Focus - Muskingum County Starlight Programs, Zanesville, OH

Newsletter
FALL ISSUE 2010
STARLIGHT PROGRAMS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2010
Calendar Reminders
AN EARLY FALL?
John Hill - Superintendent
Where did this summer go? It seems
like just last week we were looking forward
October is Fire Safety Month!
to school being out and enjoying picnics,
http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm swimming, vacations and other warm
(or do a websearch for “fire safety activities weather fun. This past week it was over
for kids) has online activities as well as ninety degrees and now we are expecting
printable activities. Teachers will also be our first frost. Around my house are several
sending home activities and an activity nut trees and I think that this year must
have been the right amount of sun and rain
for you to do at home is included in this
because there are acorns and walnuts all over the lawn and driveway. Not that
issue of The Focus.
the squirrels mind at all, but I have to mow over and trip over all the nuts. I guess
The following dates are being I just don’t appreciate their good fortune. And as bad as all this sounds, I will be
reserved for school age students shoveling snow and chipping ice off my truck in a couple of months. But then that
will give me an opportunity to play out in the snow with my grandchildren. Maybe
IEPs.
that is not such a bad trade off.
October 15th
Maysville
This cycle of nature is the same for all of us and even our program. Starlight
rd
Franklin and East
November 3
has
seen many new changes this past year. We had several staff retire or resign,
th
th
th
November 4 , 5 and 8 Zanesville
which means there are a lot of new faces at Starlight. We always miss our former
th
th
November 8 and 10 Tri-Valley
staff but equally welcome the new staff into our program. Our workshop,
West
November 9th
Muskingum Starlight Industries, opened a restaurant in downtown Zanesville at
Invitations will be sent to you 15 days the bus station called the Starlight Café. If you have not already eaten there, I
before. If you are unable to attend can personally recommend the tomato basil soup and grilled cheese sandwich
the time we scheduled, please special! This restaurant provides training and employment as well as a retail
contact Pam Trout at the school (455- space for their products such as wind chimes and artwork. Also, more adults are
4176) so we may try to accommodate coming together around the community and enjoying their Next Chapter Book
Club where they read and discuss books of interest and enjoy each other’s company
your schedule.
in the evening at their favorite gathering place.
th
October 11 No School –Columbus Day
At this time each year, Starlight Programs develops its Annual Plan, which
October 15th No School – School Age
describes the goals for each of our programs for the next twelve months. A very
(Maysville) and Preschool conferences
important part of that planning process is the community survey. Much has been
October 28th MSI Open House
done over the past three years to gather more input in the form of suggestions
and recommendations from this survey. Again, we are inviting our children, adults,
(12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
th
families, staff, friends and community to tell us what you like about the services
October 29 Progress reports
we provide and also what we need to consider changing. There are several
are sent home
opportunities and ways you can do this. There is a survey form in this edition of
the FOCUS which you can complete and return. You can also go to our website at www.muskingumdd.org and follow the link
to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y9KLQPJ and complete the survey online. You may also call Cathy Smith or me at
740-453-4829 to discuss your input. Finally, there will be a public hearing of the plan on November 17th at our Zane Street
office at which you can review the draft plan. I urge you to take advantage of one of these opportunities. It is important for
us to know what you think of the service we provide. Survey's must be completed and returned OR filled out online by
October 28, 2010. If you complete the hard copy, please either return to Starlight Programs with your son or daughter,
mail to: 655 Zane St, Zanesville, OH 43701, OR fax to 740-455-4186.
John E. Hill
Superintendent
E ARLY I NTERVENTION , P RESCHOOL ,
AND
S CHOOL A GE S ERVICES
McDonald’s Greenhouse
In September, the school age program classes were able to visit McDonald’s Greenhouse. Students wandered through
the Script Ohio corn maze, played corn hole, played in a big tub of corn kernels, and one of sand. In the petting zoo,
there were pigs and goats for the students to pet. A hayride and wiener roast was also enjoyed. In October, the
preschool classes are planning to go!
Swimming
On October 29th, Starlight students will again take part in our school’s swimming program. The students participating
will be divided into four swim teams and will be focusing on an opportunity to work with a therapist on their therapyrelated goals – weight bearing, range of motion, strengthening, dressing etc. Students, who do not have therapyrelated goals and do demonstrate any of the pre-established precautions, will be able to participate in the swimming
program as a recreational activity with the assistance of classroom faculty/staff. Two of our four swimming teams go
once a month, excluding December and as winter weather permits, through May. It’s an activity everyone enjoys!
