December 1, 2023

I hope you had a nice long Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. We were excited to welcome students back this week! Their excitement grew tremendously when they say some snow flurries on Tuesday!

Families will be receiving a message from me on Friday afternoon via our new TalkingPoints texting tool. You should have received a message from the district prior to break via this new tool. Detailed information regarding this new tool is outlined below. Please feel free to contact the school office if you have any questions.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-478-5560 or by email at schmidts@gjps.org.

-Mr. Schmidt

Principal

• Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is excited to introduce a new texting tool that will help families connect better with their schools and teachers. We heard in our communication survey that text messages are the preferred communication method to receive information from GJPS and to support this feedback, we are expanding our district use of TalkingPoints to all staff and families.
• TalkingPoints is a texting platform that allows families to receive the messaging as a text or through the TalkingPoints app. It also provides instant access to the messages in more than 150 languages. For families who choose to receive TalkingPoint communication straight to your text inbox, you will need to save the text numbers separately so you know who they are from. Otherwise, we encourage you to download the TalkingPoints for Parents mobile app in the app store on your iPhone or Android for additional features. More information about accessing messages can be found on our GJPS District website.
• Please note if you respond to a text message we will receive in our email system and therefore may not see it immediately or respond instantly like you would expect with text messaging.

You should receive a text message on Friday afternoon. If you did not receive it, please read the information on our website. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact the school office.

This week I have been in 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms talking about qualities of good friendship. It's an important conversation and sometimes can get confusing when people we consider friends do and/or say things that are not aligned with how good friends should treat one another. For example, if a friend says in order to stay friends, you can't play with other friends, that is not a sign of a healthy friendship.

Miss Sapp has been in kindergarten and first grade classrooms helping students learn ways to resolve conflicts. Empowering kids with the skills to solve problems is an important part of their development and helps build their self confidence.

Holiday Stress:

This time of year can be especially challenging and stressful for families. Here are some local organizations that can help.

USPS Operation Santa

Franklin County Holiday Support

GRIN

Columbus Toys for Tots

Bloom Free Store (clothes, toys, books for kids 3 and younger)

Walk-in Food Pantries

Kids Toys Drive

Healthy New Albany

GRIN provides food to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out this form and send it back to me. You can also email me at haringah@gjps.org.

If you have a social, emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form. Family Counseling Referral Form

The PTO has complied a list of teacher's Favorite Things including some wishlist items.

It is important items to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. This list is put together by the PTO Hospitality Team. 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. 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.

FAVORITE THINGS LIST

Please feel free to reach out to the PTO if you have any questions!

gahannajeffersonelementarypto@gmail.com

December 19 Third Grade Music Performance

December 20 Last Day of School before Winter Break

December 21- January 2 Winter Break

January 2- Professional Development Day - No Students.

January 3, 2024 - First Day Back For Students!

LUNCH MENU LINK

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

The Heart and Pride Award recognizes two outstanding staff members each month who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.