Avalon Family Resources Newsletter

CCS PreK families are invited to start the year off right by attending a FREE PreK Kick-Off event. Experience hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt, food, giveaways, and more! Scan the QR code to learn more.

CCS PreK Kick-Off

Friday, September 6, 2024

5PM-7PM

Grange Audubon Center

505 W. Whittier St. Columbus, OH 43215

CCS Transition Fair

Sept. 14, 2024

10am-1pm

East High School

1500 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43205

Plan your child's future by attending the Columbus City Schools Transition Fair. This event is an opportunity for families and students with IEPs and 504 plans to learn about tips, tools, strategies, and information to assist with life changes as students move through PreK/ elementary to middle school to high school and beyond.

• 50 Community partners available to provide families with information for PreK to High School student needs

• Guest speakers talking about tools to help plan an IEP, Medicaid Waiver services community resources, and strategies to support student through school

• Family fun with Cleveland Cavaliers Free 30 minute basketball clinics & Touch a Truck

Click link below to register. This event is FREE!

Pathway Express Stop #1

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Saturday September 14, 2024

10AM - 1PM

300 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215

Join CCS for another great year of discovery on the Pathway Express. This years first stop is the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Meet Author Marc Brown (Arthur), explore the museum, and enjoy interactive learning experiences. Admission and parking are FREE.

New safety measures have been put in place for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year for all special events including sporting events such as football.

Beginning today (August 23rd) at most locations:

• Safety and Security Specialists will process all spectators and visitors through a single-entry point via the EVOLV High-Speed Weapons Detection Systems
• Students must provide their school ID
• A parent or adult guardian must accompany middle school students
• Restrictions on bag size, no larger than 5x8
• No strollers
• **New this year** no admission or purchase of tickets after the end of the third quarter
• Spectators are prohibited from re-entering after leaving the facility

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.

FREE Harvest Fair presented by Autism Speaks

Fall-themed family fun for everyone to enjoy! Activities and entertainment include:

• Inflatables from SuperGames including Bobbing for Apples, Endzone Obstacle Course, Farmyard Playland, Football Bounce, Scarecrow Slide, and Wacky Kiddie Korner
• Downtown pumpkin patch ($3 per mini pumpkin, card only)
• Pumpkin decorating & Pumpkin Carving
• Face painting and Balloon Twisting
• A full farm experience & apple cidering
• Participate in sensory fun with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center

Date: Saturday, September 7th

Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Columbus Commons (160 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215)

Mark your calendars for a day of art and exploration at Art & Adventure on Jefferson Avenue on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

This celebration takes place at the historic Jefferson Avenue Center, home to nonprofits like Thurber House and Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

From plein air painting and a fairy door trail to a scavenger hunt and free tours of Thurber House, there’s something for everyone. The day wraps up with a community reception from 4-5 pm.

Whether you’re an artist, a family looking for a fun outing, or an art enthusiast, you’ll enjoy this free event.

Art & Adventure on Jefferson Avenue is part of the 2024 Ohio Open Doors celebration. This statewide initiative opens the doors to Ohio’s most cherished landmarks, offering special tours, events, and programming to highlight the history and uniqueness.

Parking on Jefferson Avenue: Free, easy street parking is available all along the Jefferson Avenue oval. Note: only the spots along the one-way oval are free.

Parking off N. 11th Street (behind Thurber House): Free visitor parking is available in the small lot directly behind Thurber House, accessible off N. 11th Street and located here. There is no time limit as long as you are visiting Thurber House/Jefferson Avenue Center. All other parking lots do not belong to Thurber House and you may be towed.

The DFSC will suit women attendees with a complimentary interview-ready ensemble complete with accessories and shoes, plus personalized career development and job readiness support. Everything is provided inside their Mobile Career Center.

Date: Wednesday, September 11th 2024

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library-Marion Franklin Branch (2740 Lockbourne Rd. Columbus, OH 43207)

Following a successful Public Safety Week in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood last year, we're taking events to Linden. Councilmember Emmanuel Remy's vision for Public Safety Week is for the community to come together in service and conversation while providing needed resources to families.

Bring the kids out to St. Stephen’s Community House for the Pelotonia Kids Bike Ride & Resource Fair! It’s a great way for families to stay active and learn about community resources. See details below:

Event: Pelotonia Kids Bike Ride & Resource Fair in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s

Date: Saturday, September 14th

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: (1500 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43219) St. Stephen's Community House

This event is free to the public; advanced ticketing reservation is available and recommended.

We’re uniting with cultural organizations from around the state to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans/Latinx Americans who have enriched our nation and society. Join us as we learn about Latine heritage from the perspectives of Ohioans with different cultural backgrounds.

Address:

Ohio History Center800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA

Check out the list of timed activities for the event below!

1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Vendor Market with Casa Karmelitas, Vainilla y Chocolate, and artisans with El Mercadito Lindas.

1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Performances by Mariachi Garibaldi Columbus

3 p.m. -4:15 p.m.

Join us for a Community Dialog at the Red Carpet with community leaders from around Columbus.

4:30 p.m.

Performance by Ballet Folclorico Xochihua

Ongoing Craft Activities

Make your Own Molas, Vejigante Masks, Story Quilting, Scavenger Hunt, Papel Picado

Take part in a back-to-school mental health fair co-presented by Seeds of Caring and The Beehive Alliance.

This free event provides valuable mental health tools for children while exploring the link between self-kindness and kindness to others. The event will include activities like yoga, worry stones, affirmation pictures, Abercrombie & Fitch kindness kits donation station, sensory kits for first responders, a take home plant, informational resources from community partners, and more!

This event is for kids ages 5-12 and their adults. Adults must stay on-site. Registration is required.

Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 2:30 – 4pm.

Westerville Community Center
350 North Cleveland Avenue
Westerville, Ohio 43082

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

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.

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

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

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