EdConnection: Student Fitness Challenge, STEM Grant Applications Open, and More!

July 29, 2025

Students invited to join Ohio Lt. Governor Tressel for statewide fitness challenge Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel is inviting schools to join a new, statewide fitness challenge for students in grades 4-8. This challenge aims to promote student wellness, increase energy levels, and foster a stronger sense of community. School principals must register their schools by Aug. 7. Register now

Applications open for Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program With funding from Battelle, the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program is now accepting applications for a new round of grants, which could provide up to $5,000. Learn more Excellence in Business Advisory Councils awarded and recognized The Business Advisory Council (BAC) Townhall took place July 21, presenting awards for BAC excellence in a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio ACTE 2025 All Ohio Conference. View awardees

Upcoming open office hours for school improvement grants To help grantees maximize the impact of their school improvement grants, team members from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will answer questions at a virtual open office hours session on Aug. 21. Attend webinar Explore and discover at the Ohio State Fair With the Ohio State Fair now open, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is excited to meet attendees from all over the state. Visit the Department’s booth to discover the notable Ohioans who contributed to America’s history. Get State Fair details

New Rules for Public Comment The Department regularly posts rules for public comment. Recently, the Department posted draft rules regarding the approval of nonpublic schools, which will remain posted through Aug. 13. Find rules and related public comment deadlines on the Department’s website. Check back often as additional rules may be added throughout the week.

Dates and Deadlines Approaching deadlines or important dates mentioned in earlier editions of EdConnection. JULY 7/31: Attend “Laying the Groundwork - Building Effective Data Teams” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #1) AUGUST 8/1-8/14: Ohio Sales Tax Holiday 8/1: Adopt online day plan for academic school year 8/1: Submit membership applications for Ohio Gifted Advisory Council 8/3: Complete the OhioMeansJobs K-12 Survey 8/5: Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) test window opens 8/8: Annual restraint and seclusion data collection window closes 8/8: Attend “Laying the Groundwork - Building Effective Data Teams” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #2) 8/15: Submit applications for LifeChanger of the Year Back-to-School Supply Grants 8/27: Attend webinar covering revised gifted operating standards 8/29: Retention/Promotion – Grade 3 Only reporting collection closes 8/31: Submit medical reporting information in Nonpublic Data System (chartered nonpublic schools) SEPTEMBER 9/3: Attend “Traditional and CTPD Graduation” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #1) 9/4: Attend “Traditional and CTPD Graduation” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #2) 9/5: Deadline to enter Second Lady Usha Vance’s K-8 2025 Summer Reading Challenge 9/10: Attend “Teacher Coaching and Providing Effective Feedback” Principal Chats webinar 9/22: Attend “Traditional College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness and CTPD Career & Post-Secondary Readiness” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #1) 9/23: Attend “Traditional College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness and CTPD Career & Post-Secondary Readiness” Ohio School Report Card training (date option #2)