Frontiers In Learning's Community Call: Recent Episodes
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Frontiers In Learning sheds light on developments in education in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Guests discuss new innovative in-school and extracurricular advances, relationships with local colleges and corporations, and problems faced by our local schools and the pathways to solutions. Host: Chris Shovlin.
Renowned cultural diversity expert Dr. Don Sheffield and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Artistic Producing Director Justin Fortunato discuss the play "Ragtime". It's LPPAC's most challenging show to date and utilizes the language of the early 1900's. Host: Chris Shovlin
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center's Artistic Producing Director, Justin Fortunato, talks about the second show in the 2017-18 Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Subscription Series, James and the Giant Peach, Jr. Then, host Chris Shovlin takes you to the groundbreaking for the UPMC Events Center on the campus of Robert Morris University. The facility will not only be the new basketball home of the Colonials, it will be an ultra-modern convention center for the Pittsburgh International Airport corridor. RMU's VP of Development, Matt Millet, talks about the project and how the partners involved came together.
The plight of the Midland Borough School District has been well documented, specifically since the 1980's when the district was forced to shutter its high school due to declining enrollment, population, and tax base. Since then, Midland has spawned some of the most innovative education practices and opened some of the most dynamic schools in the nation. Sean Tanner, the Superintendent of the Midland Borough School District looks back at how it all developed and how the second smallest public school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania thrives. Host: Chris Shovlin
Mary Jo Slater has been, for the third consecutive year, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She is also a Microsoft Office Specialist Master and an Authorized IC3 Instructor. The Professor of Office Technology at the Community College of Beaver County talks with host Chris Shovlin about the value of an education in Microsoft products since they are so widely used in business around the globe.
The Community College of Beaver County's Criminal Justice program continues to expand and grow. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Don Sedlacek is a former law enforcement professional who is taking his experience into the classroom to train today's students who will be tomorrow's crime fighters.
The Hopewell Area School District is re-making learning through STEAM education, non-traditional classrooms and more. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jacie Maslyk leads host Chris Shovlin on a tour with teacher Mrs. Kylee Babish and three of her students.
Mitch Swain, the CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council talks about the organization and its new Lift Grants. Then, host Chris Shovlin chats with Quigley Catholic High School student Ben Kruczek about participating in Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center's Artistic Producing Director, Justin Fortunato, talks about Mary Poppins the first production in the 2017-18 Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Subscription Series. Then, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School senior Jordyn Walker talks about winning the Kraft Hockeyville USA national anthem singing contest with host Chris Shovlin.
Tom Wiese, the Executive Director of Girls Hope, joins host Chris Shovlin about the organization dedicated to providing a nurturing and well-balanced home and quality education through college for academically-capable girls. It serves at-risk children between the ages of 10 and 18. Then, former Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and PA Cyber Charter School student Matt Farago talks about his exploits as the game announcer for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Dr. Aaron Thomas discusses the great educational and technology programs in the Cornell School District and how such a small district continues to survive and succeed.
Michael Rubino, the Executive Director of the United Way of Beaver County, talks about the 2017-18 campaign and how the United Way helps so many deserving individuals and families in the area.
It's a new day at the convergence of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia with the boon of the petrochemical industry. Shell Chemicals is in the process of building the first in what many experts believe will be many ethane cracker facilities in Beaver County. John Goberish, the Community College of Beaver County's Dean of Workforce and Continuing Education joins host Chris Shovlin to talk about this exciting time in the region and how residents can become prepared for a career in the industry.
Shon Owens and Lispert Dowdell discuss the Aliquippa Council of Men and Fathers' new campaign to stop teen suicide. They are asking local school districts to pause for a moment of silence during halftime of their athletic events during the month of September to bring awareness to this problem.
Brad Weaver, a broadcast veteran, is on the faculty at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA where he teaches courses in the emerging Digital Journalism major. He discusses the changing world of journalism and how listeners and viewers get news and information today.
Ana Meyers in the new Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. In her position, Ana is responsible for driving the PCPCS mission of achieving choice for parents, high quality for students, and fiscal accountability for taxpayers in Pennsylvaniaâ??s K-12 educational system. She chats with host Chris Shovlin about the challenges charters and cybers are facing and the advantages they offer.
Dennis Nichols, the President of Nichols Consulting Group and former Brighton Township Supervisor and Beaver County Commissioner, discusses economic development, opportunity, education, and the future of Beaver County. Then, Pat Noland, the Facilities Manager at Lincoln Learning Solutions' Midland operation discusses the playground revitalization project selected as LLS' first Corporate Day of Service project.
