East Weekly

What a week we had as our first week back from spring break!

Now it’s time to put the pedal to the gas because from here on out we have a lot going on. From state testing to field trips, performances, the Washington, D.C. trip, and our Fitness Fundraiser, the rest of the year is packed with exciting opportunities for our students.

After completing the first round of testing this week, we are looking forward to getting back into a routine week next week before the busy stretch continues. We are excited for all that is ahead, so buckle up, it is going to be a great ride!

Take Care,

Megan Kirsten

As we move into the spring months, we typically see an increase in playful activity and students bringing items from home. While we understand that students may be excited about nice weather and the end of school nearing, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing appropriate decision-making with your students. Items that are distracting to the learning environment or that could raise safety concerns are not permitted. This includes any items that resemble weapons (squirt guns), even if they are not real or intended to cause harm. These situations can escalate quickly and disrupt the school environment.

We appreciate your support in reminding students to make responsible choices that help us maintain a safe and focused school setting.

The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio is conducting a career review audit in Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools—any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

https://forms.office.com/r/vfT7cpNN9N?origin=lprLink

Each month, one of our House Families takes the lead in planning a small holiday celebration or craft activity for students to enjoy. For April, Tatonka House is helping us celebrate Earth Day in a creative way! From April 6 through April 17, Tatonka will be collecting clean plastic bottle caps and lids. These caps/lids will be used to create a beautiful bottle cap mural that celebrates Earth Day and reminds us that small actions, like recycling and reusing, can make a big impact on our planet.

April 13: PTA Meeting

April 15: PTA Five Guys Fundraiser

April 27: Choir Concert

April 28: Band Concert

April 29: Fitness Fundraiser Field Trips

April 30: Fitness Fundraiser Event!

May 1: No school- Staff Professional Development

May 5 - May 8: 8th grade Washington DC Trip

May 7: 7th Grade Musical

May 11: PTA Meeting

May 13: Fitness Fundraiser Pancake Reward Breakfast

May 13: 6th and 8th grade Rewards Night - invitations coming

May 14: Fitness Fundraiser Ice Cream Reward (8th grade)

May 14: 7th grade Rewards Night - invitations coming

May 15: Awards Breakfast or Lunch Out - information coming

May18: 8th grade success fair

May 19: 6th grade field trip /7th grade Hero Speeches

May 20: 6th grade field trip / 7th grade Field Trip /8th grade success fair

May 21: Talent Show!

May 22: 8th grade clap out / Last Day of School

May 23: Last Day of School!

All testing takes place from 9:05-11:30.

4/13/26 @ 7pm

5/11/26 @ 7pm

🚨 PTA Fundraiser Alert! On Tax Day (April 15th), eat at the Gahanna Five Guys and 20% of your purchase goes straight back to GMSE — no extra steps needed! Dine in or carry out, bring the family, and share with friends. Every bite helps! 🍔

We should all have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for our futures. We will be talking to you about some ideas. Don't forget... it is ok to grow and change your mind as new things interest you. If you have an idea for a career for us to showcase, fill out the google form attached :)

This week’s career focus is…Athletic Trainer!

Check out the links and videos below to learn more about being an athletic trainer!

• A day in the life of an athletic trainer - Akron Children's video

• The Athletic Trainer | I Can Be What?!

• Athletic Trainer | LouAnne Jefferson | Curious About Careers

• Day In The Life Of An Arizona Cardinals Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity, especially in sports and exercise settings. They work with athletes of all ages to help them stay healthy, recover from injuries, and improve performance, often collaborating with doctors, coaches, and physical therapists. Athletic trainers use a variety of techniques and tools, such as taping and bracing, rehabilitation exercises, injury evaluations, and emergency care during games or practices. They may work in schools, colleges, professional sports teams, clinics, or fitness centers, and their schedules often include evenings and weekends depending on athletic events.

Becoming an athletic trainer typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field, along with certification and, in many states, a license to practice. Important skills include communication, quick decision-making, physical stamina, and a strong understanding of human anatomy and injury care. Job opportunities are growing as awareness of sports safety increases, and salaries can vary based on experience and work setting. On average, athletic trainers earn between $45,000 and $75,000 per year, with higher earnings possible in advanced or specialized roles.

We hope you learned something new about this career this week! Fill out the google form above to have a career you are interested in highlighted during Future Friday! Thank you to all of you who suggested amazing career ideas!! We'll be sure to get your ideas featured here on Future Friday!

Have a WONDERFUL Weekend!!

-GMSE School Counselors

Shayla Upchurch and Loni Wiliams

The Eastland-Fairfield Career Center is hosting a no-cost summer camp on June 2nd and June 3rd for students entering grades 6-8. Registration opens on Monday, February 9th: Eastland-Fairfield website (Registration will end on April 10th). For more information, check out this flyer!

You can check out the new website here. Below are directions on how to obtain the correct app.

April 27, 2026 - (6th and 8th Grade Choirs) 7:30 p.m. @ GLHS

*students may leave at the conclusion of the concert

Call times to Choir Room:

7:00 8th Choir

7:15 6th Choir

MSE Spring Band Concert - Tuesday 4/28 7:30pm @ MSW

• Concert includes 6th, 7th and 8th grade band

• 6th grade should wear dress clothes

• 7th & 8th concert uniform (black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks)

7th Grade Musical (Choir)

May 4, 2026 7-9 p.m. @ MSE (soloist and speaking characters only)- Dress Rehearsal

May 5, 2026 7-9 p.m. @ MSE FULL CAST DRESS REHEARSAL

May 7, 2026 7:30 p.m. Performance @ MSE Cafeteria - Call time to choir room: 7:10 p.m.

Art 8- Student landscape paintings look AMAZING and I cannot wait to hang them in the hallway for everyone to enjoy! Today we started a weaving project with my student teacher Ms. Cansler.

8th Grade 3D- We are working on wire sculptures to express an emotion and the students are being so creative with materials!

7th grade- We are learning how to carve clay to make clay lanterns with my student teacher Ms. Cansler.

6th grade- This week we designed our own tic-tac-toe boards and started making them with clay!

FIELD TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT: 7th Grade is going to COSI on May 20! A permission form is going home today, and needs to be signed and returned to your students’ HOUSE teacher by May 6! Here is a copy of the permission form as well: LINK

Math: We are asking students and parents to check their homes for their calculators. We will be needing them for State Testing which will occur this month! If you can help look at home, or provide one for your student, we would greatly appreciate it! Link for the correct calculator: https://acesse.one/ApprovedCalculator

ACE 7/8: We are working on Volume and Surface Area.

ELA: Next week, students will be starting the Hero Speech unit! This unit has been a tradition across all Gahanna middle schools for many years. Students will begin by defining what a hero is to them, choosing a hero in their lives, and presenting their speech on Tuesday, May 19th during their ELA classes. More information to come soon!

Additionally, ACE ELA classes will be starting the mystery unit next week by reading Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel And Then There Were None. Ask them about the book!

All 8th Graders:

Job shadowing Permission slips are due Monday, April 13!!! Remember, the shadow day experience is on Thursday, April 23. If you have questions, please reach out to your student’s ELA teacher.

We want our staff to be happy and enjoy coming to work every day. Below are just some of the ways that you can celebrate and recognize our amazing staff at East!

• PTA/Families spoil us!- Click here to join PTA!
• Student and/or family shout outs- Click here if you want to send a shoutout to a staff member!
• Heart and Pride Award- 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. The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

We’re always looking for ways to connect classroom learning to the real world or allow students to explore the future—and we’d love your help! If you're open to sharing your job title and a brief description of what you do, we’d love to learn more. We’re gathering a list of parents and guardians who might be interested in speaking to students about their careers, allowing students to shadow for a day, or participating in a future career fair.

If this sounds like something you'd consider, please take a moment to fill out this quick google form. Thank you for helping our students dream big!

May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement