2010-2011 Back to School

2010-2011 Back to School

23

Columbus City Schools

Communications Department

Jeffrey B. Warner, Director

270 East State Street

Columbus, Oh 43215 Ph. 614.365.5680

Fax 614.365.5814

Mission: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.

The Columbus City School District does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap with regard to admission, access, treatment or employment. This policy is applicable in all district programs and activities.

2010-2011 Back to School

23

Columbus City Schools

Back-to-School 2011-2012

COLUMBUS, OH, - August 17, 2011 - Columbus City Schools (CCS) expects to welcome approximately 51,191 pre-kindergarten-through-12th-grade students on August 24, the first day of the traditional 2011-2012 school year. The district’s year-round schools began July 28.

What’s new for 2011-2012?

This fall, the district will expand several programs. The Columbus International High School, which offers a focused International studies program, will add 10th grade, and move to 3049 Karl Road. Fifth Avenue K-8 will expand as well adding 7th grade this year. The district’s two-gender based middle schools, The Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys and the Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls, will add seventh grade.

The district will be expanding its challenging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) – focused schools; implementing STEM Project Based Learning in the West feeder pattern this fall at West High School (9th grade), along with it’s feeder middle schools, Starling and Westmoor. The theme will be “Renewable/Alternative Energy, Rolling through the 21st Century with Technology”. At West this means all 9th graders will be introduced to STEM as they are immersed in project based learning in their course of study during their freshman year. All members of the class of 2015 will also have the chance to take an Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) class as well. American Sign Language (ASL) will be offered this year as a foreign language at Northland and Whetstone High Schools.

-more-

“The 2011-2012 school year will be a year of increased opportunities for students and staff”, said Superintendent/CEO, Gene T. Harris, Ph.D. “We recognize the critical need for developing 21st-century skills and becoming truly global citizens. We offer a variety of specialized opportunities for our students, from our globally recognized baccalaureate program, our expanding International studies program, single gender schools, and our challenging STEM program including arts and sports. We are preparing our young people for the exciting challenges ahead.”

Columbus City Schools continues to make strategic cost reductions combined with capital and operational improvements to help provide a 21st-century learning environment. Students will experience 21st century technology, upgraded science labs, new buses, and new textbooks all made possible by the passage of a levy and bond package in 2008 through the overwhelming support of the Columbus community.

Middle School Learning Communities

Columbus City Schools is bridging the gap between elementary and middle school by creating smaller, more personalized learning communities for teaching and learning. These smaller communities at the middle school level will offer more personalized instruction in core classes allowing teachers to connect with the students in smaller group settings, ultimately increasing student achievement.

Our middle schools offer a revised school schedule that will allow students greater flexibility of block class scheduling, and increased exposure to learning experiences outside the classroom. The new schedule will also allow teachers regular opportunities to collaborate and create effective strategies as a team, which will allow for more individualized instruction and comprehension.

Literacy is the basis of all learning and a top priority for our middle school redesign, and an important part of our students’ ability to comprehend material. Teachers are placing a focused emphasis on reading in the content area (RICA); the goal is to engage students in 21st century communication skills. Students learn, practice, and internalize strategies that are essential life-long learning skills for reading, writing, understanding, and interpreting content specific

materials. These skills include building understanding across and among core subjects and developing interdisciplinary themes.

The middle school structure supports the program, “Where Everybody Belongs” (WEB). The WEB program is a year long orientation and transition plan that guides 6th graders to academic and social success by reducing the initial challenges of entering middle school. Our WEB Leaders are 8th graders who serve as peer mentors for the 6th graders. WEB Leaders go through extensive training to become positive role models, motivators and serve as a catalyst for change in our middle schools by modeling positive behavior for their peers, thus reducing incidences of teasing and bullying.

All Day Kindergarten

Special kindergarten orientation days will be held August 24-26 at the child’s assigned school from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During the full-day orientation, parents and students will learn expectations and receive guidelines and ideas that will help make the students’ first year of school an enriching and successful one. Parents will receive a letter from their elementary school principal that details which day their student should arrive for orientation.

2012 and Beyond

Columbus City Schools is focused on preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Vision 2012 is a shared goal of student success and a 90-percent graduation rate beginning with members of the Class of 2012. The district’s current graduation rate is more than 77.6%, up from 55% in 2001. The district's 2012 and Beyond strategic plan provides for high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom, safe and secure schools, and effective and efficient business operations supported by a network of collaborations that include business, higher education, neighborhoods, and community and family partners.

Columbus City Schools’ focus on literacy across the curriculum and at all grade levels is designed to build the foundational skills for lifelong learning and student success. The district's menu of innovative and traditional schools aligned in pre K-12 feeder patterns and programmatic clusters are designed to fit the academic needs of students.

