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Mansfield, OH (February 6, 2026) – The 4th–8th grade Academic Challenge teams kicked off their competition season with their first tournament of the year. We want to congratulate all participants on a great start, and especially recognize our tournament winners.

“I always enjoy seeing the students’ excitement and teamwork at their first event,” said tournament director Rebecca Kidney.

February 3 Results (4th Grade):

4th-grade teams: Buckeye Central A & B; Colonel Crawford A & B; Crestview A & B; Discovery; Lexington A & B; Mansfield City; Mansfield Spanish Immersion A & B; Northmor A & B; Ontario; Plymouth-Shiloh; Sacred Heart; St. Peter’s; Wooster Cornerstone, Wooster Parkview, Wooster Kean, Wooster Melrose; Wynford A & B

Crestview A won with 106 points. The team members include: Julianna Fennewald, Kenzie Bernhard, Ezra Kelley and Eli Korbas. Wooster Parkview came in second place with 92 points. Their team was made up of Eva Hartzler, Emory Van Gray, Paul Gunn and Henry Michel. 

February 5 Results (5th Grade):

5th-grade teams: Colonel Crawford A & B; Crestview A & B; Discovery; Lexington A & B; Mansfield Christian A & B; Mansfield Malabar; Mansfield Spanish Immersion A & B; Northmor A & B; Ontario A & B; Plymouth-Shiloh; Sacred Heart; Shelby A & B; St. Mary’s of Mansfield; St. Peter’s; Wooster A & B; Wynford A & B

St. Peter’s won the 5th grade meet with a score of 97 points. Team members include Elizabeth Hoyek, Theo Rohl, Precious Ojo, Success Ojo and Oliver Mulherin. Mansfield Christian A finished second with 94 points. The team members were Sam Stull, Charlee Walker, Caleb Brenneman and Joseph Stauffer.

January 22 Results (6th Grade):

6th-grade teams: Ashland A & B; Colonel Crawford A & B; Crestline; Crestview A & B; Lexington A & B; Mansfield Christian A & B; Mansfield City, Mansfield Spanish Immersion A & B; Northmor A & B; Ontario A & B; Plymouth-Shiloh A & B; Sacred Heart; Shelby A & B; St. Mary’s Mansfield; St. Mary’s Wooster A & B; St. Peter’s; Triway A & B; Wooster A & B

Wooster B squeaked by Lexington A with 106 points to their 103. Wooster B’s members include Asher Dewald, Lexi Zvolensky, Jack McGrady, Chelsea Schantz, Talon Gaines, Andrew Jeon, Quinn Lambert, Aubrey Thompson, Eva Bacon Jaxon Dye. Lexington A’s team was Noah B., Violet H., Jaxon E. and Ben T. 

January 21 Results (7th/8th Grade):

7th/8th-grade teams: Colonel Crawford A & B; Crestline; Crestview A & B; Hillsdale; Lexington A & B; Madison A & B, Mansfield Christian A & B, Mt. Gilead A & B; Northmor A & B; Northwestern; Ontario A & B; Plymouth-Shiloh A & B; Sacred Heart A & B; Shelby A & B; St. Mary’s of Mansfield; St. Peter’s A & B; Tiffin A & B; Triway Upper Sandusky A & B;  Wooster, A & B

Lexington A took first place with a score of 110, beating out Crestview A who had 98 points. Lexington A includes Carter G., Ben M., Coulter S., Broday S., and Archer T. Crestview A includes Cruz Ramsey, David Souder, Anna Briggs, Elianna Kelley, Khloe Bernhard, and Isla Derr.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Mansfield, OH (February 6, 2026) – Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) invites art teachers, general education teachers and special needs educators to an Art Teacher Network Meeting on Friday, February 13, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at MOESC. This professional learning opportunity continues the work begun during Mid-Ohio ESC’s October workshop, which explored the intersection of neuroscience, somatic awareness and sensory-based creative practices in education. 

Returning by popular demand, Amy Secrist, Behavior Support Specialist specializing in Neuro-Somatic Wellness, will facilitate a second Neuro-Somatic Art Playshop designed specifically for art educators. The session will provide hands-on ideas and practical activities that support self-discovery and creative expression while fostering social awareness, connection and empathy in learning environments. 

“Through the creation of a safe-enough, brave-enough container for exploration, participants will engage in sensory-based art experiences that invite reflection, presence and deeper understanding of self and others,” says Secrist. “Educators will be encouraged to uncover ‘the jewels of their inner being’ by adding new dimensions to their sense of self—an approach that can be meaningfully translated into classroom practice.” 

In addition to the experiential learning, participants will collaborate to design an art lesson aligned with the neuro-somatic strategies presented, ensuring that the workshop content is immediately applicable in educational settings. 

Mid-Ohio ESC extends sincere appreciation to Dick Blick Art Supply, whose generous donation of materials makes this workshop possible. 

This Art Teacher Network Meeting supports Mid-Ohio ESC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, engaging and whole-child approaches to education through the arts. 

Pre-registration is required for this event as space is limited. To register go to moesc.net/register. This event is free for clients/members; however, the non-client cost is $50. 

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Mansfield, OH (February 5, 2026) – Crawford and Morrow counties held their annual spelling bee this morning in a spirited virtual contest that brought together 37 young spellers in grades 4–8. After 10 challenging rounds, 5th grader Simon Woods of Wynford Local School District claimed the championship title. To earn the title, Simon spelled correctly the championship word, “hiatus.” Sixth grader Zander Hittle from Northmor Local School District finished as runner-up in a strong showing.

Colleen Haynes, spelling bee coordinator said, “Student events like these give students an opportunity to enhance public speaking and confidence as they spell aloud in front of judges and peers. It is also nice to see healthy competition among students from multiple districts.”

Organizers extend heartfelt thanks to the Mansfield News Journal for sponsoring the event. Their support helped make the virtual bee possible.

Congratulations to Simon Woods — our county champion — and to Zander Hittle for an outstanding performance. Appreciation also goes to all teachers, coaches, families and volunteers who supported the spellers and helped run the event.

Champion: Simon Woods

Runner-Up: Zander Hittle

The Mid-Ohio ESC spelling bee season includes the Crawford/Morrow County Virtual Spelling Bee, The Richland County Virtual Spelling Bee and the Tri-County Spelling Bee. Top performers from the Crawford/Morrow County Spelling Bee and Richland County Spelling Bee will advance to the Tri-County Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. Spectators are invited to attend.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Mansfield, OH (February 4, 2026) – Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) is pleased to host a regional hiring event for its client and partner school districts on Tuesday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Mid-Ohio ESC Conference Center, located at 890 Fourth Street in Mansfield. The event is designed to connect aspiring and licensed K–12 educators, recent graduates pursuing licensure and experienced education professionals with meaningful career opportunities across a wide range of roles. Open positions include teaching and instructional support, Related Services professionals—such as Speech and Language Pathologists, School Psychologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, English Language Tutors and Occupational Therapy Assistants—as well as school bus drivers, custodial staff and maintenance workers who are essential to creating safe, welcoming learning environments. All participants share a common commitment to supporting student success and making a positive impact on students’ lives.

Jennifer Reed, Director of Human Resources at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, said, “This event is designed to attract both new and experienced educators and support staff to our region, where the need is significant. Our goal is to provide a centralized opportunity to connect qualified candidates who are passionate about education with meaningful opportunities available in our local communities.”

Individuals seeking educator or related services positions should hold, or be actively pursuing, a valid education license by August 1. Candidates should be prepared to interview and bring a cover letter, résumé and professional references. Interested applicants may register at www.moesc.net under the Human Resources page. Those unable to attend are encouraged to visit the website for information on how to submit their materials for review by participating hiring districts. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Reed at reed.jennifer@moesc.net.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Mansfield, OH (February 3, 2026) – The Department of Student Services at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center has numerous professional development programs open for registration in February and March. 

First, MOESC will offer three opportunities to attend its ETR Compliance & ODEW Updates webinar led by ODEW Regional SLP (Johanna Gilland) and School Psychology (Kylie Dennison-Rebon) Consultants. Prompt registration is encouraged as their last webinar on IEP compliance was well-attended. 

ETR Compliance & ODEW Updates 

• Feb. 10, 2026 – 8 a.m. 
• Feb. 11, 2026 – 11:30 a.m. 
• Feb. 12, 2026 – 3 p.m.

This webinar will review critical compliance requirements for Evaluation Team Reports and will provide the information needed to ensure ETRs are both compliant and aligned with current state guidance.

In addition, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center will host Crisis Prevention Institute, or CPI, refresher training on February 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m at MOESC.The client/member cost for the course is $75 while the non-client cost is $90. Registration is required.

Lastly, the Department of Student Services will hold a training on Decreasing Tantrums and Increasing Connection: Creating Co-Regulated Classrooms (PreK-2) on March 9 from 9-3:30 p.m. at Mid-Ohio ESC.

This professional development for educators focuses on brain development, understanding the functions of behavior, aligning expectations with abilities and cultivating resilience for both students and staff. Explore neuroscience-based self-regulation strategies and visual supports to guide young ones safely through their stress cycle while you complete yours.

This full day training will focus on proactively creating a felt sense of safety & connection in the classroom (and beyond), offer an understanding of the impact of toxic stress and other traumas have on behavior, as well as an exploration of the relationship between high demand, cortisol, shame and behavior.

Takeaways for Immediate Implementation:

• Breathing, moving and mindset strategies to support nervous system well-being
• Ideas for practicing co-regulation, compassion and connection (and why they help)
• Unique supports for unique students
• Action plans for next-day application

Registration is required. The client/member cost for this event is $45 while the non-client cost is $55. 

Decreasing Tantrums and Increasing Connection Flyer

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Mansfield, OH (January 29, 2026) – Abraxas School of Ohio math and life skills teacher/intervention specialist Julie Pfeifer has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. 

Pfeifer was nominated anonymously for constantly trying new teaching methods to reach her students and help them succeed. 

Pfeifer is an exceptional educator who selflessly devotes her time to help students achieve their goals. She holds herself, her peers, and her students to high professional, ethical, and moral standards. Pfeifer consistently works with students and peers to improve the school’s atmosphere. She nurtures and motivates her students while still holding them to high educational standards. 

Pfeifer is highly adept at motivating her students, using a variety of creative techniques to help her students understand the material. Always looking for ways to improve learning outcomes, Pfeifer started a library within the school that had not existed before. Thanks to her initiative, students who have never even attempted to read chapter books have found joy in reading, and they often boast to one another about how many pages the last book had.

Outside of her classroom, Pfeifer founded a book club where students gather to discuss a book they have all read. She also started both an automotive repair club and a 3D printing club, despite having little knowledge of these subjects, and learned alongside the students. Additionally, Pfeifer has helped with the chess club, too. All of her clubs have been highly successful and are loved by students.

“Ms. Pfeifer has genuinely been a LifeChanger for hundreds of students during her time at Abraxas,” said the nominator.

About LifeChanger of the Year

Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

• Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must

• Make a positive impact on the lives of students
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
• Possess a proven record of professional excellence
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.

Visit here to read Pfeifer’s nominee profile. If you're interested in nominating someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.