MRESC InFocus Newsletter
Serving Educators in Hardin, Logan, and Shelby Counties
How You Can Reach Us
Email: contact@mresc.org
Website: www.mresc.org
Location: 121 South Opera Street, Bellefontaine, OH, USA
Phone: 937-599-5195
Twitter: @MidwestRegESC
Our Newsletter: This publication is designed to spotlight initiatives, success stories, and programming being implemented by the ESC and its partner districts. We are very proud of the work our staff members are doing in partnership with area districts to meet the needs of area students and their families.
If you have any questions regarding the MRESC, please feel free to contact us at 937-599-5195. You can also email us at contact@mresc.org.
MRESC & Benjamin Logan Schools Receive $1.2 Million
The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center and Benjamin Logan Schools have been awarded a $1.2 million literacy grant through the Striving Readers Initiative.
The Grant: The Ohio Department of Education awarded $33 million in Striving Readers Grants in June following a competitive peer review process. The department received 110 individual and consortium applications, representing 208 entities requesting more than 92 million dollars. The application submitted by the MRESC on behalf of Benjamin Logan Elementary School was one of only forty-six organizations to receive funding.
The Grant Writing Team was comprised of Sandy Adams, Midwest Regional ESC Curriculum Consultant, Colleen Bodin and Gina Rogers, Co-Principals of Benjamin Logan Elementary; Sally Stolly, Curriculum Director for Benjamin Logan Local Schools; and Keith Thomas, Treasurer of the Midwest Regional ESC.
The Focus: The team focused the grant on Benjamin Logan's commitment to ensuring all students have the literacy skills needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom, as well as, ensuring that all teachers have the training and resources needed to carry out this mission.
“The district has never received a grant of such magnitude and we are feeling extremely fortunate to have been awarded an opportunity like this from the state. Over the three-year grant cycle, we will be working with our staff to put vital resources and professional learning directly into the K-4 classrooms,” shared Curriculum Director Sally Stolly. Co-Principal Colleen Bodin said, “We are excited to work with our teachers to improve literacy outcomes for all of our students.”
“Our grant writing team worked extremely hard to submit this grant under a very tight time timeline. We feel very blessed to have received our full grant request of $1,200,000,” stated Co-Principal Gina Rogers.
The Grant Funded Project: The three-year literacy improvement project will include hiring a specialized literacy coach for grades 3 and 4, further training for the collaborative Local Literacy Team, creating multi-sensory book nooks in classrooms, updating classroom resources, providing professional development for teachers in the area of literacy, improving tools for assessing literacy learning, and sponsoring systematic, year-round community literacy programs to engage parents in the progression of their reading culture.
“I am so incredibly proud of the work of our grant writing team. They transformed our initial conversations and brainstorming sessions from thoughts and ideas into a cohesive, well thought-out plan using evidence-based resources. The Striving Readers grant award has created an amazing opportunity for our staff and students. This will truly be a game changer with regard to learning opportunities in the area of literacy for the future students of our community,” said Superintendent Dave Harmon.
Shelby County Achievement Breakfast (Sponsored by Honda)
by Connie Schneider, Youth Development Liaison (Shelby County), MRESC
200 high school students from Shelby County Schools participated in the first Academic Achievement Breakfast on May 11. Those schools in attendance were Anna, Botkins, Fairlawn, Jackson Center and Sidney City Schools.
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. was the sponsor for this event. 2018 marks the first year that Honda Of America has supported this program in Shelby County. Each of the participating schools selected their top 36 students in grades 9-12 in 18 different disciplines. This event was held at the Anna Engine Plant.
Students were greeted by Honda Associates and were treated to a breakfast. Students were congratulated on their high academic achievement over the 2017-18 school year and were challenged to continue to strive to do their best in life.
The MRESC wishes to thank Bobbie Jo Trittschuh and Nichole Arner-Brown, Honda Associates for planning and coordinating this successful event.
