Dear CCS Community,

Behind every successful school is a secretary who does more than manage the daily operations—they breathe life into the hallways and create a welcoming atmosphere for all. At Broadleigh Elementary School, students and staff proudly celebrate someone who embodies this spirit daily: Ms. Robbie Banks.

Ms. Banks isn't just a secretary; she's the cornerstone of our school community. Her role goes far beyond administrative tasks; she is truly the eyes and ears of Broadleigh Elementary. Ms. Banks embodies dedication, from opening the office doors early in the morning to ensuring everything is locked up after everyone has gone home. She sees every challenge and hears every achievement, making her an integral part of the daily successes at Broadleigh.

Her presence is a constant source of support and efficiency. Whether it's addressing the needs of our students, assisting Broadleigh faculty and staff, or making every parent feel part of the Broadleigh family, Ms. Banks efforts are essential. Her ability to manage Broadleigh's bustling activity with grace and a smile set a remarkable example for our school community.

With immense pride and gratitude, we recognize Robbie Banks for being named the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA)Secretary of the Year! This award is a testament to Ms. Banks outstanding commitment and the positive impact she has on our school environment.

Ms. Banks, your hard work and dedication resonate throughout Broadleigh Elementary. You are not just appreciated—you are valued. Thank you for everything you do and for every life you've touched. You make Broadleigh not just a place of learning but a home for all who enter.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Ms. Banks! You are our Secretary of the Year, and we are so fortunate to have you as part of our Columbus City Schools family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

Great news for all current PreK-12th grade students enrolled in Columbus City Schools! We're thrilled to announce that our Summer Experience program is back and completely FREE, exclusively for you. This unique program offers many learning opportunities, including off-site hands-on experiences, partnerships with the community, and exciting guests.

We're excited to introduce project-based learning similar to what you've enjoyed through Pathway Express. Students can explore various pathways such as Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Health and Fitness, Performing Arts, and more! Additionally, we provide daily literacy and math instruction to reinforce essential skills for the upcoming school year.

For elementary and middle school students, the Summer Experience will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting from June 17 to July 12.

Registration is OFFICIALLY OPEN! Parents/guardians can easily register their child through the Parent Portal. For further details, visit the Summer Experience Hub at ccssummer.org.

Beginning in the 2023-2024 School Year, the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce has established an opportunity for parents or guardians to exempt their Grade 3 child from the Third Grade Reading Guarantee retention component under Ohio Law (ORC 3313.608) via the newly created Parent Request Exemption Process.

What is the Third Grade Reading Guarantee?

The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce created The Third Grade Reading Guarantee in 2012. It is a process that states your child’s school must determine how well he or she is reading at the beginning of each school year from Kindergarten through Grade 3.

During the past few years, Ohio schools have been required to retain third graders who do not meet promotional scores on the Ohio State Test Grade 3 English Language Arts Test or i-Ready, the District’s alternative assessment. Students are administered the Grade 3 OST English Language Arts Test (fall, spring, and summer) and the i-Ready Test (September, December, and April).

The 2023-2024 Ohio State Test for Grade 3 English Language Arts promotion score is:

• Overall Reading Score: 690
• Reading Subscore: 48
• i-Ready Promotion Score: 515

However, beginning in the 2023-2024 School Year, the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce has established an opportunity for parents or guardians to exempt their Grade 3 child from the Third Grade Reading Guarantee retention component under Ohio Law (ORC 3313.608) via the newly created Parent Request Exemption Process.

Parent Request Exemption Process

In consultation with the student’s reading teacher and principal, the parent or guardian can request that a student be promoted to fourth grade regardless of their child’s Ohio State Test for Grade 3 English Language Arts score. The parent must complete the Parent Exemption Request form to finalize this process. The school will assist the parent with gaining access to this document via the parent portal.

Students promoted to fourth grade through this exemption must continue to receive intensive reading instruction and be placed on a Reading Improvement Monitoring Plan until the student demonstrates that they are reading at a proficient level (700) as indicated by their Ohio State Test English Language Art Tests.

Identified Grade 3 student parents and guardians will receive communication from your school the week of April 29th. After you have received this notification, please contact your child’s school.

Congratulations to Arts Impact Middle School for earning the prestigious Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce! This distinguished award recognizes the school's unwavering commitment to supporting the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.

By fostering an environment that is both understanding and supportive, Arts Impact Middle School ensures that the educational and emotional needs of students with military connections are met, facilitating a stable and inclusive learning experience for all. This honor highlights the school’s dedication to being a supportive community pillar for military families.

Join us at CCS Spruce Run Nature Center for a day of environmental appreciation and hands-on learning during our Earth Day Celebration!

This Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we invite you to connect with nature and contribute to our planet's well-being. Dive into the festivities by planting new life in trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants. It's a chance to beautify our surroundings and support local ecosystems. Wander through Spruce Run's scenic landscapes, discover the diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy a series of educational activities that inspire and inform.

This family-friendly event is FREE and open to the community, making it a perfect outing for nature lovers of all ages. There's something for everyone, from hands-on conservation projects to guided tours showcasing our Nature Center's natural wonders. Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate Earth Day in action and learn more about how we can all make a difference in our environment. For more details on the day's activities and how you can get involved, visit our event page at https://bit.ly/3TYP0ny. Let's make Earth Day a day to remember!

The Columbus City Schools’ Transportation Department seeks qualified applicants to train as school bus operators. Get paid while training to get your CDL Class B License. Employment as a bus driver offers an excellent salary, medical insurance, and other fringe benefits. Learn more at the Columbus City Schools’ hiring page.

Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips for you and your students to remember:

1. Do not cross against traffic signals. Be sure to wait for the proper signal.

2. Obey the instructions of a traffic patrol person.

If you have a Transportation question or issue, please call our Customer Service number at 614.365.5074, option 1 (press option 2 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. only).

School Bus Fun Fact!

Did you know school bus seats are fastened to the floor and include an energy-absorbing steel inner structure along with high, padded seat backs? The passenger compartment of a school bus is designed to protect students like an egg carton.

As the school year winds down, we're gearing up for a time-honored tradition: graduation season for Columbus City Schools' seniors! It's almost time for the festivities to begin. We can't wait to celebrate the hard-earned accomplishments of the Class of 2024.

Our graduates will be walking across the stage at various venues, surrounded by peers, faculty, and loved ones who have supported them along their educational journey. From the initial procession to the final cap toss, these ceremonies are set to honor the perseverance and achievements of our students.

Let's come together to applaud their commitment and to inspire them as they embark on their next chapter. Be sure to save these dates and join us in cheering on our graduates as they take their well-deserved steps into a future filled with promise.

Stay tuned for more details, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime for our students and their families. Here's to the remarkable Class of 2024!

Join I Know I Can for Blueprint: College to help your student finish high school strong and plan for life after graduation. I Know I Can will host family information sessions and presentations on post-secondary planning, including the college application process, financial aid, career exploration, and more.

The final information session of the school year is scheduled for:

• Saturday, May 4th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Capital University.

For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/blueprintcollegehs.

This year, the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has changed significantly. The form was released, and challenges have made completion more difficult. As a result, FAFSA completion is down 57% compared to last year.

Why does this matter? FAFSA completion is required for students to receive federal aid and is the highest indicator of college enrollment. We want to ensure our high school seniors stay engaged and on track to pursue their college aspirations.

As a valued partner dedicated to serving students, I Know I Can (IKIC) is here to help current seniors and current college students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

• IKIC has a full-time advisor in every CCS high school building in the district who can provide one-on-one help. Students can stop by in person at school or find an advisor here: https://iknowican.org/contact/advisors/

• IKIC hosts FAFSA workshops for families at our office and in high schools. Families can register for a workshop here: https://iknowican.org/financial-aid/fafsa/

• IKIC provides FAFSA and financial aid resources on their website 24/7 at www.iknowican.org.

Columbus City Schools' Department of Early Childhood Education is thrilled to announce the upcoming "Countdown to Kindergarten" event at Fort Hayes on May 4! This is a special invitation to all incoming CCS Kindergarteners, whether or not they attended CCS Pre-K.

This event is our way of welcoming and preparing your child for their exciting journey into kindergarten. It's a fantastic opportunity to glimpse what's to come and meet fellow students and teachers.

We encourage all incoming Kindergarteners to join us for this huge event. Let's make the transition to kindergarten a memorable and smooth experience for everyone! We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details:

546 Jack Gibbs Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43215
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
No registration is required!

Columbus City Schools proudly presents FACES, the online Family and Community Engagement Series program created to inform and connect families, the community, and schools. You can find FACES, the Family and Community Engagement series, exclusively on CCS's Facebook and YouTube channels.

Embarking on the journey beyond high school opens a world of possibilities. Whether it's continuing education at college, diving into a career, or exploring other life adventures after graduation, each path offers unique opportunities for growth and discovery. In this episode, FACES delves into how students can successfully navigate these choices while gaining the confidence needed for success in their life post-graduation.

Tune in every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. for FACES, and let's build a stronger CCS community together!

Exciting news for CCS class of 2024 graduates! The I Know I Can Grant has been boosted from $1,200 to $2,500 this year! If you've received a postcard in the mail, you're already aware of this fantastic opportunity. Don't miss out on this free money that could significantly support your college journey. APPLY NOW and lighten the financial load of your senior year! All CCS class of 2024 graduates with at least a 2.25 GPA qualify for the grant!

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty recently visited World Language Middle School, where she engaged with students on the topics of financial literacy and investing. This visit came at a poignant time, as the students had just participated in an educational project focused on the stock market.

Students recently participated in a learning opportunity where they conducted research on various stocks and made investments within a simulated stock market environment. During her visit, Congresswoman Beatty discussed these activities with the students, who were eager to share the insights and knowledge they gained from their research and simulated investing experiences. This interaction reinforced the practical applications of their learning and highlighted the importance of financial education in shaping young, informed future investors.

COSI's premier STEAM event is returning! The state's largest gathering dedicated to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics is just weeks away. Join COSI for three days of immersive science community events throughout Central Ohio from May 1-3. Attendees can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, educational talks, nature walks, and more, all hosted by local organizations and real-life STEAM experts.

The festivities conclude with the Big Science Celebration on May 4 at COSI, 333 W Broad St. This day-long event features over 100 exhibitor stations offering hands-on science demonstrations, captivating performances, and engaging activities led by STEAM professionals and researchers from Central Ohio and beyond.

This extraordinary event is free to the public. Be sure not to miss the dynamic opening moment at 11:00 a.m.! For more details, visit cosiscifest.org.

The National Urban League will host its community engagement webinar series beginning in April and running through June 5. These workshops aim to equip school, district, and university leaders and their partners with the tangible tools and resources to fully realize community engagement strategies.

Each expert-led session delves deeply into an essential community engagement facet and focuses on investment, preservation, and sustainability. These practices allow districts, schools, universities, and partners to reflect on current tactics and align work for greater coherence across all domains. Below is the session and registration information.

** All sessions will be recorded. I encourage everyone to register even if they cannot attend live. Recording links will be sent to all registrants. **

Session #2 Parent Engagement: A Partnership in Education with Chanda Causer (Wednesday, May 1, Noon -1:30 p.m. ET) This webinar aims to inform school leaders, district leaders, and partners about effective strategies for engaging community stakeholders (caregivers, service providers, faith-based, etc.) to refine, grow, and deepen relationships. This session is designed for attendees to hear from parent leaders and learn why they chose to invest in public education. This session will include parent storytelling, understanding organizing, public relationships, and power.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclc2przkoH9xThffKx_RYrnLvX2u4ye0h

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement, supporting an incredible cause! The ASOEF invites you to participate in its second annual Walk for Student Success, a community event dedicated to promoting student achievement and raising funds for scholarships benefiting Columbus City Schools students.

This fun-filled walk offers participants a chance to enjoy the outdoors while directly impacting our students' future. Whether you're walking to improve student opportunities, connect with community members, or want a day in the park, your participation will help provide essential scholarship funds.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Wolf Park

105 Park Drive

Columbus, OH 43209

Get ready for an inspiring journey at Flying Horse Farms, where joy and healing go hand in hand! The 2024 Camp Schedule is packed with specialized programs designed for children ages 7-21 navigating the challenges of serious illnesses. These transformative camps are free of charge, providing a sanctuary where kids and their families can find support, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

From heartwarming Spring Family Camps to exhilarating Summer Adventures, each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of different medical conditions. Whether it's the thrill of the ropes course, the creativity sparked by arts and crafts, or the friendships built during the Color Olympics, every camper finds a place to thrive.

For more information, contact Flying Horse Farms at 419.751.7077.

You, a valued member of our CCS community, are cordially invited to the 2024 Supplier Diversity Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, May 15, at the Columbus Metropolitan Library—Main Branch. This event, presented by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to expand their networks, discover new procurement strategies, and learn about sustainability in supply chains.

Attendees will engage with government representatives, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, all while exploring pathways to certification and fostering inclusive business practices. With limited space, interested parties are encouraged to secure participation by scanning the QR code in the accompanying flyer. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact odi@columbus.gov. Join us in driving diversity and innovation in our local economy!

Do you have a child fascinated by the legal system? Has your child ever envisioned themselves as a lawyer or judge? If so, we invite you to apply for the Justice 4 All Youth Summer Camp! This exciting initiative is a collaboration among the Franklin County Common Pleas Court - General Division, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and Always With Us Charities. The Franklin County Common Pleas Court is offering 50 middle and high school students a unique opportunity to delve into the legal world, engage with judges and lawyers, explore a real Ohio Supreme Court case, and participate in a mock trial.

Who: Open to all rising 6th through 12th graders
Location: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dates: June 3 – June 7, 2024
Mock Trial: June 8, 2024
Apply Now: To apply, please complete the application form and submit it to justiceforallcamp@gmail.com by May 3, 2024. Acceptance notifications will be sent by May 10, 2024. Applicants must be available to attend the entire week of camp, including the mock trial on June 8, 2024.