Dear CCS Community,

When Dr. Darryl Sanders was a child, he vowed he would never become a teacher after watching his mother, an English teacher, spend countless hours grading papers and correcting grammar. Yet, little did he know, years later, that same passion for education would drive him to dedicate 37 years of his life to shaping students' futures in Columbus City Schools.

As we celebrate National Principal Month this October, I want to recognize Dr. Sanders, who will retire after an extraordinary career this December. His journey through CCS—first as a teacher, then as a district leader, and finally as principal of Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS)—has always been about building strong relationships and fostering environments where students and staff thrive.

At CAHS, he has cultivated a culture of excellence, helping the school maintain a near-perfect graduation rate. His belief that all students deserve to celebrate their achievements—whether it's attending prom or senior breakfast—has left a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people.

Dr. Sanders is a leader of leaders, and his legacy will be felt across our district for years to come. His commitment to students, staff, and the community inspires and confirms the value and respect he has for everyone he serves. Thank you, Dr. Sanders, for your dedication to our schools and for reminding us of the power of relationships in education.

You have set the bar high with your visionary leadership and genuine care for the success of every student and staff member. Your contributions have shaped the lives of those you've worked with, and we are grateful for your service to Columbus City Schools.

There’s still time to share your thoughts and experiences in the Fall edition of the Panorama Family Survey! We want to hear from you as we continue to grow and thrive together this school year!

The survey is open until October 19 at noon, and it focuses on school perceptions and student support. This is your opportunity to help us better understand your needs and preferences, so we can enhance our services. To learn more and access the survey, click HERE.

Remember, all responses are anonymous and will guide us in shaping programs and resources to benefit your child and our entire school community. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate your involvement in making Columbus City Schools an even better place to learn.

Don't miss out—your feedback matters!

Columbus City Schools proudly welcomes back FACES, our online Family and Community Engagement Series! The new season kicked off on Thursday, October 17, and we’re excited to continue informing and connecting our families, community, and schools. You can find FACES exclusively on Columbus City Schools Facebook and YouTube channels.

On the season premiere of FACES, we visit Parkmoor Elementary to explore their literacy initiatives, then step inside the classroom to discover the Science of Reading. There will also be an in-studio discussion with Superintendent and CEO Dr. Angela Chapman and Dr. Russ Brown about the Ohio State Report Card and hear Dr. Chapman’s vision for the future of Columbus City Schools.

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

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Eastmoor Academy alumnus Archie Griffin on the 50th anniversary of his first historic Heisman Trophy win! This momentous occasion honors Griffin's incredible achievements on the field and his impact as a role model and leader within the community.

Columbus City Schools will pay tribute to the Ohio State University legend today at 7:00 p.m. during the Eastmoor Academy Warriors' home football game against the Marion-Franklin Red Devils.

Griffin, the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, first claimed the prestigious award in 1974, cementing his place in sports history. Don't miss this special night as we honor one of our own and celebrate our CCS legacy of excellence both in academics and athletics!

Event Details:

Archie Griffin's 50th Anniversary Heisman Tribute

Friday, October 18, 2024

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Eastmoor Academy

417 S. Weyant Ave.

Columbus, OH 43213

We can't wait to celebrate with you on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as Spruce Run Nature Center turns 50! You and your family are cordially invited to join us for the biggest celebration yet! Spruce Run offers the perfect fall outing with fun activities for the entire family.

Come explore everything the center has to offer, from creeking adventures—where you can borrow boots and nets to explore the vibrant Spruce Run Creek—to discovering our wetlands and taking in the beauty of the gardens. It’s a day of nature, fun, and discovery!

This FREE event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a day of adventure. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, visit the Spruce Run website or contact Heather Allen at hallen704@columbus.k12.oh.us.

School Bus Safety Week is a public education campaign to promote school bus safety celebrated October 21 through October 25, 2024. Columbus City Schools is expanding its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to include school bus safety, recognizing the bus as an extension of both the classroom and the school. As part of this initiative, we’ve introduced three district-wide behavior expectations for all bus riders.

This initiative aligns with our District Priorities, Cultivating the Whole Child, and aims to ensure a positive and safe environment for all students during their commute.

Please take a moment to review the C.C.S. - BUS Expectations outlined in the Guide to Student Success. A short film has been created to support student understanding and adult implementation of BUS expectations. This video will be available for viewing on Monday, October 21, 2024. To watch, visit this YouTube link.

Columbus City Schools, in partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital, offers vision services right at school! Located at the Fort Hayes Campus, the Vision Center provides comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses, performs fittings, and repairs or orders glasses—all conveniently within reach for students.

To schedule an appointment, call 614.355.2590, option 7, or visit NationwideChildrens.org/Care-Connection. Medicaid and other insurances are accepted, and interpreters are available. Ensure your child’s vision is clear for a successful school year!

