Jefferson County JVS

JVS Welcomes Incoming Juniors at Open House

Posted 4/6/2024 at 1:36:14 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Jefferson County Joint Vocational School welcomed incoming juniors and their families during the annual open house on April 3.

Dozens of families appeared to meet instructors, tour the facility and learn about programs the students plan to attend this fall. The school provides 16 hands-on courses, including animal science management, auto body collision, auto service technology, carpentry, computer network technologies, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operator, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition To Work and welding.

School officials are anticipating its largest junior class to date and were pleased to see people attend the open house for a preview.

“It’s an opportunity for prospective students and their families to come visit our campus, meet their instructors, tour the facility and ask questions,” said Supervisor/Principal Andy Long. “The number of attendants varies from year to year and we were hoping to get at least 200 people.”

“It’s our biggest number of juniors,” added guidance counselor Shellie Henderson, adding that 275 students were expected for enrollment. “Almost every program is full and this is the first year where we’ve had kids on a waiting list. I think everyone understands that career education is the way to go right now.”

Guests also learned about industrial credentials and how the JVS could help their child reach their graduation pathway and Henderson answered questions about College Credit Plus for those interested in carrying on their education at a post-secondary institution.

Students learned about the programs which appealed to them and said they were eager to begin in August.

“When I got the letter, I felt like I got a scholarship,” said James Presley, a student at Toronto High School who plans to attend the welding program. “I really like the atmosphere. When I heard about it, I was interested. I can’t wait to come here.”

Indian Creek High School student Kamryn Wood was weighing her options and viewed the early childhood education classroom, among others.

“I think kids are interesting and I want to learn more here, too,” Wood added.

She noted that the JVS also helps her expand her horizons and get a jumpstart on her career.

Troy Stewart, who serves as business representative for Local 186 Indiana Kentucky Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC) of Youngstown, which also has a site in Steubenville, spoke to students in the carpentry program and said the JVS was a gateway to the future.

“The JVS is a career connection school,” Stewart added, saying it prepared students for the workforce. “They are direct entry into jobs and apprenticeships. It’s a great way to give back to the community and the kids can stay and work here.”

Those who did not attend the open house but have questions may contact Henderson at [email protected].

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School held its annual open house on April 3 and welcomed incoming juniors and their families, who toured the facility, met instructors and learned about what the vocational school had to offer. Pictured is early childhood education aide Tammi Middleton speaking with students and family members about the program and the preschool available onsite.)

JVS Adding Distance Learning Technology

Posted 4/4/2024 at 9:43:59 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is updating technology throughout its facilities for distance learning and modern educational instruction.

Technology Coordinator Ron Peach said installation was underway at the site in Bloomingdale, which will be equipped with interactive television screens and other technology for networking. Earlier this year, the school received $854,842 under the Fiscal Year 2023 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program that is administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. The JVS provided a 15-percent match—or roughly $156,800—for a total of $1,011,647.

The grant will connect the JVS to other educational institutions but also offer high-tech supports for networking. Peach said classrooms and labs can connect to other schools and universities and similar capabilities will be available in the cafeteria and training room.

“We’ve had the equipment for about two or three months and began installing over Easter break,” he added. “The whole purpose is so we can do outreach with other schools and have guest speaker who aren’t even onsite.”

The commons area now features two large screens and two laser projectors as well as cameras, microphones and speakers for online interaction. The system is controlled by a touchscreen panel in the room and the equipment can be used for other events such as school assemblies and senior recognition ceremonies. Peach added that classrooms and labs will also have interactive screens for educational use.

“The culinary arts program partnered with West Virginia Northern Community College’s culinary arts program and will have a guest chef speaking to students while criminal justice will partner with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Cosmetology is partnered with Salon Centric and health technologies will be partnered with St. Louis University School of Medicine,” he continued. “The sheriff’s office and partner schools will get equipment for remote learning while St. Louis University has its own.”

Peach said the installations will continue over summer break and each classroom can take part in distance learning in addition to in-class lessons. The criminal justice classroom already has been outfitted with two 99-inch touchscreen televisions and six speakers and instructor Jamie Freeman plans to take full advantage of the technology to prepare her students for the workforce.

“It’s pretty cool and actually very easy to use,” said Freeman. “The kids really seem to like it.”

The goal is to enhance instruction for students in all academic and vocational programs, from core subjects to the JVS’s 16 hands-on courses: animal science management, auto body collision, auto service technology, carpentry, computer network technologies, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operator, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition To Work and welding.

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is adding new technology after receiving a Fiscal Year 2023 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. The $854,842 grant was combined with provided an estimated $156,800 match by the JVS for a total of more than $1 million and will help enhance education with distance learning and modern instruction. Peach is pictured, at right, with criminal justice instructor Jamie Freeman and the newly installed technology in her program lab.)

Students Medal at FCCLA Competition

Posted 3/26/2024 at 12:24:50 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Early childhood education students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School earned medals during the Region II Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition.

Seven members of the school FCCLA chapter competed in six individual and team categories at the Coshocton County Career Center on March 9 and brought home gold and silver medals for their efforts. Advisor Rebecca Kelley was pleased with the results and said four of them will advance to the Ohio FCCLA State Leadership Conference events in Columbus.

“They did very well,” she said. “There are about 20 schools in the region and several hundred students [at the recent competition].”

Categories included language and literacy, where contestants had to read a book and complete an extension activity; curriculum unit, where competitors completed six lesson plans with children and made a presentation; early childhood education, where contestants created a portfolio and had 20 minutes to prepare a lesson plan and presentation; and lesson presentation, where they chose a theme, prepared a lesson and made a presentation. Medalists included senior Alaina Ensminger, gold, and junior Claire Watkins, silver, for language and literacy; junior Kaley Beebe-Joynson, gold, and senior Shyann Higgins, silver, for curriculum unit; senior Paige Furbee, silver, for early childhood education; and the team of juniors Raeni Kerr and Hannah Sherbondy, gold, for lesson presentation.

Kelley said the top 10 contestants in the state from each region will move on to the Ohio FCCLA Leadership Conference on April 25-26 in Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo in Columbus. Final results were announced March 20 and JVS contenders include Alaina Ensminger and Paige Furbee and the team of Raeni Kerr and Hannah Sherbondy.

“I’m proud of them,” Kelley noted. “They all worked hard and it was a successful time at the regionals.”

(Photo Caption: Seven early childhood education students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School attended the Region II Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition in Coshocton County on March 9 and earned gold and silver medals in their categories while four will head to the state event in Columbus this April. Pictured are, from left, Shyann Higgins, Kaley Beebe-Joynson, Hannah Sherbondy, Raeni Kerr, Alaina Ensminger, Paige Furbee and Claire Watkins.)

JVSBOE Mapping Goals for the Future

Posted 3/20/2024 at 11:12:00 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education is taking preliminary steps to outline its future goals when it comes to educating tomorrow’s workforce.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson unveiled a draft of career-technical planning district (CTPD) vision goals with a plan to be “a caring, innovative, and inspiring career-technical school for all students.”

He shared a list of core values including tradition, diversity and innovation, inclusion and equity, care and compassion, integrity and respect and excellence. Among its goals is to provide high-quality career and technical programs for all students through quality instruction, technology, and high expectations and to serve the students first; to provide improved delivery of services for special education students; provide College Credit Plus courses for the students at JVS; to expand the subdivision at the JVS for the benefit of students in carpentry, electrical trades, heavy equipment and other programs, where applicable; to promote the safety of students, building design utilization and program offerings...by expanding the building; to expand adult education into an Ohio Technical Center service provider; and to use school resources in the most responsible manner for the success of the students.

Dr. Phillipson noted that most of the goals could take place within the next year with the subdivision expansion requiring approval by the county regional planning board and commissioners, followed by approval of contractors by the school board. Meanwhile, the building expansion goal would take three to four years with the passage of a bond issue unless a grant became available. Offerings there could include a health academy to courses for a pole lineman or machine trades. Additionally, the adult education goal would require hiring an administrative position to work exclusively on expanding adult education services to OTC status, accreditation and all associated services.

It concluded with keys to success, which include communication and collaboration between the board, administration, community stakeholders and staff on a shared vision; policies and governance by collaborating with the board to implement a shared vision and move the district forward toward goals; instruction to promote high achievement for all students by analyzing data and reviewing research-based best practices for curriculum design and instruction; and resources by supporting instruction, time, technology and services for the benefit of students and staff.

Dr. Phillipson also elaborated on the courses, saying the health academy could offer state-tested nurse’s aide (STNA) and similar classes for juniors while seniors could select their pathways.

“They could go into nursing or pharmacy tech and you’d move on to the senior year for their path,” he said.

Officials said there may be other suggestions made to the plan and they could discuss it further.

“[Board President Steve Bezak III] and I talked,” said board vice president Ron Smyth. “I feel as a board we can use this as a basis. If this needs to be modified, we need to make everybody aware. One thing that was mentioned was first responders, and I think there’s a void out there for firemen and EMT’s. We can start thinking about it. We’ve got a baseline down and I think we can work from it.”

Bezak said discussion could continue as a board or in committees which would then come together with the same vision.

“I think this is the beginning of it,” he added.

Following more discussion, the board agreed to review it further and talk again next month.

Leaders then heard an update on enrollment for the next year, which is expected to increase substantially for the junior class. Dr. Phillipson said 270 juniors and 171 seniors were anticipated to attend for the 2024-25 school term, showing an increase of about 60 juniors on the roster.

“It’s a good problem to have to try to squeeze in schedules,” he said.

Supervisor/Principal Andy Long noted that an open house and parent-teacher conference night was set for April 3 from 3:15-6:15 p.m. and would allow incoming students and their families to view the facilities and meet instructors.

Among other action, the board:

--Heard from Reno Contipelli, northeast regional manager for the Ohio School Boards Association, who presented a Distinguished Board Member certificate to Bezak for 10 years of service on the board. Contipelli added that plans were in the works to meet in the area since many of the local counties had to travel more than an hour to Cleveland. The group will include the executive director, legislative lobbyist and membership;

--Toured the modular home constructed by the carpentry program, which included assistance from electrical trades students and professionals. Instructor Dave Lucas said flooring, cabinets and other work was still needed but the structure should be complete by the end of the current school year;

--Agreed to post positions for an English instructor and math and science intervention specialists;

--Hired Lou DeChristopher was hired as a part-time building cleaner;

--Approved a $3,237 payment to Vincent Dowdle and Associates, LLC, for the Breezewood Manor Addition survey;

--Approved the paving, sealing and striping of two areas by Blackie & Son Excavating and Paving for $23,283.75;

--Approved the purchase of an adult simulator from Gaumard for the health technologies program at a cost of $65,492. The apparatus will be funded through a grant from the Mary Jane Brooks Charitable Trust;

--Approved a memorandum of understanding with Belmont College for College Credit Plus;

--Set the next meeting for April 16 at 5 p.m.

