STEUBENVILLE-Social media has proven to dominate youth’s lives today, but students at Harding Middle School also learned how it has its pitfalls.

    Seventh-and eighth-graders gathered in the school gym Thursday to hear award-winning journalist Catherine Bosley discuss “Forever and For All to See: Our Day of Digital Everything,” which addresses the growing importance of reputation and image management in an age where one’s photos, videos and words can be posted and easily seen across the world. The presentation is sponsored by the Jefferson County Juvenile Task Force in a proactive approach to educate kids on vital issues and reduce cases on the court docket. 

    Bosley, a former television news anchor, now travels the country to share cautionary tales of global online humiliation and educate students about the dangers of posting on the internet. She said there were ways to handle haters, such as ignoring mean comments, blocking bullies from their social media and reminding yourself that hateful comments come from people who do not feel good about themselves. Youth should also remember the “F Factor” of faith, family and friends.

   “We are all going to have those ‘what was I thinking’ moments, but if there’s one thing I want you to remember it’s that pictures can be part of [the internet] forever.”

   Bosley said college admissions officials and potential employers can also view posts, which could impact the students’ chances of attending their dream school or getting a job. She also warned them about trusting others who seek inappropriate photos or who may share their information.

   “It could be a text or shared post or email, and it’s getting shared all over the place. The idea is to make sure you shine your light on for the rest of your lives. We need to protect our online reputation,” she continued. “Listen to that voice in your head because it’s literally a life-saving voice.”

    She encouraged youth to promote positivity with healthy selfies and words and to not bully or shame others. Privacy is also a myth in the internet era and there are images people can and cannot control. Bosley shared stories of teens driven to suicide by cyberbullying or sexting situations, adding that 62 percent of tweens and teens are online bullying victims while 25 percent are bullies. Sexting is also illegal when someone under age 18 takes, has and/or sends images, even if they are of themselves. That could result in jail or time in juvenile detention if convicted, while adult websites can access and post photos and videos and even track unidentified images back to the original poster.

    “Everything you put out there is not only representative of you, it’s representative of your family and it’s representative of your school,” she said. “Ohio students are being targeted [for sexting]. There are creepy people overseas saying they are kids and gaining your trust. They will try to talk you into sharing inappropriate pictures, and you think you are talking to another kid but they are creepy adults.”

   Another tactic known as sextortion is when people threaten to post photos unless they receive money. Bosley stressed the importance of telling someone and the county task force was there to protect them. She concluded by sharing her P.A.C.T. strategy for rising above: People (tell someone), Abandon (social media and negative people), Connect and This too shall pass.

    “You are stronger and smarter and more equipped to help other people. The more vigilant we are and listen to the little voice, the less we can jeopardize our hopes and dreams,” she said.

    County Juvenile Court Administrator Joe Colabella said the task force includes the juvenile court, county sheriff’s office, prosecutor’s office, law enforcement, health department, Prevention and Recovery Board, Family Recovery Center, Ohio BCI, Ohio State Highway Patrol, ALIVE Shelter and A Caring Place Advocacy Center. Nine presentations were being held at county schools with more set for parents, plus there are plans address different topics in the future.

    “Our task force was just formed this year,” Colabella said. “We’re going to pick a social issue every year so kids don’t turn up on the formal docket of the juvenile court. The juvenile court was fortunate to receive a grant from the Ohio Department of Youth Services for community education on social issues.”

     County Juvenile Court Judge Frank Noble Jr. said there was a great need to educate the youth.

    “We saw there were issues in court with sexting, and in the next couple of years we will address suicide, bullying, vaping and some other issues that we’re seeing. We have seen an uptick in internet activity and we want to try to be a little more preventative,” Judge Noble added. “The task force is extremely appreciative of the local superintendents and building principals for their cooperation in an effort to educate the juveniles of Jefferson County.”

    Harding Principal Bryan Mills said the assembly had an important lesson to learn.

    “We’re always trying to deliver a message of internet safety and awareness, and to have the Jefferson County Task Force and Catherine Bosley come in was very important. I’m always looking for outside resources to come and drive these efforts and I appreciate their message to the kids.”

    Bosley has also appeared at Buckeye Local Jr./Sr. High School and Edison Jr./Sr. High School with more dates set for Jefferson County Joint Vocational School this Tuesday, Toronto on Wednesday, Steubenville High School on Sept. 19, Catholic Central High School on Sept. 20, Indian Creek Middle School on Sept. 28 and Indian Creek High School on Oct. 11.

STEUBENVILLE-Longtime Harding Middle School Assistant Principal Donnie Reeves is taking on a new role as the newly minted leader at McKinley STEM Academy.

    Reeves, who served at Harding for the past six years, is thrilled with the opportunity to oversee 180 students in grades PreK-4. He officially began on July 31 but spent much of the summer slowly transitioning into the post.

   “This will be my 24^th year with the district,” said the Steubenville native. “It’s my first year as an elementary principal, and I felt it was the right time to take the next step in my profession.”

   He graduated from Steubenville High School in 1995 and earned a degree in education for grades K-8 from Davis and Elkins University in 2000. Reeves began teaching social studies at Harding and remained there for 17 years before being promoted to assistant principal, plus he coached football, basketball and varsity softball during the mid-2000s. He and wife Jackie, who serves as the district director of gifted education, also share two children, Jack and Trudie.

   “I stepped out of the classroom and assumed a leadership role,” he said. “I actually taught one year at Pugliese West and I think I’ll enjoy [being in the setting again]. It’s great being with the young kids and one of my qualities as an assistant principal was to be on their level. I think kids relate a lot better on this level.”

   Reeves is still becoming acclimated with McKinley but hopes to work with teachers to continue the school’s momentum with educational success.

   “There is an importance to working as a team with distributive leadership and the teachers are the ones the kids interact with,” he added. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time, but I think once we get the ball rolling it will be a smooth transition. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the little faces.”

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville City Schools will welcome students back to class during a series of events that start this week.

    Steubenville High School will host a freshman and new student orientation this Tuesday with a Back to School Bash for upperclassmen on Wednesday. The orientation is mandatory and parents and freshmen should be in attendance. Doors open at 5 p.m. at the commons with activities set for 6 p.m. in the auditorium, and attendants are to pick up papers and provide $20 to cover student homeroom fees. Forms are available both online and at the school, and once the completed paperwork is submitted, students will receive their schedules. Following the presentation, everyone may tour the building while the Red Zone School Store will also be open to purchase Big Red merchandise. 

   “Students can get their schedules, and tour the building and we will go over general procedures for the 2023-24 school year,” said Principal Ted Gorman, noting that about 173 freshmen have enrolled for the term. “Freshmen orientation also gives students the opportunity to join clubs in the building and we will have tables and current students recruiting for organizations. I also believe the orientation is important to make incoming freshmen feel comfortable before school.”

   Sophomores through seniors are invited to the Back to School Bash on Wednesday with 10^th graders to arrive at noon, 11^th graders at 1 p.m. and 12^th graders at 2 p.m. in the school commons. 

  “We get a pretty high percentage of students who come and many of them come because they want to see friends they haven’t seen all summer and they want to get their schedules,” Gorman added.

   He said many of the same activities as the freshman orientation can be expected at the event. Students will receive their class schedules and fill out required forms. If the forms are incomplete, a parent or guardian must attend to sign the paperwork. The students should also bring $20 to cover homeroom fees while the Red Zone will also be accessible.

   “We look forward to seeing our new students as they enter the building. It’s always wonderful to see them and their families,” Gorman said.   For questions or more information, call (740) 282-9741.

   Meanwhile, Harding Middle School Orientation 2023 will be held Wednesday for fifth-graders at 9 a.m. and seventh-graders at 1 p.m. and Thursday for sixth-graders at 9 a.m. and eighth-graders at 1 p.m. Principal Bryan Mills said parents and guardians must also attend and plans are to complete forms, pay $10 student fees, register for bussing and receive their schedules.

  “The fifth-grade will get a tour of the building and have a conversation with the principal,” Mills commented, adding that the remaining classes can collect their schedules.

    Parents of multiple students may choose a time to serve all of their children at once and those who cannot attend may visit the school office from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

  In addition, open houses will be held at East Garfield, Pugliese West and McKinley STEM Academy on Aug. 22 from  1-2 p.m. to familiarize students with classrooms, teachers and school personnel while the first day of school in the district is Aug. 23.

 

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville High School highlighted the top of the class with the annual University Scholars Breakfast.

   Parents joined educators and administrators as 46 seniors were recognized for their achievements in the school commons and the students led the festivities.

   Seniors Francis Desany welcomed the crowd and Parker Kelley introduced special guests while Sophia Riley recognized favorite teachers. Among the honored educators were John Abram, John Arlesic, Justin Banks, Julie Battistel, Shannon Bednar, Joe Biasi, Mike Blackburn, Edith Boyde, Jessie Clark, Kelley Crosby, Gus DiMarzio, Tom Hicks, Ross Ivkovich, Eliza Kelley, Anthony Kinyo, Scott Lane, Diana Mankowski, Aaron Newman, Brian Peckens, Jeff Petrelle, Sam Pittera, Cheryl Rubish, Ron Salvino, Joseph Smarrella, Scott Wolodkin and Tracy Ziarko.

  Students Camden Daley led invocation prior to the breakfast and Alexandria Miller introduced parent Mike Gray, who offered some inspirational words as the students embarked on their future paths.

   Gray, the proud dad of upcoming alumni Maeve and Mason Gray, said he was equally delighted to watch the students as they excelled in the classroom, in sports, band and as they earned their associate’s degrees while still attending high school.

   “I hope, when you played a game or performed before a crowd of people, you took advantage of the opportunity to look up in the crowd, now matter how large or small, and appreciated the people in attendance,” Gray added. “Many were your friends and family, of course, but many were people that haven’t had a child in school for 20 or 30 years.

   “Scholars, your family and teachers seated with you will assure you, life is going to send hard times your way. Things happen that you cannot anticipate, and it is then that the lessons you have learned in the past 12-plus years will give you the resolve to succeed when things get tough. Keep that school spirit alive in your heart, it will serve you well in difficult times.”

    Senior Vasile Matzorkis also provided some encouraging remarks to his peers. Matzorkis said the event symbolized how far they have come during their high school careers, how they perservered past the COVID pandemic and have been prepared for the next chapter.

  “The last four years at SHS have prepared us for the next four years, and the rest of our lives,” he said. “We all have goals and ambitions and I will say this: Don’t shoot for the stars, shoot beyond them. I know everyone that everyone in this class has the capability and the will do do amazing things and I cannot wait to see where life takes us.”

