The Family Connector

Dear CCS Community,

Summer is finally here!

With the end of the school year comes many fun experiences to recognize our students’ accomplishments. We’ve had many opportunities to celebrate our students, including clap outs, promotion ceremonies, completer ceremonies, and of course, we are in the middle of graduation season! All these occasions mark the end of one chapter and the start of another.

For our families, it may seem like yesterday our children were just starting school. As a CCS parent, I sometimes can’t believe how quickly time flies. We watch as our kids learn, grow, and achieve personal and academic milestones. Wherever you are in life, take some time to appreciate where you are now and how far you’ve come to get to this point.

A huge congratulations to the Columbus City Schools Class of 2023! Our seniors have demonstrated many of the Portrait of a Graduate attributes, showing great adaptability especially as they navigated the impacts of the global pandemic. Also, overall, our seniors have earned more than $33 million in scholarship money. Each day, these awards continue to increase and we can’t wait to see how many scholarships our graduating class earns to help them along the way in their academic journeys.

I am glad I got to celebrate with our more than 1,700 seniors at this year’s Senior Fest, where we honored their many achievements and successes and I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.

However, none of this would be possible without our CCS staff, who have worked tirelessly to guide students along to get to these celebrations. Thank you to every single person who makes an impact on the lives of our students every day.

Also remember, the learning doesn’t have to stop once the school year ends. This year’s Summer Experience program will offer unique hands-on opportunities students and families have come to love and expect along with many fun and new learning experiences on the horizon.

Additionally, as part of the Summer Experience program, we provide free breakfast and lunch but there are also safe neighborhood sites where students can get free meals throughout the summer at various Recreation and Parks sites. For more information on these sites, visit the Columbus Recreation and Park summer food website.

I look forward to spending time with many of you at Summer Experience and to our brand-new CCS graduates, congratulations on this major milestone! As you venture into the world, I hope you continue to pursue your dreams and that you live a fulfilling life.

Take care of yourself over these next few warmer months and have a safe and happy summer break!

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools

CCS graduation ceremonies are underway! Reminder that all high school graduations are streamed LIVE on our Facebook and YouTube pages. Congratulations to the class of 2023! #OurCCS

Full graduation schedule/news: https://www.ccsoh.us/graduation

Streaming links: https://www.youtube.com/playlist...

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!

As the school year draws to a close, ensuring that your child(ren) continues their literacy growth during the summer break is crucial. The Office of Literacy is delighted to provide CCS families with its Summer Literacy Supports & Resources, designed to assist you in this endeavor. Within this flyer, you will discover three simple strategies and valuable resource links that will keep students engaged in literacy throughout the summer months.

These resources are made available to empower you to actively foster literacy skills over the summer break. A solid foundation in literacy is essential for your children's academic achievement and cultivates a lifelong passion for learning. Let's work together to continue to build upon your child's literacy growth.

Congrats to the Best All Around scholars! The Columbus Youth Foundation honors two students per middle and high school at CCS, considering their academic achievements, community service, and more. The students were recognized at Huntington Park! #OurCCS

By working hard and dreaming big, 27 Columbus City Schools Scholars will head into the next phase of their academic journey with the help of I Know I Can.

Scholars received the I Know I Can Founders’ Scholarships, which are worth up to $10,000 per academic year for up to four years. Students celebrated their accomplishments at a recent celebration at The Fives Columbus.

“You have displayed dedication to your academic success and a desire to continue learning,” Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools, told students at the celebration. “You have put in the work both in and outside the classroom, maintained a 3.0-grade point average or higher, and achieved the I Know I Can College access milestones.”

In addition to having a 3.0 cumulative GPA, students must also have completed the CCS College Preparatory Curriculum, had a minimum attendance rate of 93% throughout high school, and been continuously enrolled in Columbus City Schools from ninth through 12th grade.

Click here to read more about CCS students honored at I Know I Can.

All parents with students in PreK-6th grade (ages 4-12) can enroll in Camp BOOK IT!, a reading program created to stop the summer slide. Parents can use digital tools to track and reward their kids' reading in June, July, and August with a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut!

How it Works

• Enroll - Join our free, digital, parent-led summer reading program to reward your child's reading all summer long.
• Read - Read books, magazines, eBooks, and anything fun. Use our free summer resources to help beat the summer slide.
• Track - Enter your child's reading progress in our digital dashboard for June, July, and August.
• Reward - When your child meets their goal, move the slider all the way over to receive their certificate for a Personal Pan Pizza in your email.
• Redeem - Use the serialized code on your child’s certificate to redeem! You’ll find more instructions about how to redeem on the certificate.

For more information, click the link below.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Food Program offers free, nutritionally balanced meals at our community centers and other various locations during the summer months. (Dates and times can vary.) Last summer, more than 245,000 meals were served in the Columbus area.

Meals are served to anyone between the ages of 1–18. Meals are also available for anyone ages 18-21 who has been determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and involved in an independent educational program.

Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877.8.HAMBRE) or text 914.342.7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as “food,” “summer,” “meals,” etc. and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them.

Download information here: English, Spanish , and Somali.

Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Free Summer Reading Challenge

Get ready for an exciting reading adventure as the summer reading program kicks off today, June 1! Join the Reading League to strengthen your child's reading skills. Sign up at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or download the free Beanstack app from the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Your child can track their reading progress, earn fantastic prizes, and even have the chance to win more through raffle entries. The library's friendly staff at all 23 locations are standing by to provide assistance. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity—start today and embark on a summer filled with reading fun!

TECH CORPS is offering FREE summer programs for Franklin County high school students interested in learning more about tech.

IT On Ramp: A 2-week program for Greater Columbus 8th & 9th graders. Students will learn how to code video games, design mobile apps and develop a website. Students who complete the program receive a $400 stipend!

IT On Ramp+: A 4-week program for TANF-eligible Franklin County 9th and 10th graders. Students learn to build mobile apps and video games using algebra and geometry. Students Earn while they Learn (up to $1690).

Student WEB CORPS: A 6-week program for TANF-eligible Franklin County 11th graders. Students will work on teams and learn to build a website for a mock business. Students Earn while they Learn (up to $2,000)

Experience the joy of outdoor movies in Columbus this summer! From outdoor screenings to drive-in theaters, there are plenty of options for your family to enjoy. Explore the enchantment under the open sky and create lasting memories together. Don't miss out on the magic of outdoor movies in Columbus! Several locations around the city offer free outdoor movies throughout summer.

Easton Town Center:

Bring a blanket and bucket of popcorn and join us for movies under the stars! Movies by Moonlight, our summer outdoor movie series, takes place on Tuesday evenings in June at Easton’s Town Square (south of Brio) and features favorites for the whole family.

6/6 Lightyear

6/13 DC League of Super Pets
6/20 Back to the Future
6/27 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Please note: All movies will begin around dusk. The actual movie start time will vary based on the time of sunset.

Columbus Commons:

Watch an outdoor movie on the large screen at Columbus Commons! Movies begin at 8:15 PM. The 2023 movie lineup include:

6/23 The Lion King

7/14 Shrek

9/9 Encanto

Get ready to beat the heat with Columbus Recreation and Parks! You and your family are invited to enjoy refreshing fun at one of our outdoor pools! On June 3 and June 4, from noon to 5:00 p.m., make a splash at Dodge, Driving Park, and Tuttle pools and kickstart your summer adventures! Admission is just $1 per person. Oh, and don't forget to bring your leisure card! Please note that entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. For further details, click the link below and dive into the excitement!

Mark your calendars and join the Family Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) on June 5 for an unforgettable summer family gathering! Bring your family and friends along to savor delicious food, enjoy great entertainment, and access to a variety of excellent resources.

This free event will also showcase community vendors with special giveaways for all attendees. Make sure to secure your spot by registering today! This family-friendly event promises an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss!

Event Details

FACCES Family Gathering Summer Kickoff

Wednesday, June 7

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Starting Point Family Center

2515 Lockbourne Rd.

Columbus, OH 43207

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 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.

Columbus Crew will celebrate 614 Day on Wednesday, June 14th, from 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.! The Crew will bring our youth and beloved community together by hosting four free-to-play soccer sessions, all in celebration of our city, the 614, and ensuring that in Columbus, soccer is accessible for All.

• Northgate Intermediate School
• Sullivant Gardens Community Center
• Blackburn Community Center
• Whitehall YMCA

Hosting four community soccer sessions throughout Columbus, 614 Day is part of the Black & Gold's Soccer For All celebration throughout the month of June, focusing on the diversity of Columbus and the inclusivity of the global game of soccer.

The clinics - which are set to begin at 3:00 p.m. will involve local children who regularly participate in recreational programming organized by each of the host organizations. The sessions will feature Crew players in attendance and conclude with an autograph session for the children in attendance.

Hope to see you there!

The Building Bridges summer block party series is just around the corner! Hosted by the Columbus Police, Byers Airport Subaru, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, there will be an exciting lineup of not one but four incredible events throughout the summer season!

The mission at the heart of these festivities is to bridge the gap between the police and the community. These block parties provide a unique opportunity for everyone to unite, engage in meaningful conversations, and forge stronger bonds that make our community special. Look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces from various community groups, partner agencies, and, of course, our friends from the Columbus Police.

From live performances to interactive games and delicious food, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

All events are from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

June 15, Linden Community Center

June 22, Fedderson Community Center

July 12, Adams Community Center

August 17, Glenwood Community Center

A crossover between traditional and contemporary, the Columbus Cultural Orchestra (CCO) finishes its season with a collage of beauty and beat. Stephen Spottswood, founder and classically trained violinist, noticed that the orchestras he played with weren’t playing his favorite hip-hop and R&B songs. Established in 2020, CCO teaches developing musicians' jazz, hip-hop, and classical music arrangements, bringing hip-hop classics to the orchestral world.

Pioneering the integration of hip-hop classics into the orchestral world, prepare to indulge in a harmonious fusion featuring the works of Bach, Biggie, Rachmaninoff, SZA, Destiny's Child, and more! Be prepared to witness an ingenious performance that fuses strings, drums, and keyboards to create an innovative arrangement, making your head sway and beats drop in unison.

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Event Details

Bach to Biggie: New Perspectives

Friday, June 16, 2023

WOSU Public Media, Ross Community Studio.

1800 N. Pearl Columbus, OH 43201

​Tickets: $20; $10 Students, Children 10-under free

Two performances will take place at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Unite with Columbus City Schools students, teachers, staff, District leaders, family, alums, and allies as we march through Downtown Columbus as part of the 2023 Stonewall Columbus Pride March and Community Festival.

Columbus Pride March

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Staging Area: 270 East State Street

Line-up: To be determined

March Begins at 10:30 a.m.

* Anyone under 18 must have parent/guardian permission and be accompanied by an adult. While supplies last, participants will receive a free t-shirt for the march or wear their school sports uniforms or T-shirts. More details about t-shirt pick-up, meet-up location, and parade route will be shared later.

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.

No doubt the views from the Scioto River are priceless! On July 29 and August 12, you can experience them at no cost!

Head to the boat launch under the Main Street Bridge (near Bicentennial Park) for FREE kayaking, tandem kayaking, and SUP rentals. All experience levels are welcome! Boats, paddles, and floatation devices will be provided.

This event is subject to weather and river conditions. Street parking is available, or park in the Columbus Commons Underground Garage at 191 South Third Street.

Event Details

Kayak Day on the Scioto Mile

Bicentennial Park

233 Civic Center Dr.

Columbus, OH 43215

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!