School district to introduce Learning Cafe

Revamped, renamed after-school program for all ages plans open house.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield City School District will host an open house Thursday to introduce new components of the district’s after-hours program The Learning Cafe, formerly called the Family Academy.

“We’ve got the best learning menu in the city of Springfield, something for almost everybody,” said Superintendent David Estrop.

“That’s the whole idea ... so that we truly can give ... more opportunities for more people of all ages.”

The Learning Cafe is an afterschool program for students, their families and local residents to take advantage of learning opportunities offered through the city schools in partnership with social service agencies, Clark State Community College and the district’s GED program.

Thursday’s open house at Springfield High School will offer a preview of classes beginning March 19.

The open house starts at 5 p.m., with a family-style dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. and class previews starting at 6:30 p.m. The program ends at 8 p.m. Cost is $3 for adults and free for children.

The Learning Cafe is funded through a competitive Innovative Programs grant through the Race to the Top initiative.

The program includes some components from previous years, including the Winter Institute for Ohio Graduation Test preparation and some offerings that started with the Family Academy this school year.

Now opening under the new name of The Learning Cafe, course options will include GED preparation classes, traditional high school classes, a family cooking class, an introductory Spanish course and a fitness class.

“We’re trying to get not only the family but the community, so that we can make lifelong learning more of a reality in Springfield and lift up education as a priority in the community,” Estrop said.

When the program opens in March, it will run from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Registration for classes will be available at the open house.

Transportation to the open house will be provided from Lincoln Elementary, from 4:50 to 5:05 p.m.; Fulton Elementary, from 5:10 to 5:15 p.m.; and the Clark Center, from 5:15 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373.

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