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Mansfield, OH (December 2, 2025) – Building on the success of its inaugural High School Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Mentorship Program, the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is expanding career exploration opportunities by recruiting high school students for its new School Psychology Mentorship Program—a hands-on pathway designed for students who want to help others, make a difference and explore psychology in action.

A Career Exploration Program That Changes Lives

The School Psychology Mentorship Program introduces students to a dynamic profession focused on mental health support, problem-solving, crisis prevention and building positive school climates. Selected mentees will gain real-world, on-the-job experience by shadowing certified school psychologists and participating in applied learning experiences. Students will explore:

• How school psychologists support student mental health & wellness
• Behavior science, brain and behavior, and human development
• Counseling skills, communication strategies and conflict resolution
• The IEP process, special education and data-driven decision making
• Ways to build safer, healthier and more inclusive schools

Hands-On Experiences That Stand Out

Through this mentorship, high school students will:

• Shadow school psychologists and observe “psychology in action”
• Participate in hands-on learning, leadership and teamwork activities
• Strengthen communication, problem-solving and advocacy skills
• Learn about careers in psychology and education
• Build a résumé or college application that stands out
• Receive real mentor guidance and professional support

“This mentorship program reflects our commitment to developing homegrown talent in critical fields like school psychology and speech-language pathology,” said Kevin Kimmel, MOESC Superintendent. “Early exposure and hands-on learning are powerful recruitment tools—and students are eager for real experiences that help shape their future.” The success of the SLP Mentorship program is paving the way for the School Psychology Mentorship expansion.

Why Students Should Apply

The School Psychology Mentorship Program is ideal for high school students who enjoy:

• Helping others
• Understanding emotions & behavior
• Leadership and communication
• Working with kids
• Making a positive impact on their school community

How to Apply

High school students interested in joining the 2025–26 School Psychology Mentorship Cohort should contact their school counselor or reach out directly to:

Kevin Fourman, SLP/SP High School Mentorship Coordinator, at fourman.kevin@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 (November 26, 2025) – F.I.R.S.T. School will be awarded two $5,000 grants to enhance STEM learning through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program, funded by philanthropy from Battelle. This funding is part of a broader effort that has issued 194 grants this year to develop enduring, STEM-based educational projects.

Vivian Brownlow, teacher at F.I.R.S.T. School, received one of the grants for her project, Wearable Tech for Future Designers. The project is an innovative project for Brownlow’s multi-grade level classroom that blends fashion design and engineering with a little bit of coding. Students will design and create fashion items—garments or accessories—that light up by integrating e-thread, sewable fabrics and LED lights. The project will culminate in a "Light Up the Runway" showcase.

Brownlow expressed her gratitude for the grant: "This is my second year receiving an OSLN Classroom Grant and I can't thank OSLN and Battelle enough. This grant allows me to bring technology to life for our students by connecting STEM with a universally relatable medium: fashion. The Wearable Tech for Future Designers project is more than just sewing circuits and making patterns; it’s about making STEM approachable, celebrating creativity and experimentation, and building students' confidence in combining design, math and technology. After completing this project, the students will see themselves as future innovators in fields of fashion design and innovative ready-to-wear manufacturing."

Chris Jones received the other grant for his project Sustainable Systems Lab, which will provide students with an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience focused on tackling real-world sustainability challenges. Students will use advanced smart kits including smart hydroponics, smart solar energy and a climate action kit to design, build and operate integrated environmental systems.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio STEM Learning Network for awarding us this grant. The Sustainable Systems Lab is a game-changer for our students. It moves learning beyond textbooks and puts tools for real-world innovation directly into their hands,” said Jones. “By working with smart solar technology, hydroponics and climate data, our students aren't just learning science, they're becoming the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers who will design a more sustainable future for our community and beyond."

The project also incorporates a smart soldering kit to develop foundational electrical engineering and circuit design skills. This lab will foster systems thinking, problem-solving and STEM career readiness by empowering students to prototype innovative, sustainable solutions for food security and climate change within their own classroom.

