Monthly Update, September 20, 2024

Follow along as we track our strategic plan action steps! We recently added our planned action steps for the next three years on our strategic plan webpage. Additionally, you can find some of our top priorities that you can expect to see over the course of the first year of the strategic plan.

As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools would like to raise awareness about this major public health concern. During this month, we are reminded to look out for our loved ones, the people in our community and those impacted by suicide or suicidal ideation.

This is also a time to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Please see the resources below for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or in crisis. All resources are available 24/7.

• Safe School Helpline - 1-800-418-6423 ext. 359
• Columbus Suicide Prevention Hotline - 614-221-5445
• Nationwide Children’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line (youth up to age 17 experiencing a mental health crisis)- 614-722-1800
• Netcare Emergency Response Services (adults ages 18+ experiencing a mental health crisis)- 614-276-2273
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline- 988 or 1-800-273-8255
• Trevor Project National Hotline (support for LGBTQ+ Youth)- 866-488-7386
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Congratulations to Matt Blackwell, our Director of Information Technology, for being named an Ohio School Boards Association Central Region Exemplary School Employee! Thank you to Matt and his team for all of their hard work in supporting our students and staff.

GJPS is hiring support staff for several substitute positions. If you are looking to make a difference in your community and explore a new role, we would love to have you as part of our team! Simply fill out the GJPS Substitute Support Position Interest Form to let us know which positions you are interested in.

You will find details about responsibilities and pay in a link right on the form. Once submitted, we'll be in touch with next steps.

What an amazing night at the GJPS EL Family Fun Night held at Middle School West. Thanks to our awesome teachers and staff for putting together such a culture-filled event. And, a big shoutout to all the families who came out to share their traditions with us...we loved celebrating YOU!

Our elementary schools all celebrated Start with Hello Week this week! The celebrations, led by each of our elementary school counselors, was centered around teaching empathy and empowering students to end isolation by following three easy steps:

1. See someone alone
2. Reach out and help
3. Start with Hello

There were different types of celebrations all over our elementaries that involved starting the day with "hello" and learning to be more welcoming.

Smiles, sunshine and snowcones during Sixth Grade Adventure Day at Middle School West!

The Tech Department is excited to announce the introduction of a new interactive learning tool in the ESS class at Gahanna Lincoln High School! This multisensory floor projector creates an immersive learning experience, allowing students to engage with educational content through dynamic, floor-projected modules. The tool includes a variety of educational, exercise and entertainment games, designed to help students of all abilities interact with their environment in meaningful ways.

The Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation is hosting the Dash & Stash at GLHS. Register by Monday for early bird pricing and to be sure you get a shirt with your registration!

Who's ready for STEM Fest this year?! Join us for our third annual event on October 17 at Middle School West from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sept. 23, 2024: PD Day - No School

Oct. 21, 2024: Comp Day - No School
Oct. 22, 2024: Staff Work Day - No School
Nov. 8, 2024: PD Day - No School
Nov. 27-29, 2024: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 3, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Jan. 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 14, 2025: PD Day - No School
Feb. 17, 2025: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break - No School
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students
May 24, 2025: Class of 2025 Commencement

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.

This nomination form will remain open year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

In November 2020, voters in the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools district approved a bond and operating levy to fund Phase Two of the GJPS Master Facilities Plan.

Phase Two of the Master Facilities Plan Includes:

• Additions and renovations to High Point and Blacklick Elementary
• Additions and renovations to Middle School East
• New Lincoln High School on current site

Master Facilities Plan & Building Projects Webpage

Phase Two Building Projects Webpage
Phase Two Elementary Projects Webpage

Phase Two Middle School East Project Webpage

Phase Two Lincoln High School Projects Webpage

GJPS has very active Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube accounts.

Please check us out and LIKE US, give us a comment or tweet and SHARE us!

Have a question about something school related? We bet you can find the answer on our Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools website at www.GahannaSchools.org.

The newsletter you are reading (the GJPS NEWS TO KNOW District Newsletter) is emailed to our families and GJPS community each month.

If you live in the GJPS community and want to stay in the know about what's happening in YOUR school district, please SIGN UP for our monthly update.

(Psssst, families of current GJPS students already receive this newsletter, so there is no need to sign up again, but please share with a friend who does not receive it.)