Ty Ankrom, Superintendent, Pickaway County Educational Service Center
As the school year gets under way, the Ohio Department of Education put together a list of resources that educators may want to share with parents and students.
For the youngest learners, parents should check out http://tinyurl.com/yblrmv2t. This link takes visitors to the department’s Early Learning Family Resources pages.
Today, it’s not enough for a young person to think about a career when in high school. They need to start on a path at a younger age.
With the Ohio Means Jobs K-12 Backpack, middle and high school students can explore career interests, start career plans, create resumes and search for job options. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lqlaw39 to get started.
Reading is a necessary component for lifetime successes. ODE’s family resources for promoting and improving literacy can be found at http://tinyurl.com/yd9nr5gz.
Educators can find resources for the classroom at Reading is Fundamental’s Literacy Central page: www.rif.org/literacy-central/educators.
High school seniors can take advantage of earning an industry credential through the Seniors Only Credential Program. Seniors can talk to their school counselor and learn more about what is offered at www.pickawayross.com/seniorcredential.aspx.
This year’s seniors have a change in graduation requirements.
In addition to meeting high school curriculum requirements, students will now have two new options to earn a diploma. Learn the specifics at http://tinyurl.com/yd3rpqgy.
Parents of children with special needs have rights under federal and state laws. Learn what they are at http://tinyurl.com/leubunu.
The department also has created a pamphlet for parents that outlines the rights of homeless students. It can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/y8anmmqx.
Everyone can help keep schools safe through the free SaferOH tip line. Anyone can call this hotline and anonymously provide information to school officials and law enforcement of potential threats to student safety.
Calls or texts to 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764) are accepted and answered 24 hours a day. More information can be found online at http://tinyurl.com/y98dq9gu.
Other resources can be more hands-on, such as visiting your local library (go to pickawaylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar?df=calendar&lib=999 for a schedule of events this month), getting some physical activity in at the Pickaway County Family YMCA (www.ymcacolumbus.org/pickaway) or by exploring the new Roundtown Trail (www.pickawaycountyparks.org/roundtowntrail.html) or one of the many other parks in Pickaway County (www.pickawaycountyparks.org/pcpd_parks_list.htm).
Ty Ankrom is superintendent of the Pickaway County Educational Service Center. He can be reached at [email protected].
