination Imagination practice or other programs, as well as for the primary classes upon teachers’ request.
Students Kenzi Call, Olivia Davis, Giuliana Wiley, Ava Long, Layla Cronin, Gavin Berardinelli and Baric Bernhart presented a slideshow and fielded questions from the board about their program. They explained that the program began in February because they were concerned about the amount of food being wasted during breakfast and lunch. The group began collecting unopened, leftover food and distributed it to different grade levels and afterschool programs for snacks. Statistics were also provided over the past few months, with 33 cartons of milk, 62 cartons of juice and 88 snacks collected in March with another seven cartons of milk, 68 cartons of juice and 23 snacks collected so far for April.
Additionally, the group helps the environment by recycling cardboard, and 101 fifth-and sixth-graders help coordinate of the “Be Responsible, Save Food” initiative while the entire PreK-6 building takes part.
In other business, the board approved plans to update facilities over the coming months. Superintendent Bill Beattie said Patella Carpet and Tile of Youngstown was contracted to replace 10,000 square feet of flooring at John Gregg for $59,565.
“The company did work on our fieldhouse,” Beattie said. “It’s a summer project and should occur in June or July.”
Beattie added that expenses will be paid through the districts Permanent Improvement fund. Additionally, officials approved a maintenance agreement with H.E. Neumann of Triadelphia, W.Va., for general maintenance of the HVAC systems at a cost of $42,600.
“It includes preventative maintenance of equipment and changing filters four times a year at the high school and twice a year at each elementary,” he continued. “That’s going to include Edison High School and the fieldhouse, John Gregg and Stanton Elementary.”
Meanwhile, the board:
--Non-renewed supplemental contracts for volunteer football coaches James Ossman and Myron Rees for 2023-24;
--Approved an agreement with The Village Network for mental health services for the 2024-25 school year;
--Set the next meeting for May 16 at 6 p.m. at Edison High School.
Something Wild
Posted 4/19/2024 at 5:57:35 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Jefferson County Wildlife Officers Craig Porter and Kiri Williams visited Stanton Elementary second-graders on April 10 to discuss their roles through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as well as wildlife around the state as part of the school’s “Our Edison Community” speaker series. Guidance counselor Megan McNear said a program is held each April and officials talk to classes at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary about how they contribute to the community. Other upcoming speakers include representatives from the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County and the Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Center.
Edison Hosts “Booze and Cruise, You’ll Lose”
Posted 3/25/2024 at 11:29:28 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School played host to the “Booze and Cruise, You’ll Lose” program to help students make good choices during prom and graduation season and beyond.
About 160 sophomores to seniors gathered in the school auditorium on March 20 to take part in interactive games and a question-and-answer session as well as to earn prizes. They also heard from attorney Christian Turak with the Moundsville-based law firm Gold, Khourey and Turak, which presents the program, as well as Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Greg Scalley, WTOV-TV meteorologist Jeff Oechslein and Wheeling Nailers announcer D.J. Absilaih about the consequences of driving under the influence.
“We’re not here to lecture you,” said Turak. “You are facing adult situations. We’ll have a conversation so when you are confronted with a situation, you will make the best decision. You are out together, so look out for each other.”
The teen audience competed in a Kahoot interactive computer game, answering questions about laws and scenarios to earn T-shirts and hockey game tickets. The true-or-false questions described events such as whether it is possible to be arrested for DUI without having consumed alcohol. Many students said the answer was “yes” if the driver used drugs. Another was whether a person could refuse to take a BAC (blood alcohol content) test if pulled over for suspected DUI. The answer was true, but there could still be repercussions. Trooper Scalley explained that those found to be under the influence could receive a one-year license suspension for a first offense and even longer—including losing the license altogether-- if it is a second offense or more.
Other quiz results indicated that it was possible to be charged for operating under a DUI if the driver was not in a motor vehicle, but rather a boat, motorcycle, bicycle or ATV. Meanwhile, a minor arrested for DUI will have the charge through adulthood. Officials said the consequence of having a DUI is a suspended license, jail time, difficulty getting a job and general embarrassment because it remains on the person’s record.
Trooper Scalley further commented that it was not possible to beat a breathalyzer test following another quiz query.
“I’ve had people try sucking on pennies and barely blowing into the machine. It will go down as a refusal and they can get their license suspended for a year,” he added.
Students had previously completed surveys and one was selected to receive an autographed hockey stick from the team. Sophomore Kale Beebe was then chosen to don simulation goggles to mimic impairment and completed sobriety tests on stage, including a nystagmus test, walking a straight line and lifting one leg. Trooper Scalley said an inability to complete the tasks could indicate intoxication.
During the Q&A, Trooper Scalley described the best way to respond when pulled over by a law enforcement officer.
“Keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, tell them whether you have a concealed weapon and be courteous,” he said.
Oechslein also shared a story of a neighbor who had high hopes as an athlete, but whose dreams were cut short after being injured by a drunk driver.
“Just be careful and use common sense,” he said.
Turak said driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects everyone, while Absilaih reminded everyone to stay safe.
“Continue to have your life goals in mind,” Absilaih commented. “Have fun and love life, but do it safely.”
“Booze and Cruise, You’ll Lose” has been held since 1992 and GKT has presented programs throughout local schools in Ohio and West Virginia with WTOV, OSHP and the Wheeling Nailers as sponsors. Officials said it was spurred by an interest in reducing DUI-related incidents among teens.
(Photo Caption: Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Greg Scalley administers a test to Edison High School sophomore Kale Beebe during the “Booze and Cruise, You’ll Lose” program on March 20. About 160 high school students gathered in the auditorium to take part in interactive games and question-and-answer sessions and earned prizes such as T-shirts and tickets to a Wheeling Nailers hockey game. The program from the Gold, Khourey and Turak law firm of Moundsville discusses making good choices during prom and graduation season and beyond. Also on hand were Nailers announcer D.J. Absilaih and WTOV-TV meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.)
EHS Leadership Council Reads to Youngsters
Posted 3/4/2024 at 6:40:12 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Members of the Edison High School Leadership Council headed back to their old stomping grounds at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools to read to youngsters on March 1 in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
Nine high school students visited the sites and shared some of Dr. Seuss’s classic stories to the little ones’ delight. Senior Emma LoPrete went to Stanton in Hammondsville with Hannah Russell, Cheyanne Coil, Abby Cunningham and Adali Roberts while Grace Browning, Becka Evans, Kylee Stull and Ali Shrieve made a stop at John Gregg in Bergholz.
“We came down to read to the kids and do activities,” LoPrete said. “We read to them last year.”
She shared the tale “Are You My Mother?” about a baby bird that is searching for its missing parent and encounters animals and machines before finally having a happy reunion. Other classes enjoyed such classics as “The Cat in the Hat” while kids also had a chance to dress up as their favorite characters and dine on a breakfast of green eggs and ham in the cafeteria. But the reading activity was just one of many events the leadership council participates in at the schools.
Advisor Greg Marsh, who currently shares duties with teacher Danah Beaver, said the council was formed during the 2022-23 along with Amy Bordash. This is the group’s second year and nearly three-dozen students are involved.
“The purpose of Leadership Council is to create a positive atmosphere in our school district and in our community. We believe that a rising tide floats all boats. By highlighting the great things our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, former students and community members are doing, it not only recognizes deserving people but also shows appreciation,” Marsh said. “When people feel appreciated, it makes the world a better place, not just for the person or group being recognized, but for our group as well. Doing things for others is also a gift to yourself. We tell our members that ‘leaders’ don’t wait for the door to be opened for them. We look to open the door for others.”
He noted that the council began with 30 members and presently has 35 juniors and seniors actively participating. Other activities have included delivering doughnuts to area first responders and EHS teachers; collecting items for a hat and glove drive plus hygiene products for local churches and the Friendship Room; creating appreciation cards for teachers as a way of thanking them for all that they do; creating a spirit wall outside the high school that honors individual student-athletes and teams, band and academics who achieve All-League, All-County or All-Ohio status; forming a new tradition for EHS seniors with a “Last First Day of School” picture frame as a keepsake for the students and their families; volunteering to be “buddy athletes” for the high school’s new unified sports teams; reading morning announcements at the high school; and establishing a social media presence for all the amazing things current and former students are accomplishing in the school and community.
Visiting the elementary schools is just another way to spread the positive message and make a connection between the students.
“Leadership members have read to the students and we have greeted the elementary students at the front door and stayed to eat breakfast with the kids,” Marsh said. “Our students have taken part in morning routines with the elementary students, which have included dancing, and members have also visited at lunch recess to play with the kids. Since EHS is a grade 7-12 building, our group plans to visit the sixth-grade classes in the coming months to talk about life at Edison High School. We know this can be a very scary experience for those students, and our group wants to help alleviate that stress as much as possible.”
(Photo Caption: Members of the Edison High School Leadership Council visited Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools on March 1 to read to youngsters in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Kids donned story-related costumes and also enjoyed some green eggs and ham in the cafeteria in the morning while the high school students shared some of Dr. Seuss’s most popular stories. Pictured is EHS Leadership Council member Emma LoPrete with Stanton preschoolers Daisy Ryan as Thing 1, Grant Kuntz as the Cat in the Hat and Ava Gunn as Thing 2.)
Edison Looking to Add Unified Sports
Posted 2/20/2024 at 11:15:35 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Students with disabilities will have a chance to take part in athletic events as Edison Local School District looks to add unified sports teams.
District leaders made the announcement during the regular school board session at Stanton Elementary School on Feb. 15, saying they were working with officials and planning to recruit players. Unified sports combine individualized education plan (IEP) students interacting with general education pupils in blended teams for various sporting events. Plans are to offer flag football, basketball and cornhole/kickball starting in the fall, but there is a chance of having a track team ready for this spring.
Superintendent Bill Beattie said interest was building in many Jefferson County schools and district Director of Special Education Jamie Angelini and elementary sports coordinator Jason Ensinger would serve as co-advisors with the Edison High School Youth Leadership Council acting as mentors.
“We will be a Unified Champion School,” Beattie commented. “We are in the process of getting this finalized and a group of students will be attending a leadership summit at Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.”
The district is working with Unified Champion Schools, which is part of Special Olympics Ohio, and Steve Forte of the Jefferson County Special Olympics and JCBDD, to get the ball rolling.
“It is still in the works but we hope to get it up and running,” Beattie added.
In other business, the school board approved a $198,000 contract to complete a roofing project at John Gregg Elementary. Officials entered into a deal with Triangle Roofing, Inc., of Pittsburgh to oversee the work, which involves replacing a section over the gym and cafeteria. Beattie said core sample testing in November resulted in the need for a new topper and once it is finished, all of the school’s roofing work will be complete.
Under personnel matters, the board approved substitute teachers Katisha Beckwith, Shannon Bahen, Emily Berry, Michael McIntyre and Stephanie Nelson; accepted the resignations of Dawn Cable as assistant varsity track coach, Jamie Evans as volunteer track coach and Faith Hoobler as junior high track coach and accepted supplemental contracts for Hoobler as assistant track coach, Evans and Ryan Sronce as junior high track coaches and Cable as volunteer track coach; non-renewed the contracts of teachers Ellen Swickard and Jackie Harris and bus drivers Donna Roberts and Frank Martin, all effective May 31, as retired-rehired personnel; employed Dusty Grimm as a full-time substitute bus driver; and accepted the resignation of Spanish teacher Angela Arbogast, effective May 31.
Among other matters, the board:
--Heard a report from Stanton Elementary student representative Jaxon Sciance, who said a new student council was formed by Principal Kody Peterson and included nine members from grades 3-6. The council meets every other week to address concerns or suggestions to improve the school and Sciance brought forth several ideas for the school board to ponder. Among them were having more school dances during the school year and adding extra recess time for fifth-and sixth-graders. He said they currently have recess on Fridays and suggested adding one or two more days per week;
--Learned from Beattie that a new Wall of Fame kiosk will be installed at the Edison Fieldhouse featuring team photos, yearbooks, athletic records and other memorabilia and more information will be sought to add to the display for the school’s 30th anniversary. Officials may be seeking items from former buildings Jefferson Union, Stanton, Springfield, Edison North and Edison South sometime in the fall;
--Continued the district’s membership with the OHSAA for the 2024-25 school year;
--Approved a calendar for the 2024-25 school year;
--Approved overnight trips for the EHS swim team to Ohio University on Feb. 15-16 and the marching band to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge on April 4-6 and the FFA to Columbus on May 2-3;
--Approved a dual credit memorandum of understanding with Eastern Gateway Community College for the 2024-25 school year.
--Set the next meeting for March 21 at 7 p.m. at EHS.
It's Magic!
Posted 2/13/2024 at 7:13:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Preschoolers at Stanton Elementary were delighted by New Jersey-based comedy hypnotist and magician Steven Michaels, who left the little ones spellbound during his performance on Feb. 9. The presentation was sponsored by Movin and Groovin Productions of Toronto and was held for kids aged 3-5. Michaels is pictured performing a napkin trick with volunteers Ava Gunn, Grant Kuntz and Fiona Tingler.
Toshiba Grant Supports STEAM Learning
Posted 2/13/2024 at 7:04:54 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-A nearly $4,000 grant from the Toshiba America Foundation is supporting the concept of STEAM learning at John Gregg Elementary School.
Teachers Kelly Dopp and Brooke Barker received a $3,395 allocation for “A Circus of Circuits,” a mobile art project that will get underway in April. It is a sixth-grade science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) collaborative which combines artwork and moving pieces and in the style of innovative artist Alexander Calder, who is best known for developing the idea of mobiles as kinetic, or moving, sculpture with the circus as his focal point.
Dopp, who teaches art, and Barker, who instructs computers, are joining efforts to compare Calder’s use of movement in paintings with his use of movement in mechanical or motorized circus sculptures. Fifty-eight students will study simple electrical circuits and learn how electrical forms of energy can be transferred to other forms, such as light, heat, sound and motion. They will then explore circuits through the My STEM Deluxe Circuit Pack and use the engineering design process. Toshiba’s contribution will be used to acquire the circuit pack, Teknikio Makerspace Kit and paper circuit kits which include e-textiles, heat-sensing devices, embroidery lights, blinking lights and more. The students will evaluate how well their electric circuits showed movement and represented the circus, and finally they will create a Google Slides presentation of their circuit’s completion.
“We’re going to research the famous artist who did kinetic sculpture and the students will learn how to wire circuits. We will use the Makerspace and circuit kits and the students will design a circus setting. It’s going to be art with technology applied and they must move or light up in some way,” Dopp added. “We will start the project around April.”
It was the first time she applied for the grant and Dopp said everyone was excited to be chosen.
“The district was working on a grant-writing committee and this was the first one I wrote. Mrs. Barker and I wanted to find a way to do a collaborative project that involved art and something STEM-based, and using circuits seemed to be a great way to incorporate it.”
Barker noted that the project stemmed from activities in the school’s enrichment program.
“When we took over the enrichment program, we realized how much the kids enjoyed the snap circuits. We have Fun Fridays and do activities and the snap circuits were popular,” she explained. “They made simple circuits and it triggered interest, so we said, ‘Let’s see if we can spark something in the kids in case they want to make a career moving forward.’”
Barker was overwhelmed to receive the grant and said it will be a tremendous benefit.
“We’re just a small school in rural Jefferson County, Ohio. I think it’s an awesome opportunity for the kids and I’m glad Toshiba is funding this.”
John Gregg Principal Tammy Burchfield applauded the teachers for their forward thinking and said they work hard to inspire the kids.
“The teachers are always trying to find more creative and relevant projects for our kids to be a part of,” Burchfield continued. “They always sacrifice their time for the kids and plan for hours, and it’s all for the benefit of our students. John Gregg is blessed to have them and we cannot wait to see the results.”
Matt Specht, account representative for Toshiba in Canton, was equally thrilled to see the fruits of the children’s plans become a reality.
“One of the things we love to do is give back to the community, so we when come and hear what they are doing it’s amazing,” he said.
The Toshiba America Foundation’s grants fund projects designed by individual classroom teachers. Teachers are able to change the way they teach STEM subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based approaches to the curriculum. TAF was founded in 19909 with support from the Toshiba Corporation and the Toshiba America Group Companies and helps teachers make STEM learning fun and successful for grades K-12 in schools across the U.S. For more information, visit
www.toshiba.com/taf.
(Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary School received nearly $4,000 from the Toshiba America Foundation to support a unique STEAM collaboration between art and computers. Sixth-grade students will design a moving sculpture depicting a circus scene based upon the works of famed artist Alexander Calder. Pictured are Matt Specht, account executive with Toshiba in Canton with art teacher Kelly Dopp, computer teacher Brooke Barker and school Principal Tammy Burchfield.)
John Gregg Art Show Featuring Entrepreneur’s Market
Posted 2/13/2024 at 6:28:50 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-The annual art show at John Gregg Elementary will feature something new this year as enrichment students learn to become entrepreneurs.
Fifth-and sixth-graders will create and sell original products at the event, which is set for March 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Art teacher Kelly Dopp, who heads the enrichment program with computer teacher Brooke Barker, said this year’s event will allow patrons to purchase the homemade goods at an entrepreneur’s market.
“Our enrichment students are going to host an entrepreneur’s market,” she said. “Each student will create the product that they are going to sell. We’re going to determine the number of items to sell.”
The students are still deciding what their products will be and must craft a logo, business plan and price for the product. Dopp said supplies will be funded through a $660 Jefferson County Educational Service Center Best Practice Grant she received for the project, which is expected to be self-sustaining. She said proceeds from the sales will go back into the fund for next year’s program and any extra profits will be donated to a local charity.
Dopp continued that the enrichment class has been learning about business and recently hosted local teen Kenzie Everhart, a senior at Edison High School and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School who established her Pleased Pooches dog treat business last year.
“We’re trying to encourage [our students] to sell something they are interested and invested in, something they think they has a purpose and would be marketable,” she said. “They will pitch product ideas to their classmates for feedback to determine if they will make it [for the market]. The students are excited about it.”
In addition, patrons will have a chance to peruse paintings and other artwork created by the school’s estimated 400 pupils in grades PreK-6. Dopp said the evening is themed “Rockets and Robots: Outer Space Art” and will also feature a pop bottle bio display by second-to-fourth-graders, a food truck, and a family make-and-take activity.
“They can go into a room and make something to take home. It’s an opportunity for parents to make something with their kids,” she continued.
The art show drew about 200 participants last year and Dopp anticipates a similar amount this time. Food will be provided by the Rusty Bull of Toronto and items bought at the food truck can be eaten in the cafeteria.
She noted that the evening intends to bring students and their families together for some learning fun.
“The purpose is for students to showcase their artistic talent and for parents to see what their kids are doing in their related arts class. I’m a big believer that elementary schools should produce well-rounded kids. We are highlighting their artwork and creativity is important for kids at this stage. We have a lot of artistic kids.”
Drone Course Being Offered at Edison
Posted 11/10/2023 at 10:50:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
"Prepared for Tomorrow." This is the mission of the Edison Local School District and is a phrase that is instilled in its students every day.
Juniors and seniors taking part in the drone course at Edison Local High School, are learning the importance of those three words by Derek Gulling, the course’s instructor. The math and engineering teacher explained the drone course provides the opportunity to expose students to the technology used in various career fields.
“The district has worked hard in recent years to provide its students with the education and experiences necessary to prepare students to be ‘employed, enlisted or enrolled’ in higher education,” he stated.
Gulling explained the district wants to ensure relevant learning is being taught and students are exposed to opportunities where they can explore careers and learning aligned to careers.
“By offering this drone course, students are able to apply technology that is used in many different career fields,” he continued. “This course will allow students the opportunity to take the certification exams for FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and the Small Unmanned Safety Institute Level 1 Certification. The remote pilot certificate enables students to fly drones for commercial purposes, among other benefits. There are many employers that utilize drones for inspection purposes, including power lines and bridge inspections.”
“The course is currently offered to our 11th and 12th grade students,” Gulling said. “Our initial count is seven students, but we are hoping to expand this number in the years to come, as the interest in flying drones builds.”
Gulling conveyed how his students start off by flying a “learning” drone so they can get used to how to operate it and fly one.
“They then progress to larger and more powerful drones,” he added. “With these drones, students conduct several types of missions in the course. One of their favorite missions is to conduct a 'search and rescue' mission where we hide a CPR dummy somewhere on campus and they must find them within an allotted amount of time.”
“Students have also done missions to photograph buildings and property — mimicking what realtors and property firms might want,” Gulling concluded. “In addition to the 'fun' flights, students become familiar with the regulations and laws surrounding flying drones.”
The students enrolled in the program are looking forward to the time when they can take one or both exams. By having taken this class in high school, they will have a head start in knowing how to operate and fly a drone, and understand how to perform a mission, which can include photography.
Caden Rudy is a student taking the drone course, and commented he was interested in taking this type of class. He said he wanted to learn how to fly drones and became knowledgeable of the laws surrounding drones because he would like to use them in agricultural settings.
First graders “work” on new project
Posted 11/3/2023 at 10:10:15 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ — Haley Hashbarger is a first-grade teacher at John Gregg Elementary School. This year, she decided to put the children in her classroom to work.
No, she isn't breaking any child labor laws. She is, however, instructing the 6- and 7-year-olds on how to apply for potential employment and explaining why it is important to conduct a proper interview. She has even gone one step further and incorporated jobs into her lesson plan.
Throughout the summer, Hashbarger went online and researched potential lesson plans for the upcoming school year. Her scrolling ultimately paid off, as she stumbled across a new jobs system that older classes were using. The lesson focused on the requirements one must consider when applying for a job.
She thought this would be a wonderful addition for her first-graders — despite the fact most are 6.
“During the first week of school, we were practicing the jobs to see which they would prefer doing,” Hashbarger explained. Since the first-grade classrooms at Edison Local’s John Gregg have a camping theme, she created jobs centered around that topic. Jobs included camp cleaner, technology helper, lights operator, calendar helper and teacher’s assistant.
She walked through the process of how the children applied for their desired positions, saying in addition to their application, each was given a form to complete. The form consisted of questions that would be asked of a potential employee, including, “Why would you like this job?” “Why would you be good for the job?” “Do you get up early enough that you could get this job done?” “Would you be able to leave school on time and still get your work done?”
These scenarios helped the first graders decide what job would suit them best.
Once the form and application were completed, both the parent and pupil had to sign the form.
It was then time to begin the interview process.
“The children all dressed appropriately,” she commented. “I even had a student who wore a bow tie and one little girl wore a pretty dress for her interview. Some of them were really nervous when they came up to my desk. They were just so cute.”
One by one, each boy and girl took their paperwork to the teacher and answered her questions. Hashbarger asked one pupil why he wanted the task of camp cleaner. His reply was, “Because I help my mother at home and I clean up after myself.”
Positions were assigned and the children have been taking their jobs seriously since the start of the year, Hashbarger noted. For the second nine weeks, the first graders were told they would have to apply for different job using the same method as before. However, their teacher informed them if they were really good at their job and no one else wanted to take on the role, they could keep it for another nine weeks.
“I was thrilled with the idea,” Hashbarger concluded. “And the kids love and enjoy it, too.”
The class has even taken the school’s motto of being respectful and being responsible, and incorporated it into the new job program.
If asked, they will state, “Be respectful, be responsible and be safe while completing the job.”
Photo Cutline: John Gregg pupils in Haley Hasbarger’s first-grade classroom, are learning how to interview and hold a job within their classroom as part of this year’s new assignment. Enjoy their responsibilities are from left, front, Ariana Hobbs, teacher’s assistant; Billy Ault, technology helper; Lydia Garcia, calendar helper; and Lane Barker, lights operator; and back, Karter Cline, camp cleaner; Beau Barker, teacher’s assistant; and Levi Barker, camp cleaner.
Edison Seeking Operational Levy Renewal
Posted 6/26/2023 at 1:57:56 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District is looking to voters to approve the renewal of a 5.9-mill levy this fall to help maintain operations.
School board officials took official action at a recent meeting to place the measure on the Nov. 7 ballot. The current levy has generated more than $2 million annually, but officials finalized figures for the renewal through the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office and district Treasurer Lisa Bruzzese said they were being set at $3 million.
“There will be a 5.9-mill renewal levy back on the ballot in November and we passed the last one back around 2019,” said Superintendent Bill Beattie. “It’s a renewal for operations and there will be no extra cost to voters.”
Voters previously renewed the operational levy to fill a void left by decreasing tax revenue from Harbor Energy, formerly First Energy Corp., in the wake of impending shutdowns of the W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton as well as other coal-fired facilities in the area. The levy has brought in an estimated $1.9 million annually and also helps close the $1.6 million financial gap caused by the loss of revenue from the forthcoming closure in July.
Beattie said the district expects to feel a steep impact in the future.
“It’s still looming,” he added.
The district has also gained some funding from gas and oil pipeline revenue, but leaders said it is not guaranteed and the amount could fluctuate each year.
Saving the Planet
Posted 4/27/2023 at 7:51:33 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
First-graders at John Gregg Elementary in Bergholz shared ideas to save the planet after learning about Earth Day, which was celebrated on April 21. Students used recycled materials such as egg cartons and plastic milk jugs for their displays and pictured are Brayden McConnell and Brynlee VanFossen with their projects.
John Gregg D.I. Team Going to Global Finals
Posted 4/12/2023 at 9:58:06 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary School is celebrating as one of its Destination Imagination teams earned a ticket to the global finals in May.
The team “Us,” which includes sixth-graders Beckett Dopp, Lindsey Howell, Connor Richardson, Daleanee Devore, Olivia Ferguson and Nate Myers and is managed by Amanda Richardson, earned first place during the state contest in Barberton on April 1. Now the students will head to Kansas City, Mo., on May 20-23 to compete among 1,400 teams from around the world.
“There will be teams from every continent,” said Edison Local School District D.I. Coordinator Kelly Dopp. “For a small, rural school to compete against kids from all over the world, I think it’s very impressive.”
Us took part in the middle-level engineering challenge and created a thrill-ride rollercoaster with a golf ball moving along the tracks while also incorporating a story. The result was “Emotional Rollercoaster,” which included a range of emotions humans feel at a given time. Two members portrayed typical people in the skit while the others represented various feelings, and that ingenuity not only earned them top honors but also a DaVinci Award.
“They earned a rare award,” Dopp continued. “The DaVinci Award is given to teams to honor outstanding creativity.”
Lindsey said the idea struck her to use the theme and her teammates discussed and agreed to utilize it in their project. They worked on the challenge since September and it accounted for 60 percent of their score, but the team also had to quickly complete an instant challenge. Beckett explained that the rollercoaster broke at one point during the timed challenge, but the crew pulled it together and finished with time to spare. Had they surpassed the limit, they would not have advanced to the global competition.
“I am super excited and proud,” said Daleanee. “Every year, we’ve been working harder and harder to get to globals.”
“I am extremely happy,” added Connor. “I’m excited for the long drive.”
“Just one word: Yippee!” exclaimed Lindsey. “There are a lot of ceremonies and festivals all week.”
Beckett, Lindsey, Connor and Nate have been together since the first grade while Daleanee and Olivia joined the team in subsequent years, and each time they kept an eye on the global goal. They first earned first place at regionals as third-graders but COVID prevented them from attending the state event. They returned to regionals again last year as fifth-graders and ranked second at the state contest with their challenge.
“It’s awesome that we can keep going and we can keep doing it the next year,” Beckett added. “I look forward to being in Kansas City.”
“I’m excited about the puzzles, getting to meet the teams and seeing what they are doing for their challenges,” Olivia continued, saying she also anticipated the pin-trading portion of their trip that involved creating a homemade pin and swapping them with the other teams.
Meanwhile, Dopp was thrilled to see them succeed.
“They decided to come back the next year and go to states. They had a goal to go after and they got it,” she noted.
The team is currently soliciting businesses to raise funds for the trip while a spaghetti dinner, raffle and other ideas are in the works. Us is the first district team to go to the global competition since Edison Local Schools reinstituted Destination Imagination in 2017. Prior to that, no other district team has possibly attended since around 2002.
(Photo Caption: Sixth-graders at John Gregg Elementary School are eagerly awaiting their chance to take part in the Destination Imagination global finals in Kansas City, Mo., this May. The team known as Us includes Beckett Dopp, Connor Richardson, Daleanee Devore, Nate Myers, Olivia Ferguson and Lindsey Howell and they followed up a first-place finish at the state event in an engineering challenge with a DaVinci Award for creativity. The team will be the first from Edison Local Schools to attend since the district reinstituted the competition in 2017, while no other Edison team has possibly attended since 2002. Pictured are, front from left, Nate Myers and Beckett Dopp. Back: Connor Richardson, Daleanee Devore, Lindsey Howell and Olivia Ferguson.)
Students’ Lesson Goes to the Dogs
Posted 3/21/2023 at 12:27:32 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary School went to the dogs as second-graders learned all about the Iditarod.
Students in Tiffani Roush and Sarah Mullings’ classes followed the famed trail sled dog race in Alaska for two weeks and incorporated the trek into their curriculum. Roush was inspired by fellow educator Vickie Shaffer, who read the story “Balto” to her class, and decided to carry on the concept with her own pupils. Now in its sixth year, the project has become a favorite among the children.
“We have a story in the second-grade reading book about dogsledding. I read ‘Balto’ to the class and we decided to follow the Iditarod race,” Roush added. “They not only learned the history of the race but we also learned about the race today.”
She and Mullings had the students read and learn spelling and vocabulary words, plus they followed the race online at Iditarod.com. This year’s winner was musher Ryan Redington, whose grandfather was famously known as “The Father of Iditarod.” Students also selected a musher for the class to follow or chose one individually, plus they created biographical reports to know more about them.
The Iditarod spans nearly 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, and during even years mushers follow a northern route with odd years spent on a southern route. There are 43 checkpoints to have the dogs reviewed by a veterinarian with a one 24-hour rest stop and an eight-hour rest also required. There were 34 mushers in this year’s event and the final competitor collects the red lantern at the end of the race. This year’s recipient was Jason Mackey, who finished on St. Patrick’s Day.
Roush said the race has delighted the students.
“It’s amazing to see them light up,” she said.
Her pupils agreed and even shared what they have learned.
“The last poster gets the lantern,” said Henry Bernhart.
“Ryan Redington [won],” added Isabel Wood. “It was his first win, and his grandfather was the ‘Father of the Iditarod.’”
“Anna Berington got 22nd place and she raced with her twin sister, Kristy,” added Aria Long.
“It’s fun to see and you have dogs with a musher and they have to lead them to Nome,” said Liam Bennett.
“You have to have at least five dogs to win,” added Annabelle Clutter.
“When you start, you have to start with 12-16 dogs,” commented Tucker Berardinelli.
(Photo Caption: Second-graders at John Gregg Elementary got an education in dogsledding after following the Iditarod in Alaska for two weeks. Students selected a musher and learned all about the race, which was also incorporated into their reading, spelling and vocabulary lessons. Pictured are, front from left, Liam Bennett, Henry Bernhart, Aria Long and Sylas Trimmer. Back: Isabel Wood, Kelsie Granatir, Annabelle Clutter and Tucker Berardinelli.)
Stanton Students Learn to Recognize Warning Signs
Posted 3/21/2023 at 9:39:06 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary students are learning to recognize the warning signs of potential suicide and how to get help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Wheeling is visiting area middle and high schools and Family Services Navigator Meghan Elliott led presentations in the fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms at Stanton on March 17. Students learned the significance of the acronym “ACT,” which stands for acknowledge, care and tell.
Officials believe that acknowledging the warning signs of potential suicide, showing the affected person someone cares and telling a trusted adult could make a significant difference. Signs include a change of sleep pattern, lack of interaction with others, loss of concentration, anger or irritability and feelings of helplessness, and those who identify them should seek help.
Through videos and discussion, students learned that talking to someone about suicide does not make the affected person suicidal; rather, they may feel relieved to open up to others. Depression was also defined as a prolonged sadness which may be compounded by other negative thoughts or feelings, and it may be caused by chemical changes, some possible occurrence or may even run in the family. It can be treated with therapy and medication, and officials said the most important thing is to seek help. Trusted adults to tell may include parents, grandparents, school staff, counselors, coaches, club leaders, religious leaders and even police officers, firefighters or EMT’s. Like physical health, mental health also requires obtaining treatment.
“It is important to take any mention of suicide seriously and to tell a trusted adult right away,” Elliott said.
The presentation also touched on how people may use drugs, alcohol or self-injury to cope, but only seeking treatment can help their condition. Other advice included not ignoring a concern or promising to keep it a secret while those who feel depressed should find positive outlets such as exercise, sports, spending time with friends and family, surrounding oneself with uplifting people, journaling and doing things they enjoy. Social media could also be used for good by staying connected to others and seeking online support groups and resources, although professional help is important to feel better.
Elliott encouraged the students to practice the coping skills regularly so they can use them when needed, then she provided a survey to complete. She noted that more resources were available with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line or by texting 741741.
Elliott said NAMI has visited schools in Brooke and Ohio counties and the surrounding area to spread the message and the program works with people from grade 5 through adulthood.
“Mental health affects everyone and we’re seeing it affect younger and younger ages. They can look out for warning signs to help themselves and their friends,” she added.
Stanton Principal Shannah Scotch said the issue impacts children and families and the program was vital to help recognize the signs.
“With this becoming more and more evident, not only in the community but with families, this is important because of the information for kids to be aware of,” Scotch concluded. “Everyone needs to be mindful of the signs to watch for.”
This marked the district’s second presentation on mental health and followed speaker Steve Wize’s visit to Edison High School on March 13. NAMI representatives also attended that event, which was held in conjunction with Mental Fitness of Cranberry, Pa., and the Josh Merriman Foundation.
(Photo Caption: Meghan Elliott, family services navigator for NAMI of Wheeling, led presentations for fifth- and sixth-graders at Stanton Elementary on identifying warning signs for potential suicide and how to get help. She is pictured in a fifth-grade classroom where students learned the importance of the acronym “ACT,” which stands for acknowledge, care and tell.)
Edison Approves Arming Staff
Posted 3/20/2023 at 9:35:33 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local School Board of Education took official action and will now permit armed staff members within its buildings.
During the March 16 regular session at Edison High School, the board approved Superintendent Bill Beattie’s recommendation to authorize certified personnel to convey weapons and follows the recent signing of House Bill 99 with added guidance by Gov. Mike DeWine. Under the code, the personnel are required up to 24 hours of initial school-specific training and up to eight hours of annual requalification to be developed by the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC). As part of their training, selected staff would learn response tactics and neutralizing potential threats, among other strategies. Gov. DeWine also emphasized that the bill was not a mandate but at the discretion of local school boards.
Edison had previously permitted the practice but stopped amid regulation changes, and now the district is resuming its plan once qualified staff regain their certification. Beattie said unnamed staff members were undergoing an eight-hour requalification and recertification training which involved a four-hour class and four-hour training at a shooting range. He must then submit required paperwork to the state for the staff to regain their certification, after which they would be permitted to carry on the premises and help respond during a major incident. School board members also amended the district’s Emergency Management Plan to include those employees.
Beattie said the proximity of first responders was a major motivator in the plan.
“Based on the new requirements, the board reapproved the staff who were trained to carry and made an amendment to the emergency plan. Our next steps are to get those people trained, and then they have to go through eight hours of recertification training to be able to start carrying again,” he commented. “Being a rural school district with little law enforcement support locally and knowing the response time for other law enforcement, it gives us an extra layer of protection.”
In other news, the board:
--Recognized the EHS Cheerleaders for winning first place in the non-tumbling division at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) State Cheerleading Championship;
--Approved the superintendent’s resignation for retirement purposes, effective on Aug. 1;
--Accepted the resignations of Nick Howell as assistant baseball coach and Nolan Marcus as volunteer baseball coach. Their roles were switched on the supplemental list with Howell named volunteer coach and Marcus as assistant coach. In addition, Tony Kovalesky was also approved as the Indian League director;
--Heard Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta’s report indicating a potential increase in classroom sizes for career-technical education courses, which include engineering and expanded offerings in biomedical and VoAg;
--Learned the district completed a food service audit with good results and Beattie thanked everyone involved in making Edison compliant under Ohio Department of Education requirements;
--Approved the February financial report and appropriations;
--Set the next meeting for April 20 at 7 p.m. at John Gregg Elementary in Bergholz.
Edison Students Learn about Mental Fitness
Posted 3/15/2023 at 10:13:18 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-It’s okay not to be okay.
That was the lesson Edison Jr./Sr. High School students learned during two assemblies on Monday. Edison was the first district to host the mental health sessions in collaboration with the Josh Merriman Foundation and Mental Fitness of Cranberry, Pa. Speaker Steve Wize, a counselor and motivational trainer with Mental Fitness, said he combined mental health and personal fitness to create his mental fitness mission. The avid athlete also shared how people can overcome adversity by turning negativity into positive action.
He said people have an average of 60,000 thoughts per day—roughly one per second—and most of them are the same thoughts they had the previous day. Wize noted that one out of six students had a major depressive episode in the past year while one out of three reported persistent sadness. Additionally, one out of five teens have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Despite the severity of teen depression and anxiety, about 20-40 percent of children did not receive any treatment.
Wize questioned the crowd on how they coped with high school and said there are many stressors teens may endure, such as the demands of life, preparing for the future and social media pressures. He said when they begin to struggle, they should reach out for help, but there were also ways to alter their negative thinking.
“It’s okay not to be okay,” Wize said, adding that youth could approach teachers, coaches, guidance counselors and professionals. “My goal today is to give you practical takeaways. We practice our thinking, and just as we practice, we get better at it.”
Wize cited his “Seven Deadly Phrases” such as “I Can’t,” “I Need,” “Makes Me,” “Should/Shouldn’t,” “Always/Never,” “Have To” and “Happens to Me,” saying people believe they cannot do something or have to look for happiness when they are capable of achieving their goals and finding happiness within themselves.
To make his point, he shared stories of famous and not-so-famous people who changed their outlook and had great accomplishments in life. Among them were professional football player A.J. McCarron, who left the NFL to become an XFL player and found happiness; baseball player Andrew McCutchen, whose initial football injury cost him a college scholarship but led to success with the Pittsburgh Pirates with three consecutive winning seasons; Craig Deitz, a local man born without arms and legs who went on to become a lawyer, speaker and athlete; and tennis icon Serena Williams, who endured racism, health issues and more but became an influential athlete. Wize said Williams inspired a 44-percent increase in Black players between 2019-21 while a record number of Black female players participated in the 2020 U.S. Open.
He continued that 70 percent of people believe they are living the best version of themselves, but eliminating negative beliefs would help everyone accomplish what they are truly capable of.
“When you go through adversity in life, it only makes you stronger if you have the right way of thinking. The world—and high school—is a gym for building your character,” he said. “I want you to reach your full potential.”
He also urged the youth to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or reach out to teachers, school counselors, coaches and others for support if they are struggling.
Representatives of Josh Merriman Foundation were also on hand providing information and other items to promote awareness. The Wintersville-based organization was named for Josh Merriman, a college student who battled depression and committed suicide five years ago. His parents, Bob and Colleen, and friends have raised funds through an annual golf outing at the Steubenville Country Club to support such causes as concussion awareness, mental health and suicide prevention.
“This is the sixth year for the golf outing and the community has greatly supported it,” said Colleen Merriman. “We partnered with Steve Wize and we’re pleased that Edison was the first school we brought this to. If we can save one life, it’s worth it.”
Edison Superintendent Bill Beattie added that the goal was to reach teens so they can get help when they are struggling.
“We appreciate that the Josh Merriman Foundation, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Wheeling) and Steve Wize with Mental Fitness have come to the district with a message to our students. Hopefully, the presentation will help them deal with the adversity in their lives.”
(Photo Caption: Steve Wize, a counselor and professional speaker with Mental Fitness of Cranberry, Pa., visited Edison High School to discuss the impact of mental fitness and overcoming adversity during two assemblies on Monday. Wize, who is also an athlete, combined mental health and personal fitness to create his mental fitness mission and shared stories and advice to help youth who may be struggling.)
Edison Freshmen Focus of Latest Harvard Study
Posted 3/8/2023 at 3:25:13 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local School District is continuing its partnership with Harvard University and student success by placing emphasis on the freshman class.
The district is currently in its fourth year of collaboration with the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCERN), an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard, with a study funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education. Edison was recently mentioned in a “District Spotlight” segment of the NCERN newsletter and touted for efforts to improve education.
“Edison Local School District has made their focus on postsecondary readiness a collaborative effort by including their ninth-grade teachers. By using homeroom as a strategic time for their counselors to have their ninth-graders explore various career pathways, they’ve also been able to seamlessly include ninth-grade teachers to help promote discussions with students and create an easy way to follow up with students,” it stated.
The initiative has focused on such areas as building school attendance and college and career readiness, and now officials are setting their sights on helping Edison High School’s estimated 140 ninth-graders achieve their goals, particularly with the district’s vision of the “Three E’s”—enroll, enlist and employ. Career Pathways Specialist Leah Eft and guidance counselor Chandler Hoppel meet with freshmen to view videos and discuss lessons and then provide the data to NCERN.
“Harvard found that the freshman year was the most pivotal year in high school as it relates to academia,” Eft said. “The goal was to work with us in readying the freshmen and talking about the importance of schooling and coursework and connecting it to pathways. We do weekly lessons in homeroom and are now halfway through them.”
The lessons, which are provided through NCERN, pertain to “Sense of Purpose,” “Setting Your Goals,” Enroll, Enlist and Employ” and “Paying for College,” among others, and during the class sessions Eft and Roush show videos and discuss topics related to them, and then the freshmen complete activities and reflective assignments.
“We give the data we receive to Harvard, then we talk with them about our discussions and specific questions we are getting. Harvard provides us with feedback on what’s working or not working and has monthly reviews to get specific information.”
For her part, Hoppel said one of her favorite lessons was when students were quizzed based on their personality, and those responses resulted in suggested career paths.
“It brought up a list of careers, the timeframe it takes [to attain that career] and the pay. The students enjoyed being able to see that and it helps us prepare for our three goals of employed, enlisted and enrolled,” she added. “It helps, especially with freshmen. They have to make decisions on whether to go to the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School next year and get interested in fields. This gives them some perspective that there are more opportunities than college and other careers than what’s in this area.”
Eft noted that she’s seen some positives with the initiative and the partnership with Harvard and NCERN has been beneficial.
“I’m noticing a lot of engagement [among the students]. It means they are involved in what’s going on,” she added. “We talk a lot about them not choosing a career but choosing a cluster. It’s not specific, just more generalized choices,” she said. “The biggest benefit is giving us the data to see what works. It is a pivotal year and the students will decide as sophomores if they want to stay at the high school or go to [the JVS] and later if they will go to work, college or a military pathway. I think this is important in making sure they make decisions earlier.”
Edison officials also take part in NCERN events in Athens to get the latest information and better serve the students.
The district is currently in its fourth year of a five-year process and Harvard utilizes the Proving Ground model of evidence-based improvement to address chronic absenteeism, career readiness and college enrollment. Eft has also worked closely with EHS, John Gregg Elementary and Stanton Elementary to coordinate activities and get students in grades 5-12 interested their future paths. She also implements professional skills from work ethic to punctuality to give kids a purpose in career planning and to be prepared with college and career readiness. Edison is among 50 rural schools in Ohio and New York that are part of NCERN and the latest effort will carry the district through the 2023-24 school term.
John Gregg Students are Heart Heroes
Posted 3/7/2023 at 1:10:27 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary students were the real heroes by raising more than $4,000 for the American Heart Association.
The youth completed their moneymaking mission during the Kids Heart Challenge on Feb. 24 and performed a variety of physical activities in the school gym. Students collected money from friends and family and about 167 first-to-sixth-graders participated in the fitness festivities.
“We raised over $4,000 and exceeded our $3,000 goal,” said physical education teacher Kari Byers, who was the event organizer. “The theme was ‘Heart Health’ and we had individual short rope, a long rope team of three competitions and fun jumps, plus partners and a super long rope.”
She said the fundraiser has been held at John Gregg for decades, with the exception of one year due to the COVID pandemic, and the top collector was second-grader Isabell Wood with $600. Students competed in events but Byers noted that they were all winners for helping the cause.
Kids learned valuable lessons about the heart, including that it beats an average of 108,000 times per day (or 3 billion beats in a lifetime), pumps about 83 gallons of blood per hour; and greatly benefits from eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. The challenge also promotes mental well-being and life skills by highlighting how helping others and being kind can lift and self-esteem through service-learning; denotes body wellness with healthy habits through interactive videos, nutrition and physical activities; explores the world of STEAM careers with augmented reality field trips through the heart, brain and lungs, career path videos and the Young Scientists Contest; being your best self by helping students explore and discover new passions from music and art to journaling and cooking; and the various school and teacher benefits from grants and scholarships to professional staff development.
Meanwhile, Byers praised school officials for their involvement in making this year’s event fruitful.
“The Kids Heart Challenge promotes heart fitness and our staff, PTO and food services all really worked together to create a successful event that the kids enjoyed.”
(Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary fifth-graders Maddie Keister, at left, Giuliana Wiley and Mariah Leake jump rope for a good cause as they participated in the annual Kids Heart Challenge to support the American Heart Association. Nearly 170 students got active and raised more than $4,000 for the organization.)
John Gregg Art Show Draws upon Literacy
Posted 3/6/2023 at 1:14:35 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary will promote literacy through artwork during its upcoming student art show on March 9.
“Reading Rainbow: Art from Literature” is the theme of this year’s event, which will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. and highlights popular books.
“Student artwork will be on display and we will have a food truck from the Rusty Bull Taco Co.,” said art teacher Kelly Dopp. “The fifth-and sixth-grade enrichment groups will present wax museums and the third- and fourth-grade enrichment students will be displaying biographical projects. There will be art-making stations for families to enjoy with their children and a Scholastic Book Fair in the library.”
Dopp added that the students researched famous people for their exhibits with the sixth-graders focusing on ancient cultures, fifth-graders eyeing explorers, fourth-graders showcasing famous Ohioans and third-graders touting American Presidents.
“The fifth- and sixth-grades all researched people and will make speeches about them and [the latter grades] will have pop bottle characters with information on display,” she continued, adding that the event them was based on a love of books. “All of the art is based on children’s books. The children love having books read to them and I think being an art illustrator is an interesting career.”
Dopp said students are honing their skills by literally drawing upon literature.
“This gives them a chance to mimic that type of career and look at literature through a different lens when it comes to art illustrations.”
Dopp has held art shows for four years while serving both at John Gregg and Stanton Elementary but most recently has been based at the Bergholz school. She said upwards of 150 to 200 people have attended in the past and hopes the turnout is even greater this time.
Edison Taking Bids for Access Project
Posted 2/22/2023 at 2:20:26 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local Board of Education is taking the next step in a possible project to improve access at John Gregg Elementary.
The board met Thursday at the district office in Hammondsville, where they agreed to accept bids to extend the loop around the school. The site currently has a U-turn at the back of the building and officials said it would improve traffic flow and safety. Superintendent Bill Beattie broached the subject during the January session and officials had noted it would relieve congestion and eliminate the two-way traffic, plus they also discussed adding a retaining wall or improving the grade of a hill in the rear of the school.
Beattie said the latest board action will get things moving and J.T. Sauer and Associates, LLC, of Burgettstown, Pa., was approved for $12,000 to obtain work and cost proposals for the update.
“The hope is to put it out to bid in late March or early April and then get the bids back,” he added. “If we decide to move forward, it will be a summer project.”
Leaders also agreed to install new equipment for the sewage plant at Edison High School. Beattie said the upgrade will add two new storage tanks to help improve issues with the sludge processing unit and work is eyed within the next month. The board approved Mack Industries of Akron for the estimated $57,000 project.
Among other matters, the board:
--Approved Cindy Knight as a substitute bus driver;
--Approved the resignation of Kim Jolly effective Feb. 13;
--Approved the district’s 2023-24 school calendar;
--Approved an overnight field trip for the EHS Marching Band to perform at Niagara Falls on April 16-18;
--Continued membership with the OHSAA for the 2023-24 school year;
--Approved a dual credit memorandum of understanding with Eastern Gateway Community College as well as College Credit Plus MOU’s with Kent State University for 2023-24 school year;
--Named Hank Boka as a baseball volunteer on the supplemental list;
--Scheduled the next meeting for March 16 at 6 p.m. at Edison High School.
Coal Talk at John Gregg
Posted 2/6/2023 at 3:25:03 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Retired coalminer Roger Sliva lectured on coal to sixth-graders at John Gregg Elementary as part of their science studies on rocks and minerals. Sliva, of Adena, discussed how his family worked in the industry as well as the types of coal and methods of strip and deep mining found in the area. He also displayed headlamps and other equipment, samples of ore and photos of major earthmovers such as the Silver Spade and Gem of Egypt for the students to peruse.
Edison Keeping Watchful Eye Amid Pending Plant Closure
Posted 1/23/2023 at 1:01:01 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local School officials are keeping a watchful eye on its pocketbook amid the pending closure of Energy Harbor’s W.H. Sammis Plant this summer.
Company officials formally announced a shutdown was slated for July with roughly 140 employees to be laid off starting in March. The plant has been a mainstay since first operating as Ohio Edison in 1960, then it merged to become FirstEnergy nearly 40 years later. It was later renamed Energy Harbor after emerging from bankruptcy in 2020. The financial impact of the plant’s closure is not yet fully known, but for now Edison plans to take an estimated $2.3 million hit to its budget starting in 2024. Superintendent Bill Beattie said that figure is reflected in the loss of some property tax but the exact impact has not been realized.
“We knew this was coming. It was just a matter of when,” Beattie said. “We don’t know the amount yet and we’re in a situation where we’re still in a holding pattern.”
He said the $2 million figure does not take all of the company’s land parcels into account and it will remain under review, but he was hopeful that funding from the Rover Pipeline will help cushion the blow. The pipeline company has been in an ongoing legal battle in an attempt to reduce its 2019 property tax valuation by $2 billion, but the matter remains on appeal.
“If the ruling on the appeal in our favor, that will benefit us,” Beattie said. “Until the dust settles, we don’t know what it’s going to amount to and when that will be settled.”
The district has been monitoring the situation since Energy Harbor first announced plans last year to deactivate or sell the plant and have attempted to adjust their five-year forecast accordingly, but they still must determine the full effect on real estate and public utility property taxes in the future. He commented that not only the district, but also Jefferson County and the Village of Stratton will be affected.
However, Beattie said Edison has faced fiscal strife before and rebounded successfully.
“We’ve had financial issues in the past but we’ve flourished and have new facilities,” he concluded. “We’re just going to have to be frugal and tighten our belts. There are no plans to do anything drastic but we need to make sure that the financial decisions we make for the district will get us back there again.”
John Gregg Students Bring Smiles to Soldiers, Seniors
Posted 1/10/2023 at 10:22:53 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ- Students brought smiles to soldiers and seniors by sending more than 2,000 holiday messages through their third annual Operation Christmas Card campaign.
A total of 2,245 cards filled with colorings, decorations and original notes were sent across the area, the country and the world around Thanksgiving, with a total of 1,100 cards lifting the spirits of troops stationed away from home. Military personnel responded in kind with emails, videos and photos thanking the children for their kindness, particularly during the holiday season.
The project was created by school librarian Hannah Boggs, who was influenced by a television movie and said the matter struck close to home.
“I was inspired by the movie “The Christmas Card,” which was about a woman’s church that sent cards to soldiers. I thought it was a great thing to do and my husband was a Marine,” Boggs said. “I know, especially during the holidays, that care packages mean a lot to the troops and it has been very successful.”
Operation Christmas Card began prior to COVID and recipients have included Edison alumni and local residents in service, and she said many messages were passed on to their brothers and sisters in arms.
Boggs has reached out to others within her family, the schools and community for military contacts and received names of local natives serving stateside and overseas. The school’s estimated 375 PreK-6 students then spent eight weeks coloring, decorating and writing in the cards in the fall, which were then sorted and proofread by Boggs and members of the Edison High School Beta Club and eventually sent to the soldiers. The cards have traveled to such places as South Carolina, Guam, the Middle East and Japan, and military members have been grateful for the thoughtfulness.
“Each year, I contact the same person and they forward me to people in the service, plus [district website coordinator] Jamie Evans put it online and I received names that way. I sent to 11 individual places with 100 cards in each envelope,” she added.
In response, the school has received emails of gratitude as well as photos of cards being displayed at the troops’ stations and videos aboard Navy ships. Brothers Collin and Derrick McMasters also visited the school prior to the holiday break to thank students in person. Collin, who serves as an airman first class in the U.S. Air Force in Guam, and Derrick, who is a fireman in the U.S. Navy and stationed in South Carolina, related how they were touched by the sentiments.
“They said it was difficult being away from home and their family, but just knowing there are people out there thinking of them was wonderful.”
AIC McMasters also expressed himself in an email.
“Thank you for the Christmas cards. I was surprised when I opened the package to lots of cards almost falling out of my hands,” he wrote. “The first thing I did when I got back to my room was open and read all [of them]. I love all the drawings and inspiring words.”
More emails from other soldiers noted their appreciation for the well wishes.
“One of the brightest parts of this holiday season was receiving your thoughtful, amazing and beautiful cards from John Gregg Elementary School,” stated U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Yancey Reynoso, who was stationed in the Middle East with the 369th Special Troops Battalion. “As I distributed the Christmas cards, soldiers’ faces lit up with joy and happiness. The excitement of receiving a card...made our soldiers feel valued, appreciated and loved.”
Capt. Reynoso also provided photos of soldiers thanking the students and holding some of their cards.
U.S. Navy MM3 Dakota Woods added that fellow sailors were very excited to receive their cards and replied with photos aboard their ship from England, Germany, Spain and other locations.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the cards. It was a really nice surprise to receive.”
Boggs noted that the kids were equally thrilled by the impact they’ve made on the lives of those in the Armed Forces.
“Every year, we get certificates, medals, postcards and thank-you cards,” she commented, saying the responses were posted on the school televisions and social media. “The students were very excited. I think it made them see we’re really doing some good.”
Additionally, students have brightened the lives of senior citizens in area nursing homes by sending Christmas and Valentine cards to facilities in Steubenville and Carrollton with another 827 cards mailed to a site in Minnesota.
Boggs said it is a vast undertaking, but it one she enjoys doing.
“I love the responses. I look forward to doing this every year,” she said. “I don't do this project in hopes of getting recognition; I do it for the kids because I think it’s good to teach them to think of others, especially during the holiday. We do it to spread Christmas cheer to the ones who sacrifice so much to ensure our safety.”
(Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary students have brought endless joy to soldiers and senior citizens through their annual Operation Christmas Card campaign. Hundreds of cards have made their way across the country and globe to military personnel, who have since responded with gratitude. The following is a photo of members of the New York-based U.S. Army National Guard 369th Special Battalion, known as the Rattlers, with a few of the cards they received at their station in the Middle East.)
John Gregg Students Recognized for Excellence
Posted 12/29/2022 at 11:47:30 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-John Gregg Elementary is taking time to recognize students who strive for excellence in classwork and behavior to attendance.
Principal Tammy Burchfield said the school has always placed its focus on supporting students’ needs but is now touting those who go the extra mile. This year, pupils who stand out are touted during their lunchtimes and receive “Burchfield Bucks” to save or purchase popcorn and items from the Spirit Corner store operated by the school PTO, plus they receive a few extra free treats from a “treasure chest.” Honors are given several times a month in seven categories including attendance, behavior, grades, foundational reading skills, STAR reading, STAR math and state test results. Recipients are those who rarely need support, are self-motivated and self-regulated, and officials say they deserve recognition.
Burchfield said the attendance, behavior and honor roll awards are given every nine weeks. Meanwhile, foundational reading skills focuses on students being at or above the benchmark and STAR reading and math assessments, which are taken at the beginning, middle and end of the year, must yield results either at grade level or above one year greater than grade level. Finally, state testing recipients must be proficient or at an advanced or accelerated level. Recipients are announced during their lunch time in the gym and they receive the “Burchfield Bucks” to purchase small bags of popcorn and an array of fun school supplies and Edison-based goods from the Spirit Corner, while they may also choose a free trinket or toy from a nearby chest. Burchfield said it gives the students an incentive to stay on course and make achievements in school.
“In the last few years, the programs we’ve provided have been for the needs and supports of students. Following some conversation with the staff, they said it seemed the students who worked really hard were never recognized,” she explained. “They were not being recognized for excellence, so we created a section of support with the seven categories from attendance to grades and have a recognition day for students in excellent standing in each of those categories.”
The honorees also have their picture taken for the school’s Facebook page, then they receive their money to acquire items from the PTO store and choose a freebie from the treasure chest.
“This is our first year, and we want them to strive for excellence and continue to better themselves,” she added. “They should do what’s expected while supporting others to do what’s expected and strive for excellence while encouraging others to strive for excellence.”
Several recipients noted their enthusiasm for being spotlighted.
“I like being recognized for working hard,” said fourth-grader Ronan Blake.
“It makes me happy and want to work hard,” added fourth-grader Olivia Davis.
(Photo Caption: John Gregg Elementary students are being recognized for excellence in behavior, attendance, grades and math and reading assessments. Principal Tammy Burchfield announces recipients to receive “Burchfield Bucks” that they may use to purchase popcorn as well as items at the school PTO’s Spirit Corner and they also get free treats from a treasure chest. Pictured is PTO President Jamie Wiley handling purchases as students, from left, Landon Hayes, Talon Glover, Silas Trimmer, Chase Blancato and Olivia Rees peruse the merchandise.)
Hilscher-Clarke Aids Needy Kids
Posted 12/19/2022 at 10:15:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Officials with the Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company played Santa for some needy kids in the Edison Local School District and donated gifts at Stanton Elementary.
Brian Zorne, tri-state branch manager for Hilscher-Clarke, said the company conducted a fundraiser to give back to those in need.
“We have seven branches and all of the branches decided to benefit the community. We brainstormed and decided to take donations, then divided the money to go shopping,” said Zorne. “We reached out at each school district and they contacted us with a family. We adopted families from Edison, Indian Creek, Steubenville and Toronto.”
He added that the districts provided lists of ideas and sizes and his daughters acted as elves by assisting him in procuring presents, then employees wrapped the gifts for distribution. The gifts and a basket of cleaning supplies were contributed to Stanton and will benefit four children from a family in the school system.
Zorne said it was the reason for the season and the company was happy to spread some holiday cheer.
“We were glad to help. It’s a good feeling and you feel better for giving,” he added.
Stanton Principal Shannah Scotch was appreciative of the generosity.
“I’m extremely grateful,” Scotch commented. “The need is there and I know it will be appreciated.”
Hilscher-Clarke, which has locations from Canton to Columbus, provides service for commercial businesses and industrial oil and gas. About 35 people are employed at the Toronto office and served local sites such as Trinity Health Systems and JSW Steel in Mingo Junction.
(Photo Caption: Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, which has an office in Toronto, donated gifts for a needy family at Stanton Elementary School. Brian Zorne, tri-state branch manager, said a fundraiser was held and proceeds were divided to benefit families at local districts. He is pictured with Stanton Elementary Principal Shannah Scotch.)
Edison BOE Talks Safety Measures
Posted 12/19/2022 at 10:02:23 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-The Edison Local Board of Education is taking steps to increase safety by reintroducing its carry concealed policy.
The board discussed its plans during the Dec. 15 meeting at John Gregg Elementary School and Superintendent Bill Beattie said it was another way to ensure buildings would be protected.
“We always wanted to continue doing it because of the rural area and the [proximity of] first responders. It’s best to have an extra layer of protection in addition to our SRO’s,” Beattie added.
The decision follows the signing of House Bill 99 with added guidance by Gov. Mike DeWine. One of the main subjects would again permit school staff to be armed inside the building, but it now requires up to 24 hours of initial school-specific training and up to eight hours of annual requalification to be developed by the Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC). As part of their training, selected staff would learn response tactics and neutralizing potential threats, among other strategies. Gov. DeWine also emphasized that the bill was not a mandate and leaves the choice of arming staff at the discretion of local school boards.
Edison had previously permitted the practice but stopped amid regulation changes, and Beattie said the district has an opportunity to start again and ensure students and staff are secure.
“We had to submit a survey to the OSSC to allow us to have staff carry while in school,” he said. “We are waiting for the vendor who trained the staff to get approval to retrain our staff.”
He added that once the approval is given, interested staff members would undergo training. That plan also comes on the heels of a windfall through the governor’s K-12 School Safety Grant Program, which awarded a total of $100 million statewide for security improvements. The district received $400,000--or $100,000 per building—between two funding rounds this year and last year, and leaders are looking to add more safety-based technology to the facilities.
“We decided with the principals to develop a list of what they felt they needed, and we’ll determine what to get based on those lists,” he added. “Our hope is to update the cameras and key fobs for every building.”
District Technology Director Rachael Granatir also noted that some equipment needed modernized.
“We have old analog cameras at the elementary schools and will update them to Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, so it will be easier for safety issues and 911,” she said. “We’re looking at better coverage of the cameras, especially in an emergency situation, so all of the interior and exterior are covered as well as possible. The cameras have been updated but some are 10 to 15 years old. The IP cameras connect to a server and our administrators, SRO’s and emergency response teams can access them on a phone.”
She said it provides real-time access and officials do not need to be inside the building. Granatir added that the door fobs would also secure access and other potential projects include visitor identification badges and exterior lighting in the parking lots. Hopes are to have contracts in place this spring and projects underway during summer, and all of the work must be completed by 2024.
In other action, the board:
--Approved certified substitutes Morgann Ault, Johni Miller and Maxwell Moffo;
--Employed Emily Ferrell as an intervention specialist at Stanton Elementary and named David Long as a substitute van driver;
--Approved a contract with Maple Consulting, LLC to provide communications and marketing services for the school district from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023;
--Re-appointed Ron Smyth to the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board for a three-year term ending in December of 2025;
--Increased the minimum wage for aides, cooks, night building cleaners and secretaries to $10.10 per hour and custodians to $10.80 per hour based on the minimum wage increase effective Jan. 1, 2023;
--Set the board’s organizational meeting for Jan. 11 at 5:45 p.m. at Stanton Elementary with current board President Aaron Richardson to act as president pro tempore. The regular board meeting will follow at 6 p.m.
EHS Students Earn Academic Letters
Posted 12/7/2022 at 10:00:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School students who were high achievers in the classroom earned academic letters during an assembly on Nov. 22.
A total of 170 students received first, second and third academic letters for the 2022-23 school year, including 60 current sophomores, 52 juniors and 58 seniors. To be eligible, students must earn a year-end grade point average of 3.0 or higher beginning their freshman year. First-year recipients earn an academic letter with second-year honorees gaining a lamp pin and third-year awardees earning bar pins. Awards earned during the students’ sophomore and junior years are generally distributed during the fall assembly while senior awards are given at an honors banquet in May.
Among those receiving their first-year letter were sophomores Austin Abshire, Sofia Allen, Blair Allison, Rebecca Bell, Isaac Bertini, Bryce Bregenzer, Brennan Carson, Emily Cline, Ronaleigh Crawford, Lukas Dawson, IsaBella Daugherty Fair, Dylan Falla, Joseph Firm, Lane Fomenko, Jacob Forster, Mason Fox, Sydney Frampton, Gabriel Glenn, Dallas Gotschall, Coleman Granatir, Madison Grim, Myah Howell, Mariah Hunter, Jordan Hughes, Olivia Jackson, Natalie Johns, Cheyenne Jordan, Ellie Joynson, Laurel Kemp, Ethan Kimmerle, Savannah Kirkman, Zachary Kuntz, McKenzie Lowe, Meghan Maxwell, Kylvin Meredith, Colleen Miles, Zechariah Murphy, Peyton Neeley, Isabela Norori, Alexa Phelps, Kaitlyn Phillips, Katie Phillips, Cole Pittman, Alayna Prayso, Zamara Ramos, Avah Reed, Annabell Reynolds, Shawn Shannon, Shayla Shannon, Ali Shrieve, Madison Somerville, Zoe Speaker, Kaylee Spencer, Austin Springer, Dustin Pesta-Stingle, Kylee Stull, Lillian Talkington, Zachary Vangosen, Kaleb Wayt and Jada Wilbur. Juniors included Emily Adkins, Kaylee Ferguson, Benjamin Fray, Ian Lewis, Erika Miller, Steven Miller, Deacon Rawson and Celeste Vojvodich. Seniors included Breaohna Ammon, Tristan Clegg, Kayleigh Davisson, Jeremiah McGalla, Natalie Pittman and Hannah Randolph.
Second-year awards were given to juniors Alexandra Ash, Craig Arnold, Faith Bell, Chloe Brooks, Grace Browning, Nolan Buchanan, Gage Cable, Cheyenne Coil, Abigail Cunningham, Keeley Day, Daniel Dwyer, Edward Eisnaugle, Rebecka Evans, Zachary Evans, Luke Grimes, Terry Hanson, Kendall Hennis, Kolton Hennis, Lily Larkins, Kylee Leishman, Emma LoPrete, Natalie Lucas, Chase McClurg, Maxwell McConnell, Pressly Meadows, Blake Moran, Revan Otto, Jeremy Parr, Riley Redovian, Adali Reynolds, Jacob Roth, Caden Rudy, Hannah Russell, Kamryn Sears, Joseph Simpson, Trinity Spencer, Hailey Teichman, Kendra Teichman, Isabella Thornton, Zachary Vojvodich, Alaina Warren, Liam Watson, Karlee Wayt and Rylee Wells. Seniors making the grade were Tessa Binkiewicz, Robert Carpenter, Elijah Hurdle, Travis Rose, Hunter Rothacker, Cameron Schmitt, Kelcy Shannon, Sophia Smith, Gabriella Sunyoger, Alayna Sutherin and Hunter Tice.
Third-year honorees included seniors Connor Arbogast, Dylan Barker, Jaycee Blake, Marian Cline, Raeanna Dawson, Ryan Dinger, Floyd Edmond, Olivia Fankhauser, Aiden Ferguson, Katie Fluharty, Elizabeth Gampolo, Eva Goad, Lynnzee Grimm, Logan Gubanez, Bayleigh Gump, Kaydence Habbit, Coleman Holly, Jaima Howell, Olivia Huff, Pamela Johnson, Jenna Kelley, Chloe LaRue, Aiden Lawrence, Megan Licata, Michelle Marino, Lane Martin, Morgan Martin, Brittney Mynster, Jadyn Nicholson, Audrey Scott, Holley Scott, Zoe Shell, Shane Smith, Emily Stewart, Megan Tice, Anna Wadas, Makayla Wells, Mathew Whitehill, Katelin Wilson, Evan Wood and Nicole Zullo.
Edison Approves Improvement Projects
Posted 11/21/2022 at 12:02:08 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-More improvements are coming to Edison High School as school board members addressed a number of projects on Thursday.
The board approved Wheeling-based Peddicord and Son’s bid for $123,600 to paint the high school, which will freshen up 55,000 square feet on the exterior of the building plus the annex. Superintendent Bill Beattie said the contractor is looking to have the work done by the start of the next school term.
“They hope to start the prep work in the spring and paint over the summer,” said Superintendent Bill Beattie. “It should be ready by the beginning of August.”
Leaders also approved a $25,000 bid from Buckeye Mechanical Contracting of East Liverpool to complete brickwork on the agriculture building, and hopes are to have it ready soon.
“The Ag building is part of the greenhouse project and we’re doing some façade updates on the remainder of one side to match the brick and aluminum on the fieldhouse,” Beattie explained. “We hope to have it done by the end of the year but still need to add the greenhouse.”
Beattie also announced the outdoor trail on the campus has also been finished; however, it won’t be open to the public until spring. Fairfield Landscape of Canonsburg, Pa., completed the $532,000 project with Burgettstown, Pa.-based JTSA Sports conducting architectural and engineering services. The 1.5-mile woodland trail, which spans eight feet wide, winds from campus into the nearby woods but also reverses and treks could span a total of 3.1 miles. Beattie noted that the trail could be used for more than health purposes; other ideas are to utilize the area for science classes and other forms of outdoor education. Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were used to cover the cost.
“We’re waiting for benches and fit trail stations to be installed,” Beattie added.
On a similar note, the board approved Carrie Rudy and Sarah Koehnlein as part-time supervisors of the new fitness center. The site, which is located on the second floor of the new fieldhouse, is open to the public on weekdays from 6-8:30 a.m. when school is in session but remains closed when the district has two-hour delays and cancelations. Beattie said the center has been seeing some use since opening its doors with an average of five to seven patrons per day.
In other action, the board:
--Spotlighted district educators Miguel Brun, Kathy Ramsey and Jordan Tice, who each received $660 Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for their projects. JCESC Intervention Specialist Patty Ferrell made the presentation and said the trio submitted innovative ideas for student learning;
--Heard a presentation from Mike Paris, a representative of Coral Reef Partners of Pennsylvania, who provided an overview of the solar energy company and benefits of solar panels on costs and energy usage. No action was taken at the conclusion.
--Approved a $5,000 grant from the Tulsa Community Foundation to upgrade the district’s entire fleet of approximately 20 buses. Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta submitted the grant and officials said it would improve coverage for communication.
Edison Educators Earn Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/18/2022 at 2:14:42 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Educators in the Edison Local School District are promoting ideas for literacy, reading and math to hone student learning.
Three teachers were spotlighted during the Edison Local Board of Education meeting at Edison High School on Nov. 17, where Jefferson County Educational Service Center Intervention Specialist Patty Ferrell presented more than $1,900 in Best Practice Grants for unique projects that Miguel Brun, Kathy Ramsey and Jordan Tice plan to utilize in their classes.
Brun, a literacy interventionist in grades K-3, will implement “The Science of Reading” to allow 22 readers at John Gregg Elementary School to develop the crucial neural pathway in the reading brain. He said teaching students to spell words is a powerful way to boost their ability to read by carefully examining words from the inside out.
“Learning to read involves a vast array of linguistic knowledge through the application of both word recognition skills and the mental processes that are involved in comprehending our language. Reading comprehension is the product of having accurate, automatic word reading along with linguistic comprehension. For our beginning novice readers and struggling readers of any age or grade level, it is critical that our instruction focuses on the areas of the brain that are supported during the reading process,” he said. “Spelling and reading words use the same basic processes, and the two skills develop reciprocally; however, spelling requires closer attention to the phoneme-grapheme correspondences. Through extensive practice in my project activities using the phoneme-grapheme magnetic boards, students will enhance their orthographic mapping of words. This word work with manipulative letters is a powerful way for students to learn to read and spell words. In turn, it will allow them to store the words in the visual word form area of the reading brain as if they were reading by ‘sight.’”
He said the grant will be used to purchase 22 Wilson Reading System magnetic journals with letter tiles and the goal is for all students who need this guided and extended practice will be able to utilize the resources.
Brun has received similar grant funding and said those resources are still being used at both John Gregg and Stanton Elementary.
“I would like to thank the Jefferson County ESC for the opportunity to be considered for this grant. This project will allow our students to continue building their knowledge of the English language. The literacy instruction that students are receiving at John Gregg Elementary is guided by the science of how the brain learns to read. Every teacher deserves to know the science of reading and every student deserves a teacher who knows the science of reading. This grant from the Jefferson County ESC ensures each of those will continue to happen each and every day at John Gregg Elementary.”
Ramsey, a music teacher at John Gregg Elementary, will highlight “Music Interactive Resources” for her pupils in grades PreK-6. She will acquire Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements Music Class and a Fenderplay app to benefit about 375 students. The Hal Leonard Essentials will be used for band, the general music classroom and private school lessons on the ukulele, recorder and guitar, as well as the interactive music theory pages, music based educational videos, interactive musical games, solfege, rhythm reading, music history, access to instrument method books and various music content that meet the music standards. Additionally, the Fenderplay app will be used for learning to play various string instruments.
“I applied for the grant to access more educational opportunities for our students from some educational music sites. The two sites will offer an extension to their everyday lessons, guitar, ukulele, and vocal repertoire and composing notation,” Ramsey noted.
She has received the Best Practice Grant before and was thankful for funding to expand opportunities for music education.
“There are so many excellent music resources via the internet, however, many come with a price. One of the ways that we use these resources, the students play a song on an instrument like the ukulele, the flutophone or the guitar. These resources play an accompaniment and track the beat visually as they play along and watch the music on the screen. They often feel like they are in their own band. After one or two classes, they usually can play one song. They feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Jordan Tice, a physical science teacher at Edison High School, plans to incorporate “Electrical Circuits” into her classroom. About 134 freshmen will discover how electrical components come together by working hands-on with components using Caddy Shack electrical kits. She added that the students will not only be able to describe electrical phenomena, but they will also be able to demonstrate it, plus they will build specific types of circuits that work from simple to more complex.
“The Best Practice Grant is providing electrical circuit kits and equipment like small motors, wires, light bulbs, and batteries. Students will be able to explore electricity concepts and create different types of circuits not just by drawing them but by actually building them. This gives students an authentic learning experience, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the concept.
Tice has earned grants before and was honored to obtain the latest windfall.
“I would like to thank the JCESC for offering the grant and giving students an opportunity to learn in new ways. My students are excited to work together on this project.”
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the Best Practice Grants helped teachers bring their ideas to life.
“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: Patty Ferrell, intervention specialist for the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented three Best Practice Grants totaling $1,980 to Edison Local School District teachers Miguel Brun, Kathy Ramsey and Jordan Tice for their unique projects during Edison’s school board meeting on Nov. 17. Ferrell is pictured, at right, with Tice while Brun and Ramsey are absent from the photo.)
Under the Sea
Posted 10/17/2022 at 11:49:11 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Sebastian and friends from “The Little Mermaid” would feel right at home in this artistic aquarium setting created by students at Stanton Elementary. Art teacher Ginger Bloomer inspired her preschool through sixth-grade pupils to form an ocean scene in the classroom featuring a bevy of creatures from sea turtles and fish to octopi and scuba divers. Sixth-graders also learned how to pencil sketch self-portraits with their own faces.
Stanton Students Get Strumming
Posted 10/13/2022 at 12:03:12 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary students have new instruments for some lively music-making after the school program won more than 30 ukuleles in an online contest.
Music teacher Dani Carroll received 36 new lutes at the beginning of the school year after learning about the contest from a fellow educator.
“John Gregg Elementary music teacher Kathy Ramsey shared the contest info with me and said a teacher friend had won ukuleles in the past, so it was worth a try to enter,” Carroll said. “I received a congratulatory email from the [Kala Brand Music Co.] in August. Kala Brand Music had the contest on Facebook to win a classroom set, and I enter any and all contests that can benefit my classroom.”
Carroll, who has more than 400 students, planned to use the instruments in her fifth- and sixth-grade classes before inviting the younger pupils to enjoy some strumming.
“It takes a good week or so of constant tuning to get the strings to settle and stretch, and then I hope to start adding other grade levels. I’m ecstatic that I am a winner but most excited for my students to learn a new instrument and enjoy playing and singing together.”
She said the students were equally excited and she always keeps one available to accompany their singing in each class.
“I also demonstrate the proper way to hold them and how to play them. The sixth-grade gifted students have already gotten to try them out and they did such a good job of tuning them and practicing their plucking.”
The ukuleles will be used in general music classes and during school programs while Carroll also has a fifth-and sixth-grade concert band. Meanwhile, she is always seeking new or gently used instruments to benefit her program.
“We will gladly take any used band instruments that anyone is looking to get rid of. We will also accept donations of classroom instruments,” she commented. “I am actually looking into grants to help purchase some Remo Sound Shapes [for drumming] and I also just received a donation of scarves, bean bags, a percussion book and slide whistle from Modern Woodsmen. The Kala contest, Modern Woodsmen donation and [Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief] money that was used last year to buy some new band percussion instruments and baritones have really helped to upgrade our program.”
She also thanked school officials, parents and the community for their ongoing support.
“Thank you to all of the parents, community members, administration, school board members, Stanton teachers and staff members who continually encourage and support the Stanton Elementary music program. I work with some pretty amazing people and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with them and the students at Stanton. They make me feel like a rock star!”
(Photo Caption: Sixth-grade gifted students at Stanton Elementary tune up and learn to play new ukuleles which music teacher Dani Carroll won in an online contest through Kaia Brand Music Co. The school received 36 new instruments that will be used in class and possibly for school programs. Pictured are, front from left, Emily Kireta and Chloe Cornish. Back: Nikolas Cline, Jayden Sciance and Gabriel Mitewell.)
Balloon Fun
Posted 10/13/2022 at 10:40:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Little Skarlett Plunkett, 3, is all smiles after receiving a balloon animal from Porgie the Funny Balloon Guy during a visit to Stanton Elementary. Porgie, also known as George Caban, delighted preschoolers as he created colorful puppies, cats, teddy bears and more and entertained the youngsters with his zany humor.
Going Wild
Posted 10/12/2022 at 10:45:31 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Things got a little wild at Stanton Elementary when representatives of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium brought some of their animal friends for a presentation on Oct. 7. Students in grades 4-6 learned about making good conservation choices from recycling to reducing water and electricity usage, plus they took part in a series of related games. Officials said it was all part of the Zoomobile program that made its first visit to the school. Pictured is education specialist Brea Stephan with Luna, a 14-year-old barn owl, while a Gulf Coast box turtle and African ball python were also exhibited.
Edison Educators Recognized
Posted 10/12/2022 at 10:23:30 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Three Edison Local educators were recognized for their efforts during a professional development day at Edison High School as Travis DeZordo, a representative of Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial of Canton, presented certificates to Tiffani Roush, a second-grade teacher at John Gregg Elementary; Greg Hofmeister, vocal music director at Edison Jr./Sr. High School; and Megan McNear, school counselor at Stanton Elementary and a donation was made to charity in each honoree’s name. DeZordo also spoke to a group of roughly 100 teachers, staff and administrators about his company’s financial and fraternal services, saying it provides advice for retirement funds and is a not-for-profit that also gave back more than $300,000 to communities and would assist teachers with classroom needs and fundraisers. Pictured are, from left, Roush, DeZordo, McNear and Hofmeister.
Edison Hosts ALICE Training
Posted 9/27/2022 at 9:42:26 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local faculty, staff and administrators got a lesson in safety response following an ALICE training session on Monday.
More than 100 employees representing Edison High School, John Gregg Elementary, Stanton Elementary and the district office gathered in the EHS auditorium for professional development and participated in a PowerPoint presentation and discussion with Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr, which was followed by an active intruder drill. ALICE, which stands for Alert Lockdown Inform Counter and Evacuate, involves taking action when an incident occurs such as using tactics to subdue an intruder to fleeing to safety.
Sheriff Abdalla was joined by Capt. Tommy Koehnlein, who serves as school building safety coordinator for the JCSO, and spoke on the importance of being alert and responding to a situation. The sheriff said he’s instructed the program for the past six years and a majority of Edison’s staff had already undergone training and were receiving a refresher, but it was the first time for new members. The concept centers on awareness and communication and response options from lockdown to evacuation.
“I want you to trust what your gut instincts tell you,” he added, saying clear communication was key. “You want to provide real-time information and not use code words. Use plain language.”
During discussion, school officials said the district used a phone app to help share information. Other main points were to describe what the intruder is wearing and where they are going. Sheriff Abdalla added that those who are able to evacuate must leave their belongings, take a “Go Bucket” with supplies, go to a rally point and take attendance, while those who stay inside must learn ways to overpower the intruder and take control. He told the crowd to take a lesson from the tragedy at Uvalde, Texas.
“Like the video says, ‘Fight for your life. Don’t fight fair,’” he commented. “You’re either going to fight, flight or freeze. It’s going to be a personal choice.”
A brief question-and-answer session was held and Superintendent Bill Beattie noted that the district has a team of educators who were trained and certified to carry weapons in the event of an incident while local emergency crews were also responders He continued that school officials should also take initiative and question visitors about why they are on the premises.
“Overwhelmingly, it’s people at the school [who take back control] and stopped situations,” Sheriff Abdalla interjected. “Normal, everyday people took it upon themselves to act.”
The sheriff and Koehnlein then initiated the drill by acting as intruders. They scoured the building and attempted to gain access to classrooms as teams of school staffers built barricades to block doors and secure themselves. The officials then simulated a live-fire scenario using blanks and Principal Matt Morrison made frequent announcements indicating where the “intruders” were, while several teams fled outdoors to safety. The group returned to the auditorium for a review and Sheriff Abdalla said the scenario went well, plus he commended the district for always making safety a top priority.
“Edison has been very proactive for years with protecting the schools. [It] has been the most proactive in the county, without a doubt.”
He said sheriff’s officials also hoped to visit schools to speak and read to kids, plus he offered reading materials to teachers. Following more talks, he reiterated the importance of active response.
“Whether it’s run, lockdown or fight, we want you to do something.”
Meanwhile, Beattie said the next professional development session will include a Stop the Bleed training on Nov. 2 to instruct on wound treatment.
(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. and Capt. Tommy Koehnlein portrayed active intruders in a scenario at Edison High School on Monday, where they led an ALICE training session for more than 100 district employees. Teachers, staff and administrators took part during a professional development day and learned how to barricade themselves in classrooms and flee to safety. The district also plans to hold a Stop the Bleed instructional session in November.)
Edison Ratifies Teachers’ Contract
Posted 9/2/2022 at 10:41:28 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local Schools kicked off the new school year on a positive note after ratifying a contract with its teachers’ union.
The school board held its regular meeting on Aug. 23, one day prior to the first day of class, at Edison High School in Richmond and approved a three-year deal with the Edison Local Education Association. The district’s 110 teachers will receive a 3-percent pay increase along with a $650 signing bonus payable in December under the deal, but Superintendent Bill Beattie said that is only for one year since the potential sale or closure of the Energy Harbor Corp.’s Sammis Plant in Stratton has left financial matters at a standstill.
“There was a one-year agreement on the finances due to the situation with the power plant, but we will be re-opening discussion on salaries in the spring once we know more,” he said.
Last March, Energy Harbor announced it was either deactivating or selling the plant sometime in 2023 and the district has been mulling how the change will impact real estate and public utility property taxes moving forward. School leaders have said the district could stand to lose upwards of $2 million in property taxes while the public utility tax losses were unknown. Edison will remain unaffected over the next year but could see an impact in 2024.
Meanwhile, leaders agreed to adjust some language within the three-year pact and Beattie said everyone seemed pleased with the outcome.
“I think both sides were satisfied at the end,” he said. “We met five or six times and they were very good negotiations. Both representatives came to the table and made an agreement.”
The board also agreed to grant administrative secretaries the same wages as the ELEA agreement.
In other matters, the district received an estimated $135,000 grant through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve school safety measures. Beattie said new cameras and access systems will be added to ensure students and staff can work in a secure environment.
“We applied for a grant through the state which was up to $50,000 per building and were awarded $50,000 for Edison, but we didn’t apply for the full amount at the others,” he explained.
The district received about $41,379 for John Gregg Elementary and slightly more than $43,462 for Stanton Elementary.
“It’s going to be used for additional cameras and a new fob system for entry into each building,” Beattie added, saying the pandemic has slowed down supplies and work will be done once materials are received. He noted that the new cameras and fob systems may not be up and running until the next school year.
Among other action, the board:
--Approved Marie Highfield, Karen Edmond, Karen Barcus and Anthony Forte as substitute teachers and named Emma Gallagher as a substitute aide, cook, custodian and NBC on the classified list. Leaders also approved the transportation department’s sub list;
--Approved supplemental contracts to Lori Kinney, volunteer assistant band director; Jason Ensinger, science department chair; Collin Skeeles and George Ash, junior high football; Kayleigh Fisher, freshman volleyball; Alicia Hartman, cross country assistant; and Wendy Lesnansky and Paula Lucas, volunteer assistant cross country;
--Accepted resignations from EHS computer teacher Josh Haspel and bus driver Terry Gooch;
--Hired Faith Hoobler as an intervention specialist at Stanton, Amber Ankrom as a fifth- and sixth-grade reading teacher at John Gregg and George Ash, Danah Beaver and Erik Kaufman respectively as special education, art and computer teachers at EHS;
--Heard from Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta, who reported that the number of students using the E-CAT online education system has dropped, meaning more have returned to in-school learning. District Director of Special Education and Early Childhood Jamie Angelini also said preschool numbers were up with 70 enrolled at Stanton and 54 at John Gregg;
--Set the next regular meeting for Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at John Gregg;
--Announced a special strategic planning session for Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.
Edison Rebidding for Planned Trail
Posted 7/26/2022 at 2:33:55 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education plans to rebid for an outdoor walking trail project after not receiving any submissions during the initial search.
During the July 21 regular meeting at Edison High School, Superintendent Bill Beattie said submissions had been sought for a 1.5-mile path at the Richmond campus, but none were received. However, Beattie said plans are still in the works and hopes are to do the project this fall.
“No one bid on the outdoor walking trail, so we are putting it out to rebid and changing the timeline,” Beattie said. “We will try to do it during the fall months and hope we will get people who are interested.”
During a virtual special session in March, the school board overwhelmingly approved entering into an agreement with Burgettstown, Pa.-based JTSA Sports for architectural and engineering services to create the trail, which would be available for students and the public. The project primarily requires excavation and surfacing work, and once completed the course will wind from the Edison campus into the nearby woods. The path has the ability to reverse, so treks could span a total of 3.1 miles. Beattie noted that the trail could be used for more than health purposes; other ideas are to utilize the area for science classes and other forms of outdoor education. Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are financing the project.
In other matters, the board:
--Approved series of classified and certified substitute positions;
--Approved supplemental contracts for Karen Crawford as freshman class advisor, Mark Pittman as assistant wrestling coach, George Ash for junior high boys’ basketball, Jimmy Panella for junior high football and Jim McMillian for volunteer volleyball;
--Amended administrative contracts for district Technology Coordinator Rachael Granatir and Assistant Technology Coordinator Tyler Roush;
--Accepted a resignation from EHS teacher Mycaela Ensell;
--Approved Erica Hannan as a substitute van driver;
--Approved a Memorandum of Understanding for school resource officers with Springfield Township and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. SRO’s include Ben Swoyer at EHS, Mark Clark at John Gregg Elementary and Dave Wojtas at Stanton Elementary;
--Approved payment to the Columbiana County ESC for occupational therapy assistant’s expenses totaling $14,792.88;
--Approved an agreement for cortical visually impaired (CVI) services with Fundamentals First, Inc., and Alisha Waugh for the 2022-2023 school year
--Approved a school accident insurance plan through K & K Insurance Group for the 2022-2023 school year;
--Approved inter-agency and transition agreements with HARCATUS Head Start;
--Entered into a distance education agreement with the East Central Ohio ESC for an American Sign Language instructor;
--Approved an agreement with Kendall Behavioral Solutions, LLC, for professional services;
--Set the next meeting for Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. at EHS Fieldhouse.
Edison Sees ACT Achievements
Posted 7/12/2022 at 2:05:42 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Eight Edison High School students have excelled on their ACT exams by attaining a composite score of 30 or higher.
Recent graduates Katelin Kowalczyk, Kathryn Maille, Emma Phillips, Tommy Phillips and Mikayla Reed as well as incoming seniors Jaycee Blake, Logan Gubanez and Matt Whitehill each received a 30 or better on tests taken during the past school year. According to 2021 statistics, the average composite score was 19.3 across Ohio and 20.7 nationwide. EHS Principal Matt Morrison said he was very pleased with the local results.
“We are extremely proud of our seven students scoring a 30 or higher on the ACT test during the 2021-22 school year. This is an unprecedented accomplishment,” Morrison said. “We are expecting more students to reach this milestone next year because we’ve had several underclassmen score 28’s and 29’s on the test.”
Kowalczyk, a recent alumna and the daughter of Scott and Lisa Kowalczyk of Bergholz, yielded a 31 on her exam.
“I took it the first time in February and got a 30, then I took it a second time and got a 31,” she said. “I was very surprised but also proud of myself.”
Maille, the daughter of Dan and Victoria Maille of Bloomingdale, scored a 30 on her exam. She took the test twice and completed some practice exams to get ready.
“I was [a bit] surprised, but I didn’t have any expectations going into it,” she said. “I’d probably [tell other students] to study but not get nervous about it. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get an amazing score.”
New EHS alumna Emma Phillips, the daughter of James and Jamie Phillips of Amsterdam, earned a 33 on her second attempt in February. She said preparing for the test really helped her achieve the high score.
“I had taken the ACT the previous summer after my sophomore year to get a feel for the test, and at that time I scored a 30. Preparation for me included buying the ACT prep books for each subject and lots of hours taking practice test after practice test,” she noted.
Tommy Phillips, son of Robert Phillips and Christina Gilday of Steubenville, took the exam four times as he eyed a perfect score of 36 but still achieved an exceptional result of 33. Phillips said the key is time management.
“The material itself is not difficult to me; it’s the time you are given,” he added as he gave future test-takers some solid advice. “Bring a watch and have a plan with regards to time.”
Reed, the daughter of Michael and Tina Reed of Richmond, scored a 30 on her fourth attempt, which was part of an initial plan to enter a program at the University of Pittsburgh. She focused on the English portion of the exam during her studies and said that proved beneficial.
“I was so close to 30 that I was pleased to break into a new bracket. During work breaks I’d practice my English for the ACT. [I would tell others to] just study. Getting to know how to take the test would give you the best advantage.”
Blake, the son of Eric and Michelle Blake of Richmond, took the exam twice and earned a composite score of 30, but his superscore (the average best scores from each subject during multiple attempts) was 31.
“I prepared by reading books,” he said, and he advised students to not fret about their results. “Some advice is to not stress about a simple score as it doesn’t define your life.”
Logan Gubanez, the son of Samuel and Betty Jo Gubanez of Toronto, earned a 32 on his composite test and said it was his first time taking the exam. He completed practice tests to get ready.
“You are given similar questions,” he said. “I did them in homeroom.”
Whitehill, the son of Bill Whitehill and Julie Kozel of Toronto, scored a 30 on his first try. He said he prepared by reviewing some of the harder test questions in a prep guide, plus he simply tried not to become stressed.
“I was definitely surprised by my score considering how little I prepared,” he added. “I would tell others to just try your best. It’s easy to give up, especially on questions you don’t know, but the best thing is to try your best and move on.”
Edison’s Eye Remains on Budget
Posted 5/28/2022 at 9:34:23 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The fate of Energy Harbor’s W. H. Sammis Plant has Edison Local School officials keeping an eye on their budget as they set their five-year forecast.
Since word spread of the Stratton plant’s potential closure or sale next year, the district has been mulling how it would impact real estate and public utility property taxes in the future. Treasurer Lisa Bruzzese told board members during the May 19 session at Edison High School that she still needed more information before she could provide a clearer picture of the figures.
“We all know on March 14 that Energy Harbor Corp. announced they were either deactivating or selling the plant sometime in 2023,” Bruzzese said, adding that the district could stand to lose upwards of $2 million in property taxes if that should occur while the public utility tax losses were unknown.
“That’s what’s on the table if the company closes down the plant. If they sell it, there will be a decrease in value. I haven’t reflected it in the forecast because I don’t feel I have enough information. After 2023, it’s pretty good. If the Sammis Plant closes, that won’t affect us until 2024.”
Following more discussion, the board approved the preliminary forecast.
Among other matters:
--Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta discussed summer school programs at Edison High School and Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Camp near Bergholz from June 7-July 21. The district will offer traditional summer school for grades K-8 and 9-12 with elementary and middle school pupils honing their math and reading abilities while high schoolers participate in a credit recovery program and concentrate on core courses. The Wildcat Day Camp will feature activities for grades 1-9 on varied weeks that include a rock wall, high and low ropes and tests on teamwork to complete challenges. About 70 students had registered by the meeting but she was awaiting more by that Friday’s deadline;
--Special Education Director Jamie Angelini and EHS Career Pathways Coach Leah Eft shared details of the Purple Star Award the high school received for supporting students in military families. Angelini said she, her husband NickAngelini, Eft and district Website Coordinator Jamie Evans worked to provide and publicize services to benefit students with loved ones who are either active or veterans;
--Beattie said the Edison Unified Sports Complex open house on the high school campus in Richmond was successful May 18 despite rainy weather. Students, parents, school and community members appeared for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to tour the $12 million facility, which includes the 1,500-seat fieldhouse, multi-purpose area for football, soccer and track, new softball and baseball fields and renovations to the FFA building, auditorium and band room. County commissioners and township trustees were also on hand for the event;
--Leaders outlined the final week of activities which culminate with graduation at the new fieldhouse on May 27 at 7 p.m.;
--Officials set the next regular meeting for June 23 at 6 p.m. at EHS.
EHS Receives Purple Star Award
Posted 5/13/2022 at 10:36:18 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School has received a Purple Star award for its commitment to military students and families.
The designation is valid for three years and Edison may seek a renewal for 2025. To receive it, district Director of Special Education Jamie Angelini and EHS Career Pathways Coach Leah Eft joined efforts with Angelini’s husband Nick, a substitute teacher who also acts as military liaison, while district Website Coordinator Jamie Evans handled online resources. The school was notified by Dr. Stephanie K. Siddens, interim superintendent of public instruction for the Ohio Department of Education, who stated in an official letter that “Each Child, Our Future,” the state’s strategic plan for education, recognizes the importance of supporting the needs of the whole child.
“To be successful transitioning between school settings, Ohio’s military-connected youth require supports to ensure that their unique social, emotional and academic needs are met,” she stated. “The Purple Star award your school is receiving signifies your school’s demonstrated commitment to serving these students and families.”
Dr. Siddens added that the Purple Star Advisory Board established a series of criteria to be considered for the designation including required activities and one optional event. They include having a staff point-of-contact as liaison for military students and families who will identify and inform teachers of military-connected students in their classrooms and special considerations they and their families should receive; maintaining a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families; providing professional staff development on special considerations for military students and families; hosting a military recognition event that demonstrates a supportive culture; implementing social and emotional development programs with the military child in mind; celebrating the Month of the Military Child in April with events and programming for impacted students; and having the local school board pass a resolution publicizing the school’s support for military children and families.
Jamie Angelini said Nick was a former Army recruiter in Columbus who worked with other schools to obtain the Purple Star. She had been employed as director of special education in Hamilton Local Schools and the district was the first to achieve the distinction. The couple moved to Wildcat Country in June and began working with Edison Local for the 2021-22 school year.
“Nick informed me of the deadline in which to apply, and then Leah and I worked on the application process and website with help from EHS teacher Jamie Evans. Of course, we had to have the approval of our superintendent and high school principal, but they were very supportive of our interest in this and were on board with this process.”
She added that the state’s recognition sets EHS apart from other area schools.
“I was ecstatic. With hard work and persistence, the news of achieving this immediately made me feel proud of our school and district. We were already doing great things to support our military families, but this will enhance what we already are doing and continue to create an awareness for our staff, students and community,” she continued. “I am hoping that we can eventually apply for the Purple Star for our junior high and elementary buildings but wanted to start with the high school first.”
Nick Angelini was thrilled with the distinction and said it benefits impacted youth.
“I am proud that Edison High School gained the Purple Star recognition. [It] means that the school has recognized the need for military families to have special support and resources available as an extension of military family support programs. It also means that the school has prioritized its appreciation for the servicemen and women that it caters to with tangible resources and a special care and attention to their unconventional needs,” he added. “The award goes beyond the ‘Thank you for your service’ atmosphere of appreciation and respect for our servicemembers and takes it to the next level, almost as if to say ‘Thank you for your service. We understand the challenges you face and we are here for you, like you are there for us.’ When you see the Purple Star, you understand the school made a commitment to our military families far deeper than words. The Purple Star is about commitment, culture and community and continuity between educators and military families. “
Eft said efforts are now in place to assist the students and their loved ones.
“We put in processes to get more information from the students on their military involvement. To be military connected, they have to have a parent or guardian who is active in the military or a veteran,” she commented. “We have 15 this year who responded.”
Among Edison’s plans are to hold recognition nights for military families at sporting events and Eft has also approached the youth to provide further assistance.
Meanwhile, Jamie Angelini’s ultimate dream is to begin a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) leadership development program based on the values and practices of the four U.S. military branches. The program combines classroom experiences with service to students' schools and communities and is available in high schools and post-secondary institutions throughout the state. JROTC teaches students the values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline and its mission is to “motivate young people to be better citizens.” In addition to professional and personal development, participation in the program can support students' pathway to graduation and earn them the Military Enlistment Seal.
Senior Walk
Posted 5/13/2022 at 10:08:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Members of the Edison High School Class of 2022 donned their caps and gowns for the annual senior walk held at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools on Wednesday. Youngsters bore signs of congratulations and applauded as the soon-to-be-graduates paraded through the buildings. Edison’s commencement exercise is set for May 27 at 7 p.m. at the new fieldhouse. Pictured are Katelin Kowalczyk, at left, and Mikayla Reed as they march through Stanton.
Project Taking Shape
Posted 3/30/2022 at 10:58:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Stanton Elementary sixth-graders Teagan Reynolds, pictured at left, and Natalie Bunton are using a 3-D printer as part of a high-tech math lesson. It is a new project in teacher Jordan Tice’s classroom where students learn about three-dimensional shapes and surface area, then design nets of shapes on paper which are recreated inside the printer.
Edison Takes Next Steps for Walking Trail
Posted 3/30/2022 at 10:55:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-The Edison Local Board of Education are formally taking the next steps for a new walking trail at the high school.
During a brief special session conducted virtually on March 29, the board overwhelmingly approved a recommendation by Superintendent Bill Beattie to enter into an agreement with Burgettstown, Pa.-based JTSA Sports for architectural and engineering services to create ta 1.5-mile path on the Edison High School campus. Plans are to have the path open later this summer for use by the students and community.
“We advertised for architectural and engineering services and had three firms bid,” said Beattie. “We felt JTSA was the most qualified.”
The district is already familiar with the company’s work since JTSA has been involved in creation of the unified sports complex at EHS. Beattie said the walking trail is the latest addition and would be relatively simple to complete.
“It’s board-approved and we’ll get the contract signed,” he added. “We hope to be ready for August.”
The project itself will mostly require excavation and surfacing work, and then it should be ready for use not only by students but also the community. Once complete, the course will wind from the football stadium into the nearby woods and has the ability to reverse, so users’ treks could span a total of 3.1 miles. Beattie added that usage could extend beyond health purposes.
“It’s open for the community so they can use the track and the outdoor walking trail. We’re also hoping it’s used by our students for not only physical education, but also for science classes and outdoor education purposes for the kids.”
He noted that federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are being utilized for the project.
Meanwhile, leaders also approved the superintendent’s recommendation to proceed with a proposal for a food service vendor. Beattie said officials will seek bids for the vendor since Fatima Smuck, who retired as district administrative assistant and director of early childhood and special education but still acted as food service director, will permanently depart her remaining duties this summer.
Edison Mulls Financial Impact Amid Plant Rumors
Posted 3/22/2022 at 9:23:42 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local Board of Education officials said it is too soon to tell how big a hit the district will take in its coffers amid rumors surrounding the potential sale or closure of Energy Harbor’s W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton.
School board members discussed the news during the March 17 regular board session at Edison High School but said so far funding matters remain in the clear. Superintendent Bill Beattie said he had yet to confirm the news of the potential shutdown, which is reportedly eyed for June of 2023, with company leaders and until then the district can only wait and see.
“There are two buckets,” Beattie said. “There’s real estate tax and the public utility property tax. Until they decide what’s going on, we have no clue.”
While the property tax loss could fall within the $2 million range, officials were unsure how it would impact the public utility tax totals. Beattie said they still need more information to get a better picture of the situation.
One positive note is the district has completed most of its projects and will not be affected at this time. Updates such as the unified athletic complex at EHS are nearing an end and are already paid.
On a similar note, Beattie said the complex is edging closer to completion and the softball and baseball fields are ready for play.
“It’s winding down. We have been practicing and holding scrimmages and they open March 28,” he said. “We’re very excited about everything coming to fruition and getting on the fields to play. We’ve been happy with the construction process and will have very classy facilities.”
The final piece of the puzzle is the new 1,500-seat gym, which could be finished within the next six weeks. Once it is done, school sports will be fully combined at the Richmond campus along with a multi-purpose athletic field for football, soccer and track as well as a new parking lot. The baseball and softball fields have been located at Jefferson State Lake near Richmond and athletes have held track practice and meets and junior high basketball practice about 10 miles away at Stanton in Hammondsville. Officials said centralizing the activities would improve safety for students and save time for parents who must travel through the area to attend events.
Now, leaders are looking to create a 1.5-mile nature course on the exterior of the school property. The site will run behind the football field, into the woods and to the new fieldhouse. Beattie said a request for qualifications (RFQ) has been filed and an architect and engineering firm could be selected by the next meeting.
Among other business, the board:
--Approved the resignation of Elizabeth Bufkin, multi-handicapped aide at Stanton Elementary;
--Accepted the resignations of Gretchen Yanssens and Lori Potkrajac-Roberts for retirement purposes effective June 1 and Aug. 1, respectively;
--Placed Jim Zorbini on the bus driver sub list retroactive to March 4;
--Approved a memorandum of understanding and transition agreement between Family Children First Council, Columbiana County Head Start and Jefferson County School Districts regarding services for children with disabilities;
--Accepted a $500 donation from Joe and Lisa Bruzzese for the Sheriff Fred J. Abdalla Scholarship; $3,000 from the Charles and Thelma Pugliese Foundation for scholarships; and $100 from the McBane Insurance Agency for John Gregg Elementary student needs;
--Approved Derek Peck and Melaina LeMasters for the substitute teachers’ list and Vicki Casto as aide/secretary at John Gregg on the non-certified sub list;
--Set the next meeting for April 21 at 6 p.m. at John Gregg.
Stanton Students Raising Funds for Ukraine
Posted 3/21/2022 at 9:44:57 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Stanton Elementary students are showing solidarity with the Ukraine by raising funds for the war-torn country.
Fifth graders Isabella Boniey, Adreanna Delbruzzi and Sophia Delbruzzi will be collecting money from March 23-25 which will be donated to charity to support the eastern European country amid the Russian invasion. They said they were inspired to help by watching news broadcasts and learning of the tragic situation.
“On the news, things are exploding and homes are gone,” said Isabella. “It’s really sad.”
“We feel really bad that they don’t have clothes, food or anything and homes are destroyed,” added Adreanna.
“We are doing this fundraiser for the Ukraine,” Sophia noted, adding that posters were being created to publicize the campaign.
They approached teacher Ginger Bloomer, who was moved by their compassion. Bloomer said a letter was created informing parents of the moneymaker and she and Stanton Principal Shannah Scotch were researching organizations to benefit from the contributions.
“I was surprised but also excited because they were excited about it,” said Bloomer. “I got on Facebook and asked friends to give me ideas on who to send the money to. I have 10 organizations and the principal and I will narrow it down to one to send the donations.”
She said parents will also be asked to spread the word on social media and the winning homeroom class will receive an ice cream party as a reward.
Meanwhile, the young organizers said every little bit makes a difference and they hoped to make a difference.
“It’s a nice feeling,” said Isabella.
(Photo Cutline: Stanton Elementary School fifth-graders Sophia Delbruzzi, Isabella Boniey and Adreanna Delbruzzi are raising money from March 23-25 to help the people of the Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. They are standing near a sunflower exhibit created by art teacher Kelly Dopp’s students in grades 4-6 that depicts the Ukraine’s national flower and current symbol of peace.)
Stanton Students Go for the Gold
Posted 3/11/2022 at 1:02:36 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Stanton Elementary students conducted their own version of the 2022 Winter Olympics with a series of events during their gym class. Physical education teacher Tammy Saphore said kids completed a series of activities throughout the week including luge, curling, bobsled, speed skating, ski jump and a biathlon with recipients earning gold, silver and bronze medals for their efforts. Pictured are Noland Cronin and Noah Jarmen during the ski jump portion of the games.
John Gregg Student Aides Learn about Responsibility
Posted 3/9/2022 at 10:40:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ- Students at John Gregg Elementary are gaining a sense of responsibility by assisting school leaders and staff members with some of their tasks.
A student aide program began in February to help fulfill goals within the Edison Local School District’s five-year strategic plan. One goal is to build and protect a school culture where all staff and students accept responsibility in cultivating a respectful, safe and supportive school and classroom environment, and one way is to develop opportunities for shared leadership. The program correlates with that way of thinking, and so far 10 fifth- and sixth-graders have been aiding the school counselor, nurse, secretary, special needs unit and Principal Tammy Burchfield on a daily to weekly basis.
Participants include Beckett Dopp and Mimi Ault, who help write and make announcements each morning; Presley Leake, Olivia Ferguson, Lydia Krepps and Leila Sudvary, who help Moses when morning and afternoon preschool students arrive and depart; Aliyah Glover, who also assists Moses in her office; Adrienne Granatir, who aids school secretary Casey Barnhouse; Brea Shrieve, who helps school nurse Natasha McConnell; and Brycen Kline, who works with Shaylyn McCarthy in the special needs unit. Each student is on the job for a half-hour and will continue their roles for the remainder of the year.
“One of the goals from the district’s strategic plan is to develop opportunities for shared leadership. We wanted to provide leadership opportunities for students in fifth and sixth grades and [school counselor] Tiffany Moses had the idea to do the student aide program,” Burchfield said. “We began discussions after Christmas break and she and I had been talking about building leadership with the students. She came to me with the idea and I said to do it.”
Moses said she sought ways to get students more involved and engaged, and the program not only allows them to prepare for the future but also learn the value of helping others. She created the positions as well as applications to teach students the process of preparing and applying for a position and officials selected the pupils for their posts.
“Now that we have been doing this process for a few weeks, the students and staff seem to love it. Personally, it has been unbelievably helpful to me. My personal aide, Aliyah Glover, works so hard every Monday that she comes to me. She arrives at my office and I have a list waiting for her and she gets right to work and takes it so seriously. She copies and makes Shout-Out Cards for the whole building and organizes many other things for me. She is such a joy and a responsible student,” she continued. “The building has been loving Beckett Dopp and Mimi Ault doing the morning announcements and they have even added some fun additions to the morning such as a daily riddle. Preschool morning workers Presley Leake and Olivia Ferguson help walk preschool and kindergarten students to their rooms upon arrival and help carry items such as birthday treats and snacks. The afternoon preschool aides, Leila Sudvary and Lydia Krepps, help walk all the preschool pickup students down to the gym for dismissal and help teach the students our hallway expectations. They even have started giving preschoolers Shout-Out cards themselves as a reward for positive behavior according to our building PBIS system. I know that Adrienne Granatir, the secretary’s aide, has taken inventory of supplies and filled the copy machines, not to mention many other helpful clerical tasks. Brycen
Klein, Mrs. McCarthy's aide, helps kindergarten students with their work while Brea Shrieve, the nurse’s aide, fills supplies and does many other useful tasks. We are proud of these students and excited to build upon this program in the future.”
Meanwhile, McConnell has kept Shrieve busy from restocking supplies in the self-care station to stuffing envelopes for immunization reminders.
“I think it’s nice because it gives them additional responsibilities at school and a chance to develop extra skills outside of class,” she continued.
Granatir has assisted Barnhouse by running and organizing copies for homerooms while Leake, Ferguson, Krepps and Sudvary have helped Moses lead preschoolers to and out of classrooms. Several student aides said they have been learning a lot by taking part.
“I love it and I’m super glad I got picked,” said Dopp. “I hope I can continue it next year and in high school.”
Leake said she enjoyed working with the preschoolers and helping with their snacks.
“I like it,” she commented. “I like talking to them and I like listening to them. They are fun.”
“I wanted to apply because I like helping, Mrs. Moses especially,” said Glover. “She’s really nice.”
Burchfield said more students would be added if other staff members need help, but the youth must apply to take part.
(Photo Cutline: Beckett Dopp and Mimi Ault, students at John Gregg Elementary, are among 10 aides who assist school leaders and staff and learn responsibility along the way. Dopp and Ault help Principal Tammy Burchfield by presenting daily announcements to the school. Others perform tasks such as helping with preschoolers’ arrivals and departures, organizing copies, stuffing envelopes and stocking supplies. The student aides work for a half-hour each day or once per week and will continue for the remainder of the year.)
Artwork on Display
Posted 2/11/2022 at 12:00:17 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Local students are getting a chance to put their creativity on display at Schiappa Branch Library in Steubenville including some young artists at Stanton Elementary School. Third-graders in Kelly Dopp’s art class will have their unique watercolor rainbow parrots exhibited at the library from March 16-30. Dopp said the artwork was formed using straws to blow the paint on the paper. Pictured with their renderings are, front from left, Addy Scalley, Jessup Rawson and Landon Ankrom. Back: Lillyann Timcho, Jayna Cooper, Andrew Gabathuler and Seth DiPasquale. Not pictured is Annie Montgomery.
John Gregg Classes Create Time Capsule
Posted 2/11/2022 at 11:51:53 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
First-graders at John Gregg Elementary took advantage of the 2-2-22 dateline to create a tuck-away time capsule. The capsule will be opened when they become high school seniors. Teachers Haley Hashbargar and Melissa Trimmer received messages about doing a project and students provided information about their favorite things and what they want to be when they grow up. The capsule would be unveiled on March 3, 2033 (3-3-33). Pictured are, front from left, Kyler Blancato, Preslie Sears, Tucker Berardinelli, Jacob Crites, Landon Hayes, Chase Blancato, Kendall McElroy, Jackson Mozingo, Lydia Byron and Liam Monigold. Second row: Bree Hilderbrand, Leland White, Annabelle Clutter, Raelynn Hudson, Talon Glover, Jayce Miles, Khloee Clancey, Dakota McCoy, Christian McCain and Jayden Chase. Third row: Melissa Trimmer, Colton Seaburn, Julia Crawford, Isabel Wood, Paige Gump, Caleb Alvis, Keith Miller, Olivia Rees, Isabella Diley, Daviona Marcus, Lucas Hileman, Bentley Miller, Brantley Miller, Harper Mills and Haley Hashbarger. Back: Izabellah Tanley, Elijah Cooley, Bode Berardinelli, Henry Bernhart, Greyson Butcher, Kelsie Granatir, Gemma Fuller, Brantley Hinkle, Sylas Trimmer and Lincoln Cooper.
Edison Extends Mask Mandate
Posted 1/13/2022 at 4:25:15 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District is extending its mask mandate for the time being as COVID cases continue to mount in the area.
The school board held two sessions Wednesday in the district office at Stanton Elementary School, with one to organize the panel and district affairs and a regular meeting to take action on a variety of other business. Aaron Richardson remained board president for 2022 while Ron Smyth was elected vice president and Lisa Bruzzese continued as treasurer. The oath of office was also administered to newcomer Anna Ault during the organizational meeting and leaders approved operational authorizations and board committees, among related matters.
But the mask mandate led discussion at the following regular session and Superintendent Bill Beattie sought to continue the policy to Jan. 28. He cited 14 positive cases between staff and students but said numbers have been lower than in other districts.
“I would like to at least extend it to Jan. 28. We were first to get [COVID] in the fall and it’s a matter of time before it hits us,” he added.
“Your end result was to keep kids in school,” Smyth commented.
“Our goal is not to end COVID; our goal is to keep kids in school,” Bordash interjected.
Building projects also topped talks and Beattie said the new school gym could be ready this spring. He said a tentative date has been slated for March 24 and projects are continuing to bring the plan to fruition.
“They are due to start getting the floor in the second week of February and they started spraying the ceiling,” he added. “It’s getting there.”
Beattie said framing work and windows were also underway in the hospitality suite while Smyth said officials should look at repairing or removing a mural of the three schools. Leaders discussed repairing the artwork and getting an artist to do the project, plus they hoped to have the project done in time for the start of the football season. Leaders also addressed progress at the new bus garage less than a mile from Edison High School, saying framing, septic and other work was underway at the site.
Among other matters, the board:
--Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta said she has been in discussion with a representative at the Ohio Department of Education about offering Ag science courses at EHS to obtain credits toward graduation. Plans are very preliminary but Kireta said it offers a hands-on opportunity for students and may also benefit the Ag program;
--Heard from Richardson, who sought to hold a brainstorming session regarding the district’s strategic plan. Richardson was seeking ideas on where to take the district in the future through building projects, academics and other pathways. The board agreed to meet on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the district office at Stanton and the public is invited to attend;
--Approved Mindy Madzia as a certified substitute;
--Accepted the resignation of Dawn Cable as junior high track coach and also approved supplemental contracts for Cable and Nick Angelini as track assistants;
--Agreed to participate in the Ohio School Boards Association’s Legal Assistance Fund and renewed a membership with OSBA for 2022;
--Observed School Board Recognition Month for January and members received certificates in appreciation of their service;
--Set the next regular meeting for Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at Stanton.
(Photo Cutline: The Edison Local Board of Education organized for 2022 during one of two sessions on Wednesday and elected Aaron Richardson and Ron Smyth as president and vice president, respectively. Anna Ault was also sworn into office as the newest member and the board also observed School Board Recognition Month for January. Pictured are, front from left, Ron Smyth, Anna Ault and Aaron Richardson. Back: Josh McConnell and Matt Bordash.)
EHS, WLU Set the Stage for Productions
Posted 12/1/2021 at 11:03:26 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Students from Edison High School teamed up with officials from West Liberty University to set the stage for future productions.
David Schultz, advisor for the EHS Drama Club, and school Vocal Music Director Greg Hofmeister joined more than two-dozen students and theater officials from WLU for a daylong Saturday workshop in stagecraft. WLU Assistant Theater Professor and Technical Director Meta Lasch, along with husband and adjunct instructor Richard Deenis, met with the high school group to teach the finer points of preparing stage flats for theatrical scenery. Crews worked together to gather and organize wooden boards and other materials, something they had not done in the past.
“I met Meta through the theatre director at West Liberty, Michael Aulick,” said Schultz. “My students participated in last year’s Monologue Slam/Competition hosted by West Liberty, which is how we met him and then, through him, Meta and Rich. [We did this] for professional help with the construction of our flats.”
He said the workshop was very educational and enlightening, and now his students have a better grasp of what it takes to bring a production together. That knowledge would come in handy as the school held it’s first performance of the year, “The Sound of Music,” in November.
“Meta and Rich have been helpful, helping both myself and my students with this project. They have given so much of their free time to make this a successful event,” Schultz added. “I really liked that the students got a chance to work with materials that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. They got a fantastic chance to see and do the technical side of set building and see if they had any interest in pursuing a career in stage construction.”
He noted that the flats will benefit both the drama and music programs and he looked forward to working with the university again in the future.
“This experience gave my students great exposure to the technical side of professional theatre.”
Hofmeister agreed, saying the lessons they learned will be very beneficial.
“With their supervision and us monitoring, the students were able to build flats, learn and organize our loft. The flats will be used for background,” Hofmeister continued. “From ‘The Sound of Music’ to Mr. Schultz’s productions, we’ll have more time after school to make [the scenery].”
Lasch was impressed with the students’ work ethic and said she would happily work with them again in the future.
“The students really wanted to be involved with the program and be able to do this on their own,” said Lasch, “I think Edison’s stage is forming and will be utilized to its fullest extent now.”
A few of the students said they enjoyed the workshop and learned something new.
“I liked doing the project,” said sophomore Chloe Brooks. “I learned a lot about cutting wood and measuring.”
“I liked it. This was fun,” added junior Aiden Ferguson. “It’s really hands-on and gets us involved.”
Meanwhile, Schultz added that all of the wood materials had been generously donated by Denoon Lumber and cited them as amazing supporters of Edison Local and the arts. Other items were acquired jointly by the drama club and music department using revenue from previous fundraisers.
“We are incredibly humbled and grateful for such a donation. The flats built with this lumber will last decades and will positively impact dozens of classes of students thanks to the generosity of Denoon Lumber.”
(Photo Cutline: Edison High School students recently learned about theatre construction during a workshop with officials from West Liberty University. Pictured are freshmen Jordan Hughes, at left, and Mariah Hunter gaining a few pointers in preparing stage flats for scenery from Rich Deenis, who was among those representing WLU, while senior Kayla Striker looks on from the audience.)
EHS Students Receive Academic Letters
Posted 11/30/2021 at 12:49:55 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Students excelling in the classroom at Edison High School were highlighted as they received academic letters during an assembly on Nov. 23.
A total of 164 students received first, second and third academic letters for the 2020-21 school year, including 55 current sophomores, 53 juniors and 56 seniors. To be eligible, students must earn a year-end grade point average of 3.0 or higher beginning their freshman year. First-year achievers receive an academic letter with second-year honorees gaining a lamp pin and third-and fourth-year awardees earning bar pins. Awards earned during sophomore and junior year are generally given during a fall assembly while senior awards are distributed at the honors banquet in May.
Among those receiving their first-year letter are sophomores Alexandra Ash, Drew Beebe, Faith Bell, Chloe Brooks, Autumn Brown, Grace Browning, Nolan Buchanan, Gage Cable, Cheyanne Coil, Caiden Cooley, Abigail Cunningham, Keeley Day, Daniel Dwyer, Edward Eisnaugle, Rebecka Evans, Zachary Evans, Luke Grimes, Terry Hanson, Kendall Hennis, Kolton Hennis, Jacob Hooper, Lily Larkins, Kylee Leishman, Emma LoPrete, Natalie Lucas, Jackie Matheson, Chase McClurg, Levi McCourt, Maxwell McConnell, Pressly Meadows, Mason Montgomery, Blake Moran, Revan Otto, Jeremy Parr, Jessica Phillips, Riley Redovian, Adali Reynolds, Jacob Roth, Caden Rudy, Hannah Russell, Kamryn Sears, Rayna Shane, Brenden Simms, Joseph Simpson, Hannah Spencer, Trinity Spencer, Hailey Teichman, Kendra Teichman, Isabella Thornton, Zachary Vojvodich, Alaina Warren, Liam Watson, Karlee Wayt, Rylee Wells and Kameron Wright. First-year letters also went to juniors Cameron Schmitt and Christopher Tarr.
Second-year lamps were given to juniors Conner Arbogast, Dylan Barker, Tessa Binkiewicz, Jaycee Blake, Robert Carpenter, Marian Cline, Raeanna Dawson, Ryan Dinger, Olivia Fankhauser, Aiden Ferguson, Isaac Firm, Katie Fluharty, Elizabeth Gampolo, Eva Goad, Lynzee Grimm, Logan Gubanez, Bayleigh Gump, Kaydence Habbit, Coleman Holly, Jaima Howell, Olivia Huff, Elijah Hurdle, Pamela Johnson, Jenna Kelley, Chloe LaRue, Aiden Lawrence, Megan Licata, Michelle Marino, Lane Martin, Morgan Martin, Brayden Moses, Brittany Mynster, Jadyn Nicholson, Matthew Parsons, Ella Porter, Travis Rose, Audrey Scott, Holley Scott, Zoe Shell, Shane Smith, Sophia Smith, Emily Stewart, Gabriella Sunyoger, Megan Tice, Anna Wadas, Ethan Waggoner, Makayla Wells, Matthew Whitehill, Katelin Wilson, Evan Wood and Nicole Zullo.
Seniors making the grade were first-year letter recipients Zoe Eisnaugle, Benjamin Linscott, Jeremiah McGalla and Caitlyn Pelley. Second-year lamp recipients included Hunter Cronin, Bailey Fillman, Dylan Leasure and Parker Scaffidi. Among those receiving third-year bars were Savanna Ankrom, Gavin Barnhouse, Adriana Bertini, Nathan Black, Kasee Blackburn, Chloe Bond, Dakota Coil, Alysea Fiedorczyk, Mark Gescheider, Emily Gubanez, Gabriel Hurdle, Delaney Johnson, Abigail Kinney, Katelin Kowalczyk, Drake Leasure, Morgan Lesnansky, Nathan Lucas, Kathryn Maille, Alayna Meadows, Ian McBane, Emily Moore, Laine Murphey, Erika Murphy, Rachel Nesbitt, Kaitlyn Nutter, Justin Palmer, Karyn Parrish, Delaney Perine, Emily Phillips, Thomas Phillips, Mikayla Reed, Keira Reese, Khloe Shannon, Andrew Schrock, Leanna Smith, Jocelyn Smyth, Jonah Snyder, Mychi Stewart, Kayla Striker, Arabel Sudvary, Jenna Swickard, Cameron Taylor, Jayna Tedeschi, Kayla White, Benjamin Willison, Christopher Willison, Eli Wilson and Katie Yohman.
JCESC Grant Augments Teaching Tools
Posted 11/19/2021 at 10:52:41 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison Local Schools received a small funding boost to help augment teaching tools in several of its classrooms.
Educators Angela Arbogast, Emlly Henry and Megan McNear were among the recipients of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center’s Best Practice Grant program during the 2021-22 funding cycle. JCESC Coordinator Patty Ferrell presented three mini grants totaling $1,800 during the regular school board meeting on Nov. 18 at Edison High School and the funding will incorporate technology and other resources for instruction and emotional well-being.
Arbogast, who teaches Spanish at Edison High School, will purchase equipment for her classroom to assist between 100-200 students.
“This grant would supply every foreign language teacher’s dream: a classroom set of durable headphones with built-in microphones for individual listening, comprehension and pronunciation practice. Headphones are one of the most highly desired items amongst foreign language teachers because they greatly enhance students’ interaction with the language,” she added.
Arbogast said the equipment will help eliminate distractions and enable students to quietly and clearly record themselves. She has applied for Best Practice Grant funds in the past but said this was her first award.
Henry, a literacy interventionist for grades K-6 at Stanton Elementary, will use her funds for her “Book of the Month” project and allow all students to read the same book and complete activities within their classrooms.
“The Book of the Month is a school-wide initiative to promote literacy while incorporating cross-curricular activities. Each month, the same book will be read aloud in every classroom across all grade levels. These same books will serve as mentor texts that will be used in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. Therefore, our students will benefit because they will be able to extend their learning into all content areas with standard based activities. Finally, our book will benefit students because it will serve as a great school and home connection tool. We will engage families with the same book so that the learning can continue at home.”
Henry said the project will benefit every preschool to sixth-grade student, or about 400 children. She noted that it was her first Best Practice Grant and she looked forward to implementing the program to help build a literacy community.
McNear, who is the school counselor at Stanton, will create a “STEAM Sensory Space” for her project. A classroom and section of hallway will be designated to use a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) theme to help students refocus, self-regulate and incorporate movement in meaningful ways throughout their day. She said multi-sensory stations will be formed to help develop the parts of the brain that control emotional regulation and learning. Among the stations are a colorful walkway that allows students to move in different ways to release stress and cope with diverse emotions; a Lego wall and pop tube station to create designs while simultaneously using the time to calm down and regain focus; and a station where students can use kinetic sand and water beads to explore and create. McNear is working with occupational therapy assistant Cheryl Smith to design and set up the sensory room, which has the potential to benefit all 400 students at the school.
“This is particularly important during their elementary years so that they may gain benefits that will help them in years to come,” she added. “We will use the funds obtained through this grant to purchase materials to create this space for all grade levels from PreK-6 to utilize at various times. It will include several cross-curricular components to blend science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics with the sensory experiences.”
McNear previously gained similar mini grants and said she was excited about the latest opportunity.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko recognized the educators for thinking outside the box and the grants support those efforts.
“The JCESC has a mission of building capacity through innovative cost-effective programs. The Best Practice Grants are a great example of allowing our classroom teachers to be innovative in the practice of educating their students,” he commented. “Every year, our district teachers continue to find unique and innovative methods for their classroom. We are grateful for the teachers’ hard work and happy to support their creativity.”
Edison has received 45 Best Practice Grants over the past 14 years, although the program has existed even longer. More funds were awarded this year at Buckeye Local, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Steubenville, Southern Local, Toronto and the Utica Shale Academy.
(Photo Cutline: Three Edison Local School District educators received $600 Best Practice Grants from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center on Nov. 18. A check was presented during the regular Edison board meeting and pictured are, from left, Emily Henry and Megan McNear with JCESC Coordinator Patty Ferrell. Not pictured is teacher Angela Arbogast.)
Edison Pays Tribute to Veterans
Posted 11/12/2021 at 10:03:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Soldiers from the past and present were the guests of honor for Edison High School’s 32nd Annual Veteran’s Day program on Thursday.
Members of American Legion Post 740 of Richmond Honored Seven joined students in the school gym for tributes in words and music during the event, which was organized by history teacher Paul Baker. Baker explained the origin of the holiday, saying it began on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 to herald the end of World War I. It was known as Armistice Day and a Congressional resolution later passed to establish an annual observance. Raymond Weeks, who served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, petitioned federal leaders to form a national veteran’s holiday and President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day in 1954. Weeks would be recognized for his efforts by President Ronald Reagan with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1982.
“Over the years, I’ve learned a few things from this assembly,” Baker continued. “One of the things I’ve learned is we wear red on Friday to show solidarity and support for the deployed until they return home to their families. We also keep a single empty chair which represents Prisoners of War and those missing in action—the veterans who never returned home.”
He recognized local veterans including U.S. Army 1st Sgt. J.O. Henry, post commander; Army Sgt. Kasen Arnold; A1C Bob Woodward of the U.S. Air Force; Army Chief Warrant Officer Bill Burress; Army Airborne Don Swickard; Army Sgt. E-5 Sam Warren; and Army Sgt. Dan Vojvodich. Baker said that Edison was proud of the veterans, thankful for their service and humbled by their sacrifice.
“Let us thank them today and every day,” he said.
Henry then recalled how some enlisted personnel joined the military as “conscientious objectors,” but a female soldier learned a valuable lesson.
“One said, “Sgt. Henry, I joined the Army for the wrong reasons. I thought it would be fun to shoot machine guns...but I’m very humble about what I’m doing. I want to serve my country,” he said. “She is what a veteran is. A veteran is someone who writes a blank check to serve their country up to and including [sacrificing] their very life.”
Vojvodich said the American Legion’s mission was to recognize WWI veterans but it ultimately included those from later conflicts.
“Our role is to help people out who come back from the military. We belong to all veterans,” he noted. “When you see a vet, thank them.”
He also lauded Edison staff and students for the service and continued support.
The program also included a performance of the National Anthem by the high school band and choir, led respectively by Marc Sansone and Greg Hofmeister as well as readings of “In Flanders Field” by teacher Ellen Swickard, “Freedom Is Not Free” by teacher David Schultz and “The Wall” by past teacher Tony Kovalesky, who organized the initial
assemblies. The choir also sang “Thank You, Soldiers” and an a cappella version of “Remember,” plus they joined the band for a rendition of the “Military Salute” lauding all branches of the Armed Forces. Band trumpeters closed the event with a solemn version of “Taps” while Principal Matthew Morrison recognized everyone involved and thanked the veterans for their courage.
(Photo Cutline: J.O. Henry, commander of American Legion Post 740 Honored Seven in Richmond, spoke during the 32nd annual Veteran’s Day Assembly at Edison High School on Thursday. Legion members were the guests of honor for a day of patriotic words and music in tribute to the bravery and ongoing support of veterans for their community and country.)
Veterans Day Activities at Edison
Posted 11/10/2021 at 9:07:08 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School will conduct a series of events to commemorate Veterans Day over the next week.
The school will host a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. with representatives of American Legion Post 740 of Richmond on hand. Organizer Paul Baker said a variety of activities are being planned with songs and messages to honor heroes of the Armed Forces.
“We are planning a series of tributes to our veterans during the assembly,” Baker said, adding that the high school band and choir as well as the junior high choir will take part.
Festivities will continue that evening with a Veterans Day choir concert organized by EHS Vocal Music Director Greg Hofmeister at 7 p.m. Hofmeister said it will feature the musical stylings of both choirs to honor past military personnel.
“The goal is to have veterans there to recognize them,” he added.
It is a free event but free will donations will be accepted to benefit the music program.
Meanwhile, the EHS FFA Chapter will host a Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 13 from 8-11 a.m. in the cafeteria. Advisor Chuck Cline said members will serve pancakes and sausage to patrons and veterans and their families may dine for free while all others are by donation. A similar event has been held in the past.
Stanton Pupil Helping Shelter Pets
Posted 11/5/2021 at 11:39:41 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-One Stanton Elementary student has made it her mission to help displaced pets find some comfort while housed in the local animal shelter.
Sixth-grader Mayelee Rawson led the charge with her second-annual pet drive on Oct. 25-Nov. 5 to benefit dogs and cats lodged at the Jefferson County Humane Society. Rawson, the daughter of James and Katie Rawson of Toronto, called upon others to help donate food, treats, cleaning products and even a few beds to brighten up the lives of the furry friends.
“This is my last year at Stanton,” she said. “I love animals and I just like to help them. With COVID, lots of people are passing away and a lot of these animals are going to shelters. The pet drive helps give more supplies to help the animals.”
Boxes were placed at the entrances for bus and passenger car pickups and drop-offs as well as the school office. In the end, Rawson was able to secure peanut butter, pet beds, Clorox wipes, bleach and cat and dog food. She transported the contributions to the animal shelter and was pleased with the outcome.
“We did really well. We had at least three good-sized boxes filled up,” she said, adding that she couldn’t have done it without some help. “I want to give a really big shoutout to [sixth-grade teacher Jordan Tice] and [students] Javen Fuller and Bryson Cunningham. Javen and Bryson helped me collect the items and they’ve been a really big help.”
Her love for animals is obvious since she has quite the menagerie at home with four horses, a turtle, fish and two dogs. Rawson’s quest first began last March when she was granted approval from Principal Shannah Scotch with fifth-grade teacher Alicia Hartman acting as her sponsor. Her initial collection was extended from one week to two and she gathered toys, dog and cat food, laundry detergent plus a few nice notes which were delivered to the shelter. She hopes the tradition will carry on at the elementary school through her brother, Coalton, who will attend next year.
Meanwhile, her teacher had nothing but praise for the young girl with the kind heart.
“She came to me asking if I would help her out with the pet drive,” said Tice. “She started it last year and I’ve been overseeing everything. She’s taken the lead and is a go-getter. She likes to be involved and likes to help.”
(Photo Caption: Stanton Elementary sixth-grader Mayelee Rawson led her second pet drive to benefit animals at the Jefferson County Humane Society on Oct. 25-Nov. 5, where she collected food, cleaning supplies and pet beds to help brighten the lives of the furry friends. She is pictured with classmates Javen Fuller, center, and Bryson Cunningham who provided plenty of help with her endeavor.)
Veterans Day Activities at Edison
Posted 11/5/2021 at 10:04:58 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School will conduct a series of events to commemorate Veterans Day over the next week.
The school will host a Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. with representatives of American Legion Post 740 of Richmond on hand. Organizer Paul Baker said a variety of activities are being planned with songs and messages to honor heroes of the Armed Forces.
“We are planning a series of tributes to our veterans during the assembly,” Baker said, adding that the high school band and choir as well as the junior high choir will take part.
Festivities will continue that evening with a Veterans Day choir concert organized by EHS Vocal Music Director Greg Hofmeister at 7 p.m. Hofmeister said it will feature the musical stylings of both choirs to honor past military personnel.
“The goal is to have veterans there to recognize them,” he added.
It is a free event but free will donations will be accepted to benefit the music program.
Meanwhile, the EHS FFA Chapter will host a Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 13 from 8-11 a.m. in the cafeteria. Advisor Chuck Cline said members will serve pancakes and sausage to patrons and veterans and their families may dine for free while all others are by donation. A similar event has been held in the past.
Edison Kicks off Career Mentoring Program
Posted 10/11/2021 at 3:06:27 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Nearly 200 Edison High School students are setting their sights on the future by determining their career pathways in an initiative through Harvard University.
Leah Eft, EHS career pathways coach, kicked off a career mentoring program on Oct. 7 to gain insight as to what the group of freshmen through seniors may choose as their vocation. An assembly was held in the school auditorium featuring special guest Tricia Maple-Damewood, president of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, and students completed a survey based upon their interests with the goal of holding monthly sessions with local professionals tailored to the youths’ feedback.
Maple-Damewood tested students’ knowledge and provided prizes for her interactive presentation. She told the crowd that Jefferson County currently had plenty of work opportunities and provided a list of businesses which were chamber members, as well as details about internships and job shadowing programs.
“There are 2,000 businesses right here in Jefferson County that would make great places to work,” she said.
She continued that the area included many large and small companies such as Timet Corporation in Toronto, which is the fourth-largest producer of titanium in the world and supplies materials for aircraft. Maple-Damewood suggested the students consider careers that matched their interests and skillset and offered advice on how to research and make a plan.
“A perfect way to figure out career planning is to see what you like. Are you passionate about the environment or animals? Would you prefer to work alone or with a team? Your extracurricular activities show your interests and passions, but employers want to see jobs on your resume,” she noted. “Think of your likes and dislikes and if you want to do one thing every day, all day.”
Maple-Damewood said students should also think about their income, if they want flexibility to work in shifts and where they want to live. One major plus is Jefferson County’s close proximity to larger metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, New York and Washington, D.C. to seek employment and live. Most importantly, she said students should be knowledgeable of soft skills such as giving firm handshakes, speaking confidently, being able to use Microsoft Office and other technology, following up with others and following through with tasks.
“If an employer sees you are taking the initiative, you’ll instantly set yourself apart from everybody else,” she concluded.
Eft then guided students through an online survey to discern their interests, skills and other information to help shape the mentoring program. It is all part of Edison’s ongoing collaboration with Harvard University and one way to address post-secondary pursuits among the high school set. The district is currently in its third year of a five-year process and Harvard utilizes the Proving Ground model of evidence-based improvement to address chronic absenteeism, career readiness and college enrollment. Edison is among 50 rural schools in Ohio and New York that are part of the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN), an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard, and the study is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education.
Eft said Harvard officials selected which students would be involved in the program.
“We sent surveys to the students to get data on what’s important to them, their career interests and the level of importance on the educational process. [Harvard] found that students didn’t see a value in a school setting and they thought this would be a good intervention.”
The initiative has emphasized building school attendance while the second part hones in on college and career readiness. Eft said the monthly meetings would educate pupils on not only college or trade programs in their particular field of interest, but also other skills needed to help them find success in the workplace. The surveys simply provide a roadmap to plot their course.
“We will match the students with two careers they will focus on and their interests and go from their answers to match them with mentors,” she commented. “We. will have monthly meetings and a professional will come in to speak on careers and career pathways. We want to get kids more motivated to be in the know and this is a huge part of it.”
Another aspect of Eft’s role concentrates on underclassmen and incorporates the district’s vision on the three E’s –enroll, enlist and employ. She works closely with EHS, John Gregg Elementary and Stanton Elementary to coordinate activities and get students in grades 5-12 interested in enrolling in college, enlisting in the military or employed in the workforce. She also implements professional skills from work ethic to punctuality to give kids a purpose in career planning and to be prepared with college and career readiness.
Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta thanked Eft for her work and Maple-Damewood and the chamber for their involvement, saying the ultimate goal is to help students achieve success in the future.
“We started working with Proving Ground for attendance and are continuing to work with attendance intervention, but we also moved on with career readiness. The project we are working on this year is career exploration and Mrs. Eft will take groups of students and have meetings with community members with careers that students have interest in,” Kireta said. “It is interest-based career exploration. We are glad that Mrs. Eft organized it because it was a lot of work. I also thank Mrs. Maple-Damewood for talking to the students about career readiness and what employers expect out of employees, and I am glad the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce can be a part of that.”
(Photo Cutline: Edison High School Career Pathways Coach Leah Eft addresses nearly 200 students during an assembly to kick off a career mentoring program in connection with the district’s ongoing partnership with Harvard University. Students were surveyed on their career interests and local professionals in those roles will visit the school to talk to the youth. Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce President Tricia Maple-Damewood was also on hand to share tips on career planning and soft skills to help students land the jobs they desire.)
EHS Students Learning Sign Language
Posted 9/27/2021 at 1:22:40 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School students are letting their hands do the talking with the implementation of a new sign language class.
About 15 pupils in grades 9-12 gather each day in Andy Lesnansky’s classroom for an online American Sign Language (ASL) course through the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, which is a first for the school and is offered as a foreign language subject. The Interactive Video Distance Learning (IVDL) class is taught by instructor Jenna McBriar and includes mostly hands-on education conducted through signing. McBriar said the students are catching on quickly and she was pleased with their progress.
“It’s been going really well,” she said. “We teach mostly in ASL, so the voice is off for at least 30 minutes.”
McBriar said eight teachers instruct sign language classes through the ECOESC and interest is growing among school districts.
“It’s so popular we don’t have enough people to teach it. This is a foreign language requirement and we’ve picked up two to three new schools this year, and one is Edison.”
So far, the class has been learning the basics such as the alphabet, names, colors, shapes, numbers and parts of conversation such as greetings and saying thank you. The first 10 minutes also includes a practice video review of the previous lesson.
“Right now, we’re working on using our fingers to describe a picture. They are getting to the point that they are more comfortable with it,” Lesnansky said. “They are getting more skilled at it.”
A few of the students said they were already putting their knowledge to use.
“I thought it would be cool. Whenever I was little, I wanted to learn sign language,” said junior Katelin Wilson. “I was able to communicate with deaf customers at work.”
Junior Tessa Binkiewicz said she is able to use signing as a form of singing in the school choir.
“We do sign language in choir to perform ‘What a Wonderful World,’” she commented. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done it.”
Freshman Faith Van Horne noted that her grandmother worked with the deaf while her sibling had prior hearing issues, so sign language was nothing new in her household. When the course was offered at EHS, she took advantage.
Meanwhile, Lesnansky is learning right along with them and said it offers a new perspective about communication.
“I’m picking it up because I see it as an awesome opportunity,” he concluded.
(Photo Cutline: Students at Edison High School are taking part in a new Interactive Video Distance Learning (IVDL) American Sign Language class offered through the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. About 15 pupils in grades 9-12 are taking the course as a foreign language requirement and letting their hands do the talking.)
Pytash Named EHS Employee for August
Posted 9/10/2021 at 10:32:16 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School has named Susan Pytash as its Employee of the Month for August.
Pytash has worked in the Edison Local School District for the past 24 years and has held various roles as an office aide, special education aide, multi-handicapped aide and librarian. She is currently secretary to the assistant principal at EHS and is the first face everyone sees when they visit the site, and she is always happy to greet everyone with a smile and a laugh.
She graduated from cosmetology school and also obtained a business management degree from Jefferson Technical College before settling into work at Edison. Pytash has been married for 36 years to Tom Pytash and they have three daughters, Stephanie, Melissa, and Cheri, and three grandchildren, Kailey, Kaydee and Parker. All have either graduated from or are currently attending Edison Local Schools.
The Pytash family are huge Edison fans and are always very supportive of the district and its students. She said she has worked with many people during her time in the district and has made many lifelong friends, but most of all she loves the students and looks forward to meeting even more of them in the coming years.
Edison Student Creates Youth Initiative
Posted 8/18/2021 at 12:55:38 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-One Edison High School student is taking the initiative and showing how youth can make a positive impact upon the community.
Senior Morgan Lesnansky, the daughter of Brian and Wendy Lesnansky of Steubenville, created the Valley Youth Initiative in July as a way to respond to what she viewed as needs in the area.
“I began to notice many aspects of my community that were in need of improvement and attention. After all, if you want to see change, you must be the change. ‘Being the change’ that we want to see is Valley Youth Initiative’s primary objective while serving our community,” she said, adding that she was inspired by participating in a similar organization.
“I joined my boyfriend and his youth group, Youth Alive, to engage in a trash pickup in Bellaire. Together, we picked up an impressive amount of trash within just a few hours. Driving home that night, I found myself noticing the slew of trash that litters our community’s roads. The area that namely caught my attention was the stretch of State Route 213 that begins at the Park and Ride. Upon seeing the mess alongside 213 hill, I realized that I could make the eyesore trash disappear. I reached out and asked if anyone my age was interested in community service work. Thus, Valley Youth Initiative was born. “
About 30 students ages 13-19 are currently involved with a shared interest in making things better and work on projects as their busy schedules allow. Lesnansky said they represent Edison, Indian Creek, Madonna, Brooke, West Virginia Northern Community College and Robert Morris University and projects have included litter cleanup along Ohio 213 and a school supply collection for community distribution. She thanked her parents for their support and the Island Creek Township garage for providing supplies for the litter project.
When not striving to make the world a better place, Lesnansky is active as a member of the EHS cross country, track and soccer teams at EHS as well as the marching and concert band, the latter of which she serves as treasurer. She is also vice president of the school Beta Club.
She noted that the philosophy of the initiative is simple: to leave things better than you found them.
“This extends in all walks of community service, as well as in terms of interactions with others. It is important to be kind, be gratuitous, and be giving when you’re able to be.”
To that end, she is looking to complete more litter clean-up projects in the future, conduct food and toiletry drives, offer volunteer assistance where needed and lift the spirits of others with cards and letters. She also hopes to paint a mural to decorate the exterior of a local business with a positive image or message. Anyone interested in the mural project may contact her via email.
Lesnansky hopes to see the Valley Youth Initiative continue and inspire others to do good works for years to come.
“My hope is that I’ve gotten others to realize our communities' need for civic engagement, deepening their interest in being a service to our community.
For more information, to share project ideas or to get involved in the Valley Youth Initiative, contact Lesnansky at
[email protected].
(Photo Cutline: Edison High School senior Morgan Lesnansky is working to make her community better one project at a time by creating the Valley Youth Initiative. Efforts began this summer and about 30 youth ages 13-19 have been involved. Projects so far include litter cleanup along Ohio 213 outside Steubenville and a school supply collection for community distribution. Pictured at the cleanup are, front from left, Mikayla Reed, Aiden Minch-Hick and Parker Scaffidi. Back: Josie Lesnansky, Morgan Lesnansky and Adriana Bertini. Anyone interested in information or participation may email
[email protected].)
Edison Talks Efforts to Quell Learning Slide
Posted 5/27/2021 at 10:15:34 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Personnel hirings topped the Edison Local school board’s agenda on May 20 as officials looked to get students back on course following the COVID pandemic.
A series of faculty and staff members were hired during the session which took place at Edison Local High School and Superintendent Bill Beattie said the help will be part of the district’s initiative to quell the students’ learning slide.
“Our focus is truly on any learning loss from this past school year because of the pandemic, which is the reason for the extra personnel,” Beattie said.
The district must still determine the impact from the school shutdown and remote education, but there are opportunities to keep students on track with summer school and related activities. Summer school will be offered with six-week programs at EHS each Tuesday to Thursday from June 15-July 22 at 9 a.m. to noon. Breakfast and lunch will be provided with transportation available if necessary. Offerings include traditional programming for grades K-6 to work on grade-level standards that have not yet been mastered in reading and math, as well as credit recovery for grades 9-12 to make up what was not earned in core classes during the 2020-21 school year. The two-week Little CAT Enrichment Camp is available for grades K-6 to work on grade-level standards. There is a 20-student limit and programming will incorporate interest-based courses such as music for grades 1-3; STEM activities for grades 4-6; art for grades 3-6; Lego Robotics for grades 2-6; and geography and virtual field trips for grades 1-6. It is open at EHS on June 15-17 and July 22-24 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Middle school students may also attend Elkhorn Valley Church Adventure Camp for hands-on activities and socialization. There is a 75-person limit but breakfast and lunch will be provided. Current sixth- and seventh-graders participate on June 22-24 with current fourth-and-fifth-graders attending on June 29-July 1 and current first-to-third graders to go on Aug. 3-5, all from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beattie said the latter would give those transitioning into the junior high an opportunity to meet and even bond prior to returning to class.
“Our big focus is on the sixth- and seventh-graders transitioning to the middle school level to meet each other in a different setting and maybe develop friendships.”
In the meantime, Beattie said the district is keeping an eye on the learning slide so leaders can take any necessary action.
“The future will determine the impact but we definitely know it’s going to be there. We just have to figure out how to address it.”
Under personnel matters, officials hired Jamie Angelini as special education director and preschool director for a one-year, 240-day contract; Jen Boka as a preschool teacher at John Gregg Elementary; Miranda Robinson as a third-grade teacher at Stanton Elementary; Gregory Hofmeister as vocal music teacher at EHS; and Bailey Gooderl as an intervention specialist at John Gregg.
More hirings included Tom Bocek, who received a 30-day contract as athletic director from June 1-July 31, 2021, with another 260-day agreement to serve from Aug. 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022; Jeremy Matics and Matthew Herrick as the summer paint crew; Marissa Matics as summer technology assistant; Dianna Antill, Wendy Ramsey, Vicki Harper and Christina Carson (alternate) as summer cooks; Kelly Crosby as physical therapist; bus drivers for summer school and food delivery; supplemental and certified staff; and certified summer staff. Agreements were also approved with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to employ Jaimee Szymanski as a speech therapist; Marcie Albin as school psychologist; Michelle Trikones as supervisor of visual impairment (VI) aides; Amy Gareis as public relations coordinator. All contracts are from Aug. 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022.
Resignations were then accepted for Susan Sutton, a third-grade math teacher at Stanton, for retirement purposes effective Aug. 1; EHS guidance aide Kathy Sapp, who will retire effective June 30; and district Transportation Director and Building and Grounds Supervisor Joe DeBold effective July 31.
In other action, the board:
--Approved candidates for graduation from EHS;
--Continued the membership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2021-22 school year;
--Approved a memorandum of understanding between the school board and Edison Local Education Association;
--Approved the district’s tentative five-year forecast, which district Treasurer Lisa Bruzzese said showed positive numbers for the time being but leaders will get a better picture with the finalized forecast in the fall;
--Approved agreements with Sedgwick Services to manage Workers Compensation claims and for participation in the Bureau of Workers Compensation Group-Retrospective Program for Calendar Year 2022;
--Accepted donations from the Bergholz Community Foundation for $2,500 and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schaefer for $500 as part of the Sara Schaefer Scholarship Fund. The district also learned that First Westminster Presbyterian Church and Pastor Jason Elliott donated cookies in honor of Bus Driver Appreciation Day;
--Set the next meeting for June 28 at 6 p.m. at EHS.
Lesnansky to Buckeye Girls State
Posted 5/4/2021 at 10:38:04 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School junior Morgan Lesnansky, daughter of Brian and Wendy Lesnansky of Steubenville, will attend Buckeye Girls State at the University of Mount Union in Alliance on June 13-19. Buckeye Girls State is a week-long program designed to educate young women across Ohio about rights and privileges of good citizenship and give them insight into local and state government.
EHS Rewards Students for Perfect Attendance
Posted 4/13/2021 at 11:45:15 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Edison High School students are being recognized for making education a priority through perfect attendance.
Assistant Principal Josh Leasure said four pupils received gift cards for faithfully showing up each day and participating in their lessons.
“We gave out four $25 Walmart gift cards to students who had perfect attendance as a push to keep good attendance in the last two months of school,” he explained. “We have a prize at the end of the year and will distribute two footballs signed by the Cleveland Browns’ Miles Garrett and Baker Mayfield.”
Leasure said attendance is important and is all part of the “Get 2 School, Stay in the Game” initiative with the Cleveland Browns Foundation, which also ties in with the district’s involvement in the Proving Ground model through Harvard University to address chronic absenteeism, career readiness and college enrollment. Edison is among 50 rural schools in Ohio and New York that are part of the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN), an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard, and the study is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education. Edison is currently in its second year of a five-year process and officials currently are focusing on post-secondary and college and career readiness among the high school set.
The school has distributed Browns notebooks, toboggans and headphones as not only a reward, but an incentive to keep the positive momentum going. The latest honorees included Zoe Speaker, Cole Jackson, Dakota Coil and Malayna Bright.
Jackson noted that it was vital to be in school because it prepares you for life.
“It’s really important to come to school. You get a good education and coming to school also means a lot of responsibility. It shows you are on time and prepares you for life and working a job.”
Coil agreed, saying students need an education to get ahead after graduation.
“It’s what life is going to be like and it’s about being responsible and learning respect,” he said.
Anthony Pierro, district attendance liaison, said attendance is a huge benefit for the students if they want to succeed in their future.
“Attendance is the No. 1 priority, especially during COVID times. The more students are students are in school, the more interaction there will be with teachers and the better they will perform.”
(Photo Cutline: Edison High School students are being rewarded for perfect attendance during the fourth nine weeks of school and received $25 Walmart gift cards for their good deed. Pictured are, from left, Dakota Coil, Malayna Bright and Cole Jackson with attendance liaison Anthony Pierro. Not pictured is Zoe Speaker. The school is also part of the Cleveland Browns Foundation’s “Get 2 School, Stay in the Game” initiative and two footballs autographed by Baker Mayfield and Miles Garrett will be distributed at the end of the school year.)
Life Skills Class Benefits from New Appliances
Posted 3/22/2021 at 12:07:08 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Students in the Edison High School Life Skills class have received updated equipment to help them learn to become more independent.
The class, which is now in its fourth year, includes eight special needs students in grades 7-12 who have gained skills for home and work, but the advent of the coronavirus has limited their lessons. However, teacher Ron Ferrell said updated appliances are helping his pupils attain some domestic know-how to be successful. The Richmond United Methodist Church donated a new stove for the program while the school district also acquired a refrigerator to replace an outdated appliance.
“The church contacted [district Administrative Assistant] Fatima Smuck to see if anyone needed help and she referred them to me,” Ferrell added, saying he was grateful to Smuck, the district and the church for their support and every bit benefits the program. “Students learn basic cooking, cleaning and laundry skills. By the time they are seniors, they can do a lot on their own.”
Smuck noted her gratitude to the church for its generosity and said the program makes an impact on the students’ lives.
“We are so appreciative for the many contributions from the members of the church and for member Janice Kiaski being the liaison,” she added. “The students in the Life Skills class are learning lifelong skills while enjoying every minute of it!”
Meanwhile, Ferrell said his students had also completed jobs inside and outside the school until COVID-19 put tasks on hold.
“We have a job program where the older kids would go to work, but they can’t do that now because of COVID. They’ve worked at King’s Restaurant, did janitorial work at Lighthouse Church and worked at Sign America in Richmond. They also did work at the school serving lunch, working in the kitchen and cleaning tables prior to the virus.”
They still manage to feed school staff each Thursday and donations for those meals help support the program. Students hone their abilities by creating simple, five-ingredient meals such as pizza, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and spaghetti and enjoy the experience.
“I like this class,” said Hannah Hendrix, a seventh-grader in the program. “I make new friends and help cook at home.”
“I like to eat,” added senior Kameron Wright. “Eating helps with football a lot.”
Senior Autumn Wright said her knowledge enables her to help at home and her mother even designates a night for her to cook meals for the family, giving her opportunities to make macaroni and cheese and pasta. Ferrell said the students ultimately receive a cookbook of recipes they can make in class and at home.
(Photo Caption: Kameron Wright and Hannah Hendrix pose with new appliances for the Life Skills class at Edison High School. The Richmond United Methodist Church contributed a stove while the district provided a new refrigerator. Teacher Ron Ferrell said the program helps students develop skills for home and on the job and the new items aid in that endeavor.)
Edison Adds Truancy Officer to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism
Posted 3/1/2021 at 11:06:33 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District is looking to reduce chronic absenteeism and is already seeing some positive results with the addition of a new truancy officer.
School board members approved the hiring of Anthony Pierro during the Feb. 25 regular meeting but his contract is retroactive to Feb. 1. Superintendent Bill Beattie said Pierro’s presence has already yielded improvements among student attendance and leaders want to maintain the momentum.
“We’ve been monitoring our chronic absenteeism since the beginning of October and there’s so much responsibility on the principals, guidance counselors and SRO’s, so the board made a commitment to hire someone to handle absenteeism in the district,” Beattie said.
Funding from a previous wellness grant is helping the district finance the position and the truancy officer will complete the remainder of the 2020-21 school year, while officials also plan to keep him on board for next year. Since Pierro started, there has been a decrease in chronic absenteeism. As part of his job, Pierro meets weekly with principals and contacts at-risk students who fall below the 90-percent absentee rate. When Pierro began, the district reported 231 students were below the 90-percent threshold, but that number had dropped to 201 as of Thursday’s meeting.
“We run a biweekly EDGE report of kids who are below the 90-percent absentee rate and focus on why they are not attending school, and we are attempting to get the students and families the resources they need to get the students back in school,” Beattie continued. “Our goal is to meet the chronic absenteeism indicator on the report card, which can be met three different ways from the previous year.”
The truancy officer works hand-in-hand with the district’s ongoing participation in the Proving Ground pilot program with Harvard University. The initiative utilizes the Proving Ground model of evidence-based improvement to address chronic absenteeism, career readiness and college enrollment. Edison is among 50 rural schools in Ohio and New York that are part of the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN), an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard, and the study is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education. The district is currently in its second year of a five-year process and Beattie said the current round is focusing on post-secondary and college and career readiness among the high school set.
“This is another key component [with Proving Ground] and benefits the increase in attendance. It shows a positive effect to what we’re doing.”
Meanwhile, officials approved a five-year lease agreement with TCF Equipment Finance for the new video board planned at the EHS sports complex. Beattie said the 13-foot-by-24-foot color LED video scoreboard, which is estimated at $183,500, includes a speaker system and sections for rolling and static ads which can be sold to businesses and the community and displayed during home football and soccer games.
“We secured a five-year lease from TCF to help fund this and we’re moving forward with signing the contract,” he added, saying the district will solicit advertising and use the costs to defray the estimated $36,700 annual payments.
Beattie added that it also benefits students in the new media and graphics class being developed next fall as a career pathway.
In other action, the board:
--Approved a $26,000 contract with Vince Zastudil of Toronto for concrete work at the high school sports complex, including trench drains, steps and concrete pads at the track’s finish line;
--Hired Brenda Kmatz as an aide/cook/secretary/NBC/custodian and Jamie Minor as a bus driver on the substitute’s list;
--Approved supplemental contracts at EHS for Jess McCallister, Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), Darlene Mason, mentor; Greg Marsh, junior high track; Anthony Pierro, volunteer football; Anwaa Martin, volunteer track; Byron Bufkin, assistant varsity track; and Scott Day, volunteer band;
--Approved the hiring of Vanessa Scott as a bus driver;
--Accepted the resignation of Shane O’Brien as assistant track coach;
--Accepted the resignation of Diane Wellington, preschool teacher at John Gregg Elementary, for retirement purposes;
--Agreed to extend Family First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) benefits to employees for 90 days retroactive to Jan. 1 and ending March 31. Officials said the resources help teachers so they may work remotely if they are quarantined or in isolation due to COVID-19. The previous plan expired Dec. 31 but the district’s attorney said Edison may implement an extension that would allow teachers to take 10 days or 80 hours of COVID-19 leave time, after which they may use their paid sick leave time if necessary;
--Approved a dual credit Memorandum of Understanding with Eastern Gateway Community College;
--Approved a service agreement with Alisha Waugh for cortical visual impairment (CVI) consultations and evaluations for students;
--Approved the 2021-22 district calendar;
--Approved an addendum to the OMERESA internet service agreement;
--Accepted donations including $4,747 from the Bergholz Community Foundation for hoodies for John Gregg students; $500 from Christ United Methodist Church for student needs at John Gregg; and $683 from Richmond United Methodist Church to purchase a new stove for the Living Skills class at EHS;
--Set the next regular meeting for Tuesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. at EHS.
How to Save a Life
Posted 3/1/2021 at 11:02:15 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School students learned some life-saving lessons using CPR compression on mannequins. Teacher and Red Cross Instructor JoAnn Stagani led groups and said they will also learn procedures for choking and first aid, plus they will work with infant and child mannequins provided by the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department. Training sessions are being altered to follow current COVID guidelines but students will gain certification as well as points toward graduation.
The Language of Love
Posted 2/5/2021 at 1:29:56 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School Spanish Club members expressed their affection for Valentine’s Day through cards and holiday activities at their recent meeting. A dozen students got crafty and creative by making Spanish valentines for loved ones but also challenged each other to a fun game of Spanish Scrabble, listened to contemporary Spanish love songs and enjoyed some chips and salsa for refreshment. Pictured with her valentine is member Mikayla Reed.
Ferralli Wins Edison Spelling Bee
Posted 1/19/2021 at 10:42:17 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Luke Ferralli, a seventh-grade student at Edison Jr. High School, won the 2021 Edison Local School District Spelling Bee held at Edison High School on Jan. 12. Ferralli, the son of Joe and Carey Ferralli of Richmond, was one of 30 participants from three district schools and will now advance to the Jefferson-Harrison Regional Spelling Bee with a chance to attend the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Also finishing in the bee were Mimi Ault, a fifth-grader at John Gregg Elementary, in second place; Conor Schiffman, a sixth-grader at John Gregg, third; Mayelee Rawson, a fifth-grader at Stanton Elementary, fourth; Gwendolyn Stine, a sixth-grader at Stanton, fifth; Leila Sudvary, a fifth-grader at John Gregg, sixth; Ali Shrieve, an eighth-grader at EJHS, seventh; Jayden Kelley, a sixth-grader at John Gregg, eighth; Jelena Cefus, a fifth-grader at Stanton, first alternate; and Lydia Krepps, a fifth-grader at John Gregg, second alternate.
Edison Purchasing Land for Vehicles
Posted 1/11/2021 at 1:44:57 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local school board members reorganized for the year and took action on a land purchase to store vehicles during a session on Wednesday.
Board President Aaron Richardson and Vice President Ron Smyth were returned to their posts with Lisa Bruzzese remaining as treasurer during the organizational session while officials discussed ongoing projects at Edison High School at a subsequent regular meeting. Superintendent Bill Beattie said the district was paying $150,000 for a nearly 3-acre tract a quarter mile from the Richmond campus to accommodate about 20 district buses and vans. He explained that the relocation was necessary in order to utilize the current bus garage site for the new softball field.
“Based on the projects at the high school, we needed an area to park the buses and vans and had discussions with Bill DeNoon of DeNoon Lumber to purchase 2.725 acres of land up the road by the Bordash Tree Farm. We agreed upon the purchase and sometime this spring the buses will make the transition to the new location.”
Smyth was actively involved in discussions on the deal and leaders thanked him for his efforts. Meanwhile, Beattie said a traffic study was needed and he was speaking with Ohio Department of Transportation officials to review avenues.
“As of now, based on the clearance and speed limit, we need 365 feet of visual clearance off of [Ohio 152] between two buildings and we only have 250,” he said. “There are options and we could possibly put in a turn lane but we’ll look at other things.”
Board member Josh McConnell asked if the speed limit could be lowered and made into a school zone while Smyth suggested making it 35 miles per hour for 24 hours a day. The superintendent also addressed ongoing work at EHS, which included pouring footers at the new fieldhouse as well as for the new concession stand, locker room and restrooms. He was also awaiting a state permit for lighting upgrades as well as an electrical plan for the latter facilities.
“Play Surface Solutions is ready to coordinate and bring the press box in and we’ll start grading,” he added. “Phase one should be ready in March.”
He also provided renderings of the baseball and softball fields and the board approved his recommendation and the board approved a change order for Play Surface Solutions to authorize Phase Two of the plan, which consists of rough grading and installation of stormwater improvements at the baseball and softball fields in preparation for the field turf.
In other matters, the board is looking to extend Family First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) resources for teachers so they may work remotely if they are quarantined or in isolation due to COVID-19. Beattie said the current plan expired Dec. 31 but the district’s attorney said Edison may implement an extension that would allow teachers to take 10 days or 80 hours of COVID-19 leave time, after which they may use their paid sick leave time if necessary. Discussion ensued and the board agreed to approve the remote teaching with more action planned on the extension in February.
The board also:
--Heard from Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta, who said officials were planning for next year’s Title funding and completing a one-year assessment. Smyth commended her for her work when the schools had to go fully remote due to the coronavirus pandemic and Kireta said a lot of work was done to continue the students’ education;
--Learned Smyth attended the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School board meeting since he will replace longtime representative John Prokopakis. Edison leaders thanked Prokopakis for his work and Smyth said he was getting acclimated to his new role;
--Beattie said two new buses were inspected and ready for operation while two new substitute drivers were in training, two more were interested in employment and another was already on the road;
--Approved bus driver Frank Martin as a retire/rehire;
--Proclaimed January as National School Board Recognition Month and received certificates of appreciation from Beattie;
--Approved administrative committees for 2021 with Smyth, Bordash and Beattie on athletics; Scott Lockhart, Richardson and Bruzzese on budget and finance; Smyth, Bordash and Beattie on buildings and grounds; Richardson, Lockhart and Beattie on insurance; Richardson, Lockhart and Beattie on levy/bond issue; Lockhart, Richardson and Beattie on negotiations/ELEA; Richardson, McConnell and Beattie on negotiations/OAPSE; Bordash, Smyth and Beattie on personnel/classified; McConnell, Smyth and Beattie, personnel/certificated; Lockhart, Bordash and Beattie, policy; Richardson, Lockhart and Beattie, public relations; Lockhart, McConnell and Beattie, technology; McConnell, Richardson and Beattie, transportation; Richardson, Lockhart and Beattie, grievance; and Richardson, Lockhart and Beattie, administrator evaluation/contract committee;
--Named Lockhart legislative liaison, Smyth as Ohio School Boards Association Annual Conference delegate and Lockhart as conference alternate attendee;
--Transferred $500,000 from the general fund to the construction fund for work at the two elementary schools and EHS concession stand;
--Scheduled the next school board meeting for Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at Stanton Elementary.
(Photo Cutline: Aaron Richardson regained his seat as president of the Edison Local Board of Education during an organizational session on Jan. 7 while Ron Smyth and Lisa Bruzzese respectively returned as vice president and treasurer. The board also moved to acquire nearly three acres of land for its buses since the current bus garage site was being used for the new softball field.)
Student Groups Unite to Clean Veterans’ Graves
Posted 12/10/2020 at 1:56:46 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Fifteen members of the Buckeye Local High School Student Council and National Honor Society joined forces to complete a community service by cleaning veterans’ gravesites at the Upland Heights Cemetery near Yorkville. Students spent the day replacing tattered flags, raking leaves and trimming high weeds as a tribute to military members who sacrificed for our country. Pictured are, kneeling in front from left, Sierra Sterling and Annie Takach. Standing: Lyndsee Malechowski, Julia Orban, Josey Meddles, Cai McKeever, Sian Tetley, Emily McDiffit, Carly Long, Jaina DeMeter, Bri Merkel, Kaydence Kinyo, Kaitlynn Merkel, Corissa Griffith and Noah Meyer.
Edison Talks Remote Learning, Bus Routes
Posted 12/10/2020 at 1:51:47 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-The Edison Local Board of Education held its final session for 2020 with remote learning and busing issues atop the list.
The school district entered into fully remote learning on Wednesday due to COVID cases and quarantines and the plan will remain in place until students return from their holiday break on Jan. 4, while leaders discussed the move during its regular meeting on Dec. 9 at John Gregg Elementary.
“We based it on the number of positive cases and quarantines, and I think at the end of the day it was a good decision because over the last three days numbers increased,” said Superintendent Bill Beattie. “Hopefully, everyone will stay safe so they can come back to school in January.”
The district was able to go virtual after receiving nearly $151,000 in BroadbandOhio Connectivity funds to extend wireless capabilities outside of Edison High School, Stanton Elementary, John Gregg and into the community so its 1,382 students may access work assignments. Network infrastructure was expanded at all three buildings with external wireless access points, giving Wi-Fi access to the parking lots and grassy areas so students can visit the buildings after hours to connect and complete their work. Additionally, Edison’s entire fleet of 17 buses has Wi-Fi installed so students could complete work while being transported to and from school, plus the vehicles can park at various locations in the rural area for use during virtual learning. In that instance, parents can drive to the sites and connect the student devices to them for internet access. All of the district’s PreK-12 students are assigned a 1-to-1 device with Wi-Fi capabilities, but the lack of broadband infrastructure has limited access, leading to the district’s upgrades to ensure a seamless transition for face-to-face and remote learning. Students will continue their studies with Google Classroom and other digital resources while learning with their teacher.
