• Schools & Health

    The role of schools, community education and general health issues in Galion.

    Food, Fun, and a Good Cause

    by  • February 1, 2012 • Life in Galion, Schools & Health • 0 Comments

    Chili Day 2012 was a rousing success, according to the Galion Kiwanis.

    As we shared two weeks ago, this popular event showcases both great food and an important cause. The Kiwanis give two, $1000 scholarships each year to deserving Galion High School seniors, and the net proceeds from Chili Day are all used for that purpose.

    It is also combined with a home boys or girls basketball contest at GHS, which many Chili Dayers attend. Unfortunately, though giving a valiant effort, the GHS Girls lost to Ontario last night, 58-57.

    Chairman of Chili Day Galion Kiwanis, Lonnie Eagle, recently shared with GalionLive, “The weather usually is cold and snowy which adds to the event. Each year it gets bigger and is a fun community event. Wendy’s is hopping that evening … Read the rest

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    An Option for Galion?

    by  • January 27, 2012 • Schools & Health, Sports • 1 Comment

    This week has been a busy one in the continuing saga of the soon-to-be defunct North Central Conference — and it seems a good time to catch up with reports and rumors.

    When last we posted on the subject, Upper Sandusky had voted to withdraw from the NCC in favor of joining the Mid Ohio Athletic Conference, a league composed of Marion, Morrow, Delaware, Knox, and Morrow County Schools. With the arrival of new members, this league will now be splitting into East and West Divisions. This decision by Upper left Galion, Ontario, and Lucas without a sports home starting with the 2014-2015 school year, as a three-team conference is not a viable scenario.

    Fast forward to this week. According to unconfirmed reports, the athletic directors of seven schools within … Read the rest

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    Community Center YMCA Unveils New Website

    by  • January 23, 2012 • Life in Galion, Schools & Health • 0 Comments

    The Galion Community Center YMCA, a local fixture formed in 1977 through merger of the former Galion YMCA and Galion Community Center, has moved into the digital age through the launch of their first full-featured website.

    The site shares information and programming under three basic categories — Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Each in term lays out a variety of Center YMCA initiatives, from its well-known child care programming, to the “Silversneakers” programs for area seniors.

    Basic facility information is included as well, including a review of membership rates, a look at Center YMCA facilities, a look back at the institution’s history in the community, and basic contact details.

    Also included on the site is an interactive calendar which is based on the Google Calendar system. Those using … Read the rest

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    Preschool Registration to Begin

    by  • January 21, 2012 • Schools & Health • 0 Comments

    Galion City Schools has announced that the Preschool Program will begin registering soon for the 2012/13 school year. The local program promotes a “hands on” learning environment that aligns with the Ohio state preschool content standards in the areas of language arts, math, science and social studies.

    The Galion City Schools Preschool will operate from 9:00-11:30 and 1:00-3:30 daily, Monday through Thursday, during the school year. Snacks will be served daily.

    Upon enrollment, all children are screened. A vision, hearing, and speech screening will be conducted along with the Early Screening Inventory (ESI). The ESI will help determine if any additional services may be needed. Each preschooler will be required to have a physical and dental exam completed.

    Tuition will be charged monthly unless your child qualifies for special services.… Read the rest

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    Board of Education Sets 2012 Goals

    by  • January 19, 2012 • News & Views, Schools & Health • 2 Comments

    The emphasis is clear — expanding options in the hope of retaining students and becoming a district of choice for area residents considering educational options. To create a roadmap for that ambitious undertaking, at its last two meetings the Galion Board of Education discussed and then adopted the District’s goals for the coming year.

    The framework for the 2012 Goals was largely the same as that for 2011. As the initial Board discussion began, Board Member Robert Zeisler emphasized his opinion that the “technology and curriculum have to be tops” in the coming year. In response, Superintendent Kathy Jenney indicated that digital classwork and distance learning options had been added to further expand the technology goal.

    Board Member George McElligott inquired about the addition of “vocational lectures” to the curriculum, … Read the rest

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    Testing Moving Online

    by  • January 15, 2012 • Schools & Health • 0 Comments

    In two short years, the entire framework of educational testing in Ohio will see dramatic change.

    During Thursday’s meeting of the Galion Board of Education, District Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Federal Programs, Dr. Sandy Powell, shared an update on new assessments being designed and implemented by the State of Ohio. Revisions are in the offing not only in terms of what types of tests will be administered and when, but also in how student performance will be measured.

    Noting that Galion Schools are in a very good position for the change because of their technology emphasis, as well as the assessment emphasis as being a “Race to the Top” district, Powell shared that all standardized tests will be administered via computer. And, while the infamous multiple choice format will … Read the rest

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