Author: Michelle N Martin

COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12
Cary Cordell: Principal
Aaron Gibbs: Assistant Principal

AUGUST 2023
Volume 1, Issue 1

COLUMBUS SCIOTO
6-12:
2023-2024
BACK TO SCHOOL

Parents, Students, and Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year at COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12!! My name is Cary Cordell, and I am your new Principal. I am looking forward to welcoming all of our returning and new students, families, and staff. Our new Assistant Principal Mr. Aaron Gibbs and I are excited for the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
While we look forward to working with your student, remember that you are your child’s first and most important teacher as a parent. Your attitudes, words, and actions shape your child’s beliefs about his/herself and potential in life. Your child’s educational future depends on us working side by side to create a supportive and meaningful educational experience at Columbus Scioto 6-12. To ensure the best for your child, I will hold myself, the staff, parents, and students to the highest expectations.
FOCUS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
This year, we will focus on the Four Core Values of our Transition programming. We work with our students to provide meaningful experiences to focus on academic success:
ACCOUNTABILITY—ACADEMICS—SELF-REGULATION—POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Engaging in the core values of safety and positive behaviors to increase academics will provide additional opportunities for our students to participate in new and fun activities this year. Through their efforts in being accountable, working on academics, practicing self-regulation, and engaging in positive behaviors, they will be able to grow and succeed here. Additionally, students who model the core values will also be able to participate in our Transition Program and have opportunities to be a part of school clubs (ex. Media Club), be involved in fun and exciting projects, and other unique adventures. In addition, this year we will implement a 100% student success model and provide mastery learning opportunities for all students at Columbus Scioto.

Inside this issue
Mission/Vision 2
Parent Portal Information 2
Important Dates 3
Columbus Scioto Staff 4
Attendance Information 5
Special points of interest
Parent/Student/School Compact
Parent’s Right to Know
Parent Involvement Policy

Columbus Scioto 6-12 2951 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43207 PH: 614-365-6085

DISTRICT/SCHOOL MISSIONS

CCS MISSION STATEMENT: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
CCS DISTRICT GOALS: Columbus City School has established District-wide goals that are focused on three key principles:
Each and every child reaches her/his full potential: Prepared to go to college, secure a job, serve in the military, or start a business
Learning environments are student-centered, efficient, and stable.
The District is accountable to the community; the community’s confidence in the District is restored.
COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12 - SCHOOL: One hundred percent of the students at Columbus Scioto 6-12 are special education students. It is a public separate facility and is specially designed to serve students who mostly fall under the disability category of Emotional Disturbance (ED). It is considered the most restrictive environment offered within CCS. Student classes are categorized as ED resource rooms where in addition to receiving educational services in small group settings that address their IEP and other educational needs, there is also a focus on building positive social skills, emotional regulation/coping skills, and other additional behavioral supports.
COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12 - MISSION: The Columbus Scioto family will collaborate effectively with students, staff, families and stakeholders to implement specific strategies that impact the personal and professional development of 21st century citizens.
COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12 - VISION: Columbus Scioto 6-12 school will focus collaborative efforts moving toward collective responsibility in development and delivery of instruction, safety as a priority, and using a trauma informed care approach to positively increase the overall school climate.

“We are committed to working with our families and students to provide the best outcomes for our students”

PARENT PORTAL—STAY INFORMED

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Each parent/guardian has their own personalized Activation Key.
Visit the front office (614-365-6023) for your Activation Key from the Secretary.
Go to our website at www.ccsoh.us and click on the FAMILIES tab.
Click on the PARENT PORTAL link on the left side
Click on the button that says NEW USER ACTIVATION
Enter your ACTIVATION CODE. We know it’s long - that helps keep the data secure - so type carefully. Once the code has been activated, it can’t be used again.
Follow the prompts to set up your username/password.
Once you have set your username/password, log into your account and set you recovery email address.
If you’ve forgotten your username/password, click on EXISTING USER in the Portal, then click FORGOT USERNAME/PASSWORD, and the information will be sent to the email used to set up the account. If you no longer have access to the email you used when setting up the account, please send a picture ID to parentportalaccess@columbus.k12.oh.us .

IMPORTANT DATES

SCHOOL SPIRIT FRIDAY’S
Every Friday, Columbus Scioto staff and students participate in School Spirit Fridays. Check the website for the tentative School Spirit Friday schedule. You can also check with your student or feel free to call the office to see what the theme for the week will be (ex., School colors, beach day, sports day, superhero day, etc.) The first School Spirit Friday will be Friday 8/25: SHARK Gear or BLUE/WHITE theme; dress in any shark gear you may have or in our school colors, blue/white.

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Aug. 21-22	Professional Development Days		Jan. 12	End of Quarter 2
Aug. 23	First Day for Students		Jan. 15	Martin Luther King Jr. Day -School Closed
Sept. 4	Labor Day – School Closed		Jan. 16	Professional Development Day
Oct. 20	Professional Development Day		Jan. 17	Records Day
Oct. 24	End of Quarter 1		Feb. 7	Professional Development Day
Oct. 25	Records Day		Feb. 19	P/T Comp Day No School
Nov. 7	Professional Development Day		Mar. 6	Professional Development Day
Nov. 20-24	No School: P/T Comp Day / Thanksgiving Break		Mar. 15	End of Quarter 3
			Mar. 20	Records Day
Dec. 19	30-Min. Early Release		Mar. 28	30- Min. Early Release
Dec. 20- Jan. 2	Winter Break		Mar. 29 - Apr 5	All Schools Closed - / Spring Break
**The 2023-2024 Columbus City Schools Academic Calendar is subject to revision due to emergencies created by severe weather, energy problems, or other public calamities that force cancellation of classes.			May 27	Memorial Day
			May 30	Last Day for Students
			May 31	Records Day
			June 19	Juneteenth - All Schools Closed

BUILDING PERSONNEL 2023-24
STAFF DIRECTORY
HIGH SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HS/MS INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES
SUPPORT STAFF

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES and INFORMATION

Students entering homeroom after 7:25 a.m. and arriving at school after 7:30 a.m. are considered “unexcused tardy”, unless a written note, email or phone call from parent/guardian is presented to excuse the tardy. If the student is tardy to school, he/she must come to the attendance office and sign in. This procedure is necessary because the student is marked absent and the attendance record will need to be corrected. It is important that students make every effort to arrive on time to avoid interrupting the class already in progress and to avoid attendance confusion.
Students must turn in a written excuse from a parent/guardian within 2 days after return to school from any absence, ½ day or full day. Students arriving to school after 3rd period will be considered absent for ½ day.
If the student is absent or going to be late, the school needs to receive a phone call (365-6085) from a parent/guardian by 8:30 a.m. The phone call does not excuse the absence. A written note turned into the office or via school email is required.
If the student accumulates more than 30+ consecutive hours of unexcused absences or 42+ hours in one month, the student runs the risk of failing classes or other serious consequences.
If a student is going to leave school early for an appointment, the parent/guardian must send their student to the attendance office before homeroom with a written request with explanation for early leave. The student should then report to the attendance office or the main office to be signed out by parent/guardian at the early leave time that was arranged. If the student returns to school on the same day, he/she must report to the main office to sign back in, with the doctor’s excuse, and then will be escorted to class.
STATE OF OHIO’S DEFINITION OF EXCUSED FROM SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Personal Illness: The approving authority may require the certification of a physician if it seems advisable.
Illness in the Family: The absence under this condition shall not apply to children under fourteen years of age.
Quarantine of the Home: The absence of a child from school under this condition is limited to the length of quarantine as fixed by the proper health officials.
Death of a Relative: The absence arising from this condition is limited to a period of three days unless a reasonable cause may be shown by the applicant child for a longer absence.
Observance of Religious Holidays: Any child of any religious faith shall be excused if holiday is consistent with belief.
Superintendent’s Judgment: Emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the superintendent of schools constitutes a good sufficient cause for absence from school.
HOUSE BILL 410 TRUANCY REGULATIONS SUMMARY
Definition of Habitual Truant:
The law changes the definition of ‘Habitual Truant” to any student who is absent without legitimate excuse for:
30+ consecutive hours or
42+ hours in one school month or
72+ hours in one school year
Notification Requirement (Triggering Event):
The law requires notification to the student’s parent/guardian of the students’ absences (both excused and unexcused) once they reach:
38+ hours in one school month; or
65+ hours in one school year Notice must be given within seven days of the triggering event.
TRUANCY FAQ’s
Does the school still file truancy charges with the courts?
The new law requires the filing of a complaint on the 61st day after the implementation of an absence intervention plan or other intervention strategies provided that ALL of the following apply:
*The student meets the statutory definition of habitual truant stated above.
*The district/school has made meaningful attempts to re-engage the student through the absence intervention plan or other
intervention strategies and alternatives to adjudication.
*The student has refused/failed to make satisfactory progress on the plan, as determined by the team, or any offered intervention strategies, or offered alternatives to adjudication.
2. Does the school have to wait the full 61 days to file truancy?
No. The law requires the filing of a complaint if, at any time during the implementation of the plan or other strategies, the student is absent without legitimate excuse for: 30+ consecutive hours or 42+ hours in one school month UNLESS the intervention team determines the student has made substantial progress on the plan

