MRESC InFocus Newsletter-Summer '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!
Youth Leadership Leading the Way with Many Spring Events
Understanding Values was held at Belletech for Youth Leadership Sophomores from all 4 districts. Guest presenter Kelly Tracey, ODJFS talked with students about prioritizing values. Belletech associate Jenny Wright organized team building puzzles for students as well as a tour by of the facility.
Decision Making/Goal Setting was held at Mary Rutan Health Center for Freshmen from all 4 districts. Youth Leadership students were challenged to set personal goals that were not already an expectancy. (For example, it is typical for their first goal to be graduate High school.) Guest presenter Marcia O’Brien, Life Reps went in depth with students discussing what makes good goals, bad goals, wish vs reality. The day began with an obstacle course team challenge.
Public Speaking was held in the DLC at Bellefontaine High school for Youth Leadership Sophomores from all 4 districts. Lisa Guenther from Toastmasters was the presenter for this program. Lisa covered the tyles of public speaking, speech types and possible careers. We then did activities which included each student was given a sample occupation speech to read with microphone and a round of “Table Topics”. Table Topics consists of giving the student a “would you rather” question and then they are given 90 seconds to convince the group. As this is going on the other students are counting ums, uhs, grammar, composure, eye contact, etc.
How To Get Away With Life Juniors attended a new program this year created to experience some real life scenarios. Jolene Bailey from Quest Federal Credit Union brought the life-size game of Life to Union Station for a morning of real life. Students were assigned an occupation, salary and marital status. Some had spouses and children some did not. Students then went through activities learning about insurance, mortgages/rent, utilities and other life events. This activity was followed by Mandatory Life Skills every student should know before graduating. Next, Dave Bezusko, United Way led “Student Feud”. Fashioned after tv’s Family Feud, students were given life lesson type questions and battled wits and had fun learning. A two-hour delay made for some rearranging of the days events. But overall a successful day that we plan to repeat next year.
Entrepreneur Tour The MRESC and Logan County Area Chamber teamed up to organize an Entrepreneur Tour. The Youth Leadership Seniors from BC, BL, IL & RS toured in downtown Bellefontaine. They started the day at the Market Place where Ben Vollrath from the Chamber welcomed them. Seniors then broke off into groups and visited the following businesses: Tangers, Ragnar Fitness, P. Alan Properties, Peachtree and Peak Performance for 20-minute mini-sessions. Entrepreneurs gave personal testimony/background info and leadership topics including abilities, struggles, strengths, inspirations. The day wrapped up at Bella Vino where Jacob Schroeder from Young Professionals wrapped up the tour. The students loved hearing what these young entrepreneurs had to share. The only complaint besides the cold was that they wanted to see and hear from more businesses.
Youth Development Special Events
Career Expo The 4th annual Career Expo held at Indian Lake High School was a great success. Approximately 59 businesses were present with over 80 personnel showcasing their businesses. All of them hoping to capture the interest of these great students as a future employee. Some students capitalized on the opportunity to interview at the Expo with various companies. Kelly from Job & Family Services, Lydia Hess from the Logan County Chamber and I went out to each participating school and held Pre-Expo learning sessions to prepare students for meeting with businesses. Students from Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Calvary Christian, Indian Lake, Ohio Hi-Point, Riverside and West Liberty Salem schools attended this event. Students were given an assignment to complete which made interaction with the representatives a great success. Business created tables that were interactive and attractive to encourage students to approach. Many students were offered jobs, encouraged to apply and 2nd interviews were scheduled.
Career Day at Riverside school was a great success. Approximately 65 occupations were represented from 36 different companies. There were occupations students come into contact like nurses, firemen, police but also some they may not, for example surveyor, radiologist or funeral director. 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 great success. Business created tables that were interactive and attractive
Youth Leadership Impact Projects
Game Day at the Homestead -All County Project
Many Impact Team members showed up at the Homestead on a cold, snowy Sunday afternoon for some energetic fun with the residents. They played board games, bingo and the annual euchre game challenge.
Bow Tie Ball!
Dancing!
King Braydin Larson and Queen Faith Kramer
Having a ball!
By Meaghen Tidwell, Director of Special Education for Indian Lake Local Schools and MRESC
Months of planning finally came together as students from Hardin, Logan, and Shelby counties attended the 1st Annual Bow-Tie Ball on Monday May 6th, 2019 at the Botkins Athletic Complex in Botkins, OH. The highly anticipated Bow-Tie Ball serves a student population who, due to medical, physical, and cognitive impairments, would most likely not be able to participate in the typical high school prom experience. The prom featured prom décor depicting a Galaxy theme, buffet style dinner, DJ and light services, photography services, and an open dance floor for students to move. The prom began with dancing, continued with a formal meal, and then followed by more dancing and fellowship. MRESC’s Superintendent Scott Howell lead the prom attendants with a word of encouragement and prayer to formally kick off the event.
Midwest Regional Educational Service Center Special Education Directors Craig Ludwig, Connie Schnieder, and Meaghen Tidwell began planning the prom in February and through the support of many local donors and participating schools, were able to pull off a fantastic event for the most deserving students. Each student was able to receive a Prom T-Shirt sponsored by Tom Ahl: Family of Dealerships. Giftbags and a monetary donation were made by Airstream of Jackson Center so that each student received a door prize. Photographer Jenny Pleiman of Pleiman Photography in Sidney, OH was on-site to provide professional prom photos for all students and their families. Motteriffic Music and Photo Booth of Waynesfield were on hand to provide music and lights that the students absolutely loved. Craig Ludwig’s business, Ludwig Homes sponsored the Photo Booth which the students had a blast taking pictures with their peers, teachers, and classroom staff while wearing various props, headwear, and eye wear. The photo booth addition allowed the students to take home instant photos that they will treasure for years to come. The students could not get enough of the meal that was catered by Buffalo Rings and Wings in Lima, OH as owners Todd and Audra Fetter were happy to lend their services to such a spectacular cause. Lastly, we would like to recognize Botkins Local Schools, Superintendent Jeff McPheron, and the Junior Class for allowing the Bow-Tie Ball to occur on Botkins’ campus. The students were overwhelmed and so excited by the complex and decorations. We would like to thank our other sponsors for their monetary donations, beverages, and snacks: Casey’s of Jackson Center, Auglaize Dental Associates of Wapakoneta, Allenbaugh Insurance of Jackson Center, Pepsi of Lima, Walmart of Sidney, Dollar General of Kenton, Koenig’s of Anna, and Back Room Executives. Without the support of these wonderful businesses, the Bow-Tie Ball would not have occurred. We would also like to thank Fort Loramie High School, Hardin-Houston High School, Jackson Center High School, Sidney High School, Ridgemont High School, Simon Kenton, Upper Scioto Valley High School, Benjamin Logan High School, Indian Lake High School, and Riverside High School for allowing your students and staff to participate in the Bow-Tie Ball.
The 2019 Bow-Tie Ball King was Braydin Larson of Simon Kenton and the 2019 Bow-Tie Ball Queen was Faith Kramer of Upper Scioto Valley High School. We look forward, and are already planning, for the 2020 Bow-Tie Ball.
Handicap Homecoming
On Friday, January 11, the Jackson Center/UVCC FCCLA hosted a homecoming dance and crowning for students of the Anna, Botkins and Jackson Center Multiple Handicapped Units. The event was put on through the collaborative efforts of many. The Jackson Center schools culinary classes prepared the meal with meat donations from Curly's Meat in Jackson Center, flowers for all attendees were donated by Jenny's Designs in Botkins and Village Salon in Anna styled the hair of all the girls for the occasion. Jackson Center choir students provided DJ services for the dance and the decorations were donated from the Jackson Center Student Council. The dance was complete with the crowning of the homecoming King, Seth Underwood from the Botkins unit and Mikayla Hoaglin of the Jackson Center unit. This dance was one of many events sponsored this year through an FCCLA service project called TGIF (Tigers Growing in Friendship), a program that has member of the chapter and student body matched up with a buddy from the multiple handicapped classrooms at Jackson Center. Monthy activites have been held since the start of the year with this homecoming being the major event for the year. The project co-chairs are Morgan Kipker, Carleigh Ross and Kieran Yarkosky. Their chapter advisor is Mrs. Vicki Kipker.
Wrapping Up the Preschool Year!
MRESC Early Childhood program recently wrapped up another exciting year of preschool. The final weeks of the year are filled with Preschool to Kindergarten Graduation Ceremonies, Family Day at the Columbus Zoo, events at our local libraries, and exploration of the outdoors…when the weather allows.
The preschool staff completed their STEM book study and they are excited to continue to embed science experiments into their daily routines. The staff have also completed additional training in ETR and IEP compliance and were able to provide guidance on how to make the entire process come together to others within Region 6. The preschool program has had several visitors from other districts this school year as a model program for inclusive practices.
Each preschool classroom is assisting children with the “Transition to Kindergarten” process by meeting with Kindergarten staff to discuss the backgrounds and strengths of each child. Kindergarten Information nights are being held in collaboration with the Kindergarten teachers at each district. The preschool children are also participating in visits to the Kindergarten rooms as well as other areas they will frequent once they make the transition to Kindergarten.
Local Superintendents joined together in April to review programming options for the upcoming school year. The interest in preschool programming is growing with families in our area so we are constantly seeking ways to include more and more children in our classrooms.
MRESC Career Network
By Sybil Truster, Director of Administrative Services & Innovative Programs and Susan Allen
The Career Network was established in the spring of 2017 through a State of Ohio Department of Education Straight A Grant. Founded to increase the number of young people who complete high school, attain a post secondary credential valued in the labor market, and get launched in a stable and satisfying career that can also provide the basis to pursue further education and career advancement, the Career Network has significantly impacted the lives of hundreds of students. In collaboration with Rhodes State College and the West Central Manufacturing Consortium, students learn using a hands-on curriculum, participate in field experiences and develop a professional network with local businesses, earn industry-recognized credentials, and have opportunities to complete internships while still in high school. Eligible students may also earn two college credit hours for successful completion of the Rhodes curriculum. Career Network activities are expertly administered by a team of educational professionals who are assigned to participating schools under the oversight of the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center. The Career Network team meets monthly to assess the effectiveness of the program, share ideas, hear from guest speakers in the employment industry, and network with Ohio Department of Education personnel involved in career planning initiatives, and celebrate program successes!
The Career Network services are adaptable to meet the needs of the participating schools. Each school has the opportunity to tailor the program to goals and objectives specific to each district’s priorities for student learning and development. Working with a Career Network Coordinator, districts can select the classroom situation and assign a teacher for curriculum delivery, set internship, job shadowing, and field trip requirements, and participate in available programming through Rhodes State College. Program start and end dates are also flexible.
The Career Network currently partners with Rhodes State College located in Lima, Ohio. Rhodes oversees the educational component of the Career Network program by providing a curriculum developed in response to the needs of member manufacturers in the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium. The program, expertly coordinated by Doug Durliat, Director, West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium/Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Workforce & Economic Development/Continuing Education Department at Rhodes State College, is adept at meeting the needs of both the manufacturing community and the students.
Deb McDermott, Director, Workforce Partnership of Shelby County, collaborates with coordinators by actively providing guidance, resources, and prospective job shadowing companies to the Career Network. MRESC Career Network Coordinators; Dona Furrow, Connie Schneider, and Greg Ward participate and assist with local job expo opportunities and other Workforce Partnership activities as needed.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., with several manufacturing plants located in Career Network counties, recognizes the benefits of accessing a skilled workforce. Honda has provided limited funding for Career Network programming and personnel as well as provided opportunities for job shadowing and touring to Career Network students.
For the 2018-19 school year, the Career Network has six partner schools serving four west central Ohio counties.
● Botkins High School (Shelby County) ● Indian Lake High School (Logan County) ● Liberty-Benton High School (Hancock County) ● Midwest Regional Educational Service Center (MRESC) Opportunity School (Hardin, Logan and Shelby Counties) ● Riverside High School (Logan County) ● Sidney High School (Shelby County)
Want additional information? Contact Sybil Truster at sturster@mresc.org
Kindness, Compassion and Positive Culture
By Amy Simindinger, Shelby County Juvenile Court Liaison
Kindness, compassion and working to create a positive school culture were the messages delivered to 4th and 5th grade students in Shelby County recently. Court Liaison Amy Simindinger and Community Resource Officer Bryce Stewart me with the elementary students to prepare them for the summer and the transition to new school buildings and situations for the 2019-2020 school year.
Students watched a presentation on bullying, learned how to determine if a behavior is bullying, and learned a “green light, yellow light, red light” system to help decode behaviors. Students watched a video on the “Nobody Eats Alone” Lunch buddy program and learned about a school where a football team became mentors and protectors of a student who was bullied for being different.
Students were asked to give examples of responsible and kind behaviors they can adopt at home, at school and in the community. Responsibility and respect toward teachers, each other and themselves was also addressed.
“Elementary students are always so excited and interactive for our presentations,” said Amy Simindinger. “Our goal is to teach students that their daily interactions with other have a significant impact on school culture, mental health and long-term positive progress and outcomes, both for themselves and the school.”
Shelby County districts interested in scheduling a presentation can contact Amy Simindinger at asimindinger@mresc.org or 937-498-1354 ext. 7020. Presentation are available on a variety of topics and depending on need/topic can include representatives from court, prosecutor’s office and local community agency representatives.
Marvelous Math!
By Erica Baer, Director of Student Achievement
As all math teachers know, sometimes excellent math resources seem to hide from us. Enter Gail Ridenbach, specialist in math differentiation. As she shared in a recent PD, authors Greg Tang, Marilyn Burns, and Cindy Neuschwander have created wonderful books incorporating excellent, standards-based content. Below are some great ideas and strategies:
Fractions: Begin with teaching the “feel” of fractions before using the numbers. First, make a “fraction wheel” by taking two plastic plates of different colors and cutting them along the radius. Slide the cut parts of the plates together so they overlay. As you turn the plates, students can see 1/2, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8 and other fractions easily! As your students study fractions, books teach fun ways of learning fractions: Sir Cumference & the Fraction Faire (Neuschwander), The Lion’s Share (McElligott), and Whole-y Cow: Fractions are Fun (Souders) are great examples.
Greg Tang: through titles like The Grapes of Math and Math-terpieces, Tang introduces difficult concepts like sequencing, spatial reasoning, and mental math in visually appealing, fun problems!
Processing Styles: A-S or V-S?
When planning for lessons, have you ever yearned for a user-friendly way to differentiate? a simpler strategy for organizing material according to learning style? If so, some help is here! When investigating learning patterns — especially in the gifted — researcher Linda Silverman (2015)has identified two major types of learners: the auditory-sequential and the visual-spatial. In short, the auditory-sequential learners “play school” well: they thrive with systems and structures; learning — for them — is step-by-step. Visual-spatial learners, on the other hand, come to understand in “aha!” moments of insight.
Visual-Spatial Learners
-Whole-to-part learners
- Process through pictures
- Process with feelings
- Thrive with context
- Aha! moments
- Find unusual solutions
- Not “bound” by time constraints/ feel very limited by time
- “Just know” correct solutions/ answers (feel it)
Auditory-Sequential Learners
- Part-to-whole learners
- Process through words
- Process with ideas
- Thrive with memorization
- Proceed logically
- Love structure: organized; follow directions well
- Listen well
- Good with details
- Work step-by-step
Reference: Silverman, L., Leviton, L., and Haas, S. (2015). Engaging Different Types of Gifted Learners. In Applied Practice for Educators of Gifted and Able Leaners, pp.25-41. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
NHS Shows Gratitude!
Each year, students in Logan County’s National Honor Society lead a service project as part of their pledge. This year’s NHS officers led with vision, wanting to create a project unique to their passions. So, these officers helped lead fellow NHS members in honoring Logan County’s firefighters, police, EMS, and others. Together, these teens met (mostly after school) to bake, package, and deliver sweet treats to those who serve daily.
Students delivered to police, fire departments, and EMS during St. Patrick’s week in: Indian Lake, Huntsville, Russells Point, Lakeview, Washington Twp., Rushsylvania, Zanesfield, West Mansfield, East Liberty, and Belle Center, among others. Great work, NHS members!
NHS students even created a thank you card to share with first responders across Logan County.
We are grateful for your service!
Making Sense of Test Scores
As students move through grade levels and receive scores from the many tests they take, interpreting the results can sometimes prove challenging. Many often wonder: “What do the numbers mean? What’s the difference between a ‘Percentile Rank’ and a Percentage? What’s a Stanine score? Grade equivalent?” What do these results mean for students? How do we use those results at home and in the classroom? If you, like others, have wondered how to interpret these results and what they mean, read on!
Interpreting the Test Scores
When you or your students receive test scores, you may receive a profile similar to the sample above (courtesy of HMH scoring). Each of these items gives information about the student’s score compared to students across the nation of the same age or of the same grade. This comparison with all students nationwide who take the same test is called national norming. (When students are compared with a smaller sample from the same area or region, this is called local norming. Ohio law requires using national norms instead of local norms.)
To understand the scores, start with the raw score (bottom panel, first three boxes). The raw score shows the number of items possible, the number the student actually answered (number att.), and the number the student answered correctly. So, in this sample, the verbal section of the test had 62 problems.
The sample student tried 61 problems and answered 47 problems correctly. So, his/ her raw score is 47. The raw score data is then used (through analysis and complex formulas) to compare students across the nation and calculate the age and grade scores. The first type of score is a “percentile rank”: this number compares a student with a percentage of students across the nation. Think of it this way: if a student’s score is the 75th percentile, then that student scored better than 74% of all students across the nation who took the test (of the same age or grade). The stanine groups students’ scores by percentage of students also. So, in the example above, the student has an age percentile rank of 81 in verbal: s/he scored better than 80% of all students nationally who took the test. The student’s grade percentile rank is 78%, which means s/he scored better than 77% of all students nationally who took the test. Ohio code then specifies which “cutoff scores” are used for identification — both in gifted and special education — on an ODE chart. The raw score data is then used (through analysis and complex formulas) to compare students across the nation and calculate the age and grade scores. The first type of score is a “percentile rank”: this number compares a student with a percentage of students across the nation. Think of it this way: if a student’s score is the 75th percentile, then that student scored better than 74% of all students across the nation who took the test (of the same age or grade). The stanine groups students’ scores by percentage of students also. So, in the example above, the student has an age percentile rank of 81 in verbal: s/he scored better than 80% of all students nationally who took the test. The student’s grade percentile rank is 78%, which means s/he scored better than 77% of all students nationally who took the test. Ohio code then specifies which “cutoff scores” are used for identification — both in gifted and special education — on an ODE chart.
The graphic above shows the relative comparison and distribution of these types of scores.
To summarize:
Raw Score = Actual Number Correct
Percentile Rank = Student scored above a certain percentage of all students nationwide who took the test
Stanine = band into which the student’s score falls
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