High school graduation coaches work regularly with students, faculty, staff and parents to create plans and strategies for at-risk students to keep them motivated, and achieve academic success. If your student is struggling with credits, contact your school principal and/or guidance counselor.

Ohio Core

Ohio’s new graduation standards, Ohio Core, are being implemented. The district is preparing students for the new Ohio Core graduation requirements, which include four credits in math, including Algebra II, and three credits in science, including inquiry-based lab experience. Students must have computer and technical skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills to be successful in the jobs of tomorrow and in completing postsecondary education. 21st century classrooms are being created where students and teachers are engaged in the learning process, new computers and science labs have been added, and received significant upgrades as have building’s safety and security features.

Higher Education Partnerships

Columbus City Schools has partnered with several Central Ohio institutions of higher learning to develop programs that boost student achievement and college readiness, offering college-level courses to seniors. The Columbus City Schools Seniors to Sophomores program is a dual enrollment program, which enables academically qualified high school seniors to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Students who participate in the program will be enrolled in college classes on a public university school campus, and will have the opportunity to earn a year’s worth of both high school and college credit at no cost to the student.

The district’s collaboration with Ohio University, The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, Capital, Franklin and Ohio universities facilitated the creation of Columbus City Schools Seniors to Sophomores program in 2008. Otterbein University began offering dual credit opportunities in 2009.

The district’s partnership with DeVry University through the DeVry Advantage Academy provides qualified high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to take web graphic design courses at DeVry University and earn college credits - at no tuition cost. Students who successfully complete the program will graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in Web Graphic Design.

The district has grown the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Ninety-seven AP courses are offered in 16 Columbus City High Schools. Classes vary from Biology to English to Calculus.

Credit Flexibility

Senate Bill 311 (also known as Ohio core) mandates a plan that enables “students to earn units of high school credit based on a demonstration of subject area competency, instead of or in combination with completing hours of classroom instruction.” The goal is to increase student learning by allowing access to more resources, customization around individual student needs and the use of multiple measures of learning not limited solely to seat time or the walls of a school building.

Credit Flexibility will make it possible for students to customize learning through increased opportunities for real-world experiences that relate to their interests and career aspirations. The plan will allow students to earn credits by: completing coursework, testing out of or demonstrating proficiency of course content; or pursuing one or more educational options including, distance learning, educational travel, an internship, music, after school/tutorial program, community service or other engagement projects.

Columbus City Schools Virtual Credit Advancement Program (VCAP)

This fall, the Columbus City Schools Virtual Credit Advancement Program (VCAP) will offer expanded opportunities for all students to take core and electives coursework on-line. New, expanded, high school virtual course offerings taught by highly qualified certificated teachers are available to serve all students with courses that align with our curriculum. CCS-VCAP will provide our students with an individualized, blended approach to learning.

Students can complete their high school diploma requirements online choosing from a full compliment of courses for enrichment, including courses in literature, history, chemistry, physical education and health. Whether students need to make up missed credits, repeat courses or balance school with other responsibilities, CCS-VCAP can be a great choice.

Eligible students must be enrolled in the district and be 21 years of age or younger, but have not earned enough credits to graduate. In addition, students enrolled in VCAP on a full-time basis have access to all extracurricular activities available to traditional students.

CCS-VCAP will begin Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The following sites will serve as community learning centers for CCS-VCAP students:

Community Center Learning Centers Hours of Operation

The Heritage Community Center, 2444 Gatewood Road. 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Hilltonia United Methodist Church, 514 S. Columbian Avenue. 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Hudson Community Education Center, 2323 Lexington Avenue. 11:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Walnut Ridge High School, 4841 East Livingston Avenue. 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

VCAP (extended hours) begin at high school sites – Monday, November 7, 2011.

The VCAP office is located at Mifflin MS, 2546 Sunbury Road (Rm. 108). For more information about the VCAP program, contact the Office of Alternative Programs at 365-5485.

New and beautifully renovated buildings

The district is building a system of 21st-century learning environments, supported by a Facilities Master Plan that has resulted in 34 new and renovated buildings serving Columbus students. Columbus City Schools is simultaneously realigning the feeder pattern for efficient use of facilities, while maximizing education opportunities.

In segments 1 & 2, the community and district, with state support, has invested more than $521 million in new facilities, with the work completed on time and within budget. With the passage of the 2008 bond and levy, an additional $164 million in investment is being made to build new or renovate nine additional projects. The segment 3 building projects are moving forward in design and scheduled for completion beginning in winter of 2012.