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PARENT - STUDENT- SCHOOL COMPACT
#Ready4Success
The purpose of the Parent-School Compact is to foster increased cooperation among teachers, parents, and students in order to support student achievement. This cooperation transcends what each may do as individuals.
Student Signature _________________________________
School _________________________________
Date _________________________________
Parent Signature _________________________________
Teacher Signature _________________________________
Principal Signature _________________________________

#Ready4Success
COLUMBUS SCIOTO 6-12
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
· Columbus Scioto will involve parents in regular, two-way meaningful communication addressing student achievements and ensuring:
o That parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning.
o That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s learning.
o That parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as needed and appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.
· In compliance with the Community Relations Policy of the Columbus City School Board, Columbus Scioto agrees to implement requirements to:
o Involve parents in the joint planning and development of the district’s Title I plan through representation on the school’s SITE Based Council Committee and participation at their meetings.
o Involve parents in the development, implementation, and review of Parent-School Compacts. The compact will be signed during the first 2 weeks of school and reviewed, when necessary, on an individual basis. The compact will also be posted on the school’s website.
o Involve parents in the planning and development of effective parent involvement activities through representation on the school’s SITE Based Council Committee meetings will be scheduled flexibly with the scheduling needs of parents in mind.
o Build the school’s and parent’s capacity for parent involvement by:
§ Providing parents with information on state standards, assessments, requirements of Title I, monitoring their child’s progress, and working with educators. Information will be provided during an annual fall meeting, at parent/teacher conferences, in the school’s newsletter, and on the school’s website.
§ Providing materials, resources and training to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement. Resources will be provided in school/classroom newsletters and other teacher communications through the school. Parent informational days/nights will be planned each year based on the school needs assessment and may include a Parent/Teacher Conference Night, Graduation planning, etc.
§ Communicating regularly with parents in clear and understandable terms. This will include opportunities for parents to participate in decision-making roles, volunteer opportunities, annual Title I meetings, school/classroom newsletters, an annual parent survey, and parent/teacher conferences. Parent/teacher meetings will be scheduled at any time, as requested by parents and the availability of teachers/staff.
§ Coordinating parent involvement activities with other initiatives, including after-school programs.
This policy was adopted by SITE Based Council and the Building Leadership Team of Columbus Scioto, Columbus City School District. The school will make this policy available to all parents, by way of the school’s website.

As a parent, I will do my best to:
· Communicate with the classroom teacher to share my child’s strengths and needs.
· Provide a place at home for my child to study and help them whenever I can.
· Keep in contact with the school to stay informed of my child’s progress.

