Dear CCS Community,

As we conclude Relationship Week, I recognize the deep connections between this celebration and the recent Live2Lead initiative. Relationship Week, focusing on fostering kindness, connection, and empathy, aligns seamlessly with the core leadership development principles emphasized at the Live2Lead Conference.

Our Eighth Annual Relationship Week celebrated the theme of Cultivating Hope. Many inspiring activities unfolded throughout the district, encouraging a sense of belonging and unity within our school communities.

In our classrooms, teachers led engaging lessons using resources from Sandy Hook Promise, emphasizing the importance of supporting a nurturing environment. Meanwhile, offices and departments served as connection hubs, with colleagues coming together to spread kindness and support one another.

The spirit of Relationship Week extended beyond school walls, with community partners joining in the celebration. Students and staff greeted one another in various languages, reflecting our District's rich diversity and promoting cultural understanding and acceptance.

Additionally, our Superintendent Student Ambassadors (SSAs) exemplified leadership and community engagement during Relationship Week. Their recent participation in the Live2Lead Conference showcased their dedication to personal and leadership development, inspiring their peers to strive for excellence.

Live2Lead is a dynamic Leadership Development experience designed for individuals dedicated to personal and professional growth. Participants engage in a day of learning, networking, and expanding their mindset, gaining insights from community leaders and peers. Participants shared their growth journey through interactive sessions, sparking new enthusiasm and connections to achieve their goals. Live2Lead accelerates progress towards unlocking one's full potential.

At the Live2Lead Conference, our SSAs had a chance to engage in leadership enrichment, gain insights from esteemed speakers, and work with peers to hone their abilities. I am proud to share that Ambassadors Patience Ogundare, a senior from Northland High School, and Snit Araia, a junior from Mifflin High School, were distinguished as recipients of the prestigious Anna Williams Memorial Scholarship, each receiving $1000.

Their dedication to embodying SSA's core principles—Learn, Launch, Lead. Patience and Snit's commitment to personal growth and exceptional leadership make them outstanding school and community ambassadors. Their achievements fill me with pride and are an example of our students' remarkable talent and dedication.

Let us carry forward the spirit of hope and connection cultivated throughout CCS's Eighth Annual Relationship Week and the Live2Lead initiative. By building strong relationships and empowering one another to lead with compassion and integrity, we can continue to create a culture of kindness within Columbus City Schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

This month holds special significance as we take the time to honor and remember the remarkable individuals and pivotal events that have shaped Black history. It is a time to reflect on African Americans struggles, triumphs, and contributions throughout history, celebrating their resilience, achievements, and lasting impact on society.

From the courageous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement to trailblazing figures in the arts, sciences, politics, and beyond, Black history is filled with stories of determination, innovation, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is a history of resilience in the face of systemic injustices, a testament to the power of hope, unity, and collective action in pursuing justice and equality.

As we commemorate Black History Month, let us celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities and commit ourselves to continuing the fight for equality, justice, and opportunity for all. Let us use this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come.

The 2024-2025 Virtual School Choice Fair for Elementary Schools is next Tuesday, February,13 from 6:00 p.m - 7:30 p.m.! All the info. you need can be found on our School Choice webpage at ccsoh.us/schoolchoice

*Please note: promo videos and Zoom links are in the process of being uploaded. Please visit school websites to start your initial research.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career journey? We invite you to mark your calendars for our upcoming Career Open House on Friday, February 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us at the CML - Parsons Branch and meet with a recruiter to discover a world of exciting job opportunities!

Whether you're seeking a new challenge or looking to kickstart your career, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don't miss this chance to network, learn about our company culture, and even apply for positions on the spot.

Get ready to unlock your potential and chart a course towards success! We can't wait to meet you at the Career Open House. See you there!

Get ready to witness an epic showdown as the Columbus Africentric Lady Nubians take on the Centennial Stars in the Columbus City League Championship this Saturday, February 10!

Join us for a thrilling afternoon of basketball action, with a noon tip-off at East High School. Don't miss your chance to cheer on your favorite team and experience the excitement firsthand!

Your safety is our top priority as we gear up for game day. Be sure to review our game-day safety protocols before heading to the arena. Let's come together to support our teams and celebrate the spirit of competition. See you at the championship game!

The safety and well-being of our entire Columbus City Schools family are one of our highest priorities, and to remain proactive in addressing potential concerns, the District is reminding our CCS community about our security measures for our High School Girls’ Basketball Championship Game on February 10, 2023, and High School Boys' Basketball Championship Game on February 17, 2024.

• All high school students will be required to have a current and valid school ID to enter.
• NO middle school students are permitted without a parent or guardian or accompanied by an adult.
• We will process ALL visitors through EVOLV, including teams, officials, all game personnel, and spectators.
• All bags are subject to search by the District's Safety and Security; the District's security specialists will confiscate any prohibited items.
• No Bags: Bags larger than 5x8 are not permitted.

Dive in and explore what Columbus offers this summer for kids and teens at the 2024 Summer Opportunities and Engagement Fair this Saturday, February 10, at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, Ohio, 43215, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Over 50 community organizations, partners, and Columbus City Schools departments will gather to share information on camps, academic enrichment, STEM, arts, and overall summer fun.

This year's festivities also feature workshops to guide families through the graduation requirements, college financial aid updates, special needs opportunities, and more.

Get the resources you need to plan your summer!

Share the Summer Opportunities & Engagement Fair on Facebook today.

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 opens this Saturday, February 10, and parents/guardians can easily register their child through the Parent Portal. For further details, visit the Summer Experience Hub at ccssummer.org.

Navigating the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be overwhelming, but I Know I Can is here to help make the process easier for you and your senior. Join us for our upcoming workshops designed to provide hands-on assistance in completing the FAFSA form accurately and efficiently.

At these workshops, experienced advisors will guide you through each step of the FAFSA application, ensuring that you understand the requirements and have all necessary documents ready. Whether you're new to the FAFSA or need help with specific sections, IKIC is dedicated to helping you maximize your financial aid opportunities.

To reserve your spot and gain valuable insights into securing financial aid for your child's education, please visit iknowican.org/calendar and register for the workshop nearest to you. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your child's future!

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.

In next Tuesday's episode of FACES, it’s school choice lottery time and you know what that means. It’s time to dig in and explore everything CCS has to offer. Learn about how to navigate the progress and explore District programs.

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

This week, the Columbus City Schools communications team took a break from writing trivia and handed the responsibility to three outstanding scholars at Westgate Elementary School -- Sophia, Max, and JJ. The trio is learning about energy in their science class, and they came up with a strong lineup of questions to test your Energy of the World knowledge. Want to see if you can go head-to-head with our fifth graders? Click the link below to play!

On Wednesdays, we review movies! The CCS Cinema Club shares their feedback on the newest box office hit - Mean Girls! Tune in to check out the first student-led podcast!

Don't miss out on this important discussion with renowned journalist Roland Martin and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty as they explore the local and national events impacting the Black Community. From social justice movements to economic empowerment, this conversation promises to enlighten and empower all.

Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Location: East High School - 1500 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43205

RSVP REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Reserve your spot at web.myle.com/eid/ADJXrvmy7MaMtD

NBC4 proudly sponsors the Columbus City Council’s Black History Month Celebration and Poindexter Award Ceremony.

Emceed by NBC4 Anchor Kerry Charles, the event will be held at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. Under the theme "African Americans and the Arts," attendees can expect a vibrant array of musical and dance performances and an engaging panel discussion exploring the rich history and promising future of the arts in Columbus.

This event is free and open to the public, inviting all to celebrate Black history and artistic expression.

