20 CCS Schools Transition to Remote Learning Due to Anticipated Heat
August 24, 2021 -- Due to anticipated extreme temperatures and high humidity this week, a total of 20 school buildings (listed below) in Columbus City Schools will start the year with remote learning on Thursday and Friday, August 26 and 27.
These 20 buildings lack air conditioning in classrooms or are in the process of getting HVAC systems installed or fixed.
The remainder of CCS schools will begin the year on Thursday with all students learning in-person five days a week.
CCS anticipates that the 20 affected schools will transition to in-person learning starting next week on Monday, August 30. The district will continue to monitor weather conditions leading into next week to keep families informed of any changes to the expected learning model.
Students who need a Chromebook computer should reach out to their principal or school office to make arrangements to pick up a device.
Schools Transitioning to Remote Learning for August 26 and 27:
High Schools (3)
- Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS)
- Eastmoor Academy
- Whetstone High School
Middle Schools (6)
- Arts Impact Middle School
- Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys
- Johnson Park Middle School
- Mifflin Middle School
- Westmoor Middle School
- Yorktown Middle School
Elementary Schools (11)
- Broadleigh Elementary School
- Columbus Gifted Academy
- Como Elementary School
- Fairwood Elementary School
- Hubbard Elementary School
- Maize Elementary School
- North Linden Elementary School
- Siebert Elementary School
- Valleyview Elementary School
- West Broad Elementary School
- Westgate Elementary School
What will CCS do for these non-air-conditioned buildings when they return to in-person learning?
Columbus City Schools wants to ensure that all school and classroom environments are conducive to learning. CCS will use many of the strategies that we have in previous years for increasing airflow and mitigating the heat in schools that do not have building-wide air conditioning. This includes:
- Increasing Circulation
- We try to keep the air moving in the halls and classrooms. We make every effort to have as many fans as possible in these buildings, and we have deployed additional industrial-sized fans and box fans to our buildings.
- Custodians will open windows and turn on fans early, so the air is circulating even before the entire staff and students arrive.
- Efficient Ventilation
- All CCS buildings have ventilation systems to bring fresh air into the building, even if there is no building-wide air conditioning.
- CCS will use MERV-13 air filters, which are efficient at capturing airborne viruses, in its buildings where possible.
- Creative Learning Spaces
- Schools have the autonomy to be creative with their learning spaces, taking advantage of outdoor learning opportunities, during the warmer weather.
- We also encourage staff and students to take regular “mask breaks” outdoors when possible.
- In some schools, while each classroom does not have A/C, there are common areas (such as the computer lab or library) that do. Schools are able to plan additional learning time in those locations.
- Hydration
- We will ensure each school building has an ample supply of bottled water on hand for students and staff.
CCS will continue to monitor the weather as it relates to the heat. We will make decisions for our schools without building-wide air conditioning that balance the health and safety of students and staff with the need to serve our students and families.