The Ross-Pike ESD is proud to announce that our preschool program at Pickaway-Ross CTC has achieved a Gold Rating for Step Up To Quality from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth! We are now rated Gold at all 9 of our preschool locations.
Yesterday, our 7th and 8th grade Piketon students in the Gifted Program led by their teacher Amanda Entler had an incredible opportunity to visit the BCI Lab in Dayton as a culminating field trip following their BCI Forensics Unit! A huge thank you to Malorie Kulp, DNA Lab Supervisor, for leading our tour and giving students a firsthand look into the fascinating world of forensic science. Students participated in a variety of hands-on experiences such as:
Fingerprint Lab: Students observed a technician working on identifying and matching fingerprints from a suspect, showcasing the precision and skill needed in this field.
Firearms and Ballistics Lab: A lab technician performed a firearms test, firing five shots and then analyzing the bullets and shell casings. The lab supervisor explained how they use these tests to match evidence from crime scenes.
Chemistry Lab: Students learned how substances are tested and how criminals try to evade detection by altering chemical compositions—an eye-opening look at the challenges faced by forensic chemists.
DNA Lab: Malorie walked us through the process of DNA extraction, analysis, and its critical role in matching suspects or solving cold cases with the latest technology.
It was an inspiring day for our students, who gained valuable insights into careers in forensic science. Thank you to the BCI staff for an unforgettable experience!
*photographs were not permitted inside the building so these photos are from some of the classroom unit activities.
#GiftedProgram #ForensicScience #InspiringFutures
Now hiring full-time attendants for students in our multiage k-5 classrooms in Ross County. Must have a high school diploma/GED, pass background checks, and have the ability to obtain an educational aide permit. In addition, you will need a passing score on the state of Ohio paraprofessional assessment (given by ESC) OR the equivalent of a 2-year associate degree or higher with official transcripts. Contact Lynn Cowman at lcowman@rpesd.org for more information and to set up an interview.
Last Friday, Western students in the gifted program wrapped up their Simple Machines unit with an exciting trip to Urban Air Trampoline Park! Led by their teacher, April McDonald, they explored real-world examples of levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheels and axles in action—all while having a blast bouncing, climbing, and learning. It was the perfect opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios, seeing firsthand how simple machines make work easier in fun and practical ways!
Today, our talented Pike County Masters of Music students (grades K-6) embarked on a musical journey through time with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They experienced the captivating rhythms of riverboat melodies and the iconic sounds that have shaped Cincinnati's rich musical heritage. After the performance, students had the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the conductor, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the art form. We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Arts Council for making these inspiring music and art field trips possible!
Yesterday, our talented Pike County Heart for Art students from Piketon, Eastern, and Western schools (grades K-6) embarked on an inspiring adventure to the Middletown Art Center! Thanks to a generous grant from the Ohio Arts Council, they explored their creativity through hands-on workshops with watercolors and clay, toured the gallery space, and participated in an art scavenger hunt. A huge thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable day possible!
Our talented Pike County Heart for Art students in grades 7-12 had an incredible experience at Neusole Glassworks today! They learned the art of glassblowing and created unique holiday ornaments. A grant from our friends at the Ohio Arts Council funded this amazing workshop. We are so thankful for their support!
Thank you to Neusole for welcoming our group and inspiring our students to explore a new art medium. Moments like these remind us why art education is so important—it opens doors, sparks joy, and builds unforgettable memories. We have a heart for art!
We have an opening at Adena Elementary for 1:1 attendant. If interested please contact Tricia Crawford @ tcrawford@rpesd.org.
What an amazing day with Eastern’s gifted students to wrap up our Science of Bubbles unit! 🌟 Led by their teacher, Tasha Cody, the students had a blast at Buff City Soap, painting and scenting their own bath bombs and mixing up custom sugar scrubs at the store's Soap Makery.
Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Crazy Dogs Grill, followed by Michael’s Ice Cream in Jackson for their famous “bubble” ice cream sundaes. Huge thanks to everyone who made this hands-on learning adventure possible! Our area business partners went above and beyond to make it a special day to celebrate their learning!
