NORTH LEWISBURG – Triad Local Schools received a state grant to help connect students with community mentors.
The district will also partner with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center to offer more educational options for students through a satellite program.
Triad Superintendent Chris Piper told the school board at its July 16 meeting about receiving a Community Connectors grant from the Ohio Department of Education and starting a manufacturing satellite program with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.
The education department stated $6.8 million in grants were awarded to non-profits and values-based groups to mentor students in the program, according to a press release. Ohio Gov. John Kasich proposed creating the Community Connectors program in his 2014 State of the State address to help give more Ohio students access to role models who can motivate and inspire them, as well as help them develop skills that lead to success in school and the workplace.
The grants are for one year, though they could be extended, Piper said. The education department said state lawmakers agreed to provide an additional $20 million in the state budget to fund more projects over the next two years.
The $75,000 grant involves Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Ohio, North Central State College, Ohio State University’s Mansfield campus, Life Vinyard Church, and Directions Credit Union, according to the education department. The grant will work with at-risk students in grades 5-12 at Triad and participate in after-school and weekend community service activities.
“Our plan is to have mentors meet with kids at least a half-hour a week, check in with them, see how they are doing academically and work on character education and goals,” Piper said. “It will focus on how they can be a good student and think forward to what comes next.”
The program could help connect area businesses with students ready to work in the field, Piper added.
“Manufacturers have a need to fill jobs, and these kids need good jobs,” he said.
Piper added he thinks older students may intern at the mentors’ organization, depending on the organization and situation.
Piper said the program would begin with the current school year. The details need to be worked out by school administrators and guidance counselors, he said.
For more information on the Community Connectors program, visit communityconnectors.ohio.gov.
District getting Hi-Point satellite classroom
Piper also told the board Ohio Hi-Point will have a satellite classroom in the district. The project is similar to a program at Jonathan Alder Junior High School, where Piper w as principal before going to Triad.
Through the program, Triad supplies the space and students, and Ohio Hi-Point provides the instructor and equipment. The course will be in engineering and design principles for students in the seventh grade, and coursework will expand each year as they move into higher grades. The goal is to have the students take courses through the 12th grade.
Though the location will be housed at Triad and consist of mostly Triad students, students from other districts could attend, Piper said. This program will start in the fall.
In other action, the board:
•Approved initial one-year contract for two-hour Cafeteria Worker Tammy Davis for the 2015-16 school year.
•Approved initial one year-contract for four-hour secretary and aide Michelle McConnell for the 2015-16 school year.
•Approved on-board instructor Amy Salyers as needed for the 2015-16 school year.
•Approved the football team trip to football camp at Triad High School July 19-22.
•Approved amending the June 18 meeting resolution concerning school lunch prices to accurately list the high school price as $3, not $3.25.