   Student Sydney Matyas thanked everyone for their support and guidance, after which class Valedictorian Frank Vostatek and Salutatorian Kellen Marshall introduced the 42 university scholars. The list included Vostatek and Marshall as well as Camden Daley, Francis Desany, Parker Kelley, Sydney Matyas, William (Vasile) Matzorkis, Alexandria Miller, Tori Mitchell, Sophia Riley, Todd Blackburn, Brionna Bonar, Celia Crosby, John Dettorre, Dylan Fink, Morgan Grant, Maeve Gray, Mason Gray, Gionna Gulan, Kiyana Hayden, Nadia Hawthorne, Raegan Hayes, Ky Jhaun Hopkins, Bryce Huff, Sydnee Kirkpatrick, Antonio Lulla, Mea Lulla, Joseph Macre, Zoe Martin, Briana Masloski, Melia Newburn, Shayann Oxley, Olivia Price, Hillary Rauch, Jaleyss Sclaes, Jessica Scott, Adelaide Shaw, Kayliyah Simmons, Charles Smith IV, Isabella Smith, Zachary Smith, Mason Stoll, Landyn Swickard, Sabrina Underwood, Dakota White and Drake Ziarko.

   Finally, senior Tori Mitchell offered the closing and Director of Gifted Education Jackie Reeves reminded the scholars they made their school proud.

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville High School’s implementation of the Freshman Success Academy has made a significant difference when it comes to helping students transitioning from middle school to high school.  

 

   The program, which is now in its second year, is already being described by school leaders as “transformational.” From the ability to apply early intervention, academic, disciplinary and social-emotional issues to the creation of strategic teacher teams and dramatic drops in student-failure rates, the FSA is already showing tangible evidence of the myriad benefits it provides students. In the first year of the program’s implementation, the number of freshman failing a core subject area decreased from 11 percent to approximately 1 percent.

 

   FSA was started during the 2021-22 school year by SHS Assistant Principal and Dean of Students Aaron Newman and School Counselor and Dean of Students Adele Filtz, who based the program on similar concepts at another school district where both were previously employed. Newman and Filtz believed the program would be the perfect fit at Steubenville High School.  

 

   A key feature of the FSA is the “Core 4,” which is the ninth-grade, core-subject teacher team responsible for instructing the majority of freshman students. The Core 4 consists of teachers Jessie Clark, Greg Bowers, Joe Smarrella and Lauren Linn, respectively in the realm of science, math, social studies and English/Literature Arts. This team, along with Newman, Filtz and other high school educators, meet biweekly to identify students of concern while also crafting personalized intervention plans. The primary goal is to find ways to help the students succeed in and out of the classroom.

 

   “It’s often said that it takes a village,” said Filtz. “With our focus on teamwork and collaboration, we create a family atmosphere within the freshman class, serving essentially as a small learning community at the high school.”  

 

   “Numerous studies have established that students who are credit-deficient at the end of ninth-grade are at a higher risk to drop out of high school,” Newman interjected. “This is a multi-pronged effort that provides early intervention  combined with immediate supports, whether they be academic, social-emotional, disciplinary, truancy and attendance. We want to create optimal conditions for teaching and learning for our ninth-graders. The importance of freshman year can’t be understated in the grand scheme of things. We empathize the fact that everything counts when you reach the high-school level.”  

 

      Filtz continued that 85 percent of the schools’ roughly 190 freshmen take classes from the same four core teachers, while she and Newman also meet with the students and their parents to address the situation. That, combined with work by SHS Assistant Principal and Truancy Liaison Bobby Lamantia, has proven to be  an effective tool to improve the students’ education

 

   “Part of why we’re so successful is because we have systems in place and Mr. Lamantia has a really organized, systematic approach to truancy,” said Newman. “With students of concern, they may have a variety of needs. The  key to FSA’s success is getting supports in place quickly so we can get them turned around.”

 

   They further explained that GPA, attendance and involvement in extracurriculars have become crucially important with colleges, placing less emphasis on ACT and  SAT scores. The freshman year takes on greater importance as students work to build a quality resume and cumulative GPA.

 

   A common thread with student issues is responsible decision-making, whether it be with academics, family life and relationships or social media. Newman said the real focus should be placed on the real world so students can make responsible decisions and stay on track in school and in life. They added that leaders can also celebrate students’ successes through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and recommend them for Student of the Month honors.

 

   “It matters. At the end of the day, that’s what separates this building from others. Culture matters. We’re all about culture,” Newman said. “We implement best practices that produce positive outcomes for kids and mitigate the negatives.”

 

   “We strive to be innovative with everything we do and we’re already seeing results,” Filtz concluded. “We hope to continue with that success this year. We’re trying to train students to be good citizens and mold them to make forward-thinking choices that maximize their potential.” 

STEUBENVILLE-The Steubenville High School NIKE Club is setting its third blood drive on April 19 and members are seeking support from the school and community.

 

   The organization is once again joining forces with the American Red Cross for the event, which will be held in the new gym from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nike Club members will register donors and provide refreshments at the canteen under the supervision of American Sign Language teacher Jessica Chesslar while Red Cross medical staff will handle the collection.  

 

   Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be healthy to participate. Anyone who turns 16 years old on or before that date is eligible to contribute and may register and select a donation time; however, walk-ins are also accepted. Those who are an eligible type O, B or A- may consider making a Power Red donation since red blood cells are most commonly used for blood transfusions. The collection enables the Red Cross to replenish its supply and is used within the greater Allegheny area.

 

   Advisor Katrina Morrow said it was the first time the group was conducting a third event under her tenure. The organization has sponsored a biannual event each fall and spring, with the latter held in February for the past two years.

 

  “So far, the previous two blood drives collected 57 units, which is the highest total unit collection in my eight years as coordinator,” she said. 

 

   Morrow added that it not only helps save lives but also earns one $250 American Red Cross scholarship for a graduating SHS senior. The upcoming campaign would aid others in need of medical care and also benefit another soon-to-be-alum.

