Buckeye Parent Newsletter

Good evening,

On Friday of this week, our students will begin to learn about the Ron Clark Academy Houses we will be implementing at Buckeye at the end of 1st Quarter. On Thursday, October 15th, we will have a house sorting pep rally in which students will be sorted into their houses that they will be part of for the remainder of their time at Buckeye. The House System focuses on unity and belonging. Speaking of belonging, please be on the lookout for the upcoming Panorama Survey Link. Along with our building leadership team, I heavily rely on your feedback on the Panorama Survey to determine use of building funds to meet our improvement needs. Implementing the House System is a result of student sense of belonging showing up as a key need on our Panorama Surveys over the last few years.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at curriculum night next week.

Principal Emerson

jemerson@columbus.k12.oh.us

In compliance with Ohio House Bill 250, signed into law in May 2024, Columbus City Schools Board of Education has adopted Policy 5136.02 that prohibits student cell phones or any personal electronic devices that function like cell phones at all times during the instructional day. The objective of this policy is to increase the focus on learning, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, and foster a sense of community within our schools while eliminating distractions within the learning environment.

To comply, Buckeye Middle School will implement the following:

• Students will NOT be allowed to have cell phones or any personal electronic devices with them during the instructional day.

• Upon arrival to 1st period, students will place their cell phone into lock boxes provided by the school.

• Lock boxes will remain secured until the end of the instructional day. Students will be able to retrieve their cell phone prior to dismissal.

• Exceptions will only be made for documented health needs (see school nurse).

• Violations of this policy will result in progressive discipline.

• WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN CELL PHONES OR OTHER ELECTRONICS (i.e. EAR BUDS/PODS, HEADPHONES, SMART WATCHES, ETC) THAT ARE NOT TURNED IN DURING 1st PERIOD OR UPON ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL.

We appreciate your support in helping us create a distraction-free, inclusive environment aligned with the state law and board policy!

Please refer to the picture below of Buckeye's front parking lot for afternoon dismissal pick-up locations. Students who cross Parsons Ave to walk home or get picked-up on Ziegler Ave. must use the crosswalk to ensure their safety!

Program starts Monday, September 14th.

Hello! My name is Shanina Jones, and I am proud to serve as a Family Ambassador with Columbus City Schools. My goal is to help strengthen the connection between our families, schools, and community by making sure parents and caregivers know they are not alone when challenges arise.

I am available to help families navigate and connect with community resources for food, housing, shelter, clothing, utilities, and other basic needs. I understand that sometimes families simply need someone who can listen, point them in the right direction, and help them identify resources that may be available.

If you or your family are experiencing a need and are unsure where to begin, please feel free to reach out to me by email sjones8@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Hello, my name is Sarah Moore and I am the School Nurse at Buckeye Middle School. I am in the building Monday-Friday, here to assist your student with medical needs. If your child needs medical services at school, please contact the me via the main office or email smoore5@columbus.k12.oh.us. I look forward to a healthy year!

As we begin the new school year, please be aware. NO energy drinks open or unopened will be permitted on school property during the school day. Energy drinks can be dangerous for our students. Common side effects are dehydration, anxiety, heart complications and insomnia. Please see the CDC article below to read more about the negative effects of energy drinks for our students.

The Buzz on Energy Drinks | School Nutrition | CDC

As part of the Health Services of Columbus City Schools, and in fulfillment of Ohio Law 3313.69, school nurses conduct periodic student health screenings. The screenings include height, weight, vision, hearing, and dental. The school nurse performs various screenings for all 7th grade students, all students new to the district and in special needs.

Health screenings will start Monday, September 21st and continue through the end of the school year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the screening, please contact Nurse Moore

All 7th and 8th graders are required to have a physical in order to participate in athletics. The NCH Clinic at Buckeye is open on Mondays and Tuesdays during the school day if you need to get a physical for athletics.

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital School Based Health Clinic is returning to Buckeye. They will be in the building weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please reach out to Nurse Moore if your child needs an appointment. See attached flyer for services provided and QR Code to Online Consent.

For those who don't know me, my name is Shelbie Carnes. This is my 4th year as School Site Coordinator with Communities In Schools. I am in the building full-time to support our students in a variety of areas such as attendance challenges, academic support, behavioral support, and connecting with resources. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about how I can help support your student at Buckeye! scarnes@ciskids.org

Congratulations to our recent attendance incentive winners for being able to attend their first Buckeye Game sponsored by CIS!

Could you use help supplying your kids with hygiene products and/or your household with cleaning supplies? Buckeye Middle School has a hyenine closet supplied by the nonprofit Divine Dignity. Reach out to Ms. Shelbie for access to these resources. We are blessed to partner with fabulous non-profits such as Divine Dignity, Southside Thrive, and Communities in Schools here at Buckeye. This week I had the privilege to attend the Divine Dignity Gala and Buckeye was highlighted for all the work we do to support our families!

IMPORTANT: All student-athletes must have a current physical on file at Buckeye Middle School before they are permitted to participate in practices or athletic activities. Students will not be permitted to participate without a physical on file.

If your student needs a physical, please have them come to the main office and ask for Nurse Moore or Mr. Smith to receive the necessary physical paperwork. We had a hard time competing with only 8 students with completed physicals going up against a team of 11.

Students also have the option of receiving a physical at Buckeye Middle School through Nationwide Children’s Hospital on Mondays and Tuesdays. In order for a student to receive a physical at school, a parent/guardian must complete and sign the required consent form.

If you would like your student to receive their physical at Buckeye Middle School, please have them stop by the main office to pick up the parent consent form and physical paperwork that must be completed prior to receiving the physical.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. We look forward to a great soccer season!

Greetings Buckeye Families and students,

I am the proud school counselor of Buckeye Middle School. I am excited about working with you all this school year and beyond. A couple of things about me; I have been married for four and a half years to the most amazing human, and I am Mommy to the most amazing twin boys that are three... You'll see them around sometimes! I believe all of my students are "my bestie" and "my favorite!" Lastly, you'll often hear me say "I'm so happy to see you because truly I find joy in seeing you all every single day. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with concerns or support by email at pmotley@columbus.k12.oh.us or by phone at 614-364-5417.

Let's commit to having the best school year!

Yours in service always,

Promise Joy Motley

Monday, September 7th - No School for Labor Day

Tuesday, September 22nd - Title 1 Curriculum Night 5:30 - 7pm

Thursday, October 15th - House Sorting for Students

Thursday, October 15th - Fall Festival

Friday, October 16th - Remote Teacher Directed PD Day

Monday, October 17th - Teacher Record's Day

October 23-30th - House Spirit Week

Tuesday, November 3rd - District PD Day @ Buckeye

Friday, November 20th - Career Fair 10:30-2pm

November 23-27th - Wellness Week

Thursday, December 10th - Holiday Band, Choir and Art Show