August 2, 2023 Jefferson Journal
New Year Excitement and Worries
Jefferson Families,
If you are anything like me, the new school year brings excitement as well as a bit of fear. Change is never easy and often creates many questions. Know that I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility of being principal at Jefferson Elementary, and I look forward to working with the Jefferson families to ensure a rewarding educational journey for our students and find answers to your questions!
Allow me to introduce my family. I have been blessed with a loving and supportive wife, Erin Schmidt, whom I have had the joy of being married to for the past eight years. Erin has been an integral part of raising my two wonderful children, Haley and Tanner, both of whom are proud Gahanna graduates. Haley is pursuing her passion for Special Education at Ohio University, while Tanner is studying architecture at the University of Cincinnati. Our family is completed by two strong-willed Dachshunds (hot dog dogs!) named Zeus and Hattie.
In my free time, I find joy in watching HGTV and enthusiastically taking on various home improvement projects that may or may not get completed in a timely manner. My kids will comment that I am constantly on the lookout for something new to paint, which harks back to my high school and college days when I worked as a painter for the Gahanna Schools Maintenance Department.
My journey in education is deeply rooted in the Gahanna community. I was born and raised here, attending Lincoln Elementary, Middle School East, and Lincoln High School. My academic pursuits led me to Ashland University, where I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Theater (stage management). I also earned my master's degree from Ashland University.
I started my career as a 4th-grade teacher at Chapelfield Elementary, where I later served as an instructional coach and then as principal. I have worked for several years at the district office in Gahanna as well as at Northridge Local Schools. While the district office experience has been very rewarding, I missed the daily interaction with students. I am filled with excitement as I prepare to start my 25th year in the field of education with the incredible community at Jefferson Elementary.
I recognize the significance of strong partnerships between home and school, and I am committed to fostering open channels of communication. I wholeheartedly welcome your valuable insights, feedback, and involvement in our collective efforts to positively impact lives.
As we prepare to start the new academic year, I look forward to meeting you in person during the various school events and activities.
Scott Schmidt
Principal, Jefferson Elementary
Upgrades to School Safety
At Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools we are proud to provide high-quality learning experiences for all students. We also recognize that children enter our classrooms with a variety of lived experiences and circumstances. As a school district, we are fully committed to meeting the needs of the whole child, and understand that student learning and achievement are best supported in a physically and psychologically safe environment. Our school, family, safety, and mental health agency partnerships are the cornerstone of our whole-child approach to teaching and learning and ensure that all children are able to navigate their school experience in the way that best meets their unique needs.
Several safety upgrades were completed over the summer, including a new secure vestibule entrance. The office entrance for visitors has been relocated and will now include a double buzzer system. You will also have the option of dropping off forgotten items at a service window just inside the first entrance. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as Ms. Schilling and the office staff become familiar with these new features and procedures.
As was the expectation last year, if you are visiting the building during the school day, you will need your driver's license so that we can do a quick background check scan. This is completed for all visitors to the building when school is in session.
New Office Entrance
The new entrance to the office is just to the right of the previous entrance and includes a new handicap accessible ramp.
Answers to frequently Asked Questions
- Teacher assignments will be visible in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal Friday, August 11 at 4:00
- Students and families are welcome to stop by the building on Monday August 14, from 4:00 till 5:00 to find your classroom and drop off supplies and meet your teacher.
- Bus information can be found using this link.
- School Pictures will be Friday, September 22. This is a change from previous years. We will not be taking pictures at the meet the teacher event.
- Please complete the Annual Student Update in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Detailed Directions can be found here. And, yes all families, new and returning must complete.
- Kindergarten families will be getting an email from a kindergarten teacher inviting them to school next week to complete portions of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.
- School Supply Lists are located on our website. If your child is in need of supplies due to family hardship please reach out to our school counselor Heather Haringa.
Mark Your Calendar
August 14 Welcome Back Event 4:00 - 5:00
August 15 & 16 Building closed for new school year preparations
August 17 First Day of School for Students
September 4 Labor Day No School
September 15 Jog for Jefferson
September 22 Picture Day
September 25 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students