October 2026 Northtowne News

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.

Dear Northtowne Families,

October is here, and with it come the sights and sounds of fall! The leaves are beginning to change, the temperatures are getting cooler, and our school is settling into the routines and rhythms of the school year. As we move further into the year, we want to continue building on the strong start we have made together.

With cooler mornings and changing temperatures, please remember to send your student to school with a coat or jacket when the weather is chilly. Students have opportunities to be outside during the school day, and we want them to be comfortable and prepared for the changing fall weather. Dressing in layers can also be helpful as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

I also want to encourage every family to make reading together at home part of your nightly routine. Reading to your child, listening to your child read, or simply talking together about a book can make a meaningful difference. Research from the National Reading Panel found that guided oral reading, including reading with support from parents, teachers, or peers, has positive effects on word recognition, reading fluency, and comprehension. Even a few minutes each night can provide valuable practice while also creating a wonderful opportunity to spend time together. Ask your child questions about what they are reading, have them explain something they learned, or let them choose a book that interests them.

As always, we appreciate your continued partnership in reinforcing our RRF expectations—Respectful, Responsible, and Focused. These expectations help our students make positive choices and create a school environment where everyone can learn and grow.

There is a lot happening at Northtowne this fall, and we are excited about the months ahead. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. Together, we can continue making Northtowne a place where our students are learning, growing, and being their best every day.

Happy Fall, Northtowne Families!

Mr. Vincent
Principal, Northtowne Elementary

Please make sure that you voice is heard! If you have not completed the Fall Panorama Survey please do it before the window closes. You can take the survey through October 2nd. It should only take 5-10 minutes of your time to complete the survey. https://surveys.panoramaed.com/ccsoh/family26fall/surveys

For more information or links directly to the survey in multiple languages click here: https://app.smore.com/n/kqts7

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

October 14 - School Picture Day

October 15 - End of first quarter; grades available in Parent Portal after October 19

October 16 - No school; Teacher Professional Development

October 19 - No School; Records Day

October 20-26 - Testing window for for Fall 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee (3GRG) test. (3rd graders only testing)

The calendar for the full school year can be found here: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1775761136/ccsohus/sautfyjg26u40yyfosaj/2026-2027CCSTraditionalCalendar.pdf

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 up to two designated legal guardians 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://families.talkingpts.org/welcome for the best experience!

If you believe that there is guardian who should be receiving messages but is not, go to Parent Portal to complete an Annual Update to ensure that the district has all of your most up to date contact information. If you need assistance with Parent Portal you can

• Contact the Northtowne Family Ambassador, Ms Bowman, at 614-859-9654 or mailto:sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us
• Go to the Central Enrollment office located at 430 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

We have been noticing several divers holding and using cell phones while moving through the drop off/pick up lanes. We are asking that drivers not handle cell phones while moving through the school driveway. Ohio does have a hands free cell phone law. That law states that it is illegal to hold, use, or physically support a cell phone or electronic device with your hands, lap, or body while operating a vehicle. Additionally, it is simply not safe to use cell phones around the sudden starts and stops of vehicles in the drop off/pick up lane and the sometimes unpredictable movements of children. Help us reduce the risk of accidents or injuries and wait to use the cell phone until you arrive at your next destination.

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. We request that you follow all instructions of staff and also that you do not sound vehicle horns. 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 3:15 pm to ensure that process can go quickly and smoothly.

Caregivers of Pre-k and kindergarten students should be in the line closest to the curb and building. Caregivers of students in grades 1-2 or those picking up students in multiple grades should be in the line closest to the cars in the parking lot. All caregivers of students in grade Pre-k - 2nd should clearly display their green pick up passes to make pick up go 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.

Here are a few Fast Facts about our school

Secretary: Ms Jen

School Office Phone Number: 614-365-5488

School Day: Breakfast is served starting at 8:30 am, the academic day begins promptly at 9:00 am. Dismissal is at 3:30 pm

Absences: Report Student Absences by calling 614-365-5488 or emailing: attendance.northtowne@columbus.k12.oh.us

Dress Code: Northtowne follows the general Columbus City Schools Dress Code which can found on page 17 of the Student Handbook. Click here.

Hello, Northtowne families! I’m Mr. Dickerson, your school counselor. Here’s a look at what students are working on already this school year: Pre-K students are practicing yoga and using Second Step skills during daily activities. Students in grades K–5 receive guidance every other week. Kindergarten and first grade are building listening skills and practicing how to ignore distractions, while grades 2–5 are learning a self-regulation routine called Stop, Check, Strategy. We’re currently practicing visualization and breathing strategies students can use when they need a moment to reset. Second and third graders have also started book clubs focused on growth mindset and test-taking strategies.

💙 A Message from Your School Nurse

It’s Time for Student Health Screenings!

As part of the School Health Services of Columbus City Schools — and in compliance with Ohio Law 3313.69 — I will soon begin conducting routine health screenings for students.

