Yes, the COVID-19 virus remains a threat globally. Rest assured we will take every precaution possible to protect our staff and students against the virus. The experts at Columbus Public Health have advised us that the positivity rate within our district boundaries has declined to a level at which it is safe to bring students back in a blended learning format.

Columbus Public Health has advised us that the positivity rate within our district boundaries has declined to a level at which it is safe to bring students back in a blended learning format at the current time. However, we do not know what the late fall and winter have in store. Our local COVID-19 data could spike in the fall or winter, especially considering the onset of the typical flu season. We will follow the recommendations of Columbus Public Health. We will not hesitate to close our schools if necessary and return to a completely remote learning environment.

In accordance with the District’s initial reopening plans, most high school students will continue with completely remote learning after the first quarter at the end of October. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Columbus Downtown High School and the Fort Hayes Career Center will return on October 19. These students have specific in-person requirements needed in order for them to achieve the necessary certifications in their career field.

CCS is still continuing to explore ways in which it can safely bring back all high school students in a blended learning environment. Many of the barriers to accomplishing this include balancing the need to meet COVID-19 health and safety protocols with operational feasibility. We understand the importance of getting our high school students back in the classroom, especially our seniors who deserve some sense of in-person connectedness in their final year of high school.