“The inclusion of STEM projects, through the OSLN Classroom grants, throughout the school year has been a great addition to FIRST School’s culture and community,” explained F.I.R.S.T. teacher Heather McClain. “Students are getting hands-on experiences with abstract concepts, gaining important life skills and are being trained in how to ask questions that solve complex problems. On top of troubleshooting, they are learning valuable lessons in how to work together and stretch their strengths and talents.”

Rhonda Loughman, F.I.R.S.T. School teacher, said, “The integration of STEM projects empowers our students to delve into hands-on technology exploration, effectively bridging theoretical math concepts with real-world problem-solving and application.”

A total of 165 public schools, including F.I.R.S.T., have been recognized with this prestigious award. The program has impacted students across 130 of Ohio’s school districts, spanning 68 counties.

"These grants empower Ohio educators to create dynamic learning environments where students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for tomorrow's challenges," said Wes Hall, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. "Supporting STEM education remains central to Battelle's mission of advancing scientific innovation and strengthening communities."

The grant program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.

"When students engage with quality STEM education, they gain access to pathways that transform families and energize local economies," said Sandra Wilder, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. "This program connects classroom innovators to a robust network of schools, professional resources, and collaborative educators statewide."

Awarded classrooms will receive grants of up to $5,000. 

Educators interested in future awards or additional support for STEM education from the Ohio STEM Learning Network can sign up here. A complete list of awarded schools is available at this link.

About the Ohio STEM Learning Network

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

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 (November 25, 2025) – Sixteen area high schools participated in this year’s Fall Academic Challenge League, a fully virtual competition showcasing quick thinking, teamwork and academic excellence. After several weeks of online matchups, Lexington High School captured first place in the Varsity A Bracket, earning a league-high 227 points. Mansfield Christian School claimed the top spot in the Varsity B Bracket with an impressive 263 points.

Lexington’s team included Alex T. (co-captain), Ben W. (co-captain), Ari C., with alternates Gianna B. Asher P. and Maddie W. Mansfield Christian’s team members were Elijah Martin, Logan Wilson, Grady Heichel, Adam Ebersole and Logan Gehrisch.

Lexington continued its strong performance in the junior varsity division, winning the JV League Championship, followed by Colonel Crawford, which secured second place.

Lexington JV’s team included Gianna B. (co-captain), Asher P. (co-captain), Maddie W. (co-captain), Ella R. and Jesse S., with team manager Marissa R. Colonel Crawford’s team was made up of Isaac Stirm, Wesley Williams, AJ Adkins, Jax Rike, Grayson Grove, Emily Schwenning, Meadow Achberger, James Schwenning and Brynsley Kitchen.

League Results:

Varsity Division A teams: Hillsdale, Madison, Colonel Crawford, Lexington, Buckeye Central, Highland, Northmor and Ontario

Varsity Division B teams: St. Peter’s, Crestview, Clear Fork, Ashland, Loudonville, Mount Gilead, Galion and Mansfield Christian

Lexington’s team was made up of Alex T. (co-captain), Ben W. (co-captain), Ari C., with alternates Gianna B. Asher P. and Maddie W. while Mansfield Christian was comprised of Elijah Martin, Logan Wilson, Grady Heichel, Adam Ebersole.

The junior varsity Academic Challenge league only competed in one bracket. The teams were Loudonville, Ontario, Highland, Lexington, Clear Fork, Northmor, Colonel Crawford, Buckeye Central, Mansfield Christian, Crestview, Mt. Gilead, Ashland, Galion and Madison.

Lexington JV’s team members were Gianna B. (co-captain), Asher P. (co-captain), Maddie W. (co-captain), Ella R. and Jesse S., with team manager Marissa R., and Colonel Crawford’s were Isaac Stirm, Wesley Williams, AJ Adkins, Jax Rike, Grayson Grove, Emily Schwenning, Meadow Achberger, James Schwenning and Brynsley Kitchen

The season concluded with a two-day Fall Academic Challenge Tournament, held in person and featuring ten schools. Both Varsity and JV teams were split into two competitive brackets, with teams answering questions across a wide range of academic subjects. The wall-score results reflect another year of outstanding competition, spirited collaboration and academic achievement among students across the region.

