Category: WVPB Education

Above And Beyond In STEM: Barbara Pill’s Rocketing Achievements

Barbara Pill, a science teacher at East Fairmont Middle School in Marion County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for February, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Barbara Pill, a science teacher at East Fairmont Middle School (EFMS) in Marion County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for February, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Pill was presented the award by WVPB’s Director of Education Maggie Holley during a surprise school assembly held specially for the occasion. Pill received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

Principal and nominator Debra Conover embraces Barbara Pill after speaking at awards assembly.

Photo Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Pill was joined on the floor by longtime friend, colleague, nominator and current principal, Debra Conover. Conover spoke of how Pill goes above and beyond with event preparation, collaborating with NASA, and how she started the STEM program that evolved to what it is today. She said, “It is because of her that the STEM program got started at the old junior high and has carried forward since then. I have lost many rockets with her over the years that we had to go find. But this lady puts in countless hours on Saturday, Sundays, and in the evenings toting things around, making things, sewing things, getting ready for the next event. She started from ordering things for rockets to becoming involved with NASA. From working with their 3D printer, to having her own for students [so they can] program and create their own projects.”

Conover ended with, “My kids have gone through the STEM program. With her guidance and mentoring, older kids from the program have gotten engineering jobs outside of high school and college and are very successful.”

Pill has taught for 15 years and in addition to science classes, she is currently the STEM coach for seventh and eighth grade students. She said she loves teaching about all aspects of science. “Science is so important because it is all around us, so we need to understand and appreciate it. We have those interactions with science without thinking about it from a very young age. A child knows if they throw a ball up it will come down. They will learn how gravity works, but a toddler just knows it does. Science can be so much fun, especially when you understand why things work the way they do. I tell my students I teach science so I can play with the toys!”

She especially enjoys teaching about heredity and DNA. “We make a model of DNA that I designed for students to make using letter beads and the beads to stand for each of the bases. They clip those on their binders and their backpacks, and I have students who have graduated and still have those. It is rewarding to do an assignment that shows how much they enjoyed it.”

In addition to teaching science and being the STEM coach, Pill is also a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and is the membership chairman for West Virginia Rocketry, the local NAR chapter. With her level two, high powered rocketry certification, her current project is a 7 ½ foot fiberglass rocket.

As the STEM coach, Pill can provide many exciting projects for students such as building rockets, Lego missions and competitions, and 3D printing. She is particularly fond of working on rockets with students while also building and designing her own. “I have rockets that look like medieval battle axes, one that looks like the Cape Hatteras lighthouse as well as more traditional rockets.”

Pill’s first rocket was with the NASA Education Resource Center (ERC) rocketry workshop.

Students Brooklyn and Grady (left), Above and Beyond winner Barbara Pill and her husband (center), Education Director Maggie Holley and Education Specialist Autumn Meadows (right).

Photo Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Pill attended several educator workshops through NASA ERC. They train educators to use and teach the kits they provide. These workshops help educators incorporate STEM into their curriculum. Through these workshops, Pill learned about many programs such as the Lego League, the American Rocketry Challenge, the GLOBE project and others that she brought back to the classroom.

This led to East Fairmont Middle School participating in competitions like the TARC finals which involved students designing and building a high-powered rocket to carry a scientific payload. EFMS placed 17th allowing them to participate in the NASA student launch. These accomplishments were recognized by NASA ERC. “Our successful STEM program, particularly our rocketry, earned EFMS STEM an invitation to be guests at the renaming ceremony of the Katherine Johnson IV & V Facility. This was quite exciting to be able to be a part of that moment.”

Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.

Winners Announced For The 2024 PBS Kids Writers Contest At WVPB

The winners of the 2024 PBS Kids Writers Contest at West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) have been announced. Eighteen stories written and illustrated by children in grades K-5 were chosen out of more than 175 entries from across the state.

Charleston, WV – (April 4, 2024) The winners of the 2024 PBS Kids Writers Contest at West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) have been announced. Eighteen stories written and illustrated by children in grades K-5 were chosen out of more than 175 entries from across the state.

“This was another successful year of creativity for our annual PBS Kids Writers Contest. The children of West Virginia are excellent writers capable of captivating stories. Thank you to the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII) for sponsoring the event again this year,” said Maggie Holley, director of Education at WVPB.

“The Institute is pleased to sponsor this important event. We know that keeping kids safe and preventing them from using or misusing illicit and prescription drugs requires activities that keep youth engaged with positive and meaningful activities. Writing, much like sports, is one of of those protective factors,” said Dr. Susan Bissett, president of WVDII. 

“As a winner of a writing contest when I was 10 years old, I also have a special place in my heart for this event,” said Bissett.

Winners will be contacted by WVPB with information about our awards ceremony in May held at the Culture Center in Charleston.

All participants will receive a prize pack mailed to them by WVPB and PBS Kids.

The PBS Kids Writers Contest at WVPB is an annual competition that encourages West Virginia children in grades K-5 to explore the power of creativity by writing and illustrating their own stories.

For questions, please email WVPB Education at education@wvpublic.org.

See below for our 2024 winners:

2024 Writers Contest Winners

Kindergarten

1st place: The Magic by Hazel Hagler

2nd place: What Do You Do? by Ava Redden

3rd place: Ballet is Magical and I Love It by Angeline Vittek

1st Grade

1st place: The Boy and the Time Machine by Elias Cooper

2nd place: The Hungry Tree by Rowan Bailey

3rd place: Mittens and Cocoa by Helina Goodwin

2nd grade

1st place: The Magic Corgi by Avonlea Cooper

2nd place: Detective Casie and the Find of the Unicorn Fossil by Francesca Briar Shangler

3rd place: Rainbow Ducky by Kensi Thomas

3rd grade

1st place: Protest for Pluto by Hazel Williams

2nd place: Parents Just Don’t Understand by Elise Silber

3rd place: From Triplets to Twins by Lauren Blake Bledsoe

4th grade

1st place: One in a Million by Ivy Ware

2nd place: The Island’s Prophecy by Lucy Lacocque

3rd place: Pickle Pete by Lilly Ann Stubbs

5th grade

1st place: The Sheriff That Changed by Mia Hutchison

2nd place: From My Backyard to Mars by Harper Russell

3rd place: The Dancer’s Promise by Lillian Swearingen

Hope And Healing Documentary To Premiere On April 23, 2024

“Hope and Healing: A Discussion with West Virginia Youth” is a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII). Youth from West Virginia gathered for the project to talk about issues they face on topics including substance use disorder, bullying, social media, and mental health. The project will be screened on Tuesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Charleston’s Geary Auditorium. The screening is free and open to the public.

An eye-opening documentary illuminating teen struggles presented by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute

Charleston, WV – (April 1, 2024) – A video project with West Virginia youth talking about issues they face, ranging from social media to substance use disorder, will premiere at a public screening in April at the University of Charleston.

“Hope and Healing: A Discussion with West Virginia Youth” is a collaboration between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WVDII). Youth from West Virginia gathered for the project to talk about issues they face on topics including substance use disorder, bullying, social media, and mental health. The project will be screened on Tuesday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Charleston’s Geary Auditorium. The screening is free and open to the public.

The project will broadcast statewide on WVPB Television on Monday, April 29, at 9 p.m. and will be available on all WVPB’s streaming platforms, including the PBS App, YouTube, and at wvpublic.org.

“These teens had very open and honest conversations about their struggles and of those around them to educate other teenagers and adults better,” said Heather McDaniel, WVDII’s vice president.

Filmed at the University of Charleston’s new downtown innovation center, the project underscores the importance of listening to youth voices and understanding their perspectives. It features candid discussions with middle and high school students in West Virginia. The youths express what they wish adults knew about navigating life in today’s world, from discussing their encounters in schools to offering advice on effective communication and prevention strategies. The participants engage in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion aimed at fostering empathy and awareness.

“We believe ‘Hope and Healing’ has the power to spark important conversations and drive positive change in our communities,” said Maggie Holley, WVPB’s director of Education.

The WVPB Education Department and the WVDII encourage guidance counselors in school systems throughout the state to use this video and accompanying activities as a resource.

Those interested in attending the screening at the University of Charleston on April 23 should RSVP to rhiannon@wvdii.org.

For more information about the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute, contact President Susan Bissett at susan@wvdii.org or Vice President Heather McDaniel at heather@wvdii.org.

For more information about West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s education programs, contact education@wvpublic.org.

Watch the promotional trailer for Hope and Healing using this link or click below.

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About the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute

Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the mission of the Drug Intervention Institute is to reduce opioid and drug-related deaths in Appalachia and the nation by (a) preventing substance use through education (b) reducing overdose through training and distribution related to naloxone and other opioid reversal agents, and (c) supporting harm reduction and other drug-response efforts.

About West Virginia Public Broadcasting

West Virginia Public Broadcasting is dedicated to Telling West Virginia’s Story through its state radio and television network and online platforms. WVPB’s mission is to educate, inform and inspire the people of West Virginia. WVPB is the Mountain State’s only source for national NPR and PBS programming.

History In The Making: Anne Farrow Wins WVPB’s Above And Beyond Award

Anne Farrow, a social studies teacher at Wheeling Park High School in Ohio County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Anne Farrow, a social studies teacher at Wheeling Park High School in Ohio County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Farrow was presented the award by WVPB’s Director of Education Maggie Holley during a surprise visit to her classroom. Farrow received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

Farrow was nominated by fellow colleague Sarah Smith, whose classroom is a couple doors down from Farrow’s and sees first-hand how she goes above and beyond. Smith describes Farrow’s leadership, creativity in the classroom and community impact.

Farrow has shown leadership both inside and outside of the classroom by mentoring students through hardships, leading a professional community learning group at the school and providing valuable resources to other teachers. She also coaches the middle school girls’ basketball team and serves as an advisor to student council.

