Recognize an Outstanding OLSD Employee through OEF's SHOUTOUTS Program!

It’s that time of the year when we reflect upon the last school year and think about the people that made this year special for your child. Whether it’s a special teacher who helped your child overcome a difficult project, or a music teacher that encouraged your child to try out for a role in the school’s musical, or perhaps it’s the kind and gentle bus driver who goes above and beyond to ensure your child’s safety and your comfort in knowing they are in good hands. These are all people that you can recognize through OEF’s ShoutOuts Program.

It’s so easy! Click on the button below and follow the instructions to complete the online submission. It’s guaranteed to put on a special OLSD employee’s face!

OEF Grant Spotlight - Wyandot Run Elementary School - Vocabulary Parade

Last month I had the pleasure to be a spectator at Wyandot Run Elementary's "Vocabulary Parade". What is a "Vocabulary Parade" you ask? Well I asked Heidi Wolfer (Literacy Specialist at WRES) if she could share more details and here's what she shared:

• The idea came from another school in the district, Scioto Ridge Elementary School.

• The Vocabulary Parade is linked to Olentangy's academic Word List (OaWL). Each grade level has a word list that was created by the district. The words are difficult and pop up in each grade levels curriculum.

• With the support of an OEF Grant, each grade level at WRES received new vocabulary picture books that promote vocabulary.

• Starting in January, the school started truly focusing on vocabulary. During a Professional Development session in February, teachers shared how they encouraged kids to be inspired by vocabulary words, or how vocabulary is showcased in the classrooms.

• Teachers started discussing the parade and sharing ideas. For example, every day the WRES Kindergarten teachers dressed up as a new word from the OaWL and they would us a microphone to announce something special with that word.

• By the end of February and beginning of March, the school was in vocabulary mode. They had announcements from their students, words spread on walls and teachers were consistently talking about new and interesting words.

• They decided to spread the parade over 2 days so each grade level could watch others and learn new words! It was exciting to watch the students cheer for each other.

• Most importantly, the students were inspired. They really brought their A game!

I can share as a mother of a 4th grader at Wyandot Run, it was all that my son could talk about for a month leading up to the day! I was so impressed with how engaged the students were and how creative they were with their words. Whether it was a student dressed up as a sorcerer, a principal dressed as a train conductor, or a literacy teacher dressed as a large penguin (AKA Aptenodytes), the students had a wonderful time and learned new vocabulary without even realizing it. Great job to Mrs. Wolfer and the team at Wyandot Run for creating a fun and engaging way for students to learn. The students are already talking about what words they want to be next year!

Mary Lorenz

Executive Director, OEF

ZOOlentangy 2023: August 11

Mark your calendar now; ZOOlentangy is scheduled for Friday, August 11 at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Tickets will be available in the spring.

Please CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming a ZOOlentangy Sponsor.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at ZOOlentangy, please reach out to Mary Lorenz at mlorenz@olentangyef.org.

Fund Established for Instruction of Students with Dyslexia

OEF recently partnered with the Olentangy Dyslexia Network (ODN) to establish a fund that will be used for the education of Olentangy students with dyslexia. The Olentangy Dyslexia Network was established in 2013 with support from district leadership to provide a community of education and support for dyslexic families while ensuring that scientific- and research-based services are delivered equally and with fidelity by the Olentangy Schools. Since then, the network has provided guidance and resources to both the families and staff of Olentangy Schools.

ODN was instrumental in pushing out Orton-Gillingham training to the staff of Olentangy Schools, which is a program designed for students with dyslexia and those in need of reading assistance. Olentangy Schools has been recognized as the only public school district in the nation to have an Orton-Gillingham accredited training program.

ODN recently transferred its assets to the Olentangy Education Foundation to establish the Olentangy Dyslexia Network Fund, which will provide classroom grants specifically for the benefit of educating students with dyslexia.

You can make a contribution to the Olentangy Dyslexia Network Fund to support instruction of students with dyslexia HERE.

More information on the Olentangy Dyslexia Network is available on their website.