youngstown schools Specialty programs are taking applications

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

youngstowN

Future scholars, artists and scientists have a shot at an early opportunity to hone their skills.

The city school district is accepting applications for entry in its specialty programs this fall.

Specialty programs include Rayen Early College Middle School, Youngstown Early College, Choffin Career and Technical Center and the Chaney Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and visual and performing arts programs.

The application period runs through Feb. 16.

“There are no enrollment limits set at this time,” Karen Ingraham, district spokeswoman, said. “Everyone is welcome to apply.”

Lock P. Beachum Sr., school-board president, said the district wants students to know about the choices available to them.

“We want to make sure those students who are qualified and who have selected the areas of their future choices have time to get with their parents and to make a proper selection,” he said. “Right now is the time to get into those programs.”

Two informational sessions are set for next week in which families can learn more about Chaney’s STEM and VPA programs, Rayen Early College and Choffin.

A 6 p.m. Tuesday session is set in the Chaney auditorium for students entering sixth through eighth grade this fall. A 6 p.m. Wednesday meeting will be in the Chaney auditorium for students entering grades nine through 12 this fall.

Families will be able to pick up program applications during the meetings and to see student performances and demonstrations.

For Youngstown Early College, parents of eighth-graders who earned a 400 on the seventh-grade Ohio Achievement Assessment received invitations to attend meetings next month.

Parents of current eighth-graders who attend schools outside the city school district are also invited to the sessions at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 and at 6 p.m. Feb. 8, both at Choffin, which is on Wood Street.

Application forms for all of the programs are available at each school building, online at ycsd.org, at the school district administrative offices at 20 W. Wood St. or through the mail by calling 330-744-6970.

This year was the first since Superintendent Connie Hathorn reorganized the school buildings, making Chaney, which had been a traditional high school, into a STEM and VPA campus.

About 330 students were enrolled in those two programs this year.