E-News Bulletin Special Report - A Message from Superintendent/CEO Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.

n Special Edition – December 21, 2012

E-News Special Report

Attendance Investigation Update
Internal Auditor Releases Report

Dear Columbus City Schools supporters and friends:


In August 2011, after learning from the District's Pupil Services Office that there were inconsistencies in reported absences found in 16 student records being reviewed by the Franklin County Juvenile Court, I contacted our Internal Auditor and the Auditor of State's Office, asking them to investigate my concerns.  In mid-June of this year, after learning of additional files found where undocumented changes were made, I again contacted the Auditor of State, as well as the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and asked them to investigate the allegations.

On Thursday, December 20, Columbus City Schools (CCS) Internal Auditor, Carolyn Smith, presented her first official report regarding the attendance reporting investigation, when she released her report to the Board of Education's Audit and Accountability Committee.  An in-depth report on this issue being conducted by the Auditor of State is due in February, 2013.

Click here to link to the Internal Auditor's Report and the Management Response

The administration has taken responsibility for improving our policies, procedures, guidance and electronic systems to address gaps in our attendance and truancy compliance.  The district has already taken several steps over the past several months to improve our systems and to implement new practices to address concerns as identified in the Internal Auditor's report.  A number of those steps are discussed in our management response to the Internal Auditor's report.  Some of what's been done to date includes:
·        Re-establishing a District Attendance Accountability Team;
·        Establishing a protocol for student attendance data to be reviewed at the senior leadership level on quarterly basis;
·        Establishing strict access protocols for data entry into student records;
·        Implementing a new student information system (Infinite Campus);
·        Implementing additional staff training for secretaries regarding data entry and documentation requirements;
·        Developing a new fraud hotline and formal District Whistleblower policy that will be ready for Board consideration as soon as January, 2013;
·        Establishing a Withdrawal Documentation Checklist; and
·        Reviewing other attendance reporting measures that can be taken within the District.

As I read the Internal Auditor's report it is clear to me is that there were system deficiencies, a lack of clear guidance (both at the State and District level), control weaknesses, and recordkeeping problems.  Irrespective of our belief that there should be specific, written guidance or protocols provided by the Ohio Department of Education, it's clear that our own lack of documented and consistent systems caused great confusion on the part of staff responsible for the inputting and management of student information.  This is particularly true with respect to students whose whereabouts are unknown or in situations where students are habitually/chronically absent.

Some have portrayed the "breaking of enrollment" (withdrawing a student for non-attendance) as an action that was created by or is unique to CCS.  Under ODE's own guidance, breaking of enrollment is a necessary and legitimate action when the circumstances warrant it.  Failing to withdraw students who are not attending school, who have attended only occasionally, or whose whereabouts are unknown would not accurately reflect what was transpiring at the school.  Nevertheless, there should always be legitimate or documented reason for a student to be withdrawn from school.  This situation has already been addressed with staff having any responsibility for inputting or managing student data.

The student data recording and reporting issue is something that I have taken very seriously since day one.  I have wanted nothing more than to get to the central truth of the issue, and I look forward to resolving these concerns so that we can begin to restore the community's faith in our operation.

Thank you for your continued support of Columbus City Schools.

Respectfully,

Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO

Printable Version

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To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

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Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Bulletin Special Report - A Message from Superintendent/CEO Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.

n Special Edition – December 21, 2012

E-News Special Report

Attendance Investigation Update
Internal Auditor Releases Report

Dear Columbus City Schools supporters and friends:


In August 2011, after learning from the District's Pupil Services Office that there were inconsistencies in reported absences found in 16 student records being reviewed by the Franklin County Juvenile Court, I contacted our Internal Auditor and the Auditor of State's Office, asking them to investigate my concerns.  In mid-June of this year, after learning of additional files found where undocumented changes were made, I again contacted the Auditor of State, as well as the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and asked them to investigate the allegations.

