Y.A.S. CONNECTION
February 2022
Y.A.S. (You Are Seen) Connection is a Project Connect newsletter for students and families who do not have stable housing
Authorized under Federal law through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, the Columbus City Schools’ Project Connect Program, Project Connect provides services to ensure that identified children and youth experiencing homelessness, including those living with others or in hotels/motels due to economic hardship or emergency, have access to a free and appropriate public education by removing barriers due to homelessness. As advocates for educational rights, there are various services the program provides to assist families in transition.
Happy Valentine's Day & Black History Month from CCS and Project Connect!!!
CLICK ------>: Information / Calendars
Feb. 1 - March 1 Black History Month in the United States & Canada
(Celebrated Oct 1 - Oct 31 in the United Kingdom)
Feb. 14 Valentine's Day
Feb. 21 All Schools Closed Compensatory Day for Parent Conferences
Feb. 2022 (Special Edition): CCS Socioemotional Learning(SEL) Calendar
CLICK ------>: https://bit.ly/febselcalendar
Support a Local Author and CCS Family Ambassador for Black History Month
Find out more about Sade Harvison and her children's books by clicking here:
Origin of Black History Month
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - US
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - CANADA
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - UNITED KINGDOM
How can the Project Connect Program help?
Project Connect works with students, parents, Columbus City Schools (CCS) employees, partner agencies, and other local school districts to provide assistance with:
- school selection and enrollment
- school transportation
- wellness checks and on-going social and emotional support
- book bags and school supplies for students
- assistance with high school graduation fees and expenses
- addressing barriers that affect school attendance and full participation
- obtaining necessary documents such as birth certificates, school records, and medical records
- dispute resolution regarding school choice and enrollment
Who may qualify for the Project Connect Program?
The term “children and youth experiencing homelessness” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence. It includes those who are:
- sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of home, economic hardship, or similar reason
- living in motels or hotels
- staying in trailer parks or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- living in emergency or transitional shelters
- abandoned in hospitals
- living on their own, such as youth who have run away or have been put out of their home
Project Connect Contact Information
- Parents and students may call the Project Connect Office at 614-365-5140
- Email: ProjectConnect@columbus.k12.oh.us
- Contact a Project Connect Region Representative/Youth Academic Advocate assigned to your child’s school. Click on the Contact Us tab for a list of Project Connect Staff.
Project Connect Announcements
SHOES...SHOES...SHOES
Do you know of a student in need of shoes? Project Connect has shoes for students being served by the program. Shoe sizes and styles are limited. Please reach out to a Regional Advocate or call the Project Connect Office at 614-365-5140 for questions and qualifications.
WE WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU!
Please make sure to speak with your student(s) school when your student will be absent. This is important for many reasons, including to prevent an unnecessary withdrawal from the District.
- School districts are required to keep an attendance record for each student.
- When a student does not attend school regularly AND the district loses all contact with the student and family for a period of time, the district begins a process to try to locate the student.
- There are specific steps the district takes to try to re-engage a student in school.
- However, if the district is not able to make contact with the student or family, the district will withdraw the student. We want to prevent that.
Please help us, help you stay successful in school.
Project Connect Staff Spotlight
Kevin Boehm, Project Connect McKinney-Vento Liaison & Youth Academic Advocate – Region #3
Hello Y.A.S. Readers!
My name is Kevin Boehm and I have been working to serve youth and families for the past 24 years. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and received my Bachelor degree from Penn State University. After graduation, I moved to Columbus, OH to start my career working as a youth outreach worker for Directions for Youth and Families. After 3 years of valuable experience working with young people and their families, I was hired at Columbus City Schools in the Adult & Community Education Department. I have been employed with Columbus City Schools for almost 21 years and have served in multiple roles. I have served as a career counselor, virtual high school proctor, GED instructor, and trades program coordinator. Since 2009, I have been solely involved with the Project Connect program and serving families in transition. I have a passion for serving unaccompanied youth and supporting them in their pursuit of post-secondary education.
In my spare time I enjoy golfing, playing guitar, going to concerts & sporting events, playing with my dogs, and of course, spending time with my family. This past year has been the most rewarding experience in my life since becoming a parent last February. Out of all the roles and titles I’ve held in my professional and personal life, “Dad” by far, is my favorite!
Kevin Boehm
McKinney-Vento Liaison
Columbus City Schools - Project Connect
Department of Student Services
614.365.5140 - Main office/message line
380.997.7400 - Direct line
614.636.6115 - Mobile/TXT
Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness
Email: ProjectConnect@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/
Location: 430 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-365-5140
Facebook: facebook.com/ColumbusCitySchools
Twitter: @ColsCitySchools
THANK YOU!
Project Connect would like to thank the agencies, organizations and individuals who help us serve students and families throughout the school year!
*CCS LOTTERY APPLICATION*
Link for lottery applications –> https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/1184
This month is for MS & HS students, next month ES can begin submitting applications.
- High School & Middle School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 5, 2022 through Monday, February 28, 2022.
- The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022.
- New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Elementary School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Tuesday, February 1, 2022 through Thursday, March 31, 2022.
- The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022.
- New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
*Important Updates | Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year*
CLICK ----->: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/8047
- Middle School and High School enrollment appointments for the 2021-2022 school year will begin on January 3, 2022.
- Elementary School (K-5) enrollment appointments will begin on February 1, 2022.
- Pre-K enrollment appointments for the 2022-2023 school year can be scheduled beginning February 1, 2022 with an appointment date no sooner than April 4, 2022.
School Choice Dates for 2022-2023 School Year
- High School & Middle School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 5, 2022 through Monday, February 28, 2022. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Elementary School Lottery Applications: Accepted via the Parent Portal Tuesday, February 1, 2022 through Thursday, March 31, 2022. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2021-22 school year with CCS is July 29, 2022. New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application for two weeks after their enrollment date until December 9, 2022.
- Selective Admissions: Applications available to eligible students Monday, January 10, 2022 with a submission deadline of Monday, January 31, 2022. Applications must be submitted via the Parent Portal.
- Request to Return to Homeschool Application: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 5, 2022 through Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
- Reservations: Accepted via the Parent Portal for eligible students from Wednesday, January 5, 2022 through Monday, January 31, 2022.
- ROTC: Accepted via the Parent Portal Wednesday, January 5 through Monday, February 21, 2022.
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.
High School Fair - January 13, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Fair - January 13, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Elementary School Fair - February 3, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
FAFSA Time!
Now is the time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The form is free and it could help pay for college.The FAFSA form is the application for federal financial aid for college and post-secondary training. The form can help qualify for financial aid from the state of Ohio and the institution of your choice. Columbus City Schools is working with our long-standing partner, I Know I Can (IKIC) which has a college advisor assigned to every District high school. The IKIC college advisor can help fill out the FAFSA form. These college advising managers are available daily to help.
Students and families can click here to contact their college advisor at I Know I Can.
The FAFSA is also the key to unlocking state financial aid.
Did you know that you can apply for financial aid if you are going to school for a trade?
If you have not been accepted to a college or university, still complete the form. Completing the form can help decide which college makes the most sense based on the resources available.
To be considered for federal student aid for the 2021–22 award year, you must complete the FAFSA form by June 30, 2022. Don’t wait until the last minute. The form is free, and it could save you thousands of dollars.
CCS Pathway Express
Pathway Express - Jan. 8th - May 14th
February: FREE Admission to Columbus Muesum of Art
https://www.columbusmuseum.org/admission-tickets/
Learning Without Walls
A reimagined learning opportunity for our PreK-12 students and families - Pathway Express. Starting January 8, and continuing every weekend leading up to the 2022 Summer Experience, families are invited to join the District in unique learning and exploration experiences in our Columbus community.
Each month, Pathway Express will transport families to a different family-friendly destination where they’ll participate in hands-on academic activities that directly align with our vision for student success. Students will also receive take-home learning kits designed to stimulate their minds and make learning fun.
In addition to academic resources, the District is also teaming up with community partners to offer family support services, and partners will be on-site every second Saturday each month.
CCS Power of One Initiative
Columbus City Schools' Portrait of a Graduate: https://youtu.be/XM7fPCcbQ3o
Beginning in December 2019, Columbus City Schools partnered with Battelle for Kids to engage stakeholders to develop a Portrait of a Graduate that is unique to our community and our schools.
Over the course of several months, the Portrait Design Team explored the questions:
What are the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that our community has for our young people?
What are the skills and mindsets that our children need for success in this rapidly changing and complex world?
What are the implications for the design of the learning experiences—and equitable access to those experiences—we provide in our school systems?
What resulted was a final Portrait of a Graduate that includes six attributes that we envision for every CCS student to embody:
Adaptability
Communication
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Global Empathy
Technology
More Information: CCS Strategic Plan: The Power of One / Home
YouTube Video: The Power of One: Columbus City Schools' New Strategic Plan
CCS Transportation
- For questions regarding the status of your students' bus route call Transportation at 614-365-5074.
- Ensure to be at the assigned bus stop waiting for the bus (5) minutes before the scheduled pick up time.
- Ensure to check your Columbus City Schools Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, you’ll be able to securely access valuable information on your student(s):
- Update Contact Information
- Transportation Information
For more information on the Parent Portal or to set up your account, please visit this page.
Bus Bulletin
Bus Bulletin is a website that allows personnel in the school district transportation department to notify you with information regarding your child’s bus. You have the choice to receive text messages, e-mails, or voice notifications on your cell or home phone. Typically, text messages are received within 30 seconds from the time they are sent. This means you know when it still matters, not after the fact. All students who are enrolled via IC are automatically enrolled in Bus Bulletin.
