With the goal of helping students to become more successful in the West Virginia public school system, OIEP transition specialists met at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg on March 10-12, 2010 for an annual professional development meeting. The Office of Institutional Education Programs welcomed 10 new transition specialists, who will join the seasoned veterans that have been working to transition students from an institutional setting back into a public school setting.

OIEP Superintendent, Dr. Fran Warsing opened the meeting with words of welcome and Assistant Directors Dewayne Duncan and Jacob Green also attended to greet the staff, answer questions and provide critical parts of the training.

A highlight of the agenda was hearing Pier Boccinni, Counselor at Parkersburg South High School and Pam Bauman, Counselor at Pressley Ridge White Oak, share some keys to successful transition to public school and explain the roles of a counselor. Aaron Westfall, Director of Wood County’s Day Report Center was also present to explain how his program will assist OIEP students with their reintegration back into school or provide an alternative learning environment for at risk youth.

OIEP wants to extend a special “Thank You” to Chuck Carr, John Chute and Lorrie Yeager Juvenile Center Staff, for spending time with our new employees and allowing them to tour the facility. With these new positions, the Office of Institutional Education Programs is able to offer students transitioning to public schools an improved level of support. A special thank you to everyone involved in the successful transition training. We appreciate all that you do!