On Thursday, December 20, Columbus City Schools (CCS) Internal Auditor, Carolyn Smith, presented her first official report regarding the attendance reporting investigation, when she released her report to the Board of Education's Audit and Accountability Committee.  An in-depth report on this issue being conducted by the Auditor of State is due in February, 2013.

Click here to link to the Internal Auditor's Report and the Management Response

The administration has taken responsibility for improving our policies, procedures, guidance and electronic systems to address gaps in our attendance and truancy compliance.  The district has already taken several steps over the past several months to improve our systems and to implement new practices to address concerns as identified in the Internal Auditor's report.  A number of those steps are discussed in our management response to the Internal Auditor's report.  Some of what's been done to date includes:
·        Re-establishing a District Attendance Accountability Team;
·        Establishing a protocol for student attendance data to be reviewed at the senior leadership level on quarterly basis;
·        Establishing strict access protocols for data entry into student records;
·        Implementing a new student information system (Infinite Campus);
·        Implementing additional staff training for secretaries regarding data entry and documentation requirements;
·        Developing a new fraud hotline and formal District Whistleblower policy that will be ready for Board consideration as soon as January, 2013;
·        Establishing a Withdrawal Documentation Checklist; and
·        Reviewing other attendance reporting measures that can be taken within the District.

As I read the Internal Auditor's report it is clear to me is that there were system deficiencies, a lack of clear guidance (both at the State and District level), control weaknesses, and recordkeeping problems.  Irrespective of our belief that there should be specific, written guidance or protocols provided by the Ohio Department of Education, it's clear that our own lack of documented and consistent systems caused great confusion on the part of staff responsible for the inputting and management of student information.  This is particularly true with respect to students whose whereabouts are unknown or in situations where students are habitually/chronically absent.

Some have portrayed the "breaking of enrollment" (withdrawing a student for non-attendance) as an action that was created by or is unique to CCS.  Under ODE's own guidance, breaking of enrollment is a necessary and legitimate action when the circumstances warrant it.  Failing to withdraw students who are not attending school, who have attended only occasionally, or whose whereabouts are unknown would not accurately reflect what was transpiring at the school.  Nevertheless, there should always be legitimate or documented reason for a student to be withdrawn from school.  This situation has already been addressed with staff having any responsibility for inputting or managing student data.

The student data recording and reporting issue is something that I have taken very seriously since day one.  I have wanted nothing more than to get to the central truth of the issue, and I look forward to resolving these concerns so that we can begin to restore the community's faith in our operation.

Thank you for your continued support of Columbus City Schools.

Respectfully,

Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO

Printable Version

Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews?
To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Click here  

or here to opt out.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

{SPAM} Tyson Chosen for Leadership Position with National League of Cities

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING ALERT   December 18, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

Tyson Chosen for Leadership Position with National League of Cities

 

(COLUMBUS)–Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance, Health and Human Services, and Workforce Development Committees, was appointed vice-chair of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Community and Economic Development Steering Committee by NLC President Mayor Marie Rogers-Lopez at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Boston.

 

“America’s cities and towns need a strong voice in Washington,” said Councilmember Tyson. “The National League of Cities is an invaluable resource for communities like Columbus, and I am eager to continue my leadership role with the Community and Economic Development Steering Committee.”

 

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. The NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages.  The Community and Economic Development Steering Committee is one of several policy and advocacy committees that develop national municipal policy positions for the National League of Cities.  These positions form the basis for NLC's advocacy on matters of interest to municipal governments before Congress, the courts, and federal agencies.

 

Councilmember Tyson was also elected second vice president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) during the group’s annual general membership meeting at the Congress of Cities and Exposition. In her role, she will help lead the effort to grow NBC-LEO’s national membership.

 

NBC-LEO was created in 1970 to represent the interests of African American elected officials within the National League of Cities. NBC-LEO works to increase African American participation on NLC steering and policy committees to ensure that policy and program recommendations reflect the concerns and needs of the African American community.  The group also works to inform its members on issues being discussed by national leaders, and to devise ways of achieving their community objectives through legislation and direct action.

