September 2025 Northtowne News

Northtowne creates and posts a newsletter on a regular schedule. Near the start of each month you can expect to see a new edition with important highlights from the school and information to help connect you to the school district and our Columbus community. We also put out announcements and more opportunities/ideas in our school-wide communication app, TalkingPoints.

The format of each newsletter is consistent. Northtowne Elementary information is at the top. District announcements and information are in the middle section. Finally, community opportunities and supports for our families are at the bottom.

If there are topics you would like to see covered, our Family Ambassador (Sarah Bowman) is always happy to get your feedback and suggestions. Contact her at mailto:sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us

PBIS Mission Statement

I am prepared and ready to learn.

I will be respectful, responsible and focused.

I will make choices that focus on teaching and learning.

My hands are for helping, NOT hurting.

And my words are for encouraging.

I will be the best ‘me’ I can be.

September 22 - Northtowne Open House 4:30-6:00 pm

Additional information about Open House is later in the newsletter.

September 8-13 - House Hype Week

September 15-19 - House Spirit Week

More information about House Hype and House Spirit Weeks is later in the newsletter.

Stay up to date! The calendar for the 2025-26 school year can be found here.

The Pre-K calendar is here.

It is essential that that all households provide and maintain up to date contact information for the school. This information is used to communicate with families for good news, announcements, questions that staff need answers to quickly, issues with student pick up, and emergencies.

Every family should review their provided contact information at least once per school year at the beginning of the year. Additional changes that happen to address or phone numbers during the school year should be updated as soon as possible after the change occurs. To review and update your contact information you must complete an Annual Update through your Parent Portal account. Click the button below for a special edition newsletter that gives help and guidance on accessing the Parent Portal.

If you have questions or difficulty using the Parent Portal Please contact our Family Ambassador, Ms Bowman or go to the Central Enrollment office for assistance.

Contact Ms Bowman at:

614-859-9654 (voice or text), sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us or through TalkingPoints

Central Enrollment is located at:

430 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Northtowne uses TalkingPoints as a school-wide communication tool with families. All families automatically have the primary contact from the Parent Portal "opted in" for the messages. You will receive messages as texts on your cell phone until you download and activate the TalkingPoints app. You can reply to messages received through TalkingPoints anytime with questions or comments. We especially love that messages can be automatically translated into 150+ languages! We strongly encourage you to download the free TalkingPoints app at https://bit.ly/3OHpsGO for the best experience!

Did you know that you can send an email to let us know your student will be absent from school? You can! You can also take a photo of the appointment excuse note and attach it to an email. No more wondering if your student remembered to turn in the paper. Contact us with all things concerning attendance here: attendance.northtowne@columbus.k12.oh.us

We are off to a wonderful start at Northtowne! September is always an exciting time as routines take shape and new learning opportunities begin. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us build a strong and supportive school community.

As we continue to refine our systems, I ask for your cooperation during dismissal. Please remember to arrive by 3:25 p.m. for pick-up and be mindful not to block our neighbors’ driveways. Keeping traffic flowing smoothly ensures safety and shows respect for our surrounding community.

At home, one of the best ways to support your child’s success is through reading together. Reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, builds comprehension, and fosters a love of learning. Just as importantly, it creates a special time to connect with your child and share the joy of stories.

We also have exciting enrichment opportunities this fall:

• 1st Grade: Students will participate in Soccer Literacy Fridays, blending movement with reading fun.

• 2nd Grade: Our SPROUTS program will introduce students to gardening while weaving in a strong literacy component, helping students connect reading with real-world experiences.

• 3rd Grade: Students will have the chance to join after-school Soccer Literacy, building both literacy skills and teamwork.

Thank you for your positivity and support as we begin this school year together. Let’s keep encouraging our students, celebrating their efforts, and modeling kindness as we work toward a successful September.

Warm regards,
John Vincent
Principal

Please stay with your child prior to 8:30 am and/or when there is no adult supervision. For the safety of your child, please wait until a staff member is outside. Children should not be dropped off before 8:30.

If you drive your student to school, please enter the parking lot area and drive beside the sidewalk. Keep vehicle traffic in a single lane. Pull forward, as much as possible, until just past the open cafeteria doors. For ease and safety of the students it is best for them to get out of the vehicle on the passenger side. Your cooperation with these items will help to keep a safe environment for all of our students.

