Avalon Family Resources Newsletter

🗓️ Save the Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024

🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Fort Hayes Campus - 546 Jack Gibbs Blvd.

🎈 Get ready for the highlight of the year as Columbus City Schools presents its annual Kindergarten Readiness Event: Countdown to Kindergarten!

🎓 Bid farewell to Pre-K and embrace the exciting journey ahead as we prepare for Kindergarten. It's an event filled with:

• 🍔 Food
• 🎁 Giveaways
• 🎈 Family Fun

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This is an event the whole family will enjoy! Don't miss out on the festivities and essential information to kick-start this new chapter of your child's education.

🎉 See you there! 🎉

May 6 - May 10 a registration link will be given by Ms. Hart, our Latchkey Head to our current Latchkey families to register their student(s) for next school year. Then by Monday, May 13 another link will be given to all other Avalon families that are interested in registering their student(s) for Latchkey next school year.

*Do not use the 2023/2024 Latchkey registration or payment linkon the CCS website.

Latchkey is an elementary school-age childcare program that provides care and education for children of working parents.This program is designed to be a link between the home and the school. Certified, qualified and experienced childcare providers supervise, teach and interact with children to ensure that they are cared for, supervised, exposed to many learning activities, allowed to complete homework and share enjoyment in a relaxed and carefully designed developmentally appropriate environment.

Latchkey Registration Dates for NEXT SCHOOL YEAR (2024-25 School Year)

All Latchkey registrations will be completed online.

Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10: Students currently enrolled in the Latchkey Program.

Monday, May 13 (beginning at 7 a.m.): Students enrolling in the Latchkey Program for the FIRST time.

Latchkey spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

NOTE: CCS Transportation Department may provide bus routes if the elementary school attended by your student(s) does not house a Latchkey Program.

Registration Costs
$30 (One child)

$40 (Two or more children/same household)

The payment must be received no later than the first day of attendance.

Latchkey accepts Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC).

Hours:
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Weekly Fees:
A.M. Fee: $65.00 per week per child
P.M. Fee: $70.00 per week per child
A.M. & P.M. Fee: $85.00 per week per child.

Latchkey fees are payable online through the links that will be provided for next school year. Any check or money order payments must be paid at 270 E. State St. between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cash payments are not accepted.

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.

Questions? Contact the Office of Extended Learning: 614-365-5010 or ExtendedLearning@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Missed out on the 2024 Summer Opportunities and Engagement Fair? No worries! If you're still on the hunt for the perfect summer camps and experiences for your student, we've got you covered. Explore a diverse range of local camps, programs, and adventures tailored to suit your student's interests and aspirations. Click the link below to discover exciting opportunities that will make this summer one to remember!

At the November 8th Board business meeting, the District approved proposed changes to the previously adopted 2023-2024 Traditional and Year-Round Academic Calendars per Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.48 (B) due to the Total Eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024.

Specifically:

• Traditional Calendar: The revision to the Traditional Academic Calendar moves the April 24, 2024, Professional Development Day to Monday, April 8, 2024, as a remote Professional Development Day; there will be no classes.

• Year-Round Calendar: The revision to the Year-Round Academic Calendar makes Monday, April 15, 2024, an intersession day on the year-round academic calendar. There will be no classes.

* Please note: no other dates on the Traditional school year calendar or Woodcrest’s year-round schedule are impacted.

Per Ohio law, there must be a 30-day period for public comment before the Board of Education can officially approve the calendars. Columbus City Schools community members can submit comments or feedback via our Academic Calendars Survey or email to engage@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Approval of the Academic Calendar proposals will be placed on the agenda for an upcoming Board of Education business meeting.

The District’s Academic Calendars are created in collaboration with the Columbus Education Association (CEA) and in consultation with principals and district administrators.

To families that have younger children who will be going to Pre-K (Pre-Kindergarten) next school year, there are many resources offered by the District to help you prepare.

Visit here for more information: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/12052

Here are some things you can expect in Pre-K next year:

Above and below, you will find an example of one of our Pre-K classrooms. Our teachers strategically set up their rooms to help promote learning, reinforce the curriculum, and create a fun, caring, and safe environment.

The Columbus City Schools FACT Line, part of the Office of Customer Relations, has compiled a listing of local agencies, organizations, and individuals (independent contractors not under the auspices of CCS) who provide tutoring or family-related services, as listed in the Lutheran Social Services Directory for Franklin County.

Columbus City Schools (CCS) proudly presents FACES, the online Family and Community Engagement Series program created to inform and connect families, community, and schools. The series airs on the District's Facebook and YouTube channels. During sessions, CCS families will learn about the latest District information, hear about family resources from our community partners, provide feedback, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

Sessions air at 6:00 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Then, the Columbus City School Board of Education meetings air on the first and third Tuesdays. Sessions are recorded and available to watch at your leisure. Some past topics have included mental health awareness, reading and literacy, and coping with stressors of busy holiday seasons.

Check out Culture Passes for admission to these central Ohio organizations –FREE with your library card.

**Columbus Zoo and Aquarium passes CAN be used for entrance to the Zoo for the Eclipse Event April 8th.

For in-person checkout only; non-reservable. Click here to check availability. Supplies are limited.

BalletMet

• Pass admits two adults or children.
• Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
• Valid for 2024-2025 performances only.

CAPA

• Pass can be redeemed for one 10-pack of 2024 movie tickets.
• Each ticket admits one person to any Summer Movie Series film.
• All movies take place at the Ohio Theatre.
• Valid for 2024 Summer Movie Series only (June & July).

Columbus Children’s Theatre

• Pass admits four individuals of any age.
• Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
• Call the box office in advance to be sure the show isn’t sold out.
• Valid for 2024 performances only.

Columbus Clippers

• Pass admits up to two adults and four children.
• Passes good for bleacher seating sections.
• Valid for Sunday games only during the regular season (March – September).

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus

• Pass admits two individuals of any age.
• Redeem at theater box office up to two hours before performance.
• Call the box office in advance to be sure the show isn’t sold out.
• Valid for 2024-2025 performances only.

Columbus Museum of Art and the Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art

• Pass admits eight people of any age.
• Valid for seven days.

Columbus Symphony

• Pass admits one adult; children under 16 are free.
• Seat selection must be made before performance.
• Valid for Masterworks performances only.

**Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• Pass admits up to six people of any age.
• Valid for two days.
• Pass is not valid for Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club or The Wilds.
• Pass does not include parking fees.

Dawes Arboretum

• Pass admits up to six individuals of any age.
• Valid for two weeks.
• Valid for general admission; excludes registered programs and events.
• Cannot be used for entry during member-only hour from 8-9 a.m.

Franklin Park Conservatory

• Pass admits two adults and six children.
• Valid for 30 days.
• May be used two times before pass expires.

Ohio History Center

• Pass admits up to eight adults and/or children.
• Pass also valid to Ohio Village (seasonal).
• Valid for seven days.
• Valid for 10% discount at café and gift shop.

National Veterans Memorial Museum

• Pass admits two adults and five children.
• Valid for seven days.

ProMusica

• Pass admits two adults or children.
• Redeem by calling 614-464-0066 ext. 101 in advance, or at theater
  box office up to one hour before performance.

La Coalición Hispana de Ohio ofrece un programa extracurricular, donde los niños reciben: asistencia con las tareas, actividades de enriquecimiento, tutoría y tutoría, aprendizaje STEAM, creación de contenido y más, todas estas actividades están en ambos idiomas (inglés y español).

La Coalición Hispana de Ohio también tiene un campamento de verano. Estén atentos a ese folleto. Aún no lo han publicado.

SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) was developed in 2001 in order to create a seamless transition for vulnerable children into kindergarten and to help them be successful learners. SPARK is a home visiting family-focused kindergarten readiness program that works collaboratively with families, schools, and the community. Each month, children receive a new book, a lesson activity, educational supplies, and participate in home and group learning opportunities, in order to increase the child's success in school and life. SPARK focuses on assisting families to help children get ready for school by building reading, language, and social skills. SPARK Ohio has helped more than 5,000 families prepare their preschool-aged children for kindergarten while working collaboratively with schools to enhance transition practices. SPARK serves children turning three or four years of age by September 30th of each year throughout Franklin County.

There is no cost associated with this program.

Find out more information here!:

https://www.nld.org/ymca-of-central-ohio-spark?student=1

Registration is now open!

Community centers offer themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6-12. Campers experience many activities including, but not limited to, arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration. Register for one session or for the entire summer.

A confirmation email will be sent immediately after registering online. Prior to registration, there is an option to add desired camps to a wish list.

Action for Children has been central Ohio’s trusted resource for all things early learning since 1972. As the local child care resource and referral agency, we serve Franklin County, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.

Karl Road Library Branch - Adult Learning Programs:

There are many programs offered at the Karl Road Branch for adult education.
Here are a few upcoming events, listed below.

English Conversation Tables

• Karl Road - Meeting Room 3
• Wednesdays, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
• Come join Library staff for an hour of English Practice as we explore a variety of topics, vocabulary, and grammar through conversation. No registration required. All levels are welcome.

ESOL Class

By Godman Guild

• Karl Road – School Help Center
  
• Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
  
• 9:00am – 12:00pm
  
• ESOL classes are free English as a second language classes. Please call the Godman Guild at 614-294-5476 to register.

ESOL Class

By Columbus Literacy Council

• Karl Road – Meeting Room 1, 2, and 3
  
• Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm

• ESOL classes are free English as a second language class. Students need to register online using this form: http://bit.ly/CLCAdultEducation or call the Columbus Literacy Council at 614-362-1625.

Columbus Financial Empowerment Center:

By Jewish Family Services & City of Columbus

• Karl Road – Study Room 7
  
• Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 5:00pm

• The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. Trained and Certified financial counselors will help you.
  

Free Legal Help:

By Legal Aid Society

• Karl Road – Conference Room 1
  
• Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

• Get free legal help from the Legal Aid Society including consumer debt, expungement and landlord/tenant issues. No registration is required.
  

View the Columbus Metropolitan Library event calendar here for more events and information: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/events

*You can also filter the search to show events at the local Northern Lights branch, as well.

The Aspire program offers free ESL, High School Equivalency (GED, HiSET), postsecondary preparation and career training for adult learners at different locations throughout Columbus. Day, evening and weekend, virtual and in-person class options are available. Spring classes will begin April 15, 2024.

To register: https://ausohio.com/adult-education/

Since 1954, we have been committed to providing programs for lifelong learning. Adult Workforce Education courses can be taken in health occupations, skilled trades, and computer applications. You can prepare to earn your high school equivalency by attending free classes, and foreign-born adults can learn to read, write, and speak English in our (ESL) English for Speakers of Other Languages program.

ACE Mission Statement: Adult & Community Education improves the lives of adult students through personalized, quality learning.

CCS Mission Statement: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.

Vision Statement: A world-class model of public education that prepares all students to be Portrait-ready graduates and reach their full potential.

To learn more: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddPqfUy-wClUEvEe2oYUndwMgNUr49QDYVydNllq7h0uVxGg/viewform

CLC is a dynamic and innovative agency providing services to individuals, families and neighborhoods across Central Ohio. Our mission is to increase employability, enable future education, encourage civic involvement and promote family stability and support.

Columbus Literacy Council offers programs for a variety of topics, such as:

• Workplace Learning
  
• Business Grammar
  
• American Sign Language
  
• Spanish
  
• Citizenship
  

To learn more: https://www.clcworks.org/connect-with-us

Find your next opportunity!

Post your resume, find a job, learn career skills, meet the requirements of your government benefits, and more on OhioMeansJobs.com. Get best practices for your job search.

The Franklin County Job Center is located at:

Columbus-Franklin County
1111 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205

Phone: (614) 559-5052

• JobNow Coaches are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT
  
• Get resume help from live experts
• Live interview coaching
• Expert job matching
• Career assessments to help you begin your search
• Unemployment assistance

To apply, click here: https://www.aepohio.com/community/caring/neighbor-to-neighbor#applying

LSS 211 Central Ohio, formerly HandsOn Central Ohio, provides community access to thousands of programs and services available from nonprofit, government, and healthcare organizations in Central Ohio. Click the image to find resources available to you.

Visit the website here: https://lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio/

The local Northside office of Department of Jobs & Family Resources offer benefits for low-income families that are in need.

Available benefits include: Medicaid (Health Insurance),SNAP (Food Assistance), Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance), and childcare.

To print and fill out the application click below:

https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS%2007200/pdf/

To apply online click below:

https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal

*Monthly Mobile Produce Market occurs every third Saturday of each month from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Food is loaded into the trunk of each car by pantry staff. Please bring photo ID.

Home goods are also available on first-come, first-served basis.

Address: 5757 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229.

2024 Dates:

-January 20

-February 17

-March 16

-April 20

-May 18

-June 15

-July 20

-August 17

-September 21

-October 19

-November 16

-December 21

NNEMAP food pantry is open daily.

Daily Hours:

Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Address: 677 E. 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43221

Phone: (614) 297 - 0533

*See flyer above.

Open to All Franklin County

Hours of Operation:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Tuesday, Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Consumers are welcome once a week!

St. Stephen's Community House FNC is curb-side only.

Address: 1500 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219

The Bread of Life Food Pantry is working to meet the critical need for food. If you need help, schedule an appointment at:

-Phone : (614) 341-2282

-Text: (614) 702 - 7772

The pantry is currently open on:

-Wednesdays: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

-Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Address: 1880 Agler Road

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, although walk -Ins are accepted on a limited basis.

*See the flyer above.

We’re here to help!

You can use www.FreshTrak.com to find food resources in your area.

Input your zip code to find food access resources in your community.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides housing assistance for very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled, allowing them to live in safe, quality affordable housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses or apartments in neighborhoods of their choice. Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and are not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

A family that is issued a voucher is responsible for finding a suitable unit where the owner agrees to rent under the HCV program. The suitable unit may even include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by CMHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

Visit website: https://www.cmhanet.com/HCV/About

Did you know the PBS For Parents website has Read Alongs you can watch with your kids? These books are read by the author and have a craft, game, and/or printable that goes along with each story!

If you are tired at bedtime and want to listen to a book - this is a GREAT way for you and your child to enjoy a bedtime story WITH pictures together!

Check out this and many other great parent resources at:

https://www.pbs.org/parents/

The Read Together Grow Together website from the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy has 8 Tips for Families reading with their children.

“Reading with your child is one of the best ways to build their literacy skills.

Did you know there are simple tips you can use when you read together? These tips are for every adult who shares the joy of reading with a child. They are based on best practices and can be used with any books that you have.”

https://crane.osu.edu/our-work/read-together-grow-together/

Check out this site for Camps-In-a-Box, Virtual Field Trips, Family Webinar Series, and community events.

https://ohiolearns360.org/

Ohio Hands and Voices is partnering with Columbus Metropolitan Libraries to offer American Sign Language Storytime at several library locations this spring.

All are welcome to attend these inclusive and fun storytime events!

CMA provides free general admission for museum visitors, each and every Sunday. See art throughout the Museum galleries through hands-on activities, puzzles, and Join the Conversation stations. For more information click the link below.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Otterbein University (America Reads & Sports Pals)

Junior Achievement

Vineyard Community Center

Avalon Eagles Newsletters

Acronyms

Faculty & Staff Directory

Family Resource Directory

Feeder Pathways

PBIS Parent Handbook

Uniforms

Check out our Youtube Channel! Make sure to Like and Subscribe!

https://www.youtube.com/@avalonelementary5511

To follow, click this link:

https://www.instagram.com/avalonk3/

To request to join, click this link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/134270649947642/