 

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

{SPAM} December 17, 2012 Highlights

			COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: December 17, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

INVESTING IN CRIME FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY:   The Columbus Division of Police is constantly researching new crime fighting tools and software to more effectively and efficiently protect residents and solve crimes.   Ordinance 2769-2012, sponsored by Safety and Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills, allows the Director of Public Safety to enter into a $173,000 contract with Bair Analytics, Inc. for the purchase of Crime Analysis software, support, and training services. This software is an easy-to-use online dashboard that provides regional and national crime data sharing and analysis for law enforcement and defense only. Users access a secured environment to map, analyze, report and download data from multiple jurisdictions. This software automatically geocodes and analyzes crime data as it is imported into the system. Other features of this software include web-based public crime mapping capabilities with the ability for citizens to leave anonymous tips. This software works with any records management system (RMS) to allow law enforcement to share crime data with the public through an easy-to-use online crime map and analytics dashboard. 

 

MORE SPRAYGROUNDS IN COLUMBUS:  The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is expanding a highly successful program to help kids and families beat the heat.  The sprayground at Barnett Rec Center provides a safe, non-slip play surface that incorporates numerous water features for all to enjoy.   Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Zach M. Klein is sponsoring ordinance 2753-2012 to build two more spraygrounds, one at Blackburn Park on the Near East side and the other at Indian Mound Park along Parsons Avenue.   The legislation allows the City of Columbus to enter into a $1,334,700 contact with RW Setterlin for the improvements at both facilities.

 

KING LINCOLN IMPROVEMENTS:  Since its grand re-opening in May 2009, the Lincoln Theater has entertained thousands of people who have attended shows, concerts, and exhibitions at the theater and ballroom.   Now the area surrounding the historic venue is getting an upgrade.   Ordinance 2734-2012, sponsored by Public Service and Transportation Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, authorizes the Director of Public Service to enter into a contract with Danbert, Inc., for their bid of $1,323,456.71 for the construction of the NCR - Lincoln Theater Phase 2 project.    This project is a streetscape improvement project between a point just west of the intersection of East Long Street and Hamilton Parkway and Garfield Avenue.  The project will move underground or offsite all utility poles and overhead lines, provide ornamental street lighting, provide new sidewalks at various locations, construct new curb ramps, and install a special flashing-beacon crosswalk at East Long and Garfield. 

 

COUNCIL SUPPORTS JOB READINESS PROGRAM:  The Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC) serves as a one stop service provider with a mission to meet the employment needs of businesses and job seekers in order to support economic development in the Columbus area.  As part of her 2012 General Fund Budget amendments, Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, set aside $100,000 in the City Council’s Jobs Growth Fund to increase job readiness training.   Ordinance 2828-2012 appropriates $40,000 from that fund and spends $50,000 from the General Fund to support a COWIC program that offers pre-employment drug, background check and mental health assessments.  The program ensures the applicants are ready for work and removes the administrative burden from the potential employer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-30-

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

{SPAM} Columbus City Council Highlights

			COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: December 10, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

ANNUAL LIQUOR OBJECTIONS:  Each year, the City of Columbus has the opportunity to object to the renewal of certain liquor permits granted by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control. Public Safety Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills will introduce resolutions 0216X-2012 through 0222X-2012, 0224X-2012, and 0225X-2012 as part of the city’s liquor objection process.  City Council, the City Attorney, Division of Police, Department of Health, and Department of Development work with community leaders to help advance public safety by presenting the resolutions of objection. The resolutions address liquor permit holders and establishments that have a documented record of liquor, code and health violations, criminal activity, excessive police runs and a shown disregard for neighborhood safety. While state law does not grant cities the authority to revoke or deny the renewal of liquor permits, the Columbus City Council exercises its right to submit formal objections to the Division of Liquor Control for consideration during their annual review of liquor permit applications. The Division has the sole authority to grant a renewal or uphold the city’s objection. Click here to read the Liquor Permit Objection Summaries.

 

INVESTING IN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:   The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is a local non-profit that provides a wide range of financial services including micro lending, microenterprise training, and financial literacy to minorities, immigrants, refugees, low-income recipients and the working poor.   Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Small and Minority Business Development Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 2722-2012 to authorize the Director of the Department of Development to amend the Microenterprise Revolving Loan Program contract with the ECDI by extending the term of the contract to January 31, 2014, an additional year, and increasing the contract amount by $150,000. The original contract was for $150,000.   Since 2005 has closed over 150 microenterprise loans to Columbus based businesses. ECDI provides a network of comprehensive support to build the economic and social capacities of individuals, families, enterprises and communities.

HELPING A COLUMBUS BUSINESS GROW:  Founded 1955, Vision Service Plan (VSP) has become the largest provider of vision insurance in the United States.  Ordinance 2593-2012, sponsored by Development Committee Chair Zach M. Klein, allows the Department of Development to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with VSP equal to 25% of the amount of personal income tax withheld on new employees for five years.  VSP will create 35 new full-time permanent positions and retain 185 existing jobs in the City of Columbus and a fixed asset investment of approximately $350,000, which includes machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures. VSP is proposing to expand its current Eastern Operations Center located at 3400 Morse Crossing to meet its increased growth and consumer demand.  The company has over 56 million customers and provides services ranging from eye and vision care benefits to the manufacture and distribution of eyewear, and optical lab services. 

 

FUNDING CRITICAL HUMAN SERVICES:   The Emergency Human Services Fund helps local agencies meet basic operational or capital needs when unexpected expenses arise.  Ordinance 2771-2012, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will provide $55,177 to five agencies to maintain programming with emergency assistance.   Agencies and services include:

 

The United Way of Central Ohio: Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition – supplies and space costs for $10,000;

Physicians CareConnection: Dental equipment for $5,100;

Buckeye Ranch Foundation: Financial support for acquiring Rosemont Center and the continuation of services for $20,000;

East Columbus Development Company: Matching funds for federal Health and Human Service grant to operate the Individual Account (IDA) housing program for $10,000;

Heritage Day Health Center: Emergency building repair at the facility at 3341 E. Livingston (chimney repair) and 1700 E. Dublin Granville Rd. (security light repair) for $10,077.

 

MORE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS:   Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee, is pleased to announce additional intersection improvements in Columbus.  Last week, Councilmember Paley sponsored legislation to reconstruct three intersections.  This week, Councilmember Paley is sponsoring ordinance 2707-2012 to allow the City to accept a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation for intersection improvements at Northwest Boulevard at Fifth Avenue and King Avenue.  The total cost is $238,899 with ODOT paying for 90% of the project, leaving Columbus to pay for just $23,889 of the work.   The project consists of shifting the left turn lanes along Northwest Boulevard at King Avenue and West Fifth Avenue.  The lanes shift will be accomplished by narrowing the existing medians. The purpose of this project is to eliminate the sight distance issues that occur at these two intersections.

 

BUDGET HEARINGS THIS WEEK:  Three more Council offices will be holding proposed 2013 General Fund Budget hearings this week:

 

·         Tuesday, December 11, 5 pm

Councilmember Hearcel F. Craig/Administration Committee

·         Wednesday, December 12, 5pm

Councilmember Michelle M. Mills/Public Safety and Judiciary Committee

·         Thursday, December 13, 5:30 pm

Councilmember A. Troy Miller/Technology, Small Business Development, Zoning

 

 

 

 

 

-30-

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

E-News Bulletin - News from Columbus City Schools

December 7, 2012   2012 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes, Vice Pres. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES · Dec. 8 – Community Blood Drive at Sherwood MS, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. · Dec. 11 – Board of Education  Retreat, 5:30 p.m. · Dec. 12 – Professional Development Day for all staff - No School · Dec. 13 – Board of Education  NSDP Committee meets, 7:30 a.m. · Dec. 13 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. · Dec. 18 – Board of Education  regular meeting, 5:30 p.m. · Dec. 24 - Jan 6 – Winter Recess, all schools closed · Dec. 24 - 25, & Jan. 1 – CCS Administrative Offices closed   For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out. Previous editions of the CCS E-News Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools) Printable Version

