Unified Arts Newsletter #1

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We are excited to introduce the new Unified Arts K-12 Newsletter for Columbus City Schools! This newsletter was created to showcase the incredible learning, creativity, and achievements taking place in our art, music, theatre, health, and physical education programs across the district.

Throughout the school year, we will highlight just some of the many outstanding experiences occurring within Unified Arts. From inspiring student artwork and musical performances to engaging physical education activities and wellness initiatives, these stories reflect the passion, dedication, and talent of both our students and staff.

While it is impossible to capture every amazing accomplishment happening in our schools, this newsletter will provide a glimpse into the innovative teaching, meaningful learning, and positive impact that Unified Arts has on students every day.

We look forward to celebrating these successes with you through our Fall, Winter, and Spring editions this school year. Thank you for joining us as we recognize and share the many ways our students are learning, growing, creating, and thriving through Unified Arts.

Help us celebrate the success of our Unified Arts event by sharing something positive! Whether it was a student performance, activity, display, staff interaction, or simply the overall experience, we would love to hear what stood out to you. Your feedback helps recognize the people who made the event special and highlights the value that Unified Arts brings to our school community. These will be shared in the next Newsletter!

Students in the Health Education program at CAHS recently took part in an exciting and educational ThinkFast Interactive presentation designed to promote safe driving habits among teens. The high-energy event transformed the gymnasium into a live game show where student teams competed using wireless response keypads to answer questions about critical driver safety topics. Through friendly competition and fast-paced challenges, students learned about the dangers of distracted driving, cell phone use while driving, texting, speeding, driving under the influence, fatigued driving, and the importance of wearing seatbelts.

The interactive program blended driver safety education with music, pop culture trivia, dance challenges, and a championship round that kept students engaged from start to finish. Top participants earned prizes while demonstrating their knowledge of responsible driving practices. Sponsored through partnerships with highway safety organizations and community partners, ThinkFast Interactive provided a memorable learning experience that reinforced life-saving decisions students can make behind the wheel. The event successfully combined fun, teamwork, and education, helping prepare CAHS students to become safer and more responsible drivers.

Columbus City Schools is excited to launch the second year of Team Tressel’s Fitness Challenge, an initiative that encourages students and families to stay active and build healthy habits both in and out of school. The challenge kicked off at Starling K-8, where students were joined by special guests including Jim Tressel, Aaron Craft, Tyvis Powell, CJ Sanders, Tine Provost, and other community leaders, helping inspire students to make fitness a fun part of everyday life.

The excitement continued at Innis Elementary, where former Ohio State athletes and community leaders encouraged students to stay active, set goals, and prioritize their health. Through activities that extend beyond the school day, the challenge promotes family involvement and reminds students that healthy choices can lead to lifelong success.

Whether walking, biking, playing outside, or participating in other physical activities, students and families are encouraged to move together and support one another. Together, we can continue building healthy, active, and successful students throughout Columbus City Schools.

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Students at Cranbrook Elementary School are learning to ride thanks to a partnership between Yamaha and All Kids Bike, which provided bicycles, helmets, teacher training, and a learn-to-ride curriculum for K-1 students. The program helps students build confidence, coordination, and lifelong cycling skills through physical education classes.

On September 11, students celebrated a special bike reveal event where they learned proper helmet safety and had the opportunity to try balance bikes for the first time. The program is led by Cara Miller, Physical Education Teacher at Cranbrook and East Linden Elementary, who will guide students from balance bikes to pedal bikes through a gradual, skill-building approach.

The event was attended by district leaders, school staff, and Yamaha representatives, highlighting the community's support for student wellness and physical activity. A special thank you to Yamaha and All Kids Bike for creating an exciting opportunity that promotes fitness, confidence, and fun on two wheels.

The Centennial High School Marching Band proudly took the field on September 12 at the Jonathan Alder Band Show, joining six other Ohio marching bands for an evening of music, performance, and school spirit. The event gave students the opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication, and teamwork they have invested throughout the season while sharing their 2026 show with fellow musicians and community members.

Unlike a traditional marching band competition, the Jonathan Alder Band Show focuses on performance, camaraderie, and appreciation for the marching arts. Each participating band received a commemorative plaque and program support stipend, making the event a rewarding experience for all involved. Congratulations to the Centennial Marching Band, directors, student leaders, and families for representing their school with pride and excellence.

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Exciting things are happening at École Kenwood French Immersion! Their 4th and 5th grade students recently participated in choir auditions for our upcoming musical, The Aristocats.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their voices, confidence, and enthusiasm as they auditioned to be part of this exciting production. We are so proud of everyone who stepped forward and shared their talents!

Now the excitement continues as our students begin preparing to bring The Aristocats to life on stage. Mark your calendars for our performances on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd. We can't wait to see the talented Ecole Kenwood students shine!

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Arts Impact Middle School students welcomed internationally acclaimed jazz artists Chien Chien Lu and Richie Goods for an unforgettable educational workshop and special community performance in September!

Students had the unique opportunity to experience the musicians’ artistry up close while gaining insight into life as professional musicians. Throughout the workshop, students learned about effective practice habits, perseverance, creativity, and the dedication required to build a successful career in music. The experience gave students an inspiring look at how passion and preparation can turn a love of music into a lifelong pursuit.

A special thank you to A Tribe for Jazz for helping bring this incredible learning opportunity to our students and for continuing to connect young musicians with professional artists and meaningful musical experiences.

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On October 6, students at Trevitt Elementary School and Beatty Park Elementary School enjoyed a special visit from the Columbus Symphony, who presented an engaging and interactive performance for both schools. Through the exciting program, Name That Tune, students explored the sounds of the symphony orchestra while learning about different instruments, musical styles, and the role of musicians in an orchestra. The lively presentation encouraged students to listen carefully, think critically, and actively participate throughout the show.

The performance was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and opportunities for students to test their musical knowledge as they identified familiar songs and melodies. Beyond the fun of the game, students gained a deeper appreciation for orchestral music and the teamwork required to create a successful performance. The visit provided a memorable arts learning experience and inspired many students to continue exploring the world of music.

West Broad Elementary School is excited to continue a cherished tradition with its 5th Annual “Thank You, Veterans!” Assembly on Wednesday, November 11. The event provides students with an opportunity to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and to express their appreciation through music, readings, and personal messages. The assembly will begin at 9:45 a.m. in the gym and will include a special color presentation by the West High JROTC.

The celebration will showcase the gratitude of the entire school community as students perform songs and share handwritten thank-you notes with veteran guests. Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary light breakfast beginning at 9:15 a.m. before the assembly. Any veteran is welcome to attend this special event. Those planning to join us are encouraged to RSVP by calling the West Broad Elementary office at 614-365-5964. We look forward to honoring our veterans and celebrating their legacy of service.

CGA scholars recently spent a day at Spruce Run discovering the exciting connections between art, science, and the natural world. Surrounded by nature, scholars explored the environment, observed and identified a variety of local plants, and learned about chlorophyll and the important role it plays in plant life.

The learning then moved from scientific observation to artistic creation. Using natural plant pigments and pressure, scholars transferred chlorophyll directly from plants onto canvases. Through experimentation with different leaves, arrangements, and techniques, they created a collection of unique abstract and representational designs.

This hands-on experience gave CGA scholars an opportunity to see how science and art can work together. By observing closely, experimenting creatively, and finding inspiration in their surroundings, scholars transformed the colors, textures, and patterns of nature into one-of-a-kind works of art.

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Students at Easthaven Elementary School recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in the City of Columbus Paint the Plow program, a community partnership that transforms snowplows into colorful works of art. The program invites schools to help refresh plows that will eventually return to service throughout Columbus neighborhoods. Every Easthaven student had the chance to contribute their creativity to the project, making the plow a true representation of the school community.

Adding to the excitement, this plow is expected to serve the same area where many of the students live, giving them a special connection to the project. As winter arrives, students can take pride in knowing that their artwork will be traveling local streets while helping keep the community safe. The Paint the Plow experience provided a meaningful opportunity for students to express themselves creatively, work together, and leave a lasting impact beyond the classroom.

Students at Columbus Scioto School (Grades 6-12) recently explored the artwork of renowned contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley through a self-portrait project that blended personal expression with artistic technique. Students examined Wiley's portraits and discussed how his work features photo-realistic subjects set against vivid, ornate backgrounds. They also learned how Wiley challenges the historical tradition of portraiture by celebrating everyday individuals, particularly people of color, in a style once reserved primarily for wealthy and powerful figures.

