Hancock County Schools unveils Storybook Cafe
CUTTING THE RIBBON — Helping to unveil Hancock County Schools’ new Storybook Cafe are, in front, students Aarhett Beckert and Leanna Bissett, who named and designed the bus; and in back, board of education members Dan Kaser, Caroll Rosenlieb and Toni Hinerman; Andrea Dulaney, director of student services; Erica Sauer, special education/pre-K director; William Ihlenfeld, candidate for state Senate; state Sen. Richard Ojeda, candidate for U.S. House in the 3rd District; Dr. James Wilson, member of the state Board of Education; and Randy Swartzmiller, candidate for state House of Delegates. -- Craig Howell
IMAGINATION TRANSPORTATION — Hancock County Schools’ new mobile Storybook Cafe will begin its services in the county Monday, with scheduled stops from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of operation. -- Craig Howell
CUTTING THE RIBBON — Helping to unveil Hancock County Schools’ new Storybook Cafe are, in front, students Aarhett Beckert and Leanna Bissett, who named and designed the bus; and in back, board of education members Dan Kaser, Caroll Rosenlieb and Toni Hinerman; Andrea Dulaney, director of student services; Erica Sauer, special education/pre-K director; William Ihlenfeld, candidate for state Senate; state Sen. Richard Ojeda, candidate for U.S. House in the 3rd District; Dr. James Wilson, member of the state Board of Education; and Randy Swartzmiller, candidate for state House of Delegates. -- Craig Howell
IMAGINATION TRANSPORTATION — Hancock County Schools’ new mobile Storybook Cafe will begin its services in the county Monday, with scheduled stops from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of operation. -- Craig Howell
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hancock County Schools are taking education on the road.
County educators, special guests and more gathered at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center Thursday morning to unveil the county's new mobile Storybook Cafe, a retrofitted bus equipped to provide tutoring, literacy activities and nutrition services for youth throughout Hancock County.
"Today is a celebration about what works well in education and in our community," Hancock County Schools Superintendent Tim Woodward said.
Woodward said schools cannot be successful without community support, and communities need quality schools to grow.
According to Assistant Superintendent Dan Enich, planning for a mobile learning center began last year under the guidance of Director of Student Services Andrea Dulaney and Special Education/Pre-K Director Erica Sauer.
The design for the bus was created by student Leanna Bissett, with the name coming from student Aarhett Beckert.
The Storybook Cafe, Woodward explained, will serve as an outreach to county youth, enhancing the services already provided in the county's schools with meals provided by C.H.A.N.G.E., Inc., along with games, toys, books and computers.
"A child doesn't care what you know until they know you care," Woodward said, noting the bus was paid for entirely through donations from the community.
It is the beginning, he said, of planned educational outreach programs for Hancock County Schools.
The Storybook Cafe begins its operations Monday, with services offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunches will be served from 11 .m. to 12:30 p.m., with learning activities between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The bus will be located at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton Monday; Tomlinson Run State Park in New Manchester Tuesday; Heathermoor in Weirton Wednesday; and Laurel Park in Newell Thursday.
Dr. James Wilson, a member of the West Virginia Board of Education, was among those in attendance Wednesday, saying he has witnessed many innovations in education during his career, but saying reading and literacy have been a constant through those changes.
He said a willingness to adapt and learn are needed to move forward.
"The learners are going to inherit the earth," Wilson said. "Today, I'm pleased to be in the presence of the learners."
Also in attendance was state Sen. Richard Ojeda, D-Logan, who currently is seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives for West Virginia's 3rd District.
While admitting he still is learning about Hancock County, Ojeda commended the school system and area residents for finding new ways to invest in local youth.
"You guys are working to help your kids have a better life," Ojeda said. "You guys have an opportunity."