13 year old Jackson Hunt of Hopewell Township, an 8th grader at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA, talks about his experience of playing at Carnegie Hall. He shares his music on this episode. Erica Peterson is an educator who talks about two programs she created; Science Tots and Moms Can Code with host Chris Shovlin
Throughout his adult life, Dr. Dan Mularski has been involved in guiding young teens to have a purpose in life, become the persons they are destined to be, and make a difference in the world. He wants them to be smart about higher education. Dr. Mularski and host Chris Shovlin discuss what kids need to know in preparing for the future.
Singer, songwriter, and educator Wayne Somerville was inducted into the Beaver Valley Musicians Hall of Fame in 2017 for his many and gratifying years of work as a Special Education music teacher at the fabulous New Horizon School in Brighton Township, Beaver County. He discusses his career and the arts with host Chris Shovlin.
Community College of Beaver County Process Technology Faculty Member Michael Martino discusses CCBCâ??s growing program and how itâ??s working with Shell Chemical, Nova Chemicals, the trade unions and other regional employers and how it preparing the local workforce. CCBCâ??s Director of Advancement and Sponsored Programs, Kolton Codner, talks about how the college is funding its programs. Then, Lincoln Learning Solutionsâ?? Debbie Bufalini talks about LLSâ?? Corporate Day of Giving, a new community service initiative
Peyton Start is a 2017 Community College of Beaver Aviation Sciences program graduate. He talks about his love of flying and his goal to become a commercial airline pilot. Then, host Chris Shovlin visits the Beaver County YMCA to chat with CEO and President Michael Harich and Program Director Aaron Bingle about the Y's history and its summer programs.
We visit the all-new Tull Family Theater in downtown Sewickley and chat with Executive Director Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers. Then, we discuss the successes of the Big Beaver Falls Area School District with Superintendent and alumna Dr. Donna Nugent.
Dr. Debra Roach joins host Chris Shovlin to talk about Penn State University Beaver Campus' Summer STEAM & Sports Camps. Then, Dr. Todd Goodman outlines the free Lincoln Park Summer Concert Series in Midland, PA.
June is Black Music Month in America, so on this week's episode, Chris Shovlin talks Motown, Philly, R&B, Soul, and more with songwriter and educator Dr. Melvin Steals. Before he became a teacher and administrator, Dr. Steals and his twin brother Mervyn wrote the classic '70's Spinners' hit, "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love".
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jack Manning joins Chris Shovlin to talk about how the Chamber has evolved and its concentration in economic and community development especially with regard to the coming Shell Chemicals ethane cracker plant. Mr. Manning also talks about how the Chamber is working to retain and grow population. Then, Chris touts the six Baden Academy Charter School educators receiving Grow A Generation awards for their work in the classroom and learning labs. Teacher Hannah Kimmick and Dr. Ellen Cavanaugh appear.
Noted education leader, reformer and author Stephen Catanzarite talks about the future of public education in the traditional and cyber and charter settings and more with host Chris Shovlin
Host Chris Shovlin goes on location at Baden Academy's new KABOOM! playground with Mat Davis and Imani Jackson. Then, Diane Loverich and Jack Boyde talk about CCBC's Summer Camps and more. Then Lincoln Park's Artistic Education Director Todd Goodman and the Steel Drum Band entertain.
Pennsylvania State Representative Rob Matzie chats with host Chris Shovlin about education, education funding, what's happening in the legislature and in Beaver County.
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center revealed its 2017-18 Highmark Blue Cross / Blue Shield Subscription Series of shows, its most ambitious ever. Artistic Producing Director Justin Fortunato tells host Chris Shovlin why he and Lincoln Park will "Dream Bigger" next season.
Aleenia Reich is a wonderfully caring fifth grade student at Baden Academy Charter School who is dedicated to helping others through the Take Action After School Service Learning Club. Host Chris Shovlin speaks with Aleenia and Dr. Ellen Cavanaugh in her Media Lab about the project. Then, we'll meet CCBC student Louis Dubovi who will soon be entering the US Air Force Academy to study Law. And, we'll get an update from CCBC grad Alyssa Roig, who gets the most emotionally challenged students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools to open up through art.
Dr. Don Sheffield joins host Chris Shovlin to discuss education that truly reaches kids and their parents and the innovative programs and techniques he has developed through TAME, Incorporated and his DARE2XL after-school program.
