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MUSTANG COUNTRY
Westfall Mustangs
News brought to you through a partnership of the
Westfall Local Schools and The Circleville Herald
Across the curriculum
collaboration benefits
students
Westfall Elementary welcomes new staff members
Seventh grade art teacher Kathy Fuller and
social studies teacher Eddie Brown are collaborating on a project about ancient Greece.
In social studies, the students are learning
about the impact ancient Greece had on Western Civilization. While in art, the students are
learning about sculptors from multiple time periods, and discussing why this art form is used by
artists.
Collaborating on this project allows Fuller and Brown to expand on their state content
standards, but more importantly it has helped
increase student learning across curriculum units.
The lesson first incorporated technology, as
students used iPads¨ to search for information and
images about a Greek deity of their choice. The
students researched symbols, myths, festivals, and
more that were associated with their deity.
Then using higher-thinking skills, the students
took research about the deity and artistically display
that information in
a statue, using
paper, cardboard,
clay or other materials.
Collaboration between the art and social studies
departments has allowed students to use hands-on learning
to understand the connection between art and history.
Senior citizens share life experiences, wisdom
and knowledge with 8th graders via renowned
program
Listening to their elders took on a whole new twist in Megan VanBuskirkÕs Advanced 8th
grade Language Arts class recently.
The nationally renowned Life Bio program brings together students and elderly residents of
nursing homes or assisted living facilities, allowing them to build friendships and giving the
students an insight into their life experiences.
Thirteen residents from Traditions, an assisted living community in Chillicothe, visited
Westfall Middle school twice and were scheduled to return Nov. 8 for another session.
Two or three students are paired up
with a resident, and then can ask them
about their life. Some of the topics discussed included education, career
choices, the importance of family,
dreams and aspirations, overcoming
adversity, and fond memories.
As part of the project, students keep
a journal from the interviews. Those
journals will ultimately become a book
to turn in as a language arts project.
When completed, the senior visitors
will return, receive their own Life Bio
books as a gift of appreciation for their First-Hand knowledge – A local senior shares stories
and information with Westfall Middle School students
time and tales.
as part of the Life Bio program.
Several new staff members have joined the Westfall Elementary family this year in various
capacities:
• Beth Eichelberger comes to Westfall from Waverly to teach Disabilities Preschool.
• Ashton Phillips is a recent graduate of Wright State University and is teaching kindergarten.
• New first grade teachers are Chelsea Martin, a recent Ohio State graduate, and Dakota
VanSickle, a recent graduate of Ohio University.
• New to second grade is Sarah Davis, a graduate of Rio Grande University.
• Traci Tallman and Amy Johnson have joined the staff as instructional aides.
• Lisa O’Neill is the new guidance counselor at the elementary.
• Amber Johnson has taken over the role of librarian and media specialist.
• Two new members to the cafeteria staff are Julie Prushing and Michelle Gardner.
• Also joining the staff this year is Brandon Speakman serving as Dean of Students.
Westfall welcomes these new energetic and skilled members to the staff and looks forward to
collaborating with them to best meet the needs of all students.
It’s All Elementary – New Westfall Elementary staff member include, (Front row, L. to R.) Sarah
Davis, Ashton Phillips, Dakota Vansickle, Beth Eichelberger, Michelle Gardner and Traci Tallman,
and (Back row, L. to R.) Lisa O’Neill, Amy Johnson, Amber Johnson, Julie Prushing, Chelsea Martin.
Westfall High School welcomes new staff members
Brandon L. Moss, a native of Parkersburg, WV, holds a
bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Otterbein University,
and a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State
University. Prior to coming to Westfall, Moss taught high school
and middle school in Dover City Schools in Dover, and the Three
Rivers Local Schools in Cleves. Moss directs the Chalice Choir at
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, as well as the
Clintonville Community Choir. He has also directed and worked
with several other community and school choirs in Central Ohio.
Moss is co-chairman of the 2013 Ohio All-State Choir for the Ohio
Music Education Association and the State Conference Chair for
the Ohio Choral Directors Association. An active performer, he
often sings as a soloist and chorister in Central Ohio and currently sings with the
Columbus Symphony Chorus. ÒI am excited to assume the role as choral director at
Westfall High School,Ó he said.
Megan McDowell joins Westfall High School as a biology
teacher. A graduate of Wittenberg University, McDowell studied
biology and Spanish in college.
After graduating, she went on to work as a research assistant in
an Immunology laboratory at The Ohio State University. While at
OSU, McDowell discovered her calling to go into education, particularly the sciences. In 2011, she completed her teacher licensure
program at Ashland University. The OSU experience allows
McDowell to bring real-world knowledge and applications to
Westfall.ÒI am thrilled to be a Mustang,Ó she said.
Get district transportation notifications
Sign up today to receive district transportation updates from Westfall Local Schools using a
new cell phone or email system called Remind101¨.
To sign up, either text: @buses to (802) 275-4821 or send an email to: buses@mail.remind101.
Cara S. Riddel
com.
Superintendent
Your cell phone number of email address will be automatically saved and you will receive
I hope you share my excitement over the recent state report card that showed our district
transportation updates from the district.
earning
an ÒExcellentÓ rating for its academic performance during the 2011-12 school year.
If you have any questions, please call Peggy Shaw at (740) 986-8805.
This overall rating was bolstered by Westfall Middle SchoolÕs first-ever ÒExcellent with
DistinctionÓ rating, and Westfall Elementary SchoolÕs first-ever ÒExcellentÓ rating.
The Westfall Booster Club, and the students of Westfall Local Schools
I am so pleased and proud of everything we are doing, and I want to commend our staff,
which has persevered through some challenging years. The state report card reflects their
want to thank Cargill, Inc. of Circleville for supporting the district
focused efforts, hard work and dedication to our students and the community.
by permitting it to use the companyÕs parking lot to raise money
Even so, I also know that our job is just beginning. We are not satisfied with the ÒEffectiveÓ
during the 106th Annual Circleville Pumpkin Show.
rating earned by our high school and will strive to make it an ÒExcellentÓ or ÒExcellent with
DistinctionÓ building. I know we will be successful in meeting this challenge.
Please enjoy this edition of Mustang Country. I always marvel at the fun, compelling and
academically sound projects taking place in our buildings. This issue in particular covers
everything from Greek gods and goddesses to creative collaborations to empower our
students to learn. Enjoy.
ou
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CARGILL!
Tha
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