Dear CCS Community,

We had another productive week in Columbus City Schools as we approach the end of the first quarter of our traditional academic calendar. Most schools have just a little over a week left to go in the quarter, while our year-round school, Woodcrest Elementary, finished their first quarter last week and are currently on intercession. 

With the school year moving along quickly this fall, here are some important updates for our staff and families to know.

Participate in the Upcoming “Consider” Phase of the Facilities Master Plan

If you have not already, I encourage you to participate in our Facilities Master Plan (FMP) process. We are committed to modernizing our school building infrastructure to provide students, staff, and the community with learning environments and facilities that support 21st-century learning and strengthen partnerships between the school district and the community.

Beginning Monday, October 18, and continuing for the next two weeks, you have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on simulation exercise as part of Phase 5 -- the “Consider” phase of the FMP process. 

This phase promises to be different and more interactive than previous phases. The goal of Phase 5 is to introduce the attendees to the various limitations and opportunities we will face as we work to formulate a new Facilities Master Plan. 

Your participation will help CCS decide the future of its schools and how those buildings put the more than 47,000 students at the heart of the District’s long-term vision and priorities.

Register to participate in one of the following interactive sessions below: 

Dedicated Vaccine Clinics for CCS Staff and Students

We continue to offer dedicated clinics for all CCS teachers, staff, and students each Thursday this month. We have had hundreds of people take advantage of these clinics, which offer booster doses and first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot to eligible recipients. 

CPH will be at these upcoming school locations from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.:

• October 21 - Beechcroft High School (gym)
• October 28 - Linden-McKinley STEM Academy (middle school gym)

All CCS teachers, staff, and students can access these dedicated clinics regardless of where they work or attend school. No appointment is needed.

As the seasons begin to change from late fall to winter, it is important to consider these critical vaccines. The flu shot has been an annual vaccine that we encourage staff and students to receive, but now we also strongly recommend that all eligible recipients get their COVID-19 vaccine. It is our best defense against and strongest mitigation strategy against this deadly virus. 

Click here for more information about the CCS vaccine clinics.

Discounted Broadband Internet for Columbus Families

The past year has shown us how critical internet access is for students and families, for everything from school to work to healthcare access and so much more. The Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program was launched in May 2021, and provides eligible households up to a $50 discount off their monthly internet bill. This can help provide reliable, affordable, and quality internet for all our CCS families. 

As of now, less than 1,200 families in Columbus have taken advantage of this benefit. Let’s change that! You can learn more about the program and how to apply at GetEmergencyBroadband.org.

Sincerely,

Talisa Dixon
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools