The Family Connector

Dear CCS Community,

Graduation is almost here, and I know our seniors are looking forward to walking across the stage and into the next chapter of their lives.

For this week’s Portrait of a Graduate in Action, I want to recognize a student who will graduate with her high school diploma and most of her credits toward her bachelor’s degree.

Ayla Bella is a senior at Columbus Alternative High School and The Ohio State University. This phenomenal CCS student enrolled in Ohio State in seventh grade as part of the College Credit Plus program. She is projected to graduate Summa Cum Laude this August with her bachelor’s in Public Affairs.

Ayla has a drive to help her community too. She is starting a non-profit organization, Rooting Resilience, to create self-sustaining forest ecosystems that produce food to help address food insecurity and inequity, and climate change. She hopes to implement this program in CCS middle and high schools too.

Additionally, she has been selected for the Stinner Climate Ambassador Internship, sponsored by the Stinner Endowment from Ohio State’s Agroecosystem Management program. This program is designed for young adults aged 18-24 interested in gaining hands-on experience with best practices for regenerative farming and food system innovations to address climate change positively.

After earning her bachelor’s degree and working on her passion project, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree or another undergraduate degree.

Ayla shows so many qualities of what it means to be Portrait-ready. Her drive is impressive, and her compassion is evident.

I often talk about how proud I am of our students. There are so many amazing stories of our CCS students making a difference in their schools, communities, and the world. Ayla has already accomplished so much, and I know she will continue to do so as she looks to the future in addressing many vital issues affecting our community and world. Good luck and congratulations, Ayla!

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education has selected Dr. Angela Chapman as the District’s next Superintendent. Dr. Chapman has been serving as Interim Superintendent since December 2022, following the announcement that Dr. Talisa Dixon would retire at the end of the school year.

Dr. Chapman was one of three finalists being considered for the position. The two other candidates were Dr. Brian McDonald of Pasadena, California, and Dr. Eric Thomas of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Board chose Dr. Chapman after an extensive national search that began on March 27, 2023.

Input was sought from Columbus City Schools teachers and staff, students and parents, business and community partners, labor unions, and elected officials. Each stakeholder group was asked what characteristics they believe are important in a Superintendent. In addition, numerous meetings were held with these groups, and finalists participated in a moderated discussion that was live streamed on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

“Columbus City Schools is extremely fortunate to have an individual with the skills, experience and vision of Dr. Chapman to serve as our next superintendent,” said Christina Vera, Vice President of the Board of Education and co-leader of the search process. “Dr. Chapman exhibits the character and determination needed to uplift the great work of Columbus City Schools while addressing the challenges of the state’s largest school district and ensuring the best academic and personal outcomes for our students.”

Read More About the Board's Choice

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2023 in Columbus City Schools! Graduation dates and times are arranged to honor our graduating seniors and provide a memorable experience for families and friends.

Let us unite as a community to honor the Class of 2023, applaud their accomplishments, and cheer them on as they embark on their next chapter. Congratulations to the graduating seniors of Columbus City Schools!

We have some exciting news to share with you! Columbus City Schools is pleased to offer a tuition-free Pre-K program for the 2023-2024 school year. We believe every child should have access to quality education, and we're excited to provide this opportunity to families in our community.

Appointments for Pre-K enrollment are now available. To register, please visit our district website's enrollment page, where you can find a list of required documents.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at 380.997.5192 or send us an email at eceenrollment@columbus.k12.oh.us. We look forward to welcoming your child to our program and supporting their learning journey!

Sixth-grader Eriss Turner is talking about her milestone accomplishment of writing and publishing her own book. Turner is one of eight Johnson Park Middle School students who went through the Junior Authors Program and are now published authors.

“I just feel like this is a huge accomplishment,” Turner said.

Junior Authors, founded by J. Postell, is a program that helps young writers become published authors through an eight-week writing program. Editors and illustrators work with students through the program to help them form and shape ideas and create a cover for their books. Johnson Park Middle School Social Worker Angela Marshall said the program came to the school through an ESSER grant.

“I didn’t know we had so many students that were even interested in writing. To see their creativity, I think it was something really positive that nobody can ever take from them,” Marshall said.

Marshall said students got an in-depth look at the stressors and rewards of developing and writing books. Of the skills they developed during writing sessions, Marshall said the teamwork among the students surprised her most.

Click here to read more about Johnson Park students self-written published books.

CCS students wanting to make a difference can do so as a City Year AmeriCorps member! Join their diverse teams in supporting students, classrooms, and whole schools. City Year ensures that students in under-resourced schools receive a high-quality education and the skills to thrive in their community.