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School carpentry instructor Dave Lucas, at left, led school board members on a tour of the modular home under construction by his students and said it should be completed by the end of the current school year. Lucas is pictured with board member William Hendricks, at center, and JVS Supervisor/Principal Andy Long.)

Podcasters Earn Sixth Place

Posted 3/19/2024 at 10:09:35 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Multimedia and design students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School made the top 10 during the state Business Professionals of America (BPA) competition on March 7. The podcast team earned sixth place in their category after competing against youth from across Ohio at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. MAD instructor Cody LaRue said he was proud of their effort and the podcasting program is continuing to grow, while students are working to better themselves as multimedia professionals. Pictured are, from left, Jarryn Hill, Lance Thornton, Jason Nutter and Kevin Campos.

Students Obtain Dispatcher Certification

Posted 3/18/2024 at 8:11:24 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Jefferson County Joint Vocational School criminal justice students obtained their NECC Telecommunicator Basic Dispatching certification after completing a 40-hour course, using a dispatch station and spending 20 hours answering calls. Instructor Jamie Freeman said it was part of their work-based learning and they also obtain points toward graduation. Pictured are, from left, juniors Skylar Lathem, Hana Summers, Arrieonna Dorn and Chase Moodie while Colleen Miles was absent from the photo.

Students Find Sources of Strength at JVS

Posted 2/27/2024 at 11:52:06 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Students are finding a connection with each other and their school through one organization at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

Sources of Strength (SoS) is a global mental health and suicide prevention initiative and students serve as peer leaders spreading hope, help and strength. The JVS established an organization last spring and junior and senior members were nominated to participate by staff members. They underwent training to understand how they can support teens facing physical, emotional and mental health issues and thoughts of suicide and the goal of the outreach is to spread positivity and share resources so those in need get help. Since being formed, members created a bulletin board and a community table in the cafeteria, supported the Sandy Hook Promise with “Say Hello Week” and initiated ideas for the 2023-24 school year. Most recent projects included a duct tape fundraiser and sales of Christmas Candy Cane Grams plus roses, suckers and box hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Supervisor/Assistant Principal Gabrielle Wilson and mental health counselor Don Ogden are co-advisors of the group and said the peer leaders are dedicated to leaving their mark of joy and belonging at the JVS.

“The program is about finding a way to focus on strength and joy and to spread your strength and joy to others so they can find their own,” Wilson said. “Last year’s group took a leadership role and did an emotional dive. The training brought out their struggles and this year’s group has put their ideas into action.”

She said SoS held candy gram fundraisers and students paid $1 to duct tape special education aide Jamie Spencer to a wall, and plans are in the works to hold a Color Bash miniature color run this spring on campus. All of the proceeds will fund future activities and Wilson said the organization’s efforts have gained positive feedback from students and staff members alike.

Ogden said it has also given students an opportunity to get the support they need in trying times.

“I think the outreach has brought awareness, and we’re aware and do things to reach out to the students in need,” he added. “The Sources of Strength students have done a good job helping others make a connection and it reduces incidents of self-harm and suicide. The members have shown a lot of courage and compassion and that they are willing to take that role and be a resource for other students in need.”

Seth Bowman and Jason Nutter respectively serve as president and vice president with Alexis Knight as secretary and Brooke Scharfenberg as treasurer, while Scharfenberg will also serve as president next year. Officials said the membership has doubled since SoS was created and it currently includes Jessica Phillips, Faith Stewart, Matthew Barnes, Kevin Campos, Noah Crawford, Gabriella Diaz, Ella Fray, Ronald Hawthorne, Maggie Saho, Serenity Edwards, Blake Miller, Riley Stine, Katelynn Mavromatis, Madison Cost, Lexas Lashhorn and Lily Larkins. Plans are also set to recruit juniors over the next month to carry on SoS’s mission.

Bowman, a senior in the computer networking technologies program, and Nutter, a senior in the multimedia and design program, said the activities build a sense of community within the school.

“The group is a collective of students that tries to encourage fun and positivity, as well as to connect people in companionship,” said Bowman. “I think it’s gone very well. People have responded well very well and it seems like it’s making many people happier.”

Nutter agreed that it provides something positive for everyone.

“People have fun and seem to enjoy it a lot. They have more school spirit or feel connected to the school,” he commented. “I think the closer we work with the organization, the clearer the mission is to spread strength.”

More ideas include a “Rock, Paper, Scissors” contest around St. Patrick’s Day and an Eastertime egg hunt to win prizes, including Talon Tokens to earn goodies from the Transition To Work program’s Soaring Eagle Café.

(Photo Caption: Sources of Strength (SoS) was established at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School last spring to provide peer leaders and spread joy and strength throughout the school. The current membership has doubled to about 20 juniors and seniors and one of their fundraisers was duct taping a staff member to the wall. Pictured are, front from left, Ella Fray, Jessica Phillips, Annabelle Fischer, Kevin Campos and Ronald Hawthorne. Back: Co-Advisor Don Ogden, Serenity Edwards, Matthew Barnes, Jason Nutter, Riley Stine, JVS Assistant Principal and co-advisor Gabrielle Wilson, Gabriella Diaz, Riley Stine, Faith Stewart, Seth Bowman, Maggie Sabo, special education aide Jamie Spencer and Lexas Lashhorn.)

JVS Considers Revamping Building

Posted 2/22/2024 at 2:01:09 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School may get a new look as officials consider revamping the building.

During Tuesday’s regular session, Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson said he attended an Ohio Facilities Commission meeting last week and he was eying improvements to the front area of the building for safety purposes. In addition to altering the entrance, he had several ideas including adding space for new programs, moving current programs and moving the front office. He then asked board members for their thoughts on speaking with an architect.

Dr. Phillipson said one possibility was relocating the Crestview Inn Café, which is operated through the culinary arts program. He said patrons of the restaurant either use the front entrance or access the rear of the building where the eatery is currently located. He said by moving that site, it could improve accessibility and ease some security issues.

“We have difficult access for people to come eat. Maybe if we move the space and use [the current space] for classrooms. People have an issue with coming through the front of the building or going through the back.”

Board member Toni Dondzila wondered if it was a safety issue and talks ensued. Dr. Phillipson said it basically was a matter of access, then opined that moving the café would also provide it with brand-new amenities such as kitchen. The present restaurant recently completed upgrades to the dining area, including flooring, windows, doors, furniture and cabinetry. It also hosted the evening’s meeting with students preparing and serving dinner to officials in a belated celebration of School Board Appreciation Month, which was held in January.

Following more discussion, Dr. Phillipson was reviewing it further.

“We want to look at improving the safety out there and to change the front entrance for getting into the building,” he later said. “We’re looking at moving offices in the main building and looking a possibly adding classrooms to our program.”

In other business, Dr. Phillipson updated the board approaching the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission with plans to expand residences in the Breezewood Subdivision. He said preliminary drawings were nearly complete and he would approach officials with ideas to expand the Cul de sac and add 10 more homes to the area which would be constructed by students. Carpentry, electrical trades and now heavy equipment students could build the new houses with some involvement by professionals for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, health technologies instructor Tammy Sismondo and several of her students highlighted the board on recent happenings in the program. Sismondo said the Health Occupations of America (HOSA) Future Health Professionals regional competition which was set for Buckeye Career Center the previous weekend had been canceled due to inclement weather, but students excelled on the written portion and several earned top spots. She noted that the CPR teams placed first, second and third while the nurse assisting students tied for first place and a junior was second. Others earned first through fourth place in their respective categories and the group is looking to move on to the state event in Columbus this spring.

Senior health tech students Natalie Cost, Ashley Brown, Zoe Board and Lexas Lashhorn also discussed their trip to the HOSA Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., this fall along with classmate Serenity Edwards, who was absent from the meeting. The students led a presentation and spoke about meeting officials, attending conferences and touring the nation’s capital during their stay.

“It was a really amazing experience,” said Cost. “You made it possible for us.”

“It had people from New York [to] Florida,” added Brown. “It was interesting to see the diversity.”

Lashhorn said they attended conferences and toured Washington, which she enjoyed.

“We met a whole lot of people and I just enjoyed exploring Washington, D.C.,” she commented. “It was an amazing opportunity.”

Board mentioned they visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, took night tours and saw a host of places.

“We rode buses to see around D.C. and visited the Martin Luther King Jr. statue, the Washington Monument and the Korean War Memorial. It was a very eye-opening experience.”

They were also thankful to Sismondo and the board for the opportunities they have received through the JVS. The board members were impressed with the presentation and noted their enthusiasm that the students would be future health care providers.

“We’re very proud of you,” said board member Ron Smyth. “This is what our kids are doing...and it’s outstanding.”

At the conclusion, the board briefly ventured into the health tech lab where students showed them the high-tech Anatomage table they received last year to learn their skills. The table comes complete with programs on various systems within the body and gives pupils a close-up view of nerves, organs and injuries to help prepare them for a career.

(Photo Caption: Health technologies students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School addressed officials during the regular school board meeting on Tuesday. The students highlighted their trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual HOSA Leadership Academy and viewed the program’s anatomage table which gives a closer look at the human body and its systems. Pictured is senior Lexas Lashhorn reviewing the high-tech equipment with board members Barry Gullen, Ron Smythe, Ruth Anne Bruzzese, Toni Dondzila, Barbara Cunningham and Kim Mark. Dondzila and Mark are slightly obscured in the photo and board President Steve Bezak III is not shown.)

Stylin’

Posted 2/16/2024 at 3:28:43 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Zoe Truax, a senior in the cosmetology program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, gives a trim to JVS Board of Education President Steve Bezak III as instructor Brianne Schoolcraft looks on during client day at the school. Cosmetology students provide haircuts, shampoo and styling, updos, root touch-ups, highlights, balayage, perms, facials, lip and eyebrow waxing and makeup application, manicures and nail art to paraffin hand dips, while prices range from $5 to $30 and up. The newly remodeled salon is open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 1509 County Highway 22A in Bloomingdale. To make an appointment, call (740) 264-5545, Extension 402.

JVS Students Learn about Driver Safety

Posted 2/6/2024 at 12:07:09 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School learned the importance of staying safe behind wheel following a special presentation on Jan. 26.

The school’s Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), which includes students in the early childhood education program, hosted a presentation by representatives of State Farm Insurance and the Ohio State Highway Patrol and conducted exercises using simulation goggles to depict intoxication. Advisor and ECE instructor Becky Kelley said the event was made possible through Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety (FACTS) grants.

“We got two grants, one for each chapter,” Kelley said, adding that the junior and senior groups each received a $1,250 allocation for safety programs. “The first was for impaired driving and [State Farm Agent] Casie Johnson attended with Katie Rawson and Rebecca Blankenship and Trooper Josh O’Donnell of the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Wintersville. They basically had a presentation on ‘See Something, Say Something’ and the dangers of impaired driving.”

About 50 students in the ECE, animal science and criminal justice programs then had a chance to wear impairment goggles to simulate states of intoxication. The eyewear altered their vision and made tasks difficult to complete, such as stacking cups, tossing a ball, walking on a balance beam and completing an obstacle course under Trooper O’Donnell’s supervision. Criminal justice students also addressed the importance of seat belts and conducted a seat belt challenge where teams of four people raced to buckle up the quickest. Kelley said it was a fun learning experience.

“They had a lot of fun and it sparked an interest in seatbelts. We might do a school-wide challenge with a presentation on seatbelts when the weather improves.”

Alaina Ensminger and Paige Furbee, seniors in the ECE program, agreed that they learned a lot through the event.

“It taught us the impact of how hard a car hits when you crash and the dangers of eating and talking on the phone [behind the wheel,” said Ensminger.

“It taught us that anything can happen and you shouldn’t drive while distracted,” Furbee added. “The littlest thing can cause an accident and if you are not paying attention, another driver can hit you.”

This was the fourth year the FCCLA obtained the grants and the school chapters previously used FACTS and other grants to spotlight vehicle and seatbelt safety. FACTS is a national FCCLA peer education program to support the enforcement of local rules and regulations regarding community traffic safety and State Farm Insurance is a grant sponsor.

(Photo Caption: Pictured are, from left, Alaina Ensminger and Paige Furbee, seniors in the early childhood education program and members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, completing an obstacle course while wearing impairment goggles to depict states of intoxication. A safety presentation was held Jan. 26 and included animal science and criminal justice students as well as officials with State Farm Insurance and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Wintersville post.)

Crestview Inn Ready for Lenten Season

Posted 2/6/2024 at 10:12:07 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Crestview Inn Café is getting ready to relaunch for the Lenten season and provide delicious meals for the public.

The student-run eatery based at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School in Bloomingdale will officially reopen on Feb. 15 and 16 with weekly Fish Fry Fridays also available for takeout.

Culinary arts instructor Glen Zalenski said dry runs were being held Feb. 8 and 9, but the dining room will be fully operational on Feb. 15 and 16 and will then be open each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Lenten menu features tuna fish salad, fish filet sandwich, tuna melt, pasta marinara, fish filet dinner and popcorn shrimp dinner and prices range from $6 to $11. Among the sides are French fries, onion rings, cole slaw, side salad, hush puppies, the vegetable of the day and soup, plus homemade dessert from cream to crusted pies and cheesecake will be offered. Zalenski said dishes will change on the menu over time.

“We may add meals. As the students get more accustomed, the menu will expand and change.”

Nine students will man the restaurant and perform serving and cooking duties, plus there are some special additions to the venue.

“At the end of the month, we’ll bring our Espresso and Cappuccino machine in and have fresh coffee by grinding our own beans,” he added. “We upgraded our beverage section and can serve desserts in the dining room since we have a refrigerator, plus we redid the point of sales system.”

The restaurant will also showcase its newly remodeled space after receiving new carpeting, furniture, cabinets, equipment, windows and door after completing an estimated $30,000 upgrade. Contractors for the project included Cattrell Companies, Inc., of Toronto with flooring from Smitty’s Wholesale Carpet Warehouse of Steubenville, furnishings and equipment from National Equipment Co. of Wheeling and windows by Steubenville Plate and Window Glass Corp and work began over the summer.

Dine in and takeout are available for both the regular menu and the annual Fish Fry Fridays that start on Feb. 16. The latter dinners are served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and cost $11. They include fried fish or popcorn shrimp, French fries or onion rings, hush puppies, cole slaw or tossed salad, bread and tartar or cocktail sauce.

Zalenski said the fish frys have been consistently more successful and he hoped to see it grow even more this year.

Takeout orders can be picked up at the restaurant in the rear of the building. Both reservations for small groups and orders can be made by calling (740) 264-5545, Ext. 602.

(Photo Caption: The Crestview Inn Café at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will fully relaunch on Feb. 15 and offer a Lenten menu three days a week in addition to the annual Fish Fry Fridays. The restaurant runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with fish fry orders starting at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations, orders and information, call (740) 264-5545, Ext. 602. Pictured are Brandon Garcia and Sharolyn Brooks cutting mushrooms in the foreground and Bronc Talley readying onions in the back.)

Health Tech Adding High-Tech Equipment

Posted 1/31/2024 at 9:24:47 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The health technologies program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is adding some high-tech equipment to make student learning even more realistic.

The program recently received a $65,371 grant from the Mary Jane Brooks Charitable Trust and plans to use the windfall to procure a HAL nursing patient simulator. The lifelike mannequin features programs to mimic a variety of conditions and students can practice EKG, blood pressure, pulse and respirations, plus they can perform CPR and obtain feedback from the machine.

“Students can learn to recognize problems including acute sepsis, atrial fibrillation, COPD exacerbation, opioid overdose, diabetic ketoacidosis and a pulmonary embolism,” she continued. “These are all learning experiences for the students.”

The simulator is wireless and fully responsive, giving Sismondo’s pupils real-world experiences as they prepare for careers in the health field.

“The purpose of the simulator is to inspire patient outcomes for everyone. It’s an excellent learning tool for the students and they will receive safe and effective learning opportunities in a safe environment,” Sismondo said. “They will learn to give direct patient care. Hopefully by practicing, they will learn to recognize and be proactive when they are caring for patients.”

It is the second time the program has benefitted from the charitable trust organization since gaining $71,000 in 2022 for an Anatomage table in the lab. The six-foot-long table features a dual touchscreen surface which gives students a 3-D view of the various organs and system functions of the human body, plus users can view more than 1,300 clinical cases from brain aneurysms to tumors as well as X-rays and virtual autopsies. It also includes quizzes and games as well as images of animals that can be used for instruction in the animal science program. Additionally, officials acquired a large television screen to project the images and the equipment includes curriculum to aid instruction.

Sismondo was thankful for the allocation and hoped to have the HAL simulator by the end of the school year.

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s health technologies program will have a new high-tech tool on hand after receiving more than $63,000 from the Mary Jane Brooks Charitable Trust for a HAL nursing patient simulator. The lifelike mannequin will feature programs to mimic health conditions and communicate with students. It is the second such grant the school has gained, the first being for an Anatomage table to obtain a 3-D view of the human body. Pictured with the table are, from left, juniors Natily Stiltner, Alexis Kight, Katie Mavromatis, Journey West and Sofia Allen.)

JVSBOE Holds Final Meeting of 2023

Posted 12/27/2023 at 12:24:44 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education wound things down with the final meeting of 2023.

During its Dec. 19 session, the board filled the last space for the adult education program with the hiring of Carole Dunfee as part-time receptionist. Dunfee received a one-year limited contract beginning on Jan. 9 and replaces Aubri Waggoner, who recently succeeded longtime program coordinator Rich Wilinski following his resignation in October.

Waggoner, who was hired at the November meeting, is a familiar face at the JVS after holding various substitute staff positions through the years. Wilinski had recommended her for the coordinator’s post and said she would bring fresh ideas and more public involvement in adult ed classes. On a related note, the board accepted the list of instructors, courses and hours for the 2024 Winter Term beginning on Jan. 16 and agreed to advertise classes in the local media.

Among other action, the board:

--Heard the school has been conducting safety drills, including tabletop scenarios and fire drills;

--Watched a video on Sources of Strength, a teen-based organization started at the school with members nominated by teachers. It is a universal suicide prevention program which combines adult advisors with peer leaders to empower fellow students. It builds positive influences to reduce the likelihood of suicide but also touches upon bullying, violence and substance abuse;

--Heard from Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson that a stakeholder’s meeting was held Dec. 11 to work towards Perkins Grant funding for the next two years;

--Approved Animal Science instructor Emily Moore to be moved from Class IV to Class V with the treasurer to place on appropriate step, based on letter and completion of college credit;

--Approved Melissa Zifzal on a teacher contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year;

--Approved payment to instructor Andrew Connor for a financial literacy course;

--Approved a change to the classified salary grid for cashier, clerk receptionist, and students due to Ohio’s minimum wage increase;

--Approved the purchase of a video wall package from Brightlink for the cafeteria/commons area;

--Accepted a donation from Earl Trikones for the welding program;

--Named board President Steve Bezak III as President Pro Tempore to oversee the organizational meeting on Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. with the regular session to immediately follow.

JVS Blood Drive Yields Successful Draw

Posted 11/2/2023 at 11:37:59 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The latest blood drive at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School was a successful draw, yielding more than 50 registered donors on Halloween.

In-school and community members gathered at the health technologies lab on Oct. 31 to help others in their time of great need as the health tech program and American Red Cross collaborated on the event. Program students registered and assisted donors while Red Cross medical personnel oversaw the collection. In the end, the viable blood was taken to the Red Cross’s Johnstown facility to be processed and sent to hospitals. Organizers said the current need was critical and every bit made a difference.

“We had 53 registered,” said senior health tech student Caitlyn Hager, who coordinated the blood drive. “The purpose of the blood drive is to get students and people in the community to give blood because there’s a critical shortage right now.”

She said the donations remained steady throughout the day and officials hoped to obtain as many units as possible to build a supply. Program instructor Tammy Sismondo said the volunteer response was larger than previous events.

“It’s probably the most we’ve had,” Sismondo said. “We had a great number of signups from the public and the students.”

Among them were first-time and repeat donors, with one giving nearly three-dozen times. Brian Jung of Carrollton said he has rolled up his sleeve 32 times because his blood can help many people.

“I have O-negative and CMV-negative blood, so I can give to babies and AIDS and cancer patients,” Jung said. “I get a lot of calls to give blood and I try to do it regularly.”

Zoe Board, a senior in the health tech program, said she has given three times because she wants to help.

“I thought it was fun to watch people and know that giving blood can save somebody,” she said. “I donated to help my brother’s Boy Scout leader who has leukemia. It’s for a good cause. It’s a good thing to give and know you are going to help people.”

“It helps people and saves lives,” commented Autumn Brown, a senior criminal justice student and three-time contributor.

First-timers Connor Gotschall, Mia Myers, Danielle Howard and Ryan Scott agreed it was a great thing to do.

