Buckeye Parent Newsletter
Week of September 7, 2026
Principal's Message
Good evening,
Reminder: There IS NO SCHOOL TOMORROW. Enjoy Labor Day with your family.
This weekend we give thanks for those who fought for the rights of a 40-hour work week, for an end to child labor allowing our students to stay in school and for those whose voices demanded human working conditions across our nation. The work is not done, and injustice still prevails but let us take a moment to celebrate the strides we have made for the rights of workers.
Please pay special attention to and mark your calendars for our upcoming Title 1 Curriculum Night. See the flyer below for more details.
Principal Emerson
Cell Phone Policy
Buckeye is a No Phone Zone
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!
Afternoon Dismissal
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!
YMCA Afterschool Program
Program starts Monday, September 14th.
Nurse Moore's Corner
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.
7th Grade Required Immunizations
7th Grade students who are missing required immunizations received an Immunization Referral Letter Friday. Please review the letter and reach out to Nurse Moore with questions. Updated immunization records are due by September 10th. Students who are non-compliant after September 10th will be excluded from school attendance.
Student Physicals
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.
NCH School Clinic
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.
Communities In Schools
Ms. Shelbie
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
Divine Dignity Partnership
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!
Attendance Incentive
Athletics Update
Soccer Matches Begin this Week
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.
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!
School Counselor Corner
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
PBIS Updates and Focus
For Your Calendars:
Please see the events below already on our school calendar to mark on yours as "save the dates."
Monday, September 7th - No School for Labor Day
Tuesday, September 22nd - Title 1 Curriculum Night 5:30 - 7pm (Date Change)
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
CCS Mission Statement: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.
At Buckeye, we do not expect our scholars to be perfect, but we expect them to learn from their mistakes and consistently improve themselves academically, socially, and emotionally. We expect them to not only show up, but to be present and engaged in their learning. We expect them to dream big, goal set to reach those dreams and learn to monitor and adjust when they are not meeting expectations toward their goals.
Contact Administration:
Jodie Emerson (8th Grade Administrator) jemerson@columbus.k12.oh.us
Anthony Smith (6-7th Grade Administrator) asmith4@columbus.k12.oh.us