Columbus Online Academy Times

Columbus City Schools

November 30, 2022

Volume 2, Issue 2

🗲News🗲

Q and A with Principal Angel about new School Logo

Q: Who picked and designed our logo?

A: The logo design was a joint effort between the staff and the district-provided marketing team.

Q: What does it represent?

A: A lightning bolt for being charged up, locked in, and ready to go!

Q: When did our logo become official?

A: We were today years old when it became officially official.

Q: What will our logo be used for/go on?

A: Whatever we like.

Q: How does a new school pick a logo?

A: We get feedback from all stakeholders (students, staff, families, community, etc.) and take a vote. Sometimes the principal makes the final decision.

zoom_out_map

Billy George

zoom_out_map

Deb Rheyne

zoom_out_map

COA Participants

Billy George, Guest Speaker, Inspires Students

By Willowhawk Bowen, Amani Douglas, Trevon Goins-Boykin, and Ya'Mailah Thomas

On November 4th, 2022, teacher Deb Rheyne's intervention class had a guest speaker, Billy George, who is paralyzed from the shoulders down. George is a graduate of The Ohio State University, who occasionally does motivational speaking at schools such as COA. He shared his positive outlook on life with the students through a Zoom session.

About 20 years ago, when he was 14, George and a friend were playing with a gun at his house when the gun went off. The bullet went through George's face and lodged in his spine. Rheyne said, "At the time, no one was sure if he would make it." He survived, but the accident left him permanently paralyzed.

This major event completely changed George's outlook on life. He doesn't feel sorry for himself and has forgiven his friend for the accident. "It's funny how seeing death can make life so clear." George said that his mother was ready to press charges against his friend, but George told her not to. He understood his actions were an accident and decided to forgive the boy who shot him.

George said, "Getting shot in the face almost killed me, but it also saved my life" George has been through a lot of trauma in his early life besides being paralyzed. Around 11, his father killed his great-grandfather, leaving him homeless. George said, "I was headed down the wrong road. I hung out with the wrong people, doing street drugs. I owned a gun at age 14." After being paralyzed, however, he didn't have a way to do those bad things. George said that all he had was thankfulness for staying on this earth. The accident opened his eyes to a new life and helped him see the world differently.

Nowadays, he makes sure to live life to its fullest. He lives near the Ohio State University hospital and likes to go there to talk to the patients and cheer them up. "You can't be shy when you're in my position," George says. Even though he's paralyzed, he does what he can with what he has. He doesn't see himself as different; he can shop alone, type and write using a special joystick, and paint with his mouth. George smiled, saying, "I do sit-down comedy because I can't do stand-up."

Although he likes to do some things on his own, he knows that there are times when he needs help due to his paralysis. He said, "Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. One of the most independent things you can do is ask for help." George shared advice with students saying, "During your struggles, you don't have to put on a perfect picture for everyone when you're going through something, and it's okay to ask for help." His main message to students is, "Do what makes you happy."

After hearing George speak, Willowhawk Bowen said, "We all have a little to learn from Billy, whether we need not be afraid to ask for help or stop taking life for granted. I think we all should take Billy's advice and appreciate the wonderful moments in our lives."

Ya'Mailah Thomas said, "I'm sure George has inspired many with his story because even though something awful happened to him, he took the positive out of the situation. He could have chosen to complain. Instead, he thanked God for saving his life."

George said, "It's funny how death can make life so clear. Many people should thank God for seeing another day because that's a day somebody else doesn't have." Thomas added, "His story taught me to be grateful for the things and people I have now because you never know when something might happen." Trevon Goins-Boykin said, "Billy is a positive example to everyone who makes excuses for what they think they can't do." Students who could not attend the Zoom session may contact teacher Deb Rheyne for the inspirational video.

College Field Trip Exposes Students to Options after High School

By Willowhawk Bowen and Amani Douglas

On Wednesday, November 16th, some COA students took a field trip to three different colleges. All three schools were a way to experience life at college and the history of each school and its structure. The organizer of the trip, teacher Byrd Prillerman, said his aim was to spark inspiration and get people seriously thinking about a college education. Those three colleges were Wilberforce University, Central State University, and Wright State University. All three were in the Dayton area.

Anyone could sign up through a Google Form on the COA Google Classroom. Students were to arrive at Walnut Ridge at 7:45 a.m. and depart on a school bus shortly thereafter. The first (and smallest) of the colleges visited was Wilberforce. Wilberforce is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and the predecessor of Central State. Wilberforce used to be located on Central’s campus, but they moved down the street after they helped found them. The school is the nation’s oldest private historically black college.

Next, they drove two minutes away to Central State University. This school was also an HBCU, and a lot bigger than the former. The last one for the day was Wright State University, named after the Wright brothers. This university had a more modern architecture that created a more refined look, except for the tunnels. The university is also known for its African American history. It has tunnels underneath the schools that connect all of the academic buildings and go back to the Underground Railroad. The students attending thought it was fun to be traveling in there rather than in the below-freezing November weather. According to Willowhawk Bowen, “The field trip succeeded with its intended purpose. It got us thinking about realistic college options and made us excited about the future we can build for ourselves.”

Click here for more photos from the trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GhrkHwfXccGMqX51A.

COA students can work in person with teachers

Student Austin Mack works with English teacher Kathy McQuate, social studies teacher Charlene McChesney, and math teacher John Siemer at Walnut Ridge High School in the COA space. Students can work with teachers in person at Walnut Ridge, The Point at Otterbein, or the Columbus Metropolitan Library. If students want to meet in person, they should contact one of their teachers to arrange a time and place to meet.

🗲Opinion🗲

Students Rate Rosaline, a Romeo and Juliet Parody

Amani D.

Rating: 4/5

(+) I like how it gave a different point of view to the whole Romeo and Juliet story.
(-) I don't like how they made Romeo and Juliet survive at the end after everything that happened.

Ya'Mailah T.

Rating: 5/5

(+) I liked that they showed modern wordplay and problems while also keeping a Renaissances time period look on things too.
(-) They didn't give Steve the Courier enough screen time.

Aymon M.

Rating: 5/5

(+) What I liked about the film is that everything was on point, and I really liked the setting.
(-) The only thing I didn't like was Rosaline's dad trying to force her to marry a man he picked.

Ilias O.

Rating: 5/5

(+) It was a very fun twist to the interesting, but yet kinda boring, film Romeo and Juliet.
(-) Nothing really. I really thought it was truly a fantastic movie; highly recommend it.

Willowhawk B.

Rating: 3/5

(+) It was clever to modify a historical text for modern times, I suppose.
(-) I don't enjoy romances or most comedies. This was geared toward people who are nothing like me. I don't like Shakespeare either. I mostly disliked the romance plot; it makes me cringe from embarrassment and the foolish, shallow actions of the characters. The characters acting without sense and being overly wishy-washy distances me from the story, though I suppose I will give this movie a few points for it being self-aware enough to poke fun at those things. It's not as bad as I expected it to be because of its comedic self-awareness, but it wasn't all that enjoyable either.

Jamia M.

Rating: 5/5

(+) It was funny.
(-) Romeo was dating Juliet as he was dating Rosaline.

Zion M.

Rating: 2/5

(+) What I liked about the film was the ending.
(-) How long it was.

Mariah J.

Rating: 4/5

(+) It was more realistic to where I could connect to it.
(-) I didn't like how Romeo didn't try to talk to Rosaline or try to explain why he switched up.

Marquise J.

Rating: 4/5

(+) The jokes.
(-) It wasn't long enough.

Naveah F.

Rating: 5/5

(+) I liked that it was sort of played out differently than the original and was funny.
(-) I wish that it was longer because I actually liked it. I would consider watching it on my own time, but I also don't like that before Juliet, Romeo cheated on Rosaline.

🗲Featured Staff🗲

zoom_out_map

Gemma Park

Gemma Park is a math teacher and department chair at Columbus Online Academy. Before becoming a teacher, she was a business consultant. When asked to share a fun fact, Park said she once auditioned for the tv show Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Park earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University in New York and her master’s degree in business administration at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania.

Park’s hobbies include tennis, which she still plays, and spending time with her friends and family.

zoom_out_map

Anita Lindsay

Anita Lindsay is the chair of the special education department and a teacher at Columbus Online Academy. When asked how she ended up at COA, Lindsay said, “The Columbus Online Academy 9-12 Principal, Christian Angel, asked if I wanted to join her staff (previously known as Blend-ED 9-12), and it was a definitive YES for me!” Lindsay continued, “I absolutely love our ‘new’ school! Our staff has become a tight-knit family. I feel because we have very similar ideas and visions of how online education should be: we are setting the example.”

This is Lindsay’s 18th year as an educator. Her first teaching job was at Beechcroft HS from 2005 - 2010. Before joining Columbus Online Academy 9-12, she worked as an Intervention Specialist in the Options for Success Program (previously known as IPASS). When the pandemic hit, CCS went virtual with Digital Academy, which was challenging for many.

When asked about her hobbies, Lindsay said, “I love and enjoy many things such as playing board games and cards, reading, writing, learning about other cultures, bowling, doing arts and crafts, dancing, traveling and visiting family and friends. My most memorable trip was to Brazil in the summer of 2010 for two weeks. It was AMAZING!”

Lindsay describes herself as a "social butterfly," explaining that during her high school years she was in the Spanish Club, Glee Club, Pep Club, and she was also on the Track & Field team. She said, “The most amazing experience I ever had was the opportunity to go see Prince in concert for FREE! Everyone in attendance received a free CD. I never sat down. I danced and sang out loud the entire time! I had the chance to attend his VIP after-party, but I had a young daughter to pick up from a friend's house, so I didn't go.”

Lindsay attended THE Ohio State University after high school. She transferred to Ohio Dominican College, which became Ohio Dominican University before she graduated, and received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree (BSE) graduating Cum Laude. About seven years later, she attended the Columbus Branch of Ashland University and received her Master’s in Education (M. Ed). She holds a K-12 Intervention Specialists License.

Lindsay said, “Being a mother of two beautiful children, I didn't have time to participate in clubs, teams, or organizations while finishing my degrees. When I started at Ohio Dominican College. I was still healing from a broken ankle, so I wore an orthopedic boot and walked with crutches. I befriended a couple of guys in class who became my assistants, helping me get around campus. I tried to pay them, but they refused to take my money. I became truly spoiled!”

Lindsay is excited that Columbus Online Academy 9-12 is a school (not a program), and she is looking forward to our first-ever prom and graduation.

zoom_out_map

Jo Pulskamp-Jackson

Jo Pulskamp-Jackson is a new social worker at Columbus Online Academy. Before joining COA, Pulskamp-Jackson was a case manager in a hospital, worked at FCCS, and also did work as a therapist/counselor. She has a 22-year-old daughter and a son who will graduate this year.

When asked about her interests, she said that she is a dog lover and her current dog is 15 years old. She added, “He thinks he rules the house.” Pulskamp-Jackson also loves to travel. She has visited Australia twice, Europe and the UK several times, and the Caribbean. She said, “My hope is to go Bali soon.”

Pulskamp-Jackson is also a huge OSU fan, which is where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She said she has met OSU fans every place she has traveled.

Pulskamp-Jackson said, “I really like my job and I am very lucky to work with such an amazing, dedicated group of education professionals.”

Pulskamp-Jaskson with her son

Pulskamp-Jaskson stands with her son in Sydney Harbor, right at the edge of the boardwalk. She said, "Sydney Harbor has the highest number of bull sharks in a harbor, I was scared I was going to fall in and get eaten."

🗲Awards and Honors🗲

Bowen Wins Art Contest

On November 29, Willowhawk Bowen received the most votes for her artwork, pictured above, representing COA's four core values: critical thinking, originality, advocacy, and kindness. Chasity Blankenship won second place. To submit art for future issues, click here.

Students Earn College Credits While in High School

By Teacher Anita Lindsay

Congratulations to the Columbus Online Academy students who are taking College Credit Plus Classes. Dre'Aira Lindsay, pictured above, is in the Seniors to Sophomores program and has dual enrollment with Columbus Online Academy and Otterbein University. Willowhawk Bowen is attending Columbus State Community College in addition to her classes at COA. Any students who are interested in learning more about taking college courses while in high school should contact their guidance counselors. There is an opportunity for students to take classes through Franklin University as early as January 2023.

Apex all stars

zoom_out_map

Shoutout to technology expert Holbrook

By Jack Roberts

Congratulations to Kelly Holbrook, a technology department staff member recently hired by Columbus City Schools. Holdbrook assisted Columbus Online Academy for over a year with our technology-related issues through Proteam Solutions, Inc. In October, she went from PSI, a contract company (IT field tech), to CCS Desktop Support Tech. She is a valued member of our team.

zoom_out_map

Shoutout to Christiana Willis

By Anita Lindsay

Congratulations to Christiana Willis, an Intervention Aide with Columbus Online Academy 9-12. Christiana is extremely kind and helpful to students. She is also very valuable to the Intervention Specialists because of her creativity and technology skills she uses to assist them. She is certainly appreciated.

zoom_out_map

Shoutout to Angel Lindsay

By Anita Lindsay

Congratulations to Angel Lindsay, the new Student Support Specialist with Columbus Online Academy 9-12. Angel primarily assists the secretary with making/receiving phone calls, setting up Zoom meetings for attendance hearings, and emailing and/or mailing correspondence to families. She also assists with distributing Chromebooks, hot spots, headsets, and student ID’s to students, as well as performing several other office duties. She truly is a team player.

zoom_out_map

Shoutout to Teacher Jack Roberts

By Kathy McQuate

Shoutout to Roberts for all of the little things he does to make going to work at COA's space at Walnut Ridge fun. His smile, friendly conversations, "jack-of-all-trades" repair and assembly skills, food donations, and holiday decorations make our workspace kind and welcoming.

zoom_out_map

Shoutout to Byrd Prillerman

By Kathy McQuate

Teacher Byrd Prillerman spoke with students on Veterans Day, sharing his experience in the U.S. Air Force. Thank you for your service!

🗲Announcements🗲

Join the COA Nature Club!

By Teacher Lindsay Santen

Receive internship hours for getting outside and helping the environment! The nature club will participate in 10 hikes this winter at various Columbus Metro Parks in Dec-Feb. Click here for the winter hikes calendar. In the spring, club members will participate in citizen science by surveying butterflies. They will also be helping the environment by cleaning creeks and pulling invasive plants. These activities will usually occur every week on Wednesdays during the school day, although there are special events on some weekends. Of course, the club will have some planned springtime hikes, which will be published later.

Sign up on Remind to participate in the Nature Club.

zoom_out_map

Internship Hours

CLICK HERE for the internship hours application form. Students need 120 hours to meet their graduation requirement. Contact Internship Coordinator Steve Baker at sbaker5930@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Keep track of your wellness activities in December (see image below), and email them to Teacher Michelle Jeffries for internship hours.

zoom_out_map

Columbus Online Academy Times is a Student-Run Newsletter

CLICK HERE to submit announcements or story ideas. Any student or staff member may submit an announcement, column, or feature story. Our publications staff meets every Monday and Thursday during period 6. Contact McQuate for the Zoom link if you are interested in joining our team. Articles without a byline were written collaboratively.

Looking for another issue?

Click below for Volume 1.

December Newsletter 2021

January Newsletter 2022