Dear CCS Community,

As we approach the conclusion of another academic year, it's important to acknowledge the unique challenges and triumphs our students face, especially our seniors. While 'senioritis' may creep in, our Columbus City Schools students demonstrate remarkable resilience and commitment, ensuring they end the school year as strong as they began.

Like seasoned runners approaching the final stretch, our students are summoning their strength to finish as strongly as they started—embodying our motto, "Starting strong, ending stronger."

Representing the qualities of a 'Portrait of a Graduate, Michael Hoch, a senior at Independence High School, is one of the 300 nationwide recipients of the transformative Gates Scholarship. Awarded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious award provides full financial support for college to outstanding minority students from low-income households, helping them pursue a future unburdened by educational debt.

Michael's achievement demonstrates his dedication. With the support of his counselor, Darlene Johnson, M.Ed., LSC, Michael has excelled academically and shown us the power of resilience and determination.

With 75 college credits earned through the College Credit Plus program while simultaneously working toward his high school diploma, Michael plans to attend The Ohio State University and dual major in language and political science or history. His long-term goals include a Master's in education and a teaching license—ambitions that speak to his commitment to giving back and shaping future generations.

As we celebrate Michael's success, let us also applaud all of our CCS students who continue to strive and thrive against all odds. They remind us that the learning journey is not just about reaching the finish line but about pushing forward daily with unshakeable courage and commitment.

Please join me in congratulating Michael Hoch on his outstanding accomplishment and cheering on all of our students as they continue to make us proud. They prove that true strength lies in how we finish the race, not just how we start it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

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!

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 29. After you have received this notification, please contact your child’s school.

Get ready to show your Columbus Crew spirit! Celebrate Black & Gold Spirit Week from May 6 through May 10 as we build up to one of the MLS's marquee matchups on Saturday, May 11, when your Columbus Crew will face off against FC Cincinnati. This week is not just about showcasing your love for Ohio’s top soccer teams but also about demonstrating a commitment to school attendance.

Participate in fun daily activities designed to boost both attendance and school spirit. Every day offers new opportunities to win prizes and show your Crew pride!

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!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable celebration! Columbus City Schools is thrilled to host the Senior Fest '24, honoring the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors. Join us on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Columbus Africentric Early College for a day filled with joy, community spirit, and pride.

This special event will showcase the diverse talents of our students, feature inspiring speeches, and provide a variety of fun activities that celebrate our seniors' journey. From heartfelt goodbyes to exciting new beginnings, Senior Fest '24 is the perfect send-off for the next generation of leaders. Don't miss out on this day dedicated to our seniors who have worked so hard to reach this moment. Let's come together to cheer them on!

Join us on Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Westgate Elementary School for the 'Ready for Summer Rally!' This exciting FREE event, brought to you by the Columbus City Schools Department of Communications & Engagement, promises a day packed with essential safety training, engaging summer program previews, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Take advantage of free bike helmets for kids, interactive CPR demonstrations, and an opportunity to connect with our West Side community partners. Whether you're looking to prepare your family for a safe and enjoyable summer or just in for some sweet treats and family fun, the Ready for Summer Rally has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us in kicking off the summer season with safety and smiles!

This May, join us for a transformative series of webinars hosted by Family University during Mental Health Awareness Month. As part of our commitment to supporting families, these "Lunch & Learns" offer invaluable insights and practical strategies to enhance the emotional health of your entire family.

These sessions are led by Chelsea Elliott, MSW, founder and CEO of Somocam Lab, who will guide you through each topic with expertise and compassion. Register today to secure your spot and take a significant step towards strengthening your family's emotional health.

Do you remember how to do long division without a calculator? If not, don't worry! Math can be tricky, but JJ, a 5th grader at Westgate Elementary School, is here to help! JJ has mastered the art of long division and is excited to share his tips and tricks with you. Whether you're brushing up on your skills or learning them for the first time, JJ's tutorial will make long division easy and fun. Join us as we dive into the world of numbers with JJ, our math expert. Let's refresh your long division skills together! #OurCCS ➕ ➖ ✖️ ➗

This week, the Columbus City Schools communication team collaborated with a group of superstar 5th graders from Northgate Intermediate School to create a space-themed trivia. Think you know more about science than our 5th grade students? Find out by playing below!

This summer, your child can join forces with the Reading League to keep their reading skills strong! Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is back! Starting June 1, sign up at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or visit any Columbus Metropolitan Library location. Your child can track their reading progress to earn great prizes – and earn raffle entries along the way to win even more! Staff at the library’s 23 locations are ready to help!

Columbus City Schools families! Do you have a child interested in helping lead Columbus into the future? Students are invited to join the City Leaders Academy!

During this nine-month program, students will learn about the inner workings of the City of Columbus, increase their citizenship skills, and receive mentoring from City and community leaders. They'll also improve their public speaking, facilitation, teamwork, community awareness, and leadership skills, preparing them to become leaders in their community!

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a City of Columbus resident.
• Must enter grades 6-9 in Fall 2024 and maintain a 2.80 GPA.
• One child per household is eligible each year.

Young individuals aged 12-17 are encouraged to join the Junior Volunteer Corps at the Franklin County Dog Shelter, where they can significantly impact shelter dogs' lives. As part of the team, volunteers will engage in various activities that enhance the dogs' lives and provide educational experiences about animal care.

Volunteer Activities Include:

• Create treat bags and distribute them to the dogs.
• Organizing toys to ensure a stimulating environment for the dogs.
• Assisting shelter staff with various duties to maintain the facility.
• Cleaning dog areas to ensure a healthy and safe environment.
• Learning about proper dog care and safety to enhance their well-being.

Interested candidates are invited to contact Mark Mann at mark.mann@franklincountyohio.gov for more information on how to get started and contribute to improving the lives of shelter dogs.

This summer, Columbus families have a wonderful opportunity to engage their children in a variety of enriching activities. The Family, Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is excited to announce the launch of its 2024 Summer Education Program, running from June 3 to August 15. Designed for kindergarten through 12th grade students, the program offers an array of engaging activities, from educational field trips and community programs to opportunities for creative expression.

Additionally, youth aged 14 to 17 are invited to join our career readiness, life skills, and job program, where they can earn a starting wage of $15 per hour. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay registering your child for a summer filled with fun, educational, and rewarding experiences. Sign up today to secure a spot in the FACCES 2024 Summer Education Program and give your child a summer to remember!

Columbus Public Service Chapter proudly invites high school students from grades 9-12 to participate in the Annual Speech Contest on July 20, 2024. Participants can win up to $2,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to a national conference, showcasing their oratory skills in an original 4–6-minute speech.

This contest is an excellent platform for students to demonstrate their public speaking and critical thinking abilities. Open to both seasoned debaters and newcomers, it is designed to foster essential communication skills that will serve participants throughout their educational and professional careers.

Registration is now open, with a deadline of July 5. For full contest details and to register, interested participants can click the link below. This is an ideal opportunity for students to shine and earn significant rewards for their efforts.