Dear CCSD families and Chillicothe community,


Happy holidays! The school year is almost halfway through, and our winter break is right around the corner. I’m so proud of our students for finishing this semester on a high note and look forward to coming back together in 2023 for the second half of our school year together.


As we look ahead to 2023 and the spring semester, we encourage our students to continue utilizing school resources to help them succeed. Students and guardians are encouraged to reach out to Leslie Hamman, our district social worker, for any extra support needed. Students can meet with Leslie to discuss emotional and behavioral coping strategies, and guardians can join her for monthly group sessions. Reach out to Leslie at [email protected] and read on to see information from Leslie on our blog about testing anxiety and substance use.


I hope everyone has an incredible holiday season with family and friends. Rest up for what is to come and take time to celebrate your successes from 2022. 

 

Debbie Swinehart

Superintendent 

DISTRICT NEWS

Holiday Events at CCSD

This year, many of our buildings are celebrating the holidays before winter break on December 21 with fun, seasonal events for our students!


Chillicothe STEM Preschool

December 12-16 is Holiday Spirit Week and Santa is coming to visit on December 19. Preschoolers have an early release on December 20 – buses depart at 11 a.m. and family pick-up begins at 11:30 a.m.



Chillicothe Intermediate School

On Wednesday, December 14, third grade students will celebrate with a holiday program at 5:30 p.m. Fifth and sixth graders will have Choice Awards on Friday, December 16, in addition to PBIS Movie Trips during the school day on December 16 and 19, respectively. 

New Year; New Look for the CCSD Website

As students head back to school in January, the district website will have a new look! Continue to find us at www.ccsd.us with a refreshed look as we move into 2023.

Safety at CCSD 

At the Chillicothe City School District, keeping our students safe while they are in our care or participating in our programs is always our priority. We have implemented rigorous safety standards and procedures across our buildings and wanted to share more about our processes, so families fully understand our commitment to keeping their children and loved ones safe. Read more on our blog

Profile: Megan Cooper, Chillicothe Primary School Assistant Principal

At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, Megan Cooper joined the Chillicothe Primary School team as assistant principal. Since then, she’s integrated into our district as an active participant in community and school-related activities. Read more about her background and goals on our blog

Student & Family Wellness Update: Test Anxiety and Substance Use in Adolescence

As students take exams before winter break, they may be experiencing increased anxiety. While this is normal, test anxiety may be debilitating for some students. Symptoms of test anxiety can cause your kids’ test scores or grades to not truly reflect their abilities. Read this blog for a few tips on how to help your child manage test anxiety before and during a test.


Adolescence – transitioning from childhood to young adulthood – can be a difficult time. It is not uncommon for preteens and teens to experiment with substance use as they navigate this confusing transitional period. Many teens may look to substance use for self-medicating their ADHD, anxiety, depression, school problems or other emerging concerns. Whether this self-medication takes the form of vaping, marijuana, alcohol, or any other kind of substance, it’s important for parents to take the time to discuss the risks of substance use with their child(ren) and other, healthier ways they can cope with the changes taking place in their lives. Learn more by reading our blog.


As part of Chillicothe City School’s wellness program, Leslie offers parent support groups on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Atwood District Office Conference Room. Each month’s meeting focuses on the topics outlined in the monthly blogs. Reach out to Leslie at [email protected] or attend a support group to learn more tips for supporting your student. 

Chillicothe Primary School Students Receive Gifts from Thomas Worthington Students

For the last six years, Chillicothe Primary School has partnered with Thomas Worthington High School’s Service Club to deliver holiday presents to our students. CPS students write a letter to Santa asking for a gift, and TWHS students and staff deliver the gifts to our students on the last day before winter break. We’re so grateful to be a part of their service project and look forward to spreading holiday cheer to our students again this year! 

Chillicothe High School Cavalier Symphonic Choir Goes on Tour

Last week, our CHS Cavalier Symphonic Choir visited Chillicothe Intermediate School and Bishop Flaget Catholic School to perform their holiday set – great job, Singing Cavs! 

IMPORTANT DATES
  • December 14: CHS Cavalites at Eastern Star and 3rd Grade Music Program
  • December 15: CMS/CHS Band Concert
  • December 19: CCSD BOE Meeting
  • December 20: End Second Quarter/First Semester and Early Release for Winter Break
  • December 21-January 8: Winter Break
  • January 9: First Day of Third Quarter/Second Semester
  • January 12 and 14: CHS Review
  • January 16: MLK, Jr Day - No School
  • January 19: CPS Glow Party
  • January 21: CHS Solo and Ensemble
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Chillicothe City Schools | 740.775.4250