Ohio County Schools

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Wheeling Park High School counselor Jill Maloney for her dedicated service to Patriot students. Maloney served as a mental health counselor for 21 years before becoming a counselor at Wheeling Park six years ago. She said one of her favorite parts of being a school counselor is developing a trusting relationship with a student. “It's amazing to watch a student learn about who they are, make steps to develop into who they want to be and know that they are cared about and supported,” Maloney said. “School counselors have the potential to really impact a student's personal growth, and that is such an important role.” Maloney said she loves Wheeling Park High School for a number of reasons, and she believes the school’s counselors are exceptional. “There are so many things I love about working at Park,” she said. “I love the energy of the students and the team that I work with. We all have different strengths, and we try to work off each other's strengths to make sure we are supporting our students. This team is in it for the right reasons, and that is important to me.” Photo: Wheeling Park High School Counselor Jill Maloney is shown with Patriot student Zariah Marling. #TogetherWeAchieve #expereinceTHEPARK #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Rebecca Broadwater for her dedicated service to the students of Steenrod and Madison elementary schools. Broadwater has been an Ohio County Schools counselor for seven years. She said she enjoys working with students one-on-one and teaching classroom social-emotional lessons. “It is so rewarding when students tell me how much it helped to share their feelings and experiences with me and knowing that I helped them to find success and happiness,” Broadwater said. “What I love most is helping our youngest students build skills for empathy, resilience and self-regulation through mindful movement and breathing.” Broadwater commended the staff members at both Steenrod and Madison. She said she is blessed to be a member of both teams. “Steenrod and Madison always support me and my counseling program,” Broadwater said. “We have worked hard to educate our students about the importance of good mental health and provide them with the tools necessary to cope with adversity in and out of the classroom.” Photo: Rebecca Broadwater, a counselor at both Steenrod and Madison elementary schools, is shown with Steenrod student Abigail Feukou. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Wheeling Park High School counselor Emily Trifaro for her dedicated service to Patriot students. Trifaro has been a counselor at Wheeling Park High School for 12 years. She said she became a counselor because she believes she can help students in a number of ways. “I absolutely love getting to know my students and building relationships with them,” Trifaro said. “Being a trusted adult for my students in their time of need and empowering them to grow, achieve and develop resiliency by overcoming obstacles while in high school is the best part of my job, and it's why I do what I do.” Trifaro said she loves Wheeling Park High School because of all the amazing opportunities made available to Patriot students. She said those excellent opportunities extend beyond the classroom. “I love that WPHS has so much to offer our students,” Trifaro said. “ I continue to be amazed at what our career and technical students are able to learn while in high school - It's truly remarkable! From our academics, music and the arts, athletics, clubs, extracurriculars - our students are given opportunities to achieve at a very high level, and it's exciting to see them rise to the challenge.” Photo: Wheeling Park High School counselor Emily Trifaro is pictured with Patriot student Donovan Shanley. #TogetherWeAchieve #experienceTHEPARK #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Triadelphia Middle School counselor Kathie Seidler for her dedicated service to Raider students. Seidler is in her first year as Triadelphia’s counselor, but she has been a member of the staff for five years. She said appreciates her role as a counselor because the students she helps are going through an important phase in their development. “When most people think of middle school, they think of how awkward and uncomfortable those years were,” Seidler said. “The kids are exploring who they are as they go through physical, emotional and social changes. Being a support for my students means the world to me. Working through the tough times and listening to their stories make the laughter harder, the smiles bigger and the pride stronger. I am constantly amazed by how smart, creative and funny our Raiders are.” Seidler has a special connection to Triadelphia Middle School, as she was once a Raider student. She said she looks forward to serving Triadelphia students in the years to come. “I have many ideas to serve our students and families,” Seidler said. “As a former student of Triadelphia, I am so honored to be a part of its future.” Photo: Triadelphia Middle School Counselor Kathie Seidler is pictured with Raider student John Gass. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Betsy Jones for her dedicated service to the students of Wheeling Park High School. Jones has served the students of Ohio County Schools for 24 years, and she is in her second year at Wheeling Park. She has also worked at Triadelphia Middle School and Madison Elementary School. Jones said helping students is what makes her job special. “Whether it is working through an emotional issue, discussing future plans or making a student's schedule work, I truly enjoy helping them,” Jones said. Jones said she has enjoyed working with the Wheeling Park students, and she believes Patriot staff members are committed to doing what is in the best interest of the students. “There’s a feeling of being a part of a team at Wheeling Park High School,” Jones said. “That doesn’t only apply to the counseling team, which is amazing, but to the entire staff. I have only been here a little over a year, but I am very happy to be a part of Wheeling Park High School.” Photo: Wheeling Park High School Counselor Betsy Jones is shown with Patriot student Brandashia Creighton. #TogetherWeAchieve #expereinceTHEPARK #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Eric Francis for his dedicated service to the students of Wheeling Park High School. Francis has been a school counselor at Wheeling Park High School since 2015. He said working individually with Patriot students to help them meet their needs and achieve their goals is gratifying to him. “I love being a Wheeling Park counselor because I enjoy solving problems and helping others,” Francis said. Francis said he appreciates the diversity at Wheeling Park, and he is proud of all of the amazing programs offered to Patriot students. “There is an opportunity for everyone to thrive at WPHS,” he said. Photo: Wheeling Park High School Counselor Eric Francis is shown with Patriot student J.J. Ketler. #TogetherWeAchieve #expereinceTHEPARK #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Jennifer Mathieu for her dedicated service to the students of Wheeling Park High School. Mathieu has been a counselor for 10 years, and she is in her third year of counseling at Wheeling Park High School. She said being a counselor at Wheeling Park High School is quite rewarding. “I love being able to build relationships with my students,” Mathieu said. “It's important for my students to know they have a safe place and someone they feel they can talk to while at school. I love watching my students succeed and seeing them grow from freshman year to graduation.” Mathieu is a Wheeling Park graduate. She said Wheeling Park and its students and staff members are important to her. “There are so many things I love about working at Park,” Mathieu said. “First and foremost, I am WPHS alumni. Being here is like being home. I also love the awesome team of counselors I get to work with.” Photo: Wheeling Park High School Counselor Jennifer Mathieu is pictured with Patriot student Mya Roberts. #TogetherWeAchieve #expereinceTHEPARK #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Jen Kucera-Short for her dedicated service to the students of Wheeling Park High School. Kucera-Short has 18 years of experience in education, and she has been a counselor at Wheeling Park High School for 13 years. She said her experience as a student teacher inspired her to become a counselor. “I decided I wanted to be a school counselor when I was doing my student teaching and realized the need many students had for an extra caring adult in their lives,” Kucera-Short said. “I love working with the students and watching them grow into young adults. It is very rewarding to help support the children during their school journey.” Kucera-Short is also a Wheeling Park High School graduate. She commended the counseling staff at Wheeling Park, and she believes each counselor is committed to serving the needs of Patriot students. “As a graduate of WPHS myself, I have loved being part of the professional staff,” Kucera-Short said. “I also love all of my school counseling coworkers. We have a very strong counseling team and work endlessly to help support our students.” Photo: Wheeling Park High School counselor Jen Kucera-Short is pictured with Patriot student Emma Garrison #TogetherWeAchieve #experienceTHEPARk #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Abby Kurz for her dedicated service to the students of Madison and Ritchie elementary schools. Kurz has been an Ohio County Schools counselor for four years. She has been a counselor at Ritchie for all four of those years, and she began sharing time at Madison two years ago. Kurz said she became a counselor because she always had a passion for helping others. “Being a school counselor allows me the privilege of helping students grow academically and personally,” she said. “My favorite part about being a counselor is what the children teach me. I learn every day how to be more understanding, patient and compassionate. I love having the opportunity to see the world through their eyes.” Kurz said she is fortune to be a member of the Ritchie and Madison families. “I couldn't dream of two better schools to work at than Ritchie and Madison,” she said. “The students and staff are so kind and accepting. Everyone works together as a team to help one another. I feel very lucky to be a part of not just one school family, but two.” Photo: Madison and Ritchie Elementary School Counselor Abby Kurz is pictured with Ritchie Elementary School student Camdyn Gibbons. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking counselor Gretchen Gill for her dedicated service to the students of Bethlehem and West Liberty elementary schools. Gill has been a counselor in Ohio County Schools for 19 years. She served at Bridge Street Middle School and Steenrod Elementary School prior to her current role at West Liberty and Bethlehem. Gill truly cares for her students. “I genuinely love being a school counselor,” she said. “I think the students know that I care about them. I love working with young kids every day and building relationships with them. I love teaching them about healthy choices and consequences and coping skills that they can use for a lifetime. I think it's my job to be there for them and cheer them on through their challenges.” Gill said she has enjoyed her nearly two decades in Ohio County Schools, and she especially appreciates the students and staff members at Bethlehem and West Liberty. “I love working for Ohio County, especially my two little schools,” Gill said. “Bethlehem and West Liberty are a lot alike. They have about the same number of students and staff members, and both schools have a small-town, family feel. I love my schools because I really get to know each and every student, and they know me because I am in every class once a week. I think it helps when students need to talk because they feel comfortable with me.” Photo: Bethlehem and West Liberty counselor Gretchen Gill is shown with Bethlehem Elementary School students Avery White, at left, and Olivia White. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Madison Elementary School counselor Jessica Watt for her dedicated service to Cougar students. Watt has been a school counselor for 19 years, and 16 of those years have been as Madison’s counselor. She said she loves teaching prevention lessons and getting to know all students in their classrooms. “An important part of my job is taking time to help students recognize when big emotions are barriers to their learning brain and helping students regulate those emotions with calming tools and techniques,” Watt said. “We teach them that when they are in their ‘upstairs brains’ they are the best learners they can be.” Watt said Madison is a special place where there is a family-like atmosphere. She said one of her favorite things to do at Madison is support the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention Support program that includes assisting students in the school store each morning. Watt said she also shared a unique opportunity with Madison students this school year. “The most exciting thing I have done this year is work with student council students and Tony M Music on writing a new school song,” she said. “It is an awesome song, and we are so proud of it!” Photo: Madison Elementary School Counselor Jessica Watt is pictured with her “Check in-Check out” buddy Kyleonna Shaw. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Ritchie Elementary School counselor Nick Irvin for his dedicated service to Hornet students. Irvin has been the counselor at Ritchie for four years. He said seeing students progress is what makes being a counselor rewarding. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing a teacher tell me a student I have been working with is doing much better in school,” Irvin said. “Not only do I help students every day, but I know they help me grow as a professional as well. I hope to continue making a positive impact on the lives of my students and their families.” Irvin has spent all of his four years in education at Ritchie. He appreciates the school staff and Principal John Jorden. Irvin said he truly cares for the Hornet students. “I couldn’t ask for a better school than Ritchie,” Irvin said. “I love all the students and teachers I work with every day. We have some of the best students in the world, and I could not ask for a better student body. Working with students every day is the most rewarding experience I could ask for.” Photo: Ritchie Elementary School Counselor Nick Irvin is shown with Hornet student Shawn Renee. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Middle Creek Elementary School counselor Pam Fazzini for her dedicated service to Road Runner students. Fazzini has been Middle Creek’s Counselor for two decades, and she is as passionate as ever about the work she does with her students. “What I love most about my role as the school counselor is the impact I have on the lives of our students,” Fazzini said. “Sometimes I receive letters from former students thanking me for helping them or teaching them something. When I see parents, they often tell me their child came home with a story regarding something we talked about in our counseling lessons. I think the work we do at Middle Creek to create relationships with our students and their families is important.” Fazzini said it has been rewarding to see Middle Creek’s counseling program grow and develop into what it is now. “We are a great team at Middle Creek, and I am honored to be a part of it,” she said. “It makes me proud to know that we work hard each day to do what’s in the best interest of our kids.” Photo: Middle Creek Counselor Pam Fazzini is shown with Road Runner students Jocelyn Farmer and Ellie Shoaff. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