For more information about Youth Development Services, please contact Connie Schneider at cschneider@mresc.org
2018 Shelby County Art Show - Congratulations to Ryan Kies
by Craig Ludwig, Special Education Director, MRESC
Congratulations to Ryan Kies and a shout out of gratitude to Jackson Center Schools’ Art Instructor Sandra Corbet. Ryan won a ribbon at the 2018 Shelby County Art Show at the Piqua Mall for his oil on canvas portrait of his grandfather.
Additionally, fellow student and Art Club member Austin Smock helped set up the Art Show on a field trip with other Jackson Center students. Ryan and Austin attend the Mary Sayre's MRESC Classroom at Jackson Center Local Schools.
We are also proud of Ryan and Austin's achievements in Agriculture class with Lindsey Whetstone and in Cari Beth Noah’s High School Choir.
Ada Students Learn about Autism
By Monty Siekerman
Ada Schools marked National Autism Month (April 2018) with several programs that teach students to show respect and honor those who have autism.
“We aim to celebrate the uniqueness in all of us and honor diversity and differences,” said Mrs. Meghan Kosier, kindergarten teacher, and Sherry Miller, speech language pathologist. They are the local Autism Week coordinators.
- Don't miss the photos at the bottom -
“Let’s Light It Up Blue” was the theme of the week. Blue is the identifying color for autism. Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It may be caused by genetic or environmental factors. In America, about 4 or 5 children out of 100 are born with autism, with 80 percent of them being males.
At Ada Elementary, classrooms and hallways were decorated to celebrate each child’s uniqueness. The school library had a display of books describing autism and individuality. Even the trees outside were adorned with blue ribbons.
Throughout the week elementary students were asked to wear special clothing.
- Students were encouraged to wear blue on Tuesday.
- Wednesday was “Your Future Is Bright” when students wear future careers’ clothes.
- Thursday was “Be a Hero for Autism” when students are encouraged to wear super hero clothing.
- Friday is “Together Everyone Achieves More” with favorite sports team clothing to be worn.
Student Poems - See Photo Below: from left to right: Kiegan Boyd, Aireanah Boedicker, and Noah Archer with poems they wrote about things that most represent each of them.
• Each bug and flower was made by a different second grader, thus showing their individuality.
• A door decoration with clouds and streamers. Each student wrote on the streamers several things that make them unique. One was even in Braille.
• Puzzle pieces that students write on to describe what each student thinks he is good at doing. They are all different, showing the uniqueness of each individual.
• The Ada Schools Library has several displays of books about autism and the value of diversity, uniqueness, differences, and individuality among each of us.
Bellefontaine High School's Success Center
by Molli Jackson, Director of BCS Success Center, VLA, and RE Program
The BHS Success Center was full of learning and enriching activities during the 2017-18 school year. The Success Center is home to many BHS students that are working online or on classroom activities.
The center serves over 100 students daily and has a variety of teachers each period to provide academic support. Each student starts the week looking over their academic plan and setting goals to achieve academic success. Along with a large focus on academics, workforce skills are taught each Wednesday. The Chieftains realize that having 21st century skills as well as being workforce ready is the key to success.
”Workforce Wednesday” Sandy Musser [(see far right photo (below)] joins the group for a 6 week etiquette series. Topics included were internet safety, proper cell phone usage, funeral etiquette, dinner table manners, body language and proper greetings.
Success Center Student Donald [(see far left photo (below)] enjoying a cup of coffee after he reached his goal. Positive incentives play a big part of our daily work. A trip to the Keurig helps motivate the students to work towards their goal.
Mr. Wright assists a student on their science assignment. Mr. Wright [(see center photo (below)] is one of the many caring teachers that come in and out of the center each day. Supporting our students is our #1 priority.
Sandy Musser & BCS Students
Mr. Wright - Talking Science
Donald, BCS Student
New Earth Lab Program at Hardin-Houston Local School
After School Enrichment
Building Together
Small Group Activities
by Jeanie Riethman, Student Services Administrator, MRESC
Hardin Houston received a 5 year 21st Century grant that totals one million dollars. The funds support a before and after school program for grades K-4 as well as a summer school program. The program, Earthlab, focuses on using STEM activities to increase achievement in reading and mathematics, particularly for low socio-economic students.
Throughout the five years, students will participate in many activities. Students will work to create an outdoor learning environment and walking trail, including a bridge over a creek, on the campus of the school. Students will participate in NASA activities, exploration of natural resources and ways they can be environmentally responsible.
The students will use the district's greenhouse and create garden beds to raise, and grow healthy food that will be donated to help feed the hungry within the community. Students will create many art projects that relate to the Earthlab and experiments to understand physical and chemical change.
These are just a few examples of some of the many opportunities that the students will experience thanks to the grant. For more informaiton about the Earth Lab or Hardin-Houston's 21st Century Grant, please contact Jeanie Riethman at jriethman@mresc.org or Sybil Truster at struster@mresc.org.
Problem Solving Teams
Visit to the Boonshoft
Boonshoft Visit & Controling Waterflow
Gifted Programming: A Year in Review
2017-18 has proven to be a fun, challenging year for gifted education with the Midwest Regional ESC! Our year began with a strong professional development initiative, with over one hundred teachers working on thirty hours of professional development covering Ohio’s eight gifted competencies!
In addition to our professional growth, districts have participated in many fun, challenging enrichment opportunities, including our LEGO Robotics scrimmage in Anna; NHS tutoring in Logan County; Leadership groups in two Shelby districts (open to all juniors and seniors); and our annual Logan County Spelling Bee!
In late May, close to 20 students from across our districts participated in visual/ performing arts identification screening, and this summer, our SEA camp once again hosted over 300 students from across Logan County!
Thanks to everyone from each district who participated in our initiatives, making it a wonderful year. Our successes belong to you!
If you have questions about the MRESC's Gifted Programming or need support serving gifted students in your classroom, please contact Erica Baer at ebaer@mresc.org
National Honor Society Banquet
Spelling Bee Finalists
Honda Employee Coaching Lego Team
First Lego League of Ohio
Lego Competition Table
Lego Scrimmage Sponsor Honda of North America
Opportunity School (OS): The Glue Helping At-Risk Students Stick with School
by Sybil Truster, Director of Administrative Services & Innovative Programs
Jazzlynn sits across from me and brushes a strand of black hair from her face. At 17 years of age, her dark eyes reflect a lifetime of work, concern and anxiety. Jazzy, as she is called by the Opportunity School staff, is faced every day with challenges way beyond the scope of most teens. Her mother is incarcerated and the last time she heard from her father, he was in New Orleans.
She rises with the sun each morning in her grandparents’ home and makes sure that her four siblings ages 13, 10, 9 and 4 are fed and clothed. Jazzy is then off to work at her full time job at McDonalds. She saves very little; most of the money she earns is used to assist paying for food and rent. Faithfully, Monday through Thursday from 3:00 till 7:00 pm, you will find her at the Opportunity School, this is her “sanctuary.”
The staff provides safety and a level of trust. They ask questions, listen emphatically and provide to Jazzy their undivided attention. OS delivers wrap-around-programming to help her day-to-day and to achieve her long range goals. The relationship with her assigned CareerQUEST mentor has given her self-reliance, independence and a belief in her own efforts and abilities. She has a clear vision; graduation, an internship leading to a full time manufacturing position, and total custody of her brothers and sisters.
Opportunity School has 69 at-risk students, each with their own story. It is, in fact, the dedicated group of men and women that superglues OS.
“Saying good afternoon to a troubled youth makes a difference.” Tom Clark, OS Co-Coordinator, serves as a model for staff and students alike. Among other duties, Tom works as the CareerQUEST Mentoring Director with Big Brothers Big Sisters Coordinator Becca Cotterman, and has organized community mentors to partner with student requests. OS Academic Advisors are fully invested in seeing that each student graduates from high school (Bill Hoewischer, Doug Barhorst and Co-Coordinator Tom Roll).
Often tutoring is required in mathematics to pass AIR or ODE required assessments. OS provides group and individualized math and reading tutoring (Greg Snyder, Hilary Davis). The graduation rate is 88%.
In addition to academics, other staff lead specialized programs to provide a ladder for future success. Gail Dafler, counselor, provides social/emotional guidance that includes anger-management issues, drug use and suicide prevention. Bev Hothaus, through the GRADS Program, and Ashley Hamilton, Parent Project, offers assistance for students with parenting responsibilities.
Amy Simindinger, the court liaison, visits onsite with students who are on or at-risk of probation. She helps with students’ transitioning from a detention facility back to the OS environment. Greg Ward teaches JOBS and the CareerNETWORK which includes writing resumes, interview skills, job readiness and internship placement. Tabatha Schmiessing assists as the Work Study/Transition Coordinator. Additionally, Greg facilitates a Capstone Program for those students who require the specialized project for graduation.
Beyond the programs listed above OS developed under the guidance of Helen Ward and Bill Hoewischer a 21st Century Grant STEM program that has received state recognition; Ohio State Legislature Science Program of the Year and the Ohio Department of Education’s 21st Century Technology Program of the Year. Part of this program includes a four-day Career Camp under the auspices of the Upper Valley Career Center and Opportunity School.
OS believes in the power of data and has an evaluator, Greg Johnson, that collects, analyzes results, then produces a strategic plan of action. Every two weeks a meeting is held in which the strategic plan, programming and struggling students are reviewed. Adjustments are made as needed: the staff is cognizant that student success lies in a guided pathway with clear goals and objectives.
If you have questions about the MRESC's Opportunity School Program, please contact Tom Clark at tclark@mresc.org or Sybil Truster, Director at struster@mresc.org
MRESC Preschool Celebrates Dedication
by Lori Berger, Director of Early Childhood Education, MRESC
As we reflect on the 2017-2018 school year, MRESC Preschool Program wants to celebrate the dedication that has made our program successful.
The Hardin County School Districts have met as a team multiple times throughout the school year to receive legal updates and discuss programming options for the upcoming school year. The local districts have also strengthened our partnership through multiple means: Local administrators have taken the time to do walkthroughs within our classrooms and read to our children, Kindergarten staff have met with Preschool staff on a quarterly basis to discuss instructional strategies, and districts have invited children, families, and staff into their school wide events.
We celebrate the dedication of our parents who have attended multiple family involvement events at each classroom as well as our program wide events. For our upcoming zoo trip, we have 249 people signed up to go! We have been able to offer over 25 family involvement events across the county as a way to extend learning and build school and family relationships.
Our community partners have also demonstrated their dedication to our program by volunteering to come into the classrooms and meet with families. Kris Hastings, from Simon Kenton School, offered a free “Friends and Family CPR” training to parents and the OSU Extension Office provided education on healthy lifestyles through the SNAP-Ed program. Several local law enforcement and emergency response teams visited classrooms to educate children on community helpers as well.
I personally want to celebrate the commitment of the Preschool Staff. They work extremely hard to make all of the above activities and events come together. This year we have implemented a new “Least Restrict Environment” structure to allow for all related services to be provided within the general education setting. The staff’s commitment to communication and collaboration has allowed for more instruction and intervention to be embedded within the daily routine.
As part of our OEC review at Hardin Board of DD, the preschool staff has also focused on writing and implementing compliant ETRs and IEPs that align with the updated expectations from ODE. Next year we look forward to expanding our classrooms and partnerships even more!
For more information about the ESC's Early Childhood Programs, please contact Lori Berger, Director at lberger@mresc.org or visit our website at www.mresc.org.
The 2017-2018 School year brought several opportunities for Amy Simindinger, Juvenile Court Liaison, to speak with students throughout Shelby County. Presentations were given to grades 5-12 to educate students and encourage them to make good choices, both in and out of school.
Amy and Shelby County Juvenile Court Prosecutor Heath Hegemann presented to students in Botkins, Jackson Center, Anna and Fairlawn. Topics included social media safety, sexting, and the legal and social implications of online behavior. Students and teachers were given the chance to ask questions and share their own observations on how online choices can impact lives. Students viewed a video telling the story of Amanda Todd, a student whose life path was greatly altered by how she was treated by peers through social media.
“When speaking with students, I always use the quote ‘No single snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible,’” Simindinger shared. “Young people often don’t realize how their words or actions both in person and online can impact someone’s day and how those interactions can contribute to negative situations. Conversely, students have an incredible power to have a positive impact on each other and the school environment. They often just need some guidance and encouragement to make a change.”
Amy also presented to 5th grade students at both Northwood and Whittier Elementary Schools in Sidney. Her co-presenter was Community Resource Officer Mike McRill. The topics of these presentations also covered social media use, being kind to each other, and expected behavior in the classroom. Students were able to view videos on how they can stop online bullying and ways to create programs where all students feel included and welcome.
“For the 5th graders, we had a volunteer from the audience squeeze a tube of toothpaste onto a plate. After the tube was empty, I asked her to put the toothpaste back into the tube, which is impossible. The students learned that the toothpaste is like their words and actions; they can say their sorry, they can try to make it right, but you can’t take back what you did to hurt someone.”
“One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is speaking to groups of students,” Simindinger said. “Young people absorb knowledge and by giving these presentations, we are arming them with information to protect themselves and their friends as well as be a positive influence on their peers.”
Presentations for Shelby County school districts can be customized to address a particular need or topic. For scheduling information, please contact Amy Simindinger at 937-498-1354 ext. 7020.
Shelby County Career Network: A Year in Review
by Connie Schneider, Youth Development Liaison, MRESC
The Midwest Regional Career Network completed another successful year in Shelby County. The Career Network originated from a Straight A grant initiative. Thanks to the help and support of the Shelby County Community Foundation, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, funding was available for the 2nd year of this initiative.
The MRESC teamed with Rhodes State College to provide college credit for students enrolled in the Basic Manufacturing Course. Students from Botkins, Fairlawn, Jackson Center and Sidney City participated in this initiative. Rhodes State College is working on a follow-up course so that students who complete the two courses will have the credentials necessary to enter the skills trade fields upon graduation.
The Career Network works closely with the Workforce Partnership of Shelby County to place students in both job shadowing situations as well as internships. More than 75 students were placed in various businesses in Shelby County to job shadow. The goal for 2018-19 school year is to place students as interns in various skilled trades fields. Special thanks to Doug Durliat. Rhodes State College and to Deb McDermott-Workforce Partnership of Shelby County for their support and partnership.
For more information about Career Network activities in Shelby County, please contact Connie Schneider at cschneider@mresc.org or Sybil Truster at struster@mresc.org
by Karen Sorreles, Youth Development Liaison (Logan County), MRESC
Youth Leadership interviews for the incoming freshman are complete for the 2018-19 school year. Over seventy students with leadership potential applied for the eight available positions per district.
After the Fall Kick-off with the Impact Teams, new leaders will attend six programs to develop their leadership skills. They will also become part of Impact Teams. New presenters were recruited which brought fresh ideas to programming and enhanced the current phenomenal crew of presenters.
Impact teams this year went above and beyond. Students organized and/or participated in five all-county projects: Leaf raking for the elderly/disabled, Boo Fest, Ring of Lights, Game Night at the Homestead and Adopt-a-Road. The Impact Teams also organized many events and projects that impacted their districts and communities. What a great group of passionate and caring future Logan County leaders.
For more information about Logan County Youth Leadership activities, please contact Karen Sorreles at ksorreles@mresc.org.
Value Added Support Modules Created (MRESC-Learning.org)
By Dave Shellhaas, Director of Curriculum, MRESC
Many times, value-added data can be difficult to access, interpret, and ultimately utilize to maximize instruction. There is a wealth of information in the value-added data that districts can access through their EVAAS portal to assist them in identifying strengths and weaknesses in their classroom instruction and student data. Because the value-added data is released one time a year and staff do not regularly access the portal, it is sometimes a challenge to remember what all the reports are, where to access them, and more importantly, how to utilize the data.
To assist districts, I have created customized online modules for the districts purchasing curriculum services through the ESC. Each module contains sessions that administrators and teachers can access online, 24-7, to refresh their memory about the various value-added reports available through their portal and how to navigate them. The sessions not only provide information about the various reports, they also include narrated video that walk the viewer through accessing their reports, navigating the reports, and explaining what data is available in each report. The videos also provide insights and tips on how to utilize the data in each report to identify and address potential strengths and weaknesses of the instructional programs. This information is meant to assist schools in using the data to impact instruction and overall student learning.
The MRESC recognizes the challenges districts face in finding the time to share information with staff, and efficiently educate them on how to access and utilize the data. These online modules seek to provide a practical, digital option to allow staff to access important information when it is convenient for their schedule. The module and its sessions can be accessed by staff members 24-7 to minimize the time spent out of the classroom, while having a convenient and effective way to gain the important information they need to make good classroom decisions.
For more information about purchasing customized data modules for your district, and/or Curriculum Services through the MRESC, please contact Dave Shellhaas by calling 937-599-5195 ext. 7005 or email him at dshellhaas@mresc.org.
by Shawn McElroy, Director of Organizational Development, MRESC
High Impact Workshops and Resources for Today’s Educators
The MRESC staff and partners have offered over thirty-five (35) professional development opportunities between August 1, 2017 and May 1, 2018. These opportunities reached over 400 educators through a variety of formats including, but not limited to: face-to-face seminars, district-specific workshops, asynchronous online modules, and facilitated online courses.
Topics have included, but are not limited to: a county-wide collaboration day, instructional strategies, writing across the curriculum/use of informational texts, Orton-Gillingham, differentiation, instructional technology and web-based tools, digital interactive notebooks, formative assessment, career exploration, managing difficulty behaviors, creating text sets, intermediate math strategies for struggling students, non-violent crisis intervention, trauma informed schools, legal/legislative updates, educating foster care students, and more.
Workshop Evaluation & Feedback:
- 65% of teachers participating in the workshops stated they were “Extremely Satisfied” with their experience.
- 30% of teachers indicated they were “Moderately Satisfied or Slightly Satisfied”.
- Less than 5% of participants ranked their experience as “Neutral” or below
We have also offered a total of three (3) substitute recruitment and training events (one in each county) resulting in over two dozen new substitutes being identified throughout the region.
Quotes from Past Participants:
- “This was one of the best PDs I have been to in a long time. The content was pertinent and the instructor was great. It was very practical. I am signing up for more. Keep up the good work!” – Anonymous (Survey Monkey)
- “Fantastic PD with many valuable and usable ideas that I will be able to incorporate into my classroom immediately!! Keep bringing great speakers in!!” – Shelby County Teacher
- “This man knew more about science assessment than any other instructor I have ever had. I am especially grateful for the websites on charts and graphs. Thank you!” – Hardin County Teacher
- “The instructor was a very knowledgeable presenter, and her activities/ group discussion format really worked well. I learned several useful things in this course (all of which will have a lasting impact on my teaching). I will definitely attend more workshops!” – Logan County Teacher
- “What would I change? Nothing it's awesome just like it is! I had a great day and learned so much! I can use a ton of what I learned soon with my students! I needed a day like that for fresh new ideas and to be with fellow teachers! That school had a beautiful campus and everyone was so nice! – Anonymous Teacher (Survey Monkey)
- “This was easily the best, most practical, useful PD day I have attended during my career. Tanny's suggestions were applicable across all grade, skill and content areas” – Non-Aligned District Participant (Mercer County)
2018 MRESC Administrative Retreat
Monday, Jul 30, 2018, 08:00 AM
Ohio University, Bobcat Way, Dublin, OH, USA
August 2018 - Initial CPI Certification
Thursday, Aug 2, 2018, 08:00 AM
Hardin-Houston Local Schools
CPI Refresher (August 2018)
Friday, Aug 3, 2018, 12:00 PM
Hardin-Houston Local Schools
2018 Para Professional/Aide Academy
Monday, Aug 6, 2018, 08:30 AM
Bellefontaine High School - Distance Learning Center
Ohio's New Medical Marijuana Law: Implications for Pk-12 Schools
Tuesday, Aug 28, 2018, 09:00 AM
Sidney Board of Education, South 4th Avenue, Sidney, OH, USA
Distinguish yourself as an educator! Google offers two educator certifications so that you can show mastery at the level that is right for you. Use the content in the training center (https://edutrainingcenter.withgoogle.com/) and your own teaching experience to best prepare you for the performance-based exams.
To become a certified Google Educator, you must complete fundamentals training and then pass the required Level 1 and Level 2 assessments. Once you feel adequately prepared, the exams are available online. The good news is that the online training is free, fun, and engaging with plenty of tutorials, videos, and sample content to make your learning easy.
There are three primary sections to Level 1 training: (1) Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership [Two Hours of Content]; (2) Increase Efficiency and Save Time [6 hour of Content]; (3) Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity [6 hours of Content]. Level 2 training ramps up the rigor, but the total number of contact hours is nearly the same as Level 1.
Contact Shawn McElroy at smcelroy@mresc.org if you would like information on how you may be able to receive GRADUATE CREDIT during 2018-2019 academic year for completing the certification process and implementing Google Tools in your classroom.
Interested educators may be eligible to receive one (1) semester hour of graduate credit for each level of certification they receive. Take this opportunity to grow your skills, now get certified to be recognized for the work you've done.
Our Directors are a well-informed, highly-skilled team of specialists with a vast range of experiences. Through a wide network of connections with colleagues across the state, relationships with ODE, and memberships in various regional, state, and national organizations, the MRESC team is able to deliver pertinent information and answer specific questions regarding school improvement, professional development, parent engagement, curricular initiatives, and more.
Please contact a member of our Director team if you are interested in customized curriculum services, onsite workshops, professional learning communities, etc. We are interested in helping you develop cost effective options that are aligned to your individual needs. Our phone number is 937-599-5195 or 937-498-1354.
Dave Shellhaas, Director of Curriculum & School Improvement
Email: dshellhaas@mresc.org
Shawn McElroy, Director of Organizational Development
Email: smcelroy@mresc.org
Sybil Truster, Director of Administrative Services & Innovative Programs
Email: struster@mresc.org
Erica Baer, Director of Student Achievement & Gifted Coordinator
Email: ebaer@mresc.org
Craig Ludwig, Director of Special Education
Email: cludwig@mresc.org
Lori Berger, Director of Early Childhood Education
Email: lberger@mresc.org
Meaghan Tidwell, Director of Special Education, Indian Lake Local Schools
Email: mtidwell@mresc.org
Jeanie Riethman, Student Services Administrator
Email: jreithman@mresc.org
Connie Schneider, Youth Development Liaison (Shelby County)
Email: cschneider@mresc.org
Karen Sorreles, Youth Development Liaison (Logan County)
Email: ksorreles@mresc.org
Stewart Watkins, Information Technology Coordinator
Email: swatkins@mresc.org
Midwest Regional ESC
Our Vision: To Be Your First Choice in Educational Services
Our Mission is to partner with school districts to improve outcomes for students and families with innovative, specialized services and programs at reasonable costs
Email: contact@mresc.org
Website: www.mresc.org
Location: 121 South Opera Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
Phone: 937-599-5195
Twitter: @MidwestRegESC