Happy New Year! I hope that you enjoyed the holidays and break from school. As we continue to strive for excellence in our school community, I want to take a moment to talk about our goals for 2025. Setting clear and achievable goals is important for student success, and I encourage you to review your child's report card and set some academic goals for the remainder of the school year.

One thing to consider is the importance of reading. I urge you to make time each night for reading together as a family. This simple habit not only enhances literacy but also strengthens our bonds and sparks conversations.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of creating a healthy balance with technology. While many students may set goals to complete their weekly Lexia or Dreambox lesson, helping them achieve their academic goals, I encourage families to also unplug and spend quality time together without screens. Engaging in activities such as board games, puzzles, outdoor play, or family discussions can foster a wonderful atmosphere at home and will help your child succeed.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) for their incredible efforts in updating the staff lounge. This revitalized space provides our teachers and staff a much-needed area to relax, recharge, and enjoy each other's company during lunch.

Happy New Year,

Mr. Schmidt

Students brought home report cards on Friday, January 10th. Be sure to check their book bags and review the report with your child. You may keep the report card, but please SIGN AND RETURN the ENVELOPE to your child's teacher. Any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.

Happy New Year! Our last book fair of the year is approaching. It will take place Tuesday, February 25th-Friday, February 28th. It will also be open both conference nights from 3:30-7:00 pm. This book fair would not be possible without your help so I want to say a big thank you! If you're interested in signing up, please click on the Signup Genius link below. Thank you!

Students grades K-5 will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment in the area of Math and Reading during the month of January. This is a computerized assessment. Students have as much time as they need to complete the assessment. Please talk to your child about taking their time and doing their best work on this MAP assessment. Parents/guardians will receive the results of the MAP assessments at our February parent/teacher conferences.

All of our students in grades K-3 will be given the Acadience Reading Assessment during the month of January. This is a one-on-one assessment, in which students will work with their teacher to complete the assessment. This assessment assesses student's early literacy skills. We will use the data from this assessment to pull together small groups that focus on specific student needs. Families will receive the results of this assessment at the February parent/teacher conference.

As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).

A special thank you to a fantastic group of individuals who helped surprise the staff with a fabulous lounge makeover. Ana Minyayev, Alex Minyayev, Glenn Dalton, Howard Biggard, Jovita Lark, Julia Simmons, Krysten Phillips, Alisa Barwick, Marisa Saelzler, and Brooke Stuart. This project would not have been possible without the generous time and talents of this amazing group. Special thanks to Lowe's of Easton and The Great Cabinetry Company.

Show the flyer/ picture below, and 20% of sales will benefit Jefferson Elementary PTO.

January 14 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm

January 20 No School Martin Luther King Day

January 22 Skyline Chili Dine Out Event

January 24 Family Movie Night 7:00 pm

January 24 Group Yearbook Picture Day(Patrol, Choir, Rise and Shine)

January 29 State of the Schools Address

February 6 Open House 6:00- 7:30 pm

February 25 & 27 Parent Teacher Conferences

• Jefferson Elementary Events Calendar

ical Link to add Jefferson Calendar to your phone

2024-25 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. 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.

Please visit www.gahannaschools.org You can find almost anything you need on our website

• Infinite Campus: Please log in to the parent portal and complete the Annual Information Update. Update all Emergency Medical Forms, make sure all contact information is current, apply money to lunch accounts, and more! Click Here for DIRECTIONS
• Bus Information: find your student's bus route, contact information, and download the bus app.
• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Apply for free or reduced price lunch using the Parent Portal. Directions and more information can be found on the Food Service Website. If you need assistance please contact our head cook, Kim Karshner Karshnerk@gjps.org

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