Please Note: translate this newsletter by clicking the "Translate" icon.

Atención: traduce este boletín haciendo clic en el icono de la "Translate".

Attention : traduisez cette newsletter en cliquant sur l'icône "Translate".

يرجى ملاحظة ما يلي: قم بترجمة هذا البيان الإخباري من خلال النقر على أيقونة "ترجمة".

Makini: tafsiri jarida hili kwa kubofya ikoni ya "Translate".

TODAY January 14: PTO Meeting

January 15: Winter Welcome at CIHS

January 17: End of Quarter 2

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-No School

January 21: Professional Development Day-No School

January 22: Records Day-No School

January 24: PBIS Party

Spring Conferences: February 4 & 13

Student vs. Staff Basketball Game

WLMS had an exciting afternoon right before they took off for Winter Break with a Student vs. Staff Basketball game! Everyone got involved with lots of friendly competition and had a lot of fun!

Go Leopards!

Students begin after-school tutoring this week! Parents have been notified if their student is participating. You must provide your own transportation-please pickup at 4 pm.

Be sure to come to this fun night TOMORROW at Columbus International High School. Come learn about our pathway high school, while also enjoying delicious food and musical entertainment!

This event is free and is for all pathway families!

Columbus International High School

4077 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43224

5 PM

Ms. Yates is seeking to grow a board game collection for the library for students to utilize during recess or for teachers to 'check out' for student use in the classroom. She has developed a Wish List for any families desiring to contribute. The Wish List can be found here via Amazon, but she is accepting games both in new AND gently used condition. You do not need to purchase from the Amazon list. If you have different games you'd like to donate that are not on her list, or you have questions, please reach out to Ms. Yates at myates2@columbus.k12.oh.us. Thank you for your support in continually growing resources for our students and teachers!

Follow the library on Instagram at @wlms_reads

Click below for our most recent "Leopard Letter", our student-produced newsletter!

WLMS is lucky to have Mr. Leopold as our Gifted and Talented instructor. Learn more about his story and his teaching philosophy here:

Support WLMS and show your school spirit by purchasing House spirit wear. Please click on the link below; our shop is 'live' through February 5th for pre-orders. You can learn more about the philosophy behind the house system below as well. (Note: This sale is for students that have been sorted already. Those that haven’t been sorted will be sorted soon and there will be other opportunities to order once students know their house!).

Because one of the goals of Ron Clark Academy model is improving school climate and culture, WLMS would like to use one of their approaches to this by adding a number of photographs of our students to our classrooms and hallways, but we need your help. WE ARE LOOKING FOR DONATIONS OF PICTURE FRAMES! If you have frames you would like to donate, please send them in to Ms. Ottobre-- all sizes are acceptable! If you have question, email Ms. Ottobre at eottobre@columbus.k12.oh.us.

What is the Ron Clark House Model? In Ms. Ottobre’s 8th grade classes and Ms. Howenstine's 7th grade classes have been 'sorted' into houses, like you might see in Harry Potter, after learning about the Ron Clark Academy. The house system is used to promote, enhance, maintain, and encourage excellent climate and culture in our school. There are four houses in our WLMS system: Amistad, the house of friendship; Altruismo, the house of giving; Isibindi, the house of courage; and Rêveur, the house of dreamers.

See this video for more information about the Ron Clark Academy and the house system model.

8th grade parents! The school choice applications are now open in Infinite Campus/Parent Portal.

If your child would like to enroll in International High School next year each family needs to complete an application called "Reservation" by January 31st. There are also a few Selective Admission applications that should be announced soon to Columbus Alternative HS (CAHS), Fort Hayes HS (non-career center), Eastmoor HS and/or Africentric HS. There is also an application to the Air Force Junior ROTC program that also can help students get into Fort Hayes HS.

The School Choice Lottery closes a month later than the Reservations/Selective Admissions applications. The first round of the lottery applications are due by the end of February. The lottery stays open all year, but best to do your application by the end of February.

If your reservation or Selective Admission is not accepted or you do not pursue an alternative lottery option, your 8th grade student will be enrolled in their home school or ESL Shelter Site based on address.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Mr. Carter

wcarter@columbus.k12.oh.us

• High School & Middle School Lottery Applications Accepted via the Parent Portal January 6-February 28
• Selective Admissions - January 8-January 31
• Request to Return to Homeschool Application Accepted January 6-March 21

4077 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43224

If your family was unable to attend a school tour for CIHS, but would still like a tour and/or opportunity to shadow a language course, please reach out to Ms. Weinfurtner at kweinfurtner@columbus.k12.oh.us.

And don't miss the Winter Welcome event on January 15th!

Learn more about CIHS from this presentation link below:

1441 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220

Student-led tours are held every Friday morning at 7:45 am. Parents and students are welcome! No sign-up is required but please bring ID.

2632 McGuffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43211

Families interested in Columbus Alternative High School, please save these dates for CAHS's open house events. There are no individual tours being offered this year. To complete the interest form, click here.

546 Jack Gibbs Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

To tour Fort Hayes, call the main office at (614) 365-6681. Ms. Cole, the office secretary, will ask for contact name, how many people in the party, any areas of interest and a contact phone number. All tours 2:45p - 3:30p with upcoming dates below:

Jan. 23rd

Feb. 20th

Mar. 20th

4405 Scenic Dr, Columbus, OH 43214

Whetstone extends an invitation to WLMS families of 7th and 8th grade students to their event next week, Brave the Future - January 23, 6:00- 8:00 pm. Doors open at 5:45. See below for more info!

Also, see the links below for more information about tours.

It is important for families to know their "home school", especially 8th grade families as high school decisions approach. Because World Language MS is a lottery school, all 8th grade families will receive a 'reservation" at our pathway high school, International HS. Students are not required to accept this reservation and can choose to apply for lottery into another CCS school or they can return to their home school by address. This is why students need to know what their home school actually is! On the district website, the School Locator tool allows you to find your assigned schools by address. Type your address into the box then zoom out to see your assigned school.

Having trouble? Call the CCS Factline at 614-221-3228 and ask what high school your child would be assigned based on your address.

You have just a few more weeks to see our Leopard basketball teams in action! See the schedule below and come support our Leopards!

We've hit the ground running getting things ready for Matilda Jr.! Lots of information will be coming your way soon (tickets, sponsorships, shout outs, ways to volunteer). Please ensure that students complete their student bios for our Matilda program by Wednesday, January 22nd. Please see link below.

Please complete the Google Form for Musical Caregivers if you have not already! (Links and QRs are below!) and sign up to contribute to after-school snacks as well using the Sign-up Genius link. WE HAVE LOTS OF OPENINGS AS SOON AS JANUARY 27! Click on the pdf link below to see the rehearsal/after-school schedule.

Lastly, we are seeking sponsorships for the musical. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please see the sponsorship form below. We love to support local businesses and are hoping for lots of community support!

Reach out if you have any questions!

Google Form for Student Bios:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSel_9mbIT_o5ExPxFyFKZoKp8WeQagke8YvsJySg-Y8IqSv4A/viewform

Google Form for Musical Caregivers:

https://forms.gle/36974sbW7eiE435aA

Signup Genius:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848A4AB23A4FDCE9-53188252-snack#/

Sponsorship Request form:

World Language Middle School has partnered with The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks to host their Center Without Walls program on site at WLMS and spots are still available for your student! Our students have been enjoying awesome programs like Jazz Lab, virtual reality fun in partnership with COSI, and marbling art! This program is on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:00p, offering homework help, group activities, healthy snacks and more. See the flier below for more information. A downloadable form is also attached.

Note: Transportation home after the program is not provided.

Questions? Reach out to Ms. Geistfeld at jgeistfeld@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Next PTO Meeting: TODAY Tuesday, January 14th 6:30-7:30p (via Zoom):

• Zoom Meeting Link:
  https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6145806094?pwd=bQTd7F17jpO2O0NnsOskaR01qnECen.1&omn=89437218130
• (Meeting ID: 614 580 6094 Passcode: WLMS2425)

• Can't make the meeting but want to be involved? Join our email list!
• Email worldlanguagepto@gmail.com

Do you want to participate but have limited time?

Committees are a perfect option! Help when you can and how you can!

Below is a list of committees; committees in BOLD need members most, but if another committee interests you, please let us know!

Email worldlanguagepto@gmail.com to sign up!

Yearbook Committee: 3-4 members

take photos, gather photos, build pages, possibly sell 'ads'/sponsorships, promotion

Parent Volunteer Coordinators: 1-2 members

communicate with parents/FA and create Sign-up Genius sign-ups re: staff needs

Musical Committee: 2-3

members coordinate with parent volunteer coordinator specific to musical volunteer needs, sell ads, organize 'swag' sales, help with editing program

Multicultural Committee: 2-3 members

connect with ELL families, recruit multi-lingual families to promote involvement across school tracks and populations

Fundraiser Committee: 3-4 members

propose/coordinate fundraising opportunities, logistics, promotion

Dance Committee: 1-2 members

point person(s) with Principal Santos and Principal Davis for PTO partnership, coordinate supplies/decor, direct parent volunteers with Parent Volunteer Coordinator

Spiritwear Committee: 1-2 members

Develop spiritwear designs, manage orders

Social Media/Communications Committee: 1-2 members

Develop announcements, reminders, and general communication about PTO/PTO-sponsored events

President: Kyle Ewart

Co-Vice President: Lindsay Capps

Co-Vice President: Susie Troyer

Secretary: Melanie Matthews

Treasurer: Hannah Spiegel

Learn more about your PTO officers by clicking on the pdf below!

