Dear CCS Community,

As we approach the end of another incredible school year, I want to reflect on our amazing journey together. From the start of the 2023 - 2024 school year, with our motto, "Start Strong, End Stronger," we have genuinely embodied this spirit. Our students and staff have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and excellence, making this year one of remarkable achievements.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates! Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have led you to this significant milestone. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead.

Our students have excelled in academics, athletics, and the arts. They have engaged in meaningful projects, community service, and innovative learning experiences. The accomplishments we've witnessed are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire CCS community. I couldn't be more proud of every one of you.

As we transition into summer, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many summer opportunities available. Our Summer Experience program offers enriching activities to keep students engaged and learning. To learn more about the 2024 Summer Experience, visit www.CCSSummer.org.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library's Summer Reading Challenge begins on June 1. This reading challenge is a fantastic way to keep young minds active. Sign up at any Columbus Metropolitan Library location or online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading.

While you enjoy your well-deserved break, remember to stay safe and make the most of your time with family and friends. Summer break is an excellent opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and prepare for the exciting year ahead. As Audre Lorde, the renowned writer and civil rights activist, said, "Self-care is how you take your power back."

We are excited to begin the 2024-2025 school year together and thriving! Every step forward matters. Let's carry forward the momentum of our successes and strive for even greater heights throughout our District!

Thank you for making this year unforgettable. Have a fantastic summer, and I can't wait to see you all in the fall, ready to thrive together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

As we send out the last Family Connector newsletter for this school year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our CCS students and families. Your continued support, engagement, and dedication made this year special. Thank you for taking the time to read and connect with us. Have a fantastic summer, and we look forward to reconnecting with you throughout the 2024 - 2025 school year!

The Superintendent's Community Facilities Task Force Community Forums and Gallery Walks will resume on May 29, 2024. These sessions, including rescheduled ones, are an excellent opportunity for you to engage with the Columbus City Schools community. We value your participation and feedback as we work together to reimagine and redesign how we deliver education.

This week marks the beginning of an exciting and momentous time for Columbus City Schools as we kick off our graduation season! Congratulations to all our graduating seniors on reaching this incredible milestone. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this proud moment, and we couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate your achievements.

Please refer to the graduation schedule flyer for detailed information about each ceremony's dates, times, and locations. Let's come together to honor the Class of 2024 and their journey of excellence. We look forward to celebrating with you and wish our graduates all the best in their future endeavors!

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, Columbus City Schools will no longer mail bus route information to families. Transportation-eligible families will receive their child’s bus routing details through the Parent Portal. Access your child's bus information by clicking the Transportation tab within the Parent Portal.

Key Dates:

• Students enrolled by August 12, 2024, will get updated transportation info after August 15, 2024.
• Students enrolling after August 12 may experience routing delays for the first school day.

Stay updated by regularly checking the Parent Portal and ensuring your contact information is current. For more details, scan the QR code or click the below link.

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.

Summer can be a time of great fun and excitement for children and their families. However, it can also bring unexpected surprises and safety concerns.

For the season finale of FACES, join Columbus Division of Police Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts, Columbus City Schools Safety and Security Director Chris Baker, Southeast INC Engagement Specialist Tamara Speakman, and American Red Cross Greater Columbus Chapter Executive Director Cory Paul.

This powerhouse of experts will share tips on staying safe, whether at home, in the community, at the pool, or on vacation.

Senior Fest 2024, themed "Get Ready to Soar: Bound for Greatness," event was a huge success! The event, which took place on May 23, brought together nearly 2,000 CCS students to celebrate their achievements and the culmination of an amazing school year. Shoutout to our sponsors, I Know I Can, the City of Columbus, and Franklin County Commissioners, for participating and contributing to making this event unforgettable. Your enthusiasm and support truly made a difference! Congratulations to all graduating seniors! We are so proud of you and can't wait to see where the future takes you! #OurCCS

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s School Health Centers are still open for appointments this summer! The health centers are located at select Columbus City Schools and offer vision care and primary care services – like checkups, sick visits, physicals, medication management, and more – to all CCS students and their siblings, ages 3+. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call (614) 355.2590 or visit NationwideChildrens.org/SchoolHealth.

The State of Ohio Summer EBT website is now live at SEBT.ohio.gov. Submit an S-EBT application, check the application status, find where to go for help, and read Frequently Asked Questions on the site.

