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GEMS Re-opening Update Letter
Estimadas familias de GEMS

GEMS families,
We the leadership and staff at GEMS, as a member of the Graham Family of Schools, are heartbroken by the senseless and tragic murder of George Floyd. His death, like that of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, spotlights the urgent need for change in our country.  GEMS has been committed to social justice and educational attainment for all of our students since the inception of our school; however, we know that we have learning and growing to do. We as the educators of your children need to listen, learn, unlearn, and put our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into action. We stand together, as a GEMS community, to embrace one another fully, empower students continuously, and pursue educational justice unapologetically.
The Leadership of GEMS

GEMS Parents

At GEMS, we rely on the support of our parents to help us foster and build the GEMS community. Please consider getting involved with your child's education through The Parent Group, by completing a Volunteer Form, or by Making a Donation to the school. For more information about becoming involved with the school, please contact our Dean, James Kutnow at [email protected]

GEMS is a School-wide Title 1 program, enabling us to receive Federal Funds to ensure that our students receive the support they need to reach and exceed grade level goals particularly in reading and math. We welcome parent involvement in planning, review and improvement of Title 1 programs including the family engagement policy and the schoolwide program plan. Please contact Debbie Addison at [email protected]  with any questions.

Have a Heart

The Graham Family of Schools, will be celebrating Have a Heart an annual fundraiser and auction on Saturday, April 4, 2020.  This event brings together board members, school families, community partners, friends, and advocates of all three schools -- The Graham School, The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University, and Graham Elementary and Middle School -- to raise important funds for the schools and the students whom we serve. Please plan to attend this special evening!

The proceeds from Have a Heart directly benefit our programs in multiple ways, including critical operating support.  Please consider donating items or services to the silent auction. We are looking for a variety of items; gift cards, spa services, jewelry, clothing, art pieces, household items, etc. 

Please contact Jennifer Waddell at (614) 258-8588 or [email protected] with any questions.
Thank you for your support!

Bus Routes

Columbus City Schools Transportation routing system has changed drastically this year. If you are relying on the CCS bus to transport your student to GEMS, it is imperative you complete the online application as soon as possible. Here are important facts to keep in mind with regards to CCS Transportation:

  • =   You may be eligible for a bus to GEMS via CCS Transportation if you reside in the Columbus City School District.
  • =   Columbus City Schools Transportation typically routes students to a stop at the nearest CCS building to their home, which may be up to 2 miles away.
  • =   All routing is completed by CCS Transportation via an online application system, which can be found by visiting https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/4818 and following the link that says "click here to begin your transportation request." The application process must be completed on a desktop or laptop computer, as the site is not compatible with mobile devices - smartphones or tablets.
  • =   All routing information is shared with families via CCS Transportation. They will no longer be sharing the routes with schools. Additionally, schools are no longer allowed to issue temporary passes. Students will not have a bus until their online application is processed by CCS Transportation, which may still take up to 8 weeks.
  • =   If you experience any issues with the online application system or have any doubt that your application was successfully submitted, you must call CCS Transportation at 614-365-5074 for assistance. Parents also have the option to visit the CCS Transportation Office at 1560 Moler Rd Columbus, OH 43207 for in person assistance with completing the online application. 

Emergency Plan

GEMS considers the safety of all of its students and staff extremely important and a high priority of our work. In case of emergencies, families will be contacted in multiple methods; letters home, our texting communication service - Remind 101, mass e-mails, through website posts, and/or from an off-campus phone location at The Graham School (614.262.1111).
 
In case the school needs to arrange an emergency pick-up location, we will be relocating to The Ohio State University student union at 1739 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210. Any changes will be communicated through the same methods listed above.
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