June Newsletter. Director s Comments. MISSION Serving Lifelong Learners. Volume 3, Issue 12. Living the Dream!

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1 June Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 12 MISSION Serving Lifelong Learners 2014 Director s Comments Living the Dream! As my time as Interim Executive Director at RESA 5 comes to a close, I d like to share a few thoughts. I have learned a great deal about the programs and activities that occur through the management of RESA employees, including a few I wasn t aware of prior to working here! The range of services RESA 5 offers is quite impressive: adult education, public service training for police and fire personnel, classes in collaboration with Department of Health and Human Resources and WorkForce WV, and professional development and/or graduate classes for educators. Cooperative purchasing of equipment and supplies for all the abovementioned agencies can account for a great deal of savings. The listing of items that may be purchased at a reduced rate from a variety of vendors is expanding rapidly. I can see this service becoming very cost effective for all of the counties and communities in our region. It has been an eye-opening experience for me to interact and work with the educators from the smaller counties in our region. Having worked in Wood County Schools for my entire career, I admire the positive can do approach that is evident when there are fewer personnel to implement initiatives and everybody wears many different hats. One of my greatest pleasures while working here has been the opportunity to get to know the people employed by RESA 5. Working at a Regional Education Service Agency is unique in that everyone here has a particular service to perform. Each person is passionate about and committed to their assignment. They are specialized and focused on that role. In a sense, they are insulated from other demands and are able to concentrate on perfecting the offerings they provide. They are enthusiastic and dedicated people who enjoy what they do for a living. Teresa Pickens, Professional Growth Coordinator, is a great example. When people ask Teresa how she s doing, she replies with a smile, Living the dream! My few months here have been greatly rewarding Living the dream at RESA 5! Karen Brunicardi Interim Executive Director Inside this issue: Page 2 Welcome New Staff Page 3 ABE Graduations Page 4 Fire Safety Training Page 5 - Live Fire Training Page 6-7 STARS Page 8 Dr. David Scragg Retires & RESA 5 Legislators The RESA 5 Calendar can be found at: resa5.k12.wv.us Send any news articles you would like included in future issues of the newsletter to: joliveri@k12.wv.us 1

2 RESA 5 Welcomes New Staff Some new faces will be seen in the coming weeks at RESA 5, although they aren t necessarily new to our area. Joe Oliverio, formerly of Wood County Schools, is the new Executive Director. Joe comes to us after 28 years of service in a variety of roles. Kristi Lantz, Professional Growth Coordinator, is replacing Brenda Clark, who moved up to Director of that department. Kristi is returning to our area after working 12 years in North Carolina. Tisha Wall is assuming the position of Technical Assistance Support Specialist, replacing Missi Denniston. Tisha comes to us from Tyler County Schools. RESA 5 is happy to welcome these people to the staff! Welcome New Adult Education Staff RESA 5 Adult Basic Education is going through personnel changes as the summer progresses. First, Katrina Reed will be joining the Wood County ABE program as a teacher at the Lincoln Adult Center. Katrina has been a RESA 5 funded instructor for several years, but will be filling the position vacated by Judy Armstrong, who is set to retire this summer. Filling Katrina s job at the Lakeview Center will be Deanna Addis, who currently holds the position as Career Readiness Instructor in Roane County. Also, we have a new addition to the RESA 5 ABE team in the southern part of the region. Ken Cedar is set to bring his talents to Jackson, Mason, and Roane counties on July 7 th as our Career Development Consultant. Finally, Jason Potts has accepted a full-time position teaching Science at Parkersburg High School this fall. Jason was our Job Readiness instructor in Ritchie County, and we wish him well on a bright future as a Big Red. 2

3 Mason County ABE Graduating Class On May 16 th, 2014, the Mason County ABE Graduating class of held their Commencement Ceremony at the Point Pleasant High School Auditorium. This school year, thirty-four (34) students completed the requirements to receive their High School Equivalency Diploma. Nine students, along with their friends and family, celebrated this mile stone accomplishment. Students attending were: Samuella Alexander, Robert Atwood, James Deweese, Nevada Harris, Michelle LeMieux, Shawna Manning, Ashley Parsons, Daniel Plants II, and Anessa Wolfe. Guest Speaker Greg Fowler, Mason Board of Education member, challenged the students to set and pursue goals. Using personal experience, Mr. Fowler recounted examples of goals that he had achieved which, to many, would seem impossible. Never fail to set goals Mr. Fowler encouraged the graduates dreams can come true through the accomplishments of your goals. The second guest speaker was Terry McGee, Family Support Specialist from the Department of Health and Human Services. Mr. McGee shared his personal experience of earning his GED in He then went on to obtain a Bachelor s Degree in Psychology. In just a few short weeks, Mr. McGee will be graduating with a Master s Degree in Human Services. Mr. McGee encouraged the graduates to continue learning it is the act of learning and expanding your understanding of how the world works that can change you forever. Roxanne Smith, Heart of Appalachia, awarded special certificates to the graduates that enrolled in the services of her program. Leeanna Hughart, WIA: Youth Advantage, recognized Shawna Manning as an outstanding Youth Advantage participant and awarded her a Certificate of Appreciation. Betty Adkins, retired ABE Instructor, was also honored for her years of dedication and service by the ABE Staff members. Along with family and friends, the graduates were encouraged by the presence of Roxanne Smith, Leanna Hughart, Phyllis Curry, Family Support Supervisor, and John Holmes, RESA 5 Adult Basic Education Coordinator. Following the ceremony a small reception was held for the graduates. Roane County ABE Class of Graduates Roane County Adult Basic Education held their annual graduation on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the Heritage Building in Spencer, WV. This has been a very successful year for Roane County Adult Basic Education graduates, with lots of changes. Until January, their degree was referred to as a GED; however, at the start of 2014 the state of West Virginia adopted the TASC Test and now students receive their High School Equivalency Diploma. It has been a difficult transition for the state of West Virginia, but with the diligent patience and work of the students, Roane County Test Examiner- Sue Knotts and instructors: Deanna Addis- SPOKES Instructor, Emily Batten- ABE Instructor, Andrea Smith- Instructional Aid and Lisa Messineo- ABE/SPOKES Substitute. Martha Cooper and Teresa Harper have both been an exceptional help in encouraging their SPOKES students that needed their High School Equivalency Diploma. The previous instructor, Todd Murray, transferred classrooms; in October, Emily Batten became the new instructor at the Committee on Aging Building in Spencer. Between these educators, twenty-three (23) graduates have received their diploma within RESA 5 s calendar year. Graduation had a fantastic turn out this year. Commencement was held to honor the graduates accomplishments of receiving their degrees. RESA 5 Coordinator, John Holmes gave an encouraging speech to graduates and families in attendance. Refreshments and mingling with classmates, educators, friends and family followed Roane County s ABE Graduation. 3

4 Mineral Wells VFD & Wood County 4-H Conduct Fire Safety Training Public Service Training working in conjunction with the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department and the Wood County 4-H conducted Fire Safety Training on June 3 rd and 4 th at the Wood County 4-H Fairgrounds. Picture #1 shows Mineral Wells VFD Ladder 47 and one class of children who were excited about being in the presence of such a machine. Picture #2 is another class gathered under the shelter to learn about the importance of smoke detectors, escape plans and remaining calm during an emergency. Picture #1 Picture #2 Picture#3 shows Mrs. Maul (who is retiring this year from the Mineral Wells Elementary School) being secured to Ladder 47 with a ladder belt, pictured are Aaron Smith who assisted with the ladder belt and Ponnie Sampson who works as the school crossing guard at the Mineral Wells School. Mrs. Maul had a desire to go to the top of the ladder, as you can see in Pictures #4 and #5, her request was granted. Picture #3 Picture #4 Picture #5 Picture #6 shows another class gathered around Engine 41, as Brett Dennis explains some of the features of the fire truck. Picture #6 4

5 Live Fire Training Belpre Fire Training Center Picture #1 These pictures are from the Live Fire Training at the Belpre Fire Training Center on May 31, Mr. Gobble is conducting an impromptu meeting with several of the Firefighters in picture #1. Picture #2 shows two teams getting ready to make entry for fire suppression and search and recovery operations. Picture #3 reveals some of the emergency apparatus that was present. There were fortyone (41) firefighters that were required to participate in this activity in order to obtain their N.F.P.A Firefighter 1 Certification, along with Wesley Township VFD from Ohio who had six people present. The participants were from Pleasants County, Picture #1 Ritchie County, Wirt County, Wood County and Roane County. The Instructors were from the RESA 5/ Public Service Training with assistance from several firefighters working toward their Instructors Certification from several volunteer fire departments and Parkersburg Fire. Ninety-seven (97) people were involved with this eight-hour class along with nine pieces of emergency apparatus being on site. All of this would not have been possible without the assistance of the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department for the use of their facility. Picture #2 Picture #3 5

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8 RESA 5 - Regional Council Calhoun County: Timothy Woodward Larry Harris Dr. David Scragg Retires from RESA 5 Jackson County: Blaine Hess Carroll Staats Pleasants County: Michael Wells Jim McKnight, Vice Chair Ritchie County: Roane County: Ed Toman Sheryll Jameson Jerry Garner Paul Cummings Tyler County: Wirt County: Wood County: Robin Daquilante Linda Hoover MaryJane Pope-Albin James Rader J. Patrick Law, Chair Jim Fox Chief Instructional Leader Representative: Joe Oliverio, Director of Elementary Education, Wood County Schools Teacher Representative: Vacant After 47 years in education, Dr. David Scragg is retiring from his position as the Professional Development Director for RESA 5 on June 30. Dave s career has spanned both Ohio and West Virginia in the roles of teacher, assistant principal, principal, state department staff, and his final assignment here at RESA 5. Dr. Scragg is pictured here with Brenda Clark, who has been named to succeed him as Professional Development Director, effective July 1. Best wishes to Dave for a happy and relaxing retirement! Principal Representative: Tricia Feldmeier A.I. Boreman Elem. Higher Ed Representative: Cynthia Gissy WVU-P Secretary to the Council: Karen Brunicardi, Interim Executive Director WBOE Representative: Vacant WVDE Representative: Betty Jo Jordan, Executive Assistant to the State Contact Information RESA Ninth Avenue Parkersburg, WV Phone: Fax: joliveri@k12.wv.us dcrislip@k12.wv.us RESA 5 Legislators Although the 2014 Legislative session has ended, it is important that we communicate with our elected officials. Here are the names of the Senators and Delegates that represent RESA 5 in Charleston. Senate House Senate President Jeffrey Kessler William Romine Larry Edgell Lynwood Woody Ireland Donna Boley Bill Anderson David Nohe Anna Border Mitch Carmichael John Ellem Mike Hall Tom Azinger Daniel Poling Bob Ashley Steve Westfall David Walker You can locate their office addresses and phone numbers at the following website: It is imperative we keep up with the happenings in the legislature that effect education and that we communicate with our elected officials on issues of vital importance. 8