Columbus School For Girls: Student Handbook
Columbus School For Girls: Student Handbook
Student Handbook
The Columbus School for Girls Handbook is applicable to all students regardless of the current calendar year.
Please note that this document is subject to change and is not valid if printed.
The only viable form of this document is found online at www.columbusschoolforgirls.org
to accommodate any necessary changes and/or modifications.
Table of Contents
Student Handbook:
Mission and Philosophy
History of the School and School Traditions
Absences and Attendance
Academic Performance and Reporting
Admission and Financial Aid
Assemblies and Chapels
Athletics
Business Office
Cell Phones and Electronics
Communication with Parents/Guardians
Development Office
Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities
Equal Opportunity Employer
Food Service
Gift Giving Policy
Health Services
Libraries
Lockers/Locks
Lost and Found
Parents Night
Records and Directory Information
Safety and Crisis Information
School Closure, Snow Days, Emergencies
School Hours, Arrival, and Dismissal
School Visitation
Standards of Behavior
Spring Break Camp
Summer Programs
Support Services
Technology
Traditions
Traffic and Parking Safety
Transportation
Unicorner School Store
Uniform Guidelines and General Appearance
Vending Machines
Website
Our Goals
In fulfillment of our mission and philosophy we strive to:
Embrace the vitality of a diverse community and provide a curriculum that reflects multiple cultures and global
connectedness
Develop leadership capacity and instill a commitment to social and civic responsibility and lifelong service to others
Cultivate honesty, integrity, responsibility, and ethical behavior within all students
Develop confidence and courage in students, enabling them to respect and honor the opinions of others
Utilize a variety of progressive and differentiated teaching techniques to support the multiple learning styles of students
Honor the traditions that support a strong character foundation and value the schools heritage, while also establishing new
traditions that embrace and represent an ever-changing world
Foster strong and enduring relationships based on mutual respect and understanding
Provide opportunities for collaboration among students, teachers, and the community to deepen learning and broaden
perspectives
Encourage a love of learning and inspire pride in achievement
Succeeding Dr. Cooper, Ms. Elizabeth (Liza) Lee assumed leadership in July 2009. Ms. Lee brought years of experience as Head of
School, having formerly led Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas.
Since its earliest days, Columbus School for Girls has provided an exceptional educational experience for girls and young women. The
school is divided into four divisions: Program for Young Children (infants through 6 year olds); Lower School (Forms I-V); Middle
School (Forms VI-VIII); and Upper School (Forms IX-XII). Each division is administered by a director. The Kibler House, at 66
South Columbia Avenue, contains the Columbus School for Girls Business, Communications, Development, and Alumnae Offices.
Traditions
Since its founding, Columbus School for Girls has developed cherished traditions that unite generations of women. The school works
as a community to preserve the best of its rich history, embracing those practices that continue to connect students and alumnae and to
reshape those for which the significance has changed along the way. These ties that bind endure longer in the memories of alumnae
than any given curriculum or period in history. Traditions include the School Crest, The Lady and The Unicorn, the School Motto Forte et Gratum, uniforms, Red-Gold rivalry, Big/Little Sisters, class flags, senior commons and courtyard, community service (e.g.,
Scholarship Walk, service hours, Senior Day) and many special programs including Convocation, Thanksgiving, Holiday Dinner,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Program, Cum Laude, Lower School Day, Middle School Celebration Program, Upper School Night, and
Commencement.
Lower School Regular and timely attendance is important for your child to have continuity of instruction. Students are expected to
be in class by 8:00 a.m. each day as classes begin at 8:10 a.m. On the rare occasions when your child will miss school because of an
illness, homework will be provided. To receive your students homework, call in your request to the Division Office or email your
students teacher. Homework may be sent home with a sibling, a neighbor, or be picked up at the end of the school day.
We respectfully request that dental and doctor visits be scheduled outside of school hours to the extent possible. We strongly
discourage vacations outside of the established school schedule. If you plan to be out of town while school is in session, prior written
notification to your students homeroom teacher and the Division Director is required. Work for students who are out of town will be
collected during the absence; it cannot be prepared prior to a planned absence.
Middle and Upper School - CSG is committed to meaningful educational experiences on each day that school is in session. Every
day is important; students and parents/guardians are asked to give school attendance the highest priority. When students are late for
school or are absent, they miss critical information and essential discussions with teachers and classmates that cannot be made up by
reading a textbook or assignments. The heart of education at CSG is in the classroom interaction that enables students to connect
concepts, synthesize information, and gain insight and understanding. As it is impossible to replicate or replace this experience,
parents/guardians are asked not to schedule appointments, vacations, or family trips while school is in session.
Parents/guardians are asked to call your division office by 8:15 a.m., to notify the school of the absence and to request assignments,
which will be available in the Division Office after 3:30 p.m. Please call the Division Office to confirm homework pick-up at 3:30
p.m. All daily assignments are posted and can also be accessed on MOODLE. Calls will be made to homes of students who are absent
without notice. Telephone calls must come from a parent or guardian.
The Upper School begins at 8 a.m. with period 1 or 2 (depending on the letter day) and ends at 3:30 p.m. with the completion
of Period 9 or 10.
The Middle School begins at 8 a.m. with period 1 and ends at 3:30 p.m. with the completion of period 5.
Students who are sick should stay home to recover and prevent the spread of illness.
An Upper School student is tardy for the start of school when she is not in her assigned class at 8:00 a.m. If the student has a
study period during the first period of the day, the student must sign in at the Upper School office by 8:00 a.m. After three
tardies in a semester, a student will meet with her form-level dean to determine appropriate consequences and institute an
improvement plan.
For any and all unplanned or last-minute absences or tardies, parents/guardians should call the appropriate division office
before 8:15 a.m. on the day of the absence. Telephone calls or email notifications must come from a parent or guardian. If
the office does not receive notification by 8:15 a.m., a call will be made to the parent/guardian of the student.
All planned absences must be arranged through the appropriate Division Office using the yellow Absence Request Form.
Parent/guardian notes requesting absences are to be attached to the Absence Form.
Students who miss school for medical/dental appointments must bring a note from the medical office verifying the absence
no later than a day after the appointment.
In order to participate in athletics, arts, and/or other extra-curricular activities, students must be at school by 9:00 a.m. and
must attend all remaining classes for that school day.
If an upper school student is absent, it is her responsibility to secure assignments from each teacher via email and to arrange
for make-up tests and quizzes upon her return.
If a student has excessive absences during the course of a semester the Division Director and/or form-level dean will address
the situation with the student and her parents/guardians and appropriate consequences will be administered.
Any agreed-upon work that is not completed on this timetable will receive a zero, and that zero will be factored into the
students grade.
A student who misses more than half of a class period is considered absent from the class for these purposes.
A students contract may be withheld until an absence-related incomplete is removed from the students grade record.
Categories of Absence
Students may be excused for the following reasons:
1.
Preplanned Absence Excused: Planned doctor appointments, religious holiday, family vacations, and official school activities
held off-campus.
Procedure: Students must complete and submit a yellow Absence Request Form signed by a parent/guardian and
accompanied by a note, email, or a telephone call to the Division office.
School Response: Students must make up missing assignments thus assuming responsibility for material covered during the
absence. For each day of an excused absence, students will have a class period to make up missed work and will receive full
credit for those assignments. Teachers will make every effort to assist students in this process. Teachers are not required to
prepare or provide students with work prior to the absence. It will not be considered an excused absence if the proper
documentation is not provided prior to the planned absence.
2.
Unplanned Absence: All absences that are approved by parents/guardians other than those above.
Procedure: Students must complete and submit a yellow Absence Request Form signed by a parent/guardian and
accompanied by a note or a telephone call to the Division office.
School Response: Teachers will NOT re-teach the missed material, but will offer the normal extra help that would be given to
students who were in class. It is the responsibility of the student to get class notes, check MOODLE, make up assignments,
make arrangements to take missed tests, quizzes, etc.
3.
Absence Unexcused: Truancy, cutting classes, missing any part of the school day without parents or guardians permission.
School Response: Unexcused absences are considered a major infraction at CSG, and issue of student safety, and a violation
of the schools Honor Code, and school-enforced consequences will follow. In the case of an unexcused absence, all missed
assignments will receive a zero. The student still must complete all work, but no credit will be granted for the assignment.
Upper School - A student is tardy for the start of school when she is not in her assigned class at 8 a.m. or has not signed in at the
Upper School Office. Late arrival and missed tests: Students who arrive to school late, and who have missed tests or due dates,
MUST take the test that day during activities or after school, even if it means having to miss or go late to sports practice, play
rehearsal, robotics, choir, etc. It is the STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY to do the following:
Find her teacher for any class in which a test or due date was missed; and
Make arrangements to complete the test or turn in the assignment that same day.
Lower School
In September, the Lower School holds introductory meetings. The purpose of these meetings is for parents/guardians to discuss their
students learning style, set goals for the year, and to share any pertinent information.
There are two academic conferences in Lower School. The first one is in October and a second conference takes place in February.
Parents/guardians receive written information about their students academic progress in all academic areas in January and in June.
Standardized testing takes place annually for students in Forms III-V. All results are shared with teachers and parents/guardians.
Informally, we ask parents/guardians to contact individual teachers or the Division Director via email or telephone at any time if there
are any questions about academic progress.
Middle School
Grades/Progress Reports
For Middle students, grades are posted on-line at the end of each quarter. Advisor letters, teacher comments, and/or other academic
updates will sometimes accompany the grade. At the end of the 4th quarter the grades will be posted on- line and a hard copy of the
years grades will be sent home.
Interim Reports
Interim reports are sent at any time of the year to inform parents/guardians of any significant change in the students performance or
behavior.
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Uncontrolled copy if printed
Last revised 8/10/2013
Conferences
Grading
Letter and effort grades for all Middle School students begin in Form VI.
Letter grades in Middle School may be interpreted as follows:
A (90 - 100)
In general, students earning an academic grade in this range:
have an excellent grasp of concepts and are able to assimilate material
ask questions, make observations, and produce work of the very highest quality
assume responsibility for their learning
B (80 - 89)
In general, students earning an academic grade in this range:
show regular and thorough preparation and have a solid grasp of course material and concepts
do high quality work
have a solid foundation which can support the introduction of new concepts
C (70 - 79)
In general, students earning an academic grade in this range:
do acceptable work, though lack of understanding and /or diligence make for an uneven product
usually make attempts to comprehend concepts, but their responses to homework or tests are not complete or sufficiently
detailed
need to seek extra help
D (60 - 69)
In general, students earning an academic grade in this range:
do work that is only marginally acceptable
often have set their goals too low and accept little responsibility for their learning
pay sporadic attention and usually fail to take notes or ask questions
are often late with homework
fail occasional tests and quizzes
U (Unsatisfactory, below 60)
In general, students earning an academic grade in this range
do not do acceptable work with any consistency
often do not do assigned work
miss key concepts on tests and quizzes
do not seek extra help
do not pay attention or contribute positively to the classroom environment
Effort Marks
The effort mark is an assessment of the Middle School student's level of investment in the course measured against an ideal standard,
but taking into account an individual's particular strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances (i.e., learning differences, illness, aptitude,
level of background in subject).
The effort mark is inherently more subjective than the academic grade because of the many variables mentioned. An effort mark of a
1 or 2 is generally considered a good effort mark.
Effort marks are assigned as follows:
Exceeds Expectations - 1 Effort
In general, students earning an effort mark in this range:
are focused on task and demonstrate optimal potential on all assignments including quizzes, tests, and make up work
independently seek extra help
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behave in a responsible and cooperative manner and are role models for others
Academic Honors
Honors are awarded to Form VIII students only and will be shown each quarter.
First honors Overall academic average of 90 or above, with no subject below 82
Second Honors Overall academic average of 80 or above, with no more than one subject below 80, and that not below 78
Upper School
Requirements for Graduation
Students are required to take five (5) full-credit, graded courses or equivalents each year. Twenty-one (21) credits, satisfactory
completion of a Senior May Program, and completion of service hours are required for graduation.
English
Mathematics
History
3 credits including World History, United States History, and Civics or AP United States
Government and Politics
Science
3 credits three years in the same language, including the third level of that language
1 credits
credit including Water Safety & Self-defense
credit Health I and Health II
credit Technology Project
Public Speaking
credit
Electives
1 credit
Non-credit Courses
Service
Spring Semester
2/15/13
4/12/13
End of Sem. 2
Academic Grading
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
98-100
92-97
90-91
88-89
82-87
80-81
78-79
72-77
70-71
68-69
62-67
60-61
Below 60
Superior
Average Work
Effort Grades
Effort grades are assigned along with academic grades for each class. Effort grades clarify the level of effort that a student puts forth
in each of her classes. Marks range from 1 to 4, with 1 being the highest.
Academic Honors
Honors are awarded each semester and at the end of the academic year to Forms IX through XII students.
First Honors Overall academic average of 90 or above, with no semester average grade below 82.
Second Honors Overall academic average of 80 or above, with no more than one semester average below 78.
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Community Service
A minimum of ten (10) service units should be earned during each year in the Upper School and a total of at least sixty (60) units of
service should be earned prior to graduation.
One hour of service is equivalent to one service unit.
Service units may be earned for CSG-sponsored activities. The maximum number of service units that may be earned
through CSG-sponsored activities is ten over the course of all her Upper School years.
Service units may be earned in the summer, beginning the summer prior to the Form IX year. Units earned during the
summer will be counted toward the upcoming year.
Students who complete the required sixty (60) hours prior to Form XII are still required to complete ten (10) service units
during each school year.
Students transferring to CSGs Upper School after Form IX will be required to complete fifteen (15) service units for each
year they attend CSG.
To receive credit for service performed, the student must complete and turn in her service-verification forms and a written
yearly reflection to the Upper School Office by the end of the academic year (Forms IX, X, XI). Students in Form XII must
have service unit paperwork completed by March 1. The Upper School office will verify the service units earned at the end
of each academic year.
Community service is a graduation requirement. A diploma will be withheld if a student does not complete her service
requirement before Commencement.
Athletics
Lower School
In addition to regular physical education classes, after school sports opportunities are available to students in Forms III, IV, and V. All
students are encouraged to choose sports experiences, which will enhance their growth, development, and educational experience.
After school sports offered include basketball, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, running, and volleyball.
Middle School
In addition to regular physical education classes, interscholastic sports offered to all middle school students include basketball, cross
country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. A successful team experience in
competitive athletics is the primary goal of the middle school athletics program. We strongly encourage and expect every girl to
choose a middle school sport in which she has had previous experience and training either outside CSG or within the Unicorn Sports
program during Form III, IV, or V. Having this previous experience will enhance her growth, development, educational experience,
and aid in her transition to interscholastic competition in the upper school program. As with all activities, there are established
expectations of attendance, participation, performance quality and academics. Middle school students must maintain a 70% average in
all classes. If this is not achieved, the student may be required to miss practices and/or games until her status improves. Athletes
involved in outside club/recreational sports usually elect to fully commit to their CSG team. This also includes other CSG cocurricular activities. Middle school teams vary in size and shape. If necessary, team size may require a tryout period where
performance minimums must be met in order to continue participation in that sport. Each season there will be at least one sport that
will have no limitation on the number of participants that may join that team.
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Upper School
In addition to physical education classes, Upper School teams compete interscholastically in eleven sports: basketball, cross country,
diving, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. All students entering Forms IX-XII are
encouraged to participate in a sport. Upper School students also may participate in the CSG Tae Kwon Do Club Team and progress
through various belt levels.
Over one hundred years of tradition are continued in annual Red/Gold recreational and service competitions. Students cheer their
classmates at field hockey and volleyball games, and compete in canned food drives and other service activities to benefit the
Columbus community.
Business Office
The Business Office staff consists of Jane Gibson, Associate Head for Finance and Operations, Diane Mosher, Bursar, Kathy Bapst,
Accounting Clerk and Lee Ann Behnen, Accountant. Offices are located on the second floor in the Kibler House, 66 S. Columbia
Avenue. If you have questions regarding your bill, please contact the Business Office.
Payment Policy: Parents and/or guardians are jointly and separately responsible for their students full account, including tuition,
lunches, After Hours Program fees, and other incidental expenses. In order to reserve a place for your child each year, a deposit must
be received with a signed enrollment contract. As a reminder, the deposit is non-refundable. Additionally, there will be a $30 fee for
all returned checks.
The school must be notified, in writing, by June 15 if a student will not be returning to CSG the following school year. After this date,
the full tuition is due for the coming year.
Tuition Payments
Columbus School for Girls offers three payment options:
One payment
100% Tuition, paid directly to CSG by August 1
Two Payments
60% Tuition Payment, paid directly to CSG by August 1
40% Tuition Payment, paid directly to CSG by January 2
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Monthly Payments
Contact Kathy Bapst in the Business Office (614-252-0781, ext. 292) to enroll in Tuition Management Systems (TMS). An
estimated amount for incidental student charges is added to the TMS budget, as a convenience.
Payments begin by May 1 for the 12-month plan, or by July 1 for the 10-month plan.
TMS payment options include monthly automatic electronic debit from checking or savings, monthly credit card payments
(MasterCard, American Express, or Discover, with an additional convenience fee charge), or check or money order
payments.
Tuition includes lunch, and the use of most athletic, art, laboratory, technology, and library equipment belonging to the school. Tuition
increases yearly, as determined by the Board of Trustees. CSG does not charge a participation fee for athletics, although students may
be expected to purchase personal athletic equipment, such as compression shorts and lacrosse sticks, or contribute toward unique
travel costs, including spring training trips and summer sport camps.
CSGs Business Office will bill additional expenses incurred during the year monthly, with immediate payment expected.
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Lower School
We recommend that cell phones be left at home. Cell phone use by lower school students is not permitted during the school day. If
your student has permission to carry a cell phone, it must remain in her book bag during school hours. Use of electronics including,
but not limited to, Playstations, iPods, or other handheld games are prohibited.
Middle School
We recommend that cell phones be left at home. However, if your student needs one for communication, we ask that she follow the
following guidelines:
All cell phones and electronics are to be turned off and stored in the locker between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Any phone or electronic device that is out of a locker during the school day will be confiscated by the teacher, taken to the
Division Office for pick up at the end of the day and a detention served. Upper School students may use the music function of
cell phones while studying.
Students may use cell phones before 8 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. under the supervision of an adult. Appropriate phone
etiquette is expected. Repeated violations will result in more severe consequences.
CSG accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones or electronic device.
With proper permission, cell phones may be used in the Upper School Office area for the following reasons:
o Students in Forms XI and XII may make college-related calls
o Form XII students may make calls related to their Senior May Program
o Student Council members may make business-related calls
o Calls regarding changes in transportation and medical/dental appointments
o Any student finding herself in an emergency situation may use her cell phone
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Parents/guardians who need to contact their daughters should call their Division Office. We will post a note for the student,
or, in case of emergency, will get word to the student personally.
Upper School
Unrestricted student use of cell phones during the day prevents students from focusing on the academic and community life of CSG.
As a school, we want students to be present in the moment, giving their full attention and energy to teachers and classmates rather than
to outside friends and social activities. At the same time, we recognize that electronic communication is increasingly a part of the way
students interact and send/receive important messages. In order to encourage the development of good habits concerning cell-phone
use with our Upper School students, CSG has instituted the following rules:
A student is permitted to use her cell phone only at the following times:
During the morning break if she is not scheduled to be present in advisory, announcements, or clubs
During the students free period(s)
During this time, Upper School students may check text messages and voice messages, send a text, or make a quick phone call.
Calls are to be limited to five (5) minutes.
Cell-phone use is restricted to the following locations on campus:
Senior Commons
Westwater Reading Room
Agnes Shedd Theater lobby
Outdoor space
Upper School Commons
Restrictions on cell-phone use:
Cell-phone use is not permitted during lunch or in the dining room.
A students cell phone must be turned off or on silent mode when she is in class. She is not permitted to check text or voice
messages or make calls during class or in the passing time between classes.
A student is not permitted to access the web or any social media applications using her cell phone. All web activity on
campus must go through the school-issued laptop and through the CSG server.
If a student is found to be using a cell phone inappropriately by any faculty member, the faculty member will confiscate the
cell phone and give it to the Upper School Director. The student will need to make an appointment with the Upper School
Director in order to receive consequences and retrieve her phone. Should the student be unable to meet with the Upper
School Director on the same day, the school retains the right to hold the cell phone overnight.
Parents/guardians, please be aware that student access to messages is limited to specific times throughout the day.
Parents/guardians may call the Division Office in order to get emergency messages to students and to ensure timely receipt.
CSG accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones or other electronic devices.
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Food Service
Food service at Columbus School for Girls is provided by SAGE. Lunches are scheduled as follows:
PYC 3/4-5/6 Year-Olds (full and half day): 11:30 a.m. 12:20 p.m.
Forms I-V: 11:15 11:45 a.m.
Forms VI-VIII: 12:10 12:40 p.m.
Forms IX-XII: 12:45 1:15 p.m.
The lunch meal includes foods from all of the basic food groups. Forms I-XII are offered a daily choice of the main entre, a
vegetarian entre, starchy side, and two hot vegetable choices. The following options are also available daily: deli bar, salad bar with
low or non-fat dressing, assorted fresh vegetables, cut fruit, yogurt and baked chicken breast. Two homemade soups are available each
day, one of which is vegetarian. The Program for Young Children is provided with specific lunch choices each day and remains a nutfree environment.
Lower School
Lower school students rotate tables throughout the year, providing an opportunity for the students to meet students in other grades as
well as faculty members. Faculty and students make announcements at the end of lunch. Before leaving the dining room students
clear their own plate. Tables are wiped clean by students on a rotating basis under the supervision of teachers.
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Health Services
A full-time nurse is present each school day. A student who becomes ill during school should see the school nurse. If the nurse is not
available for some reason, the student should report to her divisional office (PYC, LS, MS, or US) so that the nurse can be paged.
The school nurse health services include:
Illness and injury assessment and care
Medication administration
Special health care condition management
Vision, hearing, and postural screenings and referral
Cumulative student health record keeping, including immunization compliance monitoring
The school nurse is directly responsible for the administration of any and all medications dispensed on our campus. Note that all
medications (except those approved by students physicians for self-administration by students such as epi-pens and inhalers) shall be
delivered to the school nurse for administration. Authorization from the students parent/guardian must be provided before any dose of
over-the-counter medication may be administered. All prescription medication requires parent and physician permissions.
School health forms are required for every student, and must be submitted no later than mid-May (mid- summer for new students).
These forms, which are sent to parents by the nurse, include:
Program for Young Children (PYC) Supplemental Forms and Physicians Annual Report
Forms I XII Pre-printed personalized Student Health Update and Consent for Emergency Care
New Students Pre-printed personalized New Student Health Form and Consent for Emergency Care, and Physician
Report form B.1
Additionally, there are various other forms that must be submitted as health conditions warrant. Health forms specific to health
conditions are available on the school website on the Health Forms page.
http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/about-csg/school-health/csg-medical-forms/index.aspx
Required for all students: It is imperative that we have current information for parents, emergency contacts, physician and
dentist contact information, and consent for emergency care.
The emergency contacts, parent, physician, and dentist contact information is listed in MyBackPack which you
can access online to make changes at any time of the year to keep information current.
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The consent for emergency care is part of the pre-printed Student Health/Update Form sent to current parents in
mid-May and to new parents in June.
2.
Required for all NEW students and those returning students who have medical and/or immunization updates:
Physicians Report Form B.1. All students in Ohio are required to have proof of specific minimum immunizations to attend
school. PROOF OF IMMUNIZATIONS IS REQUIRED FOR NEW STUDENTS BY THE 15TH DAY OF SCHOOL
ATTENDANCE. If a student has not been immunized for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons, a form to this effect
must be submitted to the school nurse by the first day of school. Please know that your non-immunized daughter may be
excluded from school attendance if there is a vaccine-preventable illness in our school community. Access complete
information about required immunizations on the CSG website under the School Nurse quicklink.
3.
Some students have special health needs that require accommodations, medications in school, or a plan in the event of an
emergency. If your child has a known health condition, please contact the school nurse, Diann Casagrande, 614.252.0781,
ext. 105, to discuss a plan in the event of an emergency. Required health care plans and forms are listed below for several
health conditions. These may be printed and taken to your health care provider for signatures.
As noted on the pre-printed health forms sent to each family by the nurse, some over-the-counter medications are kept in the
nurses office and require parent permission each school year on this form.
Childrens Chewable/Liquid Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Adult Regular Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Childrens Advil (Ibuprofen)
Adult Regular Strength Advil (Ibuprofen) age 12 and over
Benadryl Capsules (generic) age 12 and over
Benadryl Liquid age 6 and over
Sudafed Tablets (generic) age 6 and over
Mylanta Tablets
Aleve (generic)
Any other non-prescription (and all prescription) medications must be brought to the nurse in their original containers, with
the pharmacy label and instructions by a parent with the forms completed.
4.
Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Pre-Participation Physical and Authorization Form: A physical exam is
required each year for any student in Forms VI-XII who wishes to participate in a sport. These must be returned to the
athletic trainer by the first day of practice. This form stays with the Athletic Department, not the school nurse.
*A physicians signature (with the date of the exam) and the signature of a parent/guardian are required prior to the first
practice for any sport.
medication in the original manufacturers or prescription container labeled with your students name. You may need to complete
additional forms in the event that antibiotics or other medication need to be administered for short periods of time.
If your student has a medical condition that could require emergency intervention (allergies, asthma, seizures, diabetes, etc.) we must
ensure that we have complete information on-hand. For any special health condition, you must complete a medical history. If your
child has food allergies, please also submit Form A.3 Severe Allergy Action Plan. If your student has asthma, please complete both
sides of the Form A.2 - Asthma Information Form. For all health concerns requiring specific emergency planning (i.e., seizures,
diabetes, and others), please contact the school nurse, Diann Casagrande, one week prior to the beginning of summer vacation or in
the week prior to the start of school at [email protected]. If medication is needed during the school day,
please be sure that you have completed the proper forms.
Libraries
CSGs two libraries, the Catherine Hamilton Power Library (PYCForm V, 8 a.m.3:30 p.m.) and the Eleanor Kurtz Beaton Library
(Forms VIXII, 7:45 a.m.5 p.m.) welcome all students, faculty, and staff during the school year for instruction, research, study, or
leisure reading. Books circulate for a two-week period; all other materials, including magazines, digital video and still cameras,
computer software, and DVDs may be borrowed for two days. Reserve items and reference materials circulate overnight only. A
photocopy/scanner ($.10 per copy) as well as microfilm and microfiche readers, are available for student use.
The libraries offer numerous information services via the Internet, which provide access to newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias,
scholarly articles, government reports, and other research databases. In addition, students may use the Internet connections to access local
public and college libraries. Almost all of the library resources are linked to the Columbus School for Girls home page through the quick
links drop down box located on the upper right of the home page.
There is a $0.05 per school day overdue fine on two-week materials borrowed, and varying fines on other overdue items. Each
semester prior to taking midterm and final exams, MS and US students must pay all outstanding fines and return all overdue books
and library materials. For students in Form VI, grade reports will be held until all fines are paid and materials returned.
The Power Library annually sponsors a paperback book fair and author visits. Both libraries seek parents/guardians who can volunteer
on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Lockers/Locks
Students in Middle and Upper Schools are assigned a locker on the academic hallway. All school items should be kept in lockers. MS
students are supplied a lock for their coat and books and the office retains the combination on file. Students must pay for lost
combination locks, and only combination locks purchased from CSG may be used. These combination locks are accessible with a key
in case of an emergency. Students are asked to use magnets to hold up personal items inside their lockers such as posters, mirrors,
pictures, etc., due to the difficulty of removing items with glued backs. The use of portable shelves is encouraged as they assist
students in being organized and also protect textbooks. Only school locker signs are permitted on the outside of student lockers.
Locker signs are not to be removed or defaced.
Label all books, materials, and articles of clothing for easy identification
Discourage your student from bringing valuables to school
All unclaimed items in the lost and found(s) will be donated to charity at the end of each semester. If your student is missing an item,
there are several locations in the school that should be checked when attempting to recover the item. Locations are as listed below:
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Lower School
All clothing and other articles are inspected for nametags and/or monograms and returned directly to the student, if labeled. Unmarked
articles are placed in the lost and found, located under the Form V stairs into the Lower School. During conferences, all unclaimed
items are displayed in the Lower School hall.
Parents Nights
Parent/guardian meetings are held early in the school year to explain the programs of each of the four Divisions. These general meetings
are designed to outline programs, rather than to provide opportunities to confer personally with teachers. (Parent/Teacher conferences are
scheduled on subsequent dates.)
Faculty and staff have been trained and are knowledgeable about emergency and crisis procedures.
All classrooms have emergency procedure booklets and intercoms to connect within CSG or directly with Bexley police.
In the event of a death in a family, we respect the familys wishes concerning dissemination of the information to our
community.
Please refer to the CSG website at www.columbusschoolforgirls.org for updates and information in case of an
emergency (e.g., snow days).
Every attempt will be made to communicate with parents/guardians regarding emergency situations via the website, the
emergency notification system, and any other means necessary.
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A typical emergency at our school has been heavy snowfall during the night necessitating that school be closed. Information
regarding school closings will be posted on our website, www.columbusschoolforgirls.org , broadcast through our emergency
notification system, and given to radio and TV stations. Again, the safety of our students is of utmost importance to all of us as we
prepare for all situations.
Questions should be directed to Jane Gibson, Associate Head for Finance & Operations, and Chair of the Crisis and Safety Committee
(614.252.0781, ext. 127), or Liza Lee, Head of School (614.252.0781, ext. 101).
Daytime Security
All visitors must be invited to enter the building, sign in, and acquire a name badge label at either the Mansion Front Desk at the main entrance
on Columbia Avenue, or the Admission and Academic entrance on Drexel Avenue. All other doors are kept locked. A keypad/keycard system
secures the building. Every August, students are given a new confidential pass code to be used for the school year. Students arriving late or
leaving before dismissal should sign in or out at their Division office.
Radio Stations
WCOL-92 FM
WTVN-610 AM
WKFX-105.7 FM
WMNI-920 AM
WHOK-95.5 FM
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Thursday or Friday
Monday- Friday
Monday- Friday
Monday- Friday
Monday- Friday
Monday- Friday
911 a.m.
8:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
8:30 a.m.3:00 p.m.
8 a.m.3:30 p.m.
8 a.m.3:30 p.m.
8 a.m.3:30 p.m.
Arrival
Program for Young Children (PYC) - Students are welcomed into their classrooms beginning at 8:15 a.m. and class begins
promptly at 8:30 a.m. Parents must escort their daughter into the building and ensure that a teacher is aware that she has arrived. You
may park in a legal parking place on the street (Columbia Ave. and Powell Ave. are the closest) or in the parking lot at any time of
day. Please hold your daughters hand until she is in the building, using the sidewalks and designated crosswalk. You may also drop
your daughter off in front of Columbia House between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. There will be someone from the PYC to walk your daughter
from your car to the building. For students who must arrive before 8:15 a.m., Before School Care in the Studio is available beginning
at 7:30 a.m. There is no charge for this care.
Lower School Students are welcomed in their classrooms at 8 a.m. Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. Early arrivals (between 7:30 and 8
a.m.) should go to the Ruch Dining Room for supervised care until school begins. There is no charge for this care. Breakfast items are
available. All students who arrive after 8:10 a.m. must sign in at the Lower School Office and are considered tardy.
Middle School - Students should arrive at school by 7:45 a.m. to prepare for morning classes. At 8 a.m. students should be seated in
their first period class.
Upper School - The Upper School begins at 8 a.m. Students should be in their period 1 or 2 class or have signed in at the Upper
School office if they have not checked in.
Dismissal
Program for Young Children Program for Young Children half-day students are dismissed from Columbia House at 12:20 p.m.
Program for Young Children full-day students are dismissed from Columbia House at 3:00 p.m. Full-day students who ride the bus are
accompanied to the bus by a teacher at the conclusion of each school day, and students who attend the After Hours Program are
accompanied to the PYC studio. Please note: PYC students who are not picked up by 3:15 p.m. are escorted to the After Hours
Program (charges may be incurred).
Lower School - Lower School students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m., and accompanied to the bus by a teacher, or met by a parent or
caregiver in carline on Drexel Avenue. Students involved in the Lower School After Hours Program should proceed directly to the
Lower School technology lab. Please note: If a Lower School student is not picked up by 3:40 p.m., or misses the bus, she is escorted
to the After Hours Program (charges may be incurred).
Middle and Upper School - All Middle and Upper School students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. They are to proceed to their buses,
cars, bikes, or walk home. All Middle and Upper School students are expected to leave promptly following dismissal, unless
participating in pre-planned activities or athletics. The Middle and Upper School carline is in the Columbia Avenue parking lot. If
Middle and Upper School students remain on campus, they must sign in to the After Hours Program, located in the Ruch Dining
Room.
Informal care is available from 3 - 6 p.m. every day for students in our Full Day 3/4, 4/5, and 5/6 Programs. After Hours Program sign-up
is done quarterly and requires pre-registration and payment. In the event of an emergency or unanticipated delay, arrangements for After
Hours Program may be possible for students in our Full-Day Programs. Parents will be billed for this service through the CSG Business
Office.
For pick up between 3:00 and 5 p.m., students are in the PYC building (Columbia House) - most often in the studio or on the PYC
playground. If the Studio is unavailable, however, they will be in one of the classrooms. Between 5 and 6 p.m., students are in the
Lower School technology lab, library, or on the Lower School playground.
If you are going to be later than your usual pick up time, please leave a voice mail message at 614-252-0781, ext. 305.
If your student is registered only for After Hours (3 - 5 p.m.), please plan to pick her up in the PYC by 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., you must
come to the Lower School technology lab, and pay the Extended Care fee of $3.00 at the time of pick up.
If your student goes to Extended Care, please plan to pick her up by 6 p.m. There is a $5.00 per minute fee for pick up after 6 p.m.
Lower School
The After Hours Program offers care for students in Forms I-V from 3:306 p.m. every day that school is in session. Students have the
opportunity to select from a variety of classes offered. Classes change each quarter. The program costs $15$18 per hour, including a
snack, and this care can be arranged for each day or only for certain days of the week. Registration is required. Information and forms
are sent home with the students (or posted to the website in August) three weeks prior to each new quarter. Registration deadlines are
strictly adhered to, as are pick-up times. There is a $5.00 per minute late fee for picking up your child after 6 p.m. This is based on a
sign-out time sheet and billed by the CSG Business Office. Call Linda Resch, Director of After Hours Program at ext. 109, or Betsy
Gugle, Director of Lower School at ext. 110, for more information. The direct telephone line to the After Hours Program is 252-0781,
ext. 109. Emergency care is available in the event that a student cannot be picked up at the regular dismissal time. Parents will be
billed for this service through the CSG Business Office.
Middle School
The After Hours Program (AHP) is a service provided by CSG. We provide students with a comfortable, safe environment from 3:45
to 6 p.m. in the Ruch Dining Room. A supervisor is on duty until the last student leaves campus, giving us the flexibility to offer
opportunities for quiet study, independent work, small group work and relaxation. Collaboration among the students and the adults
promote positive development, consistent expectations, and comfortable relationships.
Students in rehearsals or practices that extend beyond 6 p.m. are supervised by the teacher/coach in charge of that activity, not the
AHP personnel.
The program costs $15.00 per day including a light snack, and an additional $3.00 per day if students stay after 5 p.m. There is a
charge of $5.00 per minute after the 6 p.m. pick-up. We do accept drop-ins. Parents/guardians are billed monthly by the
Business Office.
Upper School
All Upper School students waiting for pick up at school after 4 p.m. MUST sign into the Upper School / Middle School After Hours
Program in the Ruch Dining Room. All students are to be picked up from the After Hours Program no later than 6 p.m. to avoid any
financial penalties. There is a charge of $5.00 per minute after the 6 p.m. pick-up.
Kirk Campus
Students and visitors using our 70-acre Kirk Campus, located at 1885 North Cassady Avenue, are not permitted on that campus
without CSG adult supervision. No student(s) should be left at Kirk Campus without CSG adult supervision.
School Visitation
Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the school at any time. Notification is appreciated so that schedules can be arranged. All of the
school-wide and traditional programs are open to parents/guardians. In addition, numerous parents/guardians meetings and coffees
are scheduled throughout the year.
Standards of Behavior
CSG expects every member of our community to treat one another, and the facility, as we would want to be treated ourselves. Each
division maintains its own specific rules and consequences for behavioral choices, based on the needs of the students and ageappropriate expectations. However, there are three overarching principles that are expected at all levels and from all members of our
community, both students and adults. These are: respect, responsibility, and reverence.
Bullying and/or hazing are neither permitted nor tolerated at Columbus School for Girls. Bullying among students is understood as
either a single act or as repeated acts committed by one or more students against another person. These negative acts may be physical
or verbal including hitting, kicking, ridiculing, cyber bullying, teasing, taunting, threatening, etc.or may involve indirect actions
such as manipulating friendships or purposely excluding other students from activities with the intention of causing distress. Implicit
in this definition is an imbalance in real or perceived power between the bully and the victim.
The School will investigate any incident that occurs in school, or has repercussions in school life. We can only address those
situations about which we are made aware, but we recognize that often this type of behavior goes undetected unless the student who is
being bullied or her parent/guardian comes forward. In response to this behavior, any or all of the principles outlined in the code of
discipline of each division may be used, depending on the circumstances and the age of the students involved. These consequences
may range from being redirected, being asked to leave the activity, engaging in personal conversations that may include
parents/guardians and/or faculty, or more serious responses such as loss of privileges or detentions up to and including suspension
and/or expulsion in severe cases. Bullying and/or harassment are viewed as violations of the honor code principle of respect for others
and their rights, and incidents that involve bullying/hazing are viewed seriously.
Intimidation, bullying in any form, harassment, vandalism, dishonesty, or any mean-spirited or hurtful behavior is not tolerated.
Consequences vary for choosing behaviors that violate our sense of respect for all, depending upon the circumstances and the age of
the perpetrator. Students are expected to take responsibility for their behavior. Support of these principles from parents/guardians is
absolutely critical to the success and safety of our community. The way students treat one another, the way teachers treat the students,
the way parents/guardians interact with teachers, and teachers interact with parents/guardians, all evolve from this sense of mutual
respect and personal responsibility. We do not need to agree about all things, but we do need to agree about this common ground of
shared moral principles that guide our speech and actions. These basic beliefs play out in many areas, four of which are outlined in
detail below: The Honor Code, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Policy, the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy,
and the Weapons, Legal Entanglements, Harassment/Threats Policy. Please read these sections carefully, as they apply equally to
all Divisions.
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Truthfulness
Honesty
Cheating: I will not copy the work of another, give nor receive answers on tests, nor divulge the questions on a test to
someone who has not yet taken it.
Plagiarism: I will not represent the work or ideas of another as my own; I will identify the source of all ideas that are not my
own.
Stealing: I will not take, use, or borrow the belongings of anyone without the permission of the owner.
C.
permanently removed from the school. Failure to notify the appropriate authorities at the school of such situations will be
viewed as deception, and will result in immediate disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion with no option of readmission.
Any threats of physical violence or harm, verbal or written, including electronic media (e.g., instant messaging, blogs, email,
etc.) of which authorship can be established, against students, faculty, staff, parents/guardians, the School, or someone in the
community, will result in disciplinary action and immediate notification of legal authorities, when that is indicated. Such
disciplinary action can include suspension or expulsion, or other consequences as determined by the Division Director
including, but not limited to, counseling, loss of privileges, apologies, and probation. If a student persists in harassing or
threatening another student, faculty member, or family, that student will be expelled.
Lower School
Columbus School for Girls centers its sense of community on the philosophy that each of us should treat others in the way that she
would wish to be treated. By embracing the values of mutual respect, individual and group responsibility, and reverence for concepts,
actions, and places that are special in human existence, we can create a morally strong culture and climate where each individual
student and adultfeels a sense of belonging, caring, and affirmation.
The norms for student behavior in the Lower School are be considerate, be safe, be responsible, be respectful, be healthy, and be a
learner. The students and faculty established the norms for student behavior. All are posted in the classrooms and used as constant
reminders of appropriate actions and decision making in our community. The norms are discussed frequently with the students.
Parents are encouraged to know these norms and support them at home.
Middle School
CSG students are expected to meet the following standards of conduct during school hours and at any activities during which they
represent the school. The standards, subject to timely review, are printed below:
1.
Academic honesty in presenting only ones own work for evaluation or adequately attributing ones sources. Any time that
one uses the words and/or ideas of another person without giving credit to the original author is plagiarism. Plagiarism and
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
other forms of cheating are taken very seriously. (Teachers clarify and specify what is appropriate for their classes at the
beginning of each course.)
Honesty in dealing with the property of others. This includes, but is not limited to, theft and borrowing without permission.
School property is included. (Students are urged to keep track of personal belongings and to place them in locked lockers
when not in use.)
Respect for and proper behavior toward all members of the CSG community, including teachers, administrators, staff,
parents/guardians, and other students. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, harassment of any
kind, including racial, sexual, religious, or ethnic slurs; profanity; failure to follow an adults reasonable request; improper
dining room behavior; failure to follow each teachers classroom rules. Students may not bring the name of CSG into
disrepute in any way.
Abiding by the laws of the City of Bexley and the State of Ohio. Weapons of any kind are forbidden, including laser pointers.
Illegal behavior may result in suspension or expulsion.
Student behavior and decorum at school are of concern to all members of the community and visitors to the campus. The
following standards may be enforced by any adult:
a. Students are not to run in the hallways and are expected to be mindful at all times of the needs of others, particularly
in not blocking halls or making it difficult for others to pass.
b. The following are not permitted: using profanity, chewing gum, sleeping during the day, wearing headphones
without permission, card playing, sunbathing, or unsafe behaviors.
c. All food is to be eaten in the dining room only. Food in classrooms is permitted on infrequent, special occasions if
initiated by the classroom teacher. Students may carry water in clear containers with caps or lids; no other beverage
is permitted. As a privilege, Form XII only may drink coffee, tea, water and/or hot chocolate, using mugs or hot
cups in the dining room or the senior commons.
Cell phones and electronics must be turned off and placed in lockers during the school day from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., in
accordance with the divisional policies printed below.
Discipline Guidelines
The intention of the Middle School Discipline Guidelines is to state as clearly as possible the consequences for behaviors that do not
reflect CSG values of respect, reverence, and responsibility. A Middle School student is expected to demonstrate:
Respect for all members of her CSG community
Reverence for her school as a positive and safe educational and social environment
Responsibility for her words and actions as well as school and personal property
When a student chooses to disregard these values, she should expect consequences. MS faculty helps the student work toward selfimprovement by explaining the reason for a consequence and by providing a timely consequence for the action. Parents/guardians
assist in teaching responsible behavior at school by upholding the mission, rules, and consequences that guide the MS Discipline
Guidelines. Together, faculty and parents/guardians can teach a student that I didnt mean to is not an acceptable excuse; a student
needs to ask herself is it kind? and is it safe? to guide her choices of behavior.
Misbehavior in middle school is generally minor, infrequent, developmentally related, and readily corrected. The severity, frequency,
and pattern of misbehavior as well as the students attitude determine the appropriate disciplinary procedures. The MS Discipline
Guidelines provide strategies for these behaviors.
Infractions of a minor nature result in a lunch detention. The student reports during lunch to the designated room with a faculty
proctor. She will be expected to have school assignments to work on, but no computer access.
Infractions that may result in a recess detention:
Rudeness to any member of the CSG community
Uniform violation (school, PE, athletic)
Chewing gum or eating food at the wrong time or place
Littering
Tardiness
Classroom, hall, or lunchroom disturbance (e.g., repeated talking in class, running in halls, leaving mess in lunchroom)
Unkind behavior (e.g., rumors, purposefully excluding someone, name calling)
Computer misuse (e.g., sneaking or misrepresenting computer use)
Any other violation of Handbook expectations
More severe infractions, or an accumulation of three (3) detentions in one quarter, results in an after-school detention, to be served on
the following Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Detention must be served on the assigned day regardless of after-school activities.
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Students who ride the bus or carpool have to make alternative arrangements for transportation. Faculty will contact parents/guardians
when it becomes necessary to assign a third lunch detention or a first after school detention. A student is permitted to do homework or
school-related reading during any detention. Computer use of any kind is not permitted.
Infractions that may result in a Thursday after-school detention:
Bullying
Kicking, hitting, or pushing
Avoiding supervision (e.g., roaming, skipping before/after hours)
Bus or field trip misbehavior (e.g., loudness, impoliteness)
Borrowing materials without specific permission
Profanity, slurs, taunts, or inappropriate gestures
Careless or intentional property damage
Inappropriate sexual comments or jokes
Major infractions may result in detention, suspension, or expulsion to be served in or out of school, to be determined by the Middle
School Director and the Head of School. Behavior that is threatening or harmful to self or others (even in jest) will be taken seriously.
The student may be asked to remain at home pending documentation of a risk and counseling assessment by a mental health
professional. Expulsion is a last resort and a rarely used consequence determined by the Head of School for extreme misbehavior.
Infractions that may result in detention, suspension, or expulsion:
Aggressive bullying (physical, emotional, verbal)
Fighting
Rudeness toward faculty or staff, failure to heed a warning
Cheating
Computer misuse (e.g., Facebook chat rooms, inappropriate emails, or any other violation of the Technology Acceptable Use
Policy)
Stealing
Plagiarism
Harassment of a student, faculty, or staff member
Sexual inappropriateness
Possession or use of Drugs or Alcohol (In violation of CSG ATOD Policy)
Please note: The absence of a specific behavior from this list does not mean the absence of consequences. The Middle School
Director and faculty reserve the right to discipline any behavior that is unsafe, unethical, inappropriate, or contrary to the mission of
Columbus School for Girls.
Upper School
CSG students are expected to meet the following standards of conduct during school hours (8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.) and at any activities
during which they represent CSG.
Respect for and proper behavior toward all members of the CSG community, including teachers, administrators, staff,
parents/guardians, visitors, and other students.
Prompt arrival at school by 8:00 a.m. and promptness to all classes. Tardiness is disruptive and disrespectful to faculty and
classmates.
Meeting all academic obligations, including classes, study halls, chapels, appointments, assignments, tests, quizzes, and class
projects in a timely manner.
Compliance in wearing the school uniform as described in the handbook. Only proper uniform clothing may be worn during
the school day.
Abiding by the ATOD Policy, CSGs code of conduct regarding the use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.
Abiding by the laws of the city of Bexley and the state of Ohio.
Exhibiting good behavior and decorum while at school or at school activities, as it affects all members of the community and
visitors to the campus.
Bullying and/or hazing are neither permitted nor tolerated at Columbus School for Girls. Bullying is defined as repeated, persistent,
and aggressive behavior intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to another person's body, emotions, self-esteem, or reputation. These
negative acts may be physical or verbal and include purposeful body blocks, targeted gossip intended to hurt, hurtful and targeted
comments made on social networking sites, and repeated teasing, taunting, or threats. These acts may involve indirect actions such as
29
manipulating friendships or purposely excluding other students from activities with the intention of causing distress or harm. Implicit
in this definition is an imbalance in real or perceived power between the bully and the victim.
Intimidation, bullying in any form, harassment, vandalism, dishonesty, and mean-spirited or hurtful behavior are not tolerated.
CSG will investigate any incident that occurs in school or has repercussions in school life, including any electronic communication
causing repercussions at school, regardless of the device used to communicate or the location of the student at the time of the
communication. We can address only those situations about which we are made aware, but we recognize that often this type of
behavior goes undetected unless the student who is being bullied or her parent/guardian comes forward. In response to this behavior,
any or all of the principles outlined in the code of discipline of each division may be used, depending on the circumstances and the age
of the students involved. These consequences may range from being redirected, being asked to leave the activity, engaging in
personal conversations that may include parents/guardians and/or faculty, to more serious responses, such as loss of privileges or
detentions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion in severe cases. Bullying and/or harassment are viewed as violations of
the Honor Code principle of respect for others and their rights, and incidents that involve bullying/hazing are taken seriously.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their behavior. Support of these principles from parents/guardians is absolutely critical
to the success and safety of our community. The way students treat one another, the way teachers treat the students, the way
parents/guardians interact with teachers, and the way teachers interact with parents/guardians all evolve from this sense of mutual
respect and personal responsibility. We do not need to agree about all things, but we do need to agree about this common ground of
shared moral principles that guide our speech and actions. These basic beliefs play out in many areas, four of which are outlined in
detail in the Honor Code, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Policy, the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and the
Weapons, Legal Entanglements, Harassment/Threats Policy. Please read these sections carefully.
Minor infractions include, but are not limited to, the following:
o Tardiness to school or to class
o Failure to follow the uniform guidelines
o Blocking the hallways, making it difficult for others to pass
o Chewing gum during the school hours
o Sleeping during the school day
o Inappropriate use of iPods and MP3 players, cell phones, or other electronic devices
o Consumption of food or drink (other than water) any place other than the dining rooms or in a classroom with
teacher approval
o Behavior that is disrespectful of the school or any of its members or guests.
Profanity
Improper dining room behavior, including failure to perform dining room cleanup duty
Failure to follow each teachers classroom rules
Unsafe behaviors
Parking in the faculty or visitor parking spaces
Leaving campus without securing proper permissions (note from parent/guardian, yellow Absence Request Form,
and medical-appointment verification note), including going to the students car
Unexcused absence from class or from school
Repeated minor infractions
Failure to follow an adults reasonable request
Failure to sign in to or out of the After-Hours Program
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Severe infractions have more serious consequences and are dealt with by the Director of Upper School or the Head of School.
Consequences may include, but are not limited to, suspension and/or expulsion. Severe infractions include, but are not
limited to, the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Intimidation or harassment of any kind, including racial, sexual, religious, or ethnic slurs
Possession of weapons of any kind, including laser pointers
Illegal behavior
Violations of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Policy
Violations of the Honor Code
Threats of physical violence or harm, either written or verbal, including any made using electronic media
Other egregious behaviors, such as fighting or vandalism
Repeated targeting of or aggressive behavior toward an individual student by another student or group of students
Summer Programs
The faculty and staff of CSGs Summer Programs are dedicated to providing the finest in educational programs. Students are able to
grow and develop new interest and friendships. There are opportunities to focus on new challenges, always with close teachers
support. The afternoon programs and specialty camps offer unique educational experiences which build confidence and initiative, and
provide a blend of challenge and adventure for each child.
CSG offers Summer Programs to both boys and girls from age 3 through grade 12, whether or not the student is enrolled at CSG. Each
summer, selected Upper School courses are offered for credit, usually including health, civics, public speaking, technology and a
selection of visual arts and alternative physical education courses. The Zoom! Afternoon Program (12:30 4:30 p.m.) is a field trip
based program, designed for students in grades 1-8. Activities are focused around weekly themes. The upper grade programs consist
of activities such as horseback riding, SCUBA diving, windsurfing, and nature hikes. Extended day care for the Summer Program is
also available from 7:30 a.m. 6 p.m.
Support Services
The support services department includes learning specialists, psychologists, counselors, the school nurse, and the form level deans.
Counselors and psychologists provide students with emotional support, training for conflict resolution and social skills, achievement
testing and personal awareness inventories, as well as referrals for educational assessments or personal counseling. Learning
specialists teach strategies for cognitive processing and memory retention, and skills for effective study and organization, and private
tutoring referrals are facilitated as needed. The school nurse offers health screenings and wellness education, as well as care and
referral for students experiencing illness.
The support services department collaborates with classroom teachers, coordinates Schools Attuned assessments, and provides parent
education including classes, book talks, coffees, and consultations. Records of support services are restricted and are maintained
electronically and separately from a students academic file. Restricted records are released only with explicit written permission
from a parent or legal guardian or to a student who is 18 or older.
Counselors
The school counselors provide a variety of services to students, parents/guardians, and faculty. The counselors seek to know students
through individual and small group meetings and classroom discussions. They work with parents/guardians, teachers, and students
concerning academic, developmental, social, and emotional issues. Counselors collaborate with the administration and faculty on
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substance abuse prevention and policy to ensure inclusion of effective programming for all children. They also are available to assist
with the planning, implementing, and facilitating of parent support groups. Counselors welcome all visits by students,
parents/guardians, and faculty.
Technology
Information Technology (IT) and Information Services (IS) faculty and staff work collaboratively to
develop leadership and skills in students in the creation, design, and use of technology, and to
incorporate the use of present and emerging technologies to serve the ever changing needs of the CSG
community. The department supports the students development of skills, knowledge, and selfconfidence to actively use technology in their daily lives to improve their performance and quality of
life.
The IT and IS staffs are responsible for all computer-related technology services. The Director of
Information Services and Library is responsible for overseeing curriculum integration, faculty
development, and library services. The Network Administrator and IT Manager oversee support, staff
development, hardware acquisition, network infrastructure and applications. Each of the four divisions
has staff to provide curriculum integration, classroom support, and faculty, staff, and student training.
CSG supports a campus-wide network with a full complement of software, reference materials, and
curricular applications. These systems, as well as our connection to the Internet, are maintained for
purpose of enhancing the educational experience of our students. A wireless network and Internet
access are provided throughout CSG. Students may bring personal devices to school according policy
in the students division or form, after registering the personal device with the Technology Department.
Registration includes a signed parent/guardian permission form and a check for active virus protection
software. The form may be obtained at the helpdesk.
Abuse of these systems is taken very seriously. Consequences follow age-appropriate guidelines and
will be determined by the Division Director and the Head of School. Consequences may include, but
are not limited to: removal of Internet access, reduction of privileges, suspension, or expulsion from the
school.
Traditions
CSG students gain a sense of continuity as members of the CSG community through participation in time-honored traditions cherished
by alumnae. Listed below are a few of those customs and events that are dear to generations of CSG students.
Big/Little Sister Activities: Students in Forms I - XII have several planned opportunities throughout the year to foster friendships
between older and younger students. Big sister classes are paired with little sister classes six grades their junior. This tradition has
been in effect for more than 90 years.
Class Flags and Songs: In 1912, Headmistress Grace L. J. McClure initiated the use of flags at CSG for Forms VII-XII, and they are
an integral part of the Chapel services. Individual class colors were combined with one of the school colors, red or gold, and each
year the outgoing senior class presents its flag, song, and mascot to the incoming seventh form.
Commencement: Commencement is a solemn ceremony held at Columbus School for Girls. All students in Forms IX, X, and XI
participate in this occasion. A reception is then held at the school for seniors, their families and friends. Form VI students participate
by holding a laurel chain in the center aisle while their big sisters recess.
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Scholarship Walk: Each fall for more than thirty years, students in Forms VI-XII, faculty, parents, alumnae, and friends have joined in
a walk through the countryside to help raise money for scholarships. PYC and Lower School students participate in a shorter walk
around the school campus. The walkers solicit sponsors to underwrite each mile walked.
Red/Gold Days: Red-Gold Days are planned events designed to develop and showcase school spirit, camaraderie, and community.
We encourage each girl to wear a red or gold shirt.
Thanksgiving Program: The Tuesday before Thanksgiving there is a short assembly in the gymnasium to commemorate this special
season of the year. Parents and alumnae are invited to join in this service. Students are dismissed for Thanksgiving vacation
immediately after the program.
Second Shepherd's Play: One of the oldest traditions at CSG, the Second Shepherd's Play is an old English play that has been
presented and performed since 1904 has recently been presented by Form VI students.
