Hello parents,

As we begin to wind down our online learning, I want to thank each of you for your support and guidance for your child.  I know that this has been tough on you as well as your children.  However, you nailed it and should be proud of how we all worked together to make this the best that it could be.  Our staff has done an amazing job adapting as well.  They have continuously taken suggestions and concerns and did what was in the best interest of each student.  I know at times, you probably wanted to give up, but that it not what we do.  Thank you again!

I have several updates for you:

Academics:  Yesterday, all of the principals sent out the timelines and due dates for the 4th nine week’s school work and when it is to be completed.  Please take a moment to log on to Power School and check that work is being completed.  While most of our students have been doing a fantastic job, there are a few that need a little help getting motivated.  For those that need additional points, please use the make-up period wisely.  Please reach out to the teacher if you need additional guidance.  We are trying to make sure that all of our students are successful!

Chromebooks, Textbooks and Instruments:  Principals will be announcing dates to turn in textbooks and musical instruments for seniors and underclassmen in the coming days.  Chromebooks will stay with families throughout the summer so that students can do online activities.  They can be returned in the fall.  More information coming soon.

Graduation:  This past Saturday was the taping for our commencement ceremony.  It was a wonderful day for our seniors and their families.  This is not how any of us wanted to hold our graduation, but my hope is that you all felt honored and appreciative of the efforts by a lot of staff members.  Thanks to everyone that volunteered their time to help!  I also want to thank Kelly Milluzzi and Tom Tomasheski for taking pictures and the Columbia Fire Department for the American Flag and banner.  Each family will receive a before and after graduation picture, diploma and program on June 3rd at the parade.  I will send a link for additional pictures during the first week of June that you can purchase through the two photographers.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020!  

Senior Parade and Graduation Premiere:  On June 3rd, there will be a parade through Columbia.  It will begin at 8:00 pm where we will leave CHS.  Click here 2020 Graduation Parade Route so that our families and community can recognize our seniors.  The parade will last about an hour.  There is no physical way to go down every street in Columbia.  So we are asking that you plan to find a spot anywhere along the parade route and show your support.  You are welcome to paint your cars, add lights, balloons or signs.  Let’s make this a true celebration.  Seniors and their families are asked to arrive at CHS no later than 7:45 pm.  Once the parade is over, we will have a police escort to the drive-in.  The show will begin at approximately 9:20 pm.  You must arrive in one car and be with your family.  Those families that need to drive an additional car will need prior approval from Mr. Lynch.  You can email him at [email protected] and if you have any additional questions.  Only cars that are in the parade will gain access to the Aut-O-Rama for the showing of commencement.  In additional to the traditional ceremony, we have two separate special events planned directly after the ceremony.  Please plan on about 2 hours at the drive-in.  I will provide, by email, all district families a link to view the ceremony on June 4th.  

Copopa/CMS Reverse Parade:  Mr. Bunner and Mr. Magyar will announce to parents soon!  We all look forward to seeing our students one last time prior to summer vacation!

Gifted Education:  Due to school closures, we were unable to administer assessments which typically contribute to year-end WEP Reviews/Measurable Goals.  Please see your child's report card for end-of -year progress.  If you have any questions, please contact the principal at the building your child attends.

Registration:  All kindergarten and new students can now access our online registration through One View on our website.  All forms and documents can be uploaded from the confines of your home.  If you have any questions, please contact our district registrar, Liz Wenzel, at [email protected]

State Budget Cuts:  CLSD will lose $222,717 for the current fiscal year.  This is due to the state budget cuts enforced by the governor last week.  In all, there were $300 million in cuts statewide.  CLSD is anticipating additional funding cuts in the next fiscal year.  These will be announced in June.  While we are never happy to lose funding, our five year forecast does remain positive as we continue to watch our funds closely.

Next School Year:  I had the opportunity to be on a Zoom meeting with Governor DeWine this past Friday.  The governor asked us to proceed with coming back to school in person with modifications.  Unfortunately, he couldn’t explain in detail what this meant.  Currently, we are proceeding as we are coming back in person as well as a combination of online and in-person.  This is called blended learning.  We are working on several options.  That is why our parent survey is important.  Please see below.  Our hope is that a decision on what next year will look like, will be coming no later than the end of June.  I am sorry that I cannot give more explanation than what I shared.  I will be in touch as soon as I know more.   

Parent Survey:  Please take a moment to fill out the survey using the link below.  This survey is in regards to our online learning.  This feedback will allow us to do better in the areas we did well and those areas we didn’t do so well.  This survey will be available until Tuesday, May 25th.  Thank you in advance.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpuf9F8xwZG5KbCbkCgeVrWg-q0jvHYXH3sufoZE72__SkFg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Thanks again for your support!  If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.  Have a great rest of the week!
Graig Bansek
#onceaRaider
#theRaiderWay

 

The annual release of the Ohio School Report Cards were made public late last week.  CLSD and other school districts across the state are rated on specific marks of performance, also called measures, within categories called components.  We receive letter grades on the six components and each one is weighted .  These components make up our final grade.  Our overall grade as a district was a "B." 

I am very proud to say that we continue to improve across the board.  We are in the top of Lorain County with our overall grades. This is a testament to our entire staff!   As you know, the report card is not a true indication of the excellent education our students receive.  There is much more than one test given, one time during the course of each school year.  However, it is the one and only measure that the Ohio Department of Education, the public and the legislature can see in regards to progress.  I am hoping that soon changes will be made so that all of us can understand this process in layman's terms.

The administration will continue to dive into the data and make the necessary changes so that we can continue to make positive gains.  

Graig Bansek
#onceaRaider
#theRaiderWay

 

We are excited to unveil, for the first time, the CLSD District Profile.  First, I want to thank all of our staff members that played a role in its completion.  Columbia Local Schools is excited to share this review of the past school year, 2018-2019.  Information provided in this document includes financial, district, building and department information, academic achievement and offerings, the Arts, athletics and much more.  This is another way that we are being transparent to the community that supports its schools.  Each year this document will be available for the public to view.  If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call 440/236-5008.  Thank you again for your support of Columbia Local Schools!

Graig Bansek,
Superintendent  

 

 

The Columbia Local School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, age, disability or on the basis of legally acquired genetic information in employment or the provision of services.