BCHF earns "Exemplary" sponsor rating
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation was among the five sponsors to earn the coveted "Exemplary" rating for the 2018-2019 school year. READ MORE

BCHF launches annual Writing Challenge
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation has launched its annual writing competition aligned to Ohio content standards and the writing rubrics. READ MORE

Schools earn “High-Quality Charter” designation
Congratulations to ten schools sponsored by Buckeye Community Hope Foundation that have been designated as “High-Quality Charter Schools” and are eligible for additional state funding (based on report card results) through a provision of the state biennial budget bill (H.B. 166) approved by the Legislature earlier this year.

As a result of earning the designation, the following schools are eligible to receive funding of up to $1,750 per pupil for economically disadvantaged students and up to $1,000 for all others in each of the two fiscal years.

Constellation Schools: Puritas Community Middle

Constellation Schools: Stockyard Community Middle

Great Western Academy

Horizon Science Academy Dayton Downtown

Lincoln Park Academy

Noble Academy – Cleveland

Noble Academy – Columbus

Stambaugh Charter Academy

Village Preparatory School Woodland Hills

Westside Academy

Governor says education is key to fighting drug use, suicide
Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Cedarville) and a group of state officials recently visited students in southern and central Ohio to learn how schools are educating them about drugs and mental illness.

The tour supported efforts to increase awareness of $18 million included in the state biennial budget bill (H.B. 166) for school-based prevention education initiatives, including evidence-based curricula, resources to expand existing initiatives, after-school mentoring programs, and awareness campaigns.

“There’s wisdom in the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’” said Lori Criss, who serves as director of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Ohio’s schools are uniquely positioned to help educate young people about the danger of alcohol and other drugs and to identify young people who either already have or are at increased risk for mental health or substance use disorders and connect them to local resources for help.”

INFOhio offers BLUEcloud Library Services Platform
INFOhio believes in the power of libraries to transform instruction and make an impact on learning. As the largest school library network in the country, INFOhio is dedicated to providing the best library user experience for Ohio’s students and teachers.

INFOhio partners with all Ohio information technology centers to offer the BLUEcloud Suite of products free to Ohio schools. The BLUEcloud Suite offers libraries an effective, modern interface, so library staff can spend more time helping students and teachers discover school library assets and INFOhio resources.

A flyer describing INFOhio’s Library Services Platform and the power of the BLUEcloud Suite is available online HERE

Severe Weather Awareness poster contest now open
As part of Winter Safety Awareness Week, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages students in grades one through six to draw and enter posters in its annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest.

The poster contest is aimed at helping engage Ohio’s youth in learning the importance of severe weather safety and preparedness. Through their illustrations, students can demonstrate what actions they can take before, during and after severe weather events, to protect themselves and others. Students can draw posters on any weather event that typically impacts Ohio: winter storms, floods, tornados, thunder and lightning, and extreme heat.

The deadline for teachers to send their first-place posters (per grade) to their regional National Weather Service offices is April 15. In early May, the Severe Weather Awareness Committee will judge the top regional posters and announce the winners. Learn more online HERE

KidsGardening invites grant applications
KidsGardening is inviting applications for its 2020 Youth Garden Grants program.

Through the program, a total of 25 programs will be awarded packages valued at $775 that includes gardening supplies, curriculum, and cash awards of $250 in support of school and youth educational garden programs that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities.

Projects may include planning a new garden program or expanding an established one, and must serve at least 15 youth between the ages of three and 18. Learn more online HERE

ALDI invites applications for Smart Kids Program
The ALDI grocery store chain is inviting applications for its ALDI Smart Kids program – an initiative dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of children in communities where ALDI has stores, warehouses, offices, and conducts business.

Through the program, grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to local community organizations that encourage kids to actively participate in the areas of education, physical activity, nutrition, socializing, and the arts. Learn more online HERE