As a City Year AmeriCorps member, you'll coach and mentor students, assist teachers with instruction, and contribute to the school community. No prior experience is necessary—City Year AmeriCorps provides training and support throughout your service.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds ready to build themselves, give back, and change the world. You're eligible to apply if you're a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a GED, high school diploma, some college experience, or a college degree.

Take the first step in making a lasting impact. Click the link below to learn more and apply today!

Discover wellness and nature at Spruce Run's May Open House, 4175 Sunbury Rd, Galena, OH 43021 on Saturday, May 20. Join us for a self-guided tour of our breathtaking grounds and learn yoga poses, mindfulness exercises, and the importance of wildflower meadows for bees and insects.

Spruce Run is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come enjoy a day of relaxation, education, and connection with nature. Our knowledgeable staff will be available throughout the day to guide you, answer any questions, and provide information on how to incorporate these wellness practices and environmental initiatives into your daily life.

Hope to see you there!

It's that time of year again! We are excited to announce our upcoming Countdown to Kindergarten

event at Fort Hayes High School on Saturday, May 20. This event is for families with incoming kindergarten students and is designed to help parents and their children better understand what to expect this fall.

Last year's event was a huge success, and we hope to make this year's even better! We will have books, food trucks, resources available for families to enjoy, and fun activity bags for each child. Representatives from various community agencies will also be present.

Hope to see you there!

Join us for a special diaper donation event this Saturday, May 20, from noon to 2:00 p.m.! Two convenient drop-off locations await you: First Church of God, located at 3480 Refugee Road, and Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, at 2283 Sunbury Rd. Diapers of all sizes, baby wipes, and brand-new books will also be collected. Your generous contribution will make a significant impact on families in need. Let's come together and support our community!

Join Columbus Recreation and Parks for Rise Up CBUS! We will be offering free food and live music, and many community resources for residents to explore. Columbus Recreation and Parks is partnering with the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods to host Rise Up CBUS! events this summer!

All Rise Up CBUS! events will take place on Thursdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m., with this Rise Up CBUS! event happening on May 25 at Driving Park Community Center, located at 1100 Rhoads Ave, Columbus, OH 43206.

Rise Up CBUS! supports Opportunity Rising, which is Mayor Andrew Ginther’s aspirations for every Columbus resident to equitably prosper and grow. Click here to learn more.

Calling all middle and high school students in Ohio! The Ohio School Safety Center and the Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council are thrilled to announce the statewide Safety Art Contest.

Theme: What does school safety mean to you?

Categories: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Videography (max three minutes), Literary (max 1,000 words), Mixed Media/Digital Art. All physical artwork should be no larger than 36x48.

Submissions must include a brief narrative (up to 250 words) explaining your artwork. Remember to include your name, grade level, contact information, school district, and category selection.

Submit your artwork digitally by sending an image (or video for videography) to OhioSchoolSafetyCenter@dps.ohio.gov before 5:00 p.m. on May 26, 2023.

Finalists will be chosen by the 2022-2023 Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council. If selected, you'll be able to showcase your art at the 2023 Ohio School Safety Summit in Columbus on July 25-26 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Get creative, express your thoughts on school safety, and participate in this exciting contest.

Discover the Columbus City Schools Adult & Community Education Aspire program, where adult learners can embark on a transformative educational journey—for free! Our comprehensive program provides English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, high school equivalency preparation, postsecondary readiness, and career training opportunities. Choose from flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, weekend, virtual, and in-person classes. Don't miss out—classes start on May 30! Sign up today by clicking the link below and unlock your potential for success.

Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Free Summer Reading Challenge

This summer, your child can join forces with the Reading League to keep their reading skills strong! Starting June 1, sign up at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or download the free Beanstack app through the App Store or Google Play. Your child can track their reading progress to earn great prizes – and earn raffle entries along the way to win even more! Staff at the library’s 23 locations are ready to help!

Intel Corporation has established a scholarship program to assist women who plan to continue their education in a Community or Technical College in the state of Ohio. Learn more about Intel in Ohio and careers in semiconductor manufacturing here.

The Intel Semiconductor Scholarship for Women will award up to 25 $5,000 scholarships to female high school students in Ohio pursuing a STEM related Associate degree relevant to the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Read more about eligibility and application requirements.

Join the African American Male Wellness Agency at their 3rd Annual Proud Dad Cookout on Saturday, June 10, starting at noon, as we come together to celebrate fatherhood and build a strong community of active fathers in Franklin County.

This exciting event will allow fathers and their children to bond, connect with other dads, and engage in fun activities. The Proud Dad Cookout aims to promote the importance of active fatherhood and create an environment where fathers can share experiences, learn from each other, and support one another in their parenting journey.

