This week, too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way. Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender. And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature.
Picture 500 grade school children decending upon a college campus eager to engage in reading and literacy events and you have an image of SUPER DAY (Students Using their Powers to Engage in Reading.) For the third year Marshall University College of Education and Professional Development has sponsored an event to encourage area students to enjoy reading. And, for the third year WVPB’s Education staff, incuding The SUPER WHY team have been a part of the day.
Students at SUPER DAY 2018
This year WVPB staff, Margaret Miller and Debbie Oleksa, engaged students in a PBS LearningMedia art lesson on portraits based on the art of area artist, Charles Jupiter Hamilton. “We engage the students with digital content and follow that up with an integrated lesson in which reading and following directions are key” said Miller, WVPB Curriculum Specialist.
Miller enjoys participating in this event which encourages students to become proficient readers. It is also an opportunity to showcase the free digital library that is PBS LearningMedia. According to Miller “It is an amazing resource that houses thousands of digital media lessons, searchable by content area, age level, and state standard. The best part, it is free to anyone who sets up an account.”
Marshall University SUPER Day Volunteers from Alpha Xi Delta, Student Government Association, and Pi Kappa Alpha worked to help 2nd graders complete “zany portraits”!
Brian Kleppner, a special education teacher at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s October 2025 Above and Beyond Award.
Jaime Phillips Ford, a science teacher at East Fairmont High School in Marion County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s September 2025 Above and Beyond Award.