If you’d like to help get the word out about Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2009, here is the official flyer (400 KB). It can be printed on a single page — or two to a page if your system allows. You may need to right-click or shift click to download.
Suggestions and Resources for Parent/Teacher Conferences
At the February 2009 P.A.C.E. Meeting we discussed some resources for how one might make the most of Parent Teacher Conferences for families with students of any age and level.
Here are links to some items:
The O.A.G.C. Parent Handbook, pp. 18-19 has for “Suggestions for Parent/Teacher Conferences” adapted from Dr. Joan Franklin Smutny’s Stand Up for Your Gifted Child. The Handbook may be found on the OAGC Parent Division Homepage. (look for “OAGC Parent Handbook” PDF.)
There is also a page on Tips for Successful Interaction with School Personnel (PDF) from the O.A.G.C., courtesy of Ohio Parent Mentors. This is on the Parent Day Handouts page.
For a lengthier article by Dr. Joan Franklin Smutny (from N.A.C.G. website), see Communicating Effectively with your Gifted Child’s School (PDF). This is also linked (with other resources) from the Parent Day Handouts page.
Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page has a resource if you are puzzled by some of the specialized jargon and acronymns: Acronyms, Terms, and other things we need to know.
Another article, How Parents Can Be Advocates for Their Children, is among many that may be found on the Reading Rockets web site. Though targeted to families of children with learning disabilities, it contains helpful information for families with children who are special in another ways – including gifted or twice exceptional.
College Access – College Goal Sunday, Feb 8 2009
From OCAN and www.KnowHow2GoOhio.org (see earlier post), there will be a special event Feruary 8, 2009: College Goal Sunday.
It’s all about getting financial assistance, and negotiating the paperwork to do so – including the dreaded Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Registrations are due February 6, so check it out now if you are interested.
WHAT: College Goal Sunday will be held at 40 locations across Ohio to assist students and families with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are billions of dollars available; however, filling out the FAFSA is the only way students get grant money from the federal and state government to pay for higher education. College Goal Sunday was designed to ease the intimidation often felt by students and families about the FAFSA process.
During these sessions volunteers provide free financial aid expertise to families overwhelmed with the rising cost of higher education. Guidance counselors and financial aid administrators are available to guide parents through the form, fill in tax and income information and navigate tricky situations. Last year more than 3,100 Ohioans took advantage of College Goal Sunday.
In support of College Goal Sunday’s efforts to help give every Ohio high school graduate an equal opportunity to go to college, Governor Ted Strickland has declared February 2009 Financial Aid Awareness Month again this year.
College Goal Sunday is sponsored by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) through investments from the Lumina Foundation for Education, the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN), and Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corp.
College Access (including Paying for College!)
Francie Nolan recently shared about finding a treasure trove of information regarding how to gain access to (and pay for!) college education!
There is an organization called the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN), whose mission is “helping Ohio residents pursue postsecondary education.” See their site for links to College Access/Scholarship Programs, and more.
OCAN also sponsors an interactive web site targeted primarily to students (and families) from Middle School through High School, www.KnowHow2GoOhio.org. (There is a national affiliate, www.knowhow2go.org.)
February 2009 P.A.C.E. Meeting: The In’s and Out’s of Scheduling
Come join us Monday February 9, 2009 – 6:00-7:30 p.m., as we have as guests educators involved in various ways in the process of scheduling.
“The In’s and Out’s of Scheduling …” will seek to demystify scheduling at all levels: elementary, middle, and high school.
While a concern at all levels, scheduling becomes even more pertinent as students approach Middle and High School. While scheduling practices may in different schools and contexts, we will explore basic principles and procedures, some examples of how it might work, and who is involved. We’ll make particular note of special issues for our gifted children, and invite your questions for clarification.
We will also share additional resources for making the most of Parent Teacher Conferences for families with students of any age and level.
Meetings are held at the Columbus Education Center, in the Board meeting room (downstairs) at 270 E. State Street.
2009 Fair FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
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.
2009 School Choice Info and Dates
The 2009 C.C.S. school choice (lottery) information and dates are now posted on the C.C.S. website. Look directly at the School Choice Office. Dates and deadlines may be found there.
Just the Facts:
- High School Choice Fair: Wed. Jan. 21, at Eastmoor Academy, from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Middle School Choice Fair: Thurs. Feb 19, at Woodward Park MS from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Elementary School Fair: Wed. Feb 18, at Africentric Early College K-12 School from 6-7:30 p.m.
Deadlines and Application availability:
- High School – January 30 – applications available now
- Middle School – March 6 – applications available Feb. 6
- Elementary School – March 6 – applications available Feb. 6
E.C.L.I.P.S.E. deadline is March 13. (This is the self-contained looping gifted class for grades 4-5. Info is available from your Specialist, or from the C.C.S. Gifted & Talented Program. This is not a School Choice Office program.)
revised 01/09/2009
January 2009 P.A.C.E. Meeting: “Tell It Like It Is, or Could Be.”
Come join us Monday January 12, 2009, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., as we have as guests a panel of students and graduates who will “Tell It Like It Is, or Could Be.” We will have a discussion concerning their experiences and hopes from their tenures as students in the Columbus City Schools.
We hope to learn what went right, so as to be able to reinforce and build upon that, as well as what we should seek to improve. We thought it would be good to hear from the students as we engage in this conversation.
We can also celebrate our guests’ successes, both in our schools (past and present), and as they move forward in life.
Meetings are held at the Columbus Education Center, (Board meeting room, downstairs) 270 E. State Street.
November 2008 Meeting with Dr. Gene Harris
Dr. Gene Harris, Superintendent of C.C.S.
Come and join us as we meet with special guest Dr. Gene Harris, Superintendent of Columbus City Schools. This will be at our regular November 2008 P.A.C.E. Meeting, Monday November 10, 2008 – 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Hear direct from the top the latest news concerning the district and particularly Gifted and Talented concerns. Dr. Harris will speak, listen, and converse, so please bring your thoughtful questions to make the most of this time with her.
C.C.S. High School educational opportunities added to Resources
Look on the Resources page for some documents from C.C.S. (and O.D.E.) relevant to High School educational opportunities, courtesy of Joan Baker, one of our High School Coordinators.
- Gifted and Talented options at various High Schools 2009-2009
- AP Courses Currently Offered in Columbus Public Schools (2008-2009)
- Kenyon Academic Partnership Program Info
- O.D.E. Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO)
- C.C.S. brochure on Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted