September 1, 2016
Contact: Jill Moberley, Public Information Officer
Jmoberle@dps.k12.oh.us
For Immediate Release

–    DPS Tailgate Party ready for week two

The DPS Tailgate Party is gearing up for a second week. The Thurgood Marshall Cougars play the Alter Knights, Friday, Sept. 2, at Welcome Stadium. The tailgate begins at 5 p.m., followed by the game at 7 p.m. This is the first year for the pre-game celebrations. Every ticket holder can enjoy food, games and camaraderie before kickoff. Deejay Ron Hunter provides the music. Food is provided by Ponitz Career Technology Center chefs Head and Tucker, along with the Ponitz culinary arts students. DPS would like to thank the sponsors: Dayton Education Association, Montgomery County Black Elected Officials, Wright & Schulte LLC, and Taste Restaurant. For more information, contact Athletic Director Mark Baker at 542-4070.

–    Senior class already thinking about college scholarships

The DPS Infinite Scholars Program is already working to help seniors secure college scholarships. Students will have the opportunity to meet with local, state and national colleges and universities to learn how to properly apply for college scholarships. They will also learn about high school completion requirements, college selections, career readiness initiatives, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). The event will take place at Dunbar Early College High School, 1400 Albritton Dr., Thursday, Sept. 15, beginning at 9 a.m. Students from all six district high schools will visit the event through the day until 1 p.m. For more information, contact Mortenous A. Johnson at 542-3543.

–    Call to parents to get involved in their children’s education

The Dayton Education Council will make a special appearance at River’s Edge Montessori PreK-6 School’s open house, Thursday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. The council is working to spread the word about the importance of parent involvement in childhood education. Parents will learn about volunteering opportunities at their child’s school. “We want to take that important message straight to the parents, so they know how to make a difference,” Toni Perry Gillispie, director, Office of Family and Community Engagement, said. For more information, contact Gillispie at 542-3013.

–    Community Connector grant ramps up DPS mentoring efforts

Dayton Public Schools students will benefit from the second round of the Ohio Department of Education’s Community Connector grant program. Parity, Inc. received nearly $100,000 to assist area mentoring initiatives. Dayton Public Schools partners with Parity, Inc., and can apply for grant money it hopes to use on programs focusing on academics, attitude and attendance. Community Connectors works to provide students with role models who can inspire them in the classroom and in the workplace. For more information, contact Mortenous A. Johnson at 542-3543.

–    Horace Mann students get some green to grow some green

Third graders at Horace Mann PreK-6 School will be putting a $2,000 Whole Foods Garden Grant to good use this school year. They, along with the help of Wright State University’s preservice science method students, already started the Horace Mann Garden Project, growing a mini-garden full of fresh produce over the summer. The grant money will help create a permanent garden for future use by the entire school. Woolpert is helping the students design and budget their new garden. For more information, contact Principal Megan Winston at 542-4890 or Teacher Anne Shope at 542-4913.

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