When families and teachers work together, children are more likely to be successful, attend school every day, and feel connected to their classmates and teachers. Parents and caregivers who are involved with school feel like they are part of the school community. One important way some families choose to participate in their child’s school is by joining the PTO or a committee. Parents and caregivers are able to meet other families in and work with teachers and administrators to make decisions about the school or district.

Did you know you can earn money for WLMS PTO while you shop? Link your Kroger account to World Language Middle School PTO using the link below; just log into your Kroger account and search for "World Language Parent Teacher Organization" or Organization Number: DQ451. Afterwards, every time you make a grocery purchase at Kroger, they'll donate money to WLMS PTO- at no additional cost to you!

Yearbook sales are officially live! Yearbooks are delivered in May before the end of the school year. Use the QR or the details on the flier below to place your online order.

Our JANUARY giveaway is TODAY Tuesday, January 14th from 3:00pm until 6:00pm.

Please help us spread the word to anyone who is in need of more books to share with children - at school, at home or anywhere in the community. Our only requirement is that these FREE books reach the hands of children for FREE.

Click the link below to see our upcoming giveaway dates:

https://bookbank.secondandseven.com/events/

**REMINDER: Our 2025 giveaway events during the school year will now be held on the SECOND TUESDAY of every month from 3:00pm until 6:00pm.

Thank you so much for all of your support!

We hope to see you at the next giveaway!

Did you know there are FREE sledding hills at the local Metro Parks?

When the snow obliges, there’s no greater fun and free winter activity than to get out your sled, clamber to the top of a Metro Parks sledding hill and just go! All the sledding hills are monitored by park staff for safety and to make sure everyone has a great time.

• Battelle Darby Creek
• Blacklick Woods
• Highbanks
• Quarry Trails
• Scioto Audubon
• Scioto Grove
• Sharon Woods
• Walnut Woods

Not interested in sledding? Gather your friends and family for a hike on any trail. Free refreshments are offered at the parks during the times listed.

January

Saturday, January 18, 10am-1pm at Scioto Audubon

Sunday, January 19, 10am-1pm at Rocky Fork

Saturday, January 25, 10am-1pm at Clear Creek

Sunday, January 26, 10am-1pm at Scioto Grove

February

Saturday February 15, 10am-1pm at Three Creeks

Sunday, February 23, 2025 11am-3pm at Blacklick Woods Golf Course - Winter Hike Celebration!

For more information about parks and programs, visit the link below.

Date: Monday, January 20, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: $5 per person (Free for children 5 and under, Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and Gold Star Families)

Discover inspiring stories of Veterans who served our nation and continue their legacy through acts of service. In the Great Hall, you’ll find local community service organizations ready to connect you with meaningful volunteer opportunities for both children and adults. Make this MLK Jr. Day a day of reflection, learning, and giving back to your community!

Connect with volunteer organizations including:

• Central Ohio VA
• American Red Cross
• Blue Star Families
• Habitat for Humanity
• MidOhio
• Greenlawn Cemetery
• Honor Flight Columbus
• and more!

For more information visit the link below.

Join Seeds of Caring for our annual MLK Day of Youth Service and help us share this message with youth across Columbus. Together, we can make Monday, January 20 a day on, and not a day off. Seeds of Caring's Day of Youth Service is part of the larger MLK Open House event put on by The King Arts Complex every year and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at Ohio History Connection. Seeds of Caring, with the generous support of White Castle and other sponsors, will have five different stations set up where kids ages 2-12 —along with their grown-ups — can contribute to their community in meaningful ways in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Activities will include: assembling cleaning kits for recently housed neighbors, making breakfast kits for kids experiencing food insecurity, creating sun catchers for senior friends to brighten their day, designing “Use Your Voice” posters, as well as a dream catcher reflection craft. This event is FREE but does require registration.

Please see link below for registration information.

On Saturday, January 25th, Columbus City Schools Office of Student Activities is offering a free clinic for current CCS middle school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers. Please see attachment for more information.

