The Family Connector
Greetings, CCS Families!
Can you believe we're already nearing the end of the first quarter? It feels like we were just welcoming our students back to school! Over the past several weeks, I've had the opportunity to visit classrooms, connect with students and staff, and see firsthand the exciting things happening across Columbus City Schools.
October is National Principals Month, and we're continuing to celebrate the dedicated school leaders who show up each day ready to support our students, teachers, and families. Our principals wear many hats, and their leadership reaches far beyond the classroom. I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to thank your child's principal for everything they do to make our schools places where students can thrive academically.
We're also continuing our commitment to listening and engaging with our CCS community through our Empower Your Voice listening tour. These conversations let us hear directly from families, answer questions, and better understand what's happening in our schools. Your experiences, perspectives, and ideas are essential as we consider decisions that will shape the future of our District.
As part of these efforts, I'll be sitting down with students at South High School and Mifflin High School to hear about their experiences, what helps them feel a sense of belonging, and what they envision for their learning environments. I want our students to help shape the schools and learning opportunities that will support their dreams.
We're also hosting two community listening sessions, and I hope you'll join us!
Community Listening Tour – Mifflin Middle School
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5 to 7 p.m.Community Listening Tour – Marion-Franklin High School
Monday, Nov. 2 | 5 to 7 p.m.
These conversations will focus on family-school partnerships and the priorities that matter most to our school communities.
And I want to hear from YOU! Join us at an upcoming listening session or one of Board President Miranda’s Sip Social coffee meetings. Bring your questions, share your concerns, and tell us what matters most to you and your family. You can also share your priorities for the coming year through our community input survey. Your voice is an important part of helping us make decisions that put our students first.
As we prepare for winter, I encourage families to check in on their child's progress through Infinite Campus. Review grades, attendance, and transportation plans, and talk with your child about their goals for the months ahead. And remember, every school day counts! Help us Strive for Five by making attendance a priority five days a week. Being in class every day helps students stay on track, strengthens learning, and supports our continued academic progress across CCS.
To our students, keep working hard, showing up, and giving your best each day. And to our families, thank you for continuing to partner with us and support your child's success.
The future of Columbus City Schools is shaped by the decisions we make today and the opportunities we create for every student tomorrow. I look forward to hearing your ideas, learning from your experiences, and working together to give our students the bright futures they deserve.
With Gratitude,
Dr. Angela Chapman
Superintendent/CEO, Columbus City Schools
Ahead of our Empower Your Voice Town Hall on Oct. 12, we invited CCS families and community members to test their knowledge with two true-or-false questions about student achievement across the District. The results are in! Let's take a look at how participants responded and the facts behind each question.
Question 1: CCS kindergarten test scores are higher than before COVID.
70% answered True | 30% answered False
The correct answer is TRUE! CCS kindergarten students are performing better on state assessments than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. This progress reflects the continued focus on early learning and building strong academic foundations for our youngest learners.
Question 2: CCS reached a record graduation rate with the Class of 2026.
93% answered True | 7% answered False
The correct answer is TRUE! The CCS Class of 2026 achieved a record-high 84.6% four-year graduation rate, an increase from 81.4% in 2025! This milestone represents continued progress in helping more students graduate on time and prepare for opportunities beyond high school.
Thank you for testing your CCS knowledge! These are just two of the many academic achievements highlighted during our Empower Your Voice Town Hall. We encourage families to stay informed, ask questions, and continue engaging in conversations about our District's progress and future.
Our Empower Your Voice Town Hall on Oct. 12 brought families, community members, and District leaders together to discuss Columbus City Schools' future.
From our District's budget challenges to potential school realignment and the decisions ahead, these conversations affect our entire CCS community. While the Town Hall has ended, you still have plenty of opportunities to be heard!
Whether you attended in person, watched online, or couldn't join us, we encourage you to explore the resources below, share your feedback, and stay connected as these discussions continue.
Catch Up and Share Your Feedback
Stay Involved: Upcoming District Meetings
Community Listening Tour – Mifflin Middle School
Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Mifflin Middle School
Community Listening Tour – Marion-Franklin High School
Monday, Nov. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Marion-Franklin High School
Columbus Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m.
3700 S. High St.
Joint Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5:30 p.m.
270 E. State St.
We are planning additional opportunities for families to connect with CCS leaders and Board members at neighborhood schools across the District. Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to check our District Calendar and Board Meetings and Agendas webpage for upcoming meetings and opportunities to participate!
