BUCYRUS—Retired Bucyrus City Schools teacher Bob Laipply is heading up a new program that begins in the fall that will allow children to receive religious education during the school day.
Laipply said the LifeWise Academy program was started in Van Wert, Ohio, and he has worked to bring it to three local schools, so far.
“We have met with the school boards of Colonel Crawford, Bucyrus and Wynford,” said Laipply. “We will also be talking with Crestline Exempted Village Schools, Buckeye Central and Galion in the near future.”
It was reported last week that the Colonel Crawford School Board approved the program.
“We cannot hold the classes on school grounds but the districts are obligated to provide a time for kids to leave the school building for about 45 minutes each week to participate if they have permission from their parents and that is based on a 1952 Supreme Court decision,” Laipply said.
He said that no tax money can be used for the program so it is completely privately funded.
“We are seeking donations for the program which will cost about $45,000 for this coming school year for the three schools that are already participating. Some of that is for equipment that will be one-time purchases,” said Laipply.
He said that only one grade level at each school will be participating this year in the weekly classes and that is decided by each school district.
“Colonel Crawford students will walk to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church that is located in front of the school’s campus. Bucyrus students will walk across the parking lot to the Outreach Center on Hopley Avenue and Wynford students will be bussed to and from the Outreach Center,” said Laipply. “The LifeWise program will pay the school districts for transportation expenses.”
He said the program focuses on each book of the Bible and is designed for grades one through five although there are programs available for older students too.
“We will be using the Joseph Project curriculum. It is a lot like Bible school for the kids,” said Laipply.
He said that LifeWise is a national program and a non-profit organization with a 501-C3 status so all donations are tax-deductible for people who wish to give money to the program.
“We already have several churches, individuals, and organizations who are interested in helping out,” said Laipply.
For more information about the program, call Bob Laipply at 419-569-2709 or send him an email. The national LifeWise Academy website can be accessed by clicking here.