Local Science Teacher Garners Award from COSI
ALPHA School science teacher Jeff Baker receives a COSI STEM award during COSI’s 2023 Science Festival in Columbus.
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – A local science teacher was recently recognized by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) as one of its five STEM Stars for 2023. Jeff Baker is a science teacher at the ALPHA School in Perry County. He received the award during COSI’s Science Festival held in Columbus. Perry County Juvenile Court Judge Luann Cooperrider nominated Baker for the award.
The COSI STEM Star initiative honors ordinary people doing extraordinary STEM work. The recognized individuals, like Baker, showcase exemplary work by leveraging the power of science to improve the quality of life for us all, in central Ohio and beyond, COSI said.
The award recognition from COSI read in part, “Jeff Baker is a science teacher that goes the extra mile to impact kids that need a second chance … Jeff works directly with children from the juvenile detention system to engage youth in STEM while inspiring and mentoring them as they face challenges around life.” COSI also noted Baker’s work in helping the school earn the Wild School Site honor from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The program gives his students better access to science and nature.
The ALPHA School Program is sponsored by Perry County Juvenile Court and is administered by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center. The program helps school districts’ adjudicated students get back on the right track by helping them with credit recovery, behavioral issues, and social-emotional well-being.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold June Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular June meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Perry County Office, 1605 Airport Road, New Lexington, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Philo Junior High Student Tops in The Stock Market Game
Maxwell Paul, Philo Junior High School
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – More than 150 students from nine area school districts participated in The Stock Market Game, and a Philo Junior High student finished first in the area, second among all Middle School and Junior High students in the state, and fifth overall for all participating Ohio students. Maxwell Paul was able to add nearly $32,500 to his portfolio in about five-and-a-half months.
In all, 154 students from districts in the Muskingum Valley ESC region participated in The Stock Market Game. It is a program of the SIFMA Foundation and is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students grades 4-12 in the world of economics, investing and personal finance. It is coordinated locally by the Muskingum Valley ESC’s Gifted Education Department with Park National Bank providing funding for all student licenses, so they could access the game.
“Park National Bank is proud to have sponsored The Stock Market Game in conjunction with Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center,” said Pat Nash, Regional President, Park National Bank. “We would like to congratulate all of the seventh and eighth grade students who represented districts from our area. We continue to be amazed by their skills and accomplishments. We wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors,” Nash said.
Students started September 26, 2022, with $100,000 to build a stock market portfolio, and results were tracked through April 14, 2023. The value of each student’s portfolio determined their rankings. The top 10 students from Muskingum Valley ESC districts include:
| MVESC # | MS/JHS # | OVERALL # | STUDENT | DISTRICT | PORTFOLIO VALUE |
| 1 | 2 | 5 | MAXWELL PAUL | FRANKLIN LOCAL | $132,468.10 |
| 2 | 3 | 9 | KARSON KEHL | RIVER VIEW | $122,393.37 |
| 3 | 4 | 10 | GRAY SEIBERT | RIDGEWOOD | $122,184.40 |
| 4 | 7 | 14 | WYATT TYSINGER | FRANKLIN LOCAL | $118,638.17 |
| 5 | 8 | 17 | KIRA HEPNER | RIVER VIEW | $117,289.30 |
| 6 | 9 | 19 | MAGUIRE WERNTZ | RIVER VIEW | $116,873.55 |
| 7 | 10 | 20 | AIDEN KESTERSON | COSHOCTON | $114,704.42 |
| 8 | 11 | 21 | SOPHIA MONNIER | RIVER VIEW | $114,704-26 |
| 9 | 12 | 24 | AIDEN WORTEL | RIVER VIEW | $113,499.13 |
| 10 | 13 | 25 | TRISTAN HARTMEYER | COSHOCTON | $112,562.51 |
MVESC Governing Board to Hold May Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular May meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Meet April 10
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular April meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Assisting Coshocton City Schools with Superintendent Search
The Coshocton City Schools Board of Education is seeking a new leader for the district. The board will be replacing Dr. Dave Hire, who has resigned after 16 years with the district.
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is assisting the board of education with its superintendent search. MVESC has created the marketing materials for the search and is promoting the available position through numerous professional organizations, online and direct marketing.
The tentative timeline for the superintendent search requires application packets be submitted to MVESC no later than noon, April 5, with the board of education starting its interviews shortly after the application deadline passes. Interested candidates can access information about the opportunity at www.mvesc.org/careers/coshocton-search/.
More than 60 Students, Educators Honored During Awards Night
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center presented Wednesday, March 8, 2023, more than 60 awards to students and educators from 16 districts during its annual Awards Night celebration held at Secrest Auditorium. More than 200 students, educators, family members, and friends attended the event to celebrate the award recipients’ achievements. At the event, the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards, Exemplary Educator Awards, Susan Writing Awards, and Outstanding Senior and Teacher Awards were presented.
The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards are named after former Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Franklin B. Walter. Each of the 16 districts in the Muskingum Valley service region nominated one senior based on his or her outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership abilities. A panel of judges then selected one county winner who received a $500 scholarship. County award winners are Cohen Cabot, Ridgewood Local Schools; Blake Hunt, Logan-Hocking Schools; Isabella Heigley, Morgan Local Schools; Haylie Stemm, Franklin Local Schools; Raegan Wheeldin, Caldwell Exempted Village Schools; Egan Hoffman, New Lexington Schools; and Marlie Moner, Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools.
Raegan Wheeldin, Caldwell EVSD
Haylie Stemm, Frankling Local
Blake Hunt, Logan Hocking Schools
Isabella Heigley, Morgan Local
Marlie, Moner, Newcometstown EVSD
Egan Hofffman, New Lexington Schools
Cohen Cabot, Ridgewood Local
Park National Bank provided scholarship awards for county winners in Coshocton, Hocking, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties. The Community Bank sponsored the Perry County scholarship. The Henery Family Scholarship was presented to the Morgan County winner.
Additionally, five students received the Susan Writing Awards and $1,000 scholarships from the Susan Mahoney Writing Scholarship. The 2023 scholarship recipients are Roberta Donathan, Ridgewood High School; Selah Murphy, West Muskingum High School; and Marina Nicolozakes, Daniel Swartz, and Lee Wilkins from John Glenn High School. The Susan Writing Award was created to memorialize the tremendous writing talent of Susan Elizabeth Mahoney. Susan was the daughter of Jim and Judy Mahoney. Susan passed away during her sophomore year at John Glenn High School. Seniors from high schools in Coshocton, Morgan and Muskingum counties annually provide writing samples and apply for the scholarship award.
Click here to see a complete list of award recipients by county.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Provides New Mental Wellness Resource for Parents
As the pandemic’s unseen costs begin to unfold on the mental health front, some wonder how school children will be impacted. Despite the massive challenge we face, there are growing resources to help families who are struggling.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is partnering with The Cook Center for Human Connection to host a free virtual Family Mental Health night on February 8, 2023, from 8:00-9:00 PM. Participants will hear from a leading clinical psychologist, be able to ask questions, and learn about free resources available. Register now by going to https://cookcenter.info/Feb8 .
If you miss this event or can’t make it live, check out https://ParentGuidance.org where you can access on-demand virtual courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions. There are courses on anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns. All courses are created by therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other certified mental health practitioners. There is even a portal where you can “Ask a Therapist” your tough questions, as well as see questions and answers from other parents.
The Cook Center for Human Connection has made these resources available to help increase hope in a time of continuing uncertainty and growing mental health concern. There are good people in your community working to provide solutions and help for those who are struggling. If you or anyone you know is in a mental health emergency, reach out immediately to the suicide prevention lifeline here: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741.
MVESC Records Commission Meeting, February Governing Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Records Commission Meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The Board’s regular February meeting will begin immediately following.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lower, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley Business Advisory Council Earns 3-Star Designation for Excellence
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens and Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced Ohio’s 2023 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils. The 26 Business Advisory Councils being honored demonstrate excellence developing professional skills for the future, building partnerships and coordinating experiences, which contribute to preparing students for success.
The awards recognize educators, business partners, staff, schools, businesses, educational service centers, joint vocational school districts and communities who come together to create dynamic, career-focused learning environments for students.
“We are thrilled to again be recognized as a three-star Business Advisory Council, and one of only 19 statewide to earn a four or three-star designation,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC). “The Business Advisory Council is a cornerstone of our workforce development initiatives,” she said. “Connecting business leaders and educators is critical to ensure students are ready to enter the world of work after graduating from high school,” Snyder-Lowe added.
“Every career is rooted in foundational skills and experiences,” Lt. Governor Husted said. “Business and education partnerships add to each of these so students are ready for in-demand opportunities both now and in the future. These Business Advisory Councils continue to be great examples of how local partnerships benefit our school communities and Ohio’s workforce.”
“When students graduate, we want to make sure they carry with them a portfolio of knowledge, skills and real-world learning,” Interim Superintendent Siddens said. “Business Advisory Councils continue to add meaningful, dynamic and collaborative connections for students throughout the preK-12 experience that will benefit them now and in their future careers.”
Ohio is proud to be home to more than 120 Business Advisory Councils that engage with schools and collaborate about business and workforce needs, as well as educational programming that responds to those needs. To highlight the work of these councils, the Ohio Department of Education, in partnership with the Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Excels, Ohio Restaurant Association and Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, developed Ohio’s Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils.
Penrod to Lead Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board in 2023
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Ed Penrod from Hocking County will serve as President of the Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board for 2023. Penrod was selected January 9, during the Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board’s Organizational Meeting. Brian Hill from Muskingum County will serve as the board’s vice president.
The Muskingum Valley ESC’s Governing Board consists of seven members from Coshocton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties. Other governing board members include Robert Doughty from Coshocton County; Sharon Slowter from Morgan County; Dr. Barb Hansen and Larry Good from Muskingum County; and Michael Smith from Perry County.
2023 MVESC Governing Board President Ed Penrod (right) presents a gavel to immediate past president Michael Smith for his service to the board and organization in 2022. Penrod was selected President during the Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board organizational meeting on January 9, 2023.
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board Organizational & January Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its organizational meeting at 6 p.m., January 9, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The Board’s regular January meeting will begin immediately following the organizational meeting.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lower, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Businesses, Educators Meet to Discuss Workforce Needs and Opportunities
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Representatives from business, industry and education attended Tuesday, November 22, the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council (MVBAC) meeting hosted by I.B.E.W. Local 1105. The MVBAC is comprised of more than 140 members from seven counties and links business and educators to strengthen the pipeline of talent graduating from school districts in Coshocton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Tuscarawas counties.
During the meeting, Ashley Labaki from I.B.E.W. Local 1105 shared information she gained during a recent visit to Intel in Texas. Labaki’s insight is important as the region prepares to become home to an Intel chip manufacturing facility that will employ 7,000 people during construction, and more than 3,000 permanent workers when the facility comes online in 2025.
Also, during the meeting, Marietta-based Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) discussed and highlighted partnerships with Mid-East Career & Technology Centers focusing on the real-world problem scenario. Additionally, Julie Mettler from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services explained ApprenticeOhio, and the 16 career clusters in which apprenticeships can and will be developed.
“Our goal is to ensure participating districts understand the resources and programs that are available to them in order to prepare their students to meet the workforce needs of area employers,” said Justin Denius, Director, Workforce Development, MVESC. “The Business Advisory Council also allows employers to talk directly to educators making sure learning opportunities are aligned with skills necessary for success in the world of work,” he added.
Denius noted the successful launch of the MOV ESC Driving School in 14 school districts in eastern and southern Ohio is one program that helps eliminate the first barrier to workforce development. Additionally, MVESC is actively pursuing new workforce initiatives including development of a Teacher Academy, plus Medical Career Pathways for area students.
Businesses interested in joining or learning more about the MVBAC are encouraged to contact Justin Denius by calling 740-452-4518 or emailing justin.denius@mvesc.org.
MVESC December Governing Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular December board meeting, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM at its offices located at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.
Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.
Legislator, Educator Recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association
State Representative Don Jones and long-time educator Dr. Jim Mahoney recently were recognized during the 36th Annual Ohio ESC Association Awards event in Columbus, Nov. 14. The Muskingum Valley ESC (MVESC) nominated both award winners.
Representative Jones garnered the Legislative Leadership Award. It honors legislators and legislative support staff who have provided outstanding public service and legislative support for Educational Service Centers and public education in the state of Ohio. The MVESC’s nomination stated, “State Representative Don Jones has been instrumental in assisting the ESC with its newest program initiative. His efforts to decrease barriers and enhance the working relationship between state agencies and ESC’s have been a huge asset. Representative Jones truly has an outstanding work ethic and as a former teacher, has a compassionate understanding of our work to help every child succeed.”
Dr. Jim Mahoney earned the Lifetime Achievement Award. To be considered for the award, nominees must be or have been ESC superintendents, treasurers, board members, state/national legislators, local/state educators, and professional staff with a minimum of twelve years of demonstrated service to educational service centers and public education. His nomination highlights his many years as an educator and his continued work as a public speaker and author. “Dr. Jim Mahoney’s contributions to public education in Ohio are too numerous to count. As a former teacher, principal, school district superintendent and Muskingum Valley ESC superintendent, he has inspired many educators and students throughout his life to follow their dreams and truly make a difference in the world. Dr. Mahoney continues to motivate, encourage and inspire today through his book and his speaking engagements. This amazing, passionate and committed educator advocates for all children in Ohio to have outstanding opportunities for success.”
MVESC Board members and staff pictured with OESCA award recipients State Representative Don Jones and Dr. Jim Mahoney. Pictured (L-R): MVESC Board President Michael Smith, MVESC Treasurer Danielle Devoll, MVESC Director of Operations Adam Copeland, MVESC Board Vice President Ed Penrod, State Representative Don Jones, Dr. Jim Mahoney, MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe, and MVESC Board member Larry Good.
Districts in Eastern, Southern Ohio Benefit from Threat Assessment Guidelines Training
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is providing free Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) training to school districts in Eastern and Southern Ohio. The training sessions began in September and have been held throughout the region with more than 230 school personnel from about 20 districts completing the training so far. Additional training sessions are scheduled in late November.
This training meets all requirements for House Bill 123 signed this year by Governor Mike DeWine to help schools identify threat and provide guidance on how to effectively address threat in schools. The evidence-based training, created by Dr. Dewey Cornell, is interactive and is designed for school-based multidisplinary teams.
Local Educator Receives Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Diane L. Jones of Zanesville was recently presented the 2022 Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award in the Southeast Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. The award is the highest level of recognition in the Southeast Region. The region executive committee selects an individual, business or corporation that has roots in the Southeast Region and has gone above and beyond in advocating for children and public education in the region and across the state. Jones received the award in Nelsonville at the Ohio School Boards Association Southeast Region Fall Conference.
Jones began her classroom teaching career at West Muskingum Local School and served in various administrative roles at Franklin Local Schools, Zanesville City Schools and Muskingum Valley ESC. Upon her retirement, she continues to serve as an education consultant with the Muskingum Valley ESC. In partnership with Dr. Barbara A. Hansen, she developed the Appalachian P-20 Council, a collaborative of business, industry, education, government and philanthropy committed to improving the lives of students who live in the Southeast Region.
Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University. She received her master’s degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education, an administrative certification from Ohio State University and assistant superintendent’s certification from Ashland University.
Diane L. Jones of Zanesville recently received the 2022 Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award in the Southeast Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. Pictured from left are Danielle Devoll, MVESC Treasurer; Dr. Barbara Hansen, MVESC Board Member; Adam Copeland, MVESC Director of Operations; Diane L. Jones; Michael Smith, MVESC Board President; Ed Penrod, MVESC Board Vice President; and Larry Good, MVESC Board Member.
MVESC November Governing Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular November board meeting, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM at its offices located at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.
Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.
MVESC Governing Board October Meeting
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular October board meeting, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the New Lexington Middle School Library at 2549 Panther Dr. NE, New Lexington. The meeting is open to the public.
Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder- Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.
Morgan Local Schools Recognized for Excellence, Parntership
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.
As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region, including Morgan Local Schools. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Coshocton City Schools, Crooksville, East Muskingum, Franklin, Logan-Hocking Schools, Maysville, New Lexington, Northern, Ridgewood, River View, and West Muskingum.
“We are thrilled to recognize our partner districts for their 25 years of commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment! MVESC is proud to be a part of such outstanding school districts with amazing and committed staff, students and board members,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.
Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.
MVESC Board President Michael Smith presents a plaque of recognition to Morgan Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Kristi Barker. The district was recognized for its 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region.