During the cookout, there will be delicious food, games, and various interactive activities for fathers and their children to enjoy.

Together, we can positively impact our children's lives and ensure they have the best possible start in life. Take the Proud Dad Pledge and be part of a community dedicated to creating a brighter future for our children.

Join us for Dorrian Days, a free and exciting event series at the Scioto Mile this summer! In partnership with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Dorrian Days offers kid-friendly activities every Tuesday from June 13 to August 15. Enjoy inflatables, performances, food trucks, science experiments, and more at Dorrian Green, 50 S. Belle Street from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It's a summer experience the whole family will love!

Join us at the I Know I Can (IKIC) Summer College & Career Fest on June 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Columbus Africentric Field House. This event is exclusively for IKIC students (classes of 2019-2024) seeking college and career assistance. Explore multiple college options and job opportunities, and enjoy FREE lunch* from Tortilla Food Truck. Pre-registered students have a chance to win $100 gift cards*. Click the link below to register at for a $50 Amazon gift card raffle! Don't miss this supportive and exciting event for your child's future.

*Conditions apply - see registration page for details.

Urban Family Development Center presents its 2nd Annual Daddy & Daughter Dance! The theme of this year's event is the Sneaker Ball! Join Urban Family Development on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Creekside Event Center, 101 Mill St., Suite 300, Gahanna, OH 43230. Kick off your Father's Day weekend in style with your beloved daughters at this unforgettable event.

To make your reservation, text "DANCE" to 844.764.2018.

Join Ohio Business Week June 18 through June 23 at Bowling Green State University as they empower young minds to think like entrepreneurs through realistic simulations and hands-on experience. Students will work in small groups, mentored by business professionals, to create and run their own businesses from concept to reality.

Keynote addresses, trainings, and mentorship opportunities will guide students in developing business plans, budgets, and marketing strategies. The week concludes with students pitching their products to potential investors, combining persuasion with sound business tactics. Ohio Business Week equips students with the skills to succeed in business, college, and life through leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation.

In honor of Black History Month, Pointdexter Village Museum & Cultural Center invites Central Ohio youth, ages 13-19 years old, to participate in Community Through Our Lens: Youth Photography Exhibition. This effort aims to share youth photography related to the black experience in Central Ohio.

This is a juried competition. Eighteen pictures will be selected for this exhibition and community calendar. The exhibition will be hosted summer 2023 at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and an 18-month calendar will be created for the 2023-2024 school year. A $100 cash award will be presented to the student winners. One student winner will be selected as the cover photograph winner and will receive the inaugural Kojo Photo Excellence Award named after the legendary Columbus photographer, Kojo Kamau.

Photographs should be original and taken in 2023. Your photo will need a name and artist statement. All participants will need to select one of the following themes:

Around the Corner Home

Community Street Scenes

Historic Moments

Deadline to submit is June 19, 2023.

The award ceremony will be held on August 12, 2023, at the Poindexter Village Drum Circle in Champion Park, 240 N. Champion Ave

Please send any additional questions that you may have to poindextervillage@ohiohistory.org.

In a partnership between The City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Safety City is a free 1 week, 4-day program for children ages 5 to 7 to learn more about traffic lights and safety, fire prevention safety, stranger awareness, from firefighters and police officers. At the end of the program, each child will receive a Certificate of Achievement and participate in a graduation ceremony. The Safety City program will be held at three various locations throughout the summer:

Linden Park Early Childhood Education Center

Location: 1400 Myrtle Ave., 43211
Dates: June 1 to June 4, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Drop-off starts at 9:00 a.m.
To register, call (614) 623.0081 or click here: https://bit.ly/safetycity2023-lindenpark.

Leawood Elementary School
Location: 1600 S. Hamilton Rd.
Dates: July 24 to July 27, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Drop-off starts at 9:00 a.m.

To register, call (614) 623.0081 or click here: https://bit.ly/SafetyCity2023-Leawood.

Hilltop YMCA

Location: 2879 Valleyview Dr., 43204

Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Drop-off starts at 9:00 a.m.

To register, call (614) 623.0081 or click here: https://bit.ly/SafetyCity2023-Hilltop.

Get ready for the highly anticipated 2023 Back to School Fair! As one of Columbus' largest back-to-school events, it successfully hosted over 7,500 families last year. Join us at Fort Hayes Metro Campus located at 546 Jack Gibbs Blvd., 43215 on August 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At this fair, you can gather school supplies, explore community resources, and have your questions about the upcoming school year answered by District staff. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to kick-start a successful school year!