Monday Musings

June 2, 2003

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1.    Tuition Assistance for Franklin County Teachers:  The next distribution of tuition assistance for Franklin County teachers' professional development courses will be determined by the joint committee meeting to be held on July 2.  This distribution will cover courses taken between January 1 through August of 2003 for which no previous grant from this fund was given.
        The committee will consider the forms that have been submitted, processed and forwarded by PSAS and which are in the committee's possession on July 2.  All teachers applying should allow two weeks for PSAS to process the forms.  Any forms received by the committee after July 2 will be included in the fall distribution.
        Forms are available from the Diocesan Office and from Pat Cassidy.

2.    Educators Appreciation Night at COSI Columbus - August 21, 6-9pm:  Teachers and Administrators, bring a colleague and enjoy the evening COSI and TIAA CREF have planned just for you!
           - Discover a wide range of educational resources from around Central Ohio, including Audubon Ohio, Projects WET and WILD, Solid Waste Authority, Eisenhower National Clearinghouse, Metro Parks, Columbus Council on World Affairs, American Chemical Society, Future City Competition, Thurber House, and many others. 
            - Explore COSI's exhibition areas with our Education Team
            - Preview films on the Extreme Screen
            - Learn more about COSI's Electronic Education, Inquiry Learning for Schools, COSI On Wheels, and Overnight Learning Expeditions programs.
            - Participate in our "Best Practices" share-a-thon.
            - Learn how all these offerings relate to state standards and proficiency outcomes.
            - Explore Ohio's new science content standards with The Science & Math Network.
            - Terrific take-homes, great desserts and coffee, register for grand prizes!
        No reservations required.  Questions?  Want to be part of our "Best Practices" share-a-thon?  Contact Joan Harless at 614-228-2674, ext. 2354 or jharless@mail.cosi.org.

3.    COSI's Inquiry Learning for Schools Initiative ensures the continued growth of science literacy across the state of Ohio.  It provides a comprehensive set of services for professional development, enhanced learning opportunities for students, and shared science experiences for families.  The program reflects national and state science education standards, highlighting inquiry-based teaching methodology.
        We invite you to consider one of two different professional development opportunities.
    1.  COSI Fellows study inquiry-based science methods at their school and at COSI through a structured program that combines group experiences with on-line support.  Fellows develop a series of inquiry-based science lessons for their classroom as part of a year-long practicum.
        COSI Fellows commit to the following
                - 4 day introduction to Inquiry Session at COSI this summer (dates available in late June, late July and early August)
                - 3 two-day content strand sessions at COSI scheduled in the fall, winter, and spring
                - 3 day-long workshops in your school district
    2.  COSI Inquirers are introduced to inquiry-based science methods in two day-long workshops in the fall.  The workshops will provide teachers with a new perspective on inquiry-based science.
        Benefits for both Inquirers and Fellows include
                - A teacher-family membership to COSI
                - The opportunity to bring your class to COSI for a free field trip
                - Classroom materials
                - A newsletter
                - A free Family Night at COSI for all families in your school
                - COSI compensates schools for substitute teachers.
        In addition to these benefits, Fellows receive - Content resource books
                                                                            - Graduate credit (additional fee)
                                                                            - $350 stipend for summer and $50 per Saturday session.   
        For application or additional information, please contact Paige Geisler by June 15 at 614-228-COSI, ext. 2396 or by e-mail at pgeisler@mail.cosi.org.

4.    Attention, Teachers/Principals:  A number of teachers will be transferring from one school to another within the Diocese.  It is very important not to cancel insurance but rather give notification of the transfer with a complete set of enrollment forms from the new school.  Most teacher transfers will be effective September 1 because the benefit contract year usually ends August 31.  Questions regarding benefits can be directed to the Self-Insurance Office (614-224-1221).

5.    Free!  The Great Media Giveaway is this week, Wednesday, June 4.  Time is 9am - 5pmPlace is the Catholic Center, 3rd floor Conference Room, 197 East Gay Street, Columbus.  The Giveaway includes videos, story books, non-fiction and textbooks. . . And it's all FREE!  Parking on the lot is available after 4:00 pm.  But, there are many parking lots and meters near the building.  For any questions, call Sue Reihing, Media Resource Coordinator, 614-221-4633.

6.    OSU Fee Waiver Requests:  Fee waiver request forms for OSU (fall quarter) are due by June 27.  Please complete the on-line request form.

        Fee waiver requests for ODU (fall semester) can be made anytime between now and the start of school.

7.    LPDC:  The last meeting of the year of the Columbus LPDC is June 12 at Saint Anthony School.  The LPDC will meet again in October.

8.    Course Reminder:  Teachers taking summer coursework for the purpose of moving to licensure must have transcripts and other renewal data in to the Personnel Office by early September.  The State has added a penalty for those applying late:  THREE MORE SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED.

9.    Sympathy is extended to Barb SchwabKlaco, campus minister at Bishop Ready, whose father passed away recently.

This is the last Musings of the 2002-03 school year.
Have a great summer.

Comments to office@cdeducation.org

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