Event Details

Black History Month Celebration and Poindexter Award Celebration
Friday, Feb. 16 | 10:00 a.m.
Lincoln Theatre
769 E. Long St. Columbus, OH 43203

Did you know that if your family's total income in 2023 was less than $70,000, you may qualify for free tax help? Nationwide Children's Hospital is offering free tax clinics right in your neighborhood!

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to get assistance with your taxes. Take the stress out of tax season and ensure that your taxes are filed accurately and on time.

Appointments are required, so be sure to visit 614FileFree.org to schedule an appointment today.

Calling all Columbus City Schools Families! Is your student interested in studying abroad?

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) invites qualified high school students to embark on a transformative journey exploring the world through academic year, semester, or summer exchanges in Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia, or South Africa.

Participating in an exchange program during high school offers numerous benefits. Students develop essential leadership skills, self-confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of global complexities. Living abroad fosters the growth of interpersonal relationships, personal responsibility, and respect for diverse perspectives. These experiences enrich college applications, setting students apart in admissions processes.

Why Choose ASSE?

• ASSE is a renowned, longstanding International Student Exchange organization.
• We offer comprehensive Study Abroad Programs at the most affordable rates.
• Students have the freedom to select their exchange destination from a wide range of countries.
• Scholarships are available for deserving students.
• Host families undergo rigorous screening, and students do not need prior knowledge of the host country's language. Language skills are acquired through immersion in local culture and attending regular high school classes alongside peers.

We encourage nominations of students who would serve as excellent student ambassadors for their community and country.

For inquiries or to request printed materials, please contact ASSE at 1-949-494-4100 ext. 252 or email outbound@asse.com. Students can also visit www.asse.com to explore our diverse Study Abroad Programs.

At this time of the year, it can feel like winter will drag on forever and spring will never get here. The gray skies outside can give us a case of the winter blues and make us feel sluggish or sad. However, your child’s seasonal slump may be a more serious problem.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of major depression that’s related to changes in seasons. It typically starts in the fall and continues into the winter months.

What are the most common symptoms of SAD? A child with SAD may:

• Have a lack of energy and changes in sleep, including too much or too little sleep.
• Lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Avoid friends.
• Have changes in appetite, particularly overeating.
• Feel hopeless or worthless.
• Be irritable and throw temper tantrums.
• Have thoughts of death or suicide.

It’s important to talk to your child in a supportive manner about the way they are feeling and any changes you have seen in their behavior. While it can sometimes be hard to determine the difference between the winter blues and SAD, problems with concentration, schoolwork, energy, and mood are often signs of SAD in young people.

If your child’s symptoms are disrupting their life, or you are concerned about their mental health, they can get support from Nationwide Children’s behavioral and mental health experts – right at school. Call (614) 355-2590, option 2, to schedule an appointment.

Learn more and find a behavioral health location.

This February, let's come together to honor and celebrate the rich legacy of Black history and culture. Our city is buzzing with excitement as the newly released community calendar unveils a plethora of inspiring events happening all month long. From thought-provoking discussions to vibrant cultural performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Explore the full lineup of events and join in the festivities by visiting cbusblk.com. Let's make this Black History Month a memorable and empowering experience for all.

Every student deserves to feel like royalty at their prom, and Fairy Goodmothers is here to make that happen! Supporting and uplifting Central Ohio high school students, Fairy Goodmothers provides free prom gowns and accessories to those who may not have the means to purchase them.

This year, Cinderella’s Closet Boutique opens its doors for three weekends, offering students the chance to find their dream prom gown at no cost. With the assistance of dedicated personal shoppers, students can browse through thousands of gowns and choose the perfect accessories to complete their look. Mark your calendars for these boutique dates:

• February 17 & 18
• March 2 & 3
• March 9 & 10

Location: Shops at Worthington Place (7227 N. High Street, Worthington, OH 43085 - at the northwest corner of High Street & Wilson Bridge Road, just south of I-270). Registration is required. Visit fairygoodmothers.org to select an appointment time and reserve your spot.