COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – On Thursday, August 26th, Columbus City Schools will again welcome students five days a week to study in person for the first time in more than 500 days. It’s a welcome sign to many, including Superintendent and CEO Dr. Talisa Dixon.
“First of all, I would like to thank our parents and our students. Thank you for trusting Columbus City Schools with your students. For our students, we look forward to seeing you and welcoming you back to school, ”said Dixon.
The security measures that the students experienced at the end of the last school year last spring will remain in place. Everyone must wear a mask in CCS buildings, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.
“Make sure you mask yourself. We will continue with social distancing, especially when it is appropriate. There are some areas that could be a bit of a challenge, but our teachers and school principals will make sure that social distancing continues. And lots of signage just to remind spring students that those mitigation strategies are still in place, ”Dixon said.
This comes as CCS is trying to make up for student readmission despite rising COVID-19 cases, including among children. That has led some parents to wonder what it takes to move students back to a hybrid or virtual model like the one used last school year. Dr. Dixon said the district is currently focused on the current personal plan.
“We worked closely with Columbus Public Health and they were right by our side giving us the guidance we needed. So if we have to make a different decision, we’d be ready for it, ”said Dixon.
Dr. Dixon mentioned that all transportation issues have been resolved, although CCS is still looking for more drivers. Overall, the district is ready to welcome its almost 50,000 students back into the classroom.
“We learned so much this summer but we are so ready to bring you face to face and just take care of you and give you all the care you deserve so that you can be that student and achieve that potential of being that we know you can, ”said Dixon.
Columbus City Schools has created a web portal with all the necessary information for students and parents. You can find it here: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/10715
