This week is #publicschoolsweek. Throughout the week, we will be recognizing members of the community that are #ALLIN for #publicschools.
The Seals Family is #ALLIN for #publicschools.
Mr. Andy Seals is the principal at Triadelphia Middle School, Mrs. Carly Seals is an English teacher at Wheeling Park High School, and their two sons attend Ohio County Schools. Brennan is in 6th grade at TMS and AJ is in 11th grade at WPHS.
Both Carly and Andy have always felt closely connected to this area: “After graduating college, we ultimately accepted teaching jobs in Ohio County because we wanted to stay close to family. We remained in OCS for the next 20 years because of the relationships we built, inside and outside the classroom. As products of OCS ourselves, our teachers and coaches became mentors. Our coworkers became friends. Our students grew into professionals in the community and built their own families, many of whose children we now have in school. We wanted to be a part of the indefinable magic that occurs in the classroom, igniting a spark for learning students can carry with them for the rest of their lives. We are proud that many of our former students are coworkers and friends today, carrying the torch for years to come.”
When deciding where to send their own children, they strongly felt that our school system is untouchable in terms of what OCS has to offer students: “Students in OCS have opportunities unfathomable to students in less-fortunate school systems. The arts create opportunities for self-expression, joy, and leadership that simply can't occur in a traditional classroom. Advanced academic programs such as College at Park and Advanced Placement can provide students with the advantage of entering college with credits under their belts at a reduced cost.”
In addition to what OCS has to offer students, The Seals mention specific teachers and programs that have had a direct impact on their children’s success: “Mr. Rayce Leib and Mr. Ben Podlaski are music educators whose commitment to student engagement is revealed in their ability to connect with and inspire students daily, and this has been a priceless gift they have given our children. Our children's love of reading was sparked by each and every teacher beginning in Pre-K, carrying all the way through empathy-driven Holocaust units in middle school, to the cross-curricular novel and history units in high school. They have participated in football, basketball, soccer, track, music, student council, and student mentoring, all of which have provided moments of failure and success, pride, leadership, teamwork, and self-reflection. Most importantly, we hope they will someday appreciate the experience of engaging with their parents as teachers and coaches as much as we loved sharing those moments with them.”
Thank you to the Seals family for sharing your story! We love our OCS families!
Is your family #ALLIN for #publicschools? Email a family photo to kbutyn@k12.wv.us for the opportunity to be shared to our OCS story.
#publicschoolsweekwv
West Virginia Department of Education
Happy Public Schools Week!