Back to School Update

Dear CCS Community,

As you may already know, the Columbus Education Association (CEA) – the union that represents our teachers and certificated staff – issued a Notice of Intent to Strike beginning on August 22, 2022. While that does not mean there will be a strike, it does reserve CEA’s right to do so beginning that Monday, which raises questions about the scheduled start of the school year.

With this growing uncertainty, I know our families are seeking answers. We are committed to doing what we can to help answer them. Our priority is to serve our students and families and to ensure a safe and successful start to the year.

While we remain hopeful for a timely resolution and that we can welcome our teachers and students back on August 24, we are preparing for the possibility of a disruption.

Last week I stated that we must be ready for any situation and shared with you information about our Back-to-School Hub and our Back-to-School Family Resource Fair, which we will still hold on August 20.

This week, I am sharing information and resources for alternative opening plans in the event the CEA strike does occur. Again, while I hope that our doors open as planned, I want to ensure everyone is prepared for all possible situations.

The following information should help you make important preparations for your student and your family. It will continue to be updated as needed and can be accessed on our website’s Back-to-School Hub.

Sincerely,

Talisa Dixon

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

We know families have questions about the Columbus Board of Education's ongoing negotiations with the Columbus Education Association. We've created an Alternative Opening Information page where you can find FAQs, a newsfeed, and everything families need to know.

The first day of school on the traditional calendar is Wednesday, August 24! Families can expect information from principals regarding school assignments, open houses, and other first-day of school details soon.

Please see below for important, timely back-to-school-related announcements, as well as the links for resources and information as you gear up for the 2022-2023 school year.

Columbus City Schools is partnering with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to provide supplemental transportation services for all CCS students in grades 9-12 only.

Starting this school year, all Columbus City Schools high school students can use their Student Success Cards to ride COTA at no charge to them or their parents/guardians.

For more information on the CCS/COTA partnership, please click here.

Busing schedules are being finalized, and parents can expect to receive information on their child’s busing route in the coming days. Read the full update here.

Before CCS heads back to the classroom, families are invited to one of the largest back-to-school celebrations in the city! Join us Saturday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the campus of Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School for the CCS Back-to-School Family Resource Fair. Visit the Family Resource Fair page for more information.

New this school year, all students PreK-12 will receive Student Success Cards. These cards will support academic success and will enhance student safety.

Student Success Cards will serve as IDs during the school day. These cards will feature the student’s photo, name, ID number, and school logo. Students will receive their cards and lanyards on or after the first day of school and will be expected to wear them visibly on the bus and during the school day.

For more information on Student Success Cards, click here.

The 2022-23 Guide to Student Success is now available. It contains important information designed to help assist students to have a successful year. Parents should check the Parent Portal for important forms to be filled out and returned to their respective school administrator.

Below please find the 2022-23 academic calendars for the traditional school years and the year-round school, Woodcrest Elementary.