August 10, 2021

Dear Upper School Families,

Between athletic practices, new student orientation and college application workshops, our Upper School is starting to feel active again!

To help you prepare for the opening of school, here are some details to get you started.

In-Person Learning
We are happy to be able to begin the school year with everyone together on campus. In the same way, we are eager to return fully to in-person learning for all students and faculty.

Masks and Social Distancing
All students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks indoors. When outdoors, masks may be removed. Additionally, while classrooms have been returned to their pre-COVID capacities, we will be mindful of the 3-feet spacing guidelines when arranging seats. As mentioned earlier, we will not be doing formal wellness checks upon arrival but will rely on families to keep children home who are ill and to communicate with our school nurses should you have questions. More details on the school’s health safety measures will be shared by the COVID Response Team in the coming days.

Final Forms
We urge you to update and submit your information in Final Forms so that we can have as accurate an understanding of the vaccination landscape as possible in Upper School.

Arrival and Morning Check-In
Students should arrive for morning check-in from 7:40 to 8:00 a.m. Students in grades 9-10 will report to faculty members at the side door of Parents Hall that faces the dining hall. Juniors and seniors will report to the faculty stationed in the Senior Lounge.

Recognizing that our campus is more congested with traffic around 8:00 a.m., we encourage families and student drivers to aim for a 7:45 a.m. arrival time to be punctual for check-in and the first class of the day. Students may arrive earlier to study or meet with a teacher with whom they have an appointment.

If a student is going to be absent or late to school for any reason, we ask that you contact the Upper School Office at 614-509-2281 or send an email to LangeJ@columbusacademy.org to let us know. 

Freshmen Advisory Information
By the end of this week, all ninth-graders will receive an introduction from their advisors. Please have your children check their school email accounts for a welcome note. If you need assistance gaining access to email accounts, please contact our technology department by emailing techhelp@columbusacademy.org.

Class Schedules
Students have already received their list of courses and should have checked what books they need to purchase (read earlier communication). On Monday, August 23 – our first day of school – students will receive access to their full schedules that will list their blocks, teachers and classrooms. During the first two days, students will create digital copies of their schedules that will help them navigate through the school year. Ninth-graders will also have a separate opportunity on the first day to walk the halls and find their classrooms before classes actually begin. Consider it a practice run!

Drop/Add Period
Students may initiate changes to their schedules by requesting different course levels or adjusting elective classes until Friday, September 17. Students should contact Mr. Dow to begin the process.

Lunch
The community feel of our dining hall will return with the use of round tables and accessibility to the full space, including the fireplace side (view welcome-back newsletter from SAGE Dining). We will, however, keep round tables to roughly five seats and the rectangular tables to six. Students may use the outside patio in addition to the Lazarus Courtyard. We hope students will continue to take advantage of outdoor eating while the weather is nice. Seniors will have the opportunity to go off-campus for lunch as soon as the appropriate permission form is completed and on file in the dean’s office.

Summer Reading
All students will meet with their summer reading groups on Tuesday, August 24. Any preassigned work connected to the book they chose should be completed and ready to turn in that day.

Class Supplies
Students in Upper School do not have a shopping list of required supplies necessary for the start of school. Teachers may recommend ways of organizing their notes and materials, but students can often choose what suits their learning styles best. Math teachers will let students know what model of calculator is appropriate.

Lockers
Lockers will be provided to all students who wish to use them.

Dress Code
The student dress code remains largely unchanged from last year. We will keep the option that allows students to choose the type of close-toed shoes they wish to wear.

"Friday Night Futbol" Food Pantry Donations this Friday
All are invited to come support our boys soccer teams this Friday, August 13, as they kick off their season by hosting Lynchburg-Clay on Hondros Field (JV at 5:00 p.m. and varsity at 7:00). During both matches, our student-athletes will be collecting donations for the Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) food pantry. Specific needs are cereal, oatmeal and laundry detergent but any unexpired non-perishables, toiletries and cleaning supplies will be accepted and appreciated.

Student “Welcome Back” Event on Friday, August 20 
Student Council invites all upper-schoolers to a casual outdoor evening of food trucks and a movie starting at 8:00 p.m. on the Senior Quad.

Community Service Opportunity on August 20-21
Columbus Academy is once again partnering with the Westerville Habitat Partnership to help assemble the walls of a Habitat for Humanity home. Shifts begin Friday evening and begin again early Saturday morning. Interested students should check their email for details. This is open to families and friends as well, with registration links here.

Fan Bus on August 21 for Academy Football Game at University School
In an effort to build some excitement for the start of school, Student Council launched the idea of a fan bus to cheer on our Viking football team the Saturday before school begins. Students should watch for sign-up messages via their CA email accounts. Bus would depart campus at 11:30 a.m. and return by approximately 8:00 p.m. Parent/guardian permission forms will be made available online at the start of next week provided there’s enough interest in the trip.

First Day of Classes on August 23
The first day of school will be focused on grade levels being together or sharing in a common activity. The freshmen will participate in our traditional “Unity Day” events on campus by advisory, while the sophomores, juniors and seniors will be spending time both on and off campus in activities. Watch for grade-specific emails next week with details on appropriate attire.

“First Friday” Tailgate on August 27
Outdoor music, activities and tailgate food on the Senior Quad make for a wonderful kickoff to the first home football game! All upper-schoolers are invited. Events get underway at 5:30 pm.

Key Calendar Dates in August and September
  • August 13 – "Friday Night Futbol" Boys Soccer Home-Opener
  • August 23 – First Day of School
  • August 24 – Summer Reading Groups Meet
  • August 27 – Convocation
  • August 27 – “First Friday” Tailgate & Home Football Game
  • September 2 – First Junior Speech Day
  • September 2 – US Back-to-School Night (details forthcoming)
  • September 6 – Labor Day (no school)
  • September 10 – US Service Day and Club Fair
  • Week of September 20-24 – School Pictures (details forthcoming)

Hopefully this information will help you organize and plan for the weeks ahead. As with each new school year, the opportunity exists for every student to start fresh, try new activities and enjoy the connections built with new teachers and peers.  

We look forward to seeing your children return to campus in the coming weeks. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Upper School Office at 614-509-2281.

Warmly,

Head of Upper School