March 22, 2024

Jefferson Families,

We have certainly had our share of unexpected events at school this year: smoke detectors setting off fire alarms, power outages, and, most recently, a faulty pilot light. I felt it was important to share with you just how remarkable your children are in emergency situations. Seeing how they remain calm, follow directions, and support each other when unexpected situations arise is truly inspiring. Their ability to stay composed and help others in need is a testament to their maturity and compassion.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents for entrusting us with the safety and well-being of your children, especially in emergencies. The safety and security of our students are our top priority, and we understand the importance of communicating promptly and effectively with parents during such times. We appreciate your understanding that our first step is ensuring student safety, and the second is communicating with families. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated as we work together to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all our students.

Whether it's helping a classmate who's feeling unwell or following safety protocols during drills, they consistently demonstrate responsibility and empathy. Just this week, when a third-grade student returned to class after sustaining a self-inflicted tooth injury, students in the class cheered when she entered the classroom; this definitely made the student's rough day better.

We are grateful to have such outstanding students in our school community, and we want to express our appreciation for the values of kindness and helpfulness that they exhibit not only in emergency situations but daily. Thank you for raising such wonderful children who contribute to a positive and safe learning environment for everyone.

-Mr. Schmidt

Next week, March 25th - 28th, I, Mrs. Haringa, will be going into kindergarten, first, and second-grade classrooms to teach the Speak Up lesson you have seen information about in the last two Jefferson Journals. The following week, April 1st - 5th, I will be going into third, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms.

The day I am in your child's classroom, I will send home a piece of paper that has an important message from the lesson. This is so you know I was in your child's classroom that day and you can reinforce the conversation, add specifics you'd like, answer questions, etc.

There is an opt-out option for families if you do not want your child to be present in the classroom when I teach the lesson. The last day was marked as Sunday, March 17th so counselors could have an idea of when all families had a chance to opt out. The form is still open and it is not too late if you would like to add your child's name to the list.

I will stress the importance of safety and empowerment during the lesson. I understand this can be a sensitive subject, and if you have any questions, feel it would be best for your child to have this conversation at home, or anything else related to this lesson, please know I understand and support your decision.

After reviewing the material, if you would like to excuse your child from receiving instruction in child sexual abuse prevention, please complete the form by Sunday, March 24th.

LINKS:

Program Overview

K-2 Presentation

3-5 Presentation

Opt-Out Link

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Haringa (haringah@gjps.org) or Mr. Schmidt.

The Jefferson PTO is looking to fill the VICE PRESIDENT and SECRETARY positions for the 2024-2025 school year. They are also looking to add an Assistant Treasurer. Use the link below to submit your name, make a nomination or just to learn more about this service opportunity.

Any Jefferson Family member of a K–5th grade student for the 2024-2025 school year may nominate themselves or another individual for the position.

Please visit https://www.gahannaschools.org/families/enrollment for information on how to enroll your incoming Kindergartener for next year. Please help spread the word to your neighbors and friends who have a child who will be 5 by August 1st.

Jefferson Elementary's Kindergarten Kick-Off Open House event for parents and students will be Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 - 6:30.

Roarrrr! Little Lions, are you ready to join our PRIDE? GJPS Preschool enrollment is NOW OPEN for the 2024-25 school year! 👧‍👦 Let's play, learn and have fun together!

Click Here for all the information and to register for our GJPSPreschool!

Lost and Found: The weather in Ohio is never the same from day to day, and that is especially true in the spring. Our lost and found is overflowing with clothing items. Please encourage your child to check out the lost and found while they are in the cafeteria. Please contact the office if you would like to make arrangements to stop in and look for items in the lost and found.

Transportation 2024-25: Please look for an email from the transportation department concerning the 24-25 school year. They ask that you complete a bus rider intent form to help create efficient bus routes. If, in the past, you have chosen to drive your child to school, I would ask you to consider having them ride the bus. Our transportation department is working with an outside vendor to create all new bus routes for the 24-25 school year that optimize efficiency and limit the amount of time children are on the busses. All students eligible to ride a GJPS school bus to a GJPS school or GJPS school program are asked to register for transportation by midnight on March 26, 2024.

March 29 No School for Students or Staff

April 8-12 Spring Break

April 26 School Dance Grades K-2 6:00 -7:10

April 26 School Dance Grades 3-5 7:30 - 9:00

April 30 2nd Grade Music Performance "Colors" 7:00 pm

May 7 1st Music Performance "A Day at School" 7:00 pm

May 9 Kindergarten Kick-off Event 5:30 - 6:30 pm

May 17 Carnival

May 22 Field Day

May 24 Last day of School

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

The state-required testing in grades 3-5 will take place from the end of April through the beginning of May. You will hear these tests referred to as "OST" which stands for Ohio State Tests. We ask that you make every attempt to have your child at school on these testing dates and avoid doctor appointments or unnecessary absences.

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.