Blacklick Bulletin
Week of March 9, 2026 - Issue #30
Message from Principal Groves
Dear Blacklick Families,
A huge thank you to everyone who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences last week and to the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO for providing dinner for our staff. It was wonderful to see so many families at conferences.
Report cards for quarter 3 will be coming home with students on Friday (March 13). All of the information that was shared at parent/teacher conferences will be reflected in the data on your child's report card. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any questions as you review the report card. Please make sure to sign the report card envelope and send it back to school with your child. The report card can stay at home.
Please join us for our March PTO Meeting in the Blacklick library on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 PM. We will be discussing details for Strides for PRIDE - our annual fundraiser. All parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.
Respectfully,
Kristen Groves
Quarter 4 - Starts this Week!
As we begin the final quarter of the school year, this is an important time for students to stay focused and continue putting forth their best effort in the classroom. The last months of school are filled with meaningful learning, important skill building, and opportunities for students to show how much they have grown throughout the year.
We encourage families to continue partnering with us to help students finish the year strong. Simple routines at home—such as ensuring students get enough rest, arriving to school on time, completing homework, and reading regularly—can make a big difference in maintaining strong learning habits.
Please continue to encourage your child to stay motivated, work hard, and take pride in their progress. Positive conversations about school and celebrating effort help students remain confident and engaged.
THANK YOU for your partnership in helping your child finish the year strong!
Related Arts Update in 5th Grade!
Library in 5th Grade
Fifth graders are getting ready to start their Hall of Fame research project, which is a collaborative effort with Art. They will choose someone famous who inspires them and then learn about their life. We are just in the beginning stages but their finished projects will be displayed in the long hallway to the gym eventually.
Music in 5th Grade
5th graders are extending their learning from last year with more Recorder playing! We are working on new songs and concepts, and we are learning to play songs in a “round”.
Art in 5th Grade
5th grade students are determining what their legacy is at Blacklick as they begin thinking about the transition to Middle School. We will be designing Legacy Tiles, which will become permanent installed tiles in the school to celebrate each student who graduates 5th grade from Blacklick!
Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO Updates
All Parents/Guardians are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to Attend Our PTO Meetings!
PTO Officers for 2025-2026
Kristin Stewart - President
Jess Waxler - Vice President
Emily Smith - Treasurer
Laura Valido - Secretary
Andrea Stump - Board Elect
Need to contact the PTO?
Minted Fundraising Program to Support our PTO
We are thrilled to announce our fundraising partnership with Minted this holiday season. Please support the Blacklick Elementary School Pride Partner PTO by using our unique promo code “FUNDRAISEBLACKLICK” to purchase your holiday cards and gifts from Minted (www.minted.com). You’ll receive 20% off your order and 10% of each purchase will be donated back to the PTO at the end of the year.
Blacklick Teacher Appreciation Week - Wish List
The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is already planning for Teacher Appreciation Week (that is scheduled for May 2026). If you are interested in donating an item for Teacher Appreciation Week, please click on the link below:
Blacklick Family Directory (2025-2026)
Please click on the link for the Blacklick Family Directory 2025-2026.
A big thank you to Mrs. Stump and the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO for putting this directory together for our families this year!
Blacklick General Informational Updates - See below!
Cold Weather Reminder
Please make sure students are dressed warmly for recess as the weather gets colder. We will be outside for recess unless the temperature falls below 17 degrees.
If you need coats, hats, or gloves, please reach out to Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Warfield or Mrs. Jenkins.
Inclement Weather Procedures
If a delay or closure is deemed necessary due to the weather conditions, families will be notified by:
A phone call, text message and email
A post on Gahanna-Jefferson social media pages
A pop-up alert on the GJPS website, www.gahannaschools.org.
The following media outlets will also be notified: WCMH NBC4, WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC6, WTTE FOX28, Spectrum News 1 and WTVN/WNCI.
If you are unsure, please be sure to check any variety of these platforms for an official announcement if there is a closure or delay.
Blacklick Staff Favorite Things
A list has been complied of the Blacklick staff's favorite things. It is important to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. We know that many parents might want to get their child's teacher a gift and this list is to help you select something the teacher would like. Please do not feel obligated to buy a gift for your child's teachers/staff members. A thoughtful note from you and/or your child at any time of the year is appreciated just as much or more as any gift.
Staff Shout Out!
Dear Parents,
We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.
Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.
Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Thank you for your participation and support!
News from the Cafeteria
2025-2026 Food Service Information
A plate lunch is $2.75.
Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day.
Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2025-2026 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2025-2026 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.
Save the Date!
Ohio State Testing Dates are ready for the 2025-2026 school year. Please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments over these dates.
GJPS District Updates - See Below!
Kindergarten Enrollment Updates (2026-2027)
Kindergarten enrollment dates have historically varied across Ohio, with districts choosing either an August 1 or September 30 age cutoff. At Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, we have traditionally used an August 1 cutoff for kindergarten eligibility.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, new state legislation creates a single, statewide standard. Children must be five years old on or before the first day of instruction in the enrolling district to be eligible for kindergarten. For GJPS, this means children must be five years old on or before August 20, 2026 to be eligible for kindergarten registration.
Registration for new GJPS kindergarten students for the 2026-27 school year begins February 23, 2026.
Summer Opportunity for 5th Graders
The Eastland-Fairfield Career Center is excited to announce registration for summer camp for students entering currently in grades 5-7 on Monday, February 9th. Please note that sessions will fill quickly.
Dates: June 2nd & 3rd
Times: 8:40-11:00am (morning session); 12:05-2:25pm (afternoon session)
Lunch: If you choose both sessions, students will need to bring a sack lunch.
Location: Eastland Career Center, 4465 S. Hamilton Rd., Groveport OH 43125
Price: FREE!!
Transportation: Not provided
Registration: Eastland-Fairfield website (Registration will end on April 10th)
GJPS Heart and PRIDE Award
Do you know a staff member who you feel makes a profound impact on students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools? If so, nominate them for the GJPS Heart and Pride award. This award is open to any staff member. regardless of position. Each month, the district will take the nominations to the Heart and Pride Committee, which is composed of community members and former staff members. The committee will select two winners a month that will be recognized by our Board of Education at the monthly meeting. If you have a staff member in mind, please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM. Nominations can take place all year.
Blacklick School Events
Mark Your Calendar!
March 9: Staff Work Day - No School
March 20: Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
Mar. 30-April 3: Spring Break- No School
May 1: No School for Students
May 8: Strides for PRIDE Day!
May 15: Talent Show - Grade 5 Students
May 21: Field Day
May 22: Last Day of School for Students
May 26: Teacher Work Day (Last day for staff)
May 28: Report Cards Released to Families