By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport Madison Schools will launch the first of an online three-part series, the Family Connection Forum, on Oct. 8.
Through the online forums, families can learn about the wide variety of programs offered to the district’s students. Participants may provide input on how Groveport Madison Schools might use their federal fund allocations to improve specific services.
“Speakers from across the district will be on hand to provide expertise on our services, including our director of student service, treasurer, district social worker, teachers, and school counselors,” said Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jana Alig. “Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these critical and beneficial services for students and families.”
Groveport Madison Communications Director Jeff Warner said packaging this information in an online series has the potential to reach a large number of district parents and community members.
“It lets parents and students know there are systems available to help them,” said Warner. “It also informs parents about the resources the district offers. Research shows that if the schools don’t help in these areas, a barrier to academic progress can arise. It is important for the public to know how their money is being spent. There are lots of support programs that people may not be familiar with that can help student achievement. It’s a partnership.”
All Family Connection Forum meetings are free and will be held virtually through Google Meets, at meet.google.com/qgm-atyu-nen. Sessions will be recorded and posted to the district’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/GroveportMadisonSchoolsCruisers).
Information provided in the series can be applied to students in grades K-12.
The forums:
•Oct. 8, 6-7 p.m. – Title I Services: This focuses on Title I Intervention Services. Funding will be discussed and family and community input is welcomed.
According to Warner, Title I programs are funded with federal dollars and can include literacy programs and other specific programs.
•Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m. – English Language Learner Services: This focuses on the many services available to “English as a Second Language” students. Family and community input is welcomed.
Warner said the district has about 315 “English as a Second Language” students. That number can change daily, but he noted it increases incrementally each year.
•Nov. 5, 6-7 p.m. – Social-Emotional Services: This concentrates on “Social Emotional Learning” and “Mental Health Services.” Family and community input is welcomed.
Warner said the district has counselors who offer support services in each of its schools and a district social work coordinator. He said counselors help students cope with things such as difficult family situations, mental health issues, mental fatigue, and other issues.
“The counseling staff can help students learn to cope with stress and teach them how to overcome challenges,” said Warner. “Kids today are stressed on a lot of levels.”
If the online Family Connection Forum receives a good response from the community, Warner said plans are to make it an ongoing series of service to the public.
“In the future there are is an array of topics that could be explored including such things as gifted student programs, safety, and more,” said Warner.
