Y.A.S. CONNECTION
March 2022
Y.A.S. (You Are Seen) Connection is a Project Connect newsletter for students and families who do not have stable housing
Authorized under Federal law through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, the Columbus City Schools’ Project Connect Program, provides services to ensure that identified children and youth experiencing homelessness, including those living with others or in hotels/motels due to economic hardship or emergency, have access to a free and appropriate public education by removing barriers due to homelessness. As advocates for educational rights, there are various services the program provides to assist families in transition.
Happy St. Patrick's Day & Daylight Saving from CCS and Project Connect!!!
CLICK ------>: Information / Calendars
Month of March Disability Awareness Month
https://nationaltoday.com/national-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/
March 1 Mardi Gras Carnival (New Orleans)
March 9 Professional Development Day - No Classes (All Schools)
March 13 Daylight Saving
March 15 CCS Summer Experience - Registration opens, Tuesday, March 15 and closes on Monday, May 2
March 17 St. Patrick's Day
March 22 End of Quarter 3
March 23 Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Talisa Dixon (CCS Superintendent) 7:30 - 8:30 am, Upper Cup Coffee Co (79 Parson Ave., Columbus)
March 23 Records Day - No Classes (All Schools)
*** Daylight saving time 2022 in Ohio will begin at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 13 and end at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 6
Origin of Mardi Gras
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras.
Celebrate!
Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi Gras 2022 will fall on Tuesday, March 1. Following two years of cancelled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations in New Orleans are scheduled to proceed in 2022.
Origin of New Orleans & "Carnival"
New Orleans was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. The earliest reference to Mardi Gras "Carnival" appears in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras.
The Chicago River Dyed Green
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day
Who was St. Patrick
Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day
Green Empire State Building
Since around the ninth or 10th century, people in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland but in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. The parade, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a year earlier were organized by the Spanish Colony's Irish vicar Ricardo Artur. More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor the Irish patron saint. Enthusiasm for the St. Patrick's Day parades in New York City, Boston and other early American cities only grew from there.
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day
How can the Project Connect Program help?
Project Connect works with students, parents, Columbus City Schools (CCS) employees, partner agencies, and other local school districts to provide assistance with:
- school selection and enrollment
- school transportation
- wellness checks and on-going social and emotional support
- book bags and school supplies for students
- assistance with high school graduation fees and expenses
- addressing barriers that affect school attendance and full participation
- obtaining necessary documents such as birth certificates, school records, and medical records
- dispute resolution regarding school choice and enrollment
Who may qualify for the Project Connect Program?
The term “children and youth experiencing homelessness” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence. It includes those who are:
- sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of home, economic hardship, or similar reason
- living in motels or hotels
- staying in trailer parks or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- living in emergency or transitional shelters
- abandoned in hospitals
- living on their own, such as youth who have run away or have been put out of their home
Project Connect Contact Information
- Parents and students may call the Project Connect Office at 614-365-5140
- Email: ProjectConnect@columbus.k12.oh.us
- Contact a Project Connect Region Representative/Youth Academic Advocate assigned to your child’s school. Click on the Contact Us tab for a list of Project Connect Staff.
PROJECT CONNECT ANNOUNCEMENTS
SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS!
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ® has nearly 300,000 members.
Seniors, we are proud of you, your achievements, and your motivation to push forward during this Pandemic. You’re the seed like a flower that will grow in so many different ways. As amazing Seniors, we applaud you for making it to this milestone! Let’s walk to the finish line together!. You can do it and the Community Service Committee members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter, are committed to being your cheerleaders. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc® ., Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter are excited and prepared to assist you. Our goal is to be the voice of “You can, You will, You did, great job, keep trying!
