Avalon Family Resources Newsletter
March 2024
2024 Summer Experience Registration Now Open!
Great news for all current PreK-12th-grade students enrolled in Columbus City Schools!
We're thrilled to announce that our Summer Experience program is back and completely FREE, exclusively for you. This unique program offers many learning opportunities, including off-site hands-on experiences, partnerships with the community, and exciting guests.
We're excited to introduce project-based learning similar to what you've enjoyed through Pathway Express. Students can explore various pathways such as Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Health and Fitness, Performing Arts, and more! Additionally, we provide daily literacy and math instruction to reinforce essential skills for the upcoming school year.
For elementary and middle school students, the Summer Experience will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting from June 17 to July 12.
Questions? Contact the Office of Extended Learning: 614-365-5010 or ExtendedLearning@columbus.k12.oh.us.
Miss The CCS Summer Opportunities Fair? No Worries!
Missed out on the 2024 Summer Opportunities and Engagement Fair? No worries! If you're still on the hunt for the perfect summer camps and experiences for your student, we've got you covered. Explore a diverse range of local camps, programs, and adventures tailored to suit your student's interests and aspirations. Click the link below to discover exciting opportunities that will make this summer one to remember!
Mark Your Calendars! The 2024 - 2025 Academic Calendars Are Here!
At the November 8th Board business meeting, the District approved proposed changes to the previously adopted 2023-2024 Traditional and Year-Round Academic Calendars per Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.48 (B) due to the Total Eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024.
Specifically:
Traditional Calendar: The revision to the Traditional Academic Calendar moves the April 24, 2024, Professional Development Day to Monday, April 8, 2024, as a remote Professional Development Day; there will be no classes.
Year-Round Calendar: The revision to the Year-Round Academic Calendar makes Monday, April 15, 2024, an intersession day on the year-round academic calendar. There will be no classes.
* Please note: no other dates on the Traditional school year calendar or Woodcrest’s year-round schedule are impacted.
Per Ohio law, there must be a 30-day period for public comment before the Board of Education can officially approve the calendars. Columbus City Schools community members can submit comments or feedback via our Academic Calendars Survey or email to engage@columbus.k12.oh.us.
Approval of the Academic Calendar proposals will be placed on the agenda for an upcoming Board of Education business meeting.
The District’s Academic Calendars are created in collaboration with the Columbus Education Association (CEA) and in consultation with principals and district administrators.
Pre-Kindergarten Readiness
Visit here for more information: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/12052
Here are some things you can expect in Pre-K next year:
Above and below, you will find an example of one of our Pre-K classrooms. Our teachers strategically set up their rooms to help promote learning, reinforce the curriculum, and create a fun, caring, and safe environment.
Calming Corner:
Home Center:
Center Rotation (reading center, play-doh, home center):
Free COSI Memberships for 5th Grade Families
Columbus City Schools Tutoring Resources
The Columbus City Schools FACT Line, part of the Office of Customer Relations, has compiled a listing of local agencies, organizations, and individuals (independent contractors not under the auspices of CCS) who provide tutoring or family-related services, as listed in the Lutheran Social Services Directory for Franklin County.
ESL Language Assistance Center
Virtual Elementary School Choice Fair
Elementary School Lottery Applications:
Elementary School Choice Lottery Applications are now available on the Parent Portal through Friday, March 29, 2024.
Lottery information:
- Families must first enroll a new student using the online enrollment information and proper documents.
- Families may (but are not required to) select up to 3 schools to apply for in the lottery. All 3 schools are entered into a school's lottery draw separately. No one school has a higher priority than another.
- Applying for a lottery school does not guarantee a spot is available, or that your child will be selected.
- Students placed on a waitlist for a school will remain there until another option is selected, or December 31st.
- Families wishing to accept an offer to a school should do so quickly, before the offer expires.
- Late applications are added to the bottom of the waitlist in the date/time order of receipt. The last date for the acceptance of late lottery applications for students who completed the 2023-24 school year with CCS is August 16, 2024.
- New students enrolling into Columbus City Schools can submit a lottery application two weeks after their enrollment date until December 6, 2024.
April 13 - Upcoming Pathway Express
- Destination #3: Grange Insurance Audobon Center
- April 13, 2024 @ 505 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
- Family engagement experiences: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Theme: Urban Agriculture
March 2 - Kingdom Image Arts Open House
March 4 - 8 - Read Across America Week
Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” During Read Across America week, we celebrate the power that is unleashed by reading and the adventures that await all readers.
The flyer above gives families ideas for how to celebrate Read Across America week at home.
March 9 - Affordable Housing Resource Fair
Join the Franklin County Auditor’s Office for the Affordable Housing Resource Fair on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hilltonia Middle School, 2345 W. Mound Street, Columbus, OH, 43204. RSVP Today!
This resource fair will provide you with information about affordable, accessible, high-quality housing and social services provided by Central Ohio organizations.
Participants include:
– Financial institutions will be present with information on mortgages and other assistance
– Home repair, down payment assistance, and rental assistance programs
– Utility assistance programs
– Home buying information
– Wellbeing and Health Resources
– Legal Resources
– Youth and family services and more!
This event is free and open to the public, so don't miss out!
March 9 - Spruce Run Open House
March 16 - In Person Job Fair
Do you know of a student or young person 15 years or older looking for summer employment? The Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay are hiring for various positions:
16 years and Older
- Lifeguard: $20.00/ hour
- Shallow Water Guard: $19.00/ hour
- Attractions Operator: $15.00/ hour
- Membership Team Member: $15.00/ hour
15 years and older
- Admissions: $15.00/ hour
*All (non-food and Beverage & Retail) positions can be found by visiting Columbus Zoo Job listings.
____________________
Food & Beverage and Retail Team Members:
- $15/ hr
- 2024 Positions Coming Soon! CLICK HERE.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? RSVP for the Zoo's Virtual Family Information Session on March 9 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon AND the In-person Job Fair on March 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Columbus Downtown High School, 364 S. Fourth Street. by clicking https://forms.office.com/r/MXYX6ggmUs.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Personal Information
- Referral Source marked as “Other”; then add “CCS.”
- Days and Hours available for work (students should add a tentative schedule)
- Software, knowledge, special training skills
- Employment History
PERKS
- FREE admission for you and 1 friend to Zoo and Zoombezi Bay
- FREE Parking (all parks)
- Qualifies for CCS Internship hours
- Discounts on food, merchandise, wristbands, and memberships (all parks)
- Discounted tours at The Wilds
- Discounts at local restaurants and businesses (Zoo partners)
- Special, After-Hours Team Member Events
- Learn and develop professional and workplace skills
- Meet new people and make GREAT memories
Apply Today:
- Click on any of the provided application links (or copy and paste them into your internet browser)
- Follow the instructions on submitting an application
- Make sure to reference “CCS Program” in the How did you hear about us? section.
March 16 - Central Ohio STEM Expo
Central Ohio STEM Expo
March 16, 2024
Centennial High School Gymnasium (1441 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220)
9 AM to 1 PM.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is hosting the event as part of our efforts to inspire young students to get excited about the possibilities of engineering and other related fields. This event is a FREE educational outreach event for students grades K through 8 that will feature fun, interactive activities and exhibits in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields, with a particular focus on the “E” events as engineering isn’t as commonly covered in school curricula as the other three aspects of STEM.
March 18 - Library Begins Giving Out Eclipse Glasses
March 20 & March 22 - Waitlist Opening for New Construction Rental Housing
Healthy Homes will accept in-person pre-applications for its new construction rental housing waiting list. These new rental homes are located on Columbus’ South Side and in Linden. Applications are ONLY available in-person at the events listed below. This is the first step in the application process.
For more information, visit SawmillRoadMgt.com. For questions, email HHWaitlist@sawmillroadmgt.com or call (614) 407-0739.
Wednesday, March 20th
11 AM - 1 PM (or until 30 spots are filled)
St. Stephen's Community House
1500 E 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43219
Friday, March 22nd
11 AM - 1 PM (or until 30 spots are filled)
The Reeb Center
280 Reeb Ave.
Columbus, OH 43207
March 28 - Columbus Job Fair (East)
Thursday, March 28 · 5 - 7pm
The Peak at Edison
781 Science Boulevard Gahanna, OH 43230
Live in-person job fair! Great way to find part-time, fulltime & seasonal work this Spring. Find a new career or additional income!
March 29 - Free Family Cooking Class
Kindergarten Readiness with The YMCA
SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) was developed in 2001 in order to create a seamless transition for vulnerable children into kindergarten and to help them be successful learners. SPARK is a home visiting family-focused kindergarten readiness program that works collaboratively with families, schools, and the community. Each month, children receive a new book, a lesson activity, educational supplies, and participate in home and group learning opportunities, in order to increase the child's success in school and life. SPARK focuses on assisting families to help children get ready for school by building reading, language, and social skills. SPARK Ohio has helped more than 5,000 families prepare their preschool-aged children for kindergarten while working collaboratively with schools to enhance transition practices. SPARK serves children turning three or four years of age by September 30th of each year throughout Franklin County.
There is no cost associated with this program.
Find out more information here!:
Action For Children - Childcare Resources
Action for Children has been central Ohio’s trusted resource for all things early learning since 1972. As the local child care resource and referral agency, we serve Franklin County, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.
Sign Language Story Time at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
Ohio Hands and Voices is partnering with Columbus Metropolitan Libraries to offer American Sign Language Storytime at several library locations this spring.
All are welcome to attend these inclusive and fun storytime events!
Tax Credit Information For Families
Child Tax Credit (CTC): The CTC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $2,000 for each child who qualifies you for the credit. For more information please see: Child Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
Other Dependent Credit (ODC): The ODC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $500for each eligible dependent. Please use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): One refundable tax credit for moderate- and low-income families is the Earned Income Tax Credit. Use the EITC Assistant to learn if you're eligible for the tax credit. For more detailed information see: Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: Taxpayers who paid someone to care for their child, spouse or dependent so they can work, be a full-time student or look for work may be able to reduce their tax by claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Use the IRS interactive tax assistant tool:Am I Eligible to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit? For more information please see:Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses or Topic no. 602, Child and dependent care credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Tax Help - 614 File Free
Columbus Parks & Recreation Summer Camps
Registration is now open!
Community centers offer themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6-12. Campers experience many activities including, but not limited to, arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration. Register for one session or for the entire summer.
A confirmation email will be sent immediately after registering online. Prior to registration, there is an option to add desired camps to a wish list.
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Karl Road Library Branch - Adult Learning Programs:
There are many programs offered at the Karl Road Branch for adult education.
Here are a few upcoming events, listed below.
English Conversation Tables
- Karl Road - Meeting Room 3
- Wednesdays, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Come join Library staff for an hour of English Practice as we explore a variety of topics, vocabulary, and grammar through conversation. No registration required. All levels are welcome.
ESOL Class
By Godman Guild
- Karl Road – School Help Center
- Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 9:00am – 12:00pm
- ESOL classes are free English as a second language classes. Please call the Godman Guild at 614-294-5476 to register.
ESOL Class
By Columbus Literacy Council
- Karl Road – Meeting Room 1, 2, and 3
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- ESOL classes are free English as a second language class. Students need to register online using this form: http://bit.ly/CLCAdultEducation or call the Columbus Literacy Council at 614-362-1625.
Columbus Financial Empowerment Center:
By Jewish Family Services & City of Columbus
- Karl Road – Study Room 7
- Tuesdays, 12:30pm – 5:00pm
- The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling as a public service for all Central Ohio residents. Trained and Certified financial counselors will help you.
Free Legal Help:
By Legal Aid Society
- Karl Road – Conference Room 1
- Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Get free legal help from the Legal Aid Society including consumer debt, expungement and landlord/tenant issues. No registration is required.
View the Columbus Metropolitan Library event calendar here for more events and information: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/events
*You can also filter the search to show events at the local Northern Lights branch, as well.Aspire
The Aspire program offers free ESL, High School Equivalency (GED, HiSET), postsecondary preparation and career training for adult learners at different locations throughout Columbus. Day, evening and weekend, virtual and in-person class options are available. Spring classes will begin April 15, 2024.
