September 5, 2025

September 5, 2025
Principal Priorities
Happy Reading with Humphrey!
We hope you've been enjoying the adventures with everyone's favorite hamster! It was wonderful to see so many stuffed animals at school today, all here to listen to the latest chapters. We even heard some great conversations on the playground during recess about Humphrey's exciting new escapades. It's clear that so many of you are having a blast with this book!
What's Next?
We're moving right along in our One School, One Book journey. Is your family ready for Chapter 9? If you haven't quite made it there yet, no worries at all! This weekend is the perfect time to catch up on some reading. Just a few minutes each night can make a huge difference.
Remember, reading together is all about having fun and sharing a story as a family. Let's keep the momentum going and continue to enjoy this special time with The World According to Humphrey.
Counselor Corner
Small Groups
Small group counseling opportunities will be starting soon at Jefferson Elementary, facilitated by School Counselor Mrs. Bills and Concord Prevention Specialist Ms. Sydney.
Groups are available to all Jefferson students and will focus on key areas including:
Friendship and social skills
Emotional regulation
Coping with anxiety
Executive functioning skills
If you are interested in having your student participate, please contact Mrs. Bills at billss@gjps.org
Stay In the Game! Attendance Network!
Take the Attendance Pledge!
On-Time Arrival
The first bell rings at 7:55 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.. Please help your child build strong habits by arriving on time each morning. Being on time sets the tone for the entire day, allowing students to start focused, confident, and ready to learn.
Why Attendance Matters
Students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve academic success.
Good attendance builds responsibility and shows commitment.
Being on time helps create a calm, positive start to the day.
Together, we can help every child “stay in the game” by making attendance and punctuality a priority. Take the pledge now to stay in the game at Jefferson: https://stayinthegame.org/pledge/! Thank you for teaming up with us to make every school day count!
Team Tressel Fitness Challenge
4th and 5th Graders- are you ready for the challenge?
Next week in physical education class students will be introduced to the team Tressel Fittness Challenge.
As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s efforts to make Ohioans healthier and help every person live up to their full potential, he and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, in collaboration with Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, launched the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.
This challenge is a 90-day journey to help Ohio students build healthy habits in physical activity, sleep, and nutrition through personalized goal setting. Throughout the challenge, students will learn how to build a workout and lifestyle routine that supports their well-being for years to come.
Students in 4th and 5th grade will receive cahllenge workbooks next week from Mr. L. They will will progress through three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—selecting from a menu of activities, using their challenge workbook, in each of the core areas: physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.
Check out the website to see how the whole family can get involved!
PTO News and Events
Jog Volunteer Sign Up!
JOG FOR JEFFERSON DETAILS!
Our primary fundraiser of the year, "Jog for Jefferson"!
The students at Jefferson Elementary are lacing up their sneakers and getting ready to run their best at our annual "Jog for Jefferson"!
In support of their Jog, students will raise money, which helps support our school's Music, Art, Phys Ed and Library, brings in special guests, supports technology & equipment upgrades & allows the school to have fun events like our school dance & movie night!
Last year, students raised over $40k and were able to:
- renovate the teacher's lounge to enhance our administration's experience!
- refresh the school's landscaping and playground
- install an outdoor learning experience
- approve additional equipment and funds for teachers, library, gym and music
- bring in an Author to visit the school
- just to name a few!
This is our main fundraiser of the year! This is not a "per-lap" fundraiser - each student just does their best in the allotted amount of time they have to run their jog, so any donation you make is a one-time donation. It's simply a donation to encourage them to do their best that day! The jog itself is a great day full of camaraderie and joy for the students and all involved.
Our students also earn a raffle ticket for every $25 they raise, to attempt to win fun prizes like sports gear, trading cards, gift cards, local experiences, and more!
If you are able to participate in our Fundraiser in other ways, such as providing an in-kind donation for our Raffle, please contact us at gahannajeffersonelementarypto@gmail.com.
We appreciate your support of Jefferson Elementary, our students, and the community. Thank you for being a part of our children’s education.
Jog Schedule
Opening Ceremony/Lap 8:25- 8:45
Fifth Grade 8:45- 9:40
Fourth Grade 9:40- 10:30
Third Grade 10:30 - 11:15
Kindergarten 1:00- 1:30
First Grade 1:30-2:15
Second Grade 1:30- 2:15
Jog Donation Website
Get Involved
Looking for opportunities to support your Jefferson student and the amazing teaching through the PTO?! There are several volunteer opportunities available to assist the students and our amazing network of teachers/staff at Jefferson. A link is included for you to peruse and complete regarding those options. This is not a commitment, but just sharing interest. Future communications regarding PTO volunteer opportunities will be steered based on your completion. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DKP59B5
Family Facebook Group
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.
VOLUNTEER LINKS:
Upcoming School Events
Mark Your Calendar...
September 9 PTO Meeting 7:00pm Library
September 19 Jog For Jefferson Event (Sept. 26th rain date)
September 23 School Picture Day(individual) & 5th Grade Group Picture
September 25 Parent Teacher Conferences
September 30 Parent Teacher Conferences
October 2 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students
October 3 Teacher Comp Day, No School for Students

