Blacklick Bulletin

Blacklick Families: Please check your email at the beginning of each week for the most recent school news.

Dear Blacklick Families:

We are looking forward to meeting with parents this week at our parent/teacher conferences on Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 15. If you still need to schedule your conference time, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible to sign up. Our goal is 100% family participation in parent/teacher conferences!

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.

Respectfully,

Kristen Groves

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO generously provides dinner for the Blacklick staff on Parent/Teacher conference nights. We are still in need of a few items for both conference nights.

If you are interested in donating a food item, please click on the links below! Thank you in advance! This is a special treat for our staff.

Tuesday, 10/13: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-65708645-tuesday

Thursday, 10/15: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-65708651-thursday

If you would like to meet with one of your student's related arts teachers during conferences, please email them directly. Click here to ensure you are contacting the correct teacher for your student.

Mrs. Scott will be available to meet with parents/guardians on October 13 and October 15 from 3:00 - 5:30 PM. Feel free to stop by her classroom on conference night (room #).

Our 3rd graders will take their state reading test on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28. We are so proud of how hard our students have been working to get ready!

Here are a few ways you can help your child do their best:

• Make sure they get a good night’s sleep before each testing day.

• Eat a healthy breakfast each morning.

• Arrive to school on time so they can start the day calmly.

• Offer encouragement and confidence—remind them to take their time and do their best!

We know our 3rd graders will shine! 🌟

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) and would like for them to be screened for possible gifted identification in that particular area, please complete the Visual and Performing Arts Nomination Form found through this link.

Click here to learn more about the two-phase VPA gifted identification process. Please keep in mind that this evaluation is for identification purposes only. There are no specialized classes offered to students identified as gifted in VPA; however, teachers can use this information to differentiate their lessons.

Please note: Once a student is identified as gifted in one of the Visual and Performing Arts categories (instrumental music, vocal music, dance, visual art, theater/drama), the student is not eligible to go through the nomination process again for the same category.

Nominations will be accepted until Sunday, November 15, 2026, and will only be accepted using the Google link above.

If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Boyle at gjpsgifted@gjps.org.

Forms for the yearbook art contest will go home with students in grades K-5 this week!

When creating your design, please remember to :

1. Create your design in a COLOR medium such as crayons, markers or colored pencils (press firmly).

2. Use the form that was sent home and create the design below the dotted line.

3. Make sure the design in vertical.

4. Color to the edge of the paper, but keep any text or words 1" (one inch) from the edge of the paper.

5. Be sure to include BLACKLICK ELEMENTARY and 2026-2027 in your design.

Interested students should turn in their entry to their classroom teacher by Monday, October 12.

Dear Parents,

We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff work tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day. Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you. Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Thank you for your participation and support!

Staff Tribute

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is looking for Vendors to participate in the Blacklick Bazaar on November 21 from 8:30 AM- 12;00 PM. Please click on the link below if you are interested in being a vendor or feel free to pass this link along to others that may be interested.

Blacklick Bazaar Application

Kindergarteners are developing their ability to demonstrate an understanding of personal space and body awareness when performing various locomotor movements and playing a tag game called North wind/South wind. They are also exploring various ways to use a playground ball- dribble, toss and catch, bounce and catch, etc..

Kindergarten has been focused on the elements of art starting with Line! We are making line monsters and read the story “Lines that Wiggle”

Kindergarten students just finished voting for the Buckeye Book Award! We read the five nominated books and each child had a chance to vote on Ohio’s state award, voted on only by students in our state. We have also been reviewing parts of the book and they are quickly becoming experts!

Kindergarten has been talking, singing, and moving all things fall weather! We are exploring the highs and lows of our voices while we help our new friend Papageno learn about our shared cultural experiences in our new season.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P):

Nationwide Children's Hospital provides free workshops on dealing with behavior, managing fighting and aggression, developing good bedtime routines, and several other topics. Sessions are via Zoom and free of cost. To register, email TripleP@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-8099. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/behavioral-health/for-families/triple-p/groups

Topics, days, and time can be found HERE.

As part of a statewide initiative and legal requirement to address chronic absenteeism and keep students on track, GJPS recently mailed attendance letters to families of students who are chronically absent.

We know that regular attendance is key to student success, and we want to work together to support your family. If you have any questions or need support, please contact our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Gillens, at gillensl@gjps.org.

Pursuant to House Bill 96 student attendance is calculated in hours. This includes absences that have been identified as both excused and unexcused by the school, as well as planned absences, tardies and early dismissals. Every minute counts!

If your child is going to be absent for any portion of the school day, please notify the school. You may report an absence by using our Online Absence Reporting available in the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. To enter a request follow these simple steps:

1.Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

2. Select your child’s profile.

3. Navigate to the Absence Request section.

4. Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.

5. Submit your request.

You will be able to view the status of your request using the View Requests button.

You may also call Blacklick at 614-759-5100 or email Mrs. Lindsey, school secretary, at lindseyk@gjps.org to view the status of the request.

Medical excuses from a doctor can be submitted to Mrs. Lindsey or you can send in a paper copy.

