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CAHS Family Update

CAHS Family Update
CAHS FamilyUpdate
November is Native American History Month. Want to do some local exploring during Wellness Week and the Thanksgiving holiday? Check out these sites in Central Ohio to learn more about history that took place right in this area:


  • Shrum Mound: 2,000 year old Adena culture burial mound on the west side of Columbus, inside the 270 loop
  • Highbanks Metro Park: Along the Coyote Run Trail discover an Adena burial mound from over 2,000 years ago
  • Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Ohio's only (and recently designated) World Heritage Site, located in Newark, Chillicothe, and Oregonia

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To read this in another language, tap "TRANSLATE" at the top of the page and select the language from the drop-down menu.

⏰ Important Dates ⏰ ⏰ Important Dates ⏰

Nov. 20: 6:30 PM, PTA Meeting (zoom)

Nov. 24-28: No School, Wellness Week


Dec. 4: 7:00 PM, Instrumental Music Concert (Auditorium)

Dec. 9: 4:00-8:00 PM, Chorale Chipotle fundraiser (info below)

Dec. 16: 1:00-2:30 PM, Alumni Day

Dec. 18: 6:30 PM, PTA Meeting (zoom)

Dec. 19: 2:00 PM, Early Dismissal

Dec. 22-Jan. 2: No School, Winter Break

📣 Announcements 📣 📣 Announcements 📣

Family Ambassador Message Family Ambassador Message

As we prepare for a week of a break from the school routine and gathering with our families, I wanted to share some community highlights. Even during this time of uncertainties in our district with looming budget cuts and divisions/tensions throughout our country, there are some beautiful indications of growth and support right here at our school. It happens as we celebrate our students, see needs and pitch in to help, and get to know one another. The examples below all reflect a lot of work and advocacy behind-the-scenes. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for these efforts and many more not listed here.


Family challenge for Wellness Week: While on a road trip or relaxing with family, how many of your student's teachers can you name? See how many you can get and have your student fill you in on the rest.🤔

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High turn-out of caregivers meeting with teachers this month

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PTA organization of meals for staff during the conference nights

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New doors at the main entrance and overhang repainted

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Inspiring performance by the CAHS Chorale November 13 including collaboration with the Magpie Consort, a full audience, returning alumni, and a food truck in the parking lot!

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Pep rally for fall athletes on November 7

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432 students in grades 9-12 are on the Quarter 1 Honor Roll. This means a unweighted GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students will receive a snack and certificate during lunch mods one day this week.

Student Senate Spirit Week, November 17-21 Student Senate Spirit Week, November 17-21

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Alumni Day, December 16 Alumni Day, December 16

We're excited to announce CAHS Alumni Day 2025 which will take place on Tuesday, December 16th. We're restructuring the format but know that it is our priority to connect alumni with current CAHS students and foster a space rich with dialogue and connection.


Check-in will begin at 1:00pm with our session running from 1:30-2:30pm. We invite alumni to join us after for light refreshments and networking. This year we are only able to support in-person attendance. We will work with the CAHS Alumni Association to see how we can connect alumni through Zoom for other events.


Please share this event with your CAHS friends. We'd love to welcome all of you home.


Connect with any questions!
Ms. Smith: ssmith2@columbus.k12.oh.us


CAHS Alumni Day Registration - http://tinyurl.com/CAHSalumniday

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🧩 Community Building 🧩 🧩 Community Building 🧩

Friends of CAHS PTA Friends of CAHS PTA

Thanks to the many caregivers who jumped in to help with contributions and set-up/clean-up for the conference meals this month! The staff were very appreciative and wrote this card to share with the community.

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Our next regular PTA meeting is Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30pm. For any questions regarding the PTA and involvement, please contact President Christy Haynes: christyhaynes92@gmail.com

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84465733322?pwd=veKhLFn05u5Y6RKcl2YBvL73bYuaFo.1

Meeting ID: 844 6573 3322
Passcode: 315973

Kroger Community Rewards

You can help the Friends of CAHS PTA raise money every time you shop at Kroger! Look for "Friends of Col. Alternative High School PTA" in the Kroger community rewards list of organizations. For more information on how to sign up:


https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

Click Here to Join the CAHS PTA FB Page
This group is for any current parents/caregivers, staff, and students. It does not require any additional PTA involvement and is an excellent way to stay on top of school news.

Ms. Stevens' PBIS Donors Choose Fundraiser Ms. Stevens' PBIS Donors Choose Fundraiser

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The PBIS and Patches project enables students to express themselves by selecting positive patches to decorate Trucker Hats. The patches express their identity, reinforce their positive behavior, and seek to honor their sense of belonging. At CAHS, we are constantly working to impact our students' sense of belonging in our community. This project is near and dear to my heart, as an alumnus, CAHS, was the place that uplifted and honored who I am. Positive patches like these will be used to decorate trucker hats


Thanks!


Tracy Stevens

Social Emotional Learning Practitioner

Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

PBIS Patches Donors Choose Project

Spanish WhatsApp Group! Spanish WhatsApp Group!

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Tenemos un grupo que se ha formado para padres y guardianes que hablan el español como su idioma principal. Gracias a una de las mamas, Leticia Luna-Escobar, por conducir este grupo. Puede unirse usando el código o enlace QR para compartir con otros en nuestra comunidad. Sera una manera informal para conectarse sobre temas relacionados a la escuela en español.

We have a group started for parents and caregivers who speak Spanish as their primary language! Thanks to parent Leticia Luna-Escobar for hosting this one. Feel free to join using the QR code or link and share with others in our community. It will be an informal way to connect on school-related topics in Spanish.


https://chat.whatsapp.com/HOJylqbcFDAJLM0Wew2QGT

💡 Department Updates💡 💡 Department Updates💡

Mr. Richardson, Instrumental Music Mr. Richardson, Instrumental Music

CAHS  Instrumental Music Winter Concert

Save the date for Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 PM! Come hear the Strings Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Band.

Click Here for Tickets for the Instrumental Music Concert 12/4/25
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Support the Instrumental Music Bake Sale

Hello Awesome Band and Orchestra Families!!!

Leticia Luna-Escobar and myself are once again coordinating the bake sale for the instrumental concert on Thursday, Dec. 4th. This is a tremendous way to support our music program. We raised over $1000 during the Winter and Spring concerts!! There are several ways you can help if you are interested:


*Both of our students are in the Jazz Band so it would help to have a volunteer who could sell during that portion of the concert.

*If you would like to make a baked good that we could sell, please have it to the school by 5:30 p.m. that night. We will not have a sign up genius just please make sure that whatever you have made is in individual bags and ready to sell.

*If you would like to give a monetary donation to help purchase water and other items to sell, you can send me a Venmo at Julie-Ling-4.


Please email me if you would like to donate another way other than Venmo.

Email: julesrules1stgrade@yahoo.com


Julie Ling

CAHS Musicians Spotted Throughout Columbus

November 14 - Sebastian Bray and Nicholas Showalter played cello in chamber groups at St. John's Episcopal Church in Worthington with Chamber Music Connection.


November 15 - A number of CAHS students performed with the Capital University Honors Band: Samuel Ling, Blossom Fabian, Chase Machel, Natalie Miller, Jackson Sweeney, and Asa Thomson Boswell.


November 16 - Asa Thomson Boswell performed with the Cadet Band and Junior Winds at Capital University.


November 16 - Greta Fabian and Rose Restack Buroughs-ReStack performed with the CYSO Repertory Orchestra at Hilliard Darby High School.

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Sebastian at Chamber Music Connection

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Nicholas at Chamber Music Connection
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CAHS musicians with Capital University Honors Band

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Greta and Rose with CYSO Repertory Orchestra

Dr. Richardson, Vocal Music Dr. Richardson, Vocal Music

Our Chipotle Fundraiser is Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 4-8 at 4489 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM - we receive 25% of sales when mentioning Chorale at check out, showing the flyer (paper or phone) or adding the code A48BEA7 when ordering online.

