The Learning Café provides time‐‐after regular school hours, in Springfield’s new school buildings ‐‐ for students and their families to pursue educational goals together while strengthening communal ties and understanding. Because active family support is proven to facilitate successful learning, each program session includes a family‐style meal that allows The Learning Café participants to share experiences and talk about what they’ve learned. Learning opportunities will include learning a foreign language, making a budget, preparing for the GED and staying active with fitness and wellness services. Bus transportation, provided by the Springfield City School District will be available to many neighborhoods.

The Learning Café is being funded primarily by Ohio’s Race to the Top funds, thanks to a competitive Innovative Programs grant the district won last summer. District partners, social services organizations and other volunteers from the community are donating much of the family and community programming.

"We’ve been listening to the community’s ideas for this unique learning opportunity and we’re eager to hear more at the Open House,” said Sharon Watkins, Coordinator of The Learning Café. “This is an exciting new choice for families in Springfield.” At the Open House, families will be served dinner and have a chance to walk through the high school to sample the types of courses and services that will be available through The Learning Café. Organizations such as the Fatherhood Coalition, Clark State Foundation’s Champion City Scholars and The Body Shop from Dayton Children’s Hospital will be on site to answer questions and present their services. The extensive selection of Springfield City School District offerings, including many traditional high school classes, GED preparation and unique short courses taught by SHS teachers, will also be highlighted.

Classes and activities for all ages will be available including a family cooking class, a welcome to Spanish class and a Wildcat Fitness walking course open to all. Open House attendees may enter a raffle for a new Kindle Fire. The Learning Café will provide free childcare at the Open House and for some of its upcoming programs. “The Learning Café brings an exciting learning opportunity to Springfield that is focused on not just the student, but the whole family,” said Dr. David Estrop, Superintendent, Springfield City School District. “We look forward to welcoming the community to our Open House to learn more about the exciting choices available at The Learning Café.” For more information about The Learning Café and the Open House, visit www.springfieldlearningcafe.org or