Mrs. Julie Schultz, the graduation coach and Spring musical director, pours so much time and effort into Wheeling Park, and she will not go unnoticed. Not only does she help students graduate, but she also possesses numerous talents and hobbies that enrich her personality.

Mrs. Schultz has helped so many students with their futures. This encouraged her to expand her education and experience.

“When the position of Innovation Coach/ Graduation Coach became available, I was eager to apply. I felt that I had many of the qualifications that were necessary for the position. In addition, I feel like it was the perfect time for me to make a change!” said Mrs. Schultz

“At my previous school, Bridge Street Middle School, I was Choir Director, General Music Teacher, and Theatre Director for 13 years. During that time, I wrote more than $100,000 in grants. I also had leadership roles, such being the Faculty Senate Chair as well as Department Chair for Fine and Performing Arts. During that time, I was also an 8th grade advisory teacher. When it came to planning for high school school classes, I advised my students to not only think about their freshman year, but to think about their futures. I feel that this experience helped prepare me for my responsibilities as Graduation Coach,” said Mrs. Schultz.

“In the fall of 2016, I began working on my Masters in Education with a focus in Technology Integration. When I graduated in the spring of 2018, a lot of people asked “do you really think that you are going to actually use a technology degree as a music teacher”. Then, the pandemic happened. Suddenly, I was the expert in technology integration. I helped a lot of teachers and students during that time to understand that technology didn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the concepts and assignments down into small pieces, online learning became manageable,” said Mrs. Schultz.

Mrs. Schultz has many different aspects of her job!

“My job entails so many things! As many have realized, I am seldom found in my office. No two days are ever the same! My job entails so many things!” said Mrs. Schultz.

“As Innovation Coach, I work with both teachers and students in all things technology! This includes everything from password resets for Schoology, Outlook (MSN), and Google to troubleshooting technology issues in the classroom. I also assist with and coordinate all of the spaces in the ILC. I work with teachers and their classes in the SMALLab, Maker Space and Green Room. I also take care of the scheduling for all of the spaces in the ILC. In addition, I have continued with grant writing at WPHS. This school year, I have already secured over $11,000 in grant funding,” said Mrs. Schultz.

“As Graduation Coach, I work with students on staying on track for graduation. If a student is struggling, I work with the guidance counselors and Dr. Maloney to help develop a plan to help them to be able to cross that finish line. One of my favorite sayings is ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’  Sometimes students fall behind though no fault of their own. I remind them that by looking at problems in bite size pieces, they can (and will be able to) get themselves back on track. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen,” said Mrs. Schultz.

“Another part of my job is being a test administrator for both GED and NOCTI. I administer GED testing every Tuesday morning. GED testing is not easy, but students who are part of Option Pathway with Mr. Phillip Payne do their best. Once a student has completed two years of the CTE program at WPHS, they can opt for a different pathway to graduation. With two years of CTE, and successful completion of the series of 4 extensive GED tests, that are eligible for graduation. With testing, NOCTI provides industry-recognized certifications and competency assessments for career and technical education (CTE).” said Mrs. Schultz.

“As Residential Educational Liaison, I work with students who are in residential placement. Due to no fault of their own, these students face additional challenges. Along with working with them towards graduation, I work to assist them in overcoming everyday obstacles and challenges that they may face on a daily basis. Just as no two students are the same, no two situations are the same.” said Mrs. Schultz.

“As a Music Educator, I teach a 7th period music class for our students in the SUCCEED department. We just completed our winter performance in December, shortly before winter break. We are looking forward to our upcoming performance in May!” said Mrs. Schultz.

“As theatre director, I am so excited to be the head director for this year’s spring musical production, The Addams Family. At Bridge Street Middle School, I created a theatre department which I ran successfully for 8 years. Over the past year and half, I have truly enjoyed being a part of the WPHS Theatre Department. I am so excited for this year’s production!” said Mrs. Schultz

“Another part of my job is coordinating scheduling for our students for the Speaker Series and the Lunch and Learn Series. I work with Mrs. Dialer, Mrs. Richards, Mr. Doyle, and Jeanie Prince (Partner Coordinator for Education Alliance). The Speaker Series features professionals from local businesses, non-profits, and trade unions to help students explore career opportunities, often featuring Q&A sessions. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future career paths through engaging, in-person discussions.The Lunch and Learn initiatives provide career, educational, or cultural enrichment during the school day.” said Mrs. Schultz.

Makenzie Paynter, a sophomore at Wheeling Park High School, has such a close relationship with the Schultz.

“Mrs. Schultz always goes the extra mile. She is there for everyone no matter where they are in life. I truly look up to her,” said Paynter.

Paynter is inspired by Mrs. Schultz and encourages her.

“She’s just an inspiring person. She encourages everyone around her,” said Mrs. Schultz.