Bus hotspots and meals are being offered to the pupils and locations include Lake Lodge Trailer Court, Pleasant Hill Trailer Court, Amsterdam Church of God, Smitty’s Old School, Empire Methodist Church, Irondale Methodist Church, Bergholz Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Grove Methodist Church, while breakfast and lunch are available from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meal locations only with internet access points include Hilltop Church, East Springfield Church of the Cross and the three schools from 10:30-11:30 a.m. while parking lot internet access is offered 24/7 at the three school buildings, Bell Chapel Church, Two Ridge Presbyterian Church, East Springfield Church of God and Smitty’s Old School. More information, including remote schedules, is listed on the district website at www.edisonwildcats.org.
As surrounding schools continue to operate with a blend of in-person, hybrid and remote learning, Edison leaders said the district’s decision was the right thing to do. Board member Ron Smyth said he believes in the importance of academics and school safety and the district made the correct choice.
“I’m thankful you are doing what you’re doing to move ahead,” he said. “You guys have done an outstanding job. If it’s the right time, it’s the right time.”
Board member Scott Lockhart referred to a call by the Ohio Education Association for schools to close down until Jan. 11, which would provide extra quarantine time following the holiday break. He asked officials for their thoughts and Beattie said for now, he still hoped to see Edison students return on Jan. 4.
John Gregg Principal Tammy Burchfield noted in her report that teachers and staff have been working hard to maintain the students’ education.
“Today was our first day of remote learning, and it was an independent study day. Early this morning, more than half of the fifth and sixth graders were online doing work. I don’t think we could have been any more prepared than we have. It’s not going to be 100 percent, but I feel a majority is ready to go. I feel it’s a journey for many of us and some are stepping way outside of their comfort box. I think it’s scary, it’s stressful, but it’s the unknown…but it will be okay,” she said, commending Beattie, Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta and Administrative Assistant Fatima Smuck. “I don’t think we would be where we are without their direction right now.”
Meanwhile, Kireta added that she reviewed the school buildings that day and believed teachers were ready to go remote.
“There are a lot of unknowns out there, but there were a lot of kids logged on early to work today and we are keeping track.”
Another topic on official’s list was the collapse of a bridge along Jefferson County Road 164 at Bergholz on Dec. 1, which ultimately led to some quick rerouting of school buses. District Transportation Director Joe DeBold said school was not in session when the incident occurred but he had to create alternative routes to ensure kids could still be transported. The change has resulted in an extra 15-20 minutes on the road for students heading to EHS and John Gregg.
“We got the high school bus in the morning and [the driver] drops it off to me seven minutes early to get the JVS and Christian school bus going, and it gives him a 10-to-12-minute window to utilize for the grade school,” DeBold explained. “It’s working very well and the high school has been accommodating. They wait for 40 kids for about 12-14 minutes.”
During discussion, DeBold said five school buses had crossed the bridge four times a day and he heard some concerns about the span, but it was inspected prior to the collapse. He also had been in touch with Jefferson County ODOT officials and did not have details on a target date for replacement, but he planned to have more information for the next meeting in January.
He is also working on another plan to use main routes as a last resort should he face a shortened staff of drivers.
“We’re also looking at main route busing and using county and state roads,” he said. “If we have a large group of drivers off, it really speeds up transit. A route that takes one hour and 20 minutes not takes 45 minutes.”
For now, three potential drivers were completing testing, Frank Martin was approved as a retire/rehire and he also was working to add several others. Edison recently increased its pay rate to $15.25 per hour for substitute drivers and anyone interested may contact the district office at (740) 282-0065.
Paint the Plow
Posted 12/7/2020 at 12:22:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
The Edison High School FFA took part in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Paint the Plow program and promoted their organization on the equipment. Members decorated the plow prior to Thanksgiving break and it will be used on a local ODOT truck. Pictured is member Jadyn Nicholson, at left, with FFA President Delaney Johnson. Not pictured is Dylan Leasure, who also assisted with the project.
Edison Students Play Detective with OSU Program
Posted 12/7/2020 at 12:07:40 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Two students in the Edison Local School District are putting on their thinking caps and playing detective for a unique program through The Ohio State University.
Stanton Elementary sixth-grader Leila Cable and Paige Somerville, a seventh-grade student at Edison Jr. High School, have been taking part in “Become a Detective—Solve an Arctic Mystery,” a six-week program sponsored by Camp Oty’Okwa and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at OSU. The program is open grades to 6-8 and an estimated 15 students collaborate to solve a mystery. They first trained by solving a faux case involving a stolen $25,000 necklace, but the main scenario surrounds a missing scientist using clues, reasoning and teamwork. Each team has roughly three to four young Sherlock Holmes and Jane Marples who work online each week to crack the case and participants receive packages at their homes with new pieces of the puzzle, more information and particular instructions as they continue on their journey.
The teams participate in a Zoom meeting each Saturday with Byrd Center Education Research Coordinator Karina Peggau to discuss the clues and learn how to think like a scientist, plus they gain life skills needed to solve the mystery such as analyzing information, sifting through evidence to make valid claims, accurate map-reading skills, reading for content and inferencing for clues and strong deductive reasoning. The youth can also communicate on Padlet online program throughout the week to discuss their findings.
Cable joined the program after learning about it from her father, Austin, a teacher at Indian Creek Middle School. She said it has helped her with problem-solving skills in the process.
“I’ve learned how to think like a scientist,” she said. “I love being a part of the program.”
Somerville said she became involved once she learned her friend was participating.
“I became involved because I heard Leila was doing it and I was willing to give it a try,” she said. “We learn how to become a detective and do investigations. I am really happy that I found out about this because doing this work is really fun and the cases are very interesting.”
Somerville added that she has enjoyed the learning experience and hopes others participate in the future.
“I do not know if anybody from Edison has done this before, but I would recommend this to others who like investigations and detective work.”
(Photo Cutline: Stanton Elementary sixth-grader Leila Cable completes a task as part of the “Be A Detective—Solve an Arctic Mystery” program offered through The Ohio State University. Cable and Edison Jr. High seventh-grade Paige Somerville are participating in the six-week program sponsored by Camp Oty’Okwa and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at OSU. It is open grades to 6-8 and an estimated 15 students collaborate in teams to solve the case.)
Edison Beta Club Benefits Urban Mission
Posted 12/4/2020 at 9:51:03 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School Beta Club President Gracie Phillips, pictured at left, and Vice President Kiley Babel, right, organized a food drive to benefit Urban Mission Ministries of Steubenville. They raised more than $70 and 100 items which were donated prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The Urban Mission is still accepting donations during the holidays and for weekly distributions.
John Gregg Students Using Their Noodles
Posted 11/23/2020 at 9:47:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-Students at John Gregg Elementary School are really using their noodles when it comes to coping with the coronavirus pandemic.
The youth are becoming active in class and in the gym by using foam pool noodles for social distancing activities. School counselor Tiffany Moses reached out to the community for support and Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal Financial and Richmond United Methodist Church donated 170 noodles to help expend energy and relieve stress.
“They purchased enough noodles for every child in the building to use in preschool to second grade and gym class. When they have to social distance, they also play games with the noodles at recess,” Moses added. “The students also have pool noodle drumming, where the teachers cut the noodles and they drum to music and dance. It’s really helping the kids get out their energy while they are stuck in the classroom.”
She said many of the teachers have used the items and first-graders play with them on a daily basis during a “brain break.”
“Our teachers were wanting to use them but spent a lot of their own money out of pocket to meet teaching demands this year,” she explained. “They were looking for active things they can do in the classroom and found the idea online. Everyone wanted to try it.”
The two community groups soon got involved and donated the toys to the school, and Moses is grateful for their generosity.
“I reached out to them both to try to help support the teachers. They were both super happy to help right away,” she said. “John Gregg Elementary sends a big thank you to Richmond United Methodist Church and Modern Woodmen! Our students are loving the cardio desk drumming to get them up and moving as well as the noodle tag at recess to help keep them active during these unprecedented times.”
(First-graders at John Gregg Elementary drum with pool noodles as a way to expend energy and alleviate stress in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. The noodles were donated by Richmond United Methodist Church and Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal Financial to help support kids in a fun and unique way while also social distancing.)
New SRO Returns to Old Stomping Grounds
Posted 11/23/2020 at 9:40:35 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
RICHMOND-Deputy Joe Fetty may be walking the halls as the new school resource officer at Edison High School, but he is also returning to his old stomping grounds as an alumnus.
Deputy Fetty, who graduated from EHS in 1990, began his duties after retiring from the Ohio State Highway Patrol in July. He spent more than 28 years as a state trooper and most recently served as commander of the Steubenville Post, but now he is excited to begin a new phase by serving the school community.
“I have been in law enforcement and public service for a long time, and towards the end of my career I was looking for something new and wanted to begin a new chapter,” he said. “The opportunity came up at my home school.”
He heard of the open post and contacted Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla to make an inquiry.
“I told the sheriff I wanted to throw my hat into the ring. It’s still in a law enforcement capacity and I get to interact with kids at school,” he continued. “I am very happy to be back at my home school.”
In a way, he has come full circle in his career. He first became interested in law enforcement after listening to Sheriff Abdalla speak in his high school law class, and although he initially studied biology in college he changed direction and applied to become a cadet/dispatcher with OSHP at age 19. From there, he joined the academy and became a trooper, but he enjoys the aspect of continuing his service by working with youth.
Deputy Fetty said there was a need for students to interact with law enforcement in an effort to build relationships and know that officials are there to help. Since he began his new post, he has conducted a volunteer vehicle check with his peers at OSHP. Several troopers were on hand in October to inspect students’ vehicles and ensure they were safe for young drivers while he gave a PowerPoint presentation about being prepared for winter. The project was formed after he noticed several cars bearing one headlight or bald tires and wanted youth to understand the importance of car safety.
“I wanted to get them to think ahead and think outside the box so they can be prepared,” he added. “I want to do that again next year.”
Deputy Fetty has other ideas going forward but hopes the current coronavirus pandemic will subside so plans may be implemented. One project would bring a driving simulator into the school so students learn the dangers of distracted driving, plus he would like to present a program for the junior high about making good choices.
“I want to be proactive and be a great role model for them before they make choices,” he noted.
He originally hails from the district but makes his home in Tuscarawas with his wife, Rachel, a former trooper and current adult probation officer. There they raised four children, all of whom are in some form of public service from law enforcement and the U.S. Army to the medical field. He is also a proud grandfather of two with a third little one on the way this summer.
Deputy Fetty said he is proud to return to Edison and appreciates the warm reception he has received from staff and students.
“I’ve been very happy. Everybody’s been very welcoming and receptive,” he concluded. “This will always be my home.”
Edison Educators Earn Best Practice Grants
Posted 11/23/2020 at 9:21:09 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.)
Elementary Schools Focus on Social-Emotional Learning
Posted 10/26/2020 at 2:55:08 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Elementary students within the Edison Local School District are taking part in activities that center on social-emotional learning.
School counselors Megan McNear and Tiffany Moses have been incorporating monthly themes at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary, respectively, in order to bolster such skills as communication and problem solving. The SEL curriculum is not a new concept but standards were recently adopted by the State of Ohio.
McNear said students receive lessons based on SEL competency and will read or will be read a book encompassing that theme, plus they take part in dress-up days to remind them of that skill. In September, students learned about diversity and inclusion under the theme “Our Class Community” and wore jerseys sporting numbers for the “Everybody Counts” Unity Day activity. Students spent October learning about empathy and critical thinking, reading the book “Leah’s Pony” and donning orange for Unity Day under the theme “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes.” In November, they will look at “Healthy Communication” by reading the book “Say Something” and wearing their favorite socks to “Step into Assertive Communication.” Further themes range from problem solving to peer relations in the coming months.
“Stanton and John Gregg are doing the same themes and dress-up days,” she added, saying the program impacts a total of 800 students in grades PreK-6 between the two schools. “We are also implementing a new social-emotional curriculum called Sanford Harmony in the classes, so we aligned our themes with the topics in each of the units of the curriculum.”
Sanford Harmony uses age-appropriate materials as teachers facilitate lessons and activities that enhance students’ communication and relationship-building skills. Five themes of Sanford Harmony are Diversity and Inclusion, Empathy and Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem-Solving and Peer Relationships. Each theme addresses an important need in schools which Sanford officials state “creates positive and proactive environments that support the success of diverse students.” Teachers are instructing one lesson per week from the SEL curriculum while the counselors teach a lesson each month based on the theme in each class.
“We wanted to make sure that our teachers and students were supported socially-emotionally coming back into the school this year,” McNear said. “We felt that giving our teachers the tools to implement part of the SEL curriculum in their classrooms, as well as giving the school a common SEL theme, would allow students to feel supported, give them skills they could build on throughout the year and even carry on into their lives in the future.”
Moses continued that there were many benefits to the Sanford Harmony curriculum.
“First and foremost, the students are learning social-emotional skills that are crucial to becoming successful citizens, and crucial in bettering their relationships and feelings about themselves. Second, students are feeling included in their classroom and building rapport with their teachers and peers through these built in lessons,” she said. “I believe students are feeling less isolated and excluded because of this curriculum and the effort our teachers are putting into it. Lastly, I believe the students are feeling more comfortable with me in my role as the school counselor and are more open and more likely to come to me with trauma or issues because of the comfort and rapport that is further being developed by these weekly lessons.”
She added that students were responding well to the activities and engaged in lessons.
“I myself run the fifth- and sixth-grade lessons and the students look forward to them every week and actively participate,” Moses noted. “I believe students are better learning the foundations of feeling expression, healthy communication and coping skills through these SEL lessons and I believe that we will see the payoff.”
Officials said implementing the school-wide theme and dress-up day would also help build a sense of community and camaraderie.
“There is a great emphasis on social-emotional learning throughout the schools in the state and country and on finding ways to help students utilize SEL skills to grow and master SEL competencies,” McNear commented. “In the elementary schools, we want to provide students with the tools so that they can express themselves in a healthy way. Our goal is to provide a safe space to do that. The more exposure students have to the school counselors through the classroom lessons and school-wide videos, the more comfortable the students will feel coming to us and opening up to us.”
“I am so proud of the emphasis that John Gregg has placed on PBIS this year including these SEL weekly lessons, PAX monthly kernels, whole-building character videos and challenges, the PBIS matrix throughout the building, increased positive communication with parents and much more. In a very difficult time where teachers are in over their heads, our staff are still placing a top priority in rapport with their students and making their students feel cared for and loved,” Moses concluded.
(Photo Cutline: First-graders at John Gregg Elementary donned orange for Unity Day as part of an ongoing social-emotional learning program occurring at Edison Local elementary schools. A total of 800 students at John Gregg and Stanton read books, dress up on theme days and complete other activities to bolster their skills in communication, relationship building and other areas.)
Spreading Sunshine
Posted 10/22/2020 at 5:55:17 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
Edison High School sophomore art students Coleman Holly, left, and Olivia Huff are spreading sunshine by adding some brightness to the school walls. Art teacher Sara Cunningham said the project was a way to lift spirits and show kindness during these uncertain times.
Edison Partners with Parents for Literacy
Posted 10/9/2020 at 11:56:22 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-Edison Local Schools has entered a partnership for literacy with the goal of building family and community engagement within its elementary buildings.
District Administrative Assistant Fatima Smuck said Edison was part of Partnerships for Literacy, an initiative to improve their student’s early literacy skills through the development of new and improved family and community engagement strategies. It focuses on improvements in communication with families about literacy, supporting language and literacy learning at home and community partnerships for literacy. The partnership began last year and several meetings were held with parents, grandparents, Smuck, district Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta, literacy coach Miguel Brun and preschool intervention specialists. So far, those talks yielded literacy night events and the implementation of the Sit Together and Read program for parents and students at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools. However, the advent of COVID-19 impacted other ventures and the most recent session was conducted online Sept. 29 and involved 25 family members and educators.
Smuck said the session was informative and the group is looking to develop an action plan to improve upon literacy in grades K-12. During the meeting, officials discussed educator Joyce L. Epstein’s six types of literacy involvement with key emphasis on learning at home. Meanwhile, Brun updated the group on the literacy program and planned monthly meetings while State Support Team Region 12 representatives Lisa Baker, Kayley Andrews and Diane Enama reviewed results of last year’s sessions. Information from the partnership meeting will be shared with the district leadership team (DLT), which will seek ways to implement them in the school buildings during their own meeting scheduled on Nov. 3.
She added that officials were working to address concerns by bolstering communication and providing any additional assistance.
“We implemented more communication [through the REMIND App] and are talking about technology training for parents,” she said. “They contact our tech department for help. Our tech department is available and we’ll also do trainings onsite in the district. We’re going to work on helping students and parents who are working remotely and give them strategies to navigate through online.”
Other outcomes of the session included an explanation of assessment results and a suggested schedule to help parents struggling to help their children complete daily assignments.
“The meetings are part of the process of the district leadership team. We focus on things that parents and teachers think we need to bring up as action steps,” Smuck noted.
More partnership meetings will be held throughout the year and SST-12 officials will also return in the spring to review inventory practices as well as the action steps.
Edison Expanding Access with Broadband Funding
Posted 9/23/2020 at 10:39:52 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
HAMMONDSVILLE-The Edison Local School District is expanding internet access beyond its buildings to help students learn after receiving $150,981 in BroadbandOhio Connectivity funds.
District Technology Coordinator Rachel Granatir said the allocation will extend wireless capabilities outside of Edison High School, John Gregg Elementary and Stanton Elementary and ultimately into the community so students may gain access to work on assignments. The district currently yields 1,382 students, of which 280 are remote learners, but all of them will benefit from the upgrade.
“We are expanding our network infrastructure at all three buildings by adding external wireless access points,” she said. “These will flood our parking lots and grassy areas with Wi-Fi so students can visit the buildings after hours to easily connect and complete their work. The grant will pay for the equipment, wiring and labor to install them.”
Granatir added that Wi-Fi will also be installed in the district’s entire fleet of 17 buses to provide access so students can complete work while traveling to and from school, as well as give Edison the ability to park the buses in various locations throughout the vastly rural community should the district transition to fully remote learning. In that instance, parents can drive to the sites and connect the student devices to them.
“We are also looking to partner with local internet access providers to bring public parking lot access to various locations throughout the district,” she continued. “We will be reaching out to local churches, businesses and villages to identify locations where we can get internet access and then place an outdoor antenna. One internet service provider we have spoken to is Access Ohio Valley, which provides wireless internet access on towers around a large portion of our school district.”
She said all of the district’s PreK-12 students are assigned a 1-to-1 device with Wi-Fi capabilities, but broadband infrastructure is limited in the area. Despite the challenges, teachers are diligently working to create a digital classroom experience that is seamless for both face-to-face and remote learners.
“In the event that we go to a hybrid or completely virtual learning environment, our students are prepared to continue learning with their teacher in Google Classroom with digital resources,” Granatir added. “While students might have internet access, it can be unreliable at times. Students may be using a DSL on rural phone lines that is very slow, a satellite connection with data caps, Wi-Fi hotspots with limited or unreliable signals or a cable connection with limitations. For some students, internet access is not affordable or simply unavailable where they live. By utilizing these grant funds, we will provide convenient, local locations for our students to access their digital classrooms and continue that seamless learning environment.”
She said the grant budget has been finalized and Edison has received 60 percent of the funds it requested, and now officials are ordering the necessary equipment to complete the project. The upgrade will occur soon since funding must be expended by the end of December.
“We want to be prepared to support our students as best we can with local broadband access outside of the school building in the event we implement our hybrid or virtual learning plans,” Granatir commented.
Edison Superintendent Bill Beattie said the project will definitely help students who live in remote areas and are impacted by a lack of internet access.
“We are very excited to get the BroadbandOhio Connectivity grant. It will allow us to do a lot of tech support for our students who live in the outlying areas, and also in areas that are limited in connectivity,” Beattie said. “The hot spots on our buses will allow our students to do homework or online assignments on the bus ride home, especially for those students who are on the bus for 45 to 60 minutes.”
Edison Approves General Contractor for Fieldhouse Project
Posted 9/21/2020 at 12:23:55 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]
BERGHOLZ-Earth will be moving soon on Edison High School’s new fieldhouse after school board members approved a bid for the project.
During the Sept. 17 regular session at John Gregg Elementary in Bergholz, officials accepted project manager SHP’s recommendation to use Canfield-based Hively Construction as the general contractor for the job at Edison High School. The company submitted the lowest bid at $6.44 million, which Superintendent Bill Beattie said was below the original estimate of $7 million. Officials had previously eliminated items and formed alternates to keep prices down for the project, but the low base bid allows them to put all of the plans back into place.
“Based on the base price, which was $6 million, the added alternates put the final project cost at $6.44 million,” Beattie said. “The plan is for them to be onsite on Oct. 26. The last football game is Oct. 23 and we need to prepare for the demolition process. Our hope is for them to mobilize and start the demolition for the project.”
Plans are to have the fieldhouse ready around December of 2021. The project is among many upgrades the district is making in an effort to combine sporting events at EHS. Among the upgrades are new turf at the multi-purpose athletic field to host football, soccer and track activities and a sports facility boasting the new gym, as well as baseball and softball fields, a new press box and more grandstand seating, and the goal is to improve safety for students and reduce travel to current sites spread throughout the district. The baseball and softball fields are located at Jefferson State Lake near Richmond and track practice and meets and junior high basketball practice have been held at Stanton Elementary in Hammondsville. Expenses are being paid through the 2.1-mill emergency renewal levy, which would generate more than $1,049,000 annually over seven years. In related business, the board increased appropriations in its COPS Project Fund by $8.5 million to cover costs for the gym update.
So far, the site has gained a new track, turf and lighting with bulk excavation starting for the grandstand. Excavation will take place for the main entrance and plaza areas around the grandstand after the last football game, and then the present grandstand will be relocated. Further plans call for putting additional seating to the existing grandstands and a new press box while a new concession stand, locker rooms and restrooms are also on the horizon. Beattie said the latter project should be done in time for the start of track season in March.
In other action, the board:
--Approved the resignation of bus driver Thomas Byers and hired Lori Cronin as a temporary full-time night cleaner at John Gregg Elementary, Matt Herrick as a night building cleaner at Stanton Elementary Beth Bufkin as paraprofessional special education aide at Stanton;
--Approved substitute teachers and staff including Polly Givens, RN; Christopher DiCenzo, integrated math; Carol Slates, grades 1-8 at John Gregg only; Melissa Miles, grades PreK-3; Allison Bertha, Hope Bullard, James Colabelli and Tracie Cole, general education; Marie Highfield, general sub at Stanton only; Kyle Solar, general sub;
--Approved Robyn Timcho on the non-certified sub list for aide/secretary/custodian/NBC/cook;
--Approved supplemental contracts for Tammy Burchfield, Josh Leasure, Shannah Scotch, Jennifer Bahen, Monica Potenzini, Caitlyn Schultz and Angela Smith for Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC); Samantha Science, Learning Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS); mentors Dani Carroll, one year; Kris Turk and Susan Sutton, two years; and Josh Leasure, lead mentor; Leasure as E-CAT coordinator; and Michelle O’Karma, Virtual Learning Academy (VLA);
--Approved bus routes for the 2020-21 school year;
--Entered into a license agreement with affinity Licensing LLC on behalf of Kansas State University;
--Adopted a new drug policy;
--Approved a contract with Jefferson County Juvenile Court for the School Liaison Program;
--Advanced $40,000 from the general fund to athletics;
--Set the next regular meeting for Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Edison High School.