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc®., Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter,
Valery Tarver, President
Traci Bell -Thomas,1st Vice President
Monica Scott, 2nd Vice President
Melvina Torbert, Community Service Committee -Chairman
Erica Baker, Community Service Committee- Co-Chairman
Angela Chapman, Community Service Committee Co-Chairman
Melvina Torbert
Director of Training and Development
Columbus City Schools
3700 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 432017
380-997-1643
Great things happen…... When you A.D.A.P.T
Assist-Develop-Advance-Prepare-Thrive
WE WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU!
Please make sure to speak with your student(s) school when your student will be absent. This is important for many reasons, including to prevent an unnecessary withdrawal from the District.
- School districts are required to keep an attendance record for each student.
- When a student does not attend school regularly AND the district loses all contact with the student and family for a period of time, the district begins a process to try to locate the student.
- There are specific steps the district takes to try to re-engage a student in school.
- However, if the district is not able to make contact with the student or family, the district will withdraw the student. We want to prevent that.
Please help us, help you stay successful in school.
Project Connect Staff Spotlight
Carolyn Taylor, Youth Academic Advocate - Region 6, Project Connect
Hello Y.A.S. Readers!
Ms. Taylor is the Youth Academic Advocate for Region 6 for Project Connect which is the department within Columbus City Schools that works with families in a housing crisis (living In the shelter, motel, car, the streets, or doubled up).
Ms. Taylor has been working with homeless families since 2000. She's been assisting the YWCA Family Shelter since 2006 and Van Buren since it opened in 2015. Prior to working with Project Cannect's Summer and After School Programs, Ms. Taylor was a Parent Coordinator and a Substitute Teacher. Ms. Taylor enjoys a variety of crafts, plants, and working in flower gardens. She also loves to encourage others.
On January 13, 2021, Carolyn Taylor and Project Connect were selected to receive the 2019-2020 Partner of the Year award from YWCA Columbus, which celebrates individuals and organizations who made possible the success of the YWCA.
Carolyn Taylor
Youth Academic Advocate - Region 6
Department of Student Services
Columbus City Schools, Project Connect
614-253-3912 / 380-997-5055 office
614-253-3962 fax
614-636-3581 mobile
Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness
Email: ProjectConnect@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/
Location: 430 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-365-5140
Facebook: facebook.com/ColumbusCitySchools
Twitter: @ColsCitySchools
THANK YOU!
Project Connect would like to thank the agencies, organizations and individuals who help us serve students and families throughout the school year!
- Registration: opens Tuesday, March 15 and closes on Monday, May 2
- Summer Experience dates: June 21 - July 28 (6 weeks in length)
- Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/summer
- Date of event: Saturday, April 2, 2022, 10 am - 1 pm
- Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Branch
- Website: 2022 Summer Opportunities & Engagement Fair
- FREE to all CCS Families
- FREE to Park
- SCAN QR Code to register
*CCS LOTTERY APPLICATION*
Link for lottery applications –> https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/1184
Lottery Applications:
- The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022.
- New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Elementary School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Tuesday, February 1, 2022 through Thursday, March 31, 2022.
- The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022.
- New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
*Important Updates | Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year*
CLICK -> https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/8047
- Middle School and High School enrollment appointments for the 2021-2022 school year will begin on January 3, 2022.
- Elementary School (K-5) enrollment appointments will begin on February 1, 2022.
- Pre-K enrollment appointments for the 2022-2023 school year can be scheduled beginning February 1, 2022 with an appointment date no sooner than April 4, 2022.
School Choice Dates for 2022-2023 School Year
- High School & Middle School Lottery Applications: The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Elementary School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Tuesday, February 1, 2022 through Thursday, March 31, 2022. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Request to Return to Homeschool Application: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 5, 2022 through Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
FAFSA Time!
Now is the time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The form is free and it could help pay for college.The FAFSA form is the application for federal financial aid for college and post-secondary training. The form can help qualify for financial aid from the state of Ohio and the institution of your choice. Columbus City Schools is working with our long-standing partner, I Know I Can (IKIC) which has a college advisor assigned to every District high school. The IKIC college advisor can help fill out the FAFSA form. These college advising managers are available daily to help.
