Afterschool enrichment accounts for Ohio families
Last week, Governor DeWine issued orders creating rules for an afterschool enrichment savings program, as enacted in the most recent state budget bill. The accounts are for all Ohio students (including charter students) between the ages of six and eighteen whose families earn up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level and funds can be spent on academic supports outside the school day—such as tutoring, day camps, music lessons, and field trips.
A national perspective
NAPCS leader Nina Rees recently published an op-ed in USA Today highlighting a raft of positive news and data around charter schools nationwide. She includes Randall Park High School in Cleveland among a roster of charters providing exemplary service to students and families in the pandemic and beyond.
The view from Texas
In one of a series of stories looking at education in Texas, The 74 took time to visit several charter schools in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. These schools and their dedicated staff are working hard to provide high quality choices, strong education fundamentals, and a pathway to postsecondary success for Lone Star students.
The view from Toledo
Enrollment has grown for a number of charter schools in Toledo this year. Kudos to the school leaders interviewed for this piece who keep the focus on the benefits they provide for their students and families, especially their ability to be a center of calmness and regularity in the midst of pandemic upheaval elsewhere.
A potential breakthrough in Indy?
Momentum seems to be growing for Indianapolis Public Schools to share proceeds of a 2018 funding increase with partner charter schools in the city. The ballot measure passed overwhelmingly, the district’s Board of School Commissioners is seeking details of how such a sharing arrangement might work, and public discussion is expected soon.
STEM grants available
The Ohio STEM Learning Network recently announced an exciting new grant opportunity for K-12 classrooms in the state. Thanks to funding from Battelle, educators can apply for up to $5,000 each to foster the creation of new, sustainable STEM education programming in our classrooms. Programs in areas such as Community Problem Solving, STEM Career Exploration, and Design Thinking and Infrastructure will be considered. The deadline for applications is December 2, 2021, and awards will be announced mid-January 2022. Tips for designing a successful project can be found here, a preview of the application can be found here, and submission details are here.
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