Frequently Asked Questions About the Step Into Summer Opportunities and College Access Information Fair

1. When is it?

Monday, March 2, 2009 from 3:30pm – 7:15 pm. Come anytime during this period when it is convenient for you and stay for as long as you wish. Plan to arrive by 6:30 pm in order to have time to talk with the different representatives.

2. Where is it?

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St, Columbus. Use the main visitors entrance to the main Atrium. Exhibitors will be in the Main Atrium, the Palm House, the Show Room, and the lower lobby. The inside garden rooms of the conservatory will not be open.

3. How much does it cost?

Admission to the Step Into Summer Opportunities and College Access Information Fair is free. Parking in the Conservatory lot is free.

4. What is it?

The Fair is an informational fair. Representatives from different organizations will have tables set up, many with picture displays. The representatives talk with people interested in finding out more about their programs.

5. Should I bring my kids?

Children are welcome to accompany their parents. Children should stay with their parents as they walk around the Fair. Many exhibitors have picture displays that will help children find out more about the program. High school students are welcome to attend without parents if they desire.

6. Is this for all ages?

There are programs for ages pre-K through high school. Some programs and camps are for a small range of ages, others have a wider range.

7. How much does the summer program cost?

Each summer program sets its own fee. We encourage you to ask each representative about the program fees and whether scholarships are available.

8. How do I sign up?

Each of the programs has a separate registration process. Ask each representative for more information about signing up for that specific program. Some of the summer programs fill up quickly, so this Fair is a great way to get an early start on the process.

9. Who will be there?

There will be over 50 organizations represented at the Fair that offer a wide variety of different kinds of activities for the summer, and some year-round activities. The length of the programs varies from one week to several weeks. We do not yet have a final list of attendees. So far the list includes summer outdoor camping experiences throughout Ohio and a few other states, indoor academic day programs, pre-college experiences for middle and high school students on various university campuses throughout Ohio, summer day care, sports programs, computer classes, horse camps, dance and visual arts training, and travel opportunities. There are day camp programs in Columbus, around central Ohio and beyond. There is something for all students with varied interests and abilities.

There will also be information available about academic support services, college readiness programs, financial planning, and year-long internship opportunities.

10. Are there job opportunities?

This is not a job fair.

11. If I can’t attend the Fair on Monday, March 2, how can I get the information?

We will be putting together a booklet of the information provided by the exhibitors. Contact numbers, cost information, dates, and general description will be included. After the Fair, this booklet will be on the PACE website for your convenience. Begin looking for it about 1 week after the Fair.

12. Can I have a booklet sent to me?

No, we will not send booklets. We encourage everyone to find a way to access the information on-line on our website after the Fair.

13. Is this for Columbus City School only?

No, the Fair is open to all families in the central Ohio area. Local programs are located throughout central Ohio.

14. Who can I contact for more information?

You may email questions to .
You may call 614-246-0377 for more information.

Parents of High School Students — Wednesday, September 10 at 7pm at Aladdin Shrine Center is an Informational Program and College Fair. This program features information from and about a group of colleges from all over the country identified for their quality programs, including some from Ohio. You may want to check out their website: www.ctcl.com

From the website: “Each Colleges That Change Lives program begins with an enlightening 30-minute panel presentation on completing a college search today.

The CTCL events are free to the public, and pre-registration is not required. ”

Applications for Need-based Scholarships are available for students in grades 3-11 from Support for Talented Students, Inc. at SchoolMatch. Scholarships may be used for enrichment activities not normally provided in the schools. Activities may be during the summer or during the following school year. Applications are available at
http://www.schoolmatch.com/STS/STS.htm or from a Gifted and Talented Specialist at a Columbus City School. Deadline is March 14, 2008. The Gifted and Talented Specialists will collect the applications and complete the School Sponsor portion. For more information contact Beth Gasior at 365-6626.

Parents of current 8th graders in CCS who are interested in attending CAHS or Eastmoor Academy next year may want to consider the Selective Admissions Pilot recently announced. Applications are available at the middle schools. Criteria includes a minimum 3.0 GPA, and either standardized test scores at 90th percentile in 6th grade or identified as gifted and talented in either Superior Cognitive Ability or Specific Academic Ability. 50 slots at each school are available for this selective admission. Deadline is February 11, so families need to complete paperwork quickly.

Welcome to the PACE website.
The new school year begins soon. A new year always means changes. For many of us, this school year brings more changes than usual with start and end time changes, building construction, staff reductions from past years, bus schedule revamping, etc.
We hope PACE will be a place parents can reach out to each other as we help our students be successful with these changes.
Let us know if you have specific issues you’d like bring up with me or other PACE parents. Use our email contacts to get the conversations started.
And don’t forget our first PACE meeting of the school year on Monday, September 11 at Shepard Center.

Looking forward to a successful year for all,
Kathy Jackson