The Family Connector
Dear CCS Community,
With Columbus's rapid growth and increasing business investment in the community, preparing students for these future vital in-demand jobs is a major priority at Columbus City Schools.
CCS offers multiple career-technical pathway programs to help students explore their passions and interests and give them real-world experiences and skills needed to succeed in higher education programs and out in the workforce. My vision is for our students to graduate high school with their diplomas, certification, and credential.
Recently, I saw students’ hands-on learning in action at Briggs High School and West High School. Both schools offer robust career-technical programs to help their students succeed, and both schools have seen success in their programs. Briggs and West are continuing to build and create more pathways while adding additional courses to existing programs.
While at West, I met with students in an Introduction to Engineering class, where they were actively engaged in a project to create their own food trucks. Students explored the entire process of building their business, from creating menus to looking at blueprints. While there, I had the pleasure of talking to Daisha Richards, whose classes focus on the engineering design process of “Discover. Build. Grow.” As part of that process, she teaches students problem-solving skills, and how to use the engineering design process to solve real-world problems.
At Briggs, I met students in the Principles of Wood class, a new entry-level course geared toward freshmen and part of the school’s construction pathway. Their teacher, Joe Coplan, was engaging students in active discussions about the basics of using tools of the trade.
Briggs offers construction classes for junior and senior students and is expanding its CTE offerings to accommodate students interested in CTE courses. This expansion aims to create a seamless educational pathway, allowing students to extend their learning experiences into high school well before they reach their junior year.
These programs are popular and provide students with valuable skills to help them in their academic journey and become career-ready. At West, there are 536 students enrolled in the school’s CTE programming. Briggs has a total of 556 students enrolled in their CTE programming and 31 in the new Principles of Wood class. Around 51% of the total Briggs student body is enrolled in CTE classes, and more are on the waitlist.
West’s Principal, Dr. Daniel Roberts shared, “The kids are like magnets” to the CTE classes, and it’s easy to see why. Students are gaining confidence, building their entrepreneurial spirit, and learning valuable skills. I can’t wait to see what these students accomplish from these engaging programs that provide students with real-world experiences!
Sincerely,
Dr. Angela Chapman
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools
Community Board Meeting Dates:
- 10/17: Independence HS
- 11/28: Briggs HS
- 12/19: Marion - Franklin HS
Families are encouraged to attend the Board of Education meeting at Independence High School on October 17 beginning at 6:00 p.m. There will be a 30-minute open discussion time held from 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. where families and community members can speak to board members without signing up ahead of time.
Families are always welcome to attend regular board meetings at 3700 S. High St. but must sign up to speak by 3:45 p.m. the day of the meeting. For a full list of board meeting dates, please visit: Board of Education / Homepage (ccsoh.us)
In the spirit of October, we're thrilled to celebrate National Principals Month! It's a time to spotlight our dedicated school leaders and express our boundless gratitude for their unwavering commitment to students and staff throughout the year.
To our remarkable principals, your tireless efforts and leadership don't go unnoticed. You are pivotal in shaping our students' future and ensuring our educational community's success. Your dedication is truly inspiring, and we want to take this moment to say a heartfelt "Thank You!"
As we mark National Principals Month, let's come together as a community to show
appreciation for these exceptional individuals who work diligently to create a positive learning environment for all. Your passion and dedication make a difference, and we are grateful for all you do.
Did you know that reading together as a family can take many forms? As part of the exciting #TogetherWeReadCCS initiative, students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade will be sent home with one of the following:
- Pre-K students will receive a copy of the Hello! Magazine, filled with captivating features on birds, poems, stories, and more. It's washable and built to withstand multiple uses, making it perfect for little hands.
- First graders will enjoy the High Five Magazine, brimming with delightful poems, fictional and non-fictional stories, engaging puzzles, activities, and more to ignite their imagination.
- For students in grades 2-5, the Highlights magazine awaits, packed with intriguing topics, including October events, NASA discoveries, creepy-crawly insects, poems, informative text, adventurous tales, and so much more!
Remember to check your student's backpack for their latest reading adventure! It's a fantastic way to bond as a family and foster a love for reading that goes beyond the traditional books."
Thank you for your patience as we make the necessary adjustments to meet each student's transportation needs. This is a friendly reminder that October 16 - 20 is School Bus Safety Week!
Daylight Savings Time is approaching November 5 and will get darker during morning pick-up. Here are some safety tips for you and your student to remember:
- Make sure students stand at the bus stop 5 minutes before their pick-up time. Drivers may not seek them chasing the bus in the dark.
- Always allow the bus driver to cross the child. Never let a student run in front of the bus.
- To ensure visibility, be sure to wear colors that drivers can see in the dark.
As October unfolds, CCS continues to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month while emphasizing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and addressing cyberbullying.
In the first week of October, we shared videos to encourage students to reflect on their online activities. These resources also explore the power they hold in shaping digital narratives. SEL plays a significant role in understanding and empathizing with others, fostering a kinder online environment.
We aim to create a safer, more inclusive digital community by embracing SEL and promoting kindness online. Let's celebrate Hispanic heritage, enhance our social-emotional skills, and unite against cyberbullying. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the month!
Inside CCS: Teacher Chat is back for Season 2. On the first episode of the 2023-2024 School Year co-hosts Dr. Todd Walker, Chief Curriculum and Instruction Officer and Tyler Carter, Media Relations Coordinator in the Department of Communications, highlight the Professional Development: Intentional Practices Remarkable Results, held in August. Special guests and Instructional Coaches Jomika Jackson and Roni Becht join this episode and share what they've learned during the August PD.
On Wednesday, October 18, Columbus City Schools will partner with The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus City Council, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library to host a Community Conversation about Teens and Gun Violence.
We'd like to invite you to be a part of this important conversation. This free event will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch, 96 S. Grant Avenue.
Come and hear teens talk about living in a society where guns are readily available, and then let’s turn our attention to how we can help our youth.
Please register for this powerful event: Event Registration.
Boo! It's that time of year again, and we're here to help you plan your Halloween adventure. Get your costumes ready because Central Ohio is gearing up for a fantastic Halloween night. We've gathered the ghoulish details for trick-or-treat times in various Central Ohio communities so you can maximize your candy haul and spooky fun.
- Circleville: On October 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the charming town of Circleville will open its doors to trick-or-treaters. Don't miss out on their delightful treats!
- Columbus: The heart of Central Ohio, Columbus, invites you to trick-or-treat on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. With numerous neighborhoods and diverse communities, Columbus promises a thrilling Halloween experience.
- Dublin: Join the festivities in Dublin on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This vibrant city knows how to celebrate Halloween in style.
- Granville: Get a head start on Halloween in Granville, where trick-or-treat takes place on October 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It's a perfect opportunity for a spooky prelude to the big night.
- Hilliard: Trick-or-treating in Hilliard occurs on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The city's friendly neighborhoods are sure to have some treats in store for you!
- Johnstown: Join the fun in Johnstown on October 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and enjoy a community filled with Halloween spirit.
- Marion: Marion welcomes trick-or-treaters on October 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Get ready for a spooktacular adventure!
- Mount Vernon: Head to Mount Vernon on October 31 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a delightful trick-or-treating experience in this picturesque town.
- New Albany: New Albany invites you to celebrate Halloween on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Take the chance to explore this beautiful community.
- Pickerington: Trick-or-treat in Pickerington is on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gather your little goblins for a night of candy and fun!
- Plain City: Plain City will celebrate Halloween on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Remember to check out the spooky decorations in this charming village.
- Reynoldsburg: On October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Reynoldsburg will be alive with the Halloween spirit. Get your costumes ready for this fantastic evening.
- Upper Arlington: Trick-or-treat in Upper Arlington takes place on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Explore the friendly neighborhoods and collect your Halloween treasures.
- Westerville: Finally, make sure to attend Westerville's Halloween celebration on October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This city is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for trick-or-treating.
Remember to stay safe by following local health guidelines and respecting your neighbors' wishes. Whether young or young at heart, Halloween in Central Ohio offers something for everyone. Get ready for a spooktacular night filled with candy, costumes, and community spirit!
Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for a thrilling, not-so-scary Halloween adventure with your beloved Boo at the Zoo Character Ambassadors. The zoo will temporarily turn into an epicenter for all things Halloween thanks to events including a trick-or-treat trail, a maze consisting of straw bales, and a giant pumpkin carving from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Just as the big day is upon us, a pumpkin smash in which the zoo animals do the smashing takes place on October 28. Bring out your best costume and mark your calendars for a spooktacular time at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!
Event Details:
- Dates: October 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29
- Fridays: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission:
- Boo at the Zoo is included with your regular Zoo admission.
Are you passionate about gardening and love to see your neighborhood flourish? Well, we've got an exciting opportunity for you to get your hands dirty and positively impact your community! Join your friends and neighbors in a collaborative effort to bring new life to your local community centers through a fantastic landscaping project.
Columbus Recreation and Parks will provide all the necessary supplies so that you can bring your enthusiasm and green thumb! This is your chance to contribute to beautifying your local community and make it an even better place to live. Be a part of this wonderful initiative and register for your spot today! Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference and nurture the green spaces in our communities.
Planting Dates and Locations:
- Whetstone Community Center
- Date: October 7
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Scioto Southland Community Center
- Date: October 14
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Far East Community Center
- Date: October 21
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Green Columbus is offering a fantastic opportunity for you to not only learn about tree planting but also to receive a free tree for your yard. Join us on October 21 at the Linden Nursery for this special event.
Did you know that fall is the perfect season to plant a tree in your yard? It brings a burst of vibrant colors to your surroundings and plays a vital role in our mission to enhance Columbus' green canopy to 40 percent by 2050.
Here are some tips to get you started on your tree-planting journey:
- Choose the Right Spot: Select a suitable location in your yard with ample sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Water Wisely: Keep your newly planted tree well-hydrated during the fall to help it establish strong roots.
- Handle with Care: Ensure you handle your tree sapling gently, not damaging its delicate roots.
Ready to get your hands dirty and make Columbus greener? Secure your free tree by registering today! Let's sow the seeds of a greener future, one tree at a time. See you there!
Get Ready for a Spooktacular Skating Bash! Join United Skates of America for a haunted skate party perfect for the whole family! Get your groove on to the hottest Top 40 Pop hits while enjoying a night of thrilling fun.
Date: October 28
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: 3362 Refugee Rd. Columbus, OH 43232
Admission:
- $10.00 per person
- $5.00 for skate rental
Kids and Teens: Ages 3-17 pay admission and skate rental (unless they bring their own). Non-skating adults enter for free. Don't miss out on the Halloween skate party of the year! Grab your costumes, invite your friends and family, and roll on over to our haunted skate party for an unforgettable night of spooky fun!
