City prepared for students’ return

With school back in session in central Ohio, we all have a role to play in the safety and success of our young people.

Many corporations, places of worship and charities, including Amazon, Volunteers of America and Charity Newsies, provided book bags, school supplies, haircuts and clothing as part of back-toschool efforts.

Columbus City Schools rolled out the red carpet for children returning to classes — sometimes literally, such as at Parkmoor Urban Academy. Columbus Gifted Academy opened its doors at a new location in the Short North. I was proud to visit classes at Ohio Avenue Elementary School and see such excited students, ready to learn.

Columbus Public Health has been busy providing immunizations to keep children healthy during the school year. Public Health will have extended hours at its clinic at 240 Parsons Ave. from Sept. 9 to 16.

Our Division of Police is concentrating efforts in school zones to ensure our students have safe passage. On the first day of Columbus schools, officers issued dozens of tickets to cars speeding in school zones. We all need to slow down and pay attention. The division has 19 school-resource officers within Columbus schools, to provide safety and also to build trust and relationships.

The city has invested in infrastructure to assist with safety, too. We have built more than 17 miles of sidewalks since 2015 and landed federal grants for an additional $380,000 to build sidewalks around elementary schools.

Columbus’ Recreation and Parks Department provides many after-school programs, including sports. We have retooled the Application for Purpose and Success (APPS) program, to address the needs of 14- to 21-year-olds; this intervention and prevention provides productive alternatives to harmful activities.

This summer, I visited an APPS cohort and listened as the young people talked about being better prepared for school and employment and their concerns about violence in their neighborhoods. What stood out to me most was how they thrived under the positive influence of their mentors.

No one entity can do everything our young people need. We rely on corporate and community partners to be resources to our youths. For example, the Columbus Metropolitan Library offers homework help at every location.

Each of us — parent, neighbor or community member — can contribute to the safety and success of our young people. I encourage everyone to be involved. Join a Neighborhood Watch program. Volunteer in after-school programs through churches or community programs.

Become a mentor or reading buddy through Columbus City Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Columbus Mentoring Alliance or other organizations. I was a mentor to a student at West High School last year, and it was some of my most rewarding work of the year. Watching the young woman I’d met with every week cross the stage to receive her diploma gave me a great sense of pride and hope for our future. Today, she is enrolled at Columbus State Community College.

Remember: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

Andrew J. Ginther Mayor of Columbus