GJPS Preschool Weekly Update

Please join us for a preschool dance at Goshen Lane Elementary from 4:30-6:00 on February 20, 2024.

There will be a cost associated with the event: $1.00/child, $5.00/family or a food donation to GRIN. The donations will fund the end of the year event.

February 6 and 8th: Goshen Lane Conferences: Sign up with information sent from PTO.

February 8 and 13th: Clark Hall Conferences: Sign up BELOW to contribute to food for the conference nights.

February 8 Sign Up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054BAFA62CAAF85-46323181-clark#/

February 13 Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054BAFA62CAAF85-46324840-winter#/

We are collecting small empty food boxes (granola bars, cereal, fruit snacks, pop tarts, waffles, etc.) and milk jugs, egg cartons for a community event in March, April and May.

Dear Families,

Next week we are beginning a new theme in our classroom, “On the Move”. Children will learn about ways they can move and maneuver their bodies. They will also explore transportation “toys,” such as roller skates, tricycles, and wagons. Children will become aware of their own personal space and how to be respectful of the personal space of others.

Next week’s Family Connections activities can be found at:
https://portal2.frogstreet.com/wp-content/uploads/prek2/familyconn/ENG-FC-T6-W1.pdf

Next week’s storybook, “My Brother’s New Scooter” can be found at: https://portal2.frogstreet.com/ebook/?bookname=FS20111_My-Brothers-New-Scooter_eBook.

We’re so excited to continue learning with your little one!

If you have cubby pictures and adventures that can be shared to our newsletter, please email them to Missy Grimmett at grimmettm@gjps.org.

Age for Kindergarten: Your child must be 5 by August 1, 2024 to go to Kindergarten.

Enrollment for Kindergarten: If your child is age-eligible to go to Kindergarten and currently attends our preschool, you will NOT need to enroll them for Kindergarten. We will send all information to the building principals.

Pink forms were sent home with age-eligible peer models to communicate if your child will be transitioning. If you are planning on keeping your child in preschool, we MUST receive the form back or communication to hold a spot for your child for the 24-25 school year.

Preschool enrollment for peer models will begin on February 5, 2024 for the 24-25 school year.

• If your child is currently enrolled in our program and you plan to have them attend for the 24-25 school year, we MUST receive communication in order to hold a spot for your child. You can email Mary Ann Stevens at stevensm@gjps.org to communicate if your child will be returning.
• Any siblings/new peer models must complete registration on February 5, 2024.

Our preschool licensing rules require us to have an updated medical statement on each student after EACH annual exam. The medical statement form is attached below. Take this form to your child's yearly exam to have completed by their pediatrician. If you need a form sent home, please let us know and we would be happy to print and send it home!

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.

World Braille Day

January 4: World Braille Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people; celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille.

Dia de los Reyes

January 6: Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians that recognizes the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus twelve days after his birth.

National Day of Racial Healing

January 16: National Day of Racial Healing, on this day, individuals, organizations and communities across the U.S. come together to explore their common humanity and build the relationships necessary to create a more just and equitable world.

Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27 (sundown to sundown): Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to “mourn the loss of lives, celebrate those who saved them, honor those who survived, and contemplate the obligations of the living.” — Former President Barack Obama

Additional Notable Dates in January

January 1: New Year’s Day

January 7: Orthodox Christmas

January 14: Old New Year/Orthodox New Year

January 15: Makar Sankranti

January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 25: Mahayana New Year

Jan. 31: State of the Schools

February 6 & 8: Goshen Lane Conference Nights

February 8 & 13: Clark Hall Conference Nights

Feb. 16: PD Day - No School
Feb. 19: Presidents Day - No School

February 20: Valentine's Dance (Goshen Lane Elementary Gym)
Feb. 24, 2024: The Gahanna Gala

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)