Starlight's Garden
In the spring, students of all ages helped to get our
garden ready for planting. Once it was ready, students
planted cabbage, potatoes and 3 different kinds of
beans, carrots, radishes, broccoli, lettuce and
tomatoes. During the summer months when students
were at home, our adult program maintained,
harvested and enjoyed the vegetables. Once school
resumed, our school program harvested the remaining vegetables and made potato salad and coleslaw. The garden has
been put to bed for the winter, but we look forward to starting again next spring. We would like to thank Kristen
Baughman for donating the seeds for our garden!
Pg. 2
Unique Learning System
Three years ago, Starlight School-Age program began using the Unique Curriculum System. This curriculum as
stated on their website:
“…is the ONLY online, dynamic, standards-based curriculum specifically designed for special learners. Subscribers
download monthly instructional thematic units of study. Each unit contains 29 lesson plans and downloadable materials
that teachers can readily implement into classroom learning activities. All materials are created using SymbolStix
graphics. The unit lesson plans define three levels of differentiated tasks to accommodate the diversity of learners with
significant disabilities."
We have just added the curriculum they offer for our oldest classes through their Transition Band. All of our
teachers using this curriculum have found it to be very useful. Not only does it provide the curriculum, but also provides
means to record student progress, links to websites, instructional hints, reading materials to help develop the beginning
reader and assists with providing materials for the Ohio Alternate Assessment for Students With Disabilities (AASWD).
This curriculum is partnered with New2You, another online, downloadable, program. This is a weekly current events
newspaper, which is also supported with SymbolStix graphics. This program also offers teachers materials to use to
support the lesson planned around the newspaper. News2You is a program we have used for many years and continue
to find it a valuable tool for the School Age Program.
Starlight School Receives New Mulch
The playground at Starlight School got a facelift with eighty yards of
hardwood mulch. The custodial staff spent much of the day on
September 16th moving and spreading the mulch. The mulch not
only beatifies the playground, but it makes it safer as well. Its main
purpose is to cushion the falls of children from the playground
equipment. We would like to thank Muskingum County Head Start
for helping in the purchase of the mulch.
Upper Level Café
The school program has been operating a lunch cart for several years. It’s called the Upper Level Café, not to be
confused with our Starlight Café, located downtown. Our school café had been preparing lunches to sell to staffers twice
a week. This year we will be operating only once a week on Thursdays with a menu that will rotate using our biggest
sellers. The money earned from our lunch cart goes not only back in the cart operation and the supplies, it also aids in
paying for many student trips. The skills our students work on include the proper handling of food, preparing foods,
clean-up, customer service, developing shopping lists and making purchases from that list. The trips that this money
helps allow students to make purchases, enjoy outings, and allow teachers to collect information for the Ohio Alternate
Assessment for Students with Disabilities (AASWD) while in the community.
The Starlight Café – We are Open for Business!
On August 16th, 2010, the grand opening for the Starlight Café was held. Many dignitaries from the community as well
as managers from Starlight Programs were present. MSI’s director, Larry Wheeler, and The Mayor of Zanesville, “Butch”
Zwelling, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. This was a great event for MSI. The Café is now open Monday through
Friday, providing breakfast and lunch to the community and travelers coming through
the bus depot. MSI not only hopes the Café is a success in the community, but looks
forward to using the Café as a training grounds for our employees. To help them become
more independent and be able to improve their skills, allowing them the chance to
move out into the community with other community-based jobs.
Two of our devoted employees of Starlight Café gave their thoughts on their new job:
“The opening was really cool … loved the ribbon cutting ceremony … I like making
food for the customers. I have learned how to make cookies and coffee, but still
learning the cash register. I like taking food to the customer’s car. I like my
paycheck … I bought a new Xbox 360!
—
Jeremy P, Starlight Café Employee
“I liked the ribbon cutting … it’s a nice place to work. I work with nice people. I like
making coffee. I have learned how to clean tables, take out trash, take customer’s
orders and wrap pickles and cookies. I like doing dishes and I like nice customers. I
like my paycheck … I am saving my money!
—
Pg. 3
Steve J, Starlight Café Employee
MSI STAFF
My Story: Eric Schrack
Eric Schrack is an employee of MSI who came to us from Starlight School approximately
three years ago. He is ambitious, dependable, courteous, reliable, thoughtful, responsible
and cheerful. He has always been a self-starter and self motivator and is very proud of his
accomplishments. Due to all of these qualities and his good work ethic, we are pleased to
have him as a part of the MSI Team. On September 14th, Eric was selected to accompany
Jeremy Anker, the truck driver and recycling service leader for MSI, to be interviewed on
T.V. about his part in helping with our recycling services.
