Hello A. Sophie Rogers’ families! Below please find information about upcoming events, key information, resources, and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLOSURES
To see all upcoming events or to subscribe to the school’s event calendar, visit our events calendar. If you would like to download a printable PDF calendar showing the school’s closure dates for the 2024-2025 school year, click here to download the calendar.
Wednesday, February 5
Kindergarten Transition Meeting, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
NEWS
Kindergarten Transition Meeting
If you have a child who is age-eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2025, we offer an evening to discuss child readiness and enrollment processes on Wednesday, February 5, from 4:30-5:15 p.m. The first part of this informal meeting will be general kindergarten-readiness and transition; the second half will be devoted to the enrollment process, with an emphasis on the Columbus City School district.
If you are interested in kindergarten readiness but your child will not be transitioning in the fall, you are still welcome to join! In addition, ASR and the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy has several online resources available for more information on general kindergarten transition and readiness.
- Kindergarten Transitions: Examples from the A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning (with a link to a PDF with additional information)
- Kindergarten-Bound: Tips for supporting your child during this important transition (with a link to a PDF with additional information)
Additional Columbus City Schools District Information
Learn about each of the Columbus schools at the Virtual School Choice Fairs! You can watch video presentations that give an overview of each Columbus City School. Video conferencing links will also be available for the online event. During the scheduled times for the fair, families can click on the link and chat live with the principal and/or school staff.
The Columbus City Schools 2025 Elementary School Fair takes place on Thursday, February 6, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Click here to learn more about the Columbus City Schools Elementary School Fair.
Library Mural Unveiling
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of muralist Anthony Pomales, Jean Pitman and Wexner Center for the Arts staff, and Weinland Park Elementary scholars, the ASR library now has a beautiful mural. Family Engagement and Literacy Specialist Sarah Simpson secured Spark grant funding provided by the Mellon Foundation to create this collaborative community artwork, and ASR families contributed to determining the mural’s subject through a “Creative Conversation” program with project partners and by voting weekly on mural aspects.
On January 23, the mural was officially “unveiled” and dedicated with a small reception for families and contributors. If you haven’t seen the finished mural, please stop by the library to check it out!
Library Update
February is a busy month for family engagement programs here at ASR. We are celebrating Black History Month by featuring a special storytelling presentation by ASR parent Miss LC and her family on Wednesday, February 26. We will also have a Black History Month pop-up book giveaway and an ongoing book display. We welcome you to stop by the library and pick up some books to support your family’s commemoration of the month.
We have a couple of upcoming volunteer opportunities for families who would be interested in helping with Week of the Young Child (April 5-11) events or Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). If you are interested in helping with programming, please reach out to Sarah by email at Simpson.962@osu.edu or by stopping by the library.
Winter Weather Notifications
It is that time of year when snowy, icy or other inclement weather conditions may impact school and other daily routines. In case of severe weather closure or delay, our automated system will send each family an email informing of closure or delayed start. Please ensure that your family’s email is current in our system; you can stop by the front desk to inquire at any time.
It is important for young children to explore the snow and winter weather! When the temperature allows (above 25 degrees), classrooms will go outside, if only for a few minutes. Please dress accordingly in winter weather clothing and label hats, coats and other warm weather items. Help to keep track of your child’s clothing and accessories by labeling each with initials or name!
Winter Wellness
As we navigate through the cold and flu season, it is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of our children and the entire child care community.
Our Child Care Preventive Measures
To further protect our children and staff, we implement the following measures:
- Regular Handwashing: We encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Sanitizing Surfaces: High-touch surfaces and toys are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Healthy Habits Education: We teach children about good hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes.
- Health Screenings: Daily health checks are conducted to monitor for signs of illness.
- Outdoor Play and Ventilation: We dress properly and go outdoors for fresh air and activity whenever the weather permits.
What Families Can Do
One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping children home when they are sick. Here’s why it’s so important:
1. Preventing the Spread of Illness: When a child is sick, they can easily spread germs to other children and staff. Keeping them home helps to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.
2. Faster Recovery: Rest is essential for a speedy recovery. When children stay home, they can rest and recuperate more effectively, which helps them get back to their normal activities sooner.
3. Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: Some children and staff members may have weaker immune systems. By keeping sick children at home, we protect those who are more vulnerable to severe illness.
4. Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment: Healthy children are more engaged and able to participate fully in activities. Keeping sick children at home helps maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all.
What to Look For When Your Child Is Sick
- Fever
- Coughing or sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual fatigue or irritability
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please keep them home and consult with your healthcare provider. Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy space for our children to learn and grow. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES AROUND COLUMBUS
If you want more information on an event, you can click on the event name in the left column, which will open a webpage from the event organizers in a new browser tab.
FACCES Family Events
(click the red text above to go to the events webpage)
- All events take place at FACCES Starting Point Family Center, 2515 Lockbourne Rd., Columbus
- Activities include fitness, cooking, food pantry (with delivery), mental health support, and more
- Visit the FACCES events calendar to learn more about specific events, days, and times
WOSU Second Saturday Kids Days
(click the red text above to go to the event webpage)
- Second Saturday of each month (on February 8 this month) from 9-11 a.m. in the Ross Community Studio at the WOSU headquarters, 1800 N. Pearl St., near the Ohio State campus
- Children can experience learning through characters they already know and love and explore themes that combine imagination, interaction and technology to investigate art, science, math and reading
- Event is free, but registration is required
Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University
(click the red text above to go to the event webpage)
- Located on the fifth floor of Smith Laboratory at 174 W. 19th Ave, on the Columbus Campus (Main Campus)
- Once-a-month shows are appropriate for children over age 3, if they are able to sit quietly in the dark for 40 minutes
- Students and faculty in Ohio State’ Department of Astronomy present the shows
- Free programs on February 14 at 6 p.m., March 21 at 6 p.m.
- For more information, email planetarium@osu.edu
