Junior High OMUN students share about their conference success
Margo Shipp, Riverside Schools literacy specialist, shared with board of education members at their Tuesday evening meeting, April 18, about the launch of a new program to reach families of children in early childhood in the community, which kicks off with a special event planned for next week.
The literacy specialist said she reached out to Superintendent Dr. Scott Mann earlier in the school year about her idea to reach families with children ages birth through 5.
“I think we’re missing a very crucial demographic,” she told the board. “We’re in a rural setting, so families don’t have as many places they can go here for various resources.”
With that idea in mind, the district will host a Bridge to Learning: Birth to 5 event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, featuring 17 community partners, including Mary Rutan Hospital, the United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Logan County Health District and Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
Families are invited to attend with their children, with special activities planned for the youngsters while parents, caregivers, babysitters and grandparents visit booths in the school auditeria.
“Every single agency I asked was excited to participate,” Shipp said. “It was such a great response and we’re excited to launch this program.”
The initiative utilizes Ohio’s Whole Child Framework, meaning that when students are healthy, feel safe and have strong supportive relationships, they are more likely to enjoy learning, develop positive social skills, and achieve greater academic success, the literacy specialist related.
“Ultimately, we are wanting children to come to school more prepared and ready to learn. This took our thinking back to the earliest years and how we can better support caregivers in any and all areas.
“This could be from understanding how to interact with the child, the benefits of exercise and certain foods, social/emotional behaviors, and how to manage/regulate emotions on their own.
“We are going to provide as many resources as possible to help parents/caregivers/grandparents/childcare be successful in preparing children to fully engage in learning and school when that time comes. These resources or materials can be anything that would benefit the child from ages birth to 5.”
Also during the meeting, the board heard from the Junior High Model United Nations Team members Morgan Shockey, Clara McGill, Valerie Knight, Addison Shoe and Garrett Mahurin and adviser Jack Switzer regarding their recent participation at the state conference in Columbus.
The students represented the country of Switzerland and developed a resolution relating to “green roofs” that would save heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summertime, Morgan explained.
Morgan also was honored at the state event with the Outstanding Delegate Award for displaying exemplary leadership skills.
Team Switzerland received the Cultural Award, recognizing their culturally appropriate costumes and table design. They made Swiss chocolate during the competition as well that was a favorite with fellow participants.
“It was a rewarding experience for our students,” Switzer said. “They were able to develop their public speaking skills and cognitive thinking skills that help pave the way for future success.”
During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Mann reported that the health clinic project addition is quickly progressing, with weekly updates now taking place with Community Health & Wellness Partners. Dry wall is up in the clinic space, and construction is on track to be completed at the end of August, with furniture expected to move in the first part of September.
The district is also auctioning its old playground equipment online, in preparation of the installation of new playground equipment this summer. A link to the online auction available on the district’s Facebook page.
Relating to the playground project, the board approved H&S Asphalt to perform the playground asphalt work at a cost of $60,700.
During the elementary report, Elementary Principal Bryce Hodge reported on the recent Easter-themed senior citizen luncheon on April 11, with fifth-graders telling jokes for entertainment, along with performances by Tim Walls and Riverside’s Show Choir, the Ma Joie Singers, performed songs from the musical Hairspray. The last senior citizen lunch of the school year is May 9.
Dr. Mann also noted that the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony is quickly approaching as well, slated for Friday, May 12.
In other action the board:
• extended the following certified staff contracts for the 2023-23 adopted salary schedule: elementary staff, five-year — Melanie Easton, Jennifer Walls; three-year — Cari Beth Noah; and one-year — Ashley Borchers; junior high/high school, three-year — Kasandera Knief; two-year — Beth Marks; and one-year — Haley Meyer, Jenny Withrow, Kim Jennings; and district staff, one-year — Katie Hodge;
• extended the following classified staff contracts for the 2023-23 adopted salary schedule: two-year — Alan Pope, Heather Shoemaker, Shelly Gamble-Baker, Jonathan McGill, Bonnie Shaffer, Mandy Klingelhoffer, Lisa Ransbottom, Kayla Castallante and Lacey Cron;
• approved the following athletic supplemental contacts for 2023-24: Rod Yoder, athletic director, $23,500; and Tim McGill, assistant athletic director, $3,090;
• extended the following adviser supplemental contracts for 2023-24: Danielle Turner, Lindsay Wyan, senior class co-advisers; Stacey Fauley, Cinda Fleming, junior class co-advisers; Emilee Perkins, Darcie Jenkins, high school student council co-adviser; Nancy Dunham, junior high student council adviser; Mandy Cotterman elementary student council adviser; Andy Phelps, NHS adviser; Gwen Heath, yearbook adviser; Debbie Gonterman, Interact Adviser; Angie Shoe Model, United Nations adviser; Kasandera Knief, marching/concert band, JH/HS pep band, solo/ensemble instrumental, solo/ensemble vocal, high school choir, MS instrumental music 5-8; Cari Beth Noah, elementary vocal music K-6; Abby Steinke, elementary art club, RPDC; Stacey Fauley, Bryce Hodge, Kelly Kauffman, RPDC; Debbie Gonterman, Family School Partnership; Kellea Wilkinson Title Math, Title Reading; Angie Shoe, transportation secretary, athletic administrative assistant, public relations director; Nikki Harshbarger, public relations director; Gwen Heath, social media coordinator; Nikki Jenkins, substitute coordinator;
• approved the following extended service day contracts for 2023-24: Kasandera Knief, band, 15 days; Debbie Gonterman, guidance, five days; and Angel Allen, student services coordinator, 15 days;
• accepted a $5,000 donation from the Davidson family for the Lyn Davidson Scholarship; and
• approved a five-year Virtual Learning Academy contract with Jefferson County ESC at a cost of $5,000.
The next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the school library.