Dear CCS Community,

In the heart of our bustling CCS community, where every day is a new journey of discovery and growth, our staff's dedication and love truly make our schools feel like home.

The remarkable achievements of Virginia Shaffer, MS, BSN, RN, LSN, IBCLC, our very own champion of health, has been named Ohio School Nurse of the Year by the Ohio Association of School Nurses.

With over 14 years of experience, Virginia has built invaluable relationships with students, families, and healthcare providers. Her efforts to mentor future CCS nurses and provide ongoing education across our district highlight the importance of nurturing and sharing knowledge within our community.

This distinction is a testament to Virginia's professional excellence. Her spirit of nurturing and support stands as a model of how our educators and staff go above and beyond, ensuring our students achieve academically and flourish in health and well-being.

Virginia’s role transcends the traditional bounds of school nursing, touching the lives of students, families, and colleagues with a warmth and dedication that is truly inspiring. Her commitment to student health, particularly in supporting those with diabetes, showcases the depth of her care and the personal approach she brings to her daily work.

Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into our students' education is crucial, and Virginia’s approach to student health perfectly embodies this. She teaches critical life skills such as responsibility, self-awareness, and decision-making by empowering our students to take charge of their health. These skills are vital for managing a health condition and equally important in the classroom and beyond, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Her work with Dr. Carole Sullivan and partnerships like the Nationwide Children's Hospital's Diabetes and School Health (DASH) Program and our Growing Healthy Kids Coalition exemplify how collaboration and community support can enhance our students' well-being.

As we celebrate Virginia’s well-deserved recognition, let us also reflect on the importance of health and wellness in our students' lives. Virginia’s dedication to creating a safe space for open dialogue and learning about health mirrors our commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels supported and empowered.

Let's continue to support and celebrate the incredible work of our staff and the vibrant community we've built together. Here's to health, wellness, and lifelong learning in Columbus City Schools!

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

At the November 8 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.

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 is OFFICIALLY OPEN! Parents/guardians can easily register their child through the Parent Portal. For further details, visit the Summer Experience Hub at ccssummer.org.

Students will choose their course requests in a program called SchooLinks. As a parent/guardian, you can create your own account in SchooLinks. This way, you can view your student’s plans and discuss their choices.

Columbus City Schools is excited to partner with our parents and guardians to help CCS students make the right decisions for their academic plans. Please click the link below to review a Quick Guide that explains the process for students and how guardians can create a SchooLinks account.

SchooLinks Course Planner Guardian Quick Guide

Students at Cedarwood Elementary have an incredible new mural at their school courtesy of Felicia Dunson, also known as FDZ Graffiti. Dunson used her characteristic graffiti style to create a space-themed mural. Dunson said she intentionally made the mural include planets that look like our solar system but aren’t exact copies. She hopes this will encourage students to use their imaginations to think of their own galaxies.

New Year News…

Our service is a gateway to academic achievement. Getting our scholars to and from school is one way we support the district’s goal of preparing learners to realize their greatest potential.

Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips for you and your students to remember:

1. Remind your children not to dash across the street. They must follow the driver’s instructions at all times.

2. Students who must cross the street, driveways, or alleys should always STOP, look to the left, look to the right, and look to the left again before crossing.

If you have a Transportation question/issue, please call our Customer Service number at 614.365.5074, option #1 (press option #2 between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. only).

School Bus Fun Fact!

“School bus yellow " was specifically formulated for use on school buses in North America in 1939. Officially known in Canada and the U.S. as National School Bus Glossy Yellow.” -Wikipedia

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.

Tune in to next Tuesday's episode of FACES, where we delve into the impactful world of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within CCS. This special episode offers an exclusive look at the district's comprehensive efforts to nurture the whole child through SEL initiatives. We'll spotlight "Dreams on Horseback," a distinctive partnership with Trevitt Elementary, showcasing how this collaboration significantly enhances the SEL experience for its students. Don't miss this insightful exploration into how CCS is transforming educational approaches to support every aspect of student well-being.

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, we are celebrating Black History Month with trivia. Test your knowledge and learn about the vital role that Black history and culture play in shaping our nation.

Join the SHS Drama Club for a unique evening with our exclusive performance of "The Odyssey: A Comedy, Sometimes." Mark your calendars for this special event on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., held in the South High School Auditorium.

Cost: $5.00 per person (SHS students can use their PBIS points (150pts) in exchange for ticket price)

Event Page: https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/32315.

Tickets: https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/register/32315/65314

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!

This is an opportunity for parents from every corner of CCS to come together for a crucial post-levy dialogue and to examine the current status of our schools. Achieving the best outcomes for our students requires a collective effort; without uniting, our concerns remain individual issues. Explore how parents can influence positive transformations within Columbus City Schools.

Don't miss the chance to meet newly elected CCS Board President Christina Vera and engage in a meaningful discussion! Refreshments will be served.

Event Details

Northside Library - Meeting Room #1

1423 N. High Street

Columbus, OH 43201

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at The Lincoln Theatre, where you'll immerse yourself in the arts—music, dance, storytelling, and beyond. This event, hosted by Black Girl Rising, Inc., highlights the pivotal role of nurturing relationships among girls for their well-being.

Fran Frazier, the heart behind Black Girl Rising, Inc., warmly invites you to a celebration where the talents and voices of Black girls and women take center stage, promoting visibility and appreciation for their uniqueness.

Join us for this inspiring evening, part of the "I CARE Caring Saves the Lives of Black Girls" campaign. Prepare for a night filled with artistic brilliance and community connection.

Event Details

That's My Sister - The Lincoln Theatre

769 E. Long St.

Columbus, OH 43203

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Community for New Direction (CND) is hosting its 32nd annual Academic/HBCU College Tour during the upcoming spring break. This year, they're venturing into the vibrant city of New Orleans!

This tour is a fantastic chance for high school students to explore educational opportunities, gain insights into college life, and experience the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. It's more than a trip; it's an investment in personal and academic development.

If your high schooler is curious about the path to higher education, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, you are encouraged to consider this enriching experience.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity for growth and discovery. Share the journey to New Orleans with us! A mandatory meeting for all parents and students will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, at the CND East location, 993 E. Main St, at 5:00 p.m.

Attention Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Molina Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana Health Horizons, AmeriHealth Caritas, and United Healthcare Community insurance members! Be sure to update your contact info with Medicaid at benefits.ohio.gov, so you don’t miss important notifications about your health insurance. After updating your information, watch for mail about how you can keep your coverage.