Dr. Michael Martirano is pictured with Ms. Webb's second
grade class. (L-R) Dr. Michael Martirano, Jackie Collins-
Frail, Shelley Mace, Jenna Jett, Timothy Woodward, Malcolm
Lanham, Del. Roger Hanshaw & Principal Charles Thomas
Submitted by Malcolm Lanham
Community School Coordinator
On the morning of Wednesday, November 4, Arnoldsburg Elementary School was visited by West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) State Superintendent, Dr. Michael Martirano as part of his One Voice Tour to visit all of the state's 55 counties.
As part of his visit, Dr. Martirano was accompanied by WVDE staff, Delegate Roger Hanshaw, Calhoun County Superintendent, Timothy Woodward, Calhoun County Board Members, Jenna Jett & Jackie Collins- Frail. While visiting, he talked with the students during breakfast time and visited a 1st, 2nd and both 4th grade classes where he participated in the reading and literacy programs, which are part of the school's partnership with Save The Children.
Dr. Martirano talked with the students about how well they are doing in class. He commented on how teachers were engaging the students in the learning process. In addition, many of the students came up to give the Superintendent a hug and he left with the impression that Arnoldsburg students are loving and caring. While participating with the 2nd grade class during their morning reading session, Dr. Martirano told the class, "This school is phenomenal!"
As Dr. Martirano was leaving, Principal Charles Thomas showed him the World Changers Mission Food Pantry. Mrs. Shelly Mace shared that, "We feed 25 students every Friday with food for the weekend." Dr. Martirano was impressed with the "Angels" who take care of our little ones.
Student Council and Administration welcomes Dr. Martirano
to Calhoun Middle-High School. (Front L-R) Superintendent
Mr. Woodward, Alyssa Petroplus from Governor Tomblin's office,
Ashley Richards, Aleah Dye, Miranda Farmer, Brandi Whited, Dr.
Martirano. Second Row: Assistant Principal Michael Fitzwater,
Principal Melanie Arthur, Assistant Principal Bonnie Sands
Afterwards, Dr. Martirano visited Calhoun Middle/High School. During his visit he was welcomed by Student Council Officers Brandi Whited, Aleah Dye, Miranda Farmer, and Ashley Richards. The Student Council Officers escorted Dr. Martirano to 5 classrooms including Mrs. Amy Nicholas' 8th grade math class, Mr. Cody Cunningham's 6th Grade US Studies and 8th Grade WV History class, Mr. Don Poage's Intro to Agricultural class, Mrs. Brandi Sampson's 5th grade class and Mrs. Tammy Yoak's and Mr. Craig Arthur's Power and Energy Class.
During his visit to Mrs. Amy Nicholas' class Dr. Martirano was able to see a group of students leading the class in a math discussion. As a former math and science teacher, Dr. Martirano jumped right in and engaged students in conversation. He focused on the students during the visit and reminded students of the importance of math fluency and confidence.
Next on the tour was Mr. Cody Cunningham's 6th grade United States History class and 8th grade West Virginia History class. Students in the 6th grade class were engaged in creating newspaper articles while the 8th grade class chose famous West Virginia explorers.
Students in Mrs. Brandi Sampson's 5th grade class
Dr. Martirano was very impressed with Mrs. Brandi Sampson's 5th grade class as they were using technology to learn math. Each student was using an iPad and working on math strategies at their individualized level. Calhoun Middle-High School is part of a pilot cohort using Reasoning Minds. Reasoning Mind is a game-based math curriculum for 2nd to 6th grade students. Students play in a virtual city where they complete a progression of math challenges designed to prepare them for their first algebra course.
Mrs. Tammy Yoak and Mr. Craig Arthur's Energy and Power class was working on building and programing motors when Dr. Martirano visited. Students explained how they built and programmed the motors. Dr. Martirano tweeted on Twitter, "Motors, Sensors, and data. Oh My!"
The last stop on Dr. Martirano's visit to Calhoun Middle-High School was in the classroom of Mr. Don Poage, 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year for Calhoun County. Students in Mr. Poage's class were working on measuring various items. Dr. Martirano commented to the students, "regardless of measuring tool - always measure at least twice."
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