After a serious fire at Stewart Elementary School in August of 2010, the district was able to utilize American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Stimulus-backed funding to move forward with the full renovation and expansion of this historic building.

Remaining schools nearing completion include:

·  Linden McKinley STEM 2011 (Dec.)

·  Georgian Heights ES 2012 (Fall)

·  Olde Orchard ES 2012 (Fall)

·  Clinton ES 2012 (Fall)

·  Cedarwood ES 2012 (Winter)

·  Liberty ES 2012 (Fall)

·  Starling K-8 2012 (Dec.)

·  Alum Crest/Clearbrook 6-12 2012 (Fall)

·  Language Immersion K-8 2012 (Fall)

·  Africentric Early College 2013 (Dec.) Segment 2 school

Columbus City Schools Fast Facts

Traditional School Hours

Middle Schools, High Schools & Career Centers: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Elementary & K-8 Schools: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Exceptions: Alum Crest HS & Clearbrook MS: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Beatty Park ES & Colerain ES: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

I-PASS: 7:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Ft. Hayes HS & Career Center 7:30 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

Columbus City Schools Latchkey Program as a Before-and After-School Option

Latchkey programs are provided in 24 Columbus elementary schools for before and after-school care by certificated teachers for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The Latchkey program offers childcare in a familiar environment and an opportunity for children to learn socialization skills, arts and crafts, and participate in age-appropriate games and activities. Students may also work on class assignments during the after-school program and ask their Latchkey teachers homework questions.

Latchkey centers operate from 7 a.m. until classes begin; all reopen after the school day ends and remain open until 6 p.m. Snacks are provided in the afternoon. Latchkey centers are only open on days when the Columbus City Schools are in session. The cost per child for Latchkey is $50 a week for mornings, $50 a week for afternoons, or $65 a week for both sessions. In addition to weekly fees, an annual registration fee of $30 is charged for the first child, and a maximum of $40 is charged for two or more children in the same family. The program accepts Title XX.

Columbus City Schools 2011-2012 Latchkey Program Locations

*All telephone numbers have a 365- prefix

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS / STREET ADDRESS / ZIP CODE / PHONE
Alpine / 1590 Alpine Drive / 43229 / *5359
Avalon / 5220 Avalon Avenue / 43229 / *5361
Berwick Alternative / 2655 Scottwood Road / 43209 / *6140
Clinton (Hubbard) / 104 W. Hubbard Avenue / 43202 / *6532
Devonshire Alternative / 6286 Ambleside Drive / 43229 / *5335
Forest Park / 5535 Sandalwood Blvd. / 43229 / *5337
Gables / 1680 Becket Avenue / 43235 / *5499
Georgian Hts. Alternative (Wedgewood) / 3781 Eakin Road / 43228 / *5931
Indian Springs / 50 E. Henderson Road / 43214 / *6032
Indianola Alternative / 251 E. Weber Road / 43202 / *5579
Kenwood Alternative / 3770 Shattuck Avenue / 43220 / *5502
Maize / 4360 Maize Road / 43224 / *6040
Maybury / 2633 Maybury Road / 43232 / *5381
Moler / 1560 Moler Road / 43207 / *5529
Northtowne / 4767 Northtowne Blvd. / 43229 / *5488
Oakland Park Alternative / 3392 Atwood Terrace / 43224 / *6058
Olde Orchard Alternative (Old Shady Lane) / 800 McNaughten Road / 43213 / *5388
Scottwood / 3392 Scottwood Road / 43227 / *6507
Shady Lane / 1444 Shady Lane Road / 43227 / *5391
Stewart Alternative / 40 Stewart Avenue / 43206 / *5556
Westgate Alternative / 3080 Wicklow Road / 43204 / *5971
Winterset / 4776 Winterset Drive / 43220 / *5510
Woodcrest / 5321 Livingston Avenue / 43232 / *6747
ALL LATCHKEY CENTERS open at 7:00 a.m. and continue until regular classes begin. Centers re-open immediately after
school and continue until 6:00 p.m. LATCHKEY CENTERS are closed when Columbus City Schools are closed. A.M. FEE is
$50.00 per week per child; P.M. FEE is $50.00 per week per child, A.M. and P.M. FEE is $65.00 per week per child. PAYABLE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY – NO CASH PAYMENTS ACCEPTED.
THE YEARLY REGISTRATION FEE IS $30 FOR ONE CHILD AND $40 FOR TWO OR MORE CHILDREN IN THE SAME HOME.
The registration fee is only refundable if the Latchkey Center of your choice does not open.
LATCHKEY accepts TITLE XX.

For more information call the Latchkey office at 365-5891.