Metro Early College High School -

Science Critters: Mr. Cram's students learn about chemical reactions and create fun critters using polyurethane foam, food coloring and craft supplies.

Metro Hosts Second Annual Big Table Talk This morning, Metro welcomed 15 parents to its second annual Big Table Talk, a testament to parents' integral role in our school community. The discussion, which focused on the important topic of Transportation and Accessibility, was hosted by Mr. Anthony Alston, Director of External Affairs, and Superintendent Meka Pace. It provided a platform for parents to share their experiences, offer recommendations, and work together to address the Metro community's transportation challenges. At the heart of the conversation was the significant impact of Columbus City Schools' recent decision to discontinue transportation services for many previously qualified students. This change has created difficulties for families navigating drop-off and pick-up and raised concerns about access for students who rely on busing. We understand and empathize with the challenges faced by our community. Parents, Metro staff, and administration acknowledged these challenges, but the discussion focused on actionable solutions to alleviate these issues in the short and long term. The Columbus Foundation's Big Table initiative, which created this community-wide day of conversation, emphasizes the importance of connecting individuals to tackle shared challenges. In a time when society faces an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, it is more important than ever to come together, listen actively, and seek solutions as a community. "Today's conversation was incredibly valuable. We don't have all the answers, but it's clear that by working together and listening to our families, we can continue to address the transportation issues impacting our students," said Superintendent Meka Pace. Parents offered many insightful recommendations during the discussion, from improving the efficiency of the drop-off and pick-up lines to exploring alternative transportation solutions like carpooling and partnerships with local organizations. One of the most powerful ideas that emerged from the conversation was the recommendation for parents to come together and voice their concerns to local politicians and at upcoming Columbus City Schools board meetings. This collective action, when we stand together, has the power to draw attention to the transportation issues and seek more permanent solutions from those in decision-making positions. Several of these ideas will be pursued in the coming weeks as Metro works to ensure that all students have reliable access to their education. Stay tuned for updates on the next steps and outcomes from today's discussion. #TheBigTable #ColumbusFoundation

7th grade ELA students received new library cards from Ms. Mandy of the Columbus Metropolitan Library Northside branch. They learned how to access e-books and the Libby app on their iPads and spun a wheel to win prizes!

Exciting News! Metro Schools has been named a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction! This honor places us among just 60 schools worldwide recognized for excellence in education based on Cognia’s rigorous accreditation review process. We are proud of our amazing staff, students, and families for making this possible! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to quality education. Read more about this accomplishment here: https://www.cognia.org/press_releases/cognia-announces-2024-schools-and-systems-of-distinction/. #CogniaDistinction #MetroPride #ExcellenceInEducation

Mrs. J's science classes learned about animal care first-hand today, thanks to our friends at the PAST Foundation! Daijah Robinson will be teaching units in agriculture and design challenge this semester and Jim Bruner provided today's rabbit and chicken visitors from the Mezzacello Urban Farm in downtown Columbus. It was a fun experience for students and staff!

Great start to the first day of school, as members of the Middle School team cheered for students as they arrived this morning. We're looking forward to a great year at Metro Schools!

The excitement is growing as teachers report for training before the start of classes. We are gearing up for the start of the school year and can't wait to welcome students next week.

Middle school students reconnected to work on their summer reading projects at the library. Great way to hang out and be productive! Have you completed your project yet? It's due August 19, so get reading and journaling! https://www.themetroschool.org/page/summer-reading

Metro's students and staff are officially out for summer! Should you need assistance, our office will be open from 8:00am - 2:00pm weekdays during June (we will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday). Our office will close in July. For our new and returning families, don't forget to register for Bus Transportation, submit your child's annual Student Registration, and get started on the Summer Reading Assignment this month!

Serving Our Community: During the weekend, National Honor Society members spent time helping with clean up at the Park of Roses.

Metro@COSI: Stop by our booth on Town St during COSI's Big Science Celebration May 4 for a Star Wars themed craft. May the Fourth be with you! #cosiscifest (https://cosiscifest.org/visit/bsc/)

COSI@Metro Schools: Join us for Metro's STEM Expo from 3:30-5:30pm today to learn more about our program and engage in hands-on STEM activities designed for young learners (grades K-6). Families are welcome to stop by as we celebrate COSI's Science Festival going on this week.

Celebrate STEM with COSI's Science Festival this week! May 1 from 3:30-5:30pm, families are invited to Metro for hands-on activities and information on our upcoming expansion. On May 4, stop by our booth at COSI's Science Day event! Visit https://cosiscifest.org for details!

Career Exploration: In Advisory, high school students are researching careers that align with their values and creating posters to present next week. Thanks to our school counselors for this engaging activity!

The Art of STEM: Sophomore Star Brown was recognized at an awards ceremony for artwork selected for the 2024 Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition. National Art Honor Society members and Advisor Ashley Leslie were on site to see Star's work on display at the Rhodes State Office Tower.

Due to the inclement weather expected this evening, Metro after school activities are being cancelled today. Our school day will end at 2:30 PM as usual, but if your student planned to stay after school, they will need a ride home by 3:00 PM. This will allow everyone to travel home safely before any bad weather hits our area.

Metro teacher Erika Reeves joined OSU professor Sophia Jeong and Kelsey Gray (WHS) to present to preservice teachers at the NSTA conference in Denver. PAST Foundation staff participated in the design cycle session focused on creating engaging and actionable lessons for students. @MetroSchool1 @Erika_Reeves #ThisIsPAST

Middle school staff met with families of prospective students last week as the first round of 2024-25 admissions meetings got underway. If you know rising 6th graders interested in Metro, they can apply on our website to be included in additional lottery drawings this spring!

Congratulations to Metro grad Tierna Oxenreider for her outstanding performance at the NCAA Women's Fencing Championship last week: https://gocolumbialions.com/news/2024/3/22/five-women-earn-all-america-status-fencing-remains-in-second-at-ncaa-championships.aspx

Looking for ways to connect with the performing arts? Visit https://wexarts.org/calendar for a list of upcoming events at OSU's Wexner Center. March 28: Sarah Maldoror: Jump to Joy (tickets are free) April 4: DeeDee and Herb Glimcher Lecture: Ahmed Belkhodja of Fala (tickets are free) April 4: Anonymous Ensemble, Llontop (ticket purchase required)