David Wytiaz, the Administrative Director of the Beaver County Career & Technology Center chats with host Chris Shovlin about oportunities at the school. Then, Dr. Joe Lagana, the founder of the Homeless Children's Education Fund talks about services it provides in Allegheny County.
Beaver County Common Pleas Court Judge James Ross and a group of community leaders have started a new program to introduce youth to careers in the trades. It a two-fold approach that will head them onto a career path and keep them away from the opioid epidemic and the problems they face in the streets. Then, Lincoln Park's Julia Cooper talks about her role as Fiona in Shrek and the other parts she's played.
Host Chris Shovlin catches up with CCBC President Dr. Chris Reber regarding the positives relating to education, Process Technology training, and the 50th Anniversary of CCBC. We also meet Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School student Samantha Olszewski, a multiple Carson Scholarship winner.
Beaver County Big Brothers/Big Sisters Executive Director Amy Jonas and Program Director Catie Sofranko talk about getting involved in their programs. Leanne Nagle talks about the 2017 Henry Mancini Musical Theatre Awards coming to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in May.
CCBC graduate Alyssa Roig discusses how she reaches some of the most challenged students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools through art, and Genre Baker and PA Cyber student Kayleah Beedon talk about their backpack project for families through Genre's Kids With Cancer.
The Beaver Valley Choral Society is hosting a summer music intensive academy at Rochester Area High School June 14-23, 2017. Host Chris Shovlin talks with guests Dr. Jane Bovalino and Mike Daman from the Rochester Schools and Sharon Burchill and Rick Murphy from the BVCA.
In a nod to Black History Month, we hear portions of the presentation made by Barbara Noble Howard, Executive Director of the Impact Young Lives Foundation on MLK Day. She explains how she and her husband, Robert Morris University President Dr. Chris Howard, founded the organization and what it does to encourage South African college students by bringing them to America. Justin Fortunato, the Artistic Producing Director at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center gets us ready for the second half of the 2016-17 Subscription Series season.
For thousands of families, it has been a God-send. For others, controversial. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is educating over 10,000 students from across the Commonwealth. Host Chris Shovlin goes inside PA Cyber for a chat with its newly-named CEO Brian Hayden.
Nathanael Turner is a resident of Beaver and a student at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School who had the opportunity to play his violin on the famous stage at Carnegie Hall in New York. He and his music teacher, Lincoln Park's Artisitic Education Director Todd Goodman, tell host Chris Shovlin about the experience and about the Lincoln Park Orchestra.
Host Chris Shovlin spends the full episode in the office of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School CEO, P.K. Poling, discussing in depth what signature disciplines LP has to offer its students and the rigorous academic regimen it provides. Mr. Poling also discusses what it takes to enroll at Lincoln Park and the various enrollment seminars it holds to inform potential students and their families.
Part 2 of Chris Shovlin's conversation with Meg Pryor, the Director of the Henry Mancini Academy. Then, singer and ntertainer Bo Wagner talks about his salute to "old blue eyes", Frank Sinatra - An Evening with Bo Wagner happens on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.
Ryan Maha joins Chris Shovlin to talk about a new "Shark Tank-inspired" program that he and fellow Carnegie Mellon University student Blake Chasen developed called "Empowering Entrepreneurs". Then, the first of a two-part series featuring Meg Pryor, the new Director of the Henry Mancini Arts Academy at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland.
Dr. Robert Postupac is the Superintendent of both the Western Beaver County and Blackhawk School Districts; a first-of-its-kind model in Beaver County. He talks with Chris Shovlin about how he is the fulltime leader of both simultaneously, and how technology is assisting him in running both districts.
Educator, artist, singer, activist Betty Douglas gives a "words-eye" tour of her studio and gallery in Rochester, PA and talks with host Chris Shovlin about her diverse talents and inspiration. Stephanie Pennington and Mimi Wilson talk about the Midland Civic Women's Club's role in providing scholarships to deserving students through Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center's MLK Day Celebration, produced by Lincoln Learning Solutions.
The first season of Frontiers In Learning concludes with a conversation with Dr. Pamela Rossi Keen regarding Aliquippa Impact and what services it provides to children of that city both in the schools and in the community year-round. Then we'll me Jen McKinley, the new Executive Director of Beaver County's deep-rooted 4-H program under the auspices of the Penn State University Extension.
