(Posted May 12, 2017)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Monroe Elementary in the Jonathan Alder Local School District will offer a latchkey program starting this coming school year.
Registration begins June 1. The program provides before- and after-school childcare at the school.
Superintendent Gary Chapman praised Monroe Principal Lee Ann Childs for the work she put in over the past 18 months in order to implement the program this fall.
According to plans revealed at the May 8 school board meeting, latchkey hours will be 6:45-8:45 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. on school days. The monthly fee for students who attend latchkey full-time is $120 for the morning session and $185 for the after-school session. Part-time attendance (12 days or less a month) will cost $92 per month for the morning session and $135 per month for the afternoon session.
The latchkey program will focus on education more than recreation. Most courses will be elective with only a few compulsory. Weekly educational themes will guide programming for activities. One requirement is that students read at least 10 minutes each day.
Cultural events and guests speakers are planned. Courses will cover topics including robotics, sign language, Young Rembrandts, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
School technology officials are working to get the registration process online. Registration will continue until the first day of school, Aug. 16.
This program is available only for Monroe Elementary students, Chapman stressed. It was developed because the parents need it, he added.
Working parents can drop their children off at the school on their way to work, or if the parents work late, can pick their children up at school after work.
Business Expansion
Bassam Homsi, owner of Autotool Inc., informed the board of his company’s upcoming expansion. The Plain City plant makes robotic arms for use in the auto industry, especially with Honda.
Homsi employs 65 workers in its 85,000 square-foot facility. Homsi said a planned expansion of 80,000 square feet will mean the hiring of 35 new workers. The company is seeking a 10-year, 75 percent abatement on its property taxes to aid in the expansion.
Chapman praised the company’s work, noting that Jonathan Alder has started engineering and technology programs at the junior high, paving the way for students to further such education at nearby Tolles Career and Technical Center.
Other Action
They also accepted the resignation of Shawn Heimlich, director of student services. Heimlich has accepted a position with Dublin City Schools as a coordinator of special education services for the district’s three high schools.