Breakfast is served starting at 8:30 and is free for any child who chooses to eat.

Please discuss with your student how they get home from school. Students should know if they ride the bus or if they are walkers/car riders. Students in pre-k, kindergarten, and 1st grade require a hand to hand pick up by an authorized adult (parent/guardian or listed emergency contact). It is very important that students be picked up from the school promptly at the dismissal time. Adults should be gathering at the dismissal locations at 3:20 pm to ensure that process can go quickly and smoothly. If no authorized adult is present by 3:45 pm for students who require a hand to hand pick up, phone calls to the phone numbers on record will start to be made.

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month

Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

(Information taken from National Museum of the American Latino website and hispanicheritagemonth.gov)

During our guidance lessons this fall, students are learning about the Zones of Regulation. This framework helps children recognize how their bodies and emotions feel and use strategies to get back “just right” for learning. The Blue Zone means “too slow” (tired, sad, low energy), the Green Zone is “just right” (calm, focused, ready to learn), the Yellow Zone is “too fast” (silly, worried, excited), and the Red Zone is “out of control” (angry or unsafe). We are practicing naming our zones and choosing helpful tools together in class.

Coming Soon: Small Groups
In addition to guidance lessons, small groups will begin soon and will focus on building social skills through play-based activities. These groups give students the chance to practice skills like sharing, taking turns, joining play, and solving small problems in a fun and supportive setting. Families will receive information if their child is invited to participate. Please reach out if you have any questions or interest in the program.

Immunizations Matter!

As we settle into the new school year, it's important to make sure all students are up to date on their required immunizations. Vaccinations play a key role in keeping our school community healthy by preventing the spread of serious illnesses.

Immunization Exclusion Date is September 15th.
Students who are not compliant with state immunization requirements by this date may be excluded from attending school until their records are updated. You should have received a letter if your student is noncompliant.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!

Nurse Omar

September 8th-12th will be a special week at Northtowne. New students will learn about our House System (Based on the Ron Clark Academy House System) and students from prior years will be reminded about it.

Why We Do It: To create a positive culture for staff and students, by “implementing the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) House System. It is a dynamic, exciting way to create a powerful and positive school climate. Students are celebrated for their efforts through a process that builds character, empowers academic excellence, fosters school spirit, enhances relationships, and promotes a culture of belonging for all.

Monday: Celebrate “The House of Altruismo” - Everyone Wear BLACK!

House of Givers

Color: Black

Country: Brazil

Tuesday: Celebrate “The House of Isibindi” - Everyone Wear GREEN!

House of Courage

Color: Green

Country: South Africa

Wednesday: Celebrate “The House of Amistad” - Everyone Wear RED!

House of Friendship

Color: Red

Country: Spain

Thursday: Celebrate “The House of Reveur” - Everyone Wear BLUE!

House of Dreamers

Color: Blue

Country: France

Friday: HOUSE SORT DAY! Add new students as members and celebrate your house!

*Note* students who attended Northtowne last year will keep their prior House assignment throughout their years at our school.

September 15th-19th
Monday - Wear something from your favorite sports team!
Tuesday -Clothing mismatch day!
Wednesday - Head to toe color House pride! Wear the color that represents the house you have been sorted into. Don't forget your house beads!
Thursday- Crazy hair day!
Friday- Wear your pajamas to school day!

We already have the Fall Picture Day scheduled. Students will have their photos taken on October 15. Watch for more information about School Picture Day and how to order pictures coming soon.

Do you have general questions about school, events at Northtowne, events happening District wide, or how to access information? There are many people you can contact to get answers to your questions. One person you can always feel free to contact is the Northtowne Family Ambassador. Our Family Ambassador is Sarah Bowman. She will provide you with answers to your questions or work to get you in touch with the people who can answer. If you have questions about using the Parent Portal she can help with these too.

Ms Bowman is a former graduate of Columbus City Schools (Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School). She also has two children who currently attend in the district. Her daughter is in 11th grade and her son is in 8th grade. She knows a lot about our district, how to find things, and how to use the systems the district uses (like Parent Portal) from both the perspective of a parent and someone working for the district.

Contact Ms Bowman by email, phone, text, or TalkingPoints message.

email: sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us

phone and text: 614-859-9654

The District's transportation department no longer mails bus route information to families' homes.

• Transportation eligible families will receive their child's bus routing information through Parent Portal.
• At the start of a new school year the transportation department is managing many changes that can impact bus routes. In the first several weeks there can be changes to pick up and drop off times or even the bus stop location. Families should check in the transportation information in the Parent Portal each evening after 8:00 pm to see if any changes are impacting their student(s).
• You can access your child's bus information by clicking on the Transportation tab within the Parent Portal.

If you need help accessing your Parent Portal account click here for more information. You may also contact your Family Ambassador, Ms Bowman at 614-859-9654 or through TalkingPoints.

Pathway Express arrives at the Lynd Fruit Farm (9851 Morse Rd SW, Pataskala) on September 13!

Join us and families from across CCS as we celebrate the fall season at one of Central Ohio’s favorite destinations – Lynd Fruit Farm!

From apple picking and corn mazes to hayrides and pumpkin patches, Lynd Fruit Farm offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

In addition to the outdoor fun and fresh local produce, students and families are invited to enjoy seasonal treats, explore the market barn, and take part in hands-on learning activities for all ages.

Families are encouraged to join CCS and our community partners at Lynd Fruit Farm on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., featuring:

• Challenge your navigational skills in the corn maze

• Create an entrepreneurial business plan

• Explore the apple orchard and pick your own apple

• Fun family learning experiences

• Zipline, corn hole, barrel train, and more!

Come enjoy the crisp autumn air, connect with your community, and experience everything the season has to offer at Lynd Fruit Farm!

Transportation

Transportation to and from Lynd Fruit Farm is available for CCS families on Saturday, September 13th. Buses will depart from the schools below at 9:30 a.m. and will stay at Lynd Fruit Farm until 12:00 p.m. Buses will then return to the schools.

• Walnut Ridge High School - 4841 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43227
• South High School - 1160 Ann St, Columbus, OH 43206
• West High School - 179 S Powell Ave, Columbus, OH 43204
• Northland High School - 1919 Northcliff Dr, Columbus, OH 43229

Kick off the Pre-K school year with a fun day of discovery! Learn about helpful Pre-K resources, meet other families, and explore hands-on activities with WOSU and the Grange Audubon Center that you and your child will love.

• Pre-K Readiness Activities
• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• Meet Lyla and Loops from PBS Kids

*First 50 families will receive Pre-K Readiness Kits

When: Saturday, September 13

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Grange Audubon

505 W. Whittier St.

Columbus, OH 43215

Join CCS families at Spruce Run Nature Center Open House Events! Open house events are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. All open houses run from 10am - 2pm. Families can explore the nature center, walk the outdoor trails and grounds, and participate in activities. Please mark your calendars and share with friends and family.

Open House Events:

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries have once again partnered with Children’s Hunger Alliance to provide after-school snacks for children ages 1-18 at 16 of its 23 locations starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. A typical snack consists of a fruit, vegetable, protein, grain and milk.

Free After school snacks are available at:

• Barnett Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. & Saturday: 2:30-3 p.m.
• Driving Park Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Franklinton Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:30-4 p.m. & Saturday: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
• Hilltop Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Karl Road Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Linden Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:30 p.m.
• Main Library: Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Martin Luther King Branch: Monday-Saturday: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Northern Lights Branch: Monday-Saturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Northside Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Parsons Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:45 p.m.
• Reynoldsburg Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Shepard Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• South High Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-5 p.m.
• Southeast Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Whitehall Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:30 p.m.

Snacks are provided by Children’s Hunger Alliance, a statewide nonprofit that works with over 1,800 partners across the state, CHA provides food and nutrition education to children right where they are: at in-home childcare, childcare centers, schools, after-school programs, over weekends, and during the summer.

For more information, visit the link below.

Vehicle Creations featuring Kwik Stix™

Saturday, September 20, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

If your kids love things that vroom and zoom, this all-vehicle event is sure to rev up their imaginations! They’ll craft a car, truck, tractor or rocket—and give it a Kwik Stix “paint job.” Plus, they can take our hottest vehicle products for a test spin in the Play & Discover area! Parents and guardians, be sure to check in when you arrive for a chance to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card. If you spend $25 or more, we’ll send you home with a free Little Blue Truck board book while supplies last!

This is a free, walk-in event held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.