Planned absences can be reported by completing this form out and shared with Mrs. Lindsey.

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is looking for interested parents/guardians to serve on the PTO board for the 2027-2028 school year. Questions? Please contact PTOBlacklick@gmail.com.

Available positions include:

• Board Advisor (2 positions, 1 year term)

• Board Elect (2 year term)

• Secretary (2 year term)

• Vice President (1 year term)

• President (2 year term)

Please click on the link to review the Board Application:

PTO Board Application for 2026-2027

Applications are due to the school office by November 10, 2026.

Please click the link below for the 2026-2027 PTO Family Directory. Thank you to the PRIDE Partner PTO for putting this together for our families.

2026-2027 PTO Family Directory

The first PTO meeting of the school year is scheduled for October 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Blacklick library. All parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend!

PTO Officers for 2026-2027

Kristin Stewart - President

Jess Waxler - Vice President

Emily Smith - Treasurer

Laura Valido - Secretary

Lauren Conte - Board Elect

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

$25 Amazon Gift Card! This year, the PTO will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to the classroom with the highest parent representation at our PTO meetings! Attendance will be tracked at each meeting throughout the school year. The classroom teacher with the most parents in attendance by the end of the year will win the gift card. We hope to see you at our next meeting!

7:50 AM Breakfast offered in the cafeteria for interested students.

7:55 AM Students enter classrooms.

8:05 AM School starts - Students are to be in classrooms and ready to learn by 8:05 AM! Students entering the building after 8:05 AM will need to be signed in to the office by a parent/guardian.

2:35 PM Dismissal begins.

If you are visiting Blacklick for any reason, you will need to enter the building through the front doors.

We kindly ask that ALL visitors follow the steps below each and every time you visit Blacklick:

1. Once at the front, exterior doors of the school, press the buzzer. A member of the office staff will ask your reason for visiting Blacklick.

2. Once inside the vestibule, you will enter your drivers' license or state ID into the scanner.

3. Once your license has been scanned and processed you will be permitted to enter the main office area to pick up your visitor/volunteer badge.

**As a reminder, if there is a non-guardian planning to visit Blacklick for any reason (to eat lunch, read a book in the classroom, visit the bookfair, take your child to an appointment etc.), we ask that the guardian email the teacher and front office (lindseyk@gjps.org) to let us know prior to the visit.

Background Checks are needed each year for all volunteers!

To increase safety and security protocols, all GJPS volunteers who may have the potential to interact with students in an unsupervised setting or may have access to confidential information will be required to complete an online application that includes a background check. The district will provide the background checks at no cost to the volunteer. Background checks are required EACH school year. If you completed a background check last school year, you will need to complete the process again for the 2026-2027 school year.

EXAMPLES

• Examples of volunteer experiences include but are not limited to: cafeteria helpers, reading aides, mentors, hall monitors, field day volunteers, library helpers, office helpers, tutors, field trip chaperones, small group or individual student work in the hallway, party helpers, concession workers, fundraising volunteers, book fair volunteers, mobile dentist volunteers, etc.

Interested in Volunteering?

Click on the link below and fill out the necessary information:

Volunteer Form - Link is currently activated for the 26-27 school year!

A plate lunch is $2.75.

Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day at Blacklick.

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

*There will be 2 hot lunch options available for students to choose from for lunch each day. Please see the lunch menu for details. Students not interested in the hot lunch options will be able to select Yogurt/roll, Garden Salad, Cheese Sandwich, Wowbutter sandwich or a Turkey Sandwich.

Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2026-2027 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2026-27 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Food Service Department is committed to assisting families and making this transition back to normal operations as easy as possible. Please feel free to contact Food Service Supervisor Stephen Ismael (Ismaels@gjps.org) if you have any questions.

For food assistance, please come to GRIN. No appointment needed. Come during the listed pantry hours. Bring your photo ID & proof of residency. You may come 2 times/month for canned foods, fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries & cleaning supplies.

Pantry Hours:

Every Tuesday 6-8pm

Every Wednesday 10am - Noon

Every Saturday 9am - 11am

Questions? Contact Benth Bentley,, Program Director at pd@grin4gahana.org

"Grin is an equal opportunity provider."

Ohio State Testing Dates are ready for the 2026-2027 school year. Please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments over these dates.

October 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 13 PTO Meeting in the Blacklick Library at 6:30 PM

October 15 Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 16 Last day of quarter 1

October 19 Conference Comp Day - No School for students or staff

October 20 Teacher Work Day for Staff - No School for Students

October 23 Report Cards for Quarter 1 go home with students

October 27 and October 28 Ohio State Test in Reading for Grade 3 Students

Nov. 9: Staff Professional Development Day - No School

Nov. 16- 21: Blacklick Book Fair

Nov. 19: Community Night (6:00 - 7:30 PM)

Nov. 21: Blacklick Bazaar (8:30 AM - Noon)

Nov. 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School

Dec. 23 - Jan. 4: Winter Break - No School (Jan. 4: Teacher Work Day)

2026-2027 GJPS District Calendar

2026-2027 Blacklick School Calendar

Bus Schedule and Routes