Now Hiring Attendants. Apply at https://www.rpesd.org/o/ross-pike-esd/page/employment-opps
Contact Leslie Smith with any questions - leslies@rpesd.org
Our Jasper gifted students in grades 3 and 4 led by their teacher Amanda Entler just wrapped up their unit on the election process with a visit to the William Howard Taft National Historic Site! Students toured the childhood home of our 27th President, learning about Taft’s life, his remarkable family, and their important influence on Cincinnati. As part of their presidential research project, students had the opportunity to dive deep into history and take on some fun roles. A few lucky students got to pretend to be members of the Taft family, while the rest of the group became a lively audience, interviewing their peers about their "life" in the Taft household. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience, and we are so proud of our future leaders!
#JasperGifted #FieldTripFun #HandsOnHistory #FutureLeaders
Roadtrip for Piketon Gifted Students!
Today, Piketon’s gifted students in grades 5-8 led by their teacher Amanda Entler had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s office as the culmination of their unit on government and the election process. From learning about voting procedures to understanding the role of this key office, the students got an inside look at how democracy works in Ohio!
After lunch at the Little Grand Market, students rounded off the day, exploring the Skywalk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park to connect with nature. It was an amazing day full of learning, fun, and new experiences for our gifted students!
#LEADGifted #OhioGovernment #HandsOnLearning #FieldTripFun #FutureLeaders
Today, talented performing artists from Eastern, Western, and Piketon schools, part of the Masters of Music program, embarked on an exciting trip to Cincinnati Music Hall for a special Open Rehearsal and Workshop Experience with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra! Students in grades 7-12 were treated to a live rehearsal in the renowned Springer Auditorium, followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes, interactive workshop with members of the CSO.
Ross-Pike ESD is seeking qualified candidates to fill various positions across our partner districts. Opportunities are available in Circleville, Pickaway-Ross Career Technology Center, and Zane Trace. If you're looking to make a positive impact in education, we encourage you to apply! Please specify your preferred location and position on your application.
We are also actively seeking substitutes for all districts. Join us in shaping the future of our students!
Join our preschool team!
We are looking for the next member of our Preschool Team! Please reach out to Sarah Good if you are interested at sgood@rpesd.org
We are hiring a paraprofessional to work with students at our Circleville Location (Mound Street). Applicants must be able to pass the background check and obtain a paraprofessional license. For more information please email Lynn Cowman at lcowman@rpesd.org
We are hiring a paraprofessional to work with a student at Adena Elementary. Applicants must pass a background check and obtain a paraprofessional license. For more information please contact Tricia Crawford (tcrawford@rpesd.org) at 740-702-3120 ext. 1352 at your earliest convenience.
The first annual Pike County Careers for Kids was a huge success! Students experienced a wide variety of career activities including banking, STEM, construction, engineering, computer science, agriculture, zoology, oceanography, astrology, race car industry, and much much more. Exposing students to careers and STEM starting at an early age can spark a lifelong passion and help them find their path as they get older. Thank you to all of the generous community partners who shared their knowledge, expertise, and unique skills with our students! We look forward to continued partnerships and expanding the program in the future!
The inaugural Pike County Careers for Kids event hosted by Ross Pike Educational Service District was an incredible success! Our students dove into a wide array of career activities, exploring fields such as banking, STEM, construction, engineering, computer science, agriculture, zoology, oceanography, astrology, the race car industry, chemistry and so much more.
By introducing these young minds to diverse careers and STEM opportunities early on, we hope to ignite lifelong passions and open doors for future possibilities.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous community partners for sharing their knowledge, expertise, and unique skills with our students! Your support made this event unforgettable. We eagerly anticipate continuing these partnerships and expanding the program in the future!
Community partners involved:
Ohio University Vlinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Department of Energy
First National Bank
Centrus
Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth
Rio Grande
State Fire Marshal
OSU Extension Office
Atomic Credit Union
Project Bear- Shawnee State
Ohio University STEM club
Local Teachers Involved: Ashley Tackett, April McDonald, Jessica Risner, Terry Keeton, Ashley Johnson
#PikeCountyCareersForKids #STEMEducation #FutureLeaders #CommunitySupport #InspiringYoungMinds
