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September 26, 2025

The Leader Is In The Room!

September 26, 2025 The Leader Is In The Room!
September 26,2025The Leader Is In The Room!

September 26, 2025 September 26, 2025

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Principal Priorities Principal Priorities

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Academic Success

Last week, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released building and district report cards for the 2024–2025 school year. Jefferson earned a 4 out of 5 star rating. A 4 star rating means the Jefferson is exceeding state standards measured by the state report card.


We know that educating a child is a team effort, and this strong rating reflects the amazing work you , your kids, and our teachers do every day.


You can review the details of our building report card by clicking the link below:
Jefferson Elementary Report Card 2024-2025


A four-star rating is definitely something worth celebrating, but we are not resting on our laurels. We want to continue to improve our overall rating on the state report card by earning a five-star rating, and we need your help to accomplish that. Our staff works hard daily to use data and plan meaningful lessons that help students excel, but education is a partnership, and we need your help as well.

Here are a few ways you can help at home:

1) Ensure your child attends school on time, every day!

2) Read for 20 minutes each night( includes Fluency Homework)

3) Limit screen time and encourage creative play and problem-solving

4) Ensure they are completing Dreambox and Lexia lessons each week.

5) Sleep- Elementary age children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night!



If you have any questions about the report card please don't hesitate to reach out to the office. I am happy to set up an appointment or talk with you on the phone to answer any questions you might have.


-Mr. Schmidt

Author Visit Author Visit

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Author Visit Coming to Jefferson!
We’re excited to welcome author Jenny Goebel to Jefferson on October 21st and 22nd! Jenny is a former teacher who now writes a wonderful range of books—from picture books to chapter books—perfect for all age levels. Her titles are featured at the Scholastic Book Fair, and we’ll also be offering her books for purchase through a special order form that will go home next week.

Please return all order forms by October 7th so books can be ready for signing during her visit.

Here is a link to her website: https://jennygoebel.com/. You are welcome to purchase books from her website as well. We’re looking forward to this exciting event!

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Parent Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher Conferences

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One More Night

Reminder: One more night of Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th.

If you have not yet signed up for a conference time, please get in touch with your child's teacher or cal the office as soon as possible to schedule your meeting.


Benefits of Parent-Teacher Connections

Strong communication between parents and teachers is crucial for student success. Here are just a couple of the many benefits:

  • Shared Understanding: Conferences provide a dedicated time to discuss your child's academic progress, strengths, and areas for growth. This shared understanding allows us to create a more supportive learning environment.

  • Problem-Solving: By working together, we can proactively address any challenges your child may be facing, whether they are academic, social, or emotional. This collaboration can lead to more effective strategies and better outcomes for your child.

We look forward to meeting with all of you and working together to ensure a successful school year for your child!

Counselor Corner Counselor Corner

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Exploring Feeling

This month we had some exciting things happen in our school counseling lessons!


Kindergarten & 1st Grade

We explored feelings—what they look like, sound like, and feel like.

Try asking your child:

  • “What are some clues that show me how you are feeling?”

  • “What can you do when you have a big feeling at school or home?”


2nd & 3rd Grade

We read Beautiful Oops! and talked about how mistakes can turn into something wonderful.

Try asking your child:

  • “What’s a mistake you turned into something positive?”

  • “How can you remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes?”


4th Grade

We focused on empathy and why it matters to try to understand how others feel.

Try asking your child

  • “When was the last time you showed empathy to someone else?”

  • “How do you feel when someone shows empathy toward you?”


5th Grade

Our focus was leadership. Students identified whether they are a helper, thinker, planner, or creative leader.

Ask your student:

  • “What type of leader are you?”

  • “How can you be a leader in the room at Jefferson?”


At home tip: Take time this week to notice and celebrate acts of kindness, problem-solving, or leadership in your family. Even small moments—like sharing, helping with chores, or comforting a sibling—are powerful ways kids build empathy, resilience, and confidence!

Stay In the Game! Attendance Network! Stay In the Game! Attendance Network!

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Take the Attendance Pledge!

On-Time Arrival
We ask that all students are in the building by 8:00, The tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.. If your child arrives after 8:05 an adult must sign them in at the office. Please help your child build strong habits by arriving on time each morning. Being on time sets the tone for the entire day, allowing students to start focused, confident, and ready to learn.


Why Attendance Matters

  • Students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve academic success.

  • Good attendance builds responsibility and shows commitment.

  • Being on time helps create a calm, positive start to the day.


Together, we can help every child “stay in the game” by making attendance and punctuality a priority. Take the pledge now to stay in the game at Jefferson: https://stayinthegame.org/pledge/! Thank you for teaming up with us to make every school day count!

Click Here To Take The Attendance Pledge!

Lost and Found Lost and Found

Check out the Lost and Found during conferences. Students will visit the lost and found during PE next week. All items will be donated at the end of the month.

Lost and Found September 2025
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Yearbook Cover Contest

All students in grades K-5 are invited to submit designs for the yearbook cover.

All entries are Due October 13. Teachers will be sending entry forms home with all students.

Be sure to....

Create a colorful design that goes all the way to the edge of the paper

Keep all writing 1" away from edges

Include: Jefferson Elementary

Include: 2025-2026

Include: The Leader Is In The Room

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PTO News and Events PTO News and Events

Student Directory Student Directory

Please Note: Directory is only for personal use and not for business solicitations

Please see the link below to access the student Directory. The directory was created based on permission given by families when they completed the Infinite Campus Yearly update. If information in the directory is incorrect, please contact Miss Schilling via email or phone call.

25-26 Student Directory

Get Involved Get Involved

Looking for opportunities to support your Jefferson student and the amazing teaching through the PTO?! There are several volunteer opportunities available to assist the students and our amazing network of teachers/staff at Jefferson. A link is included for you to peruse and complete regarding those options. This is not a commitment, but just sharing interest. Future communications regarding PTO volunteer opportunities will be steered based on your completion. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DKP59B5

Jefferson Elementary PTO Volunteer Opportunities

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Family Facebook Group Family Facebook Group

Join our Facebook Group and be part of the community.

This group was created for Jefferson families and staff to support and celebrate our students and school. It's also a great place to ask questions of other parents and have support as you navigate the school year.

We are excited to see all the amazing and encouraging ways our families and staff connect with each other! This is a place for positive comments and a helpful resource for families. This is not the place to voice concerns. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, please get in touch with the staff member directly via email or call the school. This is a place to build on the sense of community within our Jefferson Family.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

VOLUNTEER LINKS: VOLUNTEER LINKS:

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Lunch Helpers

The lunchroom would not operate without our volunteers! Volunteers open food containers, answer questions, help with general monitoring and cleanup, and wipe off tables for others.

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Playground Helpers

Help the staff at Jefferson have extra eyes on the playground. Walk around the playground, monitoring activities, talking with students, or join in and play a game with them!

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Upcoming School Events Upcoming School Events

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Mark Your Calendar...

September 30 Parent Teacher Conferences

October 2 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students

October 3 Teacher Comp Day, No School for Students

October 10 Wear your Jog for Jefferson shirt!

October 14 & 15, 3rd-grade Ohio State Test in Reading

October 14 PTO Meeting 7:00 (enter door #12)

October 16 Open House 6:00- 7:30

October 20 Teacher Work Day, No School for Students

October 24th Report Cards Released

October 31 Classroom Fall Parties and Costume Parade


Jefferson Elementary Events Calendar


2024-25 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

Lunch Menu! Printable Lunch Menu! Printable

ONLINE LUNCH MENU WITH INGREDIENTS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
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25-26 Lunch Menu.pdf
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Pizza Rotation:

10/10 Romeo’s

10/17 Flyer’s

10/24 Jet’s

10/31 Domino’s

11/7 Flyer’s

11/14 Donatos

11/21 Romeo’s

11/28 No School

12/5 Flyer’s

12/12 Jet’s

12/19 Domino’s

12/26 No School

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PREVIOUS JEFFERSON JOURNALS
Jefferson Elementary
Positively Impacting Lives: Everybody, Everywhere, Every Day!
136 Carpenter Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230

614-478-5560

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