Students and families can click here to contact their college advisor at I Know I Can.
The FAFSA is also the key to unlocking state financial aid.
Did you know that you can apply for financial aid if you are going to school for a trade?
If you have not been accepted to a college or university, still complete the form. Completing the form can help decide which college makes the most sense based on the resources available.
To be considered for federal student aid for the 2021–22 award year, you must complete the FAFSA form by June 30, 2022. Don’t wait until the last minute. The form is free, and it could save you thousands of dollars.
SORA APP available on CCS Clever
CCS Pathway Express
Pathway Express - Jan. 8th - May 14th
March: North Market
Pathway Express / Destination #3 - Downtown North Market
Learning Without Walls
The District is thankful for the doors partnerships have opened for our students. Our business partners have given students a chance to get a glimpse of potential careers and learn from industry leaders. Every weekend in March, students will learn more about entrepreneurship and how it translates to enhancing critical thinking and practical life skills at the latest Pathway Express destination - the Downtown North Market. The North Market is one of the most historic destinations in Columbus, and it’s consistently recognized as one of the top public markets in the country.
The District’s Family & Community Resource Day will be hosted on Saturday, March 12, and it will feature:
- Special Scavenger Hunt;
- Book signing and reading from Brian Weisfeld, author of “The Startup Squad;”
- Giveaways from Local Merchants (while supplies last); and
- Resources and support from the CCS Family Engagement team and local partners.
Masking Update - Optional Effective March 8
Latest Update: Columbus City Schools to Make Masks Optional in Buildings and on Buses Effective Tuesday, March 8
Columbus City Schools' top priority is ensuring the health and safety of everyone in our schools and administrative buildings. The District is taking the utmost precaution in COVID-19 mitigation protocols, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), Ohio Department of Health (ODH), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Masking: Masks are optional for all students, staff, and visitors in CCS buildings and on school buses as of Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Masking recommendations may change based on COVID-19 Community Levels as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CCS Transpo
- For questions regarding the status of your students' bus route call Transportation at 614-365-5074.
- Ensure to be at the assigned bus stop waiting for the bus (5) minutes before the scheduled pick up time.
- Ensure to check your Columbus City Schools Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, you’ll be able to securely access valuable information on your student(s):
- Update Contact Information
- Transportation Information
For more information on the Parent Portal or to set up your account, please visit this page.
Bus Bulletin
Bus Bulletin is a website that allows personnel in the school district transportation department to notify you with information regarding your child’s bus. You have the choice to receive text messages, e-mails, or voice notifications on your cell or home phone. Typically, text messages are received within 30 seconds from the time they are sent. This means you know when it still matters, not after the fact. All students who are enrolled via IC are automatically enrolled in Bus Bulletin.
Bus FAQs
Q. If my student is late to school due to the bus being delayed, is this an excused absence?
A. If a student is late for school due to a bus delay, it's an excused absence.
Q. If my student misses the school day because the bus didn’t pick him/her up, is this an excused absence?
A. If a student misses the school day because a bus didn't pick them up, it's an excused absence--whether or not the bus ever came has to be verified with transportation. Parents should call their child’s school to provide information.
COMMUNITY NEWS & RESOURCES
Job & Recruitment Fair, March 24th
Join Columbus Urban League, Urban One and our many partners at this career fair for all experience levels and industries. For more information: https://www.cul.org/
COLUMBUS JOB FAIR EAST PRESENTED BY CROWN STAFFING SERVICES
Event Details:
- Where: Reynoldsburg Methodist Church, 1636 Graham Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
- When: Thursday, March 24th 5PM-7PM
- Hiring Companies Attending (Partial List): Crown Staffing, Dawson, Buckeye Gymnastics, Mary Kay – Mason, Everdry, New Albany-Plain Local Schools, Renewal By Anderson, Gideons International, Universal Windows Direct, Tim Hortons, Able Roof, Equitable Mortgage, Basement Doctors, CJ Foods, Farber Specialty Vehicles, Columbus Recreation & Parks, and more!
- How it works: Come and meet lots of organizations hiring for immediate positions. Some of the companies attending will have signing bonus, attendance bonuses, or other great employment incentives. Come with your resume and interview opportunities will be available on-site. We will have music, refreshments and more as you enjoy an evening to develop your future.
- Raffle Drawing every 15 minutes (starts 5:30PM): You can win either $50 cash, $50 to Target, $50 to Tim Hortons, $50 in Lottery scratch-off tickets, $50 Dave & Buster's Power Cards, or $50 Myster Item!!
- Refer a friend bonus: Refer a friend and win up to $100! Person with the most referrals that attends job fair will receive $100!! Have them enter your name in the "Referred by" section when they register online or tell us at the event.
- Admission: Free (please pre-register)!
More details and to register CLICK here:
TEEN CORPS
Teen Corps is a high-impact, community-supported summer program for eligible teens designed to teach life and work skills through hands-on experiences in urban farming.
While working in a community garden to grow produce and then sell it through their own stand at the Conservatory’s Farmers Market, teens learn about horticulture, the environment, health and nutrition, entrepreneurship, communication and self-reliance. Participating teens also receive a stipend.
The application for the 2022 Teen Corps program is now available! The deadline to apply is April 30 and no late applications will be accepted. Please contact us with any questions.
Contact: Michele Bailey, (614) 715-8034, mbailey@fbconservatory.org
Website: : https://www.fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps/
Butterfly Exhibit - Frankin Park Conservatory
Columbus, prepare for incoming butterflies — the beautiful bugs are fluttering their way to Franklin Park Conservatory and they brought numbers.
Blooms & Butterflies exhibit where 12,000 butterflies will take flight in the Pacific Island Water Garden throughout the season.
What is Blooms & Butterflies?
The Conservatory maintains thousands of butterflies that are born, bred, and hatched for this exhibit. Through this, they are able to add 700-800 butterflies each week which means each visit you are sure to see a few familiar wings, and a few new ones.
The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until Mon., May 30 + it's free for Franklin County residents on the following dates:
- Sun., March 6
- Sun., April 3
- Sun., May 1
A gossamer-winged butterfly | Photo by @fpconservatory
COTA UPDATES
Individuals who receive public income assistance will be eligible for transit discounts. The COTA Income Assistance Program will provide a 50% discount for customers who participate in one of the one of the following countywide programs:
- SNAP Food Assistance
- Publicly Funded Childcare
- Ohio Works First Cash Assistance
- Prevention, Retention and Contingency Emergency Assistance
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
COTA PLUS - a service offered through COTA, very similar to Uber/Lyft services.
CCS students can ride for no charge. Steps to get set up:
- Call (614) 702-2577 to register
- Must have a debit/credit card on file (card can be a VISA card from the store)
- Enter the promotional code COTACPS
- Download app
Once everything is set up, the student can make requests and a COTA PLUS van will arrive within 15 minutes to transport. Please refer website for additional information: https://www.cota.com/services/cota-plus/
RENTAL & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
Intake Process: Customer will come into the office where we will collect the documentation. Once documentation is collected, an IMPACT Rep will complete the application via phone interview and will provide the customer with next steps. The turnaround time is 14-21 business days.
Documentation Needed:
Valid driver’s license/photo I.D. for main applicant
Social Security card for every member of the household
Lease
Past Due Notice (3-day, court documentation, notice from landlord)
May require documentation verifying your emergency
Previous 30 days' proof of income for everyone 18 and over in the household
Examples include employment pay stubs, SSI award letter, etc.
Program Benefits: The program provides a benefit on average of $3,000, provided all eligibility requirements are met and supporting documentation is provided. If your rental amount is over $3,000, your case subjected to review by IMPACT to determine if other funds are available to assist you.
