Y.A.S. CONNECTION
January 2022
Y.A.S. (You Are Seen) Connection is a Project Connect newsletter for students and families who do not have stable housing
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Happy New Year from CCS and Project Connect!!!
CLICK ------>: Information / Calendars
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.
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.
*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.
Project Connect Staff Spotlight
Amy Bradley, Project Connect Youth Academic Advocate - Region #4
Hello Y.A.S. Readers!
Amy Bradley started her 20+ year career in education teaching with Upward Bound in Athens, OH, and was a Language Arts teacher for the following 10 years. Since then she has been working with youth and families who are experiencing homelessness through Columbus City Schools and national non-profits, with a focus on working with high school seniors and college students, when in the non-profit sector, as they transition out of K-12 and into adult life. She is currently the region 4 advocate for Project Connect and partners with CHOICES, the local domestic violence shelter to serve families residing there.
In her free time, she loves to read, write, travel, hike and bake vegan goodies with her two kids, husband and fur babies. She has a passion for helping animals of all kinds and works with wonderful charities in Central Ohio that rescue and provide forever homes to all animals, from dogs to goats to frogs to butterflies.
Her views on education are summed up by these inspiring words from a woman who shines like no other: “One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai
Amy Bradley
Pronouns: She/her(s)
Youth Academic Advocate, Region 4
Project Connect site: https://www.ccsoh.us/domain/4177
Project Connect Office #: 614-365-5140
Department of Student Services
Columbus City Schools
380-997-7397
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 helped put smiles on families/students faces this holiday season.
CCS Pathway Express
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 Weather Related School Closings
When winter weather forces classes to be cancelled, you need to know right away.
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.
- Make sure the contact information on file at your child’s school is accurate. If you need to update this information, contact the main office in your child’s school or update online in Parent Portal. (This includes emergency contacts, phone numbers, and email addresses).
- All families and staff will be alerted through an automated call, email, and text message from the District’s phone system. It is important to have your updated contact information on file in order to receive this notification.
- Students should take their assigned Chromebook and charger home each night, should the decision be made to transition to remote learning.
- Follow Columbus City Schools on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check our website. As soon as the decision is made to delay or cancel school, we’ll share news about school cancellations, transitioning to remote learning, and other schedule updates on our social media pages.
- Monitor the news on local television and radio stations.
Weather Related School Closings / FAQs
Important Safety Message
CCS 2022-2023 Virtual School Choice Fair
Elementary School Fair - February 3, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
View our video profiles of each school! All Zoom links are also available here. During the scheduled times for the Fair, families can click on the link and chat live with the principal and/or school staff.
Arabic | French | Nepali | Somali | Spanish
School Choice General Information 2022-23 Link:
CCS Family-School Relationship Survey
Link to complete survey:
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/ccsoh/family/surveys?language=en
CCS Relationship Week - February 7 - 11, 2022
Spread the Word on Social Media
Use your social media channels to let everyone know how you are celebrating Relationship Week. Use the #CCSRelationshipWeek
Point and Time Count on January 27, 2022
Volunteers go out across the city and county on one day - January 27th - to find and count people who are homeless, especially those who are unsheltered. The results have an effect on federal funding for Columbus and Franklin County for homeless programs and services.
This is the link if you want to sign up:
Volunteer Registration for 2022 Point-in-Time Count (google.com)
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 now 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
Do you need a Legal Mailing Address?
With staff permission, our address (61 E. Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215) may be used as a Legal Mailing Address.
Do you need to make a local telephone call or send a fax?
Local telephone calls and faxes may be made during open hours, with staff assistance.
Personal Hygiene Bags (as available):
Personal Hygiene Bags are offered on the 1st Wednesday of even numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December).
On-Site Specialists:
Schedule an appointment with one of our On-Site Specialists for help with Social Security, Housing, Healthcare, etc. when available.
For new persons living “on the streets:
An introduction to all services and orientation will be given on the first visit.
For persons living “on the streets,” “camping,” in cars or “abandoned” buildings:
• Clothing (as available) is offered on Tuesday.
• “To-go” Meals (as available) are offered on Tuesday or Thursday.
• “Camper’s Closet” for survival supplies (as available) are offered when meeting with our Day Services Director.
• Assistance in securing Shelter/Housing/Treatment (by appointment).
• Health issues, such as wet clothes, will be addressed when presented.
For persons utilizing our Social Security Payeeship Program:
• Initial interview (by appointment with Deputy Director of Day Services).
• Budget and process negotiation interview (by appointment).
• 2 business day turn-around for special requests not in budget plan.
• Access to all services for guests on person’s first “Check Day” for the week.
• Appointments with payee
For new persons from shelter or treatment programs:
An introduction to all services and orientation will be given on the first visit.
For persons in shelters or treatment programs:
• A referral from that agency to the open shelter is required, specifying assistance requested (Except for sack lunches).
• Clothing (as available) is offered.
• Advocacy with case managers, program staff, property managers (by appointment).
For persons in independent housing or supportive housing:
• A referral from supportive housing program to the open shelter is required, specifying assistance requested (Except for sack lunches).
Sheli Mathias
Director
The Open Shelter
61 E. Mound St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614)222-2885
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.