By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
The first day of school for Canal Winchester Schools went according to plan with no major hiccups and happy administrators overseeing the 3,000-plus student operation.
“Our first day was a huge success,” said Superintendent James Sotlar. “It was probably the smoothest start in years.”
Sotlar said parents can help their child achieve success in school by staying positive and not dismissing their feelings if they are upset.
“If we show them support and are positive with them, it will be a great start,” said Sotlar, who advocated for establishing and sticking to a routine.
Sotlar plans to continue his open hours policy and welcome visitors to his office for the first in the monthly series on Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the Washington Street education center.
Other CW School news
•Curriculum Director Cyndi Toledo said a new Medical Detectives program is in place in science teacher Pat Mariscal’s eighth grade classroom.
“(Mariscal) completed an intense summer training and will guide students as they play the role of real-life medical detectives analyzing genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a ‘crime scene,’” said Toledo. “Students will solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.”
•Toledo said a new program is planned for the summer of 2016. She said Canal Winchester will partner with Reynoldsburg, Marysville, Metro Institute of Technology and TECH Corps on a Battelle grant to provide eighth and ninth grade students traditionally under represented in computer science fields (females/ethnic minorities) an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of computer science careers.
The Battelle STEM Grant: Computing Career Corps Summer Bridge helps build students’ computer science/IT skills through exposure to real world problem solving.
“Summer Bridge will be the first central Ohio computer science summer program that combines computer skill building with career exploration and directly links it back to helping students define their high school career pathways,” said Toledo.
