Dear Columbus City Schools Families,

Just as fall brings new colors and transformations, so does our district, which continues to grow and adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of our students.

Meeting the needs of our students with disabilities is our district's critical and important responsibility. We are seeing a national increase in students with disabilities, particularly autism, and our district is actively putting support in place to meet these needs.

According to the CDC, autism rates have risen from 1 in 150 in 2000 to 1 in 36 in 2020. As these needs grow, our special education team has implemented targeted strategies, including enhanced behavioral intervention plans and classroom management tools, to ensure every student receives the necessary support. While teacher shortages are a challenge nationwide, particularly in special education, we are taking proactive steps to address them and fully support our students.

Since last spring, we've been working to redirect licensed special education teachers into classrooms where they are most needed while partnering with staffing agencies to fill critical positions.

We are looking to fill over fifty instructional aide positions to support our special education teachers and students. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, please visit ccsjobs.org for more information and to apply.

The District is also focused on pipeline work to address the teacher shortage. Several CCS employees in non-teaching positions and substitute roles earned teaching credentials and accepted classroom special education positions for the 24-25 school year. The district is utilizing a Grow Your Own program and working toward implementing a Teacher Apprenticeship program with special education licensure.

Click Here to read Dr. Chapman's full message.

We’re thrilled to invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the Fall edition of the Panorama Family Survey! Let’s see how we grow and thrive together this school year!

The survey window opens from October 7 through October 19.

This survey focuses on school perceptions and student support. It's a chance for us to better understand your needs and preferences and enhance our services. You can find more information about the survey by clicking HERE.

Students in grades 3-12 will have the chance to share their experiences in Columbus City Schools by participating in a survey. Students will only take the survey at school if their parents have not chosen to opt them out. If you wish to opt your child out, simply click HERE.

Rest assured, all responses will be anonymous and guide us in shaping programs and resources to benefit your child and our school community. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate your involvement in making Columbus City Schools an even better place to learn.

Look out for a reminder email on Monday, October 7, for the Fall Family survey link.

October is National Principals Month, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our principals for their incredible leadership and dedication. Your support of our students, staff, families, and school communities makes it possible for our students to Dream Big and Achieve More. Your guidance helps create safe, inspiring environments where every student can thrive. We are grateful for all that you do. Happy National Principals Month!

Turn the page on your next adventure this National Book Month! Don't forget to swing by the 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids' Book Bank on Tuesday, October 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to pick up free books for readers of all ages. Whether you’re into thrillers, biographies, or children's stories, there’s something for everyone! For more info, visit www.bookbank.secondandseven.com.

You're invited to join us at the corner of Allegheny Ave. and James Rd. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. as we celebrate the ceremonial co-naming of Allegheny Ave. to Nubian Way. This special event will honor the achievements and legacy of the students, staff, and community of Columbus Africentric Early College.

We honor the rich history and bright future of Columbus Africentric Early College. Join us in celebrating the legacy of excellence that has shaped generations of students and continues to inspire our community. Be part of this momentous occasion and show your support for the continued excellence of Africentric Early College. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details:

Columbus Africentric Early College Street Dedication

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Columbus Africentric Early College

3223 Allegheny Ave.

Thank you to all the families who attended the 2024 Transition Fair on Saturday, September 14! We hope you found the event valuable and gained helpful insights to support your child’s educational journey.

We are excited to provide you with the Transition Booklet—a comprehensive resource that includes information on education, employment, health services, community agencies, and recreational programs. This booklet is designed to help guide you as your child transitions from Pre-K through high school and beyond, ensuring they have the support needed for long-term success.

If you missed the event or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s Transition Coordinator or visit our website. Together, we can help create a path for life-long success for your child!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spruce Run Nature Center is turning 50 this year, and we’re inviting everyone to join us for the biggest celebration yet! Just a short drive north of Columbus, Spruce Run offers the perfect fall outing with fun activities for the entire family.

Come explore everything the center has to offer, from creeking adventures—where you can borrow boots and nets to explore the vibrant Spruce Run Creek—to discovering our wetlands and taking in the beauty of the gardens. It’s a day of nature, fun, and discovery!

This FREE event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a day of adventure. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, visit the Spruce Run website or contact Heather Allen at hallen704@columbus.k12.oh.us.

The Columbus City Schools Department of School Counseling proudly presents your first Junior Update! This is your go-to resource packed with essential information to help your child make the most of their junior year. In this issue, you'll find guidance on managing your grades, a checklist of important junior year tasks, and details on upcoming college fairs that will help you plan for the future.

We’ve also included an overview of graduation requirements to ensure you stay on track, along with tips on exploring your post-high school options, whether you’re considering college, trade school, or entering the workforce.

Be sure to take advantage of these resources as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Junior year is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your future success, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

At Columbus City Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school communities are our top priorities. We want to remind everyone that any threats or acts of violence, even those intended as a prank are taken very seriously and will be addressed with immediate and appropriate action. Ensuring a safe environment is a collective responsibility, and we are proud to partner with the Ohio Department of Public Safety to further strengthen our commitment to school safety.

We encourage you to watch this important video on how you can help protect our schools and students. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to create a safer environment for everyone.

We are thrilled to share an amazing opportunity for your student to participate in the upcoming TECHCORPS Hack event on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This one-day event is designed for minority high school students in Columbus City Schools to learn valuable skills in mobile app development. Your student will work with peers to create an app that addresses real-world challenges. Whether your child has previous coding experience or is completely new to tech, this program welcomes all skill levels!

Event Details:

• FREE Admission – No entry fee required!
• Meals, snacks, and swag will be provided throughout the day.
• No prior experience is needed – students will be guided every step of the way.
• Each winning team member receives $200 for their creative work!

In addition to hands-on learning, this event is a great opportunity for your student to meet mentors from the tech industry, build their problem-solving and teamwork skills, and explore potential career paths in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

If your student is interested, we encourage you to register today at the link below. Encourage your child to take advantage of this incredible experience!

On Saturday, October 12, Black Girl Rising, Inc. will host a dynamic and inspiring event designed for African American girls ages 13-19 to come together, celebrate diverse backgrounds, and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to them. Participants in the Black Girl Rising, Inc. Think Tank will have the opportunity to share their ideas, break down barriers, and build strong connections with one another.

This FREE event offers a welcoming and inclusive space for girls to use their voices and be empowered to create positive change in the world.

Event Details

Black Girl Rising Inc., Presents a Multicultural Conversation

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Martin De Porres Center

2330 Airport Drive

Columbus, OH 43219

The Family, Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is excited to announce the launch of their upcoming cooking classes, led by the talented Chef Donte. In a time when fast food often seems like the easiest option, these classes offer families and youth a new, healthier alternative. Participants will learn to prepare nutritious and delicious meals using fresh, organic ingredients grown right in the FACCES garden and greenhouse.

These classes will be available both in-person and virtually, making them accessible to everyone in the community. The recipes are easy to follow and designed to be cost-effective and timesaving, so families can recreate them at home with ease.

At FACCES, the belief is simple: well-being leads to well-doing. These cooking classes go beyond meal preparation—they’re about fostering health, connection, and shared knowledge that will benefit children, families, and the entire community.

For more information on upcoming FACCES Cooking Classes, call (614) 319.6070 or email food@thefacces.org for schedules and registration details. Stay tuned for more updates!

Mark your calendars for October 19 and bring the whole family to the 36th Annual Kids' Run, presented by White Castle. This exciting event encourages our youth to lead healthy, active lifestyles while enjoying a fun and challenging race in the heart of our city. It's the perfect opportunity for kids to jump-start their fitness journey in a safe, energetic environment!

Packet pick-up will be Friday, October 18 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. Registration will be available on-site the day of the event.

Event Details

Columbus Marathon Kids Run

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

North Bank Park

311 W. Long St.

Columbus, OH 43215