“I wanted to do it last year,” said Gotschall, a senior in the auto service program. “I feel good. You can help somebody who needs it.”

“I wanted to have the opportunity to help someone because they need it,” added Myers, a junior in the electrical trades program.

“It’s something new,” added Howard, who is a junior in the criminal justice program at JVS. She said she liked helping others.

“I did it because I thought it would be fun,” noted Scott, a senior criminal justice student.

In addition to filling the need, graduating health tech students are eligible to receive American Red Cross scholarships. The program has hosted biannual collections until COVID preempted efforts in 2020, but the campaign was restarted last year. Organizers said at least one more collection is being eyed in 2024.

(Photo Caption: Ryan Scott, a senior in the criminal justice program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, does his part to help by donating during a Halloween blood drive in the health technologies lab. More than 50 people registered to donate and organizers said it was one of their most successful yet, while at least one more campaign is eyed in the new year.)

Cleanup Work

Posted 10/20/2023 at 11:45:25 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Heavy equipment operation students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School do their part to help clean up the property following an electrical project. The school is planning to add a lighted sign at its entrance and the HEO pupils backfilled the trench they dug for utility lines, plus they added topsoil for the restoration. Pictured are, from left, Robert Stewart, Logan Cline and David Ketchum.

JVS FFA Team Places Fourth at Nationals

Posted 9/20/2023 at 2:21:31 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Jefferson County Joint Vocational School students are celebrating a fourth-place win following a national FFA competition.

The school’s FFA Veterinary Science Team earned honors at the 2023 FFA Days event in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 15-17, where they competed against 18 other states at the Massachusetts State Fair known as “The Big E.” Advisor Emily Moore joined members Mekenzie Everhart, Madison Brown and Alexis Smith at the regular JVS Board of Education meeting on Tuesday to share the good news while fellow teammate Trinity McGilton was not in attendance.

It was the team’s first foray to the nationals after gaining second place at the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Competition this spring in Columbus. Moore, who also instructs the animal science management program at JVS, said the team joined other second-place winners from across the nation in individual and team contests on such topics as equipment and breed identification, skills demonstration and written and math exams. The scores were then combined to determine overall totals.

“I took four girls and they competed in the veterinary science competition, and they did very well,” Moore told officials. “We all had a really great experience.”

Everhart, Brown and Smith highlighted activities and said they were excited to not only attend but also earn a top spot.

“We started with a math exam,” said Everhart. “We moved on to parasites, breeds and veterinary equipment identification and then a team activity [on] horse wellness. Then there was a written exam and we had to answer 50 questions in 30 minutes.”

“On Saturday, we went to the awards and found out we got fourth out of 18 states,” added Smith.

“We went to the fair and competed, and we also got to see the Budweiser Clydesdales, go to shops and view animals,” commented Brown.

The teammates even spent time in town and said it was the first time most of them rode in an airplane. Board members congratulated Moore and the team and praised them for their accomplishments. The students also noted that Everhart, Smith and McGilton, who respectively attend Edison, Toronto and Catholic Central, planned to be vet techs while Brown, who also attends Edison, was looking to become a dog groomer.

“We’re really proud of you,” Vice President Ron Smyth told Moore. “Each year, the doors are bulging with people wanting to get into the program, and that’s a testament to you.”

Moore replied that other than being a veterinary technician, she has thoroughly enjoyed being a teacher and working with her remarkable students.

“I really enjoy my job. There are great teaching moments and mine is teaching these kids,” she said. “They practiced over the summer and gave up their time to prepare. They were the only team from Ohio [to attend].”

JVS Supervisor/Principal Andy Long, who also attended the competition, was pleased to see the team receive honors.

“I’m truly proud of their accomplishment and they represented the school very well,” he said.

Among other matters:

--Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson noted that enrollment was holding steady at about 380 students with 202 juniors and 178 seniors; Long said he liked the numbers but hoped to increase them and was looking for ideas to generate interest;

--The board learned that renovations were still underway with mirrors to be installed in the cosmetology program’s salon and windows for the culinary arts’ Crestview Inn Restaurant while an espresso/cappuccino machine and other equipment were approved for the latter;

--Dr. Phillipson planned to contact a company to discuss further drawings for the Breezewood Subdivision housing development and set a meeting with the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission to begin taking steps in building more homes;

--Long said Catherine Bosley and NAMI representatives recently spoke to students about social media dangers and mental health, which spurred an uptick in students seeking mental health resources and counseling at the school;

--Officials accepted the resignation of building cleaner Anthony Council and hired Tina Wells as part-time cleaner for the current school year;

--The board appointed James Mills to the Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC) to replace teacher Tamela Marshall;

--Leaders added Ken Herron to the substitute teachers’ list;

--The board adopted permanent appropriations for $14,931,550.59;

--The board approved a contract with the Jefferson County Juvenile Court for school liaison services from Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024;

--Officials approved the installation of security window film from Clearview Tinting for $22,857 and electric service to a new sign by TS Electric for $3,928;

--Leaders approved a field trip for 34 students to the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference in Columbus on Nov. 9-10;

--The board learned that terms were expiring on Dec. 31 for members Ruth Anne Bruzzese, William Hendricks and Kim Mark and the Steubenville and Indian Creek school boards would be notified to make appointments/reappointments to the respective posts

(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School FFA Veterinary Science Team gained fourth place at the national FFA contest in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 15-17. Pictured are, from left, FFA Advisor Emily Moore with members Trinity McGilton, Mekenzie Everhart, Alexis Smith and Madison Brown.)

MAD Program Streaming News Programs

Posted 9/19/2023 at 9:44:51 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will be on the air as the multimedia and design program begins streaming daily news broadcasts over the next week.

Instructor Cody LaRue said WJVS reports start around 8 a.m. and can be seen on the Jefferson County JVS YouTube page. Each day, student anchors will present reports on school activities to keep the school and community abreast of JVS happenings. The anchors will be members of student organizations and will rotate on a regular basis.

LaRue said his students are involved in other aspects of the broadcast, including production and design. They include Anna Harper, Riley Stine, Thomas Burch and Matthew Barnes on cameras; Kevin Campos, Jason Nutter and Adam McCloud on master controls; Jarryn Hill and Lance Thornton, audio production; Lance Thornton, Emma Long, Kalvin Weaver, Jason Nutter, Gabriella Diaz, Jarryn Hill and Kevin Campos, design; and Gabriella Diaz, Adam McCloud, Alex Carothers and Chris Corona, news directors.

“We will livestream the broadcast news and there will be new things from the school. The whole school is going to be involved and the student organizations will be anchors from week to week. We are producing and doing everything inhouse.”

Reports will run from five to 10 minutes and highlight happenings throughout the school, such as programs and events. The broadcasts will be stored on playlists while podcasts from the last two seasons plus videos are also archived on the YouTube page.

“This is something we’ve been working towards and I’ve done broadcasts in the past, but now we have a new OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) system that is used for streamers and we can still maintain professional production value,” LaRue said.

Several of his students are excited about the opportunity and said it will prepare them for their future careers.

“I love it,” said senior Kevin Campos. “I love getting to learn the OBS and getting real-world experience. This is something I want to do in my career, so this is very helpful.”

“I’m excited to work with the audioboard. That’s something I want to do in the future,” added senior Jarryn Hill.

“I like the responsibility and pressure of working live,” added senior Jason Nutter. “It’s a real-world situation.”

(Photo Caption: Students in the multimedia and design program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School prepare to go live with their WJVS news broadcast. Brief reports will be livestreamed daily to highlight school happenings and can be viewed on the Jefferson County JVS YouTube page.)

Wired up

Posted 9/19/2023 at 9:37:42 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Electrical trades students added CCTV cabling and power for cameras and lights on the flagpole outside the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. The project began last year with the installation of conduit and assistance from the heavy equipment operation program. Pictured are electrical trades instructor Buddy Davis with seniors Kevin Daugherty, Ashley Newman and Brent Rayburn.

Tech Support

Posted 9/18/2023 at 9:39:19 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Charles Johnston (seated) and Landon Sgalla (standing), both seniors in the computer networking technology (CNT) program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, gain some work experience by assisting JVS Technical Coordinator Ron Peach in the school’s computer lab. Peach said the pupils were offering a little tech support with projects. CNT students earn certifications in computer support, network support and computer network repairs through the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology industry, and graduates can go on to work in a variety of careers from PC technician and computer network specialists to IT project managers.

FFA Team Heading to Nationals This Week

Posted 9/11/2023 at 1:19:04 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Four members of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School FFA Veterinary Science Team are heading to Springfield, Mass., this week to compete in a national competition.

Trinity McGilton, Mekenzie Everhart, Madison Brown and Alexis Smith will travel to the commonwealth this Thursday for the 2023 FFA Days. Events will be held Sept. 15-17 with awards given on Saturday evening, then the group will return home Sunday. Emily Moore, JVS animal science management program instructor and chapter advisor, said it was the first time the group attending after taking second place at the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Competition in Columbus this spring.

“It starts with an online exam in March and they have to place within the top 150 in Ohio,” Moore explained. “Then we went to the state competition at the end of April.”

About 900 students attended that event to complete demonstrations and showcase their knowledge. A total of 46 teams and 129 students were on hand and the JVS chapter performed admirably with only one week of preparation, ultimately qualifying for the national contest. This week’s activities will take place at the Massachusetts State Fair, which is known as “The Big E,” and Moore said second-place winners from across the country will be in attendance. Individual and team events will be held with all of the scores later combined for final totals.

“It’s a combination of a written test, a math test, equipment, parasite and breed identification and demonstrating skills. The team competition is to problem solve or veterinary clinic situation,” she commented.

Fundraisers were held to help defray costs for the trip, such as accepting donations during grooming services over a two-week period. She and JVS Supervisor/Principal Andy Long will chaperone the trip and she said the students were thrilled to take part.

“They are really excited,” she added. “They also get to spend time at the state fair.”

Several of the students concurred.

“I’m really excited because the college I’m interested in attending is aware of it,” said McGilton, who is a senior at Catholic Central High School. “It’s very exciting and I’m very nervous.”

She added that she hopes to one day work in the veterinary field.

“It’s a very exciting and awesome opportunity,” noted Everhart, who attends Edison High School and plans to become a dog groomer after graduation.

Both say team members have been busy studying and preparing for their turn on the national stage.

“Our team is a good team and we all support each other,” said McGilton.

“We all worked hard for it,” Everhart concluded.

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School animal science management students who placed second at the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Competition in Columbus this spring will now head to a national FFA contest in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 15-17. FFA members, pictured from left, are Madison Brown, Trinity McGilton, Mekenzie Everhart and Alexis Smith will take part in individual and team activities with teams from across the country at the Massachusetts State Fair, which is known as The Big E.)