The Academic Challenge program continues to provide opportunities for students to excel academically, demonstrate leadership and represent their schools with pride.

Tournament Day 1 Results:

Varsity bracket A teams: Madison, Ontario, Mt. Gilead, Mapleton and Clear Fork

Varsity bracket B teams: Mansfield Christian, Ashland, Hillsdale, Mt. Vernon and Plymouth

For varsity, the top team for each bracket (Madison for bracket A and Mansfield Christian for bracket B) faced off in the final: Madison took the Championship with a score of 44 to Mansfield Christian’s 38. Madison was composed of Chris Lucas, Cam Porter, Bryce Tudor and Kayley Stone. The members of Mansfield Christian’s team were Elijah Martin, Logan Wilson, Grady Heichel and Adam Ebersole.

JV bracket A teams: Ashland, Ontario A., Mt. Gilead A., Mansfield Christian and Clear Fork

JV bracket B teams: Mt. Vernon, Ontario B., Mt. Gilead B., Mapleton and Madison

Ontario A. and Mt. Vernon were the two bracket winners for JV, but due to time constraints, we were unable to play the final round as schools had to get back before the end of the day. Ontario A. was comprised of Saoirse Dove,  Mason Egner, Luke Genders, Stelian Kruer, Yuchen Lin, Yuka Mori, Alexis Swank and Angel Tan. 

Tournament Day 2 Results:

Varsity bracket A teams: Lexington, Buckeye Central, Loudonville, Colonel Crawford and St. Peter’s

Varsity bracket B teams: Tiffin, Highland, Crestview, Northmor and Galion

The top team for each bracket (Buckeye Central for bracket A and Tiffin for bracket B) faced off in the final: Tiffin won the varsity contest 49 to 33 against Buckeye Central. Tiffin’s team members were Christian Keefe, Kenton Fell, Amanda Stalsworth, Ace Madden, Amelia Miller, Angela Liu, Katie Witte, Lily Perez and Lyra Kin. Buckeye Central was made up of Jake Rafferty, Titus Beeson, Blaise Metzger, Sam Auck and Charlotte Betts.

JV bracket A: Lexington, Highland, Buckeye Central, Loudonville A. and Galion

JV bracket B: Colonel Crawford, Loudonville B., Crestview, St. Peter’s and Northmor

On the Junior varsity side, Lexington won a condensed Lighting Round against Colonel Crawford for the final where only 20 questions were asked due to time constraints. The final score was 14 to 12 (points are doubled). Lexington was composed of Asher P., Maddie W., Jesse S. and Ella R. Colonel Crawford was made up of Isaac Stirm, Wesley Williams, AJ Adkins, Jax Rike, Grayson Grove, Emily Schwenning, Meadow Achberger, James Schwenning and Brynsley Kitchen.

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 (November 20, 2025) – At their November 19 meeting, the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center Board of Governors heard a presentation from Eric Turlo, Kylie Dennison-Rebon and Johanna Gilland.

Mr. Turlo, the Director of Student Services at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, focused on strategic initiatives, personnel development and service excellence. Turlo explained that the strategic framework was developed through a retreat in June and was refined with staff input at the August All Staff Conference. Turlo also explained how MOESC’s Student Services has expanded its impact through the SLP/SP Consultant Grant and the Parent Mentor Project. In addition, Turlo talked about how the department is building tomorrow’s workforce through a recruitment pipeline, and he outlined past and future recruitment events. These strategic university partnerships aim to address critical SLP and School Psychology shortages. Additionally, Turlo discussed the success of Includapalooza, which saw 89 participants and 9 expert presenters. The Board was also updated on current staffing needs, recent hires and innovations such as an expanded substitute pool and Smart Start training modules. 

Another key part of the presentation was the School Psychology and SLP Consultants’ Impact Report prepared by School Psychology Consultant Kylie Dennison-Rebon and SLP Consultant Johanna Gilland, which included an overview of how the regional consultant model enhances evaluation practices, builds district capacity and delivers high-impact support to educators across the Central region. 

As a reminder, MOESC offices will be closed on November 27 and 28, December 24, 25, 26 and 31 and January 1.

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 (November 11, 2025) – The Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council, in partnership with the Crawford Success Center, North Central State College and Crawford County school districts, invites eligible junior or senior students who attend all six Crawford County schools to a TurboCert Open House at the Crawford Success Center at 9:30 a.m. on November 21, 2025.

During the open house, students will be divided into rotating groups and will see demonstrations and hear information about all programs. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the Crawford Success Center, meet instructors, learn about credentials and ask questions. 

Students can express their interest in enrolling in the next semester at the event. Program Coordinator Kevin Fourman will then work with school counselors to enroll students in the upcoming semester, which will begin Friday, January 9, 2026. 

Taking place at the Crawford Success Center, the TurboCert program offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials in 5G Readiness, Phlebotomy, Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing and Drone Operations and Safety. TurboCert is a dynamic, fast-paced initiative that equips high school students with industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields. The program offers 16 intensive Fridays of hands-on training, designed to fast-track students into meaningful careers or further education. Students from across Crawford County benefit from real-world experience, certifications and curriculum that aligns directly with the skills employers need today.

Contact Kevin Fourman, TurboCert Program Coordinator (Crawford County), at fourman.kevin@moesc.net for more information. 

TurboCert Open House Flyer

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, 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 (November 6, 2025) – Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) will host a Statewide SLP & School Psychology Think Tank, a collaborative event designed to address the critical shortage of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and school psychologists across Ohio, on November 10 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Organized in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's State Regional Consultant Team for Speech-Language Pathology and School Psychology, the Think Tank brings together educational leaders, university partners and professional associations to identify innovative solutions for recruitment, retention and workforce development.

“The need for highly qualified SLPs and school psychologists in our districts is absolutely critical, and it directly impacts the comprehensive services we provide to districts and their students,” said Eric Turlo, Director of Student Services. “By convening leaders from across the state, we are taking a crucial step to move beyond simply identifying the problem and instead focusing on workable strategies that will help stabilize and hopefully grow this essential workforce for the future.”

The November 10 session marks the first in a three-part series scheduled throughout the 2025-26 school year. Participants include representatives from Ohio universities, Educational Service Centers, the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board, the Ohio School Psychologists Association (OSPA) and the Ohio School Speech Pathology Educational Audiology Coalition (OSSPEAC).

“Hosting this event allows Mid-Ohio ESC to serve as a hub for meaningful collaboration,” said Johanna Gilland, Central OH Regional SLP Consultant and Mid-Ohio employee. “Together, we are developing practical strategies that support both the quality of comprehensive evaluations and the sustainability of Ohio’s school-based workforce.”

Kylie Dennison-Rebon, Central Ohio Regional School Psychology Consultant, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative: “This Think Tank reflects the power of statewide collaboration. Each of Ohio’s regional consultant teams contributed to the design and direction of this work, ensuring the collective expertise of both the speech-language pathology and school psychology fields is represented. We are thrilled to expand this effort to include school psychology. Ultimately, every conversation and solution developed through this work keeps student achievement and success at the forefront of what we do, reminding us that building and sustaining a strong workforce directly impacts the quality of support our students receive.”

The Think Tank aligns directly with the goals outlined in the FY26 Regional Consultant Scope of Work, supporting comprehensive and compliant evaluations by ensuring districts have access to a stable, highly qualified workforce. Future Think Tank sessions are scheduled for February 2, 2026 and April 7, 2026.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, 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.