Columbus School for Girls · Columbus School for Girls was founded in 1898 by Mary Bole Scott and Florence Kelley and graduated its first class, ... Holiday Dinner, Martin ... homework

1 Uncontrolled copy if printed Last revised 8/10/2013

Columbus School for Girls 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.

Admission and Academics: 65 S. Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209

School: 56 S. Columbia Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43209 Kibler House: 66 S. Columbia Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209

Phone: 614.252.0781

Fax: 614.252.0571

Kirk Campus: 1885 N. Cassady Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219 www.columbusschoolforgirls.org

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/



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


Mission and Philosophy Columbus School for Girls, a college preparatory school founded in 1898, is dedicated to girls’ intellectual, social, and ethical growth from infancy through twelfth grade. The school is characterized by challenging academics, enriching arts and athletics, supportive relationships, and a range of diversity. We encourage girls and young women to discover their distinctive potential and to strive for excellence amid the challenges and opportunities of a global and dynamic world.

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 school’s 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

History of the School and School Traditions

History Columbus School for Girls was founded in 1898 by Mary Bole Scott and Florence Kelley and graduated its first class, two students, in June of the following year. Two new headmistresses took over the school in 1904, Miss Alice Gladden, daughter of the renowned congregational minister and writer, Dr. Washington Gladden, and Miss Grace Latimer Jones, who later became Mrs. Charles F. W. McClure. After Miss Gladden’s death in 1926, Mrs. McClure continued as sole headmistress, and it was primarily under her direction that the school became one of the most vigorous and progressive in the Midwest. Mrs. McClure was succeeded in 1938 by Dr. Samuel A. Shellabarger, the novelist, who served until 1946. He was followed by Beatrice C. and Walter R. Marvin. In 1953, during the Marvins’ tenure, the school moved from its original location at Parsons Place to the present site at East Broad Street and South Columbia Avenue. At Mrs. Marvin’s sudden death in 1957, Dr. Arleigh D. Richardson, III, a Columbus native and Assistant Dean at Yale University, became Head of School. A new wing, Marvin Hall, was added to the school in 1962, and the Kibler home, at 66 South Columbia Avenue, was purchased as the house for the Head of School. Dr. Richardson was succeeded in 1966 by Mr. John V. Chapman, former Assistant Head at the St. Paul Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1969, ground was broken for a large new addition to the Bexley site. The facilities, including a Lower School, library, gymnasium with pool and locker room, a fine arts complex, and theater-in-the-round, were completed in October 1970, providing the students, and hundreds of students to come, with an excellent preparatory school physical facility. Mr. Chapman retired as Head of School in June 1985, and was succeeded by Dr. Patricia T. Hayot, who was formerly Head of the International School of Paris. Under Dr. Hayot’s guidance, Columbus School for Girls undertook a


building campaign to construct new academic and athletic facilities, including the development of Kirk Campus, located on Cassady Avenue. A second campaign, the Centennial Endowment Campaign, endowed the school with funding to guarantee educational excellence into the next century. In July 2003, Dr. Diane Cooper, formerly Head of St. Edward’s School in Florida, became the eighth Head of School. During her tenure, plans were made to renovate and expand the Bexley campus. She retired in June 2009. 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.

The School Prayer Watch over our school, O Lord, as its years increase, and bless and guide its children wherever they may be. Let their hearts be warm with the flame of their youth’s ideals, their faith unshaken, and their principles immovable. Be thou by their side when the dark hour shall come upon them; strengthen them when they stand, comfort them when they are weak-hearted, raise them up if they fall; and grant that all may grow in grace, and departing from ungodliness, may serve thee in pureness of living and truth. Amen.

Absences and Attendance

We expect your student to be at school every day. Our program is built on continuity and consistency.

Notify the School If your student is sick or unable to come to school, please call 614-252-0781 to notify the school. If it is before 7:30 a.m., leave a message on extension 199, after 7:30 a.m., call your Division Office. Please notify the school nurse at x 105 if your child has a diagnosed contagious illness or communicable disease (e.g. chicken pox, strep throat), so that we may let other parents/guardians know that their students may have been exposed. If she has a communicable disease, the child must be kept home until:

• She is symptom-free • Medical treatment has occurred • A normal temperature has been registered for 24 hours (less than 100 degrees orally) without the assistance

of medication


Attendance Policies by Division 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.

Program for Young Children - Regular and timely attendance is important for your child to develop a sense of community and involvement in the routine of the day. Students are welcomed into their classrooms at 8:15 a.m., and attendance is taken promptly at 8:30 a.m. If your child arrives after attendance has been taken, please notify our administrative assistant, Lana Baker, of her arrival so that we may correct our attendance records. If you are running late, please call us (614.252.0781 x 106) and let us know so that we may notify the classroom teacher. We would also appreciate knowing if your child will miss school due to other circumstances (e.g., family vacations, visitors, etc.), and we will share this with the classroom teacher as well. Students often ask about classmates who are not present and it is helpful for us to be able to answer their questions. All families who have not reported a child’s absences will be contacted as required by state law. 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 student’s homework, call in your request to the Division Office or email your student’s 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 student’s 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.

Upper School Consequences for High Absenteeism On a student’s eighth (8th) absence from a class in a semester, a student will receive an “Incomplete” in that class for the semester. This incomplete will be removed only after the student has completed specified additional work for that course. This specified additional work will be determined by the classroom teacher in conjunction with the Director of Upper School and must be completed on the following timetable:

Absence-related incompletes from S1: Work must be completed by January 15. Absence-related incompletes from S2: Work must be completed by the end of May Program, and the

student may be held out of May Program in order to complete the work.

• Any agreed-upon work that is not completed on this timetable will receive a zero, and that zero will be factored into the student’s grade.

• A student who misses more than half of a class period is considered absent from the class for these purposes.

• A student’s contract may be withheld until an absence-related incomplete is removed from the student’s grade record.

Requests for Absence All requests for absences (other than sickness) are to be made well in advance, and must be requested with an explanation in writing to the Division Director. Middle and Upper School students must complete a yellow absence form and have it signed by their parents/guardians and all teachers. It will not be considered an excused absence if the proper documentation is not provided prior to the planned absence. We reserve the right to schedule make-up quizzes and assignments within an appropriate time of return to school.

Absences on Religious Holidays Columbus School for Girls recognizes diverse religious traditions and beliefs within its community and therefore supports observance of religious holidays by students, faculty, and staff. Students and/or parents/guardians are asked to notify directors and teachers several days in advance of upcoming absences for religious observance so that arrangements can be made to complete missed work in a timely manner. Please remember that as a non-sectarian school, we have students of all major faiths here, and many levels of observance within each faith group. We cannot possibly change our program to meet each family’s individual religious practices, but we are committed to working with each family to ensure that the student is accommodated as fully as possible within the limitations we have. CSG is committed to meaningful educational experiences on each day that school is in session. We cannot guarantee that new material will not be presented during absences for religious observances, but we will certainly keep major religious holidays in mind as much as possible when scheduling school events. No student will be penalized for such absences, and each will be given every opportunity, as well as assistance, to make up work, take tests, etc. Every effort will be made to work with our families so that students can observe religious holidays appropriately.

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 school’s 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.

Late Arrival and Early Departure Please note: There are some days when we have early dismissal (e.g., special days such as Thanksgiving, faculty work days, etc.). There is no public bus transportation provided on early dismissal days. The CSG bus will run as scheduled. Middle School - Students arriving after 8 a.m. should sign in at the Middle School office. Students leaving school before 3:30 p.m. should sign out in the Middle School office. If a student is tardy more than four times in a quarter, she will receive a lunch detention. A tardy encompasses any late arrival other than a medical appointment, late bus arrival, or emergency. 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 STUDENT’S 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.

Academic Performance and Reporting

Inquiries about a student’s school experiences and academic performance may be directed to her teachers or the appropriate Division Director (listed below) in order to receive prompt individual attention. Program for Young Children (PYC), Infants - 5/6 Year Old Program: Ms. Lynné Steinhaus, ext. 108 Lower School (LS), Forms I-V: Mrs. Betsy Gugle, ext. 110 Middle School (MS), Forms VI-VIII: Mrs. Cindy Trask, ext. 120 Upper School (US), Forms IX-XII: Ms. Pam Hartshorne, ext. 115 Jennifer Ciccarelli (Head of School) and school counselors also are available by appointment. Parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule conferences with teachers and/or administrators at mutually convenient times.

Program for Young Children


Parents and teachers have three formal Parent-Teacher conferences during the school year. These conferences are scheduled times for parents to meet individually with their daughter’s teachers to discuss information about her ongoing experiences and development. Informally, teachers and/or the Division Director are always available to meet with parents to discuss a student and/or classroom experiences. Prior to each formal conference parents will receive a developmental continuum, written comments about the student’s progress. These continuums are based on the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards and reflect the development of the child over the course of the year.

Lower School

In September, the Lower School holds introductory meetings. The purpose of these meetings is for parents/guardians to discuss their student’s 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 student’s 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 online and a hard copy of the year’s 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 student’s performance or behavior.

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 • behave in a responsible and cooperative manner and are role models for others

Meets Expectations - 2 Effort

In general, students earning an effort mark in this range: • satisfactorily completes assignments on a regular basis including preparation for quizzes, tests, and make-up

work • independently seek extra help • behave positively in the classroom

Needs Improvement - 3 Effort

In general, students earning an effort mark in this range: • show little or no preparation for daily assignments, quizzes, tests, or make-up work • rarely, if ever, seek extra help • lack positive contribution to the classroom


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 4 credits at least 1 credit each year

Mathematics 4 credits at least 1 credit each year and including Geometry and Algebra II

History 3 credits including World History, United States History, and Civics or AP United States Government and Politics

Science 3 credits including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Modern and Classical Languages

3 credits three years in the same language, including the third level of that language

Fine Arts 1 ½ credits

Physical Education ½ credit including Water Safety & Self-defense

Health ½ credit Health I and Health II

Technology ¼ credit Technology Project

Public Speaking ¼ credit

Electives 1 credit

Non-credit Courses College Preparation XI and XII, Senior May Program

Service 60 units

Grades/Check Period Reports Upper School awards grades for each of two semesters. Each semester grade represents the accumulated work and assessments for that specific semester, including a semester final exam, which comprises 20% of the grade. Recognizing that frequent feedback is important for students and valued by parents, the Upper School will also post Check Period grade reports via My Backpack that show students’ current grades at the six-, nine-, and twelve-week points in the semester. At the end of each school year, a printed end-of-year grade report will be send home. Fall Semester

9/28/12 Progress reports and whole-class comments posted online 10/19/12 Progress reports and whole-class comments posted online 10/25 &10/26 Individual Parent-teacher conferences held at school 11/9/12 Progress reports and whole-class comments posted online End of Sem. 1 Exam scores and final semester grades posted online


Spring Semester 2/15/13 Progress reports and individual student comments posted online 4/12/13 Progress reports and whole-class comments posted online

End of Sem. 2 Exam scores and final semester grades posted online

Academic Grading A+ 98-100

Superior A 92-97 A- 90-91 B+ 88-89

Above Average Work B 82-87 B- 80-81 C+ 78-79

Average Work C 72-77 C- 70-71 D+ 68-69

Below Average Work D 62-67 D- 60-61 F Below 60 Failing 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.

Failure of a Course or a Semester Students must pass all courses that are counted toward their graduation credit. A student who fails a semester of a required course must take the semester course over again and earn a passing grade.

Semester and End-of-Year Exams There are two major exam periods during the school year. The first is in December following the end of the first semester. The second is in May following the end of the second semester. Most academic courses require that students take final exams.

Academic Standing and Review The Upper School division director carefully reviews students’ grades at the end of each semester. At the end of the first semester, the division director may place a student on academic probation. This status is a formal expression of concern about the academic status of the student and her future at CSG. This probationary status will last for a semester, at which point the division director will either remove the student from probationary status (if she has demonstrated academic improvement) or counsel the student and her family to look at other educational opportunities other than CSG. When a student is placed on probationary status, it is always with the hope that the student, the school, and the parents/guardians can join forces in a supportive fashion to improve the student’s


academic standing. A student will likely be placed on academic probation if she has two D’s or one F, or if she displays a significant drop in one or a number of courses.

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 CSG’s 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.

Admission and Financial Aid The Admission Office makes every attempt to provide a warm welcome for students and families who are interested in learning more about the school. It is our deepest commitment to treat each student and her family fairly, justly, and with respect and honor. The admission policy is guided by the school’s philosophy and mission, and therefore strives for a diverse student body. All inquiries about admission or financial aid should be directed to Jenni Biehn, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, by calling 614.252.0781, ext. 104, or emailing [email protected]. Current families will receive the re-enrollment contract(s) for their daughter(s) in mid-January. Each contract must be signed by both parents/guardians and returned by mid-February with a deposit. Admission tours, visits, and testing take place year-round. Students who wish to be considered in first-round decisions must complete the Admission process by mid-February. Admission decisions are based upon the student’s transcript, teacher recommendations, entrance testing (3/4 Year Olds–Form XII), a personal visit with parents/guardians, and a student interview (Forms VI-XII). First-round decisions will be mailed on March 1. The financial aid program is designed to enable qualified students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to attend CSG. The majority of funds are made available to parents/guardians of students entering Forms VI–XII and serve to supplement their resources. To apply for need-based financial aid, parents/guardians or guardians must submit the necessary paperwork by early March. Forms may be secured from the Admission and Financial Aid Office or completed online. Notification of financial aid grants is mailed on April 15.

School Visits/Open House Parents/guardians, alumnae, and prospective families are welcome to visit the school at any time. However, notification is necessary so schedules can be arranged. Many assemblies and traditional programs also are open to guests. In addition, numerous parent meetings are scheduled throughout the year. Programs for prospective families are held October – April. More information can be found on the school’s website, www.columbusschoolforgirls.org , under the admission section.

mailto:[email protected]



Students who want to bring a female friend to school must get permission from their division director and complete the student visitation Form before the visit. Guests are expected to follow all CSG rules.

Host Family Programs and New Student Orientations New students entering Columbus School for Girls (excluding PACT) will be assigned a host buddy and/or host family. The buddy’s family will host the new family in their first year at CSG. New students will receive the name of their host family early in the summer. Host buddies provide great support for new students during their first days at CSG, while the host families offer year-round support for the new families. Orientation for new students in The Program for Young Children is held in June; Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools’ new student orientations are held in August.

Assemblies and Chapels Chapels, or assembly programs, for Forms I-V occur once in a six-day rotation. Forms VI-VIII meet once monthly; forms IX - XII have occasional formal chapels. The program might include an outside speaker, group, or a production reflecting student interests and activities. Parents/guardians are invited to Chapel programs in which their students participate. Meditations of the Heart, An Interfaith Book of Services, created by members of the CSG community, was introduced in 2003 to promote spiritual literacy and an understanding of the world’s great religious and ethical beliefs, and is used in all formal chapels.

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 co-curricular 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.

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.

Athletic Pick-Up (Evenings/Weekends) Students must be picked up only from the Upper School entrance (on Drexel Avenue immediately following a game or practice. All students must be picked up at the conclusion of practice sessions by 6 p.m. or they must sign into the After Hours Program. For those teams practicing at Kirk Campus, student-athletes must be picked up by 6 p.m. or return to the main campus via the bus shuttle service provided, sign into After Hours, and wait for transportation home. Athletics After Hours will be available until 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Sports Spectator Code of Conduct in Athletics Columbus School for Girls, through its Athletic Department, welcomes spectators to our games and competitions. Players and fans are reminded that we are a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, Forms VII-XII, and must abide by the rules and regulations which are set forth by the Association to maintain high standards of conduct, competition, and relations with member schools. Upper School and Middle School athletes compete as friendly rivals with opposing teams. This is the theme of interscholastic athletics—the idea of friendly competition. All spectators should reflect an attitude of good sportsmanship. Those who refuse to act in a sportsmanship-like manner may be asked to leave the competition area.

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 student’s 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

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. CSG’s Business Office will bill additional expenses incurred during the year monthly, with immediate payment expected.

Other costs to parents/guardians might include: • School supplies at beginning of year, costs vary • Upper School Tablet Personal Computer fee, $480 per year (US Students) • Charges for additional supplies required in some courses • Athletic equipment and travel, $300 per season* • School and gym uniforms, costs vary • Upper School Holiday Dinner—Forms IX–XII, $40* • Advanced Placement Exam Fees (for US students taking AP classes), $87 • Form XII Graduation Fee, $340*

Field trips and overnight class trips have included: • Form V – Marmon Valley Farms, $80 • Form VI - Winter Discovery, $75* • Form VII - Stone Lab, $245* • Form VIII - Washington D.C., $630* • Additional fee for miscellaneous Middle School field trips - $40 • Form XI - Stratford, Canada, $405* • Form XII - May Program trips, costs vary

Other items that have a fee: • After Hours Program (PYC, LS, MS), $15–$18/day • School yearbook, $40 • Dances, plays, etc., small entrance fees • Senior DVD, $35 • School supplies at the school bookstore • Trips, costs vary • Beginning instrumental music, $135 one-time fee • Optional spirit wear for extra-curricular and athletics

*Estimated costs. School accounts must be current before the first day of school in August, by the second day back after winter break, and at the end of the school year. If an account is not current, it may prevent the student from attending classes, taking examinations, receiving transcripts or grades, and/or participating in school activities. Families with student accounts that are in arrears will receive a telephone call and/or notification in writing from a Business Office representative, requiring that the account immediately be made current.


Please send all payments directly to our lockbox: Columbus School for Girls Business Office Department L-2018 Columbus, Ohio 43260-2018

This system ensures prompt application to your account and security for payments. Please do not send (or drop off) payments directly to CSG. Please do not send correspondence to the lockbox; only payments and the top part of the statement or your contract and tuition deposit should be sent to the lockbox.

Non-Required School Field Trips Students may not be able to participate in non-required field trips if their tuition account is not current. If you ever have any questions regarding your account, please contact Kathy Bapst, 614-252-0781, ext. 292. This payment policy was created to maintain CSG’s financial integrity, and to ensure that CSG remains a strong and fiscally responsible educational institution.

Cell Phones and Electronics

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. In addition, the ability to deal with personal upsets and disappointments in academics and friendships at school is an important step in developing the independence that will be required of students in college and beyond. For this reason, it is beneficial for students to wait until they get home to discuss the school day with their families. CSG accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones or other electronics.

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 • 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. The office phone is not available unless an emergency or illness exists.

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 student’s 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 student’s 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.

Communication with Parents/Guardians The primary method by which parents/guardians will be contacted with news regarding a specific academic division is through email. The school also regularly distributes an institution-wide newsletter and utilizes several electronic channels of communication and social media outlets to disseminate news and information (Facebook, Twitter, the CSG website, YouTube, Flickr, Issuu, etc.). Additional methods include postcards, letters, phone calls, committee meetings, school meetings, Parents’ Association, and one-on-one parent/teacher conferences. See the Academic Reporting section in each divisional section of this handbook for more details on scheduled parent/teacher conferences. Feedback will be solicited periodically, through electronic and written surveys.


Development Office: Giving to CSG The main responsibilities of the Development Office include annual, capital, and endowment giving, as well as honoraria, bequests, and memorial gifts. All contributions are received through this office. Jubilee activities also are headquartered in Kibler House. The School’s constituents are encouraged to volunteer for activities that support CSG and its students. Gifts may be made through the mail, in person in the Development Office, or online at www.columbusschoolforgirls.org (click on Support CSG). The School’s fiscal and contribution calendars run from July 1 – June 30. Every fund-raising project needs to follow the board procedure for approval by applying through the Development Office. The Development Office coordinates special events at the school including Commencement, Grandparent Days, and the Holiday Dinner. Personnel at Kibler House, 66 S. Columbia Avenue, also act as the coordinators of Alumnae, and Parents’ Associations. The Development Office coordinates use of the Kibler House facilities; please call ext. 131 to schedule meetings.

Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities CSG recognizes that healthy student development encompasses all aspects of a student’s educational experience. While our primary focus is academic, we know that a variety of activities can expand, illuminate, and reinforce academic lessons. Student government, field trips, club activities, speakers, athletics, service projects, the arts, and social events are just some of the ways CSG weaves complementary opportunities into the school year. In conjunction with the appropriate CSG administrators, Form Mothers and Form Fathers are encouraged to become involved with the planning and chaperoning of activities. Information about activities will be available throughout the year in a variety of formats including emails, Next Week News weekly newsletter, Middle School and Upper School morning student announcements, letters home, club meetings, and the CSG website, www.columbusschoolforgirls.org .

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 entrée, a vegetarian entrée, 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 nut-free environment.


Students enjoy a family-style lunch. The PYC students have an adult at each table to help students with the lunchtime




routine and to serve fruits, vegetables and other healthy choices. When the meal is finished, students clear their own places and then have outdoor play. Half-day students are dismissed at 12:20 p.m. following lunch. Parents/guardians are invited to volunteer as lunch helpers. PYC students rotate lunch tables regularly throughout the year, thus allowing their lunch times to be an opportunity to meet other students in the PYC as well as faculty members.

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.

Middle and Upper Schools

Middle School students have assigned tables; Upper School students do not. If there are announcements, the call bell will sound, signaling a need for quiet. Every day, before leaving the dining room, students clear their dishes and make sure that all trash is removed from the table and the immediate floor area. The overall dining room clean up is performed by students on a rotating basis under the supervision of teachers.

Gift Giving Policy All teachers and staff members at Columbus School for Girls appreciate your desire to be generous, but the gift of spending time with your student is gift enough for us. Please respect our request: no gifts are needed; no gifts are expected; we would prefer a card if you feel the desire to say “thank you” or “happy holidays” to us. If you still feel compelled to give a gift, any gifts given to teachers or staff should be modest in value ($25 or under) and should not involve cash. Please express your gratitude to the wonderful people here through personal notes or homemade goods. In helping our students learn that expressions of gratitude can often best be accomplished through the written word of heartfelt thanks or a homemade item, we are teaching them a valuable tool for their future lives. If a family wishes to honor a teacher with a gift to the school, please contact the Development Office for details on how to make that gift.

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 student’s 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 Physician’s 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 Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools Lower, Middle, and Upper School students/parents are required to provide:

1. 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.

• 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:

Physician’s 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.

• Asthma Information Form A.1 • Authorization to Carry Inhaler Form A.2 • Severe Allergy Action Plan Form A.3 • Authorization for Possession of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Form A.4 • Request for Administration of Prescription Medication by School Personnel Form B.2 • Diabetes Care Plan

As noted on the pre-printed health forms sent to each family by the nurse, some over-the-counter medications are kept in the nurse’s office and require parent permission each school year on this form.

Children’s Chewable/Liquid Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Adult Regular Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Children’s 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.

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/about-csg/school-health/csg-medical-forms/index.aspx


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 physician’s signature (with the date of the exam) and the signature of a parent/guardian are required prior to the first practice for any sport. Program for Young Children Every year, each child in the Program for Young Children (PYC) must have a current Annual Physician’s Report, dated and signed by the physician, on file. Please note that the exam date and physician signature cannot exceed one year from the first day of school and all sections of the form must be completed. These forms are valid for one year from the date of the exam and may need to be updated during the school year. If you visit the physician during the school year for an annual exam, please update this form again at that time. Immunizations are important for school entry. The PYC Supplemental Forms also are mandatory for the PYC. This form has important emergency contact information and emergency transportation authorization that must be in place prior to the first day of school. Please complete both sides (including full addresses and signatures) so that we can reach you and have the medical information available. In the event of an emergency, this information is provided to the medical services team, and it is critical that it be complete and understandable. If your student requires medication during the school day, please complete Form B.2 - Request for Administration of Prescription Medication by School Personnel. Legally, the school cannot administer any medication without the proper written authorization on this form. Please send the medication in the original manufacturer’s or prescription container labeled with your student’s 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 CSG’s two libraries, the Catherine Hamilton Power Library (PYC–Form V, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) and the Eleanor Kurtz Beaton Library (Forms VI–XII, 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 DVD’s 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.

Lost and Found In an effort to minimize the number of lost items, please:

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:


The PYC lost and found is located in the dresser in the first Columbia House hallway restroom. All clothing is inspected for nametags and/or monograms and returned directly to the student, if possible. Any unclaimed items are displayed in the Columbia House foyer during Parent/Teacher Conferences.

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.

Middle School, Upper School, and Athletics

Items found in the Middle and Upper Schools and the Athletic areas are placed in the bins at the bottom of the stairwell in the mansion basement, or in the bins at the bottom of the Cinderella staircase. Personal articles, such as watches, jewelry, and eyeglasses are generally kept in the divisional offices, or at the Mansion Front Desk.

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.)


Records and Directory Information Families are asked to update directory information as needed in My BackPack, our online student database. Some of this data is used as your family’s electronic directory listing. If you cannot access your family’s account in My BackPack, please contact your division office.

Safety and Crisis Information Students should always try to behave in a manner that will not jeopardize their own safety or the safety of others. It is imperative that they walk, not run, in the halls and not allow themselves, or their belongings, to be an obstacle for others or a fire hazard. Students should pay close attention when safety instructions are given in science labs, art classes, and physical education classes. Students should familiarize themselves with fire and tornado regulations, as well as exit routes from all areas of the school.

Crisis or Emergency Information

The following list was compiled to ensure preparedness for a crisis or emergency situation. The purpose of this list is to provide general information and procedures, not detailed information. Detailed information would be released should an emergency occur.

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 family’s 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. The Head of School will make decisions regarding specific situations. The CSG Crisis and Safety Committee

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.

Entry Codes and Passwords Columbus School for Girls is monitored by a security system requiring an entry code that changes each year and as needed. Parents/guardians may get codes and passwords from their students’ Division Directors.




Between the hours of 3:00–5 p.m., Program for Young Children parents/guardians and caregivers should enter through the Columbia House entrance using the confidential keypad code. After 5 p.m., all PYC parents/guardians and caregivers should go to the Lower School and enter through the Drexel Circle entrance to meet their students in the Lower School technology room. Between the hours of 3:30–6 p.m., Lower School parents/guardians and caregivers should enter through the Drexel Circle entrance using the confidential student keypad code, and then sign out their students from the After Hours Program, in the Lower School technology room. Middle School and Upper School students who are in the After Hours Program must sign out with the After Hours coordinator in the Ruch Dining Room before leaving. Parents/guardians may enter the building through the Upper School Drexel Avenue entrance until 6 p.m.

Evening Special Events Students and guests should enter and exit through the entrance designated by the invitation to the particular event. Most frequently, the designated entrance will be the Columbia Avenue Events entrance by the theater.

School Closure, Snow Days, or Emergencies Our website will display an alert message on the homepage and each division page in the event of an emergency, such as an early closing due to snow. This enables parents/guardians to retrieve the details of closings more easily without calling the school. Go to www.columbusschoolforgirls.org to see the most up-to-date information. Additionally, you will be notified by our emergency notification system. Emergency calls from the school come from 411 on your caller ID. You also can obtain information about school closings on the following TV and radio stations, in addition to announcements recorded on the CSG telephone voicemail system: TV Stations Radio Stations WCMH (Channel 4) WCOL-92 FM WSYX (Channel 6) WTVN-610 AM WBNS (Channel 10) WKFX-105.7 FM WMNI-920 AM WHOK-95.5 FM

School Hours, Arrival, and Dismissal School Hours Program for Young Children/PACT Thursday or Friday 9–11 a.m. PYC Half-Day Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. PYC Full-Day Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Lower School Monday- Friday 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Middle School Monday- Friday 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Upper School Monday- Friday 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 daughter’s 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.

After Hours Program Childcare is available after school hours (3:00-6 p.m.) to accommodate the varied schedules of CSG families.

Program for Young Children (PYC)

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 3:30–6 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.

Evening Special Events Students and guests should enter and exit through the entrance designated by the invitation. The usual entrance is the Columbia Avenue Events Entrance by the theater.

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 age-appropriate 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.

The Honor Code Upper School students and faculty created the written Honor Code at Columbus School for Girls during the school years 2003 to 2005. Its written form serves as an expression of the community values and aspirations shared and practiced by generations of CSG students past and yet to come. The Honor Code is signed by each Middle and Upper School student at the start of the school year in a formal signing ceremony. Each student’s signature represents her pledge and commitment to the highest standards of honorable, ethical behavior.

The Honor Pledge As a member of the CSG community, I pledge to conduct myself honorably, with truthfulness and honesty at all times. I will live in our community practicing respect, responsibility, and reverence.

Truthfulness I will fulfill my promises and obligations. I will not intentionally misrepresent the truth, withhold information, create a false impression, nor mislead

anyone.


