Staff Dedication And Honors Highlight Bellefontaine City Schools Convocation | Peak of Ohio – peakofohio.com
Bellefontaine City Schools (BCS) is ready for classes to begin after a day of staff recognition and professional development.
The annual convocation was held in the Bellefontaine High School auditorium yesterday. (Friday, August 13, 2021).
Staff members from each grade level were greeted by an inspirational speech from Superintendent Brad Hall. He commended the staff for their dedication during the pandemic. He said teachers overcame many obstacles to make sure students succeeded over the last 18 months. Hall is looking forward to a “normal” school year.
BCS has several new employees this year. They include:
Patricia Bodey, 8th grade English Language Arts
Hayley Nease, Elementary School Intervention Specialist
Cheryl Daniels, 3rd grade Language Arts/Social Studies
Patrick Delisio, 7th grade Science
Jennifer Brown, Intermediate School Intervention Specialist
Skylar Mifsud, Middle School Intervention Specialist
D.J. Howell, 5th grade English Language Arts
Kate Carter, 8th grade English Language Arts
Heather Johnson, Middle School/High School Instrumental Music
Lori Lowery, Middle School Art
Heather Hoppe, School Psychologist
Julie Phillips, Behavior Support Specialist
Paula Shaw, High School Guidance
Jennifer Hanson, High School Science
Caroline Federinko, High School English Language Arts
Judith Withrow, High School Intervention Specialist
Brice Henry, Middle School/High School Vocal Music
Shelby Mifsud, 3rd grade English Language Arts
Stephanie Marker, Intermediate School Nurse
Thomas Edwards, 2nd shift custodian
Sean Egler, High School Paraprofessional
Andrea Torsell, Elementary School Paraprofessional
Michelle Whetsel, Bus Driver
Diane Hartzler, Intermediate School Cook
Tab Walls, School Psychologist
Matt Heaston, Technology Coordinator
Maddie Beck, 3rd grade teacher
Morgan Fultz, Strength and Wellness Instructor
Bill Tipple, Communications Coordinator
Many employees were spotlighted for their longtime service. The following earned 20-year service pins:
Katie Cornell
Donna Brewer
Roxanne Sprouse
Tammy Overholser
Jennifer Salyer
Melanie Lehman
April Easton
Darcy Neeld
Stacie Cooper
Krista Adelsberger
Christina Dodds
Brian Lecrone
Cathy Ulmer
Tracy Huffman
Susan Stahler
Maria Borba
Jill Carey
Fame Faler
Karen Rader
April Wasinger
Jeremy Karg
Jason Steider
Max Earick
Jill Cronkleton
Rita Hall
Jon Reminder
Sandra Winter
Jordan Kesler
Kristy Feasel
Christina Prine
Adrienne Dearwester
Travis Hunsicker
Marilyn Smith
Desnee Wolters
Retirees were given a bell to commemorate their service. Here is a list of their name and years of service (district years/total years):
Keith Krieger 40
Jerri Foreman 22 1/2
Jacqueline Harless 27
Russell Miller 22/31
Joni Siler 23
Tracy Brady 23
Donna Brewer 21
Gay Brunswick 28/33
Apryl Burtchin 16
Wayne Fahnestock 22
Rita Hall 20/29
Barb Hunt 13
Karen Rader 20/33
Ken Shank 33/35
Susan Steffen 18/23
Sandra Winter 20
Paula Wood 22
Current staff members spent much of the day in professional development training led by blended learning expert Marcia Kish. The Mercer County native gave a detailed presentation on the benefits of blended learning. She had teachers break into small groups to model the behavior of blended learning. Kish also gave several examples of how this technique has succeeded in other districts.
Blended learning combines online educational materials with traditional face-to-face instruction. It became very popular during the pandemic. Kish will return to Bellefontaine each month throughout the school year to support staff members.
Finally, the United Way of Logan County recognized Bellefontaine City Schools for being one of the top ten contributors during last year’s campaign.
Bellefontaine City School staff members donated $23,431 last fall. This year’s campaign goal is $26,000.
Bellefontaine will start the school year on August 17th.