Life briefs: Galion City Schools, Academic Challenge, leadership conference, art exhibit
Galion schools implement new technology to enhance learning
GALION — Galion City Schools purchased new technology in 2022 to continue providing interactive learning opportunities for Galion students. The new technology, ActiveFloor, will reinforce academics in all subject areas while allowing children to get out of their chairs and move.
Initially, the district used ESSER Funds (emergency relief funds to address the impact of COVID-19) to purchase a Lü Playground. This interactive system includes a high-definition projector, a movement detection camera, speakers, and an LED lighting system. The Lü Playground system projects interactive games in subjects such as math, spelling, and physical fitness, allowing students to respond to questions and lessons using physical movement.
The district has since purchased four ActiveFloor units using a 21st Century Learning Communities Grant. The ActiveFloor units include a mobile box containing a projector and a computer, and a camera that tracks movement. A white vinyl floor mat is used for maximum visual display of the games. The mat and unit can be moved, allowing any floor space to be used as an interactive, instructional playground — stimulating movement and competition while students learn.
Students at Galion Primary, Intermediate and Middle Schools now have access to this multi-sensory tool during their technology and physical education lessons. The ROAR program, the district’s before and after school program, has trained their staff, and begun to use the mobile units to provide this immersive educational technology as well.
Fall Academic Challenge league and tournament results
During the past few weeks, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center was proud to host the High School Fall Academic Challenge League in the virtual format. Students competed as teams, answering questions about a wide range of topics including literature, fine arts, geography, history, math, and science.
In the varsity league, 14 teams competed in two brackets. The winner of Division A was Lexington, and the winner of Division B was Mansfield Christian Team A.
In the junior varsity league, there were 12 teams competing in a single group. Ashland was the winner, and MadisonTeam B came in second place.
The Fall Tournament was in person at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. For varsity, 20 teams faced off in two brackets. The winner of each bracket then faced off for the ultimate winner.
Mt. Vernon (winner of bracket B) took champion overall. Shelby (winner of Bracket A) took runner-up overall with the team of Cole Jenkins, Sam Alonzo, Alexis McClain and Case Mongold, along with Coach Grayson Murray.
In the junior varsity tournament, there were 18 teams competing in two brackets. The top teams from each bracket faced off in the final. Ashland A, the winner for Bracket B, secured the victory. Lexington, the winner of Bracket A, took runner-up.
MOESC hosts Student Leadership Conference
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center hosted the OHSAA Foundation/ Mid-Ohio ESC Student Leadership Conference on Nov. 16. Students in grades 9 to 11 from Mid-Ohio member schools who demonstrated or have potential for leadership roles were chosen by their local schools to attend. Three hundred students and 50 supporting adults attended from 14 area schools, including Madison, Plymouth, Northmor, Crestview, Galion, Highland, PCTC, FIRST School, Crestline, Mansfield City, Wynford, Lexington, Mt. Gilead and Shelby.
Harvey Alston, the coordinator of the Leadership Conference, delivered the morning keynote address about his philosophy on "being the best.” Alston's career has spanned positions from head football coach of Columbus East High School in Ohio in 1968 to assistant director of student financial aid at the university level. As an educator he’s taught English, biology, health, life sciences and math curricula. Over the years, Alston has received numerous state and national awards.
In breakout sessions, students heard from Deb Hult, cofounder of Core Trainings, an internationally recognized human development company, about creating motivating actions. Omari Pearson, founder and president of Passion to Purpose, spoke to students about creating a shared vision. To wrap up the day, Jason Michaels, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at age 6 and is an internationally, award-winning sleight-of-hand artist and professional speaker, motivated students to see beyond their challenges and self-imposed limitations and inspired them to take action by living bigger, bolder lives.
AU’s Coburn Gallery hosting senior art exhibition
ASHLAND — The Coburn Gallery at Ashland University is hosting a semester-closing “Senior Art + Design Exhibition” through Dec. 17, featuring the capstone experience for graduating art and design students Nathan Langdon, Joel Steiner and Bo Haoran.
This fall’s exhibition includes illustration, digital art, video work and graphic design from the exhibiting seniors.
Langdon, an Ashland resident, is set to complete degrees in fine arts (concentrations in digital art and graphic design) and digital media production. He plans to begin a career in the motion graphics industry.
Steiner, from Orrville, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Upon graduation, he hopes to find a job with a company or agency in Ohio where he can continue designing and creating.
Haoran came to Ashland from Beijing, China, and plans to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. After graduation, he intends to intern for an American design company for one year and then go back to Beijing.
The Coburn Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and noon- 4 p.m. on weekends. Gallery admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition, call 419-289-5652 or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: New technology in Galion Schools, Academic Challenge results