Arrival
You may park in a legal parking place on the street (Columbia Ave. and Powell Ave. are the closest) or in the parking lot at
any time of day, hold your students hand, and walk to the building.
You may use the Pick-Up/Drop-Off option in the Columbia Ave. parking lot at these times:
8:00 8:30 a.m., drop-off
12:20 12:30 p.m., pick-up for half-day students
3:00 3:15 p.m., pick-up for full-day students
When using the pickup line, pull forward to the curb and a teacher or parent/guardian volunteer will assist your student into
the car.
Have your name card on your dashboard on the passenger side. Please let us know if you will need additional cards for other
drivers.
Remain seated in your car. A teacher or parent/guardian volunteer will bring your student to the passenger side of your car when
you reach the curb.
A teacher or parent/guardian volunteer will assist your child into the car (car seats must be on the passenger side).
When you have safely buckled in your student, proceed out of the parking lot.
If you are dropping students off in the morning, you may drop off either at the Drexel Circle, or in the car pool lane in front
of the Upper School (flagpole entrance). If you are dropping off in front of the upper school, pull forward to the sign or as
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directed by the faculty member on duty; please do not stop right in front of the entrance. Please ask your student to gather
her things as you pull in, so that she does not detain others.
Drive up as far as possible in Drexel Circle to avoid back-ups. Drop off is not the time for an extended conversation, as it
delays the process. Please do not use your cell phone while in line for drop-off or pick-up for the protection of all students.
Do not leave your car in Drexel Circle or in the car pool lane. Instead, please pull into a parking spot on Drexel Avenue or in
the lot, if you need to come into the building.
All students should be here by 7:55 a.m. for Lower School and by 7:50 a.m. for Middle and Upper Schools, to allow time to
get settled before classes begin. If your student will be absent, please call your division office by 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal
The Columbia Avenue entrance should be used to pick up PYC, Middle, or Upper School students.
Do not block any crosswalk or intersection, especially the crosswalks at Broad and Drexel. Bexley police have been known
to give tickets.
If cars are backed up from Drexel onto Broad, go around the block. Do not hold up traffic on Broad Street by stopping in the
right lane.
When heading north on Drexel, do not make a left-hand turn into the Drexel parking lot or into the Drexel carpool loop when
heading west on Broad during drop-off and pick-up hours. Drive around the block and join the north-to-south flow.
Do not leave your car in the pick-up lane to go into the school. If you need to enter the building, park in a marked parking
space.
Do not make a left-hand turn from the school parking lot to head north on Drexel. There is a sign there to remind you. We
need to keep all traffic moving north to south. Please drive around the block and then head north.
Students are not permitted to run between cars to get into a vehicle pulling up in the outside lane on Drexel Avenue.
Remind your students when they are leaving campus to go immediately to the Upper School door and wait in the car pool line. That
way they can get into the cars quickly and facilitate the movement of the line. Please do not hold up the line by chatting with others.
Always cross the street at the corner of Drexel and Powell, where a policeman is stationed, or at the traffic light at the
intersection of Drexel and Broad. Please do not jaywalk.
Please do not talk on your cell phone for the few minutes that you are in the car pool line. It is vital that you can give your full
attention to driving safely.
Dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. for Forms I - XII. It takes several minutes for the students to gather their things and move outside
(usually 10 minutes for LS, and 15 minutes for MS/US students). It would be best not to come before 3:30 p.m., as it just
extends your wait time and stacks up the traffic. If you come a little later, it is less congested.
Student Drivers
Students who drive to school must use on-street parking; faculty parking lots are for faculty vehicles only. Student parking on Powell
Avenue is limited to seniors.
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Transportation
If you need assistance with transportation or carpooling or would like information about CSGs limited bus service, please call Jenni
Biehn, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, ext. 104.
Transportation services continue to be offered by public school bus systems for many of our students. Parents/guardians should call
their school district transportation office directly for information concerning these services. If your local school system does not
provide transportation, you may contact them regarding possible reimbursement.
365-5074
761-5831
751-7581
836-4962
855-2033
876-8343
797-5950
417-5140
431-6590
Note: You may be eligible to receive a refund if your student does not ride her districts school bus. Please check with your local district.
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
$25
$50
$75
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Dress Campbell tunic must be at or slightly above (1-2) the knee (available only from The School Closet).
Blouse:
Sweater:
Socks:
Fall/Spring: White knee. Optional: White crew socks or plain white tights.
Winter: Navy knee. Optional: Navy crew socks or plain navy tights.
No logos, sport socks, nor brand names.
Shoes:
Shorts:
Dress Campbell, cuffed or Navy, cuffed (available only from The School Closet or Lands End).
Pants:
Navy pants (your choice). Pants should be free of decoration, including decorative stitching, and without
labels/branding.
Sweatshirt:
Light gray with CSG in Dress Campbell (available only from The School Closet).
Belt:
PE Swim Suit:
All students are required to have a one-piece bathing suit for swimming classes.
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Dress Campbell tunic must be at or slightly above (1-2) the knee (available only from The School Closet).
Blouse:
Sweater:
Socks:
Shoes:
Shoes must be solid brown, leather or suede, with backs, without fur lining, and cut below the ankle. Sole height may
not exceed one inch and heel must be less than one inch.
Shorts:
Dress Campbell or navy, cuffed (available only from The School Closet).
Pants:
Navy twill or navy corduroy, flat or pleated front (available only from The School Closet).
Sweatshirt:
Light gray with CSG in Dress Campbell (available only from The School Closet).
Belt:
PE Shorts:
Navy mesh (Forms III-V) (available only at the CSG Unicorner School Store).
PE Shirt:
Gray with navy CSG (Forms III-V) (available only at the CSG Unicorner School Store).
PE Swim Suit:
All students are required to have a one-piece bathing suit and a swim cap for swimming classes.
Blouse:
White, button-down oxford, short- or long-sleeved, worn tucked in. Optional: Plain white turtleneck (with or
without CSG monogram available from The School Closet). Polo shirts may be worn untucked. No designer-logo
blouses or shirts. Only plain, white, short-sleeved t-shirts or camisoles may be worn under blouses or polos.
Sweater:
Navy, V-neck cardigan (button-down) with school crest. Optional: navy crew or V-neck pullover (cotton or acrylic
available only from The School Closet); regulation CSG sweatshirt; navy fleece pullover with regulation CSG
monogram. All students must own a crested cardigan for official uniform days.
Socks:
Shoes:
Shoes must be solid brown, leather or suede, with backs, without fur lining, and cut below the ankle. Sole height may
not exceed one inch and heel must be less than one inch.
Shorts:
Pants:
Navy twill or navy corduroy, flat or pleated front (available from The School Closet, Lands End, or the Attic). Pants
may not be cut so low that skin is exposed.
Sweatshirt:
Belt:
PE Shorts:
PE Shirt:
Gray with navy CSG (available only at the CSG Unicorner School Store).
PE Swim Suit:
All students are required to have a one-piece swimsuit and a swim cap for swimming classes.
PE Warm-Up:
Plain black sweatpants (purchased from any store). Gray, CSG crew-neck sweatshirt or gray, hooded CSG sport
sweatshirt. Although the PE warm-up is an optional purchase, we remind the students that PE classes do go outside in
cold weather and students may not wear other warm-ups.
Field Trips:
Clothing worn on field trips is determined by destination and can include uniform pants, khakis, jeans, or uniforms.
Vending Machines
Vending machines are located in the Ruch Dining Room for use by middle school and upper school students before and after school,
and during morning break. Machines are off-limits to all students during lunch. All drinks and other food MUST remain in the dining
room, and students are encouraged to recycle empty cans. Program for Young Children and lower school students may not use the
vending machines during school hours; use is solely a middle and upper school privilege. Lower school students who are involved in
intramural athletics may use the machines after school with permission from their coach.
Website
The Columbus School for Girls website is located at http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org. Information and links are updated
frequently to reflect activities, student and faculty accomplishments, athletic events, current news, and other items of general
interest. Parents are encouraged to submit student accomplishments to and/or photos to
[email protected]. A mobile version of the website, as well as a mobile version of the directory is
available on smartphones and mobile devices.
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