Latest news with #OhioDepartmentofEducationandWorkforce
Axios
08-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Ohio schools must set AI policies by mid-2026
All of Ohio's K-12 public schools must adopt a policy on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence by next July, per a mandate in the new state budget. Why it matters: Many states, including Ohio, have already issued general guidance on addressing staff and student AI use amid the rapid rise of platforms like ChatGPT. Ohio is one of the first states to take it another step and require schools to adopt a specific policy. How it works: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will first develop a model policy by Dec. 31, which districts can draw inspiration from or adopt outright, the budget states. The budget doesn't require AI to be used, though. Between the lines: The move signals an ongoing mindset shift — from avoiding AI due to concerns about academic plagiarism to embracing it as a transformative educational tool. The big picture: The White House recently announced an "AI Education Pledge" with commitments from more than 60 companies to provide AI education materials to K-12 students. In May, more than 200 CEOs nationwide signed a letter urging state leaders to mandate AI and computer science classes as a high school graduation requirement. Ohio State will make AI a part of general education for every major beginning this fall. Zoom in: Some Ohio districts, such as Worthington, already have policies, and a Columbus Board of Education committee has discussed creating one. At a June meeting, Columbus City Schools chief information officer Christopher Lockhart noted the need for flexible guidelines to avoid "handcuffing ourselves" as AI evolves and embeds into other technology. The other side: The new state budget also limits tech in schools by requiring districts to adopt a policy banning cellphones "during the instructional day" by Jan. 1, 2026. There are exceptions, including for emergencies and "for student learning or to monitor or address a health concern." What we're watching: If any other states follow Ohio's lead in the coming months.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eligible families to receive $120 per child in food aid as schools close for summer
What the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services calls 'Sun Bucks' will be given to eligible Ohio children throughout the month of June. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder announced the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program for Children will provide family assistance this summer, according to a media release. 'Sun Bucks' will be distributed to eligible children throughout June. Last year, ODJFS gave $144 million in food assistance to over 1.2 million Ohio children, according to the release. TRENDING STORIES: City says arbitrator ignored 'simply obvious dangers' by reinstating fired police sergeant FBI investigation blocks off Ohio neighborhood 6-year-old hit, killed by car in Harrison Township The federal program assists eligible families with school-aged children while schools are closed for the summer. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce administers this program as a partner of ODJFS. 'Whether it's during the school year or the summer months, Ohio is focused on student wellness to ensure children are nourished and ready to learn, grow, and achieve,' Director of Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Stephen Dackin said. Eligible families will receive $120 for each school-age child over the next month, according to the release. 'Sun Bucks helps to reduce the lack of access to nutritious food for children over the summer and promotes the importance of nutrition and healthy meals,' Dackin said. Families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance (Ohio Works First), and who are income-eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits will automatically receive the Summer EBT benefits, according to the release. Families who receive SNAP benefits can expect the money to be loaded onto their Ohio Direction Card. Those who received 2024 summer benefits will have 2025 benefits loaded onto their existing card, while new recipients will receive a benefit card by mail, according to the release. The money can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers. Families not automatically eligible can learn more about the application process at [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free summer meals available for students in Columbus, central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) —This summer, several central Ohio programs will offer free breakfasts, lunches and dinners for students 18 and under. Starting Monday, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, in partnership with Children's Hunger Alliance, will provide meals at 17 locations. 'Ensuring that our young minds have what they need to succeed extends beyond literacy,' library CEO Lauren Hagan said. 'Students can't focus on their schoolwork if they're hungry. We deeply value the Children's Hunger Alliance for their continued commitment and partnership.' CML-Summer-Meals-Flier_2025Download Columbus Recreation and Parks also offers free, nutritionally balanced meals at its community centers and other locations during the summer. Meals are served to anyone between the ages of 1 and 18, and anyone aged 18 to 21 who has been determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and involved in an independent education program. Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as 'food,' 'summer,' 'meals,' etc. and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them. Information can be downloaded in English, Spanish and Somali. Visit the website for a map of locations. In addition, Pickerington Local Schools will be serving healthy meals during summer break for children 18 and under. The lunch schedule begins on Monday, June 2, and runs through June 30. No-cost lunches will be available at Tussing Elementary School, 7117 Tussing Road, Mondays through Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No registration is required, making it a hassle-free experience. 'This program is about ensuring kids have access to nutritious meals even when school isn't in session,' Pickerington Food Service Supervisor Suzie Gerhardt said. 'We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity.' Parents or guardians seeking more information can call PLSD at 614-833-3645, office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the PLSD website. SUN Meals, a statewide summer food program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, is available to children ages 1 through 18 and individuals ages 19 through 21 identified as having mental or physical disabilities and following Individualized Education Programs. Free meals will be served during the summer months at participating program sites. Information is available by calling 1-866-348-6479 or visiting the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mutiple local schools receive Purple Star Award for supporting military families
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Several local schools were honored with a Purple Star Award recognizing them for their support of military families. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced over 360 schools earned the award on Wednesday, April 16. Schools qualify by completing all the Purple Star Advisory Board required activities and a bonus activity. The school must have an on-staff Military Family Liaison who acts as a point of contact between military families and the school. As for bonus activities, the school can choose between multiple options. A military event that is separate from Veterans Day. A system to identify children who are in military families, but not necessarily because of military parents. (Children with siblings in service.) Host month of the Military Child activities in April. KinderCare offers free day of care for military families 'The Purple Star program is a wonderful way to showcase the many schools in Ohio that are going above and beyond to support their military communities,' said DeWine. 'Year after year, our Purple Star schools put in the time and effort to make sure military-connected students have the support they need to thrive.' Schools are able to renew their awards every three years. Currently there are over 700 active Purple Star schools in Ohio. 'These schools and their staff do incredible work connecting our state's military families with resources to help them be successful, both in school and in their service to our state and country,' said Dackin. 'I applaud their dedication to this important work.' Annual 5K Furry Skurry to benefit local pets in Miami Valley Miami Valley schools earning the designation: Archbishop Carroll High School – Archdiocese of Cincinnati Bellbrook High School – Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools Brantwood Elementary School – Mad River Local Schools Brookville Elementary School – Brookville Local Schools Brookville Intermediate School – Brookville Local Schools Centerville High School – Centerville City Schools Centerville Primary Village North – Centerville City Schools Charles Huber Elementary School – Huber Heights City Schools Dayton Regional STEM School – STEM School Fairmont High School – Kettering City Schools Five Points Elementary School – Springboro Community City Schools Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton Kinder Intermediate School – Miamisburg City Schools Miamisburg High School – Miamisburg City Schools Perry High School – Perry Local Schools To view the full list of Ohio schools that have earned the award, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dozen local school districts honored for supporting military students and families
(WKBN) – Over 360 schools in Ohio, including several in the Valley, have received a Purple Star designation this year. Crestview High School Leetonia Exempted Village School District: Leetonia Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School NEW: Austintown Fitch High School Canfield Local School District: C.H. Campbell Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, Canfield Village Middle School, Canfield High School Jackson-Milton Elementary School Sebring Local School District: B.L. Miller Elementary, McKinley Junior Senior High School West Branch High School NEW: Brookfield High School NEW: Howland High School Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools: Newton Falls Elementary (NEW), Middle (NEW) and Jr./Sr. High School Southington Elementary School Trumbull Career & Technical Center The honor is given to schools that demonstrate a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to the nation's armed forces. The designation is valid for three years. '[The Purple Star program is] another example of how Ohio is a leader in caring for our military families. Year after year, our Purple Star schools put in the time and effort to make sure military-connected students have the support they need to thrive,' said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. To qualify, schools must designate a staff member to serve as a liaison to military families. Schools must also participate in at least one supportive activity each year. Some of these schools host monthly military kids club meetings, provide professional learning for educators on the needs of military students, implement peer-to-peer transition programs, or organize celebrations to honor military students and families. 'These schools and their staff do incredible work connecting our state's military families with resources to help them be successful, both in school and in their service to our state and country,' said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. There are now 700 active Purple Star schools in the state. You can view the entire list of Purple Star schools on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