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Nurse's Corner Nurse's Corner

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Health Screenings Coming Soon

The school nurse will be completing vision and hearing screenings on November 18th for 9th grade and December 12th for 11th grade and students new to the district, as required by Ohio Law 3313.69. The students missed on these days will be finished in the coming months. These screenings do not replace regular checkups with your child’s healthcare provider.


If you do not want your student to participate, please contact the school nurse at 380-997-3574 or tpeterson@columbus.k12.oh.us.


Results will only be sent home if follow-up is needed.


Dental Clinic Information

School Smiles will be returning to CAHS in the spring, for 6 month checkup. Dates are coming soon.

If your child missed the first dental clinic, you can still sign them up for a cleaning and check-up by completing the online consent form at www.schoolsmiles.com/student-signup.


Nationwide Children's Partnership

We are excited to continue our partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) to provide transportation for students to clinic appointments during the school day. These appointments can include well-checks, sports physicals, work permit physicals, immunizations, asthma follow-ups, blood work, and specialty care referrals. If you would like your child to take advantage of this service, please contact your school nurse at 380-997-3574.


Illness Prevention
To ensure the health and safety of all students and staff, we ask that you please keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. If your child must attend school while experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, we strongly encourage them to wear a mask. Per school policy, students with a fever of 100.4°F or higher must remain at home for 24 hours after their fever has subsided. We also ask that you remind your children to wash their hands frequently, as this is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs.


Thank you for your continued support in maintaining a healthy school environment.


Tina Peterson RN, BSN

School Nurse

Columbus Alternative High School

614-365-6252

tpeterson@columbus.k12.oh.us

Ms. Barkeloo, Art and Yearbook Ms. Barkeloo, Art and Yearbook

Click Here to Order 25-26 Yearbook
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Details for picking up last year's yearbook (24-25)

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Details for ordering this year's yearbook (25-26)

Ms. Holmes, I Know I Can Ms. Holmes, I Know I Can

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Check out this opportunity from Denison University for next summer:


Greetings from Denison University and the SummerTUTTI Performing Arts camp!

We’re excited to invite CAHS students to apply for SummerTUTTI, an 8-day residential summer high school intensive in dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre. At SummerTUTTI, students live and learn with peers from across the disciplines and across the country. They’ll deepen their skills and talents in their chosen area while exploring new ways of making art, guided by Denison professors as well as nationally-acclaimed professional artists and ensembles, Third Coast Percussion, string quartet ETHEL, and members of Available Light Theatre.

We welcome dancers (all styles), instrumentalists (all styles welcome: strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, and percussion), composers, students interested in all aspects of theatre-making (acting, directing, designing) and musical theatre! Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (age 15-18 by the time of the program) are eligible to apply. Financial support is available for families with need. This year’s program runs from June 20-28, 2026.

The application opens on December 1. For more information, please visit summertutti.denison.edu. The priority application deadline is March 1, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact us at summertutti@denison.edu or at 740-587-5761.

Dr. Ching-chu Hu
Artistic Director

Click Here for More Information about Camp Tutti

🔆 Club Updates 🔆 🔆 Club Updates 🔆

If students missed Club Day earlier this fall or are still considering getting involved in a club, it is not too late! Click the button below to see all the current club information. There are 26 student-led clubs and 7 staff-led clubs. Some meet during the school day and some meet after school. Several clubs will be competing against other school clubs in the district and beyond. Thanks to the many students, staff, and caregivers who are making these clubs a success!

CAHS Club Info 25-26

Community Service Club

The Pegasus Pantry is and running with the first pickup opportunity this Friday, November 21st. The process for pickup is the same as last year. Request papers can be found and returned in the main area of the counselors' offices. Members of the club will make a bag which will be available to be picked up on Friday afternoons. Deadlines for requests are Thursday mornings. This week's request bags will be Thanksgiving themed! As always, all requests are anonymous and Ms. F will be the one handing out bags at the end of the day on Fridays.


We are happy to accept new food! As of now, we are accepting any non-perishable items (i.e. cans, boxed items, nothing that needs refrigeration). Foods can be brought in by students or parents and placed in the boxes located in front of the main office.

🏅CAHS Athletes🏅 🏅CAHS Athletes🏅

CAHS Fall Athletes
Click Here for Contact Info for CCS High School Sports

🍎 District News 🍎 🍎 District News 🍎

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Bring your voice, your vision, and your values to help reimagine what’s possible for Columbus City Schools!


Columbus Board of Education members will be taking questions before the board meeting Tuesday, November 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for you to weigh in on the difficult upcoming decisions the district is facing. Ask questions, make suggestions, and discuss solutions directly with your board members.


3700 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207


If you can’t make it tonight, speak up via Zoom tomorrow, 11/19.


Register in advance for this meeting: https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/.../register/Q0M0-kLZT6yNpfWdv89BWw


If you haven't had a chance to fill out the survey about the current areas the district is weighing for budget cuts, please click the link below.

Our Future, Our CCS Family Survey Link
CCS Background Information on Current Decisions

Board Meeting November 19, 6:00pm Board Meeting November 19, 6:00pm

If you are not able to make it to the Board Meeting in person, consider watching it live or later at the following link:


Columbus City Schools Facebook Page

Click the link below to watch previous board meetings:

https://www.youtube.com/@columbuscityschoolsboe8345

ESL Language Assistance Center ESL Language Assistance Center

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District Calendar for 2025-2026 School Year District Calendar for 2025-2026 School Year

Click here to go to the website to download your own copy.
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What Will Happen to the CAHS Building? What Will Happen to the CAHS Building?

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Some of the common questions we are all asked repeatedly by our family and friends and we also are asking ourselves are: "When is the CAHS building closing?" "Where is CAHS moving?"


The Columbus City Schools website now has a link on their homepage called "School Realignment." This describes a three-phase plan for the buildings and schools in the district that are being closed or relocated. Work is happening now for two elementary schools in Phase I that will close at the end of this school year. This is the description for CAHS:


  • Phase II (2027-2028): Relocation of Columbus Alternative High School from the McGuffey site.
Click Here for the School Realignment Page

Get the App! Get the App!

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If you'd like to use your phone or tablet to access Infinite Campus, go to your app store and download the app!


  1. Download the Infinite Campus PARENT or STUDENT app to your phone.
  2. Type 'Columbus' when it asks for the district then select CCS and Ohio

🏠 Community News 🏠 🏠 Community News 🏠

2026 Explorica European Trip Update 2026 Explorica European Trip Update

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CAHS Spanish Teacher Ms. Beltran has been officially appointed the team leader through Explorica. She and a team of several other teachers are excited to begin more planning and communication with families of students who have already registered. She has sent out an email to those registered. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, December 16 from 5:30-6:30 at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Whetstone Branch Meeting Room. Please email Ms. Beltran with questions: cbeltran590@columbus.k12.oh.us

Thanksgiving Food Events Thanksgiving Food Events

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Food Resources Food Resources

Please share these links to food access with anyone who may need them. Please also share others you are aware of on the PTA Facebook page: Columbus Alternative High School PTA (Friends of CAHS), or send to family ambassador Deborah Showalter: dshowalter1@columbus.k12.oh.us

Columbus Area Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

A thorough resource put together by Columbus Public Health highlighting resources in all parts of Columbus.

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Fresh Produce

Every Thursday and Friday, stop by our Mobile Produce Markets at select community centers through Nov. 21 to pick up fresh produce at no cost. No registration or paperwork required.

Click Here for Details about Mobile Produce Markets

FreshTrak Food Access

Great resource where families can enter their zip code and find the resources within a specific mile radius. It provides hours and days of the banks and resources as well as what the site may require for documentation. It also provides translation of the page in several languages: Spanish, Somali, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin and Nepali.

Click Here for the FreshTrak Link

Feeding America Network

Here is another website that helps to locate food resources.

Click Here for Feeding America Network

CAP4Kids

This is an extensive database of multiple types of support in different parts of Columbus for food, housing, transportation, and more.

Click Here for CAP4Kids

Holiday Gift Support Holiday Gift Support

Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Toys and Food Program 2025

Click the document below (information in English and Spanish) about details for registering for holiday support.

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CAHS Education Foundation Fundraiser CAHS Education Foundation Fundraiser

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The CAHS Education Foundation is a group of CAHS alumni who have formed a non-profit organization to support the current CAHS students, staff, and families. They have just launched their fall fundraiser through the Honey Baked Ham Company. Click the button below to learn more.

Click Here for Honey Baked Ham Fundraiser Details

Culture Passes with Cbus Metropolitan Library Cards Culture Passes with Cbus Metropolitan Library Cards

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Looking for a fun and educational way to spend your free time? With a Columbus Metropolitan Library card, you can access Culture Passes that grant you free admission to some of central Ohio’s most popular cultural institutions. Whether you're interested in museums, theaters, or other cultural experiences, these passes provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the local arts and culture scene without any cost.


To take advantage of this offer, simply visit your local library for in-person checkout. Culture Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and supplies are limited, so don’t miss your chance! Please note that passes cannot be reserved ahead of time. Visit your library today and see what’s available — it’s the perfect way to discover new adventures around the city while supporting your local library.

Click Here for Columbus Metropolitan Culture Pass Information

One Linden Resource Guide One Linden Resource Guide

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For our CAHS families living in the Linden community, check out this wonderful collection of resources and programs.

Click Here for One Linden Resource Guide

Have a CAHS Question?

Ms. Michelle L. Lewis, Head Principal:

mlewis1275@columbus.k12.oh.us

Dr. Aaron D. Moore, Associate Principal/Director of Sophomore and Senior Experiences:

amoore6954@columbus.k12.oh.us

Ms. Bryant, Associate Principal/Director of Freshmen and Junior Experiences:

mbryant@columbus.k12.oh.us


Counselor Ms. Megan Higgins (last names A-D, Seniors A-G): mhiggins@columbus.k12.oh.us

Counselor Dr. Drew Milligan (last names E-Mi): cmilligan4382@columbus.k12.oh.us

Counselor Ms. Victoria Goodwin (last names Mo-Z): vgoodwin@columbus.k12.oh.us


Internship Coordinator Ms. Samantha Smith: ssmith2@columbus.k12.oh.us

Advanced Studies Coordinator Ms. Alice Webb: awebb@columbus.k12.oh.us


Attendance issues-Attendance Secretary Ms. Leslie Stanford: attendance.colalt@columbus.k12.oh.us

or voicemail: 380-997-0237

General CAHS questions-Principal's Secretary Ms. Rhonda Clayborn: rclaybor@columbus.k12.oh.us or (614) 365-6006


Nurse Ms. Tina Peterson: tpeterson@columbus.k12.oh.us


Family Ambassador Ms. Deborah Showalter: dshowalter1@columbus.k12.oh.us

Click Here for the CAHS Electronic Devices Use Policy 25-26
CAHS Office Details
Arrival and Dismissal Details

Have a District Question?

Transportation Call Center: 614-365-5074

CCS Technology Help Desk: 614-365-8425

FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us

FACTline Phone Number: 614-221-FACT (614-221-3228)

Customer Relations Phone Number: (614)365-8888

Customer Relations Email: customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us

Parent Portal/Infinite Campus Help: If you've forgotten your username/password, click on EXISTING USER in the Portal, then click FORGOT USERNAME/PASSWORD, and the information will be sent to the email used to set up the account. If you no longer have access to the email used to set up the account, please send a picture ID, your student's name and date of birth to parentportalaccess@columbus.k12.oh.us

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Columbus Alternative High School

School Year Office Hours

Monday - Friday

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/CAHS
Location: 2632 McGuffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43211, USA
Phone: (614)365-6006

Deborah Showalter
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