 

   “We are hosting a third blood drive to hopefully get enough units so that we are able to give a second scholarship to a graduating senior that has donated blood this school year,” she continued.

   

   The NIKE Club is an all-female organization which includes 40 members in grades 9-12. Named for the Greek goddess, its purpose is to build connections with each other as well as the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s organization. The student group volunteers for community service including concession stands during school games, events at SHS and other Steubenville City Schools and in the community. Half of the concession stand proceeds also help fund two scholarships each year while the members’ volunteer hours go toward academic letters and senior Capstone community service projects. This will be the final NIKE Club event, but an end-of-year dinner 

is eyed in the coming weeks to bid farewell to graduating members and swear in new officers for the 2023-24 school year.

 

   For more information or to register for the blood drive, contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BigRed.

STEUBENVILLE-Pugliese West is getting down on the farm as students celebrate Kinder Country Day this Thursday.

 

    Kindergarten pupils will have the opportunity to show and educate other students at school about farmlife and animals. STEM and project-based learning activities will be held with some animals provided by Life’s A Boer Farm of  Flushing. It is the first year for the event and kindergarten teacher Rachael Andes, who is the organizer, said about 250 kids will be participating in grades PreK-1.

 

   “At Kinder Country Days, there will be several activities for the students to participate in. There will be “Milking the Cow” STEM activity, “Herding Sheep” gross motor activity, soil, hay and corn exploration, line dancing, a farm diorama showcase and a farm animal petting zoo,” Andes said. “We are so excited and proud to show off our baby chicks! Our kindergarten students have learned all about chicks and chickens and have hatched their very own.”

 

   Andes added that she hoped to see Kinder Country Day become an annual event and it was a fun and educational activity.

 

   “ We decided to make our project-based learning on farm animals because it aligned with our Success For All curriculum unit and our students are passionate about animals.”

 

    She was grateful for the support of many people who helped plan the activity, including fellow kindergarten teachers Amy Crowe, Tracie Swinsinski and Christine Elson as well as Pugliese parents.

 

   “I cannot thank my team enough for the planning collaboration and implementation to make this event possible,” she said. “Thank you to our parents for all their continuous support and dedication, and a huge thank you to Life’s A Boer Farm for visiting us earlier this month and for coming to our event and educating our students on farm animals, specifically boer goats and chickens. A huge thank you also to our principal, Lynnett Gorman, facilitators Krystal Yourkovich and Jennifer Blackburn and the staff for their support in making this event possible.” 

STEUBENVILLE-Eighth-graders at Harding Middle School got a glimpse of their future as they toured Steubenville High School this past  week.

 

   Big Red opened its doors during the annual HMS to SHS Transition Days on March 7-9, where an estimated 180 middle school students spent time touring the facility and learning about educational and extracurricular opportunities as they enter their freshmen year. The students first attended a brief presentation where they were welcomed and given an overview of offerings, then each one was paired with a high school student ambassador to shadow for the next four hours. They also had lunch in the school commons before returning to Harding.

 

   School Counselor and Dean of Students Adele Filtz said the pairing enabled the youth to interact with the upperclassmen and become more acclimated to their new surroundings.

 

   “We had about 100 student ambassadors,” Filtz said, adding that they were nominated by teachers to participate each day. “We want [the eighth-graders] to meet new people and become familiar with the school, and they also get to meet the staff.”

 

  Participating middle school students and SHS ambassadors agreed that it gave them a chance to become well acquainted with each other and the setting.

 

   Eighth-grader Kalijah Petteway said he was interested in soccer and learned about sports and classes from student ambassador Jalen Minniefield.

 

   “I’m telling everyone stuff about Big Red, how experienced the teachers are and what they will learn,” added Minniefield.

 

   Samuel Whittington said he was mostly excited about wanting to join the football team when he attends Big Red this fall, while he shadowed student ambassador Sabron Felton and visited areas throughout the school. 

 

   “I think I’m most excited about the classes and just coming to high school,” noted eighth-grader Mason Rettinger, who was paired with student ambassador Lawrence Daniels.

 

   “I showed him around the classes and he met with the teachers,” Daniels commented.

 

   Eighth-grader Aubrey Slussar joined upperclassman Natalie Romanyak and enjoyed getting a first-hand look at the educational environment.

 

   “I’m excited to see the classes and to see what I’m going to do next year,” Slussar said.

 

   Student ambassador Summer Murdock teamed up with Sa’Niyah Newton and showed her classrooms, the pool and other facilities.

 

   “There are different activities and opportunities for us to participate in,” said Newton.

 

   Principal Ted Gorman said it was a positive experience for everyone.

 

   "We had a wonderful three days getting to meet our future students,” Gorman added. “The eighth-grade students really enjoy ‘bumping up’ to the next grade, seeing who their teachers may be and participating in some high school activities. Our high school ambassadors did a great job of showing the students around the school."

 

    About 75 eighth-graders in the College Credit Plus program are also expected to return each day in May for Maymester while the entire class will attend orientation in August prior to the new school term.

STEUBENVILLE-East Garfield Elementary students are getting hands-on knowledge about hatchlings through the ChickQuest program. 

 

   Preschool, kindergarten and third-grade classes are participating in the program through The Ohio State University. ChickQuest is an elementary science program that includes a series of standards-based supporting activities and delivers science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) content in the context of positive youth development. Preschool intervention specialist Jamie Thompson, said she learned about the program last spring and joined three other teachers for a training session in Columbus in August. Free equipment and a dozen eggs have been provided for the school and an incubator is currently housed in her classroom.

 

   “The process takes 21 days and we have to keep the incubator at the correct temperature and humidity. Once the eggs start to hatch, we will keep them in a brooder box with a heat lamp,” Thompson said. “This is the first time we’ve done it. It comes with a logbook and we’re going to team up with the third-graders.”

 

    She added that the classes will collaborate and complete assignments in science, social studies, math and reading. Thompson said the students were excited about watching the life cycle up close.

 

  “This ties in literature and we will research animals that lay eggs,” she explained. “The third-grade will team up with our preschoolers for the research project.”

 

   Thompson said the students were excited about their new endeavor.

 

   “I’m happy,” added preschooler Symphany Robinson. “[I can’t wait to see] the chicks.”

 

   Thompson said the hatchlings will eventually find a new home in a chicken coop owned by one of the teachers.

STEUBENVILLE-Eighth-graders advancing to Steubenville Big Red this fall will get a little preview of high school life during HMS to SHS Transition Days.

 

   Principal Ted Gorman said about 180 students from Harding Middle School will descend upon Big Red on March 7-9 to become familiar with their new surroundings. The students will visit classrooms and also learn about extracurricular activities such as athletics and organizations so they can become involved as full-fledged freshmen.

 

   “We will bus eighth-graders from Harding and they will spend half a day at the high school getting acclimated to teachers, classrooms and classmates,” Gorman said. “They will shadow student ambassadors and eat lunch and the administration will have a brief presentation at the beginning. We’re trying to make it a smooth transition because the two hardest times for transition are in fifth and ninth grade.”

 

    He added that it was akin to Harding’s Making Memories in the Middle event on March 10 that will introduce fourth-grade elementary students to the middle school environment, although that activity will include offerings for students and parents in an evening event from 6-8 p.m. 

 

    Meanwhile, about 75 College Credit Plus students will make a stop in May in an event that has been held for about four years. Gorman said it was another way to familiarize the students with the high school setting.

 

   “We’re trying to make them as comfortable as possible when they get here,” he commented. “We try to get them to know the students. That’s important also.”

STEUBENVILLE-McKinley STEM Academy is thinking spring with its upcoming literacy night festivities.

 

   The school will host activities on March 16 from 4-6 p.m. and feature its “One School, One Book” project with a Black History Month edition of “Secret Garden.” Principal Deanna Beall said games and more are set for students and parents to enjoy and prior literacy night events have been a successful draw.

 

   “We will have food trucks, a spring garden party with activities in the greenhouse, arts, crafts and games,” Beall said.

 

   In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved to the school gym. Beall added that about 300 people attended a fall literacy night and she was hopeful for a similar turnout.

 

   “This is the fourth year that the school has been open and we had two literacy nights last year,” she said. “This year, we were able to do more. We’re gearing it towards the ‘One School, One Book’ program and all of our kids have the same book. It’s a great book for the upper grade levels but a good experience for the younger ones to be exposed to.”

 

      Beall added that younger students can read with adults at home and all 180 pupils have taken part in daily activities with comprehension questions for prizes, plus they complete STEM challenges as part of the educational experience. 

STEUBENVILLE-Harding Middle School will give incoming students a glimpse of upperclassman life when it hosts Making Memories in the Middle on March 10.

 

   Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with activities to run from 6-8 p.m. and all fourth-graders and their families within Steubenville City Schools are invited, as well as any student living outside the district who may be interested in enrolling. Shay Greiner, school social worker, said the event is now in its 10^th year and those planning to attend can enjoy an evening of fun while touring the building and exploring programs.

 

     “We provide new activities each year,” said Greiner. “This year, we have a few new rooms and activities to offer.”

 

   Among them are a rollercoaster display, Fine Arts tables and information, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) station with information on #StallionWay, pie-in-the-face game with student-athletes, School Bases Health Clinic table, fourth-grade puzzle mural, Bingo, photo booth/wall, Stallion quilt activity, HMHS Helps Me Grow, March Madness activity, school nurse educational table, locker escape room, eighth-grade Q&A session and giveaways such as HMS gift bags and magnets.

   “This event was started to help alleviate some of the early anxieties our fourth-grade students have making the jump to a new building. It is only natural after spending six or seven years in one building that there be some anxiety when jumping to a new one,” she said. “With this experience, students gain the opportunity to explore the building and some of our programs, meet staff they will see or have as teachers in the coming year and mingle with older students. In addition, this event provides a platform for our elementary students to mingle with each other.”

   Harding accepts fourth-grade students from Pugliese West Elementary, East Garfield Elementary, Wells Academy and McKinley STEM Academy and the event helps pupils who have not had many opportunities to get to know each other, particularly since they attend separate schools until fifth-grade. About 220 fourth-graders and their families have been invited to the upcoming festivities.

   Greiner said school staff, students and leaders are involved in Making Memories in the Middle and help keep it going strong.

   “It takes a team effort to organize this event. Making Memories in the Middle would not be a success without the staff who volunteer their time and Solutions teams and even our own students help plan and decorate for the occasion.”

STEUBENVILLE-Harding Middle School will give incoming students a glimpse of upperclassman life when it hosts Making Memories in the Middle on March 10.

 

   Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with activities to run from 6-8 p.m. and all fourth-graders and their families within Steubenville City Schools are invited, as well as any student living outside the district who may be interested in enrolling. Shay Greiner, school social worker, said the event is now in its 10^th year and those planning to attend can enjoy an evening of fun while touring the building and exploring programs.

 

     “We provide new activities each year,” said Greiner. “This year, we have a few new rooms and activities to offer.”

 

   Among them are a rollercoaster display, Fine Arts tables and information, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) station with information on #StallionWay, pie-in-the-face game with student-athletes, School Bases Health Clinic table, fourth-grade puzzle mural, Bingo, photo booth/wall, Stallion quilt activity, HMHS Helps Me Grow, March Madness activity, school nurse educational table, locker escape room, eighth-grade Q&A session and giveaways such as HMS gift bags and magnets.

   “This event was started to help alleviate some of the early anxieties our fourth-grade students have making the jump to a new building. It is only natural after spending six or seven years in one building that there be some anxiety when jumping to a new one,” she said. “With this experience, students gain the opportunity to explore the building and some of our programs, meet staff they will see or have as teachers in the coming year and mingle with older students. In addition, this event provides a platform for our elementary students to mingle with each other.”

   Harding accepts fourth-grade students from Pugliese West Elementary, East Garfield Elementary, Wells Academy and McKinley STEM Academy and the event helps pupils who have not had many opportunities to get to know each other, particularly since they attend separate schools until fifth-grade. About 220 fourth-graders and their families have been invited to the upcoming festivities.

   Greiner said school staff, students and leaders are involved in Making Memories in the Middle and help keep it going strong.

   “It takes a team effort to organize this event. Making Memories in the Middle would not be a success without the staff who volunteer their time and Solutions teams and even our own students help plan and decorate for the occasion.”

STEUBENVILLE- Students and parents will go wild at East Garfield Elementary during its annual literacy night on Feb. 22.

 

   Activities are set to begin at 5 p.m. and the theme is “One School, One Book: The Jungle Book.” It is being organized by school staff and events include a cake walk, snakes, sensory tables, a library table, photo booth, crafts, a safari hunt and games. About 200 people are expected to attend and officials said the purpose of the event is for students and families to have fun evening together and make memories at the school.

STEUBENVILLE-Valentine’s Day is a time to give from the heart, and students and local residents also gave of themselves during the biannual blood drive at Steubenville High School.

 

   The Nike Club sponsored the event Tuesday in conjunction with the American Red Cross and collected 31 units from donors with an overall total of 58 units for the year. The all-female student organization gathered 27 units during a previous drive in November and advisor Katrina Morrow said the latest effort yielded an impressive turnout.

 

  “We had a steady stream of outside [residents] and students,” Morrow said. “We’ve also had three or four people do the Power Red donations, which is two pints of blood and counts for at least six donations.”

 

   The collection has a two-fold benefit: saving lives and earning scholarships for graduating seniors. Morrow added that one $250 American Red Cross scholarship could be given away and she was grateful to everyone for pitching in to help those in need.  She added that spring blood drives were generally more well-attended and club members hung promotional flyers to draw attention, while some teachers also gave extra credit to students who made a donation. Nike Club members signed up contributors at the registration table and provided snacks and the required 15-to-20-minute respite following collections at the canteen while Red Cross medical staff oversaw the donations.

 

   Students and residents alike said they donated because they wanted to make a difference in someone else’s life.

 

   “I was going to last year but I wasn’t old enough,” said sophomore Magdalene Crisante, saying it was her first time. “I have always wanted to and thought it was important because there are people with medical issues...and I wanted to help.”

 

   “I just wanted to do it,” added sophomore Ruth Deah, another first-time donor, who noted that she might donate again in the future.

 

   Junior Nicole Barr has donated at least three times and said she was inspired by her mother.

 

  “My mom is a nurse and has always donated, and she told me about it when I was little,” Barr continued. “I’m terrified of needles but I’d still do it.”

 

  Steubenville native and Follansbee resident Frank Babaryk traveled across the bridge and rolled up his sleeve for the cause, which made it his seventh donation but his first time at SHS.

 

   “I thought about it for a long time. It benefits other people and rejuvenates my blood, too.”

 

  Sophomore Michael Fuchs contributed for the second time and said his blood goes a long way.

 

  “I just thought it was the right thing to do. Mine is O Negative, so it goes with everybody,” Fuchs said.

 

  Junior Javin Harper also saw the need and participated for the first time.

  

  “I thought about how people are feeling,” said Harper. “If I was in that position, I’d hope someone would do the same thing for me.”

 

   The Nike Club has held blood drives each fall and spring with the latter being conducted in February for the past two years. Morrow said the collection enables the Red Cross to replenish its supply and the units are used within the greater Allegheny area.

STEUBENVILLE-A group of Wells Academy students will depict influential figures in honor of African American History Month for February.

 

  The second annual “Third-Grade Wax Museum” will take place in the school gym on Feb. 17 at 11:30 a.m. About 60 students will dress as historic leaders and other notables and share information with schoolmates and staff. Teachers Alexis Mahoney and Michelle Timmons are organizing the event as a unique way to celebrate the occasion.

 

    “The purpose is to have the third-grade students research influential African Americans. They will dress as this person and the other students at the school will walk around, ask them questions and learn more about these famous people,” said Mahoney. “It was formed last year because Mrs. Timmons and I wanted a more creative way to have our students complete their research projects for African American History Month. We found the instructions on how to do it and it was very successful last year.”

 

   She added that there was one alteration to the activity this time around.

   “This year is very similar to last year with one exception, we have very unique famous African Americans that the students researched this year. Some of these include the first female African American police officers, the first African American female librarian, and the inventor of the ice cream scoop, just to name a few.”

    Mahoney continued that it was also a special take on history lessons and was well received.

   “The students in the other grades love it just as much as the third graders. It's a very fun way to teach about famous African Americans,” she said. “The students will wear costumes and bring props and there will be music playing from African Americans artists.”

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville High School will recognize Pathfinders in February who have made an impact upon the community.

 

   The school will host its annual assembly on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium and will feature honorees Pastor Bobbyjon Bauman, Patti West and Crystal Wicker. Principal Ted Gorman said they were selected by the Pathfinder Committee for their valuable contributions to the area.

 

   “Every year, we hold an assembly to honor our Pathfinders,” he said. “They are community members who have enhanced our community’s culture and fostered improvement in one of the following areas: education, citizenship and government, humanity (helping others), business and arts (music, drama and sports).”

 

   Both Bauman and West will be recognized for humanitarianism while Wicker will be honored for her contribution to education. The assembly is also an opportunity for current SHS students to lead the program and several will perform at the event through song and dance. In addition, Black History Month essay contest winners will read their words. Gorman said it was a wonderful way to showcase the students. Guests and honorees will also lunch in the Keenan Conference Room following the event.

 

   “Every year, we look forward to our Pathfinder assembly. It is a great opportunity to honor people who have contributed to our community or their own community. This student-led assembly is a nice way to show our appreciation and to showcase our students’ talent.”

STEUBENVILLE-Pugliese West Elementary School kicked off its annual 2^nd & 7 program to encourage a love of reading.

 

   Jennifer Blackburn, Success For All instructional coach at Pugliese, said the event was held Feb. 7 and forges a connection between second-grade students and student-athletes from Steubenville High School. Big Red pupils Ty Pierce, Cooper Blackburn, Sydney Matyas, Juliana King, Tori Mitchell, Janyah Withers, Spenser Ostovich, Jordan West, Alikwon Harris, Dorian Thorne and Bryce Huff partnered with the youngsters for reading time and will continue to visit each month for the remainder of the school year.

 

   “Senior athletes visited the school, read to the kids and passed out free books for the kids to take home and reminded the students why it is so important to read. The athletes then participated in question-and-answer sessions with the students reiterating the valuable life lessons that are taught in their book,” Blackburn explained. “The books use themes on life lessons with our first focus being on respect. Our volunteer role models encourage second-graders to try their best in school, do their homework, respect their teachers and classmates, do the right thing and read every night.”

 

    She added that students were excited for the next visit, which is scheduled for March 24. 

 

   The 2nd & 7 Foundation was started in 1999 by former Ohio State Buckeye football players Ryan Miller, Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel, who were inspired by their involvement in various community outreach programs as former student-athletes. They decided to continue making a difference by promoting literacy and providing positive role models for children in central Ohio.  Over the past 23 years, the program has grown to nearly 200 communities in 26 states. The “Tackling Illiteracy” program encourages student-athletes from universities and high schools across the nation to participate in weekly readings in second-grade classrooms. 2nd & 7 created its own book series featuring a group of friends called the Hog Mollies; each book teaches valuable life lessons. Its mission is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. 

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville City Schools’ plans for its 4-H organization are reaching a gallop with the addition of a new equestrian program.

 

  Students who are established riders can join and earn an athletic letter to boot. For now, it is open to current high school students with plans to include middle school students in the future. Heather Hoover, the Success For All coordinator at McKinley STEM Academy and Steubenville City Seedlings 4-H advisor, said it was an exciting new venture for the youth and expands upon their established 4-H program.

 

   “As part of a student interest survey, the No. 1 program that students wanted to learn about is agriculture, sustainability and farm-to-school or farm-to-table,” Hoover explained. “We have introductory [programs] at all levels and found quite a few were interested in expanding these programs. There’s a whole list of criteria that students will need to obtain in order to receive recognition for an athletic letter, one being that they must participate in equestrian competitions. Several students who are interested in the program are already participating on equestrian teams outside of school, and we want to recognize and support their equestrian accomplishments as an athlete.”

 

   Members who already compete would have those contests count toward meeting required criteria, in addition to completing community service projects and also presenting projects to the 4-H club and other organizations. The Steubenville City Seedlings 4-H group currently includes Cloverbuds and several middle school and  high school students and offers inner city youth a chance to get a taste of rural life through still and animal programs, plus there is a push for an agriculture curriculum. 

 

   “The high school students had reached out about starting a 4-H and we thought there would be interest in the equestrian program. We are in the first phase and we hope to allow other students to get active,” Hoover added.

 

   She said equestrian members were currently being enrolled, which is a win-win.

 

   “They not only receive an athletic  letter, but they can build upon their personal resume and student portfolios to highlight their accomplishments  to continue on the equestrian track post-secondary work,” she noted, saying the program will follow the requirements and the framework set forth by the U.S. Equestrian Interscholastic organization with additional requirements that highlight the district’s vision and mission for the success for its students.

 

   The Steubenville City Schools 4-H Club yielded 28 members in its first year and Hoover anticipates the latest numbers to top 40 students. 

 

   “These opportunities allow our district to expose our students to a lot of opportunities they normally wouldn’t have in a classroom setting,” Hoover concluded.

STEUBENVILLE-Steubenville High School students who want to venture into the healthcare field can gain some exposure by participating in phlebotomy and pharmacy tech programs in conjunction with Eastern Gateway Community College.

 

  Seniors can take part and earn a phlebotomy or pharmacy tech license, giving them a foot in the door for the workforce. Dr. Shana D’Aurora-Wydra, STEM director for Steubenville City Schools, said the initiative began last year with five students and currently numbers have doubled.