2025 CCS SUMMER OPPORTUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT FAIR

Saturday, February 8, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

East High School

1500 E Broad Street (Free parking. Translation services available.)

Dive in and explore what Columbus has to offer this summer for kids and teens at the 2025 Summer Opportunities and Engagement Fair on Saturday, February 8, at East High School, 1500 E. Broad Street from 10am-1pm.

Over 50 community organizations, partners, and Columbus City Schools departments have gathered to share information on camps, academic enrichment, STEM, arts, and overall summer fun.

This year's festivities also feature workshops to guide families through the graduation requirements, college financial aid updates, special needs opportunities, and more.

Get the resources you need to plan your summer!! Register Today!

Brought to you by the Columbus City Schools' Office of Engagement.

What is College Credit Plus?

The State of Ohio's College Credit Plus Program can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from colleges and/or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options for college-ready students. Taking a College Credit Plus course from a public college or university is free, which means no cost for tuition, books, or fees. If you choose to attend a private college or university, you may have limited costs.

In place of regular high school classes, students can take college courses and earn credits that can be transferred to colleges and universities after graduation.

CCP Information Sessions

Columbus City Schools invites you and your student (s) to join us for ONE of these mandatory information sessions in order for your students to participate in College Credit Plus (CCP) courses during the 2025-2026 School Year. You can choose to attend ONLY ONE face-to-face, virtually, or watch the video. The session will include a presentation on the College Credit Plus Program and information on next steps. College/university representatives will also be presenting information and available for individual questions about their application process.

This meeting is mandatory for ALL students taking CCP courses, regardless if it's taken on the college campus, online, or in your high school. Attending the informational meeting must be completed yearly along with submitting the Letter of Intent.

For more information visit the CCS Higher Education Partnership link below.

CCS Higher Education Partnership (HEP) Information Link - Click Here

Help your student stay on track this school year. They’ll have access to:

• Reading Buddies, 15 minutes of one-on-one reading practice for K-3 students
• School Help Centers, offering K-12 students free help with their schoolwork plus use of computers, printers, digital research tools and other resources
• HelpNow, connecting them one-on-one with a virtual tutor Monday-Friday, 2:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
• Online school help tools available 24/7
• YouMedia, an open lab space at nine locations where teens can explore technologies
• After-School Snack, offered at 16 locations in partnership with the Children’s Hunger Alliance

Visit columbuslibrary.org to learn more.

Reminder: WLMS is transitioning to Talking Points. An app is available through Talking Points that will allow you to easily connect with your student's teachers. Click on the "WLMS Resource S'more" button below to find instructions for downloading the app in multiple languages. If you download the app, you will be prompted to enter a 5-digit verification code that is sent to your phone. After this, you do not need a school or a class code. Once you access the app, your student's teachers should populate within two days. If you still don't have access to your student's teachers after this period, please reach out. If no caregiver in your household has been able to successfully connect to Talking Points, please send the name of your student and the phone number you are using with the app to Ms. Bock at lbock@columbus.k12.oh.us.

In attempt to reduce the amount of information in your bi-weekly s'more, we have compiled resources that are ongoing into a "Special Edition WLMS Resource" S'more. Use the button below to access this s'more for information like:

• Talking Points Instruction Letters (multiple languages)
• High School Choice Information
• Using the WLMS Website
• WLMS Attendance
• WLMS Transportation Details
• WLMS PBIS
• CCS District Resources: Factline & ESL Department
• Community Resources: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Tutoring, Food/Housing/Internet Assistance, etc.
• Socio-Emotional Resources for Middle School Families

As additional resources become available, this s'more will be updated.

Our role as Family Ambassador is to share information, tools and strategies that can further connect your student’s learning experience between their time in the classroom and home, host educational opportunities for families, and connect families to community and district resources. We want to support and help you to engage with the WLMS community, as well as help with navigating CCS. Questions about what you read in this s'more? We can help with that too!

We look forward to meeting your family this year if we haven’t already and are eager to connect with you! We are in the building throughout the week, and are also available to connect during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please do not hesitate to reach out, we are here FOR you; our contact information is listed below. If the use of an interpreter would aid our communication, we are happy to arrange that as well!

Go Leopards!

Joy Johnson (español): jjohnson15@columbus.k12.oh.us Phone: 614.526.9507

Lynsey Bock (français): lbock@columbus.k12.oh.us Phone: 614.407.6102

Have you ever wondered how to find something on the website? There's a lot of information! See below for some help navigating all our school's homepage.