These screenings include:
👁️ Vision
👂 Hearing
🦷 Dental

Screenings will take place for students in the following grades:
Pre-Kindergarten, Special Needs Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th,as well as students who are new to the district.

Additionally, screenings may be conducted:

• At a teacher’s request if there are concerns about a student’s vision or hearing

• As a follow-up to a previous screening when a referral result has not been received

👉 If your child requires further evaluation, you will be notified with a referral.

Thank you for your support in helping us ensure the health and well-being of all students!

Iman Omar MSN, RN
School Nurse

What is Teachers Acknowledging Greatness (TAG)? TAG is an opportunity for teachers to share with caregivers a moment of greatness shown by their student. Did the student participate in class? Did they show improved effort? Were they quiet and attentive? Did they turn in all their homework for that week? Did they simply give it their best? There are many ways to show our greatness and it's about progress, not perfection.

TAG recognitions are returning for this school year! We are proving, every day, that our students make positive contributions to our school community. We are continuing these recognitions all the way through the school year. Be on the watch for your phone call with good news from the school.

Staff Heros Illustrating Northtowne Excellence (SHINE) is an award for our staff that is similar to the TAG awards. SHINE recognizes that even adults thrive better when they are recognized for their efforts! While staff are able to nominate each other for these awards, the real magic happens when our families get involved too!!

SHINE is an opportunity for caregivers and students (with the guidance of their adults at home) to share a moment of greatness that was noticed and appreciated. Did a staff member go above and beyond? Were they especially helpful? Were they responsive to your needs or concerns? Even small actions can make a big difference for the people they impact, let’s share these positive moments and appreciation with each other!

To nominate a staff member, fill out the “SHINE” Google Form with the date, your name, name of the nominee, and reason for the SHINE. A SHINE award certificate will be filled out and delivered to the appropriate staff member for each nomination made in the Google Form. The link for the form is here: https://forms.gle/Zhs76dZ6kgLY16DF6

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.

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

email: sbowman@columbus.k12.oh.us

phone and text: 614-859-9654

Columbus City Schools (CCS) families are invited to the Connect & Thrive Disability Resource Fair, bringing together students, families, CCS staff, and community partners for a day of connection, resources, and celebration.

The event will take place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mifflin High School (3245 Oak Spring St., Columbus, OH 43219) with check-in opening at 10 a.m.

Connect & Thrive is designed to give families an opportunity to connect with others who understand their journey while learning more about valuable resources and supports available throughout the community.

Attendees can hear directly from CCS staff, parents, students, and community partners, visit resource tables and free health stations, and cheer on CCS student-athletes as they compete throughout the day.

Event Schedule

• 10:15-11 a.m. – Panel discussion with CCS staff, parents, students, and community partners
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Resource tables, free health stations, and CCS Special Olympics City League Flag Football Championships
• 1-4 p.m. – Special Olympics Regional Championships for Flag Football and Corn Hole

Whether families are looking to discover new resources, make connections, or support CCS athletes, Connect & Thrive offers several ways to get involved throughout the day. Families are encouraged to join CCS at Mifflin High School for an event centered on community, connection, and celebrating students!

Caregiver involvement with a student's education is important. Many times that involvement happens at the local school building. Sometimes it happens at the district level too. Did you know that you can watch or attend Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education meetings? You can also sign up, in advance, to speak on a topic of concern.

The Columbus Board of Education meets twice monthly on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the District’s south administrative building, 3700 S. High Street, Room 825 at 6:00 p.m. Please note: meeting dates and times are subject to change.

Individuals who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will have the option of addressing the Board in person or by telephone. To sign up, public participants must call to leave a voicemail with Customer Relations at 614-365-8888 or email customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us by 3:30 pm on the day of the scheduled meeting date. Speakers will need to provide their name, topic, and phone number. During public comment, speakers will have 3:00 minutes to address the Board. Speakers who require special accommodations (ASL, Language Translators) should also inform the Customer Relations representative when signing up to speak.

Meeting attendees will need to enter the north-facing door toward the west end of the building. The meetings will also be streamed via Facebook Live and on the Columbus City Schools' YouTube Channel.

Check out the Spruce Run Nature Center Newsletter. It’s a great way to learn about ways to connect with nature at home and in your area. Find information about the city Recreation and Parks nature trails, Famer's Market for locally grown food, and a free nature magazine for kids!

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has once again partnered with Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA) to provide after-school snacks for children ages 1-18 at 19 of its 23 locations starting August 20th. Click here for the schedule.

Locations were selected for the meal program based on student need. A nutritionally balanced snack provided by Children’s Hunger Alliance typically consists of a fruit, vegetable, protein, grain, and milk.

• Barnett Branch 3434 E. Livingston Ave. Monday-Friday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday: 2:30-3 p.m.
• Canal Winchester Branch 123 Groveport Rd. Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Driving Park Branch 1422 E. Livingston Ave. Monday-Saturday: 3:45-4:15 p.m.
• Franklinton Branch 1061 W. Town St. Monday-Friday: 3:30-4 p.m. Saturday: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
• Hilltop Branch 511 S. Hague Ave. Monday-Friday: 3:30-4 p.m. Saturday: 2:30-3 p.m.
• Karl Road Branch 5590 Karl Rd. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Linden Branch 2223 Cleveland Ave. Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Main Library 96 S. Grant Ave. Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Marion-Franklin Branch 2800 Lockbourne Rd. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Martin Luther King Branch 1467 E. Long St. Monday-Saturday: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Northern Lights Branch 4093 Cleveland Ave. Monday-Saturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Northside Branch 1423 N. High St. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Parsons Branch 1113 Parsons Ave. Monday-Saturday: 4-4:45 p.m.
• Reynoldsburg Branch 1402 Brice Rd. Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Shepard Branch 850 N. Nelson Rd. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• South High Branch 3540 S. High St. Monday-Saturday: 4-5 p.m.
• Southeast Branch 3980 S. Hamilton Rd. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Whetstone Branch 3909 N. High St. Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Whitehall Branch 4445 E. Broad St. Monday-Saturday: 4-4:30 p.m.

Book Giveaway at the 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids' Book Bank

7949 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235

Our shelves are stocked full with plenty of great K-6 books! Giveaways are open to anyone in the community who needs free kids' books, including families, teachers, and local organizations. As the school year comes to a close, we want to ensure kids in Central Ohio have access to great books all summer.

Upcoming Giveaway Schedule:

• Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Monday, December 7, 2026 3:00pm-6:00pm

Second Saturday Kids Days are free events that take place in the Ross Community Studio at the WOSU headquarters. At each Second Saturday event, children will experience learning through characters they already know and love and explore themes that combine imagination, interaction and technology to investigate art, science, math and reading.

Follow your curiosity at the next Second Saturday Kids Day! This month, we are on the road at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, and partnering with Columbus City Schools to have exciting hands on learning experiences and activities. Meet special guests Phoebe and Jay from the hit PBS series Phoebe & Jay!

Activities include:

• Logo scavenger hunt
• Make a door flip sign
• Environmental print box puzzles
• Outdoor activities (weather permitting)
• Airbrush artist
• Drawing with Mr J inspired challenge
• Meet and Greet with Phoebe and Jay

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Where: The Grange Insurance Audubon Center
505 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215

Fantastical Fun featuring Kwik Stix

Castle Creation Saturday, October 10, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

Stained Glass Art Saturday, October 24, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

October will be fantastic, thanks to two free in-store events featuring Kwik Stix painters! Kids use imagination and creativity to design enchanting works of art they can display at home. They’ll even explore select play favorites—and conduct a simple experiment sure to captivate young minds. Adults, check in when you arrive for your chance to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card!

These 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

Children, families, and fathers can enjoy this free cooking event! This year’s event will be filled with activities and resources for the whole family to enjoy:

• Live cooking demonstrations featuring delicious and healthy meals you can recreate at home.
• Bouncy houses, games, and hands-on fun for kids of all ages.
• Free food and tastings to enjoy with your family.
• Educational resources and community vendors offering valuable tools, services, and information.
• Fathers and children bonding time through interactive activities designed to create lasting memories.

Whether you come for the food, the resources, or simply to connect with the community, Cooking with Dads 2026 promises a day full of joy, laughter, and togetherness.

Where: Walnut Ridge High School

4841 East Livingston Ave

Columbus, OH 43227

When: November 7, 2026

Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm

Hazel Health provides online therapy visits for Columbus City Schools’ students, available at school or at home with guardian consent. Hazel makes it easier to get care, without your child missing school or waiting in an office.

To get a referral started, guardians should connect with their school counselor or social worker to support the data sharing and referral process. Call the school office to leave a message for Mr. Dickerson (counselor) or Dr. Emmerich (social worker).

For more information, visit the link below.

Festa 3-Generation Family ESL Program: English Classes in Northeast Columbus

FREE English classes for adults!

Hilliard location: Thursday, October 1 at 6:00pm

Northland location: Thursday, October 8 at 6:00pm

Classes are in person and include a free children's program: Festa Friends Club (ages 3 months to 8th grade).

• Dinner provided for program children
• Nursery care for infants
• Preschool for pre-k children
• Homework help for school-aged children
• Fun activities for all
• 9th-12th grade students serve as Teen Intern Volunteers

A security guard is on-site during the program.

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 message 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 message about 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.

At Northtowne Elementary, we are committed to supporting the success and well-being of every student and family. We understand that sometimes families may need additional support beyond what can be provided in the classroom.

If you have a concern or believe that your child may benefit from additional assistance, we encourage you to complete our Parent Request for Assistance Form. This form can be used to request support for a variety of needs, including attendance, behavior, academic concerns, health concerns, home care concerns, mental health, or other concerns.

👉Click here to submit a Parent Request for Assistance.

Our Tier 2/Tier 3 Team will review your request, connect with the appropriate individuals, and work to identify helpful strategies, resources, interventions, or next steps.

Please know that we are here to support you and your family. You can expect a response within 3 school days.

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.