Byesville Rotary learns that goal of GCBDD is helping people lead a self directed life

Pictured: Dennis Harding, Pres. Byesville Rotary, and Kelly Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Byesville Rotary guest, Kelly Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities (GCBDD), explained that the mission of the GCBDD is to “Ensure quality services that enhance the lives of individuals through the effective use of available resources.

Brown stated that many different services are needed to meet the goals set by her organization. Each of these services has a cost. Brown pointed out that she and her staff are frugal and “...spend every penny like [her] grandmother,” who made sure not even a penny was wasted.

Brown explained that the GCBDD has programs to help people with developmental disabilities from birth to adulthood. The Bright Beginnings program, serving children birth to 3, insures that each infant has a good start in life. Staff members identify potential problems in infants and work to counter problems before they can cause learning problems for the child at school. Another program helps school age children with disabilities overcome behavioral challenges that would negatively impact learning. Children who are successful in this program can go on to attend local district schools.

Another program, funded by the Medicaid Waver program, helps families stay together by helping create disability friendly home environments such as adapting a bathroom or adding a lift. A similar program—Family Support Services—provides financial assistance and support to people with developmental disabilities who want to remain in their homes. Services can include providing a trained person to stay in the home while the primary caregiver gets a break or is out of the house running errands. Brown pointed out GCBDD also provides transportation and a day service program for adults who do not qualify for a Medicaid Waiver.

Brown concluded by describing a program aimed at helping teenagers with developmental disabilities make the transition from school to an independent, self-directed adult life. The Employment First program develops job and life skills that enable young adults move from school to the sheltered workshop to a job that will give a person with disabilities the opportunity to earn a minimum wage and become a productive community member.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Everyone interested in giving back to their community is invited to join. Call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-432-5605, to learn more about the club. More information is available at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283

Brook Elementary students tell Byesville Rotary they like learning with “BrainPOP”

Pictured: Shelly Sowers, Principal of Brook Elementary, Brook students—Logan Mott, Emma Johnston, Austin Vannoy, and Brady McMann; and Chuck Fair, President Elect, Byesville Rotary.

Announcement: Add this date to your calendar: Tuesday, April 1, 6:00pm at Denny's--Byesville Rotary will be holding an evening social at Denny's Hartley Room. Invite a friend or your spouse or both. The meal is BYOM (buy your own meal). The meal is optional. You are welcome to come and just socialize.

Byesville Rotary helped Brook Elementary purchase BrainPOP, a computer app, produced by a team of educators, animators and writers, which draws students into active learning. The app is available to each of the 450 students attending Brook.

In the past, Byesville Rotary chose to promote student literacy by purchasing a dictionary for each 4^th grader in the Rolling Hills School District. This year, the club decided to contribute toward the purchase of this new learning tool which is already in use by 20% of U.S. schools.

Shelly Sowers, principal of Brook Elementary which serves about 450 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders, told club members that this new computer software provides more opportunities for learning than the dictionary. The app can be used by all the students and teachers at Brook Elementary, and students and teachers can also use it 24/7 from home.

Sowers pointed out that the 24/7 access came in handy during snow days. BrainPOP assignments were included in the student’s “blizzard bags.”

BrainPOP has a wealth of information about all curricular areas such as science, social studies, English, mathematics, engineering and technology, health, and arts and music. Animated characters in short videos help introduce new topics and illustrate complex concepts. The app also allows teachers and students keep a record of learning accomplishments through quizzes, game play, and activities

Several 4^th graders from Brook and their parents were eager to let Rotary members know how much they liked this new learning app. Emma Johnston said that the “…videos were cool” and taught a lot about class lessons. Brady added that he thought the “…games were cool but educational and BrainPOP included quizzes.” Austin Vannoy reported that the “Videos have activity sheets,” and Logan Mott reported that the students can use the app with Smart Books, I-Pads, and Netbooks.

Sowers told club members they were welcome to visit Brook and see first-hand how BrainPOP is being used to promote learning. Many teachers use the app at least once a week. Additionally, because it contains an arts unit, the app helps teachers bring art instruction into the classroom.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chair Jim Vaughan, 740-260-2969. More information about the Byesville Rotary can be found at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283