 

   “Credentials are offered through the EGCC Workforce Development Program and with our partnership we can offer it to seniors who are 18,” Dr. D’Aurora-Wydra said. “We do student interest surveys and one of the top three interests was healthcare. We already have career pathways through EGCC, so it’s a win-win. If they have the credential and they have a license, they can work.”

 

   She said two SHS graduates currently work at Trinity Medical Center with one studying nursing in college and another working as a part-time phlebotomist.

 

   The programs are offered three days per week with EGCC instructors teaching at the high school campus and labs. Students in both courses must pass a state exam to earn their credential, plus the pharmacy tech students perform clinicals in pharmacies to gain further experience.

STEUBENVILLE-The spirit of giving continues at Steubenville High School as the Nike Club teams up with the American Red Cross for a Valentine’s Day blood drive.

   School and community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and pitch in for the cause, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the new gym. Club Advisor Katrina Morrow said the event bookends a previous campaign in November and everyone benefits. Not only does it help save a life but students can also receive a scholarship from the Red Cross to further their studies.

 

   “We had 27 units collected [in November] and usually our goal is 25,” Morrow said. “I was very surprised. We shoot for 25 units at each blood drive and it puts us in range for one senior to get a scholarship. The blood drive is open to the public and they can register online hrough the American Red Cross, plus I have a sign-up sheet for those at school.”

 

   She added that collections have been held each fall and spring but the latter has been conducted in February for the past two years. Nike Club members will assist in the registration and canteen while Red Cross medical staff will oversee the blood collection. Anyone who turns 16 years old on or before that date is eligible to participate and may register and select a donation time, but walk-ins are also accepted. The collection enables the Red Cross to replenish their supply and is used within the greater Allegheny area.

 

   Meanwhile, Morrow said the student group is named for the Greek goddess and is comprised of more than 40 females in grades 9-12. Its purpose is to build connections with each other and women involved with the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s organization and members also volunteer at concession stands during school games, within SHS and other school buildings and in the community at the Urban Mission 5K and Minority Health Month activities, plus they have raised funds to benefit the Urban Mission’s Thanksgiving dinners. She noted that half of the proceeds from the concessions help the club distribute two scholarships at the end of the school year while the members’ volunteer hours go toward academic letters and senior Capstone community service projects.

 

   For more information or to register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BigRed.

STEUBENVILLE-Students at Wells Academy are having fun while reading with the fourth annual “One School, One Book” program.

 

   The school kicked off activities Tuesday and about 333 students in grades PreK-4 are reading “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” which was written by Florence and Richard Atwater, while engaging in a variety of related activities in their classrooms over the next month. Principal Tommy Kotsanis said there will be something to do at school and home and parents can also get in on the fun.

 

   “We had a book reveal and every kid gets a book,” Kotsanis said. “Students read a chapter a night and every day we have a little activity with STEM and games and a there’s a ‘Jeopardy’ game at the end.”

 

   Children will read four chapters each week between Jan. 17-Feb. 17 and a correlating read-and-respond activity was sent home so adults could assist those students who cannot write their response. A daily trivia contest is also held over the public address system which ties into the book and kids who answer correctly are selected to win prizes. Among some of the classroom events are Penguin Bingo, team STEM challenges and a painting project with a wintry theme.

 

   Kotsanis said it has become a popular program and students love to participate.

 

   “It encourages reading and they get to do fun activities during the winter,” he said. “We also try to incorporate it into every subject.”

 

   The students will then complete one at-home STEM/STEAM penguin rookery (nesting) project that is due on Feb. 27 and a family literacy night will be held on March 1 to celebrate the program’s conclusion.

STEUBENVILLE-Several of the beams being placed at Steubenville High School’s new STEM building will include a piece of history, filled with signatures of past and future students and staff.

 

  Over the course of a week, about 3,000 names are being added to the steel structures by youngsters to soon-to-be graduates, as well as teachers and staff members from Steubenville Big Red, Wells Academy, Harding Middle School, McKinley STEM Academy and East Garfield and Pugliese West Elementary. A steady stream of buses delivered people from elsewhere on Jan. 9-13 so they would get their chance to make an indelible mark upon the new site. The beams will then be installed in the estimated $16 million, three-story building that is currently under construction and eyed for completion in the spring of 2024. The 28,000-square-foot facility will incorporate STEM-related labs and other hands-on programming with current offerings including aviation, drafting/machining/CAD and health informatics and new courses focusing on environmental studies to biomedical sciences. SHS Principal Ted Gorman said the building will provide a bevy of 21^st Century learning opportunities.

 

   “The building will be completely staffed and full. “The programs are currently in older classrooms and they will be moving into high-tech, modern classrooms.”

 

   The new structure will include 11 classrooms as well as a rooftop garden with room to grow. Gorman said any extra space could be added by building extra floors, if necessary.

 

   “This is going to be a three-story STEM building with an elevator and skywalk. It’s important to connect the existing building to the new building.”

 

   The skywalk will be placed on the third floor and a current multimedia room will be converted into two classrooms and a hallway. Meanwhile, a new multimedia room will be included in the STEM building which will house a green screen, television station and more.

 

    Students were excited to be part of the action and said being included meant a lot to them.

 

   “I’m happy about it,” said sophomore Taylor Moss. “I feel like it’s a part of history and to sign it and have everyone see it is really cool.”

 

   “Being a senior, it’s cool to leave that mark behind,” added senior Hailey Neeley.

The Steubenville Kiwanis club generously provided East Garfield Elementary first-grade students with sweatshirts, pizza and school supplies including crayons and pencils, plus there were visitors from Oglebay Zoo while the Steubenville High School Key Club also provided assistance.