East Weekly

MSE is excited to let students wear appropriate costumes to school on October 31. However, it is important that costumes adhere to our school dress code stated in the MSE Handbook to ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone.

Costume Guidelines:

• Costumes must follow the regular school dress code (no inappropriate language, graphics, or themes).
• No weapons (real or pretend) or masks are allowed as part of any costume. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action.
• No paint or makeup that covers the face or distracts the educational environment.
• Students must be comfortable enough to sit in a chair without disturbing their desk partner's personal space.
• No inflatables.
• There will be principal discretion.

Students who violate the dress code will need a parent or guardian to bring in a change of clothes or may be sent home.

Wearing costumes allows students the chance to express themselves, build community, and have a bit of structured fun—while also encouraging responsibility and respect for our school rules. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and fun atmosphere for all students. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Each year, school districts in Ohio are required to offer an opportunity for students in grades K-12 to be identified as gifted in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. The identified areas of giftedness for Visual and Performing Arts include Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Drama/Theater, and Dance. If you know of a student that may be gifted in an area of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) learn more about the identification process.

Dear Families,

We cordially invite you to participate in our annual Veterans Day Program at Middle School East on November 11th from 9:35 AM to 10:35 AM. This special event honors the brave men and women who have served our country.

Our students will share their heartfelt reflections through inspiring speeches, and our color guard will present a moving tribute.

Please RSVP using the following link for your veteran to be honored: https://forms.gle/Zp6p5isonvESaDwS8

If you are unable to attend with your veteran, we kindly ask that you share information about a veteran you would like to honor through the same link.

If you RSVP yes to attending the event in person with your veteran, you will receive an email with information to share with your veteran attending.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Amy Hilbert

Assistant Principal

Gahanna Middle School East

We are excited to announce that GMSE will host a Clothing Swap for middle school students on November 5th at 6:30 p.m. This is a free swap event where students can bring gently used items they no longer need and swap them for “new-to-you” clothes. Please see the FAQ

The swap is just for middle schoolers and is a fun way to refresh wardrobes while promoting reuse and sustainability. There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required.

👉 CLICK for more information and to REGISTER

We hope you’ll encourage your student to join us!

Current Gahanna 7th graders are invited to attend Western Field Studies annual field trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The trip will depart on June 3, 2026 and return on June 10, 2026. The link below has information about the trip and the evening parent meetings you can attend to get more specific information. This is not a school sponsored trip, however it is chaperoned by current and retired Gahanna teachers.

Western Adventure Information

Meetings

Tuesday, October 28th @ GMSSouth in Library from 7:00 – 7:50 p.m.

Wednesday, October 29th @ GMSEast in Library from 7:00 – 7:50 p.m.

The spiritwear store is live and will be open until October 31st. If store pickup is selected, you are given the option to have it delivered to East. Items will be delivered to the school approximately three weeks after the store closes.

October 28: District 9th Grade Band - 7:30 p.m. @GLHS

October 28: Western Adventure Parent Meeting @ GMSSouth in Library from 7:00 – 7:50 p.m.

October 29: Western Adventure Parent Meeting @ GMSEast in Library from 7:00 – 7:50 p.m.

Nov 4 & 5: 7h grade SOS training during ELA (Check previous email from Mrs. Kirsten)

November 5: Clothing Swap (see flyer) 6:30pm

November 5: Winter sports meeting (see info in athletics section)

November 14: Chess Club Starts

To participate, students must be registered in FinalForms (https://gahanna-oh.finalforms.com/) with an up-to-date physical on file. All forms must be completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the student-athlete! Please reach out to Karen Smith (MS Athletic Dept Secretary) or Phil Dorn (Athletic Director) with any questions

Girls Basketball

• Monday 10/27 4:15-5:45pm
• Tuesday 10/28 4:15-5:45pm

7th Grade boys

• Sat 10/25 10am-12pm
• Mon 10/27 7:30-9pm

8th Grade boys

• Monday 10/27 6:30-8:15pm
• Tuesday 10/28 6:30-8:15pm

There is a mandatory meeting for any athlete wishing to participate in Winter Sports on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH from 6:30P - 7:00P in the Middle School WEST auditorium. This meeting will be followed by short individual team meetings. Mark your calendar!

CHOIR FUNDRAISER PICK- UP will be Monday 10/27 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

After you sign-in a the front office, you will be directed to a classroom to obtain your items. If a student can carry the items on the bus, they can (3-5 items). Please notify Mrs. Harding (hardingp@gjps.org) if you need another pic -up arrangement.

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Social Studies: Last Call!! 6, 7, and 8th grade students are encouraged to write an essay for the VFW Post 4719’s “Patriot’s Pen” competition. This year’s prompt is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” First, second, and third place winners will be awarded a prize!

Flyer // Directions // Essay Link

Chess Club: Starts 11/14 8:30am Room 105

Ace 7/8: Ace 7/8 is working on Multiple Representations. Students are working on making connections between four representations of data: patterns, tables, graphs and equations/rules.

Social Studies: Last Call!! 6, 7, and 8th grade students are encouraged to write an essay for the VFW Post 4719’s “Patriot’s Pen” competition. This year’s prompt is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” First, second, and third place winners will be awarded a prize!

Flyer // Directions // Essay Link

ELA: All 7th graders are currently writing their final literary essays of the “Community & Belonging” unit. Ask them about their writing topic & how their revisions are going!

Math 7: Students are continuing to work through Chapter 3. We just finished up subtracting integers and will start multiplying decimals next week! Please encourage your student to work on their ST Math Puzzles each week!

Ace 7/8: Ace 7/8 is working on Multiple Representations. Students are working on making connections between four representations of data: patterns, tables, graphs and equations/rules.

Chess Club: Starts 11/14 8:30am Room 105

General Updates: We had a grade-level meeting this week to reset expectations for Quarter 2. Please remind your student of the following:

• There book bag policy remains
• To charge their chromebook each night
• Keeping hands to themselves and only their belongings

7th grade students have been doing great in the lunch room and at recess!

Social Studies: Last Call!! 6, 7, and 8th grade students are encouraged to write an essay for the VFW Post 4719’s “Patriot’s Pen” competition. This year’s prompt is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” First, second, and third place winners will be awarded a prize!

Flyer // Directions // Essay Link

Chess Club: Starts 11/14 8:30am Room 105

We had a grade-level meeting today to reset expectations for Quarter 2. Please remind your student of the following:

• Charge their chromebook each night as it is an expectation and will result in a Book signature if not followed.
• Keep hands to themselves and only their belongings.
• To get to class on time.

The PTA Hospitality Committee is seeking new members! We are a fun group that focuses on sprinkling extra TLC to the staff at GMSE. Some of the things we do are: conference meals, donut surprises, cookies and cocoa, a big school supply refresh, and teacher appreciation week- just to name a few!

If this sounds like fun to you, we would love to have you!

Please contact Michelle Zugaro 614.327.9676.

11/10/25 @ 7pm-- virtual

12/8/25 @ 7pm

1/12/26 @ 7pm

2/9/26 @ 7pm

3/9/26 @ 7pm

4/13/26 @ 7pm

5/11/26 @ 7pm

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!

Nov. 10, 2025: PD Day - No School

Nov. 26-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 2, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
*Jan. 5-8, 2026: High School Schedule Altered for New Building Opening
Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement