MVESC Garners $25,000 Parent Mentorship Program
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is receiving $25,000 to support its Parent Mentorship program. The federal funds are distributed through the Ohio Department of Education. A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by a local educational service center to help school districts and families by providing training, support and information services.
The MVESC Parent Mentor program services include:
- Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis.
- Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources.
- Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request.
- Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals.
- Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.
All Parent Mentor services are provided to families free of charge.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board’s July Meeting: July 11, 2022
Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular July Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., July 11, 2022. The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC office at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Receives Afterschool Grants for Programs in New Lexington, Morgan and Ridgewood Local Schools
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is receiving $961,150 in grants to launch a new afterschool program at New Lexington Schools and expand current afterschool programs at Morgan and Ridgewood Local Schools. The Ohio Department of Education announced April 28 a total of $89 million in Summer Learning and Afterschool Opportunities Grants to 161 community-based partners. The grant programs must be provided during periods of time when school is not in session and be designed to meet the needs of students who have experienced disruptions to learning in school during the pandemic.
An Afterschool Create grant of $885,000 will support establishment of an afterschool program for New Lexington Schools, which will begin August 2022 and end June 2024. New Lexington Schools partnered with MVESC for the grant which will serve students in grades K-12. The program will be housed in the New Lexington Workforce Development Center with students being transported there after school each day. A Technology Coach will be assigned to students and many services will be offered, such as: health and wellness, social-emotional learning, STEM lab, Makerspace, Agriculture Technology, projects at the school farm, family, and community events.
The second grant awarded to MVESC is an Afterschool Expand grant for $76,150.24 which will also begin August 2022 and will end June 2024. Ridgewood Local Schools and Morgan Local Schools are the partners for this grant, and the programs will serve K-12 students. These programs will expand on the districts’ current afterschool services by providing additional STEM resources and social-emotional learning.
Through these grant opportunities, the goal of MVESC and the partnering districts is to increase student achievement, improve school attendance, and provide ongoing support to students and families who have been affected by the pandemic.
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board Meeting: May 16, 2022
Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular May Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., May 16, 2022. The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC office at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
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Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center and the Ohio ESC Association to Recognize Ohio’s Top Scholars
Columbus, Ohio – On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) will recognize Ohio’s top students from across the state during the 33rd Annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards Program.
The Franklin B. Walter Award recipient for the Muskingum Valley ESC is Kierston Harper, a senior from Philo High School in the Franklin Local School District. Kierston is the daughter of Jeremy and Heidi Harper of Zanesville. The Muskingum Valley ESC recognized 16 district winners in March at an awards event at Secrest Auditorium, and a committee chose Kierston as the ESC’s representative to be recognized at the statewide event. Harper plans to attend a college or university and major in Biology/Pre-Medicine.
This year’s student-centered event will be held both in-person and virtually through two-way interactive video and live streamed on the Association’s YouTube Channel.
The awards program, named in honor of Ohio’s 31st State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Franklin B. Walter, was established in 1989 by OESCA to promote and recognize outstanding student leaders for their academic achievement and service to their schools and communities. One senior from each county in Ohio was eligible to receive this annual honor with the top 51 students from each of Ohio’s ESCs selected to attend the statewide event. The event will be held at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, following the Ohio ESC Association’s annual Spring meeting.
Eligible applicants must be a high school senior enrolled in a public school within an ESC’s service region. Recipients were required to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and community service as indicated by high school grades, test scores, school and community activities and awards.
“In order to achieve this level of success, these students have demonstrated bold leadership, resilience and grit,” stated Craig Burford, Executive Director of OESCA. Over the past 33 years, OESCA has recognized over 2,600 scholars and student leaders during this event. “Ohio’s ESCs have over a century of service in providing technical assistance and support to Ohio’s schools and students, and during this event we get to see the impact of that work,” added Burford. “We look forward to our continued partnership with school district leadership and state policymakers to ensuring students have the tools and resources necessary to succeed regardless of where they live and attend school.”
Students Win Big in ‘The Stock Market Game’
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Nearly 175 seventh and eighth graders in Ohio participated in The Stock Market Game, and a Philo Junior High student was the state’s top investor for junior high students. Payton Byers’ portfolio totaled more than $111,000 and edged out the second-place student by less than $40. Byers now advances to another competition later this month at the University of Cincinnati.
In all, 112 students from districts in the Muskingum Valley ESC region participated in The Stock Market Game. The Community Bank and Park National Bank provided funding for student licenses, so they could access the game. Participating districts include Caldwell, Coshocton, Crooksville, Franklin, Logan-Hocking, Maysville, Morgan, Newcomerstown, Ridgewood and River View.
Students started in October 2021 with $100,000 to build a stock market portfolio, and results were tracked through April 8, 2022. The value of each student’s portfolio determined their rankings. The top 10 students from Muskingum Valley ESC districts include:
Muskingum Valley Business Advisory Council Earns 3-Star Designation for Excellence
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens and Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the Muskingum Valley Business Advisory Council (MVBAC) has been designated as an Ohio 2022 Three-Star Business Advisory Council. The MVBAC, coordinated by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center, was one of the seven Business Advisory Councils (BACs) in Ohio to be recognized with the three-star designation. Ohio is home to more than 120 Business Advisory Councils.
The BACs engage with schools and collaborate about business and workforce needs and 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.
This application-based set of awards recognizes applicants that demonstrate excellence in the three Quality Practices:
- Developing professional skills for future careers;
- Building partnerships; and
- Coordinating career development experiences.
“The collaboration between business and education is a powerful force that inspires students to think about their futures and helps connect them to in-demand career opportunities in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Today’s awards highlight some of the most innovative and impactful examples of business and education partnerships taking place across Ohio.”
“I’m so impressed by our councils and all the amazing work they are doing to support and encourage students toward promising careers. Their investment in students today promises to have a positive impact both for students and for their organizations for generations to come,” said Siddens.
To learn more about the work of Business Advisory Councils, to watch a video of the event and to view the criteria for these awards, visit the Business Advisory Councils webpage.
MVESC Governing Board will meet Monday, April 11, 2022
Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular April Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., April 11, 2022. The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC office at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Deadline Extended: Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for Ohio Teacher of the Year
The 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year nominations are open February 1 through April 29, 2022.
More than an award, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program elevates the teaching profession by identifying exceptional teachers, celebrating their effective, inspiring work both inside and outside of the classroom and providing opportunities for professional growth, leadership and advocacy.
Nominees must hold a professional Ohio educator license, work full-time with a minimum of five years of teaching experience in a state-approved public school, community school or career center. They also must work directly with students at least 50 percent of the time, have no previous recognition with the Ohio Teacher of the Year program, and plan to continue in active teaching status.
Anyone may nominate a teacher. School administrators, colleagues, community members, parents or students may submit a nomination for one or multiple teachers from a district or school building. (Self-nominations are not accepted)
Clink the link for more information and to nominate an outstanding Ohio teacher.
More than 60 Students, Educators Recognized During Awards Night Event
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center presented Wednesday, March 9, 2022, more than 60 awards to students and educators from 16 districts during its annual Awards Night celebration held at Secrest Auditorium. More than 300 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 school districts in Muskingum Valley’s service region nominated one student 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 Kavan Jackson, Coshocton High School; Levi Keck, Logan High School, Josephine Knierim, Morgan High School, Kierston Harper, Philo High School; Anna Lowers, Caldwell High School, Grace Barker, New Lexington High School; and Sarah Garretson, Newcomerstown High School.
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 Farmers and Merchants Bank and Boyd Precision Painting jointly sponsored the Noble County Scholarship. The Henery Family Scholarship was presented to the Morgan County winner.
Additionally, two students, Ella Dean and Scott T. Moore, both from John Glenn High School, received the Susan Writing Awards and $1,000 scholarships from the Susan Mahoney Writing Scholarship. The Susan Award was created to memorialize the tremendous writing talent of Susan Elizabeth Mahoney. Susan was the daughter of Jim and Judy Mahoney. She passed away during her sophomore year at John Glenn High School. Seniors from high schools in Coshocton, Muskingum and Morgan counties annually provide writing samples and apply for the scholarship award.
Seventeen educators were recognized as “Exemplary Educators” from 16 districts in the MVESC region and the educational service center. The Muskingum Valley ESC received a Jennings Grant in August 2001 in recognition of Jim Mahoney’s selection as the 2001 Ohio Outstanding Superintendent. This grant originally funded this award recognition, but the award is now funded by the MVESC. The intent of this award is to recognize exemplary teachers and other educators in the seven-county ESC area.
Students from 16 districts were selected as Outstanding Seniors by their high school principals based on the student’s exceptional academic record, leadership in their school and community, and having earned other honors and awards. The seniors were then asked to choose one teacher from their academic career who has been a motivating influence on their goals and dreams. Each senior wrote a short essay describing the teacher’s impact on them, which was read during the event.
A complete list of award recipients by county is available here.
Register Now for 2022-23 Preschool Programs
Registration is now open for the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) 2022-2023 Preschool Programs in Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Tuscarawas counties. The program is available for residents in the East Muskingum Local School District, West Muskingum Local School District, Caldwell Exempted Village School District, Crooksville Exempted Village School District, New Lexington City School District, Northern Local School District and Newcomerstown Exempted Village School District. The program is for children ages 3 and 4, as of August 1, 2022.
Special registration events are scheduled in Noble County for residents of the Caldwell Exempted Village School District, and in Perry County for residents of the Crooksville, New Lexington and Northern Local districts. Click the links below to learn more about these special registration events.
Caldwell Preschool Enrollment — Caldwell Elementary School (March 16)
Crooksville Preschool Enrollment — Crooksville K-8 (March 24 & 25)
New Lexington Preschool Enrollment — New Lexington and Junction City Elementary Schools (March 26), appointments required
Northern Local Preschool Enrollment — Somerset and Thornville Public Libraries and the Hoover Center in Glenford (April 6), appointments required
Applications for all preschool sites are available now online at https://data.mvesc.org/MVESCPreschool.
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board to Meet March 7
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular March Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., March 7, 2022.
The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC Office at 205 N. 7th Street, Zanesville.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
GAAP Financial Statement Available
The Muskingum Valley ESC’s General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2021, and are available on request. For information, contact Danielle Devoll, Treasurer, Muskingum Valley ESC, at 740-452-4518 or visit 205 N. 7th Street, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board to meet Monday, Feb. 7
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular February Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., February 7, 2022.
The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC Office at 205 N. 7th Street, Zanesville.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
4 ‘Parenting Wisely’ virtual sessions in Feb., March
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is offering free, online “Parenting Wisely” classes in February and March. The highly interactive course is perfect for parents with children ages three to 11. It is designed by family and social scientists and provides tips and tools to parent children in difficult situations.
Sessions are scheduled for:
Feb. 8, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Feb. 23, 2022 – 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
March 10, 2022 – 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
March 24, 2022 – 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
During the three-hour session, parents will learn constructive skills proven to solve problem behaviors, family conflict and more. Participants can ask questions and share their own experiences as they feel comfortable. Additionally, participants will receive a workbook, which outlines the methods covered in the program and includes additional resources that can be used as a guide as they continue their parenting journey.
The program is beneficial for any parenting structure. Whether a single parent, married, or sharing the raising of your children with another, the program is designed to help the parent and the child.
The program is provided free through support from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund. To register or for more information, contact Teresa Kocher at 740-452-4518, ext. 1144, or teresa.kocher@mvesc.org.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center presents second Bryce Watt Memorial Scholarship
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board and members of Bryce Watt’s family announced Tuesday, January 11, 2022, a second Bryce Watt Memorial Scholarship. Cory Burkhart was the recipient of the $1,325 scholarship.
Cory Burkhart is a 2019 West Muskingum High School graduate and attends Otterbein College studying psychology. He was chosen to receive the scholarship based upon his school and community volunteer activities and a required essay explaining the importance of service. Cory is the son of David and Lisa Burkhart.
