Back to School Updates
September 2, 2022
Dear CCS Community,
We wrapped up our first full week of the new school year, and I had the opportunity to visit more than a dozen schools throughout the week. I’d like to take a moment to share my experiences with you.
Several of the schools I visited were those undergoing HVAC upgrades this year including Como Elementary, Colerain Elementary, Fairwood Elementary, and Johnson Park Middle School. I was glad to see much of the upgrades have been completed, as I know our contractors are working diligently to have the HVAC systems up and running fully as soon as possible this fall.
I was also excited to see Priority Three of our Strategic Plan – Strong Learning Communities in Every Region – on full display at Hilltonia Middle School. Several classrooms received renovations, and students are engaging in Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. The expansion of course offerings including construction, small engine repairs, and family consumer science is providing unique learning experiences and opening new doors for our students.
Eighth grade Student Ambassadors at Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls provided an impressive tour of the building, sharing information about their courses, teachers, and classrooms. I was truly impressed with their communication skills, poise, and confidence, proving they have what it takes to Lead the Way!
I also had the opportunity to speak with students, teachers, and staff at three high schools – Briggs, South, and Beechcroft. My goal for our high schools this year is to ensure every student realizes their potential and how the Columbus Promise can help them get there!
Other school visits this week included Oakland Park, Avalon, and Cassady Elementary Schools and Arts Impact, Medina, World Language, and Mifflin Middle Schools. I was absolutely thrilled and encouraged by all the positive energy among our students, teachers, and staff. It was truly heartwarming to witness the genuine happiness of students and teachers alike to be back in our buildings together.
I have school visits planned throughout the fall months, and I look forward to meeting more students, teachers, and staff across the district.
As a reminder, all CCS schools and administrative sites are closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.
But before you head into the long weekend, please read below for important information regarding topics such as transportation and Student Success Cards.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Talisa Dixon
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools
Welcome Back!
See what it was like around the District and hear from teachers and administrators as students return to school buildings!
As a friendly reminder, all CCS schools and administrative sites are closed on Monday,
September 5, in observance of Labor Day.
Bus Routes and Transportation Help
The safe transportation of students every day is an important job and one that Columbus City Schools takes seriously. The District recently transitioned to a new routing system meant to streamline our process. But in the first few days of the new school year, our transportation team has identified several issues impacting our students getting to and from school. As our transportation team works diligently to resolve the issues, they took time during Thursday's Virtual Family Engagement Session to explain how they are correcting the routing system and helping students who have yet to be routed.
Student Success Cards
We are anticipating students to receive their Student Success Cards by mid-to-late-September.
Columbus City Schools will issue Student Success Cards to all students PreK-12. These cards are IDs featuring a photo, name, ID number, and school logo. During the school year, these cards will serve as ID and will be used to access online learning, and check out materials at any Columbus Metropolitan Library branch.
Additionally, high schoolers (grades 9-12 only) can use their Student Success Cards to ride COTA at no charge to them or their parents or guardians. This is supplemental transportation and does not replace yellow bus services provided to students who qualify.
For high schoolers who have opted in for yellow bus transportation but do not yet have a transportation route, there are a limited number of free supplemental COTA passes available at your building. These passes will give students unlimited access to COTA and are valid through September 15.
After School Snack with Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus Metropolitan Library in partnership with Children’s Hunger Alliance to offer free after-school snacks to kids ages 1-18 at 15 branch locations! Want to learn more? Click below and type “snack” in the events search bar to see hours. http://ow.ly/iUn750KujJy
Adapted Physical Activity Program Returns this Fall
Application for City Leaders Academy Program Now Open
The City Leaders Academy is now accepting applications for the 2022/2023 program. Up until now, this leadership program has been strictly for middle school students (6th-8th grade). We are pleased to announce this year, the program will now be accepting 9th grade students. The City Leaders Academy introduces 6th-9th grade students to the leaders and locations that make Columbus a great opportunity city. This leadership academy is designed to educate and accelerate youth to become model citizens and future leaders of our great city.
The programming for 9th grade students will focus on college and life readiness. The ideal candidate for the program should exhibit leadership abilities at home, school and within the community, exhibit great behavior and really want to be part of this great program.
For more information and the full application, please click here or see below.
Guide to Student Success
The 2022-23 Guide to Student Success is now available. It contains important information designed to help assist students to have a successful year. Parents should check the Parent Portal for important forms to be filled out and returned to their respective school administrator.
District Calendars
Below please find the 2022-23 academic calendars for the traditional school year and the year-round school, Woodcrest Elementary.