What Program Covers? Past Due Rental and Mortgage Payments; 1st Month’s Rent
What Program Doesn’t Cover? There is a limit on fees, utilities, attorney fees based upon the funding source. *IMPACT Rep coordinating their application will inform them in detail what we can and cannot fund.
How Can The General Public Apply For Service: Customers can either call 614-964-2906 or apply online by clicking below
When Does the Program Start/End? Currently this program is a year-long program
Appointment Number: 614-964-2906
Customer Walk-In Availability: There are no walk-in options available.
Options to Submit an Application: Online or in-person upon their scheduled appointment time.
Apply here: https://apply.impacthopefund.org/home
Help Homeless & Foster Youth
Qualifying youth experiencing homelessness and youth from foster care who are at least 18 years old are eligible for a $1,502 tax refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), even if they are full-time students. At the present time, these provisions are only for tax year 2021. This is a departure from previous tax years, and of special importance to vulnerable youth who are still in high school or pursuing higher education.
Click here to download the pdf: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/EITC-tax-refund.pdf
More information: Help Homeless and Foster Youth Get a $1,502 Tax Refund in 2022 | SchoolHouse Connection
LIHWAP Water Assistance Now Available
The Open Shelter
New address: 1037 Parsons Ave., Columbus OH 43206.
A new building, new address & new chapter in the nearly 40 year history of our agency. But the mission remains the same. “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.
We are still a “covered piece of the sidewalk” for the most vulnerable in our community.
Services:
DAY SHELTER & ADVOCACY CENTER
1037 Parsons Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43206
Scheduled Appointment Hours:
9 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Staff is available for scheduled appointments for housing applications, social security applications/appeals, payeeship negotiations, case management interventions, donation drop-offs, etc.
Open Hours:
10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Open to everyone
Sack Lunches (as available):
Lunches are offered starting at 10 AM
Columbus Coalition for the Homeless Street Card
GIVE BACK
Join Our Team Come and Volunteer with Us!
Open Hours for donor drop offs:
Tuesdays - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturdays - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Check-In - Welcome and check-in clients, provide orientation to new individuals and families
Check-Out - Check out individuals and families that have completed their shopping
Sorting and Staging Donations - Sort clothing, household goods and general donations
Communications & Donor Engagement - Assist with newsletter, social media, thank you notes, phone calls and developing donor materials
Back-End Dock Assistant - Unload donor vehicles and take clothing, household goods and furniture to designated department. Load client vehicles and unload furniture donations from Joseph’s Coat truck.
Furniture Receptionist - Assist clients and donors in person and by phone.
Facility Maintenance - Assist with maintenance and repair of the facility
Not Sure where to Volunteer - Do you have a special gift or talent you are willing to share? Fill out the Interest Form and we will contact you to find the best fit! CLICK here https://www.josephs-coat.org/donate-time
CCS - Project Connect
Columbus City School's Project Connect Program is housed under the Department of Student Services to serve students and families experiencing barriers to housing while ensuring academic success is maintained.
Columbus City Schools Parent Portal
Need to update your address, request a school change or check the status of a bus route....all of this and more can be done via the Parent Portal. Your one-stop shop to ensure your student's educational needs are met.
Infinite Campus (Student and Parent Portal) / CCS Parent Portal
Columbus City Schools Annual Update
Need to update your address? You can do so by accessing your Parent Portal via Infinite Campus.
Parent Letter Parent Portal and Annual Information Update
Infinite Campus (Student and Parent Portal) / CCS Parent Portal
Parent Portal Instructional Video
Click HERE to view the video
How can the Project Connect Program help?
Who may qualify for the Project Connect Program?
How do families access Project Connect services through CCS?
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings & 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Mornings | Health and Wellness Center - every other Sunday Morning 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Call the homeless hotline, open 24 hours a day,
1-614-274-7000
CLICK here for a list of free clothing closets, furniture banks and school supplies locations in Franklin County and Columbus Ohio.