Inspired by Wiley's approach, students designed their own decorative backgrounds filled with bold colors and intricate patterns. To create realistic self-portraits, students photographed themselves and used a crayon-transfer drawing technique to trace and transfer their facial images. After carefully coloring their portraits, students cut out their completed faces and mounted them onto their backgrounds to create a unified work of art. The finished pieces beautifully reflect both the influence of Kehinde Wiley's artistic style and the unique identities, creativity, and perspectives of Columbus Scioto students.

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Artwork created by students in the AP Drawing and Ceramics programs at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School highlights their creativity, technical skill, and artistic growth. Through drawing, sculpture, and ceramic design, students have explored a variety of techniques while developing unique artistic voices and creating both functional and expressive works of art. Their impressive pieces reflect the dedication, innovation, and talent that make Fort Hayes a leader in arts education.

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Visitors to the Whetstone Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library can now enjoy a unique display of artwork created by Whetstone High School sculpture students. The exhibit features imaginative pop-out paintings that combine both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art techniques. Each piece showcases the creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving skills students developed throughout the project while transforming a traditional painting into a dynamic mixed-media artwork.

The project began with students sculpting a clay mask that was used to create a plaster mold. Once the plaster masks were completed, students attached them to canvas boards, creating a dramatic three-dimensional focal point that extends beyond the surface of the artwork. Students then designed and painted backgrounds around the pop-out faces, carefully considering color, composition, and visual balance to unify the entire piece. The finished artworks demonstrate how sculpture and painting can work together to create engaging compositions that invite viewers to look more closely. Community members are encouraged to visit the Whetstone Branch Library to see these impressive student creations on display.

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The artistic talents of 8th-grade students are blossoming in Dr. Tina Cegala’s art room at Ridgeview Middle School. As part of their study of color theory, students explored how artists use color to create mood, emphasis, and visual impact. They then turned their attention to the work of renowned American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, whose dramatic close-up flower paintings inspired a deeper look at abstraction and perspective.

Using O’Keeffe’s signature zoomed-in approach, students created stunning abstract flower artworks that highlight vibrant colors, bold shapes, and intricate details often overlooked in nature. Through this project, artists strengthened their understanding of color while developing their own creative voice. The results are beautiful works of art that showcase both technical skill and imagination. We invite you to enjoy these blooming masterpieces and celebrate the creativity of our Ridgeview artists!

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Computer Graphics students at South High School recently explored the vibrant artwork of renowned artist Alma Thomas, whose colorful abstract paintings continue to inspire artists around the world. After researching her artistic style and learning about her use of color, pattern, and shape, students analyzed how Thomas used simple design elements to create powerful visual impact.

Inspired by her work, students designed their own digital compositions using Google Drawings. Throughout the project, students developed their technology and artistic skills by experimenting with line, shape, and color tools to create unique pieces of art. The project encouraged creativity, strengthened digital design techniques, and gave students an opportunity to connect art history with contemporary technology-based artmaking.

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Fort Hayes Performing Arts students are excited to present Six: The Musical (Teen Edition), a high-energy retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through contemporary music and outstanding student performances. Join us November 5-7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Hayes Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable evening showcasing the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students. Tickets are available at the door (cash only) for $15 adults and $5 students with a valid ID. Families, friends, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend and support our student performers as they bring this exciting production to the stage!

The Whetstone Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA) invites the community to journey into a world of imagination and adventure with its production of Alice in Wonderland at Whetstone High School on November 13 and 14. Audiences will enjoy a magical theatrical experience brought to life by talented student performers, featuring beloved characters, colorful storytelling, and plenty of surprises along the way. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Reserve your seats today at WAPA.net and come support the incredible work of WAPA students as they bring this classic tale to the stage!

Dr. Brian Morton - Director, K-12 Teaching and Learning - bmorton6466@columbus.k12.oh.us

Katy Myers - Supervisor, K-12 Teaching and Learning - kmyers@columbus.k12.oh.us

Kristen Schreiber - PE, Health, Art (K-5) and Dance Coordinator - kschreiber1@columbus.k12.oh.us

Alex Gerhard - Music, Theater, and Art (6-12) Coordinator - agerhard@columbus.k12.oh.us

Ramora Milner - Unified Arts Secretary - rmilner@columbus.k12.oh.us