Here is Eric’s story in his own words …
On Tuesday September 14th I got to go with Jeremy to be on T.V. This was really neat because I got to get dressed
up. When I got there it was a little intimidating which had me both nervous and excited at the same time. I had to take
my hat off when I went in the building because it made me look good and respectful.
We went into the TV room and Wow was it neat. First I got to meet Brian Wagner and shake his hand and that was
a pleasure. There were three big cameras that we sat in front of. They looked as big as a television. In place another you
could see the computer that they use for the weather. They sat right beside the big table that the newscaster sits at that
was cool. Jeremy and I both got to wear microphones that they put on our shirts, they were really small. As we were
sitting there talking quietly a shout came from a guy behind one of the cameras. He said we’re on in and counted down
with his hand 5, 4,3,2,1, then pointed at us and at that time we were live “for real” on TV.
Now I am really nervous to answer questions from Brian but it is still neat. His first question came and asked me
what is the recycling program to you? I started to say something but, I couldn’t because my mouth went dry. It took a
minute but then I was able to tell them “good hard work”. After a few minutes I was OK and able to talk without my
mouth going dry.
When I was done I felt happy because I did a good job. My pleasure to represent MSI workers, overall it went good,
was fun, had a great time, enjoyed the ride to a new place, and overall it was a great experience. Getting back to the
workshop Connie told me I did a good job and it made me feel happy. I’m really looking forward to another opportunity
of going again.
A Glance into the Starlight Workshop –
Working with Tiles
Muskingum Starlight Industries (MSI) has a workshop that performs a wide variety of
work for area businesses. Mark Bellew is one of our enrollees at the workshop and loves to
work with Tile. Mark says, “It’s very fun to do and I’m very good at it!”
Tiles are one of the oldest jobs we have at the workshop. It is a product that is made in
the USA. It’s made in Shreve, OH at the CerCo-Diamonite plant. At the workshop, we have
20-30 people working on tile a day. We do an average of 150 square feet a day. The first
step enrollees take is filling boards with 56 hexagon tiles. Next, a piece of mesh is glued to
the board. The board then has to dry. Once dried, it’s packed into boxes. There are different
sizes and different colors of tile. The smallest is 1/8 inch and the largest is 1 inch. Most of
the time it’s a white tile but we have had yellow before as well. The tile is used to line coal chutes, grain mills and corn
silos.
Working with Tiles is just one of the many examples of projects that are provided for our enrollees. Typical projects
include small parts assembly, packaging, and material preparation.
Pg. 4
CUBE’s
(Creating Understanding
by Experiencing)
The CUBE’s have been up and running for a little over a
year, and continue to improve. CUBE’s have provided many
opportunities for individual choice throughout the day.
Currently, we have 23 options available. The CUBE’s are
also very flexible to help keep each day interesting and
fun. For example, if work is available in the morning, but
the job is finished before the end of the day, CUBE activities
will begin instead of “downtime” or “workskills”. We have
started several training CUBE’s including jewelry-making
and hand-washing.
We are still working on our goal of each CUBE going on
a community outing once a month. Some trips we’ve taken
include fishing at Lake Isabella and Deerassic Park, visiting
the Newton TWP Fire Dept. to use their exercise room, Zane
Grey Museum, FreedomFest at Hopewell Industries, the
Pottery Festival, a tour of WHIZ TV & radio, visits to the
library, Spa Day at the vocational school, picnics & walks at
Dillon Lake and local parks, “Hairspray” the musical at the
Weathervane Theatre in Newark, the airport, Animal Shelter,
fair, shopping and movies. The Venture Crew participated
in camp at the Boy Scout Camp in Coshocton. Upcoming
October trips are planned to Quarter Horse Congress, Blue
Rock Station and McDonald’s Pumpkin Farm.
When asked how we could improve, many responded
“More parties!” In October we will begin having monthly
parties which will be planned by the “Party Planning CUBE”.
The CUBE will be responsible for planning, shopping and
decorating. These parties will be linked to our new “Shining
Stars” incentive program. Party times may vary from a
short break to a longer afternoon depending on work
contracts we need to complete that day.
Finally, we have to thank our many community partners
who bring their talents to MSI. We have a monthly Library
Day-each month several departments from the library bring
a theme to us. Participants enjoy learning about the
monthly topic through books, songs, skits and poetry. We
have a volunteer who plays his harmonica for us each
month, and another who brought his band “Strange Days”
for an afternoon concert. In addition we have been visited
by a Shrine Clown, an acoustic guitarist and a magician.