Your questions, ideas, and feedback are essential as we consider the future of CCS. We hope you'll continue to be part of the conversation!
Join Columbus Board of Education President Dr. Antoinette Miranda and Vice President Sarah Ingles for a Sip Social on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m., at The Roosevelt Coffeehouse at Gravity Park, 462 W. Broad St. Stop by for coffee, conversation, and an opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect directly with Board leadership about the future of Columbus City Schools!
Celebrating attendance success at Olde Orchard Elementary School, which achieved a 20 percent reduction in chronic absenteeism!
Celebrating attendance success at Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys, which achieved a 16.8 percent reduction in chronic absenteeism!
Congratulations to our CCS Strive for 5! Start Strong Attendance Challenge winners!
Is your child interested in fashion, marketing, or starting their own business? Columbus Downtown High School is introducing a new Retail Merchandising program that lets students explore these interests while building valuable career skills.
Through hands-on experiences, students will learn about fashion buying, retail operations, visual merchandising, marketing, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build a successful brand. The program also helps prepare students for college, future careers, and business ownership.
Families, encourage your child to explore this exciting new opportunity! Contact your child's school's College and Career Readiness Coordinator (CCRC) to learn more about the program.
Is Your Child Ready for Pre-K?
Calling all future Pre-K families! If your child is ready to take their first step into school, Columbus City Schools is ready to welcome them. Our Pre-K classrooms give our youngest learners a place to build early academic and social skills and become more comfortable with the routines of school. Registration is now open, and seats are still available at locations across the district. Give your child a strong start and help them get ready for kindergarten with CCS Pre-K.
Heading to a CCS athletic event? Before you cheer on your favorite team, please remember that all elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent and have their student ID available to show at athletic events.
These requirements help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone attending. Families are encouraged to plan ahead and make sure students have their IDs before arriving. Thank you for helping keep our CCS athletic events safe for students, families, and fans!
As National School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 19–23) comes to a close, Columbus City Schools reminds families that school bus safety is important every day of the year!
Keeping our school communities safe is a shared responsibility! Students and families can do their part by practicing safe bus-stop habits and taking extra care when boarding and exiting school buses.
Drivers can help by staying alert, watching for flashing bus lights, and stopping for school bus stop arms.
We also want to give a special shoutout to our dedicated CCS bus drivers and transportation teams who work each day to get students to and from school safely. Thank you for all you do!
Columbus City Schools is joining the City of Columbus and Vision Zero partners to recognize Traffic Safety Awareness Week, Oct. 26–30, and raise awareness about the importance of keeping our roads safe for everyone.
Whether walking to school, riding a bike, driving, or using public transportation, we all play a role in preventing traffic crashes and protecting one another. Simple actions like obeying speed limits, using crosswalks, avoiding distractions, and staying alert to our surroundings can make a big difference.
Students, families, and community members are encouraged to put safety first and help create safer streets in our neighborhoods and around our schools.
Take the Vision Zero Safety Pledge! Commit to safe habits on the road and help protect everyone who travels through our community.
Did you know Nationwide Children's Hospital has a doctor's office right inside Linden-McKinley STEM Academy? Located in Room 1124, the health center serves students and community members ages 0-21, offering checkups, vaccinations, sports physicals, sick visits, and more. Same-day appointments may be available! To schedule an appointment, call 614-355-2590, option 3, or visit Nationwide Children's School Health Services.
A few important dates are coming up on the CCS calendar! From the end of the first quarter to upcoming school holidays, take a moment to mark your calendar and plan ahead. Check out the dates below so your family knows what’s coming up!
Hello Class of 2027 families!
October is a great time to help your student take a step toward their post-high school plans. Whether they are considering college, the workforce or military service, their I Know I Can advisor can help them explore their options.
College Pathway: The FAFSA is open at www.studentaid.gov. This application helps students apply for financial aid to pay for college. Your student should create a Federal Student Aid account and begin the FAFSA. Parents or other contributors may also need their own accounts.
Need help with college applications or financial aid? Attend I Know I Can’s Class of 2027 College Bootcamp!
Celebrate the creativity and talent of Fort Hayes alumni at One Shot, the school's first-ever Photography Program Alumni Exhibition!
Featuring work from graduates dating back to 1984, the exhibition brings together generations of photographers and visual artists whose creative journeys began at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center. Established in 1979, the Photography Career Program has helped students develop their technical skills, explore artistic expression, and tell stories through photography.
