MRESC InFocus Newsletter-Winter '19
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.
Striving For S.T.A.R. Level Service!
By Scott Howell, MRESC Superintendent
What a privilege it is to work at an Educational Service Center! Most educators might jokingly tell you that they decided to get into the field for three reasons: June, July, and August. The truth of the matter is that most people get into education because, at their very core, they possess the heart and desire to work with and serve children.
I have been in education for almost 25 years, 10 of which have been spent working for educational service centers. It has been a privilege to work with and observe aides, teachers, therapists, nurses, and a host of other staff doing the difficult, but rewarding, work of serving the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the most precious, vulnerable, and needy students in our districts. It may sound cliché to say, “At the Educational Service Center, 'Service' is our middle name.” But at the Midwest Regional ESC, we want to ensure that this statement is true, not in name only, but also in how we conduct ourselves on the job.
At the ESC’s opening day meeting, I had the opportunity to speak about our agency’s Four Dimensions of S.T.A.R. Level Service and my expectation that all ESC employees strive to keep these four principles in mind and practice them at all times while working with students.
To be a S.T.A.R. at the MRESC, one must exhibit all of the following:
Service to Others
- Actively SERVE the needs of children, team members, as well as district and community personnel.
- Provide positive support to all classroom/building/district/community personnel by being friendly, helpful, and collaborative with others in the best interest of students.
- Be timely, responsive, and always willing to serve.
- Consider the needs, preferences, and viewpoints of others before considering your own.
Teamwork
- Be a team player and support all members of your team.
- Be committed to the team’s mission and do your part to achieve it.
- Hold yourself and your team members accountable for their best efforts.
- Address issues and concerns in a professional manner.
- Be a good communicator. Do more listening than talking.
Attitude
- Nurture the attitude of a servant.
- Presume positive intentions with regard to the thoughts, comments, and actions of others.
- Be a positive and enthusiastic presence in the workplace.
- Show appreciation for your team members and their talents and contributions.
Reliability
- Recognize the significance of your responsibilities and hold yourself accountable to them.
- Exercise good attendance. Nobody can do your job as well as you!
- Be present, on-time, dependable, and available to others when needed.
- Demonstrate loyalty, honesty, and integrity.
- Exercise confidentiality.
Thank you to all those in Hardin, Logan, and Shelby Counties who have dedicated their lives to the service of children!
Great Things Happening in Youth Leadership
By Karen Sorreles, Youth Leadership Liaison
Youth Leadership students in schools across Logan County have participated in a variety of programs covering a wide range of topics in the past few months.
Leadership Styles occurred at Indian Lake High School for Youth Leadership Sophomores from Indian Lake, Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan and Riverside Schools. Students learned differences between great leaders versus terrible leaders; different types of leadership styles; and how to become better leaders based upon given situations. They ended the day with a self-evaluation and action plan. Other Youth Leadership team members will help these individuals succeed with their plan.
Color Me was held at Riverside for freshmen from all four districts. Youth Leadership students start their first year with a program that analyzes their personalities. They are then assigned a color for their personalities after taking a survey. Next, they are given activities where they work with others of the same personality type, then another mixed with other personalities. Finally, they are given tips on how to communicate and work with other personality types.
In addition, the Indian Lake Youth Leadership Impact Team Volleyball Tournament raised $659.00 for The Chippewa Outreach Center Christmas Party Christmas presents.
In addition, all County Youth Leadership Impact team members showed up to help Our Daily Bread pass out and pack Christmas Baskets.
Youth Development Special Events
Career Day was held at Riverside School in late October and was a great success. Approximately 65 occupations were represented from 36 different companies. There were occupations students recognize like nurses, firemen and police officers. But also there were some jobs students may not be familiar with: for example, surveyor, radiologist, or funeral director. Seventh grade students from Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Calvary Christian, Indian Lake, Riverside and West Liberty Salem Middle Schools attended this event. Students were given activities to complete which made interaction with the representatives a requirement. Businesses created interactive and attractive tables.
The Choices Program was presented this fall to all the 8th grade students in Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, and Riverside Schools by experts in the community volunteering their knowledge. Students learned about making the right choices and possible consequences of their choices. Programs consisted of Texting, Social Media, Diversity, Values, Self Esteem/Self-Confidence, School Climate/Asset builder, Stress Management, and Healthy Habits. Evaluations from students, teachers, and presenters were all positive and indicate this program is of great value for the future of their lives.
There are many more projects and special events in the making-Stay tuned!
HTM Brings the Christmas Cheer!
By Meaghen Tidwell, Director of Special Education for Indian Lake Local Schools and MRESC
HTM in Russells Point continues to demonstrate their unlimited generosity to our students with disabilities at Indian Lake. On December 19th, the students served in the MRESC unit classrooms at Indian Lake were visited by Santa’s wonderful Honda elves. Several employees from HTM brought in bags and bags of Christmas gifts for the students.
Their reactions were amazing, and true appreciation for the actions of Honda were abundantly clear. On behalf of the MRESC, Indian Lake, and the staff and students in the classrooms, we extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the infinite support and charitableness. We are humbled by your spirit of giving and are truly blessed to have such a wonderful business that continues to contribute to the classrooms. We thank you!
Collaboration, Life Skills, & Field Trips…Oh My!
By Meaghen Tidwell, Director of Special Education for Indian Lake Local Schools & MRESC
To say it has been an eventful, action-packed year for many of our self-contained classrooms would be an understatement due to the tireless efforts of our amazing teaching staff. This year has been one for the books as the collaborative efforts to extend as many opportunities for our students to visit the community has been exceptional. Between field trips, peer modeling and mentoring, and exploring their communities, our students have had unprecedented exposure to new concepts.
The self-contained classrooms located at Riverside Elementary, Indian Lake Middle, and Indian Lake High School began the year by planning several life skills lessons that centered around the holiday season. The staff planned a lesson for preparing a Thanksgiving Feast. Each teacher was given the responsibility of finding traditional holiday dishes that their students would ultimately create a budget for, create a shopping list for, go grocery shopping for ingredients, and then prepare the food. This lesson involved students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
All classrooms carried out their responsibilities and came together to prepare a wonderful feast at Indian Lake Middle School. The Middle School Classroom contains two full size kitchens that gave the students opportunity to learn how to prepare meals, follow a recipe, and allowed for the older students to work side by side with younger students. Once the meal was ready, Ben Logan’s John Tyler Tracey led his teachers and fellow students in a moving word of prayer. (I believe Tyler could lead a congregation with his public speaking abilities.) Principals Missy Mefford and Erin Miller from Indian Lake, along with MRESC Superintendent Scott Howell, were also invited to the meal and enjoyed their time interacting with staff and students.
Christmas presented another opportunity for collaboration. Mrs. Julie Phillips, Mr. Skip Oliver, Miss Donna Elson, and Mrs. Amy Esaleh developed a lesson for baking and decorating sugar cookies. Once again, the lesson was carried out by creating a budget, visiting Walmart for supplies, and following the recipes. Perhaps the most encouraging part of the lesson was watching the older students teach the younger students. Our older students do not have many opportunities to be role models; this has given them all a much needed boost of confidence. The students enjoyed decorating and eating their sugar cookies and are looking forward to the next life skills lesson.
Lastly, a region-wide field trip was planned by Miss Donna Elson involving all units aligned with the MRESC (11 classrooms), in addition to several self-contained classrooms throughout Shelby, Auglaize, Logan, and Hardin Counties. The students traveled to Bellefontaine to Bellefontaine 8 Cinema where they watched “Ralph Breaks the Internet”. A great time was had by all, and the field trip served as a semester end celebration of all the milestones and progress the students have made. Following the movie, several teachers took students to lunch.Many went to McDonald’s in Bellefontaine while the classrooms as Riverside, Indian Lake, and Jackson Center went to the Russells Point McDonalds. The hospitality and patience shown by the McDonald’s staff was remarkable. Furthermore, the patience and manners demonstrated by the students were acknowledged by many patrons and restaurant workers.
All students represented their home districts and the MRESC in such a positive way. My fellow directors and I extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Bellefontaine 8 Cinema, the Bellefontaine McDonald’s, and Russell’s Point McDonald’s for their generosity and compassion. We appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and service from these establishments.
From School to Work-Engagement, Employment, Independence
By Jeanie Riethman, Director of Student Services for Fort Loramie, Hardin-Houston & Russia Schools
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), along with vocational rehabilitation (VR) contractors help people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, advance in, and/or regain a job.
Who is eligible for OOD Transition Services?
Students ages 14-21 who have a disability that causes a substantial barrier to his/her ability to get or keep a job may be eligible for OOD services. Students must also demonstrate a need for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.
How can a student apply for OOD services?
A referral for services can be made by the student, family, educational staff, or other local agencies. Begin to invite OOD staff members to IEP team meetings so OOD can explain who they are and how they can help each student reach their future career goals.
How is a student eligibility determined?
A student must meet the following requirements to receive OOD support:
- Student must have a disability
- The disability must make it hard for a student to prepare for, get, keep, advance in, and/or regain a job
- A student must be interested in working and be able to benefit from OOD services to prepare for, get, keep, advance in, and/or regain a job
- A student must need OOD services
What are some of the Transition Specific Services offered by OOD?
Career Development Activities: OOD will assist students with identifying pre-employment transition services and activities that can prepare the student for community-based work experiences; such as, interviewing, job-shadowing and volunteer experiences to name a few.
- Summer Youth-Career Exploration: OOD assist students in understanding employment and various employment options. This is done with business tours, and employer presentations. OOD will also introduce students to work-related skills such as budgeting and time management.
- Summer Youth-Work Experience: OOD provides the opportunity to teach students vocational skills, appropriate work behaviors, communication and interpersonal skills and vocational skills needed for a job.
- Non-Permanent Job Development: This is intended to help students obtain non-permanent employment, such as summer or after school job that will provide work experience and build work history while student is still in high school.
OOD is a support for our students and should be part of the IEP team and should be instrumental on developing a transition plan. For more information visit www.ood.ohio.gov
Just Talk About It
By Sybil Truster, Director of Administrative Services & Innovative Programs
The Sidney-MRESC Opportunity School, working with Prevention Specialist Gail Dafler, launched a series of interactive programs for staff, students and parents focusing on mental health issues. Programs are designed to help participants recognize the warning signs of stress, anxiety, depression and crisis. Additionally, self-harm, suicide, addiction and the emotional impact of social media is addressed. The series examines crisis interventions, cultivating positive coping skills, and asking for help.
“JUST TALK ABOUT IT” takes a comprehensive approach to mental health awareness. Presentations are provided to the Opportunity School staff, followed by students and parents in the evening. The goal is to raise awareness of behavioral health issues among youth; provide training to detect and respond to mental health challenges and crisis in young adults; and increase access to behavioral health supports for youth and families.
“JUST TALK ABOUT IT” kicked off the series with a program called “Be Present,” facilitated by Javier Sanchez, founder and CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Communications Inc. The “Be Present” campaign educates and empowers peers, friends, classmates and siblings of at-risk youth to “step up” and provide needed support. Sanchez indicated that many of our youth struggle with trying to find their own way, exploring different parts of their identity, or figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Adolescents are experiencing transitions from middle to high school and beyond.
Upcoming “JUST TALK ABOUT IT” presentations include the following topics with dates yet to be determined.
- Macy Grice, from New Hope for Women, will discuss “Domestic Violence Awareness,” a school-based prevention and intervention program that builds healthy relationships and reduces the harmful impact of domestic and dating violence. Staff training will provide information on identifying domestic abuse and keeping victims of abuse safe.
- Cheryl Mahoney, from iWise Living, discusses “Screen Health.” Mahoney presents the crisis youth face from screen addiction which includes spending more time each day staring at screens than they do sleeping. Areas of concern to be addressed include: internet porn, violence and video games, digital disorders/addiction and effects of electronic screens on the brain and health.
Funding for the series has been provided by a grant from the Shelby County United Way and Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).
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
Parent Project Provides Hope & Support to Shelby County Families
By Amy Simindinger, Shelby County Juvenile Court Liaison
Twice a year, parents and children in Shelby County have an opportunity to attend the Parent Project. A nationally recognized parenting program, Parent Project focuses on parenting basics, connecting parents with resources, and encouraging continued dialogue and communication in parent support groups. Parent Project is designed for parents of children ages 10-17 who are experiencing out of control, difficult behavior leading to court involvement, truancy, or situations detrimental to the student or family.
The 10 week class is held at the YMCA in Sidney. Classes are taught by trained Parent Project facilitators and focus on parenting fundamentals; setting firm and consistent rules and expectations, educating parents on drugs, alcohol, and gangs; and guiding parents through the process of obtaining additional resources and supports for their children. Guest speakers also present additional information. All materials are provided to parents at no charge. Dinner is also provided each week.
While the program is intended for parents, Shelby County also provides a youth component. Youth attend classes at the same time as parents. Working with Parent Project trained facilitators, the teens focus on issues such as self-esteem, relationships, respect and improving their relationship with their parents.
Families can attend the class on a voluntary basis and do not have to be court ordered. Schools are encouraged to provide Parent Project information to families and consider referral to the program during attendance intervention planning or in lieu of suspension or expulsion. A companion program, Loving Solutions, is available to parents of children ages 5-10. This program can also be attended on a voluntary basis.
The next Parent Project class will begin on March 6, 2019. Loving Solutions will begin on March 5, 2019. To register for either class, parents can contact the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center at 498-1354 ext. 7020 and speak with Amy Simindinger, Juvenile Court Liaison.
For more information on Parent Project, please visit www.parentproject.com.
The Power of a Smile
By Erica Baer, Director of Student Achievement
The year: 2010. Like many, I taught English to all freshman and 60 to 75 percent of our juniors and seniors at our “smallish” high school (approximately 800 students K-12). And, like so many other teachers, I stood outside my door each period – “Walmart greeter”-style – saying hello or smiling at passing students (and getting the occasional “Hi,” combined with the “I’m tired, why are you speaking to me?” look or the typical teenage “too-cool-for-school” glare). On this particular day, one senior, Samantha, stood out.
During her freshman year, Samantha truly shone in our freshman English class. Gifted, talented, from a “solid” family, passionate about life and faith, and actively involved in music and drama, Samantha consistently created some of the most creative, inventive, and excellent pieces in our class. Her “sparkly” spirit and laughter could change everyone’s mood, and her classmates consistently looked to her as a role model.
That contagious spirit carried through her junior year. But, during this, her senior year, I had noticed a change. It seemed as if the “sparkle” had gone out of Samantha. As she passed between classes one day, I pulled her aside for a second.
“Samantha,” I asked, “are you okay? You just don’t seem to be your normal, joyful self.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired, I guess,” she replied.
“Well, just know that I’m here if you need anything.”
“I know. Thanks, Ms. Baer.”
She went off to her next class, and I believed that she was “just tired”.
Then, six or seven years later, I received a message that stopped me in my tracks. Samantha – by then happily married with a dog and a new teaching job – shared that, since fifth grade, she had struggled with depression – including “suicidal ideation and intent”. She shared that the hallway conversation that year was the “only one” where someone outside her family “caught on that something was wrong”: that it “meant so, so much because – even though I didn’t say it at the time – it told me that someone cared” (her words).
It sounds cliché, and perhaps it is: one smile, one kind word, can turn a life around. But Samantha’s story tells me that – no matter who we are – our words, our smiles, have power. So whoever you are, whatever your role – teacher, lunch worker, administrator, janitor, bus driver – your daily response, your caring words, can be “game changers” for our kids.
Samantha’s story tells me to never stop – never stop looking beyond the “icy stares” to a kid’s heart; never stop the kindness or encouragement; never stop believing that each of us, doing our part, can change our world. So, during these gray, icy, February days, may you be encouraged in your work. Together, we are making a difference.
*Student’s name has been changed.
Awesome Activities!
By Erica Baer, Director of Student Achievement
You likely already know it: we have amazing students in our member districts! This fall and winter have been no different as students across our three counties have participated in fun, challenging enrichments and wonderful classroom projects.
Below are just a few of the highlights, as well as some candid pictures, classroom strategies, and even opportunities for local parents. For more information about our academic achievement programs, our gifted services, or a copy of the monthly gifted newsletter Wonderful Wednesdays, please contact Erica Baer at ebaer@mresc.org. Until then, read on!
LEGO League Lifts Off!
Students from Shelby, Logan, and Mercer counties competed Thursday, November 1st at Honda of Anna's annual LEGO Robotics Scrimmage. Our talented students amazed the judges with their STEAM abilities, successfully programming robots to complete complicated missions. In short, teams of students ages 8-13 collaborated to write computer-based programs to direct a robot on a LEGO-based mission exploring space!. These robots then completed tasks and earned points for the team based on a creative problem.
For this year's problem, Into Orbit, LEGO teams sent their robots on missions that astronauts might complete in space, such as moving solar panels, docking, and loading materials into a specific part of a space station. Teams also completed the Lander Mission provided by Mrs. Core from IL and a second teamwork task provided by Mrs. Hemmelgarn from Anna. These challenges that helped students expand their collaborative skills. As some of our teams move on to regional, state, and – perhaps – even national competitions, they will share research on challenges humans must overcome while in space. Who knows, maybe in the next few years our county's LEGO teams will compete at the world competition?
Many, many thanks to Honda of America, whose plant managers, Jeff Cox and Kazuhiro Ito, dedicated engineers, and event coordinator, Deb Kunkler, made this event possible. Thanks to Honda's generous $14,000 grant sponsorship of our teams; provision of the awesome wellness center gym as location; and Ms. Kunkler's awesome event planning, the day went smoothly and successfully. Some of the Honda engineers are even helping our teams prepare for the next competition! Thank you! We look forward to another fun and challenging LEGO Scrimmage next fall!
National Honors!
The Logan County National Honor Society celebrated its newest inductees and officers Monday evening, October 29th, at 6:30 PM. Hosted by the Riverside chapter, President Spencer Hughes (Riv.), Vice President Kelly Shoffner (IL), and Secretary Sarah VanDyke (BL) presided over the ceremonies, welcoming new members and “tapping” the newest officers.
After exhortations to develop sterling character, pursue stellar scholarship, demonstrate wise leadership, and engage in selfless service, Hughes, Shoffner, and VanDyke shared with each new officer the duties and responsibilities of his or her role and charged each one with excellence. The evening concluded with a reception in the gym. This year’s newest Logan County NHS officers (pictured on back, left to right) are:
- President: Alexis Clem (Indian Lake)
- Vice-President: Mason Hammer (Benjamin Logan)
- Secretary: Lauren Johnson (Riverside)
Congratulations to all NHS inductees on outstanding scholarship! Well done!
Tri-County Parents for High Potential (TCPHP)
On Monday evening, October 22nd, over 50 people (22 families) gathered at Sidney’s Amos Memorial Library for our first TCPHP meeting! Bringing together parents and families from our three member counties (Hardin, Logan, and Shelby), families discovered characteristics common to gifted students, and the room “buzzed” with excitement as parents broke into groups by county to discuss enrichment/ field trip ideas, resource needs, and hopes and dreams for gifted education.
If you missed the first meeting, families, teachers, and administrators who serve gifted students are invited to join us as we collaborate to provide unique and exciting opportunities for our region’s high-potential students. Join us!
Future Dates & Location: February 11th, April 15th 7:00-8:00 PM, Amos Library, Sidney OH, 45365
Enrichment: “Wonder-full” Math!
Dr. Raj Shah, founder of MathPlus Academy, math teacher, and overall lover of all things math, shared strategies and resources to infuse wonder and curiosity into the math classroom at the most recent gifted conference. As he shared, “In the place of curiosity, what we have is a culture of compliance,” that — in many cases — results in students seeking “right answers” and easy fixes. However, as we are aware, many of the most significant advancements in science and math have resulted from curiosity — whether in the space program, engineering, or architecture.
In order to cultivate curiosity, Shah suggests embracing uncertainty; asking fewer (but deeper) questions; asking “directed” questions; and utilizing the ever-awkward yet extremely vital four to five seconds of “wait time”. Examples of such “rich tasks” are below:
Strategies:
1. Instead of: “Calculate the area of the rectangle with side a of 3 and side b of 4”, ask, “The area of a given rectangle is 12. What are its possible dimensions?” This open-ended problem provides room for curiosity … for wonder.
2. Instead of, “Johnny has five dimes and two quarters. How much does he have?” ask, “How much is a pound of dimes worth? A pound of pennies? Which would you rather have?”
3. Smudge Math: in these problems, parts are “smudged out” to create space for creativity and questioning. (Read more:
https://fivetwelvethirteen.wordpress.com/2018/03/28/smudged-math-and-modifying-tasks/)
4. Broken Calculator: Show students a “broken calculator”. Ask them what they notice, what they can do, what sums they can create.
For more excellent ideas and links, visit Math Plus: https://www.mathplusacademy.com/founder/
Shah, R. (2018). MathPlus Academy. OAGC Conference. https://www.mathplusacademy.com/resources/
Video Project Pilot Going Well
By Dave Shellhaas, MRESC Curriculum Director and Shawn McElroy, Director of Organizational Development
The Midwest Regional ESC has partnered with Riverside Local Schools to pilot an innovative project using video to increase teacher self-reflection and professional growth. The project is being supported by a Martha Holden Jennings grant and involves ten teachers. The video pilot is based on “Best Foot Forward Study” conducted by Harvard University to research how video can be used to support teacher professional growth. To learn more about the Best Foot Forward initiative, please view the video overview at the end of this article.
Dave Shellhaas, Curriculum Director at the Midwest Regional ESC, and Shawn McElroy, Director of Organizational Development, have been instrumental in developing and organizing this exciting project. Dave is overseeing the project at Riverside and supporting the teachers at the local level. Recently, Dr. Thomas Lasley, the grant evaluator for Martha Holden Jennings, did a mid-project review and was very impressed with the project. He stated this was the first project of this type he has seen submitted to Martha Holden Jennings and was excited to learn more about the project.
The Midwest Regional ESC will take what is learned this year and expand the use of video for teacher self-reflection, peer collaboration, and virtual instructional coaching during the 2019-2020 school year. The ESC believes the use of video is a very powerful tool in increasing teachers’ professional growth and improving instructional practices. Therefore, the ESC will be including this powerful professional growth tool as part of curriculum services for next year.
PAX TRAINING - PD EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Pax Ohio and Midwest Regional ESC partner to provide FREE initial teacher training (March 2019)
Pax Ohio and the Midwest Regional ESC worked hard over the last three weeks to finalize details for another FREE “Initial PAX Teacher Training” in Sidney, Ohio on March 14, 2019 at the Sidney Board of Education (Approximately: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm). Many area districts are utilizing the PAX Good Behavior Game and curriculum as a strategy within their overall District PBIS plan.
Please read carefully the details listed below regarding the expected registration process through PAX Ohio.
Registration: As a PAX Ohio event, interested teachers must register through the PAX Ohio website (https://www.paxohio.org/training-for-teachers/ ) once the “registration survey/application” has been posted.
- PAX Ohio expects to open registration on their website on January 15th.
- The ESC is not able to register participants…individuals must register themselves through PAX Ohio.
Limited Numbers: Registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Only a total of 40 spots will be available for the Sidney, Ohio event. Additional locations may be available in other areas of the State. Additional details will be posted to the PAX Ohio site on or around January 15th.
Want to Learn More About PAX? Visit the PAX Ohio website at https://www.paxohio.org/what-is-pax/ for additional information, research, and testimonials.
Thursday, Mar 14, 2019, 08:00 AM
Sidney Board of Education, South 4th Avenue, Sidney, OH, USA
To view additional information about MRESC professional development, please visit our website at www.mresc.org and click on Professional Development tab. The website provides links to the online registration forms and flyers for each event. Below is a brief list of upcoming events that will be happening in the area:
Event: Introduction to Co-Teaching
Target Audience: Co-Teaching teams in PreK-12, School Administrators, Special Education Supervisors
Partner: Wright State University, College of Education
Date: 1/15/19
Location: Botkins Local Schools, Sport Complex
Event Title: Visual Phonics: A Multi-Sensory Learning Experience
Target Audience: SLPs, Classroom Teachers of students with hearing impairments, Preschool Teachers, Educational Audiologists, Reading Specialists, Instructional Assistants, Sign Language Interpreters, etc.
Date: February 7, 2019
Location: Ohio Northern University, McIntosh Center
Event Title: High Quality Math Instruction for Special Educators
Target Audience: Intervention Specialists, Co-Teaching Teams, School Administrators, and Special Education Supervisors
Date(s): February 15, 2019
Location: Sidney Board of Education, Sidney, Ohio
Event Title: Follow Up Orton-Gillingham Workshop w/Susan Lohnes
Target Audience: Educators previously completing "Modified OG Workshop"
Date(s): March 8, 2019
Location: MCCESC (Urbana, Ohio)
Event Title: Military Service Academy Information Night
Target Audience: Students (middle and high school), parents, educators
Date(s): March 12, 2019
Location: Sidney Amos Public Library, Sidney, OH
For more information, contact Suzanne Cox in Senator Portman’s Office at Suzanne_Cox@portman.senate.gov
Event Title: Practical Formative Assessment
Target Audience: K-12 Teachers, School Administrators, Special Education Supervisors, and other educators.
Date(s): March 14, 2019
Location: Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio
Event Title: A Modified Orton-Gillingham Approach
Target Audience: K-8 teachers, intervention specialists, & Title 1 teachers
Date(s): March 18-21, 2019
Location: UVCC – Adult Division, Piqua, Ohio
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: jriethman@mresc.org
Connie Schneider, Youth Development Liaison (Shelby County)
Email: cschneider@mresc.org
Karen Sorreles, Youth Development Liaison (Logan County)
Email: ksorreles@mresc.org
Midwest Regional ESC
Our Vision/Mission: The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center serves and supports students, families, and districts as an innovative educational partner.
Email: contact@mresc.org
Website: www.mresc.org
Location: 121 South Opera Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
Phone: 937-599-5195
Twitter: @MidwestRegESC