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Dear CCS Families,

Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced that all schools in the state of Ohio will remain closed through May 1 in response to the continuous spread of COVID-19.

Fortunately, our Academic Services team has been preparing for the possibility of a long-term school closure. Up until this point, we have been operating under the Governor’s short-term closure order, which set an end date of Friday, April 3. 

With this new directive, families will be receiving information this week about our new distance learning program for all grades and all students. This program will begin on Monday, April 6, and last through the end of the Governor’s extended school closure of Friday, May 1. 

We will also observe the District’s scheduled Spring Break, April 10-17, with no required school activities on those days.

The information we will be providing to families this week includes:

• How to access your student’s online distance learning platforms through Clever. These platforms will vary by grade level and subject.
• How to connect with your student’s teacher, principal, and school support staff. This can include email, phone, and Webex video chats.
• How to access your student’s new email address. Our IT team will be activating email addresses, to be used for communication within the District only, for all students on April 6.
• Where to find Wi-Fi access across the city if you don’t have reliable access at home. Many of our school buildings have signal strengths that reach into the parking lot, while a number of community partners have stepped up to offer Wi-Fi services or access.

Despite these new challenges that we are now facing, our staff is confident we can provide quality educational experiences, resources, and supports for all of our students. Our teachers and principals have been training on the distance learning platforms during the short-term closure and will be ready to welcome students virtually on Monday, April 6. 

We understand there will be many questions, growing pains, and unforeseen hiccups as our school district transitions into providing remote education. I ask for families to be patient in this process and to partner with us in educating our community’s students.

I also understand that education is just one factor that our families are dealing with during this pandemic. Please know that our team is here to help and to support you. It is my hope that all of our families, students, and staff stay safe and follow the recommendations and orders given by health experts. I encourage you to “Stay Safe, CCS!”

Sincerely,

Talisa Dixon
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools