September 14th, 2026
September 14th, 2026
Good Morning!
It is hard to believe that it is already September 13th. We spent weeks (months, really!) preparing for the launch of year two and just like that we are a week into our new school year. Our first week involved playground time, new friendships, introducing our school economy, SO many beautiful picture books and chapter book launches, rose ceremonies, outdoor games, nature study, adopting trees, music class, art class, homemade cameras, nature play class and creeking. It involved old friends being reunited and new friends being welcomed into this incredible community of Explorers. We are beyond excited to continue this journey with our kids this school year.
Staff Highlight
We are excited to add another new enrichment this year- Forestways OT Natureplay with Lindsey Stamper from Forestways OT. Once a month, Lindsey is leading our Explorer’s in a nature play activity. We had our first session this past Friday and as teachers, we were so amazed by the program and our Explorer’s investment in it. Lindsey started with a mini OT lesson and then set them up with some ideas for an activity. On our walk in the woods on the way to the play space, students were organically planning what roles they wanted to carry out and what they were excited to see. It was so cool to see them take leadership roles on their own. Check out Lindsey’s biography on our website: https://www.creeksidecottageschool.org/about
Nature
We also had our first creeking day this week! Everytime I type creaking- it tries to correct my spelling or grammar- so what is this “creeking” that doesn’t exist in the grammar/spelling world?! It is one of the most simple yet fun ways to get into nature. Find a creek that is about ankle deep- and go in it. Period. All ages love this activity and can find something to do at the creek. Sometimes we bring nets and sometimes it's spontaneous and we just show up and play. There are so many great creeking spots around Columbus like Friendship Park, Blendon Woods, Rose Run Park in New Albany, Three Creeks Metro Park, Shale Hollow, and so many more!
Community
One event coming up this fall in Columbus is The Buddy Walk! The Buddy Walk is an annual national awareness and fundraising event established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and promote inclusion. The event takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Fortress Obetz. You can find registration and team details through the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio.
Supporting CCS
We are so grateful for all of your support for our school. If you would like to financial support us in a small but meaningful way, here are a few options:
Boxtops. You simply download the app and scan your receipts and it sends CCS a donation! Our school code is 9684849.
Enrollment Update
We currently have no spots for the 2026-2027 school year. We are fine tuning our enrollment process for the 2027-2028 school year and will start sending out information about it in the fall. If you are interested in that process, please join our waitlist for those specific emails.