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.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Policy

In partnership with our families, Columbus School for Girls (CSG) is committed to promoting an alcohol-free, drug-free, and tobacco-free lifestyle for our students. CSG students are expected to obey all city, state, federal and school laws, including those that forbid the use of both legal substances for persons under a specific age for use, and illegal substances by any person. CSG is a drug-free community and expects every student to respect and obey the school rules concerning these substances without exception. Expectations of Students: On the CSG campus, at school-related events, or on any other school’s campus, the following are prohibited:

A. Use of tobacco products. B. Possession, use, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages. C. Possession, use, distribution, or sale of any controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, or any other illegal substances. D. Sharing personal prescription medications for any reason with another student is dangerous and strictly prohibited.

School Responses:

A. Depending on the circumstances, the Division Director and Head of School will determine treatment, educational plans, and consequences ranging from the contacting of parents/guardians, assessment for chemical dependency, and/or loss of privileges, to suspension or expulsion. B. The Head of School retains the right and responsibility to make all disciplinary decisions based on circumstances and the student.

Supervision of students during non-school events, and at times when the student is not in the care of the school, is a parental responsibility. We encourage students to seek help for themselves or others by contacting a faculty member, school counselor, Division Director, or other CSG adult member with whom they feel comfortable should they be dealing with any of these issues themselves or know of others who are. It is our intention to abide by all state and local laws, while supporting our students in developing healthy and safe lifestyles.

Weapons, Legal Actions, Harassment/Threats Policy The safety of our students and faculty is of paramount importance at all times. The student who chooses to violate any of these restrictions is putting our community in danger and will be subject to the consequences outlined.

A. Possession of firearms and/or any other weapons or items that would be a threat or a perceived threat (e.g. an item that resembles a weapon and is purported to be a weapon, whether operational or not) will result in one of the following consequences: in-school or out-of-school suspension, loss of privileges, counseling, or expulsion, depending upon the danger posed by the item in question.

B. Any student who is arrested or who is under investigation for criminal involvement may be issued a leave of absence pending resolution or adjudication of her case. Further, any student convicted of a felony in a county,


state, or federal court will be 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 re-admission.

C. 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.

Division Specific Standards of Behavior Program for Young Children

In the Program for Young Children at Columbus School for Girls, we strive to maintain a community of mutual respect for our students, teachers, and parents/guardians. This respect includes a climate of open communication, where student’s questions, ideas, thoughts and feelings are listened to and encouraged. Our staff is committed to clearly defining socially acceptable behaviors that will help the child be a positive member of the community. Students are encouraged to share their joys and concerns, and are actively involved in solving conflict or disagreement. The students are guided by being encouraged to make positive choices, learning from natural and logical consequences, and being responsible for the choices they make. In addition, students are able to learn from safe mistakes. In the event that a child chooses to behave in a way that infringes on the rights of others, endangers herself or others, or misuses materials or equipment, she will be given the choice of either participating appropriately, communicating and addressing the situation, or leaving the group activity for a moment. Should the child leave the group, she is always under the teacher’s supervision and will be encouraged during this time to rethink her options and make a plan for future interactions. The child can return to the group activity at any time that she feels ready to participate in a responsible manner, and is reminded of this. Once the child returns to the group, the child is recognized for resolving the concern in a positive manner, and is warmly welcomed back to the group. This process enables the child to gain self-confidence, and helps the child learn how to become a responsible member of the community. Teachers will understand and support the child’s feelings, helping her to verbalize the issue and see that she is a part of the consequences. Should a pattern of behavior develop, further consequences may range from those mentioned above to personal conversations which may include parents/guardians and faculty, or more serious responses such as loss of privileges including suspension and/or termination of enrollment in severe cases. In addition to the teachers and staff of the PYC, all visitors to our program, including parents and guardians, are expected to follow the guidance policies of the Program for Young Children. Per rule 5101:2-12-22 of the Administrative Code, guidance policies apply to all persons on the premises.

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 adult—feels 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 one’s own work for evaluation or adequately attributing one’s 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 other forms of cheating are taken very seriously. (Teachers clarify and specify what is appropriate for their classes at the beginning of each course.)

2. 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.)

3. 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 adult’s reasonable request; improper dining room behavior; failure to follow each teacher’s classroom rules. Students may not bring the name of CSG into disrepute in any way.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 self-improvement 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 didn’t 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 student’s 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. 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, CSG’s 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 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.

Consequences and Discipline Consequences for failure to follow basic standards of behavior might include, but are not limited to the following: assigned study halls, revocation of privileges, disciplinary letter placed in a student’s file, disciplinary probation, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, dismissal, or any combination of these consequences at the discretion of the Form-Level Dean, the Director of Upper School, or the Head of School. Out-of-school suspensions must be reported in the college application process.

The Director of Upper School and the form-level deans oversee the discipline system.

• 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.

• Major infractions include, but are not limited to the following:

o Profanity o Improper dining room behavior, including failure to perform dining room cleanup duty o Failure to follow each teacher’s classroom rules o Unsafe behaviors o Parking in the faculty or visitor parking spaces o Leaving campus without securing proper permissions (note from parent/guardian, yellow Absence

Request Form, and medical-appointment verification note), including “going to the student’s car” o Unexcused absence from class or from school o Repeated minor infractions o Failure to follow an adult’s reasonable request o Failure to sign in to or out of the After-Hours Program

• 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 Intimidation or harassment of any kind, including racial, sexual, religious, or ethnic slurs o Possession of weapons of any kind, including laser pointers o Illegal behavior o Violations of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Policy o Violations of the Honor Code o Threats of physical violence or harm, either written or verbal, including any made using electronic

media o Other egregious behaviors, such as fighting or vandalism o Repeated targeting of or aggressive behavior toward an individual student by another student or

group of students

Spring Break Camp CSG’s Spring Break Camp is held the first week of spring break for CSG students and their siblings. Boys and girls age three through Form VI are invited to attend. Our youngest campers must have some preschool experience and be toilet trained. Each day will have activities that may include baking, playing, singing, swimming and exploring a fun location in the city of Columbus! The day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Extended care is available until 6:00 p.m. for an additional charge. The cost for any age student is $300 for the week or $350 for extended care. Registration and payment are due by March 1.

Summer Programs The faculty and staff of CSG’s 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 student’s 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 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 self-confidence 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 student’s 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. Technology Mission Statement Columbus School for Girls provides and supports a technologically integrated and innovative environment in which girls develop digital fluency and the self-confidence to actively contribute to an ever changing technological world. Columbus School for Girls Technology Department Vision We strive to have an environment where all students, faculty, and staff thoughtfully embrace emerging technologies. Every member of our community will be able to research, manipulate, analyze, and communicate information effectively. We will be critical, ethical, and collaborative users of technology. Our community will have the ability to recognize and develop creative solutions to evolving challenges and opportunities. Technology Acceptable Use Policy Acceptable Use Policy Compliance The use of technology at CSG is a privilege granted to our students. Access to and use of the network are guided by the values outlined in the school’s mission and philosophy: values that include honesty, integrity, responsibility, ethical behavior, and mutual respect. Accordingly, users of CSG technology are prohibited from actions that are dishonest, unkind (such as personal attacks and invasion of privacy), invasive, illegal, (such as libel, slander, vandalism, sexual harassment, theft, unauthorized access), immoral, unethical, or in other ways inappropriate. Students are expected and required to comply with all laws and CSG policies as outlined in the student handbook and the full Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, which can be accessed through the CSG website. Student Electronic Conduct On and Beyond the CSG Network Electronic communications need to be free of offensive or disruptive images or messages, including, but not limited to, sexual implications, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments which offensively address age, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, national origin, or disability. This policy not only applies to any student use of CSG network, but it also applies to any electronic comments and conduct made by students outside of the CSG network that affect the school community, inhibit the sense of emotional or physical safety of any member of the community, or reflect poorly on the school community. Educational Purpose CSG’s computers, network resources, and related technologies are provided for educational and school-related purposes. CSG has the right to place reasonable restrictions on material accessed or posted through the system. While using technology at CSG, all community members are expected to obey the law, treat all computer equipment with care and respect, and help enforce


these rules with others in the area. Prohibited Actions (Excerpted from the CSG Acceptable Use Policy, 2013-2014): Slander and Libel: No allowances will be made for harmful and false statements.

Vandalism: Malicious use or deliberate attempts to damage the hardware, software, or information on the network or any computer system connected to the CSG network violates the Acceptable Use Policy. Malicious activity and vandalism includes, but is not limited to, attempting to violate the integrity of private accounts, files, or programs; deliberately infecting the network with malicious software or viruses; and attempting to “hack” into any of the computers on the network by any means. Theft/Plagiarism: Information found in print resources and information found electronically need to be treated the same way. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Each user is responsible for complying with copyright laws and the rules and laws that govern intellectual property. Students, faculty, staff, or subcontractors may not use CSG technology for the illegal copying, storing, disseminating of illegally acquired software/intellectual property. Unscrupulously impersonating another person online is a form of identity theft. Harassment: Any form of harassment in cyberspace, often called cyber bullying, will not be permitted. Cyber bullying includes but is not limited to the following: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs and social media). Members of the CSG community who feel that they are victims of such technology misuse should not erase the offending material from the system. They should print out a copy of the material and report the incident immediately to the appropriate Division Director or the Director of Information Technology. All reports of harassment in cyberspace will be investigated fully.

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior Any misuse of any technology at CSG may result in revoked rights, disabled access, disciplinary action, or expulsion and termination, as determined by administrators.

Important Technology Documents All School Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students, Faculty and Staff PYC PYC Program for Young Children Technology Guidelines Lower School Lower School Technology Guidelines Middle School Middle School Social Media Guidelines Middle School 1:1 Handbook ThinkPad Laptop Agreement Technology Behavior Agreement Microsoft Surface Pro Agreement

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/USTechnologyFiles/AUP_whole_community__20121302.29.20121.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/PYCFormsandFiles/Program_for_Young_Children_Guidelines.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/LowerSchoolFiles/Lower_School_Student_Technology_Guidelines201213_grouped1.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/MiddleSchoolFiles/Introducing_MS_social_Media_guideline.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.net/ms1to1/

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/MiddleSchoolFiles/Thinkpad_Laptop_Agreement.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/MiddleSchoolFiles/Behavior_Technology_Agreement.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/MiddleSchoolFiles/Microsoft_Surface_Pro_Agreement.pdf


Upper School Tablet PC Handbook Tablet PC – Troubleshooting Tablet PC Parent/Guardian Online Orientation Tablet PC New Student Orientation Signup Tablet PC Lease Agreement Upper School Standards of Behavior for Technology Use

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. 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.

Traffic and Parking Safety Procedures for Program for Young Children Students

The following procedures are in effect for morning arrival, lunch dismissal, and end-of-day dismissal. Any adult who drives a student should be informed of our procedures.

• When using the car line, students will be assisted into/from the vehicle from the curbside. Students must enter and exit the vehicle on the curbside. Car seats should be on the passenger side to facilitate this.

• Remain with your vehicle while you are in the car line; we want to move the line as quickly as possible. • Do not leave your car running unattended while you are walking your student to the building. • Students may not be left unsupervised in your vehicle while you are away from the car. • 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.

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.net/Tablet_PC_Handbook/

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.net/troubleshooting/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDgkevfFuFQ

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A9A82EA75-convertible

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/ContentGallery/Tablet_PC_Loan_Agreement_Month_long_version.pdf

http://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/data/files/gallery/UpperSchoolFiles/Technology_Standards_of_behavior__for_MS__US2012_2.pdf


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 student’s 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.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off • 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.

Lower, Middle, and Upper School Students

Arrival • 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 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.


Transportation If you need assistance with transportation or carpooling or would like information about CSG’s 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.

Transportation Office Telephone Numbers Columbus Public Schools 365-5074 Dublin Schools 761-5831 Gahanna Jefferson 751-7581 Groveport-Madison 836-4962 New Albany-Plain Local 855-2033 Upper Arlington Schools 876-8343 Westerville Schools 797-5950 Whitehall Schools 417-5140 Worthington Schools 431-6590 Note: You may be eligible to receive a refund if your student does not ride her district’s school bus. Please check with your local district.

Unicorner School Store The CSG Unicorner School Store operates as a debit account. You may open an account for your student, or increase the current balance. As your student’s account balance decreases during the year, you may make additional deposits. For students who do not have an account, the store also accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Checks for deposit into your student’s account should be made payable to the CSG Unicorner School Store, and mailed to: Columbus School for Girls, Business Office, Dept. L-2018, Columbus, Ohio 43260-2018. Be sure to include your student’s name and Form on all checks. During the school year, the daily school store hours are 12:30 – 2 p.m. In August, the Unicorner School Store is open for back-to-school supplies and PE uniforms on New Student Orientation Day. Students in Forms I-XII must purchase CSG PE uniforms consisting of mesh shorts and a t-shirt. Forms VI-XII also need outdoor weather PE uniforms, consisting of CSG sweatshirt and black sweatpants. Each of these items may be pre-ordered. The approximate cost of PE uniforms is $56-$77. If you choose to open an account at the school store, please send a deposit that is large enough to cover these PE costs, in addition to the suggested account limits below. Please also plan to make regular deposits throughout the year, as needed. Suggested Unicorner Store account limits after initial purchases:

Lower School $25 Middle School $50 Upper School $75

Uniform Guidelines and General Appearance


Information printed in italics throughout the uniform descriptions below indicates which items are the official uniform and must be a part of each student’s wardrobe. Students are to be in official uniform for events such as Convocation, Thanksgiving Program, Open House, and assemblies. Please label all pieces of your student’s uniform.

Official Uniform Providers 1. The School Closet, 73 North Stygler Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, for official uniform clothing items. 2. The CSG Unicorner School Store at CSG, (614) 237-0088 or (614) 252-0781, ext. 168, for PE uniform items. The CSG “Attic” is a source of gently used uniforms. It is operated by the Parents’ Association and is open during school hours. The school receptionist has instructions and prices. Proceeds go to the CSG Parents’ Association and are used to support projects that benefit CSG students.

Make-up, Jewelry, and Accessories In keeping with CSG’s uniform policy and belief that students should be neatly and modestly dressed for school, upper school students may wear conservative make-up that is in keeping with a natural look. Students are required to limit hair color to a natural shade for their age. Students may wear jewelry that is non-obtrusive and non-distracting. Facial ornaments (including, but not limited to, nose, eyebrow, lip, and tongue studs or rings) other than earrings are not permitted. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Headscarves are only permitted if worn consistently for religious reasons. PYC and lower school students are not permitted to wear make-up or fingernail polish.

Program for Young Children Students

The official PYC uniform is a tunic, oxford blouse, knee socks, cardigan sweater with school crest, and sneakers. Students are to be in official uniform on official uniform days. Please label all clothing with your daughter’s first and last name. Tunic: Dress Campbell tunic must be at or slightly above (1-2”) the knee (available only from The School Closet). Blouse: White, oxford, button-down, short- or long-sleeved. Optional: Plain white turtleneck (with or without CSG monogram) or white, short- or long-sleeved, polo-type shirt with CSG monogram (available only from The School Closet). Sweater: Navy, V-neck cardigan (button-up) with school crest. Optional: Navy, crew or V-neck pullover (cotton or acrylic – available only from The School Closet).

All students must own a crested cardigan for official uniform days. 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: Closed toe, closed back sneakers. No Crocs. Shorts: Dress Campbell, cuffed or Navy, cuffed (available only from The School Closet or Land’s 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: Brown leather for shorts and slacks. PE Swim Suit: All students are required to have a one-piece bathing suit for swimming classes.

Lower School Students


The official LS uniform is a tunic, oxford shirt, knee socks, cardigan sweater with school crest, and uniform shoes. Students are to be in official uniform for Chapel in addition to other official uniform days. Please label all clothing with your daughter’s first and last name. Tunic: Dress Campbell tunic must be at or slightly above (1-2”) the knee (available only from The School Closet). Blouse: White, oxford, button-down, short- or long-sleeved. Optional: Plain white turtleneck (with or without CSG monogram) or white, short- or long-sleeved, polo-type shirt with

CSG monogram (available only from The School Closet). Sweater: Navy, V-neck cardigan (button-up) with school crest. Optional: CSG sweatshirt as described below (available only from The School Closet). All students must own a crested

cardigan for official uniform days. Socks: Fall/Spring: white knee. Optional: white crew or plain white tights. Winter: navy knee. Optional: navy crew or plain navy tights. No logos, sport socks, nor brand names. 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: Brown leather for shorts and slacks. 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.

Middle and Upper School Students

The official uniform is a skirt, oxford blouse, knee socks, cardigan sweater with school crest, and uniform shoes. Skirt: Dress Campbell. Skirt must be at or slightly above (1-2”) the knee. 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: Fall/Spring: white knee. Optional: white crew or plain white tights. Winter: navy knee. Optional: navy crew or plain navy tights.

No logos, sport socks, brand names. 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. Pants: Navy twill or navy corduroy, flat or pleated front (available from The School Closet, Land’s End, or the Attic). Pants

may not be cut so low that skin is exposed.


Sweatshirt: Light gray with “CSG” in Dress Campbell. No hoods. Belt: Brown leather for shorts and slacks. PE Shorts: Navy mesh (available only at the CSG Unicorner School Store). 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.