To register: https://ausohio.com/adult-education/
ACE (Adult & Community Education)
Since 1954, we have been committed to providing programs for lifelong learning. Adult Workforce Education courses can be taken in health occupations, skilled trades, and computer applications. You can prepare to earn your high school equivalency by attending free classes, and foreign-born adults can learn to read, write, and speak English in our (ESL) English for Speakers of Other Languages program.
ACE Mission Statement: Adult & Community Education improves the lives of adult students through personalized, quality learning.
CCS Mission Statement: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
Vision Statement: A world-class model of public education that prepares all students to be Portrait-ready graduates and reach their full potential.
To learn more: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddPqfUy-wClUEvEe2oYUndwMgNUr49QDYVydNllq7h0uVxGg/viewform
Columbus Literacy Council
CLC is a dynamic and innovative agency providing services to individuals, families and neighborhoods across Central Ohio. Our mission is to increase employability, enable future education, encourage civic involvement and promote family stability and support.
Columbus Literacy Council offers programs for a variety of topics, such as:
- Workplace Learning
- Business Grammar
- American Sign Language
- Spanish
- Citizenship
To learn more: https://www.clcworks.org/connect-with-us
Healthy Neighborhoods / Healthy Families Economic Development
Ohio Means Jobs
Find your next opportunity!
Post your resume, find a job, learn career skills, meet the requirements of your government benefits, and more on OhioMeansJobs.com. Get best practices for your job search.
The Franklin County Job Center is located at:
Columbus-Franklin County
1111 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: (614) 559-5052
Columbus Metropolitan Library - JobNow
- JobNow Coaches are available every day from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT
- Get resume help from live experts
- Live interview coaching
- Expert job matching
- Career assessments to help you begin your search
- Unemployment assistance
To apply, click here: https://www.aepohio.com/community/caring/neighbor-to-neighbor#applying
211 Central Ohio
LSS 211 Central Ohio, formerly HandsOn Central Ohio, provides community access to thousands of programs and services available from nonprofit, government, and healthcare organizations in Central Ohio. Click the image to find resources available to you.
Visit the website here: https://lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio/
ODJFS Assistance Programs - SNAP Benefits / Medicaid / Ohio Works / Childcare
Available benefits include: Medicaid (Health Insurance),SNAP (Food Assistance), Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance), and childcare.
To print and fill out the application click below:
https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS%2007200/pdf/
To apply online click below:
INPREM Drive-Thru Food Pantry
*Monthly Mobile Produce Market occurs every third Saturday of each month from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Food is loaded into the trunk of each car by pantry staff. Please bring photo ID.
Home goods are also available on first-come, first-served basis.
Address: 5757 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229.
2024 Dates:
-January 20
-February 17
-March 16
-April 20
-May 18
-June 15
-July 20
-August 17
-September 21
-October 19
-November 16
-December 21
NNEMAP Food Pantry
NNEMAP food pantry is open daily.
Daily Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Address: 677 E. 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Phone: (614) 297 - 0533
*See flyer above.
St. Stephen's Community House - Food & Nutrition Center
Hours of Operation:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Consumers are welcome once a week!
St. Stephen's Community House FNC is curb-side only.
Address: 1500 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Bread of Life Food Pantry
The Bread of Life Food Pantry is working to meet the critical need for food. If you need help, schedule an appointment at:
-Phone : (614) 341-2282
-Text: (614) 702 - 7772
The pantry is currently open on:
-Wednesdays: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
-Fridays: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Address: 1880 Agler Road
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, although walk -Ins are accepted on a limited basis.
*See the flyer above.
FreshTrak
We’re here to help!
You can use www.FreshTrak.com to find food resources in your area.
Input your zip code to find food access resources in your community.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides housing assistance for very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled, allowing them to live in safe, quality affordable housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses or apartments in neighborhoods of their choice. Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and are not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
A family that is issued a voucher is responsible for finding a suitable unit where the owner agrees to rent under the HCV program. The suitable unit may even include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by CMHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Visit website: https://www.cmhanet.com/HCV/About
Free Sundays at Columbus Museum of Art
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS!
Otterbein University (America Reads & Sports Pals)
Avalon Parent & Family Resource Site contains the following sections:
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
AVALON K-3 YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
AVALON K-3 IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM!
To follow, click this link:
AVALON K-3 ALSO HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE!
To request to join, click this link: