Education News Briefs: Haircuts, military honors, a new book

Fulton Elementary offers free haircuts and braiding for students before they go into state testing
 
Fulton Elementary School is making sure its students are “fresh for the test” by hosting local barbers and braiders to give students free haircuts and hairstyles ahead of Ohio State Testing.

Five barbers and braiders from the Springfield and Dayton area donated their time to give Fulton students revived hairstyles.

This is the second year that Fulton has held a free haircutting event, but the first time that the school has done so ahead of a state test. Braiders were added this year to accommodate more female students.

“This is a small way that we can instill confidence in our students, which is so invaluable at their age. They walked out of the gym with new hairstyles and smiles that couldn’t be ignored,” says Fulton Principal Deborah Howard, who is hopeful the students’ refreshed
looks will spur chain reactions. “Look good, feel good, test good!”

Students began state testing the week of April 9.

Source: Springfield City School District

Clark State Fallen Warrior Memorial Sculpture is one way Clark State remembers the military.
Veteran-owned business names Clark State ranked No. 1 military-friendly school 

VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business that connects the military community to civilian employment and educational opportunities, named Clark State College the nation’s No. 1 Military Friendly School, as well as the nation’s number one Military Spouse Friendly School. Both honors were awarded in the small community college category.

“I am ecstatic that Clark State is being recognized for our commitment in supporting veteran and military students and their spouses,” says Diana Seaman, registrar at Clark State who applied for the designation. “It is an honor to be part of a college that shows such dedication toward effective educational pathways and services for military communities.”

To earn a Military Friendly designation, an institution must provide in-depth documentation about their military services, programs, successes and opportunities. A college must also meet minimum thresholds for academic policy and compliance, student retention, graduation and career outcomes, culture and commitment, financial aid and loan repayment, as well as admissions and orientation, for all students, specifically student veterans. 

To be ranked No. 1, an institution must earn the highest assessment and threshold ratings in their category. Clark State earned the top spot out of more than 8,800 academic institutions invited to participate in the survey.

“Earning this designation is definitely an honor, but more importantly, it reinforces that Clark State offers programs and services to help our military communities thrive in their post-military education and careers,” Seaman says.

Clark state offers a 50 percent reduced tuition rate and priority registration to all Active military, Reserve and Ohio National Guard members, as well as their spouses. In 2024, 339 military affiliated students enrolled at Clark State. 
Source: Clark State College Communications

Kendall Newell has published his second book, "Adversity Road."Instructional Coach Kendall Newell publishes second book: ‘Adversity Road’

Everyone faces obstacles in life and Perrin Woods Elementary School Instructional Coach Kendall Newell has written a children’s book with that message. The book is called “Adversity Road,” and it is the second for the Springfield City School District educator. 

The book’s message for children is that although we may not encounter the same obstacles as one another if we adopt the mindset that we are all walking with adversity, we can develop a strong lens of empathy and compassion for the people around us.

Mr. Newell’s first book, "A Star Upon A Dream, 'was published in 2021 and emphasizes the importance of uplifting others to follow their dreams, instead of choosing to be discouraging. 

Kendall Newell has published his second book, "Adversity Road."In that book, Meleah Rowland, a third-grade student dreams of becoming a zoologist someday. She quickly learns how it feels to be doubted, thus diminishing the light within her. She learns a very important lesson from her father, Charles Rowland, about how he became the shining star he is today.

“A Star Upon A Dream" was named a recipient of a Literary Titan Book Award. 

Both publications are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Source: Springfield City School District