The exhibition is also part of the 2026 Foto Focus Biennial: The Long View, a regional celebration of photography featuring more than 70 exhibitions across Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
Families are invited to experience this celebration of CCS alumni talent at the Shot Tower Gallery, where the exhibition is on display through Dec. 10. Admission is free!
Is your high school student interested in health care? Join The Ohio State University’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and Wexner Medical Center for Clinical Careers Day on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027, from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Students and families can explore exciting career opportunities, connect with health care professionals, and tour clinical areas to get a firsthand look at medical imaging, respiratory therapy, laboratory science, and more!
Don't miss this opportunity to explore future career possibilities! Register today!
COSI is proud to be a member of Museums for All Columbus.
Looking for an affordable family outing? Through Museums for All Columbus, qualifying families can visit COSI for just $5 per person for up to eight visitors. Families must show a photo ID and proof of current participation in WIC, SNAP, EBT, Medicaid, or Ohio Directions.
The program also helps make several other Columbus museums and cultural attractions more accessible to families, including the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio History Center, and more.
Explore, discover, and make some family memories without breaking the budget!
Access to quality health care is important for every family! If you or someone you know is looking for affordable medical, dental, or vision services, Columbus Public Health has compiled a comprehensive guide to help connect individuals with care throughout the Columbus area.
The guide includes information on free and low-cost health clinics, primary care services, dental care, vision screenings, prescription assistance, and mobile health programs. Families can also find clinic locations, hours of operation, contact information, and eligibility requirements.
Whether you need a routine checkup, help managing a health condition, or assistance finding affordable care, this resource can help you explore available options. Many programs offer free services, financial assistance, or sliding-scale fees based on income.
Unexpected expenses can put a strain on any family. Franklin County’s Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Emergency Assistance Program may be able to help eligible families with short-term needs, including rent or mortgage payments, security deposits, utilities, and transportation expenses. Families can learn more about available assistance, eligibility requirements, and how to apply through Franklin County.
Cold weather is on the way, and Central Community House is helping teens stay warm! In partnership with Operation Warm, the organization is offering free winter coats to TANF-eligible families at 1150 E. Main St., Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Available sizes include youth L and XL and adult S, M, L, and XL. No appointment is needed, and coats are available while supplies last. For questions, contact Mimi at 614-965-0711 or jmartin@cchouse.org.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and The Salvation Army is helping families make Christmas a little brighter! Through its annual Christmas Cheer program, eligible Franklin County families can register to receive holiday toys and assistance for their children.
New this year! Families can register online or in person at one of five Salvation Army locations throughout Franklin County.
Registered families will pick up their Christmas Cheer items at the Lausche Building at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Dec. 15-17, 2026, during their scheduled appointments.
For additional information, contact The Salvation Army at 614-437-2151 or visit www.SalvationArmyCentralOhio.org.
Something is always happening at your local library! Columbus Metropolitan Library offers families much more than books, with free programs that support learning, bring families together, and give students a little extra help when they need it. From homework help and story time to fall festivities, check out a few opportunities coming up this month.
Need Homework Help? Head to the Library!
Students in grades K-12 can get free homework help through the library’s School Help program. Students have access to computers and school supplies, along with library staff and volunteers ready to help. School Help is offered at multiple library branches, including Linden, Karl Road, Hilltop, Shepard, and Southeast.
Calling all young artists! Students ages 7-11 can enjoy an afternoon of art, games, and creativity during Kids Create from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the South High Branch. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, explore creative interests, and have some fun!
Fall-O-Ween Fun for the Whole Family!
Get those costumes ready! Families are invited to the Fall-O-Ween Fest from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Shepard Branch. Enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, games, and activities for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed for some spooky fun!
Calling all little pumpkins! Families can celebrate Halloween with a not-so-spooky story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Main Library. Families can enjoy Halloween stories, festive songs, and fun activities. Costumes are encouraged!
Friday Fun - Halloween Cookie Decorating
Get into the Halloween spirit with a sweet treat! Students in grades K-12 can stop by the Linden Branch from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, for a fun, hands-on Halloween cookie decorating activity.
Trunk-or-Treat at the Library!
Costumes on and treat bags ready! Bring the whole family to Trunk or Treat from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Driving Park Branch. Families can trick-or-treat with the library’s community partners and enjoy some Halloween fun together.
Teens Create: Let Your Imagination Run Wild!
Looking for a creative space to hang out after school? Teens ages 12-17 can explore art supplies, technology, and hands-on projects during Teens Create Open Studio from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the Hilltop Branch. Stop by, get creative, and connect with friends!