Franciscan to host webinars

STEUBENVILLE — Franciscan University of Steubenville will host a three-part public webinar series introducing the mission and vision of its Institute for the Study of Man and Woman and exploring the nature of man and woman through theology, natural science and the social sciences.

Presented in collaboration with the university’s Catechetical Institute, the introductory-level series offers an accessible, inter-disciplinary framework for beginning to understand Christian anthropology in light of contemporary cultural, scientific and social questions.

“Questions about the meaning of being man and woman are among the most urgent and contested issues of our time,” said Deborah Savage, professor of theology at Franciscan and director of the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman. “This series seeks to bring together theology, science and the social sciences to illuminate the truth about the human person and to demonstrate the coherence and beauty of the Catholic church’s vision.”

Each webinar will provide a brief overview of what a particular discipline contributes to the discussion, while highlighting how an integrated approach can deepen understanding of the human person. Registration is free and open to the public.

The first webinar will be Theological Framework, set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Savage will lead the webinar entitled “The Nature of Man and Woman: The Theological Vision at the Heart of Christian Anthropology.”

The second webinar in the series will be 3 p.m. March 25 and will be titled “The Nature of Man and Woman, Part One: What Does Natural Science Say?” Guest speakers will be Savage; Derek Doroski, professor of biology and engineering, Franciscan University; and Stephen Sammut, professor of psychology, Franciscan.

The third webinar will be held at 2 p.m. April 15 and titled “The Nature of Man and Woman, Part Two: What Do the Social Sciences Say?”

Guest speakers will be Savage; Regina Boerio, professor of psychology, Franciscan University; and Anne Hendershott, professor of sociology, Franciscan University.

By convening scholars across disciplines, the webinar series reflects Franciscan University’s commitment to academic excellence within the Catholic intellectual tradition and its mission to form men and women who can engage the world with truth and charity.

The Institute for the Study of Man and Woman fosters rigorous, faithful scholarship on the nature of the human person. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the church’s teaching on the dignity of the human person, the institute addresses pressing cultural and academic debates with clarity, charity and intellectual depth.

Through research, teaching and public engagement, the institute seeks to equip scholars, educators, catechists and the faithful to respond thoughtfully to contemporary questions about identity, embodiment, vocation and the meaning of sexual difference.

For information about the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman, visit franciscan.edu/man-and-woman-institute/.

Attendance competition at Buckeye

CONNORVILLE — Buckeye Local Junior High School is putting its focus on attendance with a month-long initiative to promote student presence.

The building is holding the First Period February attendance competition, where attendance will be tracked daily during first period for each grade level. Percentages will be calculated throughout the month. A class reward will be given to the grade level with the highest attendance at the conclusion of the event.

Principal Andy Long explained the school’s PBIS committee formulated the idea. The goal is to encourage students to start the day on time, build positive attendance habits and support a strong learning environment.

“As a team, we continue to look for ways to positively reinforce behaviors that directly impact student success,” Long said. “Attendance is a major focus for us, given its strong connection to overall academic and social outcomes for students. The goal is to bring awareness to the importance of consistent attendance, while making it fun for students.”

The junior high school currently yields 315 students. Long said the competition is a way to bolster student success across grade levels.

“I am proud of the strong effort our staff and students put into showing up every day,” he continued. “Their commitment makes a real difference in our building, and this competition is meant to highlight and celebrate that ongoing work.”

Long noted he feels strongly about the initiative because first-period attendance often sets the tone for the student’s entire day.

“This is a positive way to reinforce habits that support academic success,” he concluded.

Museum to welcome author

WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center will welcome author Valerie VanOrman to discuss her novel “Helen of Holliday’s Cove,” at 1 p.m. March 7. The novel is a dual-timeline historical fiction story that takes place in Holliday’s Cove during the early 1900s.

The event will include readings, an author question-and-answer period, book sales, signings and free drawings. Light refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 3149 Main St. in Weirton. The event is free to the public. Donations to the museum are always accepted and appreciated, officials stated.

Railroaders to meet

CALCUTTA — All retired and active railroaders are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees. The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 19 at J.P.’s Pizzeria, located at 15946 state Route 170 in Calcutta. Doors open at 10 a.m.

For information, call (330) 853-3045.