Pocahontas BOE Likes Teen Court Idea

Marlinton, WV – If all goes as planned, Pocahontas County will see the implementation of a Teen Court later this year, with county school kids in charge of most of the proceedings. Cheryl Jonese and Tommy Peterson, from the Pocahontas County Prevention Coalition did a short presentation on the program for the Pocahontas County Board of Education Monday night.

Teen Court uses positive peer pressure to hold teens accountable for their actions. While a judge and parents are required to be part of the program, students act as attorneys,jurors, bailiff, and court clerk. Melvin Lindsey, Pocahontas HS Dean of Students, says he’s impressed with other Teen Courts he’s seen in action.

Although it’s too late in the school year to get the Teen Court up and running, Peterson says he would like to start recruiting interested students for the fall. He asked the board to allow him to spend the rest of this school year working as an after school volunteer, talking to students about the program. The board approved his request, pending a background check.

In other business, the board approved the Energy Express summer reading program to be held at Marlinton Elementary School this summer. The program served 40 children last year and is open to all elementary students in the county.

They also approved a contract with Upslope, for continuing training for county school principals.

Nathan Hamons, student representative on the board, says spring sports are well underway. He also reports on plans for an after prom party and a fundraiser held just before spring break.

“The Junior Prom Committee has decided to offer an after-prom that will be held at the Opera House,” said Hamons. “There will be games, music–there’s talk of a velcro wall and something called bungee-jousting. I’m sure it will be a blast.”

“Project Christmas had a fundraiser–the half-day on the Friday before spring break–for Haitian relief,” Hamons continued. “And they raised a total of $160.

Hamons also told the board about The Dr. Charles Glen Shinaberry and Dr. Mary Tabitha Moore Shinaberry scholarship available to seniors this year. The scholarship usually ranges from $15,000 to $24,000, said Hamons, but this year, Pocahontas will have $30,000 available to award to its seniors.

This scholarship program is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On the personnel agenda, Mary Dawson is resigning her position as Reading First Interventionist at Hillsboro Elementary School. Janet Hunt is hired to fill this position through the end of May. Hunt will also be a substitute teacher for the county for the remainder of the school year.

Sharla Sherman’s contract as Reading First Interventionist at Hillsboro is extended to end of May as well.