The Safer Ohio School Tip Line is a free safety resource available to all Ohio schools. The tip line is an anonymous reporting system that accepts tips via call, text, webform, and mobile app 24 hours-a-day. Anyone can download the Safer Ohio School Tip Line app or use the webform.

This tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety. Learn more at https://ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to foster a love for reading in your little ones. We can’t wait to see you there!

Location: 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Community Partners: Columbus Metropolitan Library, CCS Literacy Department, Waterford Resources.

Looking for a fun and educational way to spend your free time? With a Columbus Metropolitan Library card, you can access Culture Passes that grant you free admission to some of central Ohio’s most popular cultural institutions. Whether you're interested in museums, theaters, or other cultural experiences, these passes provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the local arts and culture scene without any cost.

To take advantage of this offer, simply visit your local library for in-person checkout. Culture Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and supplies are limited, so don’t miss your chance! Please note that passes cannot be reserved ahead of time. Visit your library today and see what’s available — it’s the perfect way to discover new adventures around the city while supporting your local library.

Halloween is right around the corner, and local communities are gearing up for trick-or-treating fun! Most areas in Central Ohio will host trick-or-treat on Thursday, October 31, with start times varying by location. Here are the details to plan your spooky evening:

Bexley: Thursday, October 31, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Canal Winchester: Thursday, October 31, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Columbus: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Gahanna: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Whitehall: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Westerville: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Reynoldsburg: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Grove City: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Groveport: Thursday, October 31, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hilliard: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Obetz: Thursday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Boo at the Zoo: The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium's signature seasonal event, Boo at the Zoo, includes a trick-or-treat trail, a Halloween train ride, costumed characters and more. Don your costume during October weekends and head to the zoo for a day of spooky-kooky fun - there's no cost beyond regular admission. No tricks here; only treats!

• All Hallows' Eve: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays in October, Ohio History Center's Ohio Village opens its doors to the community for an evening of Victorian-era Halloween fun. Bring the whole family for pumpkin carving, a straw maze, crafts and more. Admission is $8.00.

• Books and Boos at Thurber House: Take a tour of the haunted Thurber House, former home to cartoonist James Thurber, during this event on Monday, October 28. Drop in any time between 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. for free, kid-friendly tales, treats and crafts. Learn more.

• HOWLoween Pet Contest & Fall Festival: Head to Easton on Tuesday, October 22 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. for an exciting and ultra-cute pet costume contest! Additional fall festival activities will include an inflatable corn maze, pop-up pumpkin patch and caricature artist. Check out costume categories and more details here.

• Columbus Ghost Tours: Check out the spookiest places in Columbus, including Greenlawn Cemetery by day or night in these spirited tours. Explore a variety of tour options and times here.

Looking for a fun and enriching way to keep your young scholars engaged during Columbus City Schools' fall break? Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to offer the School's Out Program, designed to provide students with a safe and enjoyable experience during their time away from school.

The School's Out Program offers a range of hands-on enrichment activities that promote learning, creativity, and physical activity—all while having fun! Your local community center is the perfect place for students to participate in exciting programs that will keep them engaged throughout the break.

Program Details:

• Dates: November 25 – November 30, 2024 (Monday–Friday; closed on November 28)
• Time: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Location: Your nearest Columbus community center

Registration:

• Registration opens Tuesday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m.
• Spots are limited, so make sure to register early!
• For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3pQn0Ex.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity for your children to enjoy a week filled with engaging activities in a positive environment. We look forward to seeing them at the School's Out Program this fall!

Since its creation in 2001, SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) has been dedicated to helping vulnerable children make a seamless transition into kindergarten, setting them on the path to becoming successful learners. This innovative home-visiting, family-focused kindergarten readiness program works with families, schools, and the community to ensure children are prepared for school and life.

Each month, participating children receive a new book, lesson activities, educational supplies, and opportunities to engage in home and group learning experiences. These resources focus on building essential skills in reading, language, and social development, giving families the tools to support their child’s learning journey.

SPARK has significantly impacted Ohio, supporting over 5,000 families by working closely with schools to enhance the transition to kindergarten. The program serves children who are turning three or four years of age by September 30 of each year across Franklin County, helping them get ready to thrive in school environments.

Best of all, there is no cost to participate in SPARK!

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, help is available! St. Stephen’s Community House, in partnership with local organizations, offers rental assistance for those in need. To be eligible, individuals must be homeless, at risk of losing their home, pregnant or have a child in the home, or TANF eligible. Assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1500 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219. Call 614-294-6347 for more information. Let St. Stephen's Community House help you secure the support you need!

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Community Care Coach is making health care more accessible by bringing services directly to you. This state-of-the-art mobile health unit offers primary care, prenatal and women’s health services, physicals, lab services, health screenings, immunizations, and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations (for ages 18+).

With convenient locations and flexible scheduling, the Community Care Coach ensures that all patients receive the care they need, regardless of insurance status. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 614-293-CARE (2273) or visit wexnermedical.osu.edu/healthy-community/care-coach.