Bus FAQs
Q. If my student is late to school due to the bus being delayed, is this an excused absence?
A. If a student is late for school due to a bus delay, it's an excused absence.
Q. If my student misses the school day because the bus didn’t pick him/her up, is this an excused absence?
A. If a student misses the school day because a bus didn't pick them up, it's an excused absence--whether or not the bus ever came has to be verified with transportation. Parents should call their child’s school to provide information.
Aid to Help Residents Facing Housing Instability
Funding awarded to 12 community organizations will help ensure the equitable distribution of federal rental assistance
For more Information: City Awards Additional $8 Million in COVID-19 Rental and Utility Assistance to Help Residents Facing Housing Instability
Help Homeless & Foster Youth
Qualifying youth experiencing homelessness and youth from foster care who are at least 18 years old are eligible for a $1,502 tax refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), even if they are full-time students. This is a departure from previous tax years, and of special importance to vulnerable youth who are still in high school or pursuing higher education.
LIHWAP Water Assistance Now Available
Church and Community Development for All People Warming Center Fundraiser
Website: https://www.4allpeople.org/
Bbless2 Outreach Ministries
Seeking volunteers. All of BBless2 Volunteers' are asked to wear masks for personal safety.
We really are in need of men jeans (30 - 36), men underwear (small, med & large), thermals, T-shirts(lg and 2X), long sleeves t-shirts(lg -2X), and men shoes, boots (9-14) (tennis shoes ), hoodies (xl to xxl), and sweatpants (Med to XXL), and belts. Jackets for Men (Lg to XXLg), also, coats. Women tennis shoes/boots (6-11), women pants (size 0-10) and hoodies, sport bras ( all sizes) and panties (sm - lg) and Coats. Children's hoodies, coats, shoes for winter, boots, thermals, hat & gloves Misc: Foot warmers, AAA batteries, Backpacks, propane (sm)
Contact:
Elder Doreatha A. Reid, M.Div.CM.
BBless2OutreachMinistries P.O. Box 24024 Col.OH 43224
614-398-1126
Website: https://www.bbless2outreach.com/
The Storehouse of Columbus
In need of food items, non-food items and monetary donations click website link below for more details.
Debra ZaraYah Israel McCauley
4736 Lodgelane Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Ph: (614) 680-1479
Email: info@storehousecolumbus.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1190970464671678/
Website: https://www.storehousecolumbus.org/
BOBS Project Help Clothing Ministry (PHCM)
https://www.bethlehemonbroadstreet.org/Project-Help.html
The following items are always needed and are accepted year-round in order to assist families in crisis:
- Clean Usable Apparel
- Adult Clothing
- Clothing for Children
- Items for Teens and Pre-Teens
- Mittens-Hats-Scarves
- Books for Children
- Non-Perishable Food Items
- Personal Toiletries
- School Supplies
- Gently Used Toys
Monetary donations are always welcome and can be made at:
Huntington National Bank ● 3350 Indianola Ave ● Columbus, OH 43214
To arrange delivery of your donation or to volunteer your time contact:
Sandra Holley
syholley@att.net or dlocklear0710@aol.com
(614) 425-5830 or (614) 475-9615
The Open Shelter NEW building is OPEN!
The new address is 1037 Parsons Ave., Columbus OH 43206.
A new building, new address & new chapter in the nearly 40 year history of our agency. But the mission remains the same. “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.
We are still a “covered piece of the sidewalk” for the most vulnerable in our community.
Services:
DAY SHELTER & ADVOCACY CENTER
1037 Parsons Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43206
Scheduled Appointment Hours:
9 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Staff is available for scheduled appointments for housing applications, social security applications/appeals, payeeship negotiations, case management interventions, donation drop-offs, etc.
Open Hours:
10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Open to everyone
Sack Lunches (as available):
Lunches are offered starting at 10 AM
CCS - Project Connect
Columbus City School's Project Connect Program is housed under the Department of Student Services to serve students and families experiencing barriers to housing while ensuring academic success is maintained.
Columbus City Schools Parent Portal
Need to update your address, request a school change or check the status of a bus route....all of this and more can be done via the Parent Portal. Your one-stop shop to ensure your student's educational needs are met.
Infinite Campus (Student and Parent Portal) / CCS Parent Portal
Columbus City Schools Annual Update
Need to update your address? You can do so by accessing your Parent Portal via Infinite Campus.
Parent Letter Parent Portal and Annual Information Update
Infinite Campus (Student and Parent Portal) / CCS Parent Portal
Parent Portal Instructional Video
Click HERE to view the video
How can the Project Connect Program help?
Who may qualify for the Project Connect Program?
How do families access Project Connect services through CCS?
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mornings & 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Mornings | Health and Wellness Center - every other Sunday Morning 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Click here for a list of free clothing closets, furniture banks and school supplies locations in Franklin County and Columbus Ohio.