BCS Insider
July 2024
by Tyler Hawn, Assistant Director of Communications
This year, along with other 5th graders across the district, Footman participated in STARBASE. This hands-on program is sponsored by the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg and helps students find their passion for careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) field.
However, Footman faced some challenges with some of the activities because he is legally blind.
"I was doing my best working the way that I could, but I noticed things that could have been more accessible," said Footman.
Footman says they used iPads at STARBASE to complete activities, which became challenging because he could not read anything and no accessibility features were activated.
"I noticed they did not have Siri turned on to use Voiceover, so I had Siri turned on, which made a big difference for me," said Footman.
The struggles Footman faced while at STARBASE caught the attention of Sherra Triggs, the program director, who is working with her team and Footman to implement additional changes at STARBASE to make the learning environment more inclusive and supportive for all students.
Since its inception in 2003, Dominic was the first student who was legally blind to attend STARBASE.
"Dominic's challenges gave us invaluable insight into the gaps in our curriculum," said Triggs. "His perspective opened our eyes to the real struggles students with exceptionalities face daily."
Following his experience at STARBASE, Footman had the opportunity to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS) in Huntsville, Alabama, further enhancing his skills in the STEM world with 160 other students who face similar exceptionalities.
Trina Stotler, BCS Teacher for the Visually Impaired, is humbled by how much she has seen him grow.
"I actually met him when he was three and seeing them become the independent person that he it's a major difference," said Stotler, "I found the job I love and helping him access the world has become my passion."
Elizabeth McCoy, principal of Mill Creek Intermediate School and a 25-year educator with BCS, said Footman is the first student who is legally blind that she has worked with.
"Ms. Stotler is an amazing advocate for her students," said McCoy. "Dominic has also taught me a lot on how we can improve accessibility as a school district."
Footman says he will continue pursuing his passions in space, following in the footsteps of other visually impaired astronauts who are paving the way for the next generation.
This month, Berkeley County Schools, in partnership with WVU Medicine, launched the inaugural session of Education Elevators, a student mentoring program currently being piloted at Tuscarora Elementary School. The event was organized by Ashley Rinard, the program's coordinator.
Education Elevators, developed in 2007, elevates the abilities and aspirations of students to make them more confident in themselves and more receptive to learning. The program is designed to facilitate and support meaningful mentoring partnerships of businesses and organizations with local elementary schools.
In August, six members of WVU Medicine's clinical team, consisting of doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants were trained in this mentoring program facilitated by Dr. Jessica Alfonso, BCS Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Inclusion. Students were then matched with their mentors by Tuscarora's School Counselor, Mr. Thomas Schloemer, according to recommendations from teachers. The mentors and students met for their first session on Tuesday, October 22 where they spent 40 minutes getting to know one another and building relationships.
To learn about other mentoring programs offered through BCS, visit the link below.
This month, United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R, W. Va.) brought her "Girls Rise Up" initiative to Eagle School Intermediate, which aims to inspire the state's next generation of women leaders.
This initiative is designed to foster self-confidence and leadership skills among our young learners. We are thrilled to see our students benefit from Sen. Capito’s inspiring presence and guidance, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
You may view more pictures from the event on our Flickr page below.
The BCS Department of Communications is excited to announce the launch of our school district's new and official podcast, BCS Unplugged! Hosted by Tyler Hawn, Assistant Director of Communications, this monthly podcast will take a deep dive into important educational topics and keep you connected with everything happening in our schools!
Our first episode will air in November and will feature the C.A.R.E.S. Academy. We will talk with Dr. Tyler Long, principal of Tuscarora Elementary School, and Melissa Hollen, Pupil Services Coordinator, about a recent grant awarded to the C.A.R.E.S. Academy that is providing students identified as needing additiona support in the classroom with the tools they need for success in and out of the classroom.
Check your App Store for a download in the next few weeks!
Lifeline is a program of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides a discount on telephone and broadband service for qualifying low-income consumers. Participants must qualify for the Lifeline program based on income or participation in a government assistance program. For more information, or to apply, visit the link below.
Xfinity Internet Essentials also offers an affordable home internet program for low-income customers. More information can be found at the link below.
