Monthly Update, August 22, 2025

At our annual GJPS Staff Convocation last week, Superintendent Dr. Tracey Deagle shared an exciting new vision for GJPS: Rise to Five. Our goal is to proudly rank in the top 5% of Ohio's public school districts by 2030.

This ambitious initiative builds on our existing strengths. We've always believed that academic excellence and genuine student care go hand-in-hand, and both will continue to define our vibrant learning environment. We hold high expectations for every student, honoring their potential while maintaining our deep commitment to supporting the whole child.

We're proud to currently stand in the top 28% of districts statewide, a significant achievement thanks to our students, staff and families! We believe, however, that our students deserve every opportunity to excel. Moving into the Top 5% and becoming one of Ohio's 30 highest-performing districts is a challenging but absolutely achievable goal for us.

Our dedicated staff is fully committed to this journey, and we know we can't do it alone. Families play a vital role in helping us reach this next level of excellence. You can support this exciting effort by encouraging strong attendance, partnering closely with our staff, celebrating your student's progress and reinforcing high expectations at home. Together, as a united GJPS community, we will create the optimal conditions for every student to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is excited to announce the start of three construction projects around the District. Middle School West, Middle School South and the Preschool will all be getting additions and/or renovations at no new cost to our community.

Those projects include (pending final cost estimation):

Middle School West - Substantial completion August 2027

• Full roof replacement
• New competition gymnasium
• Two new locker rooms
• New secured entry
• Athletic storage

Middle School South - Substantial completion August 2027

• 4-6 new classrooms
• Student dining expansion
• Additional storage
• Teacher's lounge

Preschool - Substantial completion August 2026

• 5 new classrooms
• Large interior motor space
• Additional playground security
• Dedicated sensory room

At their meeting this week, our Board of Education passed a resolution to name the auditorium at the new Gahanna Lincoln High School after Jim Singer.

Mr. Singer has served in GJPS for more than five decades, including 40 of those years as the auditorium manager. He has made a lasting impact on countless staff, students and community members who have spent time at GLHS, specifically in the auditorium.

In a new space where thousands will perform and even more will watch, the name Jim Singer Auditorium will serve as a tribute not only to the person but to the values he represents: integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, students first, empowerment and excellence. The naming of this auditorium ensures that Mr. Singer’s legacy will continue to inspire long after the final curtain call.

Check out the resolution passed by the Board of Education and hear the kind words from Principal Williams and the two nominators at this week's Board of Education meeting. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Singer!

With our GJPS students back to school, it is especially important to slow down and stay alert during the busy hours before and after school.

In our latest safety video, Superintendent Deagle teams up with Police Chief Jeff Spence to share important reminders for drivers around all of our schools, but especially near Gahanna Lincoln High School.

Let's work together to keep our students safe!

Stay in the Game! September is Attendance Awareness Month. Do your part in ensuring you get to school on time and ready to learn! If you haven't done so already, take the pledge!

Hear from someone you may know about staying in the game!

Back-to-school season can be a stressful time for everyone.

Please take time to learn all about our NEW Safer Ohio School Tip Line. This tip line has taken the place of the Safe Schools Helpline, but can be used in the same way.

The Safer Ohio School Tip Line is a free safety resource available to all Ohio schools. The tip line is an anonymous reporting system that accepts tips via call, text, webform and mobile app 24 hours-a-day.

This tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety.

Having a great start to your school year and want your new teacher to be recognized for going above in beyond? Still can't get over the impact a staff member made on your student at the end of last school year?

NOMINATE THEM for our Heart and Pride Award! The first presentation of the award for this school year will be in September. The application is open year round, so keep the award nomination in mind when you see staff making a difference in our school community.

As in year's past, GJPS is proud to offer robust Gifted and Talented offerings.

As we are getting underway for the new school year, we encourage you to check out our Board policy and the different services we offer!

The first day of school brought smiles all across GJPS. From our youngest preschoolers to our high school LIONS, the day was filled with friends, fun and LION PRIDE!

Thousands of Video Tapes Up for Grabs
Saturday, September 27, 2025
(Homecoming Weekend)

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join the City of Gahanna on August 26 from 4-7 p.m. at the Creekside Plaza to view a draft strategic plan, while enjoying a sweet treat!

Sept. 1, 2025: Labor Day - No School
Oct. 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
Oct. 3, 2025: Conference Comp Day - No School
Oct. 20, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Nov. 10, 2025: PD Day - No School
Nov. 26-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 2, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
*Jan. 5-8, 2026: High School Schedule Altered for New Building Opening
Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement

2025-26 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.

This nomination form will remain open year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

In November 2020, voters in the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools district approved a bond and operating levy to fund Phase Two of the GJPS Master Facilities Plan.

Phase Two of the Master Facilities Plan Includes:

• Additions and renovations to High Point and Blacklick Elementary
• Additions and renovations to Middle School East
• New Lincoln High School on current site

Master Facilities Plan & Building Projects Webpage

Phase Two Building Projects Webpage
Phase Two Elementary Projects Webpage

Phase Two Middle School East Project Webpage

Phase Two Lincoln High School Projects Webpage

GJPS has very active Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts.

Please check us out and LIKE US, give us a COMMENT and SHARE us on your channels!

Have a question about something school related? We bet you can find the answer on our Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools website at www.GahannaSchools.org.

The newsletter you are reading (the GJPS NEWS TO KNOW District Newsletter) is emailed to our families and GJPS community each month.

If you live in the GJPS community and want to stay in the know about what's happening in YOUR school district, please SIGN UP for our monthly update.

(Psssst, families of current GJPS students already receive this newsletter, so there is no need to sign up again, but please share with a friend who does not receive it.)