As a teacher, I will do my best to:
· Be aware of your child’s individual strengths and needs.
· Provide instruction that meets the needs of your child so that success can be experienced.
· Keep you and your child informed of classroom progress throughout the school year.

As a student, I will do my best to:
· Do the best work that I can.
· Ask for help at school and at home when I need it.
· Keep parent(s) informed of my progress in school throughout the school year.
· Tell my parents how I am doing at school.

As his/her principal, I will:
· Provide a safe and healthy environment for learning to take place.
· Discuss with parents the needs of their children.
· Support parents and teachers by maintaining instructional materials and supplies in the school

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

Columbus Scioto 6-12
Cary Cordell, Principal
2951 South High St., Columbus, OH 43207 Ph. 614-365-6085
Fax 614-365-6766
Mission: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
August 8, 2023
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
As a parent of a student attending a school that is receiving Federal Title I Dollars, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teacher(s) and instructional paraprofessional(s) who instruct your child. Federal law requires every Title I school district to comply and to provide you with the requested information in a timely manner.
We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:
§ Whether the teachers has met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching;
§ Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived and;
§ What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.
You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additionally right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:
§ Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and
§ Information on required assessments that include:
· subject matter tested,
· purpose of the test,
· source of the requirement (if applicable),
· amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and
· time and format of disseminating results.
Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Ohio state requirements.
We look forward to the upcoming school year, and together we will make a difference in your child’s life.
Sincerely,
Cary Cordell
Principal
The Columbus City School District does not discriminate based upon sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ancestry, familial status or military status with regard to admission, access, treatment or employment. This policy is applicable in all district programs and activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF	SECRETARIAL STAFF	CUSTODIAL STAFF
Cary Cordell, Principal	Tammi Campbell Secretary II	David Allen, Head Custodian
Aaron Gibbs, Assistant Principal	Shaunte Jacobs, Secretary I	James Sellers, Custodian
		Rodney Burress, Custodian

CAFETERIA	SAFETY & SECURITY	GUIDANCE	NURSE	TREASURER
Karen Chow, Mgr.	McShan Smith	Laura Mannarino, HS	Lori Reid	Cathy Foley
	Terrance Perkins	Courtney Saunders, MS

ENGLISH	MATH	SCIENCE	SOCIAL STUDIES	ELECTIVES
Kelly George	Brenda Stone	Douglas Drake	Amanda Kelley-Jackson	Timothy Foster (Comp. Tech)
Anna Morbitzer	Jessica Reiniger	Andrea Parshall	Jessica Jones	OPEN (Spanish)
				OPEN (Art)
				Steven Puhl (Ind. Arts)
				Arthur Stovall (PE)

ENGLISH	MATH	SCIENCE	SOCIAL STUDIES	ELECTIVES
OPEN	Denise Dickerson	Roderick Gibbs	Todd Norman	OPEN (Art)
Shawna Windle	Ariam Sebhatu	Joseph Gogolin	James Williams	Ellen McGrew P.E.
				Stacy Camp (Comp.Tech)
				Sarah Shively (Music)

SELF-CONTAINED	BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST, HS	BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST, MS
Alice Holmes / Aimee Wyatt	OPEN	Cara Zang

Romeo Amos	Darren Gettis		Deondra Reid
Thaddeus Anderson	Tevin Govan	Jeffery Lane	Joseph Sawicki
Marcus Burns	Patrick Humphrey	Colleen McDonald	Ryan Sawicki
Lacy Crawford	Terrell Holcomb	Leigh Anne Mehrle	Shawntae Turner
Ceola Fagnide	Kimberly Jackson	Wilbert Norman	Cathy White

Van Chambers, Southeast Inc	OPEN, SELP	Josh McMillen, Transition Coordinator
Monica Davis, School Therapist	Kya Hatton, Soc. Worker	Barbara Wavrek, OT
SPEECH PATH, TBD	Dave Himmelrick, School Psych	John Young, Internship Coordinator