Indianola Alternative K - 8 Featured in National Research Article Principal Kathryn Moser, her staff and the work they do are featured in Fostering Inquiry and Collaboration: Lessons From an Innovative Middle School, an article in Focus on Middle School, a quarterly publication of the Association for Childhood Education International.  The article explores three areas: What does an innovative middle school look like? How does policy inform the school's daily routines? How do classroom teachers in this space design their curriculum to inspire creativity and collaborative thinking?  Click on the link to learn about the strategies being used to support student achievement at Indianola K-8. Fostering Inquiry and Collaboration: Lessons From an Innovative Middle School Students and Staff Collecting for Less Fortunate Students at various schools including Valley Forge and Binns Elementary Schools, Ridgeview Middle School and Briggs and South High Schools will be collecting winter clothing, personal hygiene products and canned goods to distribute to area families in need over the holidays. The students are asking the community to help them make this holiday season better for others by donating needed items to the schools. The District's Transportation Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations in an effort to fill a school bus and present the items to the 35th Annual NBC4 Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive on December 15. Click on the link below for a flyer with more information. Transportation's Toys for Tots Drive Eastmoor Academy Recognized by National Organization Eastmoor Academy is one of nine schools in Ohio being recognized its students' achievement in spite of their high-poverty population. Public Agenda, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, released their study, Failure Is Not an Option,during a recent press conference at Eastmoor.  The study was supported by the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), and The Ohio State University. The nine schools included primary and secondary schools and were a mix of traditional public schools, magnet schools and a charter school. The schools were identified by the ODE as among the highest-performing high-needs schools in the state in terms of student outcomes.  Each school has a student poverty level above 50 percent. Use the link below to access the full report. Failure Is Not an Option I Know I  Can Benefits from Parking Meters & Fines at Easton Each year during November and December, proceeds from the parking meters and parking fines collected at Easton Town Center will are given to six local charities. This year, I Know I Can is one of the recipients. To date, the Change for Charity Program has donated more than $1 million to local organizations. So, while visiting Easton this holiday season, please drop your extra change in a meter and support scholarships for CCS graduates. Holiday Concerts Looking to get into the holiday spirit and support your neighborhood school? One great way to do both is to attend a school holiday concert. Below is just a list of just some of the many events and activities going on this holiday season in Columbus City Schools.   Dec. 11: Winter Concert, Dominion Middle School, 330 E. Dominion Blvd, 7 p.m. Dec. 11: Holiday Arts Festival (Vocal), Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., 7 p.m. Dec. 13: Vocal Music Winter Concert & Winter Art Show, Ridgeview Middle School, 4241 Rudy Rd., 6 p.m. Dec. 13: Holiday Arts Festival (Instrumental), Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., 7 p.m. Dec. 17: WinterFest!, Brookhaven High School, 4077 Karl Rd. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18: Winter Concert, Sherwood Middle School, 1400 Shady Lane Rd., 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Holiday Concert, Beechcroft High School, 6100 Beechcroft Rd., 6:30 p.m. Godman Guild After School Program Earns Award The Godman Guild's After School Program though Community Leaders, Educators, and Students (A.C.E.S.) received an Exemplary Program Award at the 2012 Educational Council Awards Ceremony. The Educational Council recognizes and celebrates individuals and programs that display excellence in Ohio's after school and out-of-school programs. The A.C.E.S. program provides support to students at Wienland Park Elementary School.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Bulletin - News from Columbus City Schools

December 7, 2012   2012 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes, Vice Pres. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES · Dec. 8 – Community Blood Drive at Sherwood MS, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. · Dec. 11 – Board of Education  Retreat, 5:30 p.m. · Dec. 12 – Professional Development Day for all staff - No School · Dec. 13 – Board of Education  NSDP Committee meets, 7:30 a.m. · Dec. 13 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. · Dec. 18 – Board of Education  regular meeting, 5:30 p.m. · Dec. 24 - Jan 6 – Winter Recess, all schools closed · Dec. 24 - 25, & Jan. 1 – CCS Administrative Offices closed   For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out. Previous editions of the CCS E-News Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools) Printable Version

Indianola Alternative K - 8 Featured in National Research Article Principal Kathryn Moser, her staff and the work they do are featured in Fostering Inquiry and Collaboration: Lessons From an Innovative Middle School, an article in Focus on Middle School, a quarterly publication of the Association for Childhood Education International.  The article explores three areas: What does an innovative middle school look like? How does policy inform the school's daily routines? How do classroom teachers in this space design their curriculum to inspire creativity and collaborative thinking?  Click on the link to learn about the strategies being used to support student achievement at Indianola K-8. Fostering Inquiry and Collaboration: Lessons From an Innovative Middle School Students and Staff Collecting for Less Fortunate Students at various schools including Valley Forge and Binns Elementary Schools, Ridgeview Middle School and Briggs and South High Schools will be collecting winter clothing, personal hygiene products and canned goods to distribute to area families in need over the holidays. The students are asking the community to help them make this holiday season better for others by donating needed items to the schools. The District's Transportation Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations in an effort to fill a school bus and present the items to the 35th Annual NBC4 Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive on December 15. Click on the link below for a flyer with more information. Transportation's Toys for Tots Drive Eastmoor Academy Recognized by National Organization Eastmoor Academy is one of nine schools in Ohio being recognized its students' achievement in spite of their high-poverty population. Public Agenda, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, released their study, Failure Is Not an Option,during a recent press conference at Eastmoor.  The study was supported by the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), and The Ohio State University. The nine schools included primary and secondary schools and were a mix of traditional public schools, magnet schools and a charter school. The schools were identified by the ODE as among the highest-performing high-needs schools in the state in terms of student outcomes.  Each school has a student poverty level above 50 percent. Use the link below to access the full report. Failure Is Not an Option I Know I  Can Benefits from Parking Meters & Fines at Easton Each year during November and December, proceeds from the parking meters and parking fines collected at Easton Town Center will are given to six local charities. This year, I Know I Can is one of the recipients. To date, the Change for Charity Program has donated more than $1 million to local organizations. So, while visiting Easton this holiday season, please drop your extra change in a meter and support scholarships for CCS graduates. Holiday Concerts Looking to get into the holiday spirit and support your neighborhood school? One great way to do both is to attend a school holiday concert. Below is just a list of just some of the many events and activities going on this holiday season in Columbus City Schools.   Dec. 11: Winter Concert, Dominion Middle School, 330 E. Dominion Blvd, 7 p.m. Dec. 11: Holiday Arts Festival (Vocal), Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., 7 p.m. Dec. 13: Vocal Music Winter Concert & Winter Art Show, Ridgeview Middle School, 4241 Rudy Rd., 6 p.m. Dec. 13: Holiday Arts Festival (Instrumental), Whetstone High School, 4405 Scenic Dr., 7 p.m. Dec. 17: WinterFest!, Brookhaven High School, 4077 Karl Rd. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18: Winter Concert, Sherwood Middle School, 1400 Shady Lane Rd., 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Holiday Concert, Beechcroft High School, 6100 Beechcroft Rd., 6:30 p.m. Godman Guild After School Program Earns Award The Godman Guild's After School Program though Community Leaders, Educators, and Students (A.C.E.S.) received an Exemplary Program Award at the 2012 Educational Council Awards Ceremony. The Educational Council recognizes and celebrates individuals and programs that display excellence in Ohio's after school and out-of-school programs. The A.C.E.S. program provides support to students at Wienland Park Elementary School.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.