JVS Instructor Attends 3M Training

Posted 8/24/2023 at 11:14:05 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Jefferson County Joint Vocational School instructor Russell Achhammer received an education of his own during a 3M Collision Repair Instructor Training in Minnesota this summer.

Achhammer, who has taught the auto body collision program at JVS for the past six years, was among 15 instructors from across the United States who attended the four-day Collision Repair Academy in St. Paul in early August. Daylong sessions were conducted at the 3M Headquarters and led by company instructors.

Each summer, 3M invites a group of collision repair educators to the headquarters and two sessions were conducted on July 24-27 and July 27-Aug. 3. Achhammer learned about the program through the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), a nonprofit organization within the automotive collision industry which recognizes the importance for more students to fill staffing shortage needs. CREF supports collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities.

Achhammer submitted his application and was confirmed in May to join the latter session. The company covered course fees for qualified technical school instructors that included meals, lodging and transportation within the Twin Cities. Achhammer said the program included a blend of classroom discussion and hands-on training and he learned new methods in the field to better prepare the future workforce.

“It was awesome to interact with people from around the country and a lot of it was modern techniques and procedures,” he said.

The training program focuses on foundational body repair processes which underpin original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures in order to restore a collision-damaged vehicle back to an acceptable state of crashworthiness. The instructors use practical hands-on training that reinforces and demonstrates key concepts, supported by occasional classroom theory and discussion. Throughout the training, attendees are instructed in the ‘why’ behind modern repair methods and techniques so that they can absorb and retain practices that may vary from the way things have been done for the last 30 years.

Training topics include best practices in the areas of body repair tools and application techniques; panel removal and replacement; welding; corrosion protection techniques; aluminum substrate repair; dent repair methodology; paint preparation and masking; and paint finishing. The academy is open to instructors who teach autobody collision repair and who are well-respected leaders of their organizations. In addition to the training, the groups also toured the 3M Innovation Center.

Achhammer intends to share his new-found knowledge with his students, which includes 16 juniors and seniors.

“It was amazing and very worthwhile to go,” he concluded.

(Photo Cutline: Russell Achhammer, auto body collision program instructor at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, was one of 15 people from across the country who took part in a training session this summer at 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. Achhammer will share new methods of the trade with his students to prepare them for the workforce.)

JVS Bids Farewell to Treasurer

Posted 7/19/2023 at 12:18:44 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education bid farewell to longtime treasurer Karen Spoonemore, who conducted her final session on Tuesday.

Spoonemore is retiring on July 31 after 31 years of service and received congratulations and cupcakes for her last meeting. Board members thanked her for her dedication to the school and children through the years and she was modest about the conclusion of her tenure, simply saying she couldn't believe it was happening. Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson also wished her well in her future.

"She has done a great job for the school and I think she placed her heart in her work," he said.

Spoonemore will remain as a consultant through October as incoming treasurer Marcy Thompson transitions into the role.

Meanwhile, the board's agenda continued with topics ranging from the upcoming renewal levy to ongoing projects at the site. Officials discussed the levy at the June meeting but formally passed a resolution to place the 0.5-mill measure on the Nov. 7 general election ballot at the latest gathering. The levy is expected to generate $877,000 annually over the next 10 years starting in 2024 and will cover current expenses, purchases and/or replacement of tools, equipment, repairs, renovations, building reconstruction and related appurtenances.

Leaders also discussed upgrades occurring in the building, including an estimated $294,490 renovation of the cosmetology lab with new stations, flooring, countertops, paint and a few design modifications in the salon. Buckeye Field Maintenance, Inc., of Bloomingdale is overseeing the project and Dr. Phillipson said a $20,000 change order was approved for asbestos removal and overtime to complete the project in August.

The culinary arts program is also undergoing improvements at the Crestview Inn Restaurant with new carpeting, furniture, cabinets, equipment, windows and a door set at the site. The board approved a declaration of urgent necessity to complete the work and Dr. Phillipson hoped to see it finished over the next month. The total cost is more than $30,000 with work being performed by Cattrell Companies, Inc., of Toronto and flooring from Smitty's Wholesale Carpet Warehouse of Steubenville, furnishings and equipment from National Equipment Co. of Wheeling and windows by Steubenville Plate and Window Glass Corp.

Among other projects are painting the criminal justice and Transition To Work (TTW) labs plus two science classrooms and a related room by Keep It Clean Services of Steubenville and Dr. Phillipson said some updates are also being considered in the board room.

"[Administrative Assistant] Karen Grimm is looking at a table and chairs in the conference room and we may eventually remodel by removing the paneling and doing the floors," he added. "It would be a nice improvement to the area."

Board member Kim Mark asked if a café had been discussed for students. Dr. Phillipson said culinary arts provided coffee in the morning with the TTW program provided refreshments at lunch, but he could review the matter. The board further approved the purchase of new equipment including a broadcast desk for the multimedia and design program, books and a mini excavator for the heavy equipment program and engine, airbag and lighting system trainers for the auto service technology program as well as sanitary sewer and water main repairs from Fort Steuben Maintenance.

"We found some backup [in the sewer line] with a camera last year but had no problems, but since it's there they will dig and repair it," the superintendent noted.

In other matters, the board:

Learned that Karlee Warren, a senior in the early childhood education program, earned a silver medal at the Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference on July 2-6 in Denver, Colo. Warren, the daughter of Mike and Beth Rupert Warren of Wintersville;
Discussed inviting superintendents and other school officials to future sessions to gather input and ideas to build upon JVS programs. Dr. Phillipson said they could and leaders have also attended stakeholder's meetings at the school each December;

Approved Tammy Sismondo as lead mentor for the 2023-24 school year;
Accepted the resignation of Brooke Wilson, early childhood education and care aide, effective June 20 and named Tammi Middleton to a one-year limited contract for the position. The board also accepted the resignation of Kelly Prokopakis, health technologies aide, effective Aug. 1 for retirement purposes after more than 20 years of service. That position will be advertised;
Approved a contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the appointment of Randy Henry as the School Resource Officer for the 2023-24 school year;
Approved the renewal of the District's membership in the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy for the 2023-24 school year and a payment to the organization for EdChoice Voucher litigation dues;
Approve an agreement with SaferWatch for a one-year service contract;
Approved FFA Advisor Emily Moore and JVS Supervisor/Principal Andy Long to take four students to FFA National Competition on Sept. 14-17 in Springfield, Mass., and HOSA Advisor Tammy Sismondo to take six students to the HOSA Washington Leadership Academy on September 23-26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.;
Scheduled the next regular meeting for Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.

(Photo Cutline: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Treasurer Karen Spoonemore, pictured here with Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson, conducted her final session on Tuesday and will officially retire from her duties after 31 years on July 31. She will continue to serve as a consultant through October to aid the transition of incoming treasurer Marcy Thompson.)

JVS Seeking Levy Renewal This Fall

Posted 6/23/2023 at 8:51:37 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will have a 0.5-mill levy up for renewal this fall to support operations.

During the June 20 regular session, the school board agreed to place the measure on the Nov. 7 general election ballot for voters’ consideration. The levy is expected to generate $877,000 annually over the next 10 years beginning in tax list year 2024. The levy will cover current expenses, purchases and/or replacement of tools, equipment, repairs, renovations, building reconstruction and related appurtenances.

The JVS offers a multitude of programs for juniors and seniors including animal science management, auto collision, auto service technology, carpentry, computer networking, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition to Work and welding.

Meanwhile, upgrades are in the works for two programs as the board approved purchases and contracts for the cosmetology and culinary arts programs.

The board approved a plan for asbestos abatement in the cosmetology lab in order to complete a renovation of the salon. The lab is undergoing an estimated $294,490 project to upgrade the site with new stations, flooring, countertops, paintwork and some design modifications with Buckeye Field Maintenance, Inc., of Bloomingdale performing the work and should be completed this summer.

“Hopefully the asbestos abatement will take place next week and we’ll get back to the installation,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson. Raze International, Inc., of Shadyside is handling the $18,500 project.

Additionally, the culinary arts program will receive an update of its own at the Crestview Inn Restaurant. Board members approved the purchase of tables, chairs, cabinets and equipment from National Equipment Co. of Wheeling for $17,759, flooring from Smitty’s Wholesale Carpet Warehouse of Steubenville for $5,000 and windows from Steubenville Plate and Window Glass Corp. for $7,900 but were still awaiting a quote for a new door.

“The carpet is being replaced and we are updating the buffet area and furniture,” Dr. Phillipson added. “It is a facelift for the restaurant and we will have it done by the end of summer.”

Among other matters, the board:

--Heard a presentation from early childhood instructor Rebecca Kelley and student Karlee Warren, the latter who is attending the Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference on July 2-6 in Denver, Colo. Warren, the daughter of Mike and Beth Warren of Wintersville, earned a chance to attend after earning one of the top two spots in the ECE category at the state FCCLA conference in Columbus this past April. She will compete against teens from across the country and attend workshops and other venues. FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education;

--Respectively heard from Supervisor/Principal Andy Long and Supervisor/Assistant Principal Gabrielle Wilson on the master schedule and High Schools That Work. The master schedule was later approved;

--Approved a short-term employment contract for current Treasurer Karen Spoonemore to serve as a consultant during the transition with incoming treasurer Marcy Thompson from Aug. 1-Oct. 31, 2023;

--Approved Darlene Mason as a general substitute on the 2023-24 substitute teacher list;

-- Approved the revised Fiscal Year 2023 permanent appropriations and adopted the temporary appropriations for FY’24;

--Approved the purchase of a compactor for the heavy equipment program from Ohio CAT of Cadiz;

--Approved the purchase of a paint simulator for auto collision and motor control test panels for electrical trades from Buckeye Educational Systems of Indiana;

--Approved the purchase of books and workbooks for the health tech program from Hartman Publishing Inc of New Mexico;

--Scheduled the next board meeting for July 18 at 5 p.m.

Kids Explore Careers at JVS Summer Camp

Posted 6/16/2023 at 2:56:00 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Kids explored careers in a fun way as Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Summer Camp restarted on June 13-14.

About 70 students from Jefferson and Harrison counties who are entering grades 5-6 spent two days learning about animal science, carpentry, early childhood education and multimedia and design by completing projects in each program. JVS instructors Emily Moore, Dave Lucas, Becky Kelley and Cody LaRue were on hand to lead the sessions with help from staffers Shawna Myers and Mark Starcher and MAD program graduates Camden Parsons, Harlee Barbour and Sydni Cunningham as well as Cooper Lucas while lunch was also provided each day.

Carina Aulicino, JVS career and workforce specialist, said the longtime camp was put on hold during the COVID pandemic before being brought back to the school.

“It’s about career exploration and to introduce them to what the JVS has to offer,” Aulicino said. “It was stopped due to COVID in 2020 and we’re bringing it back.”

Kids got some hands-on learning with goats, ducks, dogs and rabbits in the animal science program, where they also dissected owl pellets and learned about animals’ digestive systems; learned about building houses, toured the student-made mobile home on the grounds and built small wooden birdhouses, racecars and more with kits from Lowe’s in the carpentry program; enjoyed arts and crafts with homemade playdough, sand art and other projects in ECE; and created colorful artistic collages using the Photoshop program in the MAD lab.

The young participants were also treated to some cold goodies during a visit from the Ice Cream Island truck from Cadiz and Aulicino said Wal-Mart also provided lunch for the first day. The event concluded a pizza lunch and the youth receiving “JVS Career Exploration Summer Camp 2023” T-shirts to commemorate the occasion.

Aulicino said many kids enjoyed the camp and didn’t want to leave, plus she thanked all those who made it successful.

“We really appreciate all of the staff who helped and put everything together,” she commented.

Several of the attendants agreed that they enjoyed the experience.

“I liked animal science,” said incoming fifth-grader Callie Culbertson of Harrison Central Elementary. “[The animals] are soft.”

Ellie Ashmore, a sixth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Jr. High School, said her interest was with carpentry while others also mentioned possibly attending the JVS as students in the future.

“I got to make Photoshop images [in MAD],” added Ethan Bennett, a sixth-grader at John Gregg Elementary this fall. “I learned how to build houses and we toured the house they made and I got to build neat things in carpentry.”

He noted that his older brother Jordan would be attending JVS in the future and he may, as well.

“I really liked it,” added Reykin Maris, an incoming sixth-grader at Indian Creek Middle School. “I got to pet goats, dogs and ducks and make my own playdough.”

Officials said the free summer camp began decades ago as a weeklong venture and they were pleased to have it return as an annual event once again.

(Photo Cutline: About 70 students in grades 5-6 attended the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Summer Camp on June 13-14 to learn about careers and school programs. Kids enjoyed animals and making projects in animal science, carpentry, early childhood education and multimedia and design and the free program restarted after being shelved during the COVID pandemic in 2020. Pictured are, from left, Caelan Grimm, an incoming sixth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio Junior High School, Anthony Balzano, another sixth-grader at Bishop John King Mussio, Graham Taylor, a fifth-grader at Indian Creek Middle School, and King Frey, also a fifth-grader at ICMS, petting a goat in the animal science program as instructor Emily Moore looks on.)

Grant Helps Students Gain Work Experience

Posted 6/15/2023 at 1:36:38 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Students are gaining on-the-job experience through their participation in the School-to-Work program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

Seniors Kaden Kontra and Raven Holloway completed an unpaid internship program but were compensated thanks to a grant through Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), which reimbursed the students for their time in the field. Carina Aulicino, career/workforce specialist at the JVS, applied for and obtained the funding and said the program greatly benefitted the students.

“BB2C has received grants for multiple career explorations, ranging from mental health to construction projects in Appalachia. Upon acceptance of the student application student, BB2C determines what grant money they can use to pay the student and an amount. Each student received a check for different amounts,” she explained.

Aulicino added that approximately 45 students took part in the School-to-Work program and most of them were paid through the employers, but the grant enables those like Kontra and Holloway to also gain experience in their chosen field. The grant requires students to work 40-80 hours to receive reimbursement and they have far succeeded that number. She added that BB2C has been very helpful in making their opportunities happen.

“BB2C allows students to explore career options, get paid while interning, earn funding for transportation and find opportunities in their community. It is available to all fields and open to students in grades 9-12. Internships start at 40 hours and time is flexible. Those who hire interns can build a pipeline and teach students about the industry, plus the program is at no cost to the employer. Internships are available to all businesses with onboarding provided by BB2C, plus they are paid through grants and partnerships.”

She also noted that some students are also documenting work-based learning hours on their own time during afternoons and weekends as part of their experience.

Kontra, the son of Carri Justice and Ryan Kontra of Mingo Junction and a student at Buckeye Local High School, studied in the electrical trades program and had a chance to put his skills to use at T.S. Electric in Richmond. He completed more than 100 hours by working Mondays to Wednesdays, spending about a month employed in a commercial building as part of his task. Kontra said the opportunity has helped prepare him for the workforce.

“They taught me ways to make my job easier in the field and I may work for a contractor after high school,” he added. “I like [the program] because it gests my name out in the field. I get to know people and I get hands-on experience like I get at the JVS.”

He added that his school training has also prepared him for his future.

“They prepared me on how to follow codes, about conduit bending, how to wire simple circuits and receptacles and dealing with transformers. I feel like I’ve done the best I could with preparing.”

Holloway, the daughter of Daniel and Darcy Holloway of Toronto and a student at Toronto High School, was a senior in the animal science program and worked at Heritage Veterinary Care in Hopedale each Thursday for several months. While there, she assisted professionals in the office. She said it was a great experience and it gave her a bird’s eye view of operations in her future career.

“I assisted with patients, cleaned up the clinic, observed surgeries and got to see the new equipment used in the clinic,” she added. “It was nice because I was able to see all of the high-quality equipment they use.”

Following graduation, Holloway plans to attend the Veterinary Tech Institute in Pittsburgh to become a vet tech.

“It’s definitely helped me get out there and I’m getting all of this experience from it,” she continued. “Heritage is a progressive place and I’m learning new things. It sets my expectations on how the clinical environment will be once I’m out of college.”

She noted that her time at JVS has also readied her for the future ahead.

“I felt pretty comfortable once I began working there because I was familiar with the terms and equipment [I learned about at JVS] and I learned a lot in the lab. I felt pretty prepared.”

Both said they would recommend the school-to-work experience to other students. For more information, go online to www.bb2careers.org/internships.

(Photo Cutline: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School students Kaden Kontra, left, and Raven Holloway completed internships with assistance from Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), which compensated them for their time in the School-to-Work program. Kontra, who recently graduated from the electrical trades program, worked for T.S. Electric in Richmond while Holloway, a senior in the animal science program, gained experience at Heritage Veterinary Clinic in Hopedale.)

Students Complete Restoration Projects

Posted 5/20/2023 at 6:00:19 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Older tractors are getting a new life after undergoing refurbishment in Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s power mechanics program.

Three farm vehicles dating back to the 1950s and 60s received new parts and color as projects which began at the start of the school year. Junior Andrew Wetherell and seniors Boady Wood and Ben Carpenter brought the tractors from their home farms and said they will put them to use now they are as good as new.

Wetherell, the son of Duayne and Monica Wetherell of New Alexandria and a student at Steubenville Catholic Central High School, repaired his red 1962 Farmall International 140. He disassembled, sanded and painted the equipment, the latter with help from JVS auto collision technology students, before putting it all back together again. Wetherell said the process began in November and finally wrapped up in April.

“My love of agriculture [led to the project] and I wanted to see it restored and be able to use it,” he said, adding that he will definitely use it on his family farm. “It belonged to a neighbor and we bought it a few years ago, and now it’s a family tractor. This was my biggest project so far and I loved every minute of it, especially seeing the outcome.”

He plans to keep using the tractor well into his future and said his ultimate goal is to become a farmer.

Wood, the son of Ted and Alana Wood of Bloomingdale, attends Edison High School and restored his 1946 Farmall BN tractor over the past few months, but it was not his first such project.

“Last year, I did a project on my 1950 Farmall Super N, so I restored two tractors over the last two years,” Wood said. “I got [the current one] running after it sat for 30-40 years, stripped down the body and primed and painted it for a perfect restoration.”

His process began in February and wound down in May. Like the former vehicle, he plans to use the Farmall BN around his family farm and in tractor shows. Following graduation, Wood hopes to work as a diesel technician and farm for the rest of his life, and he said his training at the JVS has made him ready to fulfill his endeavors.

Carpenter, the son of Clint and Mindy Carpenter of Bergholz, also attends Edison and refurbished his green 1952 John Deere A. His project has been ongoing since September before finally finishing in May.

“We did the John Deere B last year and the John Deere B was sitting for 20 years. I got it running and did a full engine rebuild and cosmetic restoration,” he explained. “It was really great to see it all come back together.”

Following graduation, Carpenter hopes to work in the diesel mechanics field.

All of the projects were completed with help from fellow power mechanics students Gabe Bocek, Jason Harris, Kaleb Griffith, William White, Victoria White, Daniel Cermak, Izak Pyle and Dylan Haines as well as auto collision technology pupils Logan Abercrombie, Michelle Ziarko, Laela White, Lexis Kloeker and Ares Cline.

(Photo Cutline: Power mechanics students gave new life to older tractors by restoring the vehicles throughout the school year. Junior Andrew Wetherell and seniors Boady Wood and Ben Carpenter were aided by classmates in the refurbishment as well as students in the auto collision technology program. Pictured on their tractors are, from left, Wetherell, Carpenter and Wood with auto collision tech students Lexis Kloeker, Laela White, Michelle Ziarko and Logan Abercrombie with Ares Cline absent from the photo.)

JVS Seniors Reach Milestone

Posted 5/19/2023 at 5:53:36 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-More than 100 seniors reached a milestone on May 17 when they officially completed their education at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

   Officials doled out Passports, certifications, scholarships and awards during the 2023 Senior Recognition Ceremony in the school commons. Family members watched proudly as students donned graduation gowns from their home schools and received their rewards for finishing their studies in the school’s 16 programs. Passports were given for animal science management, auto collision technologies, auto service technologies, carpentry, computer networking technologies, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition to Work and welding.

   Supervisor/Principal Andy Long welcomed the crowd and congratulated the students on reaching their goals.

   “It is with immense joy and pride that I stand here before you to celebrate this milestone in your lives,” Long commented. “Today, we honor not only your accomplishments but your unique journey. As you stand on the precipice of the world, remember the lessons your learned at the JVS. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly and not with mediocrity, and seize the opportunity and always try to evolve.”

    Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson shared words of wisdom interspersed with quotations from famous authors and more. He lauded the students as well as parents, teachers, staff, the school board and others who have supported the youth in their endeavors.

   “I am proud of your accomplishments,” he said. “Students, in a short time you will need to step up...and put your skills up to the challenges of a demanding world. You have already learned that sometimes it is time to branch out from your comfort zone. You chose the JVS to leave that comfort zone. You are a dreamer. You enter a job market with many opportunities. It is your determination that sets you apart and your vision.”

   He said life is sometimes referred to as chapters, and as they close one and begin another, they can look back in celebration and move on to pursue their dreams and goals. 

   “The rest of your story or the next chapter will have many twists and turns. I wish you well. I hope that your dreams come true and you will be known for your kindness, your hopefulness and your compassion.”

    Anthony Bailey, 2004 JVS alumnus and owner of Movin and Groovin Productions of Toronto, was keynote speaker for the evening and shared how growing up with hardships spurred him to build his business and prosper. During his sophomore year of high school, he decided to become a DJ and managed to rent equipment until he could purchase them for what eventually became his company. He now employs more than 45 summer workers and six full-time employees, plus the business owns three warehouses with more than 20,000 square feet and is currently on track to an estimated $600,000 in sales. Movin and Groovin also holds contracts for backstage activities at the Pavilion at Star Lake and has handled events for country singers Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean to the Foo Fighters, among others. 

    Bailey recalled his days at JVS, where he said he dealt with authority issues as a criminal justice student but eventually learned the error of his ways. Former Principal Tony D’Aurora’s faith in him and a switch to the business program led to a positive outcome and he approached officials about the possibility of starting a radio and television program at the school. Following research and a proposal for the school board, the JAM program began.                 

   “JVS taught me that there is more to school than textbooks and quizzes. At JVS, you learn skills and your trade. If you combine that with a vision and something you are passionate about, there’s no telling what you can achieve.”

   Bailey said he lived by three rules to never be afraid to ask for help, always watch your back and know that failure is not an option.

   “I pursued my dream of being a self-employed business owner. Don’t get me wrong, I put in a lot of hard work, sleepless nights along with blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today. It wasn’t easy,” he concluded. “So Class of 2023, follow your heart and do great things in the world.”

   Scholarships were disbursed throughout the ceremony and recipients included Caleb Phillips, Eastern Gateway Community College Jefferson County Academic Scholarship; Raven Holloway, Blaner Gift; Hunter Tice, Bob Eddy Memorial Scholarship; Karlee Warren, Borden Office Equipment Scholarship; Torry Burks, Travis Rose and Sydni Cunningham, Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation Scholarship; Kaleb Griffith, Christopher Sprouse Memorial Scholarship; Ben Carpenter, Dixie Saltsman Scholarship; Raven Holloway, Dr. David Robinson Scholarship; Travis Rose, Dr. Tom and Suzanne Brown Scholarship; Peyton Marsh, Geno Morelli Memorial Scholarship; Ian Latynski, Harry E. Scott Jr. Memorial Scholarship; Kaleb Griffith, I Can Succeed Scholarship; Raven Holloway, JCJVS Teachers’ Association Scholarship; Abigail Maxwell, Ollie Burton and Travis Rose, Mike “Mags” Cicone Scholarship; Harley Totterdale, Rick Finney Memorial Scholarship; Raven Holloway, Tony D’Aurora Memorial Scholarship; Raven Holloway, Medical Mutual Scholarship; Kaleb Griffith, Ohio CAT Think Big Scholarship; and Evan McFadden, Weirton Lumber Scholarship.

  Meanwhile, perfect attendance awards went to Clarissa Whiteman and Daymien Blankenship. Vocational and academic awards of distinction went to Marian Cline, auto collision; Cody Kinsey, AST; Jayden Clancey, carpentry; Bryson Mattern, computer networking; Madison Shell, cosmetology; Taranisa Lindsey, criminal justice; Harmony Hatch, culinary arts; Lita Bennett, ECE; Hunter Tice, electrical trades; Genevieve Leverett, health technologies; Annabelle Morgan, MAD; Jeremiah McGalla, power mechanics; Corinne Hutton, animal science; Clarissa Whiteman, TTW; Kaydence Bell, welding; Kayleigh Davisson, English; Makayla Brazauskas, intervention; Daniel Cermak, intervention and VOSE; Dominic Stanley, Caleb Phillips and Logan Grant, math; Diamond Sharpe and Allen Quinn, science; and Logan Grant and Andrew Saiter, social studies. Vocational and academic awards of excellence were then given to Brady Ogden, auto collision; Elijah Foster, AST; Kayleigh Davisson, carpentry; Elijah Middleton, computer networking; Avery Lucas, cosmetology; Caleb Phillips, criminal justice; Gage Simmons, culinary arts; Karlee Warren, ECE; Ian Latynski, electrical trades; Floyd Edmond, health technologies; Peyton Marsh, MAD; Boady Wood, power mechanics; Ainsley Roach, animal science; Clarissa Whiteman, TTW; Xander Everson, welding; Levi Bowman, English; Kaydence Bell, intervention; Brooklynn Hoover, intervention and VOSE; Travis Rose, Ian Latynski and Karlee Warren, math; Ian Latynski and Ben Carpenter, science; and Ollie Burton and Lynnzee Grimm, social studies.

  Also recognized were National Technical Honor Society members Boady Wood, Holly Wood, Jude Riggs, Ian Latynski, Travis Rose, Karlee Warren, Avery Lucas, Peyton Marsh, Annie Brookes, Kloey Biddle, Ollie Burton, Ben Carpenter, Xander Everson and Raven Holloway.

   Graduates included Levi Bowman, Johnathan Cronin, Preston Davis, Noah Gibbs, Logan Grant, Kaden Kontra, Ian Latynski, Thomas Martin, Franklin Mazzaferro, Alejandro Morales, Jude Riggs, Trevor Stoica, Jaired Thomas, Hunter Tice, Harley Totterdale, Austin Vantilburg, Ethan Waggoner and Ethan Wedlake, electrical trades; Annie Brookes, Hailey Cain, Lilli Cole, Floyd Edmond, Genevieve Leverett, Shayleigh McGraw, Travis Rose, Kelcy Shannon, Alayna Sutherin and Megan Tice, health technologies; Jamison Stiles and Randy Wade, heavy equipment; Kaya Aftanas, Daymien Blankenship, Aiden Bliss, Makayla Brazauskas, Torry Burks, Sydni Cunningham, Landon Long, Peyton Marsh and Annabelle Morgan and Drew Schroyer, MAD; Robert Carpenter, David Cermak, Hayden Elm, Kaleb Griffith, Jason Harris, Jeremiah McGalla, Adam Paxton, Izak Pyle, Justin Richardson, Billy Shannon, Landon Sloane, William White and Evan Wood, power mechanics; Clarissa Whiteman, TTW; Kaydence Bell, Christopher Camp, Chase Eikleberry, Xander Everson, Bryssan Flaherty, Gavin Gross, Aiden Polanski, Andrew Saiter, Diamond Sharpe, Dominic Stanley and Chris Tarr, welding; Kloey Biddle, Quinton Boyd, Kiersten Gundrum, Raven Holloway, Brooklynn Hoover, Corrine Hutton, Kayla Jordan, Victoria Lopresto, Abigail Maxwell, Natalie Pittman, Kania Reed, Ainsley Roach, Adessa Robinson and Katlynn Wease, animal science; Marian Cline, Shane Lewis, Rodney Meeker, Brady Ogden and Isaiah Singleton, auto collision; James Atkins, Christopher Balogac, Tyler Chefalo, Elijah Foster, Kaydence Habbit, Jacob Goolie, Robert Homol, Cody Kinsey, Cylus Lucas-Hunter, Preston Rice, Randy Walker and Nicholas Wasserman, AST; Claren Buttman, Jayden Clancey, Dakota Crawford, Kayleigh Davisson, Ethan Donley, Robert Glasure, T’Kai Jett and Evan McFadden, carpentry; Aidan Arago, Adam Belisle, Phillip Birtel, Jacob Cattrell, Payton Gowin, Tanner Johnson, Bryson Mattern, Elijah Middleton and Allen Quinn, computer networking; Ollie Burton, Natalie Danko, Halle Ensminger, Lynnzee Grimm, Avery Lucas, Kylie Moore, Madison Shell, Gabriella Taliani and Holly Wood, cosmetology; Allison Clifford, Michael Kuzmicki, Taranisa Lindsey, Jeremiah McClain and Caleb Phillips, criminal justice; Tristen Clegg, Jesse Fyock, Harmony Hatch, Alexis Merritt, Gage Simmons, Jackson Skinner and Brandon Treadway, culinary arts; and Lita Bennett, Kesim Boyd, Brianna Cottrell, Keerstin Drake and Karlee Warren, ECE.

  Finally, Supervisor/Assistant Principal Gabrielle Wilson closed the event with some parting words of congratulations. 

   “You have put in a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this point, and you should be proud of everything you have accomplished. As you move forward into the next phase of your life, remember to stay passionate, curious and open-minded. Keep learning, growing and pushing yourself beyond your limits,” she said. “We wish you all the best in your future careers and hope that you will continue to strive towards your goals.”

(Photo Cutline: The Class of 2023 graduated from the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School as Passports, certifications, scholarships and more were given during the annual Senior Recognition Ceremony. More than 100 seniors were on hand with loved ones and proud educators while Anthony Bailey, a 2004 alumnus and owner of Movin and Groovin Productions, was the keynote speaker.)

Thompson Named JVS Treasurer

Posted 5/17/2023 at 5:39:10 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Marcy Thompson is joining the ranks at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School after being named treasurer on Tuesday.

Thompson, who currently acts as treasurer for Wellsville City Schools, was approved during the regular JVS Board of Education meeting and received a three-year contract from Aug. 1, 2023 to July 31, 2026. She will succeed longtime treasurer Karen Spoonemore, who plans to retire this summer after 31 years of service.

A Wellsville resident and Harrison County native, Thompson is a graduate of Cadiz High School and attended Belmont Technical College before receiving her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ashford University in Arizona. She also gained certifications from the University of Phoenix and worked for Harrison Hills City Schools for 22 years, where she was assistant treasurer before heading to Wellsville in 2022.

She is looking forward to being part of the JVS and said she enjoys the family-like atmosphere it provides.

“I enjoyed Wellsville and the JVS is a wonderful place to work,” she said. “I’m meeting people and this will definitely be a learning experience for me, but I’m looking forward to that.”

She was welcomed by the board and said she was eager to begin her new position.

“I look forward to working with Marcy. She has experience and knowledge that should benefit the JVS,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson.

Meanwhile, Dr. Phillipson informed the board that the school’s 0.5-mill levy for operations and permanent improvements will be up for renewal and officials need to put it back on the ballot this fall. Further discussion and action are set for upcoming meetings in June and July.

“The levy is on the agenda for the June meeting,” he said. “It’s up in 2024 and the first time we can put it on the ballot is this November.”

Among other matters, the board:

Heard from Supervisor/Assistant Principal Gabrielle Wilson about the updated student handbook and plans for Senior Recognition on May 17. The handbook was later approved;
Learned Auto Collision Technology Instructor Russ Achhammer planned to attend the 3M Collision Repair Academy;
Approved the substitute teacher and classified sub lists for the 2023-24 school year;
Approved one-year contracts with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for mental health professional Don Ogden and shared time with public relations coordinator for Amy Gareis beginning Aug. 1, 2023, and ending July 31, 2024;
Approved a contract with CHANGE, Inc. for in-school nursing services for the 2023-24 school year;

Approved Ron Sismondo as a volunteer to accompany students to the HOSA Future Health Professionals National Conference in Dallas, Texas, and Beth Rupert Warren and Michael Warren to accompany student Karlee Warren to the FCCLA National Competition in Denver, Colo.;
Approved the employment of Jamie Spencer on a one-year limited contract for the 2023-24 school year;
Approved the revised five-year forecast.
Accepted the 2023 Community Award Grant from Jefferson-Belmont Regional Solid Waste Authority for $1,000;
Approved the asphalting of four areas from Davis Enterprise for nearly $39,425;
Approved the purchase of forks for skid steer from Columbus Equipment Company;
Announced the OACTS meeting June 20-22;
Announced National Technical Honor Society inductions on May 2;
Announced that school officials will be recognized for years of service, with office secretary Robin McGlone at 15 years and Karen Spoonemore at 31 years;

Set the next regular meeting for June 20 at 5 p.m.

FCCLA Receives $5K for Safety Efforts

Posted 5/11/2023 at 9:43:40 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School received a total of $5,000 for its efforts to support traffic safety.

Advisor Becky Kelley said the school’s junior and senior chapters each garnered $2,500 Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety (FACTS) grants and the windfall was announced during the Ohio FCCLA Conference on April 27-28 in Columbus.

“A hundred chapters each received $1,000 [at the conference] and 10 earned $2,500 for outstanding projects,” Kelley explained. “Both of our chapters got the latter award, which totals $5,000.”

The JVS organization, which is comprised of early childhood education students, had received $1,000 FACTS grants in the past to promote safety and this year’s projects included the Impact Teen Driver and Just Drive programs. Members spread the word by reading to preschoolers, inviting speakers to lecture students and utilizing simulation goggles to mimic intoxication and other hazards.

Kelley said this was the third year the FCCLA has received an allocation for projects and they previously highlighted the importance of seatbelt safety and usage with preschool parents and educated peers on impaired driving and winterization. She added that the latest award will be used for leadership conferences and other activities and she was grateful to see her groups recognized.

FACTS is a national FCCLA peer education program to support the enforcement of local rules and regulations regarding community traffic safety and State Farm Insurance is a grant sponsor.

(Photo Caption: The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter was the recipient of $5,000 in Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety (FACTS) grant funding for members’ efforts to promote traffic safety. The junior and senior groups each earned $2,500 that will be used for FCCLA conferences and activities. The award was announced during the Ohio FCCLA Leadership Conference in Columbus in April and pictured are, from left, Karlee Warren, Lita Bennett, Catnip Cottrell, Paige Furbee and advisor Becky Kelley.)

FFA Team Places Second at State Contest

Posted 4/28/2023 at 9:48:07 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-Six students in the Small Animal Science program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School placed second out of 149 teams at the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Competition in Columbus.

Emily Moore, SAS instructor and FFA co-advisor, was joined by seniors Raven Holloway, Kloey Biddle and Ainsley Roach plus juniors Madison Brown, Trinity McGilton and Mekenzie Everhart at the Ohio State Fairgrounds on April 19. The students performed demonstrations and showcased their knowledge during the state event while a total of 46 teams and 129 students were on hand. Moore said the competition calculates the four highest individual tallies to obtain the team score but members may also place individually. At the conclusion, Holloway earned 13^th place individually with McGilton at 17^th, Roach at 22^nd, Brown at 28^th, Everhart at 35^th and Biddle at 42^nd.

“I'm very proud,” she added. “At the state competition, the students must be able to identify parasites, large and small animal breeds, veterinary equipment and farm animal equipment. They also must demonstrate veterinary clinical skills and different restraint methods used on large and small animals. They do not know what skills or demos will be required of them until they get into the competition in front of the judge.”

The students qualified for the state contest by completing an online exam at the end of March, where they placed within the top 150. About 900 students statewide took the exam, which included topics on animal management, anatomy and physiology, diseases and nutrition of large and small animals. After learning they were selected, the group worked to prepare for the competition.

“The students had only one week to prepare for states and a lot of the prep they had to do on their own time,” Moore said.

This is the third time the JVS FFA chapter has attended and Moore was pleased to see the students’ growth.

“We have qualified twice before,” said Moore. “The first time was only my second year teaching and we were seventh, then we missed a few years because of COVID. Last year, I took five students which included Raven, Kloey and Ainsley and we got seventh again. I am thrilled. The students worked hard, practiced and studied together. It was really a team effort.”

(Photo Caption: Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Small Animal Science students placed second at the Ohio FFA Veterinary Science Competition in Columbus on April 19. JVS FFA members pictured, front from left, include Trinity McGilton, Kloey Biddle and Madison Brown. Back: Mekenzie Everhart, Raven Holloway and Ainsley Roach.)

TTW Students Help Furry Friends

Posted 4/27/2023 at 8:03:01 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

Students in the Transition To Work program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School helped some furry friends by donating supplies to the Jefferson County Humane Society. Pupils gathered food, treats, cat and dog beds, cleaning supplies, office items and more in March and made a special delivery to the shelter. TTW Instructor Christina Henderson has led the campaign for the past 15 years and students pictured are, front from left, Bonnie Frattini, Clarissa Whiteman and Jaxson Handzus. Back: Caris Talbott, Patrick Kinney and Jacob Wells.

Putting Their Skills to Use

Posted 4/19/2023 at 1:18:07 PM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

The electrical trades and heavy equipment operator programs teamed up at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School to wire the flagpole for lighting and networking for cameras on the exterior of the building. Students put the skills they learned in class to use while the HEO pupils also had a chance to utilize heavy equipment for the job. Pictured are, from left, electrical trades students Ricky Green and Noah Crawford working on the grounds while HEO instructor A.J. Materna directs pupil Logan Hale in the excavator.

JVSBOE Advances Subdivision Plans

Posted 4/13/2023 at 11:10:12 AM by Kristina Ash [staff member]

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education is furthering its plans to expand the neighboring Breezewood Manor subdivision following more action at the April 12 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson updated leaders during the regular meeting on Tuesday, saying there were two options including a cul-de-sac along Breezewood Drive or creating another access to the road. Dr. Phillipson said students have constructed homes at the current site and there was an opportunity to do more. James White Construction of Weirton completed a $275,400 sewer and roadwork project in 2003 and four homes were initially built with three more eventually added. Plans for the new houses remain preliminary and would ultimately require approval on the county level.

“We originally had drawings for five homes and it turned into about seven,” he said of the original houses, adding that as many as eight more could be constructed depending on the road plan.

Options included putting in another cul-de-sac, which he said cost a lot of money and may limit the number of homes being built, or having no cul-de-sac but providing two exits on the route that allows for the construction of more houses. Dr. Phillipson said about eight houses could be built with the first plan, but it would also require the purchase of some property. If the property deal is not approved, the board could move ahead with the second option.

“We may have to widen part of Breezewood and put in the cul-de-sac,” he added, saying the other plan involved expanding an L-shaped route off of Shanley Road. “It would essentially be two exits.”

During discussion, he noted that the current homes include basements and/or split entry but all of the floorplans were different. Currently, carpentry students were completing their second modular home on school property while house construction would not occur until the overall plans were approved by the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission and county commissioners.

Following more talks, the board agreed to move forward with developing Breezewood Manor and accepted a $29,000 proposal from Chandan Engineering Inc. of St. Clairsville for engineering services and construction administration regarding the new sewer and road plans.

In related news, carpentry instructor Dave Lucas highlighted efforts being made in his program as students work to complete the latest modular home on the property. The modular includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen and is expected to be done over the next year. Lucas said students were adding siding and insulation to the structure as well as completing other projects such as making new signs for JVS program labs, creating birdhouses and cutting boards for charity with wood provided by DeNoon Lumber and constructing benches and picnic tables for the planned recreational area at Buckeye Local Jr. High School.

He noted that a partnership with Carpenters Local Union No. 186 in Steubenville has also proven fruitful with apprenticeship opportunities and union representative Troy Stewart has been involved with the school program. Lucas added that the apprenticeship affords graduates chances to advance their career.

“All of the seniors are on target to graduate,” Lucas added. “I’ve got four of seven students planning to go to the Local 186 for apprenticeships. When they graduate, they can take their certificates and we go to Ridgefield to the training center. They can start at $28 an hour and it’s a great career opportunity for students at the JVS.”

Lucas, who is also a union member, said he will also visit area power plants and commercial sites to make connections that would help more students obtain jobs.

Among other action, the board:

--Learned enrollment was up with 211 accepted applicants for the upcoming school year;

--Heard from Supervisor/Principal Andy Long, who announced Senior Project Day on April 18 and Senior Recognition and Awards on May 17 with 138 seniors being lauded;

--Re-employed licensed staff with contracts for Dave Lucas, Anthony Materna and Brianne Schoolcraft for one year; Allison Boyd and Jim Mills, two years; Buddy Davis, Fred Jones and Dylan Stickler, three years; and Glen Zalenski, four years. Officials also rehired classified staff with Carina Aulicino, Kelly Grafton, Karen Grimm, Tim Miller, Heidi Nicholson, Brooke Wilson and Lori Yanczura all receiving two-year contracts;

--Approved the extra-curricular activity advisors for the 2023-24 school year, including Russ Achhammer and Ron Reasoner, SkillsUSA; Rebecca Kelley, Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Cody LaRue, Business Professionals of America (BPA); Fred Jones and Emily Moore, FFA; Erin D’Aurora, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS); Allison Boyd, student council; and Tammy Sismondo, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA);

--Approved the resignation of Curtis Parker, welding lab aide, effective April 10;

--Approved field trips for Emily Moore, a chaperone and seven students to the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus on April 18-19 for the FFA Vet Science Competition, as well as Becky Kelley, Shawna Myers and four students to the state fairgrounds on April 26-28 for the State FCCLA Competition and Leadership Conference;

--Announced the NTHS induction on May 2 and prom on April 21;

--Scheduled the next board meeting for May 16 at 5 p.m.

(Photo Caption: Carpentry students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School are making headway on the latest modular home project by adding insulation and siding, and the structure should be finished over the next year. Program instructor Dave Lucas highlighted the program, its projects and apprenticeship opportunities during the JVS school board meeting on Tuesday while officials also advanced plans with the neighboring Breezewood Manor subdivision.)

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