West Liberty-Salem Local School District

West Liberty-Salem High School Counseling Office presented a month long series for high school students interested in joining the workforce upon graduation. The series, Workforce Development, featured a local ‘Business of the Day‘ that was announced on daily announcements, District Live-feed and social media. Local business owners, HR and other leaders shared information about hiring processes, pay scale, and opportunities for advancement. On Wednesday, March 30th, all high school students attended a Workforce Development Presentation that pertained to a career field of their choice. All of the companies are currently hiring for various positions. The career presentations provided a great opportunity for students to interact directly with the CEO’s, business owners and leaders making hiring decisions for their organizations. West Liberty-Salem would like to thank the following local businesses for presenting, answering questions and being a part of our High School Counseling Development Series: Soloman’s Garage: Dave Neer Logan County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Randy Dodds and Detective Sgt Tom Watson Ohio Dept of Rehabilitation & Corrections: Tim Carson & Joey Dulin Logan Lawn & Landscaping: Jake Vitt Big Greens: Lee Roberts ColePak: Ryan Cole Green Hills Community: Rebecca Marker-Smith & Cindy Anderson Mary Rutan Hospital: Taylor Allison Fathom Realty: Malia Hughes LeVan’s Excavating: Jeremy & Erin LeVan Link Construction: Reno Stapleton Reliant Mechanical: Pat Adams and Myra Failor

As we begin the 4th quarter, we are preparing for our students to participate in state assessments. Below you will find information about this week’s High School testing calendar. Please read over this information carefully. Testing will impact ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS due to modifications to our schedule. HIGH SCHOOL TESTING INFORMATION High school students will take end-of-course assessments for specific courses. Depending on the courses that a student is enrolled in, some students will be taking more assessments than others. All of these assessments are required and the points that students earn on these assessments count towards the new Ohio Graduation Requirement. All high school end-of-course assessments are computer-based and completed on student iPads. * Students need to make sure that iPads and keyboards are fully charged each day. • Optional: drink (with lid), book to read if finished early. • Students can bring their own calculators and wired headphones (wireless are not permitted). Extra calculators will be provided for the days of the math test as well as will packaged wired headphones. • Students need to bring a pencil. Scrap paper will be provided. Week of April 4 – 8 • Students in English 10, Biology and American Government will take their end-of-course exam on Wednesday, April 6th and Thursday, April 7th. The entire high school will then follow a 2-hour delay schedule after testing. Those students not testing need to report to school by the start of first period at 9:40 on these two days. Friday, April 8th is a 2-Hr delay day for all students in grades K-12. • Freshmen in Physical Science will have planned activities the mornings of April 6 and 7, starting at 7:40am. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, relax and try your best!

Abbie Long, Hailey Berry, and Lexy Lee were guest readers in Mrs. Watson’s class this morning. They read to small groups about inclusion, understanding our students with differences and a book about autism because April is Autism awareness month! Thank you Abbie, Hailey and Lexy! Our little ones loved hearing from you!

Today we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day to observed and create awareness about Down syndrome, a condition in which a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome. Activities included our annual “Rock your Socks” parade led by Grand Marshall Christian Herron. Students K-!2 were encouraged to wear unique, brightly colored socks to represent the uniqueness of that extra chromosome. In elementary, students watched the sock parade, wore silly socks, and heard from guest readers who read stories about inclusion and celebrating our differences.

Zoology students visited Freshwater Farms of Ohio in Urbana on Tuesday morning. They were able to go ‘behind the scenes’ and tour the largest indoor hatchery in Ohio and the sturgeon petting zoo. Freshwater farms also houses thousands of trout, crawfish, frogs, turtles, ducks and more! The tour was guided by owner Dr. Dave Smith who has a B.S. in Nutritional Science and a M.S. in Marine Sciences from Lousiana State University, Center for Wetland Resources and a B.S. in Biology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Smith also holds the title as the first President of the Ohio Aquaculture Association. Thank you, Dr. Dave, for sharing your wealth of knowledge with our students!

Students, staff and administrators will recognize World Down Syndrome Day on Friday April 1, 2022. WDSD falls on March 21st and was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. Because we were on spring break we will observe this day tomorrow! Students are encouraged to wear brightly colored socks. In 2013, the socks became a part of the observation of the day because chromosomes are shaped similarly to a sock. High School students have a special parade planned and elementary students will watch a video, the parade and hear from guest readers sharing the importance of inclusion. Join the celebration, and wear your silly socks to observe the special day with us! Enjoy this short clip created by Emily Hollar and Christian Herron. https://youtu.be/zatkLp0fdDg

Our last and final ‘Business of the Day’ is Big Greens! Big Greens Business Description: Landscape/Snow Plow Company Positions Available: Crew Members Training: None required, all training is provided on the job. They offer many full time and limited summer employment opportunities. Rate of Pay: Typical starting pay is $15/hr. Age Requirements: 16 and older How to Apply: Send a message thru their Facebook page, or call 937-407-0795 for more information. For more information: Lee Roberts, HR Manager: 937-407-0795; lee.roberts@biggreens.com

Students were greeted by a beautiful rainbow over campus this morning! What a beautiful, calming way to begin state tests. Testing began this week and will continue over the next two weeks. Attached are some tips for sending your students off ready to do their best!

West Liberty-Salem JV baseball defeated Southeastern 19-4 on Wednesday evening. Sam Lauck was 3-4 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI to lead the offense. Jacob Griffith added 2 hits and 4 RBI. Peyton Hull tripled with 2 RBI and Jacob Evans doubled with 2 RBI. Every starter had at least 1 hit. Dylan Wing got the win on the mound pitching 4 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs and striking out 11. West Liberty-Salem JV travels to Versailles on Friday.

Retired WL-S elementary teacher, Karen Ziegler from Best Friends Assisted Pet Therapy brought some four legged friends to the Lady Tigers Track and Field Wellness Wednesday practice. Each Wednesday, the team takes time to focus on mental health, mindfulness and personal growth. It was a positive team-building experience for our athletes and the dogs.

Please help us wish Superintendent Kraig Hissong a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Middle School yearbook orders are due TOMORROW! The order form is attached or you can pay online by scanning the QR code attached.

The West Liberty-Salem girls track and field team opened the season with a third place finish at the Anna Quad meet Tuesday. Senior Megan Adams led the Tigers winning the 1600 meter run (5:29.6) and 800 meter run (2:30.3). Also grabbing first place finishes were Delaney Jones 100 meter dash (12.91) and the 4x400 relay team of Mallory Bostick, Ashley Yoder, Sophia Hardwick and Adams (4:23.73) Second place finishes were provided by Sophia Hardwick in the 300 meter hurdles with a personal best of 52.03., Ashley Yoder in the 800 meter run 2:44.23, and Delaney Jones in the 200 meter dash 28.29. Mallory Bostick had two third place finishes in the 400 meter dash (1:06.19) and 200 meter dash (29.27). Mandilyn Weaver also placed third in high jump (4'08"). Placing fourth were Ashley Yoder in the 1600 meter run (5:53.35) and Taylor Kennedy in the 3200 meter run (13:27.13). Rounding out the Tiger placers were fifth place finishers Kenzie Bahan in shot put with a personal best (30'05), Teagan Boyd 400 meter dash (1:08.31) and Alaina Irving 100 meter hurdles (18.2). The Lady Tigers are back in action Monday at the OHC Preview meet hosted by Northeastern.

GREEN HILLS COMMUNITY Business Description: Green Hills Community is a faith-based, not-for-profit “Life Plan Community” for seniors. We offer long term care, assisted living care, adult day services, independent living, home health and hospice, and even on-site childcare! Positions Available: State Tested Nursing Assistant, Dietary Aide, Environmental Services Aide, Life Enrichment Assistant Training: Most are “on-the-job” training. State Tested Nursing Assistant involves a 75-hour training course, and then successfully passing a State Test Do you offer short term, summer employment? Yes Do you offer long term employment? What are the opportunities for advancement, if any? Long term employment is encouraged. Not only is there opportunity to advance within your department, there is opportunity to cross-train in other departments and grow your knowledge and skill base! Age Requirements: Must be at least 14 years of age Rate of Pay: Starting rates range from $11.25 - $16.50 To Apply or For More Information: Go to www.greenhillscareers.org or www.greenhillscommunity.org

Attention parents of 8th/9th graders going on our Washing D.C. trip: Please join us for a student/parent meeting at 6pm in the main gym on Wednesday, March 30th. We will review trip details and protocols at this time. See you there!

Congratulations to West Liberty-Salem’s Middle School Science Olympiad team for a great performance at the Western Ohio Regional Science Olympiad tournament on March 19th. Seventeen team members won awards in fifteen different events. By finishing fourth in our region, our school has qualified for the State Science Olympiad tournament for the sixteenth year in a row. The State virtual tournament will be sponsored by The Ohio State University on Saturday, April 9th. Top awards went to: Aiden Taylor and Levi Kitchen won gold in the event Rocks & Minerals; Thaddeus Kitchen and Zachary Carter won gold in Storm the Castle; Ashlyn Taylor and Levi Kitchen won gold in Write It Do It; Lexie Wiesner and Conner Leichty won silver in Storm the Castle; Aiden Taylor and Zachary Carter won silver in Ornithology; Emery Longaberger and Hailey Earles won bronze in Bio Process Lab; Greyson Horsley and Ashlyn Taylor won bronze in Crimebusters; Zachary Carter and Thaddeus Kitchen won bronze in Disease Detectives

We continue to feature a “Business of the Day” to highlight opportunities for WL-S students planning to go straight into the workforce. Today’s Business of the Day is: COLEPAK, INC. Business description: ColePak, Inc. is a family-owned business in Urbana that is one of the largest Interior Packaging Producers in the country. ColePak employees over 125 people in a wide range of positions and skillset. Positions Available: There are many different positions that you are able to go straight into with no prior training from a Machine Tender to a Machine Operator. Do you offer short term, summer employment? Yes Do you offer long term employment? What are the opportunities for advancement, if any? ColePak does offer long term employment and advancement. Attendance and ability to work well with others and a strong work ethic are important when being considered for advancement. Rate of Pay: Hourly rate depends on the positions. Starting pay for basic position is $15.50/hour. Machine operators pay starts at 18.50/hour. Age requirements: Must be 16 years or older How to Apply: Stop in the office to complete an application. For more information: Go to www.colepak.com or contact Mary.Dudash@ColePak.com if you have any questions.

Due to the predicted extreme cold temperatures, WL-S baseball and softball games are cancelled for this evening, Monday, March 28th.

Good luck to Aubree Timmons at the state power lifting tournament this weekend!

The High School Counseling Office Business of the Day is MARY RUTAN HOSPITAL. Business Description: Mary Rutan Hospital is a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization with a comprehensive and integrated system of inpatient, outpatient and community services connected to meet the health and wellness needs of all members of the community. Positions Available: Medical Support, Food and Nutrition Staff, Patient Access/Receptionist, Patient Clearance, Maintenance Staff, Environmental Services Staff (cleaning crew), Courier (mail runs and deliveries to the offsite clinics), Lab Assistant (Phlebotomist), Health Unit Coordinator, Cardiology Tech, Materials Staff Training: Hospital orientation and on the job training Do you offer short term, summer employment? We offer PRN positions which are an “as needed” role Do you offer long term employment? What are the opportunities for advancement, if any? We offer PRN, part-time and full-time employment Age requirements: Graduated with high school diploma. Can work in our food and nutrition department in our student position as a current high school student Rate of Pay: Wages are different depending on the positions but for some of the entry level position the wage starts around $13.50 and higher. How to Apply: Go to https://www.maryrutan.org/careers/employment-opportunities For more information: https://www.maryrutan.org/