Ohio County Board of Education President Andy Garber commended Steenrod Elementary School Principal Michelle Dietrich and her staff members today for the exceptional learning opportunities they are providing for the school’s students.
Garber, board member Grace Norton, Superintendent Kim Miller and Ohio County Schools administrators visited Steenrod Wednesday as part of the superintendent’s annual school visits. Dietrich, reading interventionist Terre Brubaker and school counselor Rebecca Broadwater discussed a number of topics including the school’s academic focus, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), attendance and citizenship.
Dietrich said each grade level works as a team to target skills in math and reading/English language arts, and success is measured by classroom assessments, PALS, Go Math and Moby Max. Academic support is provided by grade-level teachers, the reading interventionist and instructional aides, along with students from Wheeling University. Dietrich noted that the school’s partnership with Wheeling University has been beneficial, especially the “Cardinal Cousins” mentorship program in which the college students meet regularly with Steenrod students.
Broadwater discussed the school’s “STAR Cardinals” program, which is a recognition program for target behaviors and interventions for undesirable behaviors. For positive behaviors students receive “Cardinal Cash,” classroom rewards and extended recess.
Dietrich also provided an update on the “Cardinals in Motion” playground, which is in its second phase. The second phase will include an integrated play structure with slides, a climbing wall and other fun components. She said she expects the $120,000 cost of the second phase to be fully funded by the end of February through grants and school-based fundraising efforts. Dietrich said the J.B. Chambers Foundation was instrumental in providing funding for the new surface of the playground.
The visit concluded with board members and administrators visiting Steenrod classrooms. Garber congratulated Dietrich and staff members for the school’s success.
“What you’re doing at this school shines through,” he said. “You are doing great things for your kids.”
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