The Family Connector

Dear CCS Community,

As we head into these cold winter months and into the second half of the school year, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on student milestones, such as winter graduation, and all the work from our CCS community that makes it all possible. In my first few weeks as superintendent, I’ve hit the ground running and have seen this commitment and dedication first-hand in my visits to schools and departments. Through these visits, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with the many people who make CCS so special from the time students start school to when they walk across the stage for graduation.

First and foremost, I want to recognize our 2023 January graduates. Today, CCS students will graduate and will venture into the next chapter of their lives. Getting to this point in your life takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work and dedication and hopefully, you feel proud of what you have accomplished. Congratulations on this major milestone, and we look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!

However, none of this would be possible without the work put in every day by our staff, families, and CCS community. Whether it’s getting students to and from school, inspiring our young scholars along their educational path, or preparing nutritious meals every day, many people go into the success of our district. I want our entire CCS family to know how valuable and appreciated they truly are.

It is time again to check with our families as to the success and struggles here at Columbus City Schools.

Our District values feedback from all CCS families, and we would like to learn more about your child’s school experience this year. CCS is collecting responses for a Family-School Relationships Survey to learn how we can better support our students and families.

Parents and guardians, please take 10-15 minutes to complete the Family-School Relationships Survey.

The survey window will be open from Monday, January 30th, through Friday, February 17th.

You can access the survey by logging onto: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/ccsoh/winter23family/surveys

• Select your student’s school from the dropdown menu and click “Take this survey.”

• If you have children enrolled in multiple schools, you have the option to complete a survey for each school.

Check your email and clutter if you haven’t received a survey link.

All responses are completely anonymous and will help us to plan programs, resources, and services to benefit your student and the school community.

If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact your school’s survey coordinator.

Thank you for your partnership in this important effort.

Pathway Express has allowed us to create fun, memorable experiences across the city for CCS students and families, and we can’t to bring three more exciting Pathway Express events throughout the school year. We're excited to partner with The Ohio Statehouse for February's Pathway Express destination!

Since opening to legislators and the public in 1857, the Statehouse has witnessed Ohio’s most historic voting decisions. In addition to state leaders, more than 500,000 visitors tour Capitol Square each year. Throughout February, CCS students and families are invited to add their names to the growing guestbook.

In addition to weekend tours all month long, CCS families are also encouraged to join us for our Family & Community Resource Day on Saturday, February 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will feature:

• Guided Statehouse Tours, including the House of Representatives and Original Supreme Courtroom;

• Special Statehouse Souvenir Gift Bags;

• Scholastic Book Giveaways;

• And More!

CCS families and students participating in Pathway Express will gain many benefits, including experiential learning opportunities, a glimpse into work students are doing throughout the year, fun activities, giveaways, prizes, and more!

CCS Superintendent Students Ambassadors seniors Joshua Goshay and Hafsa Musa make their oratory debut, at the 2023 Martin Luther King Breakfast. Joshua and Hafsa share their message about each generation's responsibility and commitment to "Passing the Mantle," carrying on Dr. King's dream.

Additionally, student oratorical winner Mackenzie Lewis, a junior at Columbus Africentric Early College, delivered her speech entitled, "Black Girl" as part of the MLK Day program at the Lincoln Theatre.

We are so proud of our scholar's ability to lead the way!

Columbus City Schools begins the second half of the school year with Dr. Angela Chapman serving as our new Interim Superintendent. We re-start our popular Virtual Family Engagement Sessions with an opportunity for families to ask her questions. We also hear about the efforts to get students back into the routine of regular school attendance as we reach the official midway point of the school year.

Many of you know Dr. Chapman from her role overseeing our Area Superintendents and principals across the District, prioritizing the work of school improvement, principal supervision, and leadership development. On Thursday, she talked about her goals to maintain stability, improve student outcomes, and promote authentic engagement with families and our community.

We’ll also hear about the efforts to get students back into the routine of regular school attendance as we reach the official midway point of the school year.

Please click here to RSVP for upcoming Virtual Family Engagement Sessions.

Our sessions are recorded and posted in our Virtual Family Engagement Session Library in case you are unable to attend.

As winter weather approaches, Columbus City Schools is ready to help you plan ahead should the District be forced to cancel classes or shift to remote learning due to inclement weather or staffing challenges.

Our goal is to announce a class cancellation or transition to a remote learning model as soon as we can, so we are constantly monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions, and staff absences, and will make an announcement the night before whenever possible.

If weather conditions are such that a determination the night before is not possible, the Superintendent and her Operations team will make a decision no later than 5:30 a.m.

Once the decision has been made, the next step is to alert parents, teachers, and staff.

For more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.ccsoh.us/weather.

High School & Middle School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 4, 2023 through Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2022-23 school year with CCS is August 18, 2023. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 8, 2023.

Elementary School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, February 1, 2023 through Friday, March 31, 2023. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2022-23 school year with CCS is August 18, 2023. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 8, 2023.

***ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOICE FAIR: February 7***

PLAN AHEAD: The Elementary School Fair will be February 7, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We will also host a Virtual Family Engagement Session on February 2 with reminders on how to access the Parent Portal and apply to the School Choice Lottery.

Selective Admissions Applications: Applications available to eligible students Monday, January 9, 2023 with a submission deadline of Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Applications must be submitted via the Parent Portal.

Request to Return to Homeschool Application: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 4, 2023 through Friday, March 24, 2023.

Reservation: Accepted via the Parent Portal for eligible students from Wednesday, January 4, 2023 through Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

ROTC: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 4 through Monday, February 20, 2023.

Learn about each of the schools at the Virtual School Choice Fairs

There will be video presentations that give an overview of each school uploaded to the website in early-January to view prior to the Fairs. There will also be video conferencing links available. During the scheduled times for the Fair, families can click on the link and chat live with the principal and/or school staff.

Are you looking for a program that offers extra support while taking college courses?

Are you a 10th or 11th grader on track to have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher by the end of the year?

Did you know that there are special programs for students to earn FREE college courses through a special program that is ONLY available to CCS students?

We invite you to join us for our special college student programming VIRTUAL session and learn more about the district's Junior JumpStart and Seniors to Sophomores program.

Who: Students and Parents of 10th and 11th graders

What: Virtual Information Session for Junior Jumpstart and Seniors 2 Sophomores

When: Tuesday, January 31st at 6:30pm

Where: ZOOM Virtual Link

Why: Hear from the program coordinator AND students in the program to find out why this program could be for you!

For questions, email Kelley Rasberry at krasberry3276@columbus.k12.oh.us or call the Higher Education Partnerships Office at 614-365-8600.

Please join us at the CCS Financial Aid & Scholarship Workshop at Columbus Africentric Early College on Saturday, February, 4 at 9:30 a.m. Students who attend can get help (or will receive help) completing and submitting scholarship applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There will be a variety of scholarship opportunities for students to apply for, as well as parent information sessions to highlight key points in assisting student(s) who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution. Click the link below to register.

The State of Ohio's College Credit Plus Program (CCP) can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from colleges and/or universities. Taking a College Credit Plus course from a public college or university is free, which means no cost for tuition, books, or fees. 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.

To participate in CCP, students must complete the Letter of Intent Form and attend the required annual informational meeting no later than April 1st.

Benefits of CCP:

• CCP courses save students time and money because they can earn transferable college credits for free while in high school.
• CCP provides academic experience that will enhance students’ college and career readiness.
• Dedicated students can earn enough credits to graduate high school with an Associate Degree.

Want More Information?

Join us for ONE mandatory information session. 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 of 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.

Upcoming In person Meetings:

February 2, 2023

Columbus Africentric Early College

Click Here to Register

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

February 22, 2023

Centennial High School

Click Here to Register

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Join us Saturday, February 4 from 10 am-2 pm for our Spruce Run open house! Open to CCS staff, students, and families, visitors will have the opportunity to explore nature across the 50-acre property.

Each month, Spruce Run will host a different theme! For the month of February, the Ohio Wildlife Center will be at Spruce Run with an educational display and a few Ohio animals including ducks, turtles, and squirrels!

The following activities will be available to open house guest:

* Enjoy a read aloud

* Take a winter hike to learn hibernation facts

* Make heart shaped animal cards

For more information, contact Heather Allen.

Calling all ninth and tenth graders: Join Computing Career Corps today! The program helps students learn more about technology and explore possible career paths.

Students that successfully complete the program will:

• Earn a new laptop or $400.
• Priority placement in a 4-week, paid summer internship.
• Potential earning potential up to $1500.
• Earn digital badges and internship hours.

Please contact Rebecca Dillow for more information.

On Saturday, February 4, The College of Dentistry is hosting its Give Kids A Smile Day®, providing free dental care for underserved children. This event is offered as part of the national Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program sponsored by the American Dental Association Foundation.

Services provided include:

• Free dental exams
• Cleanings
• Extractions
• Fillings and crowns.

This event is FREE for children under 18 years of age. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must remain with their child(ren) throughout the event. To schedule an appointment, click the link below.

Research demonstrates that the presence of supportive fathers in daughters' lives can have huge impacts on girls' self-esteem , academic and career success, and relationships.

Black Girl Dad Week 2023 celebrates these important relationships and gives families and role models a chance to make lasting memories together. Activities range from educational to celebratory, culminating in a father-daughter dance that's sure to be memorable.

Join the Columbus Urban League for a Virtual Family Engagement Session on February 9

(6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) to hear more about this impactful week and learn some tips and strategies on different ways fathers can be more present in their daughters’ lives. And check out the links below to sign up for the activities.

How it works: Starting April 7, anyone 17 or older can apply for a free state ID at the

Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

· It's optimal for people without a driver's license or a suspended license.

Pro tip: Applying for a new card requires a trip to the BMV, but you can renew driver's licenses and state IDs online.

· The same goes for a reprint if yours is lost or stolen.

For more information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Tax Time is a network of nonprofit, business, and government organizations that works to provide free tax assistance services and connect low- and moderate-income households to financial resources with the goal of helping those households achieve financial stability.

Tax Time combines three free tax preparation programs under a single umbrella.

• United Way of Central Ohio’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
• AARP’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program
• The Ohio Association of Foodbanks’ Ohio Benefit Bank.