If you have a talent you would like to share, please
call Kelly Jackson at 453-4622.
Pg. 5
Art! Art! Art! Where do we begin?
The Art Department has been very busy this past summer creating and learning.
We are learning to create items using different mediums. We have
knowledge of; paper mache, clay and decoupage, as well as many other
techniques. We designed a large vase that we are using for our positive
coupons, which was made using the paper mache technique.
The Starlight Café asked for us to paint 3 large pieces of art for them
to display on the walls of the café. We designed the art and staff assisted
with making frames for them to be displayed in. They also asked us to
make items to sell, so they are now selling our wind chimes for us.
We are beginning to make items for the upcoming holiday season.
Please feel free to stop in and see what’s new!
2010 Community and Transitional
Employment Banquet
On September 28th, approximately 170 people attended the 23rd Annual Banquet
honoring employees and their employers. The event was held at the Campus Center on
the OUZ/Zane State Campus, with a delicious meal prepared and served by the wonderful
staff from Classic Fare Catering, which is run by Aramark Services.
A special addition to this year’s program was a powerpoint presentation that was
shown while we were eating. This presentation showed many of the employees at
their places of employment. A special thank you goes to Lamar Moore for putting this
presentation together.
In addition to presenting the employees and their employers with certificates of
appreciation; two special awards were given. The Welcome Hayes Achievement Award
was presented to Mike Church, an employee of Riesbeck’s for his contribution to his
community through work and volunteer service. The Welcome Hayes Community Award
was presented to Susan Durant for providing long term advocacy and volunteer services
to persons with developmental disabilities.
Congratulations to all of the employees for doing such a great job at their places of employment. Thank you to all
of the employers for giving them a chance to work and further their independence.
Thanking our
Community Supporters
DFW Furniture – Kelly Holden
Thanks to Kelly Holden, an employee of DFW Furniture, and a
parent of our Early Intervention student, Trevor, for being so
instrumental in getting a much-needed couch for the Starlight
School staff lounge. Thanks Kelly and DFW Furniture for being
a great asset to our community.
The Fieldhouse
Thanks to the Fieldhouse for being so welcoming and
supportive during our swimming activities. We appreciate you.
Pg. 6
Retirees/New Employees
Starlight Programs has had several employment changes and additions in the past few months. We have had to say
goodbye to some who have retired or resigned, but have also welcomed several new faces aboard.
Sarah Paul, Preschool 1
Sarah was a preschool substitute for us last year. This year she has her own class with a new assistant – Marcy Gibbs.
Marcy has been with Starlight School for many years as a school age class assistant.
Melissa (Missy) Luckaupht, Preschool 2
Melissa (Missy) Luckaupht is our new teacher in Preschool 2. Melissa has also worked in other areas of the Starlight
Programs for many years. She has been partnered with Judy Kimble a returning preschool assistant.
Sommer Vansickle, Preschool
Sommer is teamed with Jane Lenhart, who is the returning assistant in that room.
We feel fortunate to have three such talented preschool teachers! We have had other changes to our school staff as well:
Kathy Shesky, an assistant in Preschool 1, has accepted a position in our administration building as our MUI/UI
person. Marcy Gibbs has taken the position left vacant by Kathy. Marcy former position as assistant in the School Age
1 class was filled by Nicole (Nikki) Addy. Nikki has just recently gotten married you may have known her as Nikki
Clark. Nikki served as a substitute assistant and bus aide. We are also welcoming Kim Bailey in School Age 4. She is
filling the position left open by the retirement of Alice Jones. Kim also has been a substitute assistant as well as
substituting in the adult programs.
Larry Shesky has been brought on board as a sub bus driver. Also, Brenda Miller’s position of EI Specialist will be
filled by Debbie Devore in October.
Two positions were filled at the Zane Street building. Mollie Paisley’s recent marriage was cause for her resigning in
August; therefore, Janet Cox was hired on to take her place as Secretary for the Service Coordination Department.
Melinda St.Clair was also hired on in August as Secretary to John Hill, Superintendent and Cathy Smith,
Administrative Services.
We would also like to congratulate Dick Howard on his retirement after his 14 years of custodial service
and driving school buses. Also, Linda Stevens will be retiring from her position as a bus aide. Thank you
for your dedication Dick and Linda, we will miss you!
Sommer Vansickle
Kim Bailey
Dick Howard
Larry Shesky
Janet Cox
Melissa Luckaupht
Sarah Paul
Linda Stevens
Melinda St. Clair
Pg. 7
Muskingum
C ounty
Board of D.D.
655 Zane Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Board Members
Barb Russell, President
Caribeth Legats, Vice President
Shayne Barnes, Secretary
Kim Balsley
Robert Brandford
Jim Robinson
Ben Whitacre
Superintendent
John E. Hill
MISSION STATEMENT
Working in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, providing opportunities utilizing public and
private supports, to live, learn, work, and play in the community.
Focus Newsletter
Contributing Writers
Missy Hartley
Nancy Wills
Sharon Jacobs
Kelly Jackson
Mindy Rush
Jeremy Anker
Eric Schrack
Melinda St. Clair
Rita Stanbery
Any questions in regards to the newsletter, please contact Cathy Smith,
Administrative Services at 740 453-4829 or csmith@muskingumdd.org
The Focus can now be
e-mailed to you. If you
would like a copy of the
Focus e-mailed next
time it is published
please e-mail
csmith@muskingumdd.org
Printed by Dresden Business Solutions Inc.
740-754-4891
Muskingum Starlight Industries
October
Volume 2, Issue 10
Starlight Tiger News
Welcome New Employees !!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ben N.
CUBES
•
Oct. 1— First “Shining
Stars” Incentive Drawing
•
Oct. 4 — New CUBES begin
•
Oct. 5 — Deerasic trip for Incentive winners
•
Oct. 20 — Library Day
•
Oct. 27 — Halloween Party
Venture Crew 152
•
Oct. 14—Regular meeting
Tie-dye shirts
•
Oct. 28—Regular meeting
Scrap book of Camp and Deerasic
Park trips
Brandon C.
Chubby Cat
I love my cat. His name is Chubby.
He sleeps with me and likes the
birds. He likes his hair combed and
sits on my lap and watches TV. He
is very lovable. He snores and
wakes me up every morning then
watches me get dressed. Chubby
likes Linda. He eats cat food from
the animal hospital, because of his
kidney failure.
The workshop
had a surprise
party for Sandy
Knicely and Ken
Drenten for their
wedding gift.
The wedding is
Oct. 9. We all
signed a big card
for them.
Good Luck
Sandy & Ken
Written by:
Susan C.
Written by: Thelma B.
Typed by: Steve Mc.
Special Olympics
Bowling has begun !!
Swim practice starting !!
Shining
Stars
October 2010
Employee Council
•
Oct. 28 — Next meeting
Check here next
month for winners of
first incentive drawing
Page
2
S t a r l i g h t
T i g e r
N e w s
Short but Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
Kim L.—Oct. 5
I love Mom, she is pretty. I like everybody.
I like to cook hamburgers I like CUBES, everybody’s. Doctors will check my seizures.
Twila R.—Oct. 8
Written & Typed by: Danny A.
John S.—Oct. 4
Larry B.—Oct. 9
Brandon C.—Oct. 14
Jim Tom—Oct. 17
Library Visits
Connie S.—Oct. 22
I like the library visits, because they are interesting.
It gives me something to look forward to. They read
with us, and put on shows that include us in the
show.
Steve Mc.—Oct. 23
Charles S.—Oct. 25
John W.—Oct. 25
Michele S.—Oct. 26
Lisa C.—Oct. 28
We read about Johnny Appleseed, and tasted maple
syrup and applesauce. We learned to clap to the
music and I enjoyed that.
Written by: Cindy E.
Typed by: Debbie A.
Original Art Gallery
Illustrations by:
Kathy P.
Drawing by: Lisa K.
Drawing by: Diann S.
Drawing by: Vivian S.
Starlight Programs Annual Plan Survey
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Starlight Programs utilizes a survey to gather information to develop priorities and direction for the coming
year by setting goals for each program and services we provide. These goals are reviewed quarterly
throughout the year to measure progress. Thank you in advance for completing this survey.
Please check the box that applies to who is completing this survey:
Parent/Family/Guardian Member of Starlight Student
Parent/Family/Guardian Member of Workshop enrollee
Starlight Student
MSI Workshop or County Board enrollee
Provider
Starlight Programs Staff
Other Community Member
Please provide your satisfaction rating for each of the following Starlight Programs services by putting a
check mark under the word that best describes how you feel about each service:
Satisfaction Ratings
Excellent
Good
Early Intervention Services
Pre-School
School Age
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Family Support Services
MSI Sheltered Workshop
MSI Adult Day Program
MSI Transitional Employment
MSI Community Employment
MSI Habilitation Services
Service Coordination County Board
Transportation
School Administration
MSI Administration
Program Administration
Buildings and Grounds
What I like about Starlight Programs:
I would like to suggest the following improvements/changes:
I would like to see Starlight Programs add the following new services:
Fair
Poor