The scholarship was established by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board in cooperation with Bryce Watt’s family with funds provided by the Board and current and past administrators. Mr. Watt was a MVESC board member for 26 years, and his life exemplified service to others. He passed away August 21, 2020.
The scholarship was available to a child or grandchild of a MVESC staff member who is currently enrolled in an Ohio college or university. A committee reviewed each student’s application and essay to determine the scholarship recipients.
The Governing Board in October 2021 presented the first Bryce Watt Memorial Scholarship to Parker Schehl, a 2021 Tri-Valley High School graduate who attends Ohio University-Zanesville studying nursing. Parker is the son of Amy Luby and Matthew Schehl.
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will meet Tuesday, January 11, 2022
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 11, 2022. The Board’s regular January Board meeting will follow the organizational meeting and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held on the second floor of the Muskingum Valley ESC Office at 205 N. 7th Street, Zanesville.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Alpha School Garners Top Spot in Green School Challenge
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – The Perry County Waste Reduction and Recycling Program recently announced Alpha School is the recipient of the top prize in the 2021 Green School Challenge. All Perry County schools were invited to participate in the program.
The goal of the Green School Challenge is to encourage schools to acknowledge existing sustainability practices regarding solid waste issues within their building, as well as move in a positive direction to reduce existing wasteful habits where possible. Alpha science teacher Jeff Baker estimates they diverted last school year roughly 3,600 lbs. of waste from going to a landfill due to reuse habits and recycling efforts.
For winning this year’s challenge, a water refill station was installed in Alpha School. Since it began operating, students and staff have saved 284 plastic bottles from going to waste. The Perry County Waste Reduction and Recycling Program acknowledged WM, Inc. for consistently supporting Green Challenge projects each year.
PHOTO CAPTION: Alpha School wins the Perry County Green School Challenge from Perry County Waste Reduction & Recycling. WM, Inc. provided the school with a water refill station to further reduce waste. Pictured (L-R) Jim Pottmeyer, Superintendent, Alpha School; Alpha students; Luann Cooperrider, Judge, Perry County Juvenile Court; Rick Blevins, manager, WM, Inc.; Jeff Baker, science teacher, Alpha School; Katrina Carpenter, Education Specialist, Perry County Waste Reduction & Recycling.
LEGAL NOTICE: MVESC Board offers for sale property located in New Lexington
SALE BY THE MUSKINGUM VALLEY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER BOARD OF EDUCATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN NEW LEXINGTON, OHIO
Notice is hereby given that the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Board of Education, Muskingum County, Ohio, will offer for sale at public auction at 1630 Airport Road in New Lexington, Ohio, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on December 9, 2021, the following described real property:
Parcel # 240007330100 of the records of the Auditor
of Perry County, Ohio, more commonly known as
1630 Airport Road, New Lexington, Ohio.
but subject to all legal highways, conditions, easements, and restrictions of record.
Method of Sale: Subject to the right of the Board to reject all bids, the minimum bid shall be twenty thousand, two hundred dollars ($20,200.00) and the sale shall be made to the highest bidder, but shall not be final until written notification of the acceptance of the bid is given by the Board.
Terms of Sale: Cash (in the form of cash, or a certified or cashier’s check) payment to the Treasurer of the Muskingum Valley ESC within the time provided in the conditions of sale referred to below.
Deposit: Cash, or a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Board, or a combination, in the amount of $5,000 will be required from the highest bidder as security for faithful performance should the bid be accepted, which amount will be applied on the purchase price in the event the bid is accepted by the Board.
Additional Information and Conditions of Sale: Information concerning the auction sale and a copy of the
“conditions of sale,” in accordance with and subject to which all bids shall be made, may be obtained at the office of the Muskingum Valley ESC Treasurer.
The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Danielle Devoll, Treasurer
205 N. 7th Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board December Meeting
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will meet in regular session Monday, December 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM at 205 N. 7th Street. For more information, contact Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe at lori.lowe@mvesc.org.