The closest Lakeshore store is located at:

2148 Polaris Pkwy.

Columbus, OH 43240

Columbus Oktoberfest

• When: Sept. 5-7
• Where: Ohio Expo Center / Ohio State Fairgrounds
• Admission is free and parking is available at the fairgrounds for $10.
• What: Columbus’ rich German heritage is on full display at this event. Enjoy tasty food, lively music, and games
• Tips: enjoy the "Kinderplatz"- A beautiful free area that the entire family can enjoy. Kids can create fabulous jeweled crowns along with other fun arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, dancing, and learn about all of the different types of trails in Ohio from the Ohio Department of Natural Resource team.

  
  

  Don't miss "KidsLinked Sunday Family Funday!"

  – Princesses & Super Heroes Breakfast
  – 1 mile, 1/2 mile, 1/4 mile Bubble & Treasure Run
  – Royal & Super Parade

For more information, click the link below

At the following links you can find a collection of community resources. These resources are ones that are consistently available on our Central Ohio community. Each link has a different theme to the resources contained in it. These resources have been found and the information is maintained by a team of Family Ambassadors. If you discover outdated information or links that do not work please help the Family Ambassador team by notifying the Family Ambassador at your school. If there are additional resources that would be helpful to you, please notify your Family Ambassador so that the team can work on those additions.

Did you delete a Northtowne News email and then realize there was a resource you still wanted to check out? Do you remember seeing a newsletter announcement about a community resource but now you can't remember the name of the organization and you can't find the email from the newsletter? Don't worry! The information you need is not lost! All prior Newsletters and any mid-month updates are available on the Northtowne Elementary website. The button below will take you directly to the newsletter archive.

Do you have concerns about how your student is managing school expectations (academic, behavior, social, etc.)? Click the link below to fill out a form that will let the school know about your concerns. Your communication with us helps us to be sure that no one in need is missed.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWUlEYRyPMJkDPvLB5DLRO-6aYS6JJErlVyZokHqc4rV1s1A/viewform

What is the Project Connect Program?

Authorized under Federal law through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, the Columbus City Schools’ Project Connect Program provides services to ensure that identified children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free and appropriate public education by removing barriers due to homelessness. As advocates for educational rights, there are various services the program provides to assist families in transition.

How can the Project Connect Program help?

Project Connect works with students, parents, Columbus City Schools (CCS) employees, partner agencies, and other local school districts to provide assistance with:

• school selection and enrollment
• school transportation o wellness checks and on-going social and emotional support
• book bags and school supplies for students
• assistance with high school graduation fees and expenses o addressing barriers that affect school attendance and full participation
• obtaining necessary documents such as birth certificates, school records, and medical records
• dispute resolution regarding school choice and enrollment

Who may qualify for the Project Connect Program?

The term “children and youth experiencing homelessness” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence. It includes those who are:

• sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of home, economic hardship, or similar reason
• living in motels or hotels
• staying in trailer parks or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
• living in emergency or transitional shelters
• abandoned in hospitals
• living on their own, such as youth who have run away or have been put out of their home

How do families access homeless services through CCS?

• Parents and students may call the Project Connect Office at 614-365-5140
• Email: ProjectConnect@columbus.k12.oh.us

Parents Right To Know Information as Required by the Elementary and Secondary Education

Act (ESEA) (Section 1112(e)(1)(A) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (Section 1112(e)(1)(A)

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 required 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 teacher 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
• 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 additional 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

skills 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.

Thank you so much for your support and involvement with your child’s learning. Whether it’s conferences, attending the family meetings, or a quick chat throughout the day, we appreciate your involvement and efforts to build the lines of communication between home and school.

Lots of school communication and information is in the Parent Portal. If you need help accessing the Parent Portal please contact our Family Ambassador, Sarah Bowman. She can even link families to interpreters (Bilingual Engagement Liaisons or BEL) to help with understanding the Parent Portal set up process. Email: sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us or you can call or text: 614-859-9654

Send a note to let us know what you thought, make suggestions or ask a question. We would love to hear from you. Please send a note to your child’s teacher or send a message.

Contributors:

John Vincent, Principal

Phone: 614-365-5488

Fax: 614-365-5487

Email: jvincent2995@columbus.k12.oh.us

Sarah Bowman, Family Ambassador

614-859-9654

Email: sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us

Susan Bryant, Building Coach

614-365-5488

Email: sbryant9569@columbus.k12.oh.us

Frank Beickelman, Grant Provider

614-365-5488

Email: frankmindfulleducation@gmail.com