Westside Messenger - September 20th, 2020

PAGE 4 - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - September 20, 2020
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)
has unveiled a new School Help webpage,
where K-12 students can get help with
homework and reading.
CML’s new School Help webpage features:
• Online K-12 Homework Help, with
staff ready to answer homework questions
and help with reading practice via text,
chat and phone Monday through Friday 9
a.m.-5 p.m.
• Video tutorials with step-by-step
instructions on how to use key homework
tools.
• HelpNow, a resource that offers 24-
hour access to study tools and test preparation,
plus online tutors available every day
from 2-11 p.m.
• Links to school district and library
resources.
“While we regret that our Homework
Help and Reading Buddies programs can’t
be offered in person at this time due to the
pandemic, we know that students and families
need our support more than ever
before,” said CML Public Services Director
Kathy Shahbodaghi. “Whatever shape this
school year takes, we want families to
know we’re here to help.”
All 23 CML locations are open for
Curbside Pickup and nearly all are open for
Limited Services. All customers age 5 and
older are required to wear a face covering
while inside CML buildings. Customers are
not able to browse CML’s collection, but
library staff are available to help find books
and other materials for customers and
their families.
CML will continue to follow guidelines
provided by local, county and state health
officials and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Digital library resources remain available
24/7 at columbuslibrary.org, including
eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies
and music, plus research and learning
tools.
CML has many channels for customers
to connect with staff, including:
• Live Chat: CML’s live chat feature is a
convenient way to get help Monday
through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
• Phone Lines: CML has reopened its
phone lines at 614-645-2275 so customers
can reach staff members to get the help
they need Monday through Thursday from
9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9
a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
• Reserve an Expert: Customers can
schedule a one-on-one, virtual appointment
with a librarian to get help with genealogy,
www.columbusmessenger.com
In Education
South-Western City Schools to slash student fees
By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
The South-Western City Schools
District has reduced its student fee schedule
for the 2020-2021 calendar year.
At the Sept. 14 meeting, the board of
education unanimously approved the
reduction, which calls for a majority of the
fees to be slashed by 50 percent.
The decision, officials said, was two-fold.
According to Superintendent Dr. Bill
Wise, the alteration was needed due to
changes to in-person instruction and the
loss of some competitive opportunities.
“We just aren’t putting as many buses
on the roads and kids may not have as
many opportunities to participate so some
of those expenses have gone away,” he told
the board while issuing the proposal at the
meeting last month.
He added that with the students not
having the typical five-day physical presence
in the building, it did not make sense
to charge them full price for an annual consumable
fee.
Board member Anthony Caldwell said it
also offered parents a financial break in
this current environment.
“We recognize the challenges these
times are having on families,” he stated.
Under the modified fee schedule, the
instructional fee, or consumable fee, will be
set at $10 rather than the typical $20.
Other fee reductions for courses include the
arts, the sciences and several career technical
electives and programs. Art courses
offering one credit lab courses will be
$17.50, half-credit courses are set at $10,
and science fees are $5. Those taking family
and consumer science courses, such as
principles of food, culinary fundamentals
and textiles and interior design will be
charged $10.
Students involved in extracurricular
activities will also see a fee reduction of 50
percent. Families with children who participate
in athletics at the middle school level
will be asked to pay $37.50 per student, per
sport; families with children who participate
in athletics at the high school level
will be asked to pay $75 per student, per
sport.
Fees for marching band participation is
$50; club participation is $5; and the family
cap is set at $250.
High school parking fees are $25 but the
fee can be waived if a parking pass was
purchased at Columbus State Community
College for on-campus courses. Proof of a
current pass must be presented in order for
the fee to be waived.
Wise said that students or parents who
have already paid at the regular price will
be offered a refund or have the credit
applied for the future.
Columbus library launches webpage to help with homework
COSI Connects Reading and Science
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)
has partnered with COSI to promote science
and literacy with virtual events as
part of a new program called COSI
Connects Reading and Science.
Each Tuesday, beginning Sept. 22 and
ending Oct. 27, CML and COSI will share a
video featuring a virtual storytime and a
virtual science experiment on their social
media channels.
CML will make available all books read
during these storytimes, and a special
bookmark will be available at all CML locations
for students. Additionally, COSI
Learning Lunchboxes will contain CML
book recommendations based on the theme
of the Lunchbox, as well as the age of the
child. Many COSI Connects daily activities
will have corresponding book recommendations
to encourage further learning.
“Science and reading go hand-in-hand,”
said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “We are
so fortunate to have an institution like
COSI right here in central Ohio. Together
we can help fulfill CML’s vision of ‘a thriving
community where wisdom prevails.’”
The Center of Science and Industry
(COSI) is a dynamic, hands-on science center
with more than 56 years of award-winning
expertise in providing engaging,
inspiring and transforming learning experiences.
For more information, visit cosi.org.
local history, business information, searching
for a job or downloading digital content.
Customers can also book an online, one-onone
appointment with the Legal Advice
Clinic for brief legal questions.
For more information, visit columbuslibrary.org.
Susie Loik, Westgate Neighbors Association scholarship committee chair is pictured
here with and Marty Susec, this year’s scholarship recipient.
WNA awards scholarship
The Westgate Neighbors Association
announced the 2020 scholarship recipient,
Martin Susec.
The annual $500 scholarship is
awarded to a resident of Westgate who
will be a graduating high school senior,
or is currently a full-time student in a
postsecondary training or education. The
recipient must demonstrate dedication
to community service and leadership.
Susec is a 2020 graduate of Hilliard
Darby High School and is attending
Ohio State University’s Agricultural
Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio. He
plans to obtain an associate degree in
biochemical science, then transfer to
OSU’s main campus to complete a bachelor’s
degree in biology. Susec would like
to become a research scientist with a
specialty in virology.
Susec is the sixth recipient of the
annual scholarship.