Family Eligibility:

Remember, many eligible families will not have to take any action to enroll in the program if they are receiving other benefits, but some families may need to apply.

If Your Student Currently Receives SNAP, OWF, or Medicaid:

If your student is enrolled in SNAP, Ohio Works First cash assistance, Medicaid, or has an approved application for free or reduced-price meals, and their family earns 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or less, your student will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. You do not need to fill out an application. Please note that receiving free meals at our schools alone does not qualify students for automatic enrollment; they must meet one of the above criteria.

Is My Child Eligible?

If your student will not be automatically enrolled based on the above criteria, but you believe your children are eligible, you can apply for Summer EBT. For more information on if your student is eligible and to apply, if needed, visit SEBT.ohio.gov.

Additional Resources

• OhioSummerEBT.org: Visit for Frequently Asked Questions, eligibility information, information on how to get and use Summer EBT, and more.
• Summer EBT Fact Sheet: Learn how Ohio’s Summer EBT/SUN Bucks program can help you!
• Summer Food Resources: Learn about additional food assistance resources available to Ohio families this summer.

DON’T FORGET:

Parents, don't forget to update your address with SNAP, OWF, Medicaid, and the school if you've moved recently. Keeping your information current ensures uninterrupted access to benefits and accurate educational records for your child.

Do you know someone who would be a great Family Ambassador? We are now accepting applications for new Ambassadors (current Ambassadors do not need to reapply).

Role of the Family Ambassador:

• Acts as a bridge between school and home, fostering a partnership to support student academic success.
• Coaches and mentors families on being active members of the academic team.
• Trains and advises families on addressing issues and advocating for their child's education.
• Connects families to community services, school counselors, and social workers.
• Expands volunteer opportunities within the school.
• Keeps families informed about important school information through various channels (email, family bulletin board, newsletter, etc.).

Stipend & Time Commitment:

• $25 per hour for 20 hours per week (in-person, not remote).
• Position is for the academic school year (August-May).

Please share the link below with interested and qualified individuals.

See how much you know about this week's category -- In the Garden! After answering all three questions, submit the form to see your final score and how you performed compared to others. You can also learn more about each topic by clicking the links located in the answer form. Good luck!

Starting June 1, Planet Fitness is offering teens ages 14-19 the chance to work out for FREE all summer long with the High School Summer Pass™ program. Since its inception, Planet Fitness has invested over $200 million in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness. This summer, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to boost your physical and mental health!

How It Works:

1. Pre-Register: Get a head start on your summer fitness journey by pre-registering NOW.
2. Download the PF App: Create an account using the same email you used to register and explore all the features of the FREE PF App before your digital club pass becomes available on June 1.
3. Get Ready to Move: Work out for FREE at your home club from June 1 through August 31.

Who Can Participate: Teens ages 14-19 can join the High School Summer Pass™ program. Teens under 18 must sign up online or in-club with a parent or guardian.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Pre-register now and get ready for a summer full of energy and fun!

Stonewall Columbus Pride March

Join Columbus City Schools students, teachers, staff, District leaders, family, alumni, and allies as we march through Downtown Columbus as part of the 2024 Stonewall Columbus Pride March.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024

• Meeting Area: 270 East State Street

• Meeting Time: To be determined

• March begins at 10:30 a.m.

• T-Shirts are available to walkers by registering.

Stonewall Columbus Pride March Staff & Families Register Here

It's the commemoration of freedom for the African American community - Juneteenth. Join us for the city-wide, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration and commemoration of Freedom in the heart of Bronzeville Columbus. Juneteenth is celebrated annually, usually on the 19th of June, to mark the date when some of the last enslaved people in the Confederacy were notified of their freedom following the Civil War.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024

• Location: Bronzeville District

• Time: Noon - 6:00 p.m.

• Show your CCS support by wearing a limited edition Juneteenth T-shirt.

What’s known as “The Walk” is now a day of festivities. Join CCS students, teachers, staff, District leaders, family, and alumni for a transformative day dedicated to the health, well-being, and empowerment of Black men and their families!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024

• Location: Livingston Park

• Free Health Screenings: start at 7:00 a.m.

• The walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

• Show your CCS support by wearing a limited edition Juneteenth T-shirt.

* Anyone under 18 must have parent/guardian permission and be accompanied by an adult.