The Hancock County Board of Education cast a 5-0 vote approving Weirton Elementary change their nickname from “Stars” to “Lil’ Riders.” The change makes Weirton Elementary consistent with the Weir High Red Riders and has been overwhelmingly supported by the Faculty and PTA.
Superintendent Dan Enich noted that Weirton Elementary School is a feeder school for Weir Middle and Weir High and the name change brings a sense of continuity to the schools. Oak Glen High School mascot is the Golden Bear and New Manchester Elementary School’s is the Bear Cat. Allison Elementary School in Chester is the Panther, a nod to the former Chester High School’s mascot,
Enich thanked his directors for a great start to the school year. He especially noted the Transportation Department which operated smoothly during the first day.
In other business, the Board:
**Approved a leave of absence for Brandi Smith, Multi-Categorical/Autism, JDR Career Center;
**Approved a list of certified mentors for teachers: Lisa Burk, Heather Stewart, Stacy Riggs, Kristeen Kuntupis, Amy Angle, Eric Olson, Amy Wilson, Erin McConnachie, Laurie Brierton, Heidi Markish, Jennifer Curtis, Sherry Paull, Sue Greco, Suzy Mastrantoni, Jackie Fodor, Donna Carnes, Michelle Hall, Kathleen Nail, Amy Durkin, Sara DeVecchis, Jodi Fidler, Alisha Hannah, Tammy Fields, Kelly Firman and Tammi Brown.
**Named substitute teachers countywide: Carrie Magnon, Megan Guida, Matthew Shepherd.
**Accepted the resignation of Brooke Provenzano as Head Boys’ Tennis, Oak Glen High;
**Assigned Shane Talott as Assistant Boys’ Soccer, Oak Glen High
***Named Jennifer Cooper and Sara Brown as co-sponsors of the Class of 27 and Jermiah Torres as the Chorus sponsor;
**Transferred Haley Davis as Supervisory Aide/ECCAT, first grade, Weirton Elementary to Secretary II, Weirton Elementary;
**Assigned substitutes Michael Clark, bus operator #4, and Aerial Kintyhtt as Supervisory Aide II-IV AM,, Weirton Elementary;
**Approved a contractual agreement with the Soup Kitchen for excess food to be donated.