When asked about serving as an advisor to student council, Farrow stressed the importance of allowing every student to be heard and wanting to change any negative feelings they may have about school. She said that over the years, she’s realized the importance of creating a positive environment for the students who think they are overlooked or incapable when they just haven’t figured out what talents or skills they possess yet.

She said, “One of my goals as a teacher is to create that positive environment and safe space that is welcoming to each and every student that walks through my door.” Farrow goes on to say she participates in these different rolls in the school to make connections with different students with a variety of interests and backgrounds. “Those connections formed enable our students to understand we are rooting for them in academics and life!”

Farrow is glad to be involved in the community as a parent, teacher and girls’ basketball coach. She loves giving the girls’ goals and seeing growth in character in addition to being an athlete.

In the classroom, Farrow loves teaching about the Civil Rights Movement because of the courage, determination and perseverance it shows. “While they had many factors stacked against them, civil rights activists were able to keep so composed while using peaceful protests to make an impact on society and the laws within it. Historical figures can be great role models. I believe we all can learn a lot from those people who pushed for equality for all in America.”

Smith says that Farrow makes lessons engaging by having students design their own posters, showing them historical documentaries that include local heroes, and assigning a diary project that students must connect to historical events by telling the story through the perspective of someone living in that time.

Farrow has been teaching for about a decade. When asked what she loves most about teaching, she says there are plenty of perks that come with being a teacher. “I’d say what truly makes it worth it are the laughs that I share with my students each day. It’s the moments that they are having fun while learning that brings me the most joy.”

Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.

Ukuleles, Treats And Heartfelt Lessons: Andrea Nelson Earns Above And Beyond Award

Andrea Nelson, a fourth grade teacher from Lakewood Elementary in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for December 2023, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Andrea Nelson, a fourth grade teacher from Lakewood Elementary in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for December 2023, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Nelson was presented the award by WVPB’s Education Director Maggie Holley during a surprise assembly at Lakewood Elementary with the entire school and multiple family members in attendance. Vance received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

Nelson was nominated by her mother, Leah Lewis, who was also an educator that taught music and show choir for 36 years. In Nelson’s nomination, her mother said her greatest skill is compassion. She shows it in her lessons, classroom management and with students throughout the school.

Andrea Nelson (right) stands next to her mother, Leah Lewis. Nelson’s mother nominated her for WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award.

Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Nelson is the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) coordinator for Lakewood and through that, she plans ways to support the social and emotional needs of both teachers and students throughout the year. Her many goals for the program include team building initiatives to build relationships between staff, provide leadership opportunities for students, and overall help create a positive school culture.

Nelson’s classroom has a unique approach on social-emotional learning by including music and playing ukuleles. They’ll learn songs and play for staff members and students. They’ve even tried song writing! Nelson got the inspiration from a summer classroom training and was especially invested with her mother being a music teacher. Nelson said, “My dream is just play my guitar and ukulele at all times while I am teaching!”

In addition to ukuleles, Nelson’s class created a “Treat Yourself Day” inspired by the show Parks and Recreation, in which they show the benefits of a “treat yo’self” day. When students would hit a goal, they earn a school appropriate treat for the day. The students wanted to expand outside the classroom with this idea, and they designed ideas for snacks and drinks for classes that include music playing when they visit. “They wanted to make others feel special, and I knew the opportunity was so great that I would do whatever possible to make it happen.” 

The fun and creativity in Nelson’s classroom are endless. Like the ukuleles and treat cart, another idea had stemmed from the classroom but is now implemented schoolwide. This event is a lip sync concert that Nelson organizes the last week of school, and all students are allowed to participate. She said it is a great opportunity for students to support each other and practice coming out of their shell in front of their peers. Even the teachers participate!

Another special event at Lakewood is the Love Language Fair. Nelson said she thought of the idea after speaking with a community leader about giving students an opportunity to show love during Valentine’s Day that wasn’t your typical lesson. “I plan with students and my co-teacher on activities that help students understand their own love language and how they feel love. It’s a process of planning and organizing because the students run the activity based off their own love language interest. It’s open to everyone school wide and is one of the best days of the year!”

It’s not always music related with Nelson’s fourth grade class. They are also currently planning a wax museum with an American Revolution theme. Last year, the wax museum was with a play and the students were the historical figures from this time.

Not only does Nelson provide group activities for the students, but she also shows her compassion by eating lunches with individual students to better connect with them and provide a safe place. The students are always eager for their turn.

She also made a positive impact by having a morning Welcome Wagon at the end of the week to include all students and encourage them to start their day off right by telling each other good morning. You might even see teachers dancing in the hallway at this time, lifting spirits for everyone. “By doing things like this, it creates an aurora of happiness and unity that is indescribable. It creates a school that is a place where students and teachers look forward to things that are happening.”

“This is my 14th year teaching and I have enjoyed every second.  There are many things I love about teaching, but I do believe it’s a package deal. The teachers, students and administration all go together to make it great for me. I work with amazing teachers who are so inspiring, and the students are eager to learn each day. To be able to teach in an environment where you can just be yourself and be loved for it, is a wish I wish for everyone.”

Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.

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