R&R in Spring ’21: Renewal & Resilience 

 Cristo Rey Columbus High School (CRC) continues to adapt to and persevere through challenges and uncertainties related to the pandemic. Throughout most of the 2020-21 school year, our students have been learning in Hybrid Mode, which means students were in the classroom for two days, learning remotely at home two days and working at a Professional Work-Study Program (PWSP) placement or working to get certified in Microsoft products like Excel in our Young Professional Institute one day a week.

As you can imagine, this adjustment away from full time in-classroom learning was not easy. These challenges applied to everyone, including veteran business professionals. For instance, a much higher percentage of CRC students than normal struggled to maintain the rigors of the curriculum. To reverse the trend, CRC added Winter Bridge and Spring Bridge programs for struggling students to get back on track and ahead academically during their respective winter and spring breaks. Summer programs have begun to be offered as additional assistance.

The primary focus of these Winter and Spring Bridge programs is to identify and resolve students’ skill gaps. Our faculty provides one-on-one tutelage in these aforementioned programs that provides valuable attention to help students make necessary study corrections.

Regarding our PWSP, about half of our students placed with our PWSP business partners are working remotely. While challenging, our students are gaining valuable lessons about a wide variety of industries and modern workplaces that have had to make similar virtual adjustments. And we have received positive feedback from our PWSP business partners about how they are doing in their positions. All of this is preparing our students to contribute to the business community in impactful, long-lasting ways in careers of the future.

On an exciting note, we recently welcomed back all of our students to in-building learning full time in Green Mode. All students are still required to wear masks, be socially distant and abide by our safety measures and protocols. This was the result of our staff, faculty and students’ adherence to doing the right things to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19 with the goal in mind that there is no substitute for face-to-face learning.

We are so happy to have all of our students back in school full time!

With continued support from our donors, our students will have the necessary resources available to course-correct any educational deficits created by COVID-19. Your investment in our students is critical in helping build and maintain their path to success.

Click here to support Cristo Rey Columbus students.

Class of 2021 College Acceptances

Michelle Gabriel, Cristo Rey Columbus High School’s senior counselor, said that this year’s senior class has been steadfast in applying and planning for college. “A lot of grit, a lot of determination,” Ms. Gabriel said. “They are going to do what they planned.”

Despite the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties because of the global pandemic, Cristo Rey Columbus seniors have been resolute in their collegiate and professional ambitions. During this school year – due to the pandemic – it was common for seniors to apply to colleges and universities without visiting, which is a change from the normal routine of visiting schools first. As a result, virtual visits were more prevalent this year.

Interestingly, Ms. Gabriel said the kinds of schools seniors applied to didn’t change from years past, despite uncertainties related to the pandemic that may still be present come fall, like the possibility of virtual learning.

“They are going for the traditional four-year colleges…they applied all over,” Ms. Gabriel said.

To name just a few of the schools this year’s seniors were accepted into, this list includes The Ohio State University, Spelman College, Johns Hopkins University, Santa Clara University, the Culinary Institute of America and the University of Michigan. Speaking of the latter, we are so proud of senior Gianna who was accepted into the University of Michigan’s Undergraduate Astronomy program in which she is one of the less than 10% of applicants who have secured admission into this university’s program. Gianna’s dream will literally be guided by the stars!

Ms. Gabriel added that the Professional Work-Study Program (PWSP) has been a unique tool and reference for our students when applying for college. They have had experiences of real jobs through our PWSP, providing valuable insight into what they may want to pursue in college and beyond.

At this point, the CRC class of 2021 is on track for each senior to be accepted into at least one college or university, which has been a signature achievement for every Cristo Rey Columbus graduating class. This benchmark is a testament not only to our students, but also to the CRC faculty and staff who support our aspirational young men and women in their academic journeys.

You too can support our students and make a donation that will make a positive difference in our students’ lives. Your support today provides the opportunity for our students to realize their dreams tomorrow.

Click here to support Cristo Rey Columbus students.

National Honor Society’s Service Committee

Cristo Rey Columbus’ National Honor Society’s (NHS) Service Committee recently wrapped up a toiletry drive for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless that was an incredible success:

1,978 toiletry items were donated as well as $223.25 raised from the entire school!

A few of the donated items included soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, first-aid kits and socks.

Our student body, faculty and staff members stepped up for those most vulnerable in our community. Carlia, a Cristo Rey Columbus senior and a leader on the NHS Service Committee, said that their impact can extend beyond the walls of high school to help those most in need.

“We still have that power to help another person,” Carlia said. “The feeling of ‘we can do something’ – even though we’re younger – we can still do something to help those who don’t live the same lives as us.”

Carlia said the outpouring of support for their toiletry drive for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless will inspire similar future projects while also strengthening their NHS chapter, fulfilling their duty within their student body. She added that it showed how connected they are as a school as well as the can-do attitude of Cristo Rey Columbus.

“When we really put our minds to something, we can make it happen,” Carlia said.

We are so proud of our NHS Service Committee members. Great job!

Kroger Community Rewards

There are many ways to donate to and support the students at Cristo Rey Columbus. One of these avenues is shopping.

Yes, shopping!

Last quarter, $235 was raised by supporters signing up and buying grocery items using the Kroger Community Rewards program. Here are a few examples of what total dollars raised through the Kroger Community Rewards program translates into for our students:

• $500 could fund a student’s college visit.
• $250 could fund new uniforms for two students.
• $100 could fund a student’s overnight retreat.
• $50 could fund a care package for an alum.
• $20 could fund a student’s National Honor Society membership.

If you shop at Kroger, follow these easy instructions to help Cristo Rey Columbus’ students:

1. Go to www.kroger.com/communityrewards
2. If you already have an account, sign in. If you don’t, create an account.
3. Scroll down and click on Community Rewards.
4. Click on Enroll (you need your Kroger shopping card/Kroger shopping card number).
5. Type “Cristo Rey Columbus High School” in the search bar.
6. Select “Cristo Rey Cols. High School” from the list. Organization Number: FY473
7. You’re done! Now, every purchase will generate funds for our school.

Finally, check in with your employer. Do they have a matching program for the dollars donated or volunteer time shared? Sign up and watch those gifts grow!