Baden Academy Charter School is the topic in the first two segments of this week's program. Host Chris Shovlin meets with the school's CEO, Lauren Bensick, and Artist-in-Residence Carrie Kennedy about the unique learning environment for kids in grades K-6. Also, CCBC's Dr.Shelly Moore, the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health and Joyce Cirelli, the Director of the Health Academy, talk about health care careers and the education available at the Community College of Beaver County.
It's our "Christmas Show" with an insightful chat with Brad Diamond, Principal at St. Monica Catholic Academy. Chris Shovlin will ask how the school has continued not only to survive, but to thrive as Catholic parishes and their parochial schools continue to be consolidated. Then, Chris will go to the "other side of the glass" to interview this show's producer, Don Cameron, who also produced the new holiday CD, "Christmastime at Lincoln Park" that features students, faculty members, and alumni of the performing arts high school.
Local singer, songwriter, and educator Carla Bianco Becker talks with Chris Shovlin about ArtReach; a program that began even before the founding of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. ArtReach continues to expand to reach thousands of students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Angela Hamilton also discusses the Community College of Beaver County's Presidential and Academic Excellence Scholarships that offer fully paid tuition to select high school students from Beaver County.
We spend the entire program with John Goberish, the Community College of Beaver County's Dean of Workforce and Continuing Education. We'll talk about what will make potential industrial workers employable in the eyes of present and future companies, including Shell's soon-to-be-built ethane cracker plant, and CCBC's Process Technology program.
Chris Shovlin chats with Thomas Kushner, a New Castle resident and student member of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School's Mass Media team. And we continue our conversation leaders from the Beaver County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition. Sister Jeannette of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Beaver County DA David Lozier, and Lincoln Learning Solutions VP of Human Resources Mimi Wilson return.
Chris Shovlin's guests include Sister Jeannette from the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier, and Lincoln Learning Solutions VP of Human Resources, Mimi Wilson. They discuss a global problem that has permeated Beaver County; Human Trafficking. Itâ??s happening in our neighborhoods, hometowns, and schools and it has serious ramifications. On a lighter note, weâ??ll take a tour of the STEAM Lab and Makerspace at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. Itâ??s a classroom where creativity abounds. Teachers Melissa Cvitkovic and Lauren Buckwalter will introduce us to a learning space unlike the ones in which we were taught!
Host Chris Shovlin meets Dr. Jennifer Cushman, the newly appointed Chancellor at Penn State-Beaver to talk about all that campus has to offer. Then, Chris chats with Jeremy Angus about Class Academy, an alternative school in Beaver County for kids with difficulty meeting the requirements in the traditional school setting. And, guest Zach Mendola, an amazing young student from Monongahela, PA who starred as �¢??The Phantom of the Opera�¢?? at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School will tell us why he travels to Lincoln Park to learn every day.
Chris Shovlin speaks with Colonel Bill Pinter, the founder of CCBC's Aviation Academy and the school's first-ever Dean of High School Academies. Also, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School student Greer LeRoy talks about winning Pennsylvania's Poetry Out Loud competition. Frontiers In Learning airs every Saturday afternoon at 12 on WBVP and WMBA.
Chris Shovlin chats with Amy Anderson, the Principal at Highland Middle School in the Blackhawk School District about STEM education and her school's relationship with the Beaver County Educational Trust, with Dr. Peter Carbone, the Superintendent of the Aliquippa School District about its unique challenges, and with artist Fritz Hartman about the mural he conceived and is painting on the exterior of Damiano's Pub Restaurant in Midland; part of the Beaver County Arts Initiative.
Chris Shovlin discusses how schools and students benefit from the Beaver County Educational Trust with Jamie Connelly. Dan Depenhart of Nova Chemicals talks about partnerships in education and careers in science and technology, and CCBC Presidential scholar Alyssa Stevens of Big Beaver Borough and Beaver Falls High Schools discusses her comeback from illness and the creation of an equestrian club at CCBC.
Candid and tough talk from Beaver County DA David Lozier concerning the opioid epidemic in Beaver County and how it relates to our schools and Jaryd Boyer discusses his work with kids at Premier Fitness and Boxing Club and how athletic training keeps them off the streets and focused. Host: Chris Shovlin
Community College of Beaver County President, Dr. Chris Reber, talks about CCBC's Process Technology Program, the arrival of Shell Chemical, and CCBC's 50th anniversary. Justin Fortunato, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center's Artistic Producing Director discusses the exciting 2016-17 Subscription Series of shows.