Nubian Family Matters

February 2023

Panorama Winter Survey for CCS Families

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.

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The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in 2023

February 28, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM



The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in 2023 with public events on Tuesday, February 14 and Tuesday, February 28. Everyone is welcome in the Atrium at noon.

The performances are planned to be livestreamed on OhioChannel.org.


The 45-minute live performances start at noon, and will be followed by 15 minutes for Q & A.


The events are free and open to the public. If you or your organization would like to schedule a group to attend a performance, please contact Katie Montgomery at 614-728-3726 or kmontgomery@ohiostatehouse.org.


Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

OF MEMORY AND HISTORY: An Affrilachian Storyteller Speaks Again

Performance by Lyn Ford, storyteller and author


Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

MENTORING THE ARTS AND DRAWING COMICS

Presentation by Bryan Moss, artist


Bryan Moss is an artist and comics creator in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up on the South Side of Columbus, he was introduced to art through his childhood rec center, taking him on a journey that would lead him all the way to the Columbus Museum of Art, which now has two of his paintings in their collection. In this talk, he’ll consider how mentorship played a role in his art career and how he utilizes mentorship in his own practice to help other artists further their careers.



Capitol Cafe is Open for Statehouse Guests


In honor of the Black History Month presentations, HouseTaco at the Capitol Café will offer a discount on food orders on Tuesday, February 14 and Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Details for online orders will be announced soon. HouseTaco is located on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse.



The Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square

Columbus, OH 43215

Columbus Metropolitan Main Library

96 S. Grant Ave.


If You Can’t Fly: Folktales to Move us Forward with Lyn Ford

Saturday, Feb. 11 ~ 1:30 p.m.

Dr. King’s quotation becomes the focal point for retelling ancient, thought-provoking tales of clever heroes in challenging circumstances. All ages.


Exhibit: “Undesign the Redline”

Feb. 16 through March 15

In partnership with the YWCA, explore the history of structural racism caused by the 1938 redlining maps and how this inequity continues to impact our communities today. All ages.


The Legacies of Redlining

Saturday, Feb. 18 ~ 1 p.m.

Ohio Wesleyan University Professor John Krygier and a panel of researchers and advocates will discuss the history of redlining in Columbus. This program coincides with the YWCA of Columbus’ “Undesign the Redline” exhibit, on display at Main Library from Feb. 15 through March 15. Adults.


Urban Strings Community Concert

Sunday, Feb. 26 | 2 p.m.

Youth string ensembles perform inspiring music from popular African American composers and arrangers. All ages.

Martin Luther King Branch

1467 E. Long St.


Love Letters

Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 3 p.m.

Join us for an inspiring celebration of girls with live readings of love letters. Ages 12-17.


Author Visit

Thursday, Feb. 16 | 5 p.m.

Join local authors Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet as they celebrate their new picture book, You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce!. Create your own artwork like Elijah Pierce! All ages.


Comics Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 3 p.m.

Join local artist Bryan Moss for a mini comics workshop! By blending literacy and art, kids learn to tell stories in any way they want! Ages 7-17.


Archaeology Meets Chemistry

Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 4-6 p.m.

Chill out with some cold-as-ice experiments and learn about an accomplished African American chemist and archaeologist. Ages 7-11.

School-Wide African American Literature Read Aloud

Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 9:30-10am

3223 Allegheny Avenue

Columbus, OH

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Virtual Family Engagement Sessions

Tune in to upcoming sessions and watch previous sessions.

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Pathway Express Destination #3 - The Ohio Statehouse

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!

Sankofa 2023

Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 5pm

3223 Allegheny Avenue

Columbus, OH

Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not forbidden to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” As such, Sankofa symbolizes the Akan people’s quest for knowledge with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination with intelligent and patient investigation.


As a community, staff and students – Columbus Africentric Early College (CAEC) was founded on the principle of Sankofa. We don’t look back to move backwards, instead, we look back to learn, grow and move into a more productive future – one that is brighter, more hopeful and inspiring – as we individually and collectively seek to increase love and abundance in our world.


We at CAEC celebrate the contributions and influence of our honorees to learn, grow and build a more productive future.

Virtual Family Engagement Session - Meet Interim Superintendent Dr. Chapman

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.

Virtual Family Engagement Session - Meet Interim Superintendent Dr. Chapman

School Choice Enrollment Dates to Apply for the 2023-2024 School Year

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


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.


Columbus Urban League Presents: Black Girl Dad Week in February

Sponsored by Columbus Urban League - A Week of Activities Focused on Learning, Healing, and Fun!

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.

Resources for High School Students & Families

Columbus City Schools Office of School Counseling

Tax Time Offers Affordable and Free Tax Services

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.


These three partners operate more than 40 sites throughout Franklin County, where trained and certified volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns from January through April.

Ohio BMV Will Soon Waive Fees for State ID Cards

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.

SAT for Juniors

Wednesday, March 1st, 8-11am

3223 Allegheny Avenue

Columbus, OH

High School Resources- Calendars by Month

Resources- HS Students & Families (google.com)

Resources- HS Students & Families - What's After High School? (google.com)


Steps to College & Career Newsletters and Calendars for 2022-2023

Senior Updates come out once a month. Newsletters are shared three times a year for juniors and twice a year for sophomores and freshmen.



The CAEC PTA and Boosters

The PTA meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm. Please consider joining as your voice is valuable to the CAEC Family! In addition to the meeting, there are memberships available to anyone who wants to join for just $10 a year! If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out to one of the CAEC PTA leaders at caecpta@gmail.com


Do You Enjoy Attending CAEC Sporting Events? Then we need YOU!! We need volunteers for the CAEC Boosters. If interested, please contact Ako Kambon – ako@vli123.com.

DISTRICT CALENDAR

2022-23 Academic Calendar

Jermaine Kennedy, Family Ambassador

PTA email: caecpta@gmail.com

FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us

FACTline Phone Number: 614-221-FACT (614-221-3228)

Customer Relations Phone Number: (614) 365-8888

Customer Relations Email: customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us