We would like your thoughts!!! Please take the Ohio County Schools Calendar Survey. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVed https://tinyurl.com/OCS-Calendar-Survey

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Elm Grove Elementary School counselor Heather Hines for her dedicated service to Dragon students. Hines has been employed with Ohio County Schools for 16 years, and she has served as a counselor at Elm Grove Elementary School for 14 years. Hines is enthusiastic in her work as a counselor. “One hundred percent – It’s for the students,” she said. “Helping children learn, be happy and thrive is such a rewarding way to spend your days.” Hines said she enjoys working at Elm Grove Elementary School, and she commended Elm Grove Principal Rick Dunlevy and the school’s staff. “I love our Elm Grove community, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” She said. “We have a very caring principal and the staff, students and their families are wonderful to work with.” Photo: Elm Grove Elementary School Counselor Heather Hines is pictured with Dragon students David Smith, III, at left and Davey Deever. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Woodsdale Elementary School counselor Allyson Kangisser for her dedicated service to Tiger students. Kangisser has been a counselor at Woodsdale since 2010. She said, as a counselor, her goal is to support students by providing them opportunities to learn about personal safety, relaxation and kindness. “I want each child to feel safe and loved at school,” Kangisser said. “If they don't feel that way, they should come talk to me or someone they trust in our building. I also think part of my role is to reduce the stigma around mental health. I hope they know it's ok to talk about their feelings and experiences.” Kangisser said she feels fortunate to work with the students Woodsdale Elementary School. She said she is especially excited for an upcoming event taking place at the school. “We will be celebrating Kindness Week next week (Feb. 15-18),” Kangisser said. “By exploring kindness, students can give to themselves self-love and self-care. It is so important for children to learn to have respect for themselves and their abilities.” Photo: Woodsdale Elementary School Counselor Allyson Kangisser is shown with student Ava Wagner. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

Congratulations to Ohio County Schools winners in Monday's Ohio County Math Field Day!!! #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2022/02/ohio-county-math-field-day-winners-announced/

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Bridge Street Middle School counselor Brittany Rose for her dedicated service to Red Devil students. Rose has been a counselor at Bridge Street since 2017. She said she became a counselor because she wanted to work with students on a personal level. “I get to work with students every day and really get to know them,” Rose said. “It’s not just how well they do in English or if they are struggling in Math. I get to learn about their likes and dislikes and what makes them happy or sad. I get to build relationships with students, and I hope I have a positive impact on their educational journey.” Rose said she loves working at Bridge Street Middle School. She said the students and staff members feel like family to her. “I believe we have such a close culture at Bridge Street,” Rose said. “It’s nice leaving my home and coming to a place that feels like home. I truly enjoy being a part of the Bridge Street family and working with such great educators on a daily basis. The dedication and love my coworkers have for their profession is inspiring and it makes coming to work so much more enjoyable.” Photo: Bridge Street counselor Brittany Rose is shown with Red Devil student Jayden Monto. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

The Woodsdale Elementary School Spelling Bee was well attended today with guest pronouncer Kathryn Ghion of @WTRF7News!!!. Levi Helms placed first in the event, and Zach Minch placed second. Both students will move on to the countywide spelling bee. #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd

It’s National School Counseling Week, and Ohio County Schools is thanking Wheeling Middle School counselor Gladys Goff for more than a decade of service at Wheeling Middle School. Goff has been the counselor at Wheeling Middle for 11 years, but she has also served at Wheeling Park High School and Ritchie Elementary School in her 15 years with the school system. Goff said she loves being a counselor, and Wheeling Middle School is quite special to her. “I love Wheeling Middle School,” she said. “I was a student here. I worked with some of my own teachers when I came here, and today I get to work with families I grew up with. Wheeling Middle is a family I’ve been a part of since I was a child. “It’s satisfying to work with individual students and help them with social and emotional needs as well as their academics,” Goff said of her role in being a counselor. “I enjoy preparing them for the high school and developing a plan for their future careers and success.” #TogetherWeAchieve #WVEd