A Trip Down Goshen Lane

Our staff wrapped up 2025 enjoying some laughter and friends.

Hello, Families,

We are so lucky at Goshen Lane to have such wonderful students, families, and staff. We celebrate, honor, and support our school family each day and wish each and every one of you a winter break filled with the things that you love and make you the happiest. 💕

We will see all students back to school Monday, January 5th.

This Week's Question Around the Dinner Table:

What is one game you want to play with family members over winter break?
What is one food you would like to learn to make over winter break?

We are family.

Sharon Suriano

Principal

The Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Heart and Pride Award was established in 2023 to recognize the outstanding work of our staff. Each month, staff members, regardless of position can be nominated by anyone in our community for making a true impact on students and GJPS. This month, Goshen Lane's own Jennifer McClary was nominated by Mike Donaldson and awarded the GJPS Heart and Pride Award. Congratulations, Mrs. McClary, and thank you for all of you have given the student of Goshen Lane.

"For 35 years, Jennifer McClary has been the heart of Goshen Lane Elementary School. Throughout her career—most of it spent teaching second grade—she has inspired countless students with her warmth, energy, and unwavering belief in their potential. Jennifer has a special gift for making every child feel seen, valued, and loved. Her classroom has always been a place where students not only learn but grow in confidence and character.

Jennifer’s dedication doesn’t end when her students leave her classroom—she continues to cheer them on, celebrating their successes and supporting them long after second grade. She constantly looks for new and creative ways to reach every learner, always striving to help them discover their strengths and a love for learning.

Jennifer McClary’s legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and excellence. She has touched generations of students, families, and colleagues, leaving an imprint on the Goshen Lane community that will last far beyond her years in the classroom.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing all of this firsthand. I worked alongside Jennifer for more than thirty years, and my son was also lucky enough to be in her second-grade class. Her dedication, compassion, and love for teaching have made a lasting impact on everyone around her—both colleagues and students alike."

- Mike Donaldson

Mrs. Brown’s fifth graders composed this trip through some of the United States using their known rhythm figures.

In this video, Ms. Odom’s first graders used scarves to move along with the music to the “Trepak” section of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

In this busy holiday season, 3rd-5th grade students have been “Takin’ a Trip” across the United States, and this final week of the quarter, head out with their music passports to explore musical holiday traditions from around the world.

Our 1st graders have just discovered important knowledge about quarter notes and eighth notes, and 2nd graders have expanded their pitch vocabulary to include “la” – now they can sing, read, analyze, and even create their own “so-la-mi” songs!

Kindergartners have been exploring all the things our voice can do – high & low, fast & slow, loud & soft, talking & singing – as well as finding each song’s steady beat. They even got a chance this past week to grab a pencil and practice their conducting skills.

In all grade levels, students have returned to a classic holiday favorite by exploring sections of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Nutcracker with fun classroom activities including rhythm sticks, scarves, plastic cups, and even the large stretchy band!

Questions to ask your student:

Where is a place you would like to visit in the world? Can we research their musical traditions together?
Which rhythm symbols can you use? Can you show me how to draw them and explain what they mean to musicians?
What is your favorite part of Nutcracker? Can you teach me how to perform it the way you did in music class?

Winter Session 1 will be starting Jan. 28th for interested Grade 1-5 students. See below for details.

Ongoing Fundraisers:

Goshen Lane Spirit Wear

Kroger Community Rewards-- Use code: GA915 for Goshen Lane

Box Tops for Education--Download the app today!

Thank You,

Goshen Lane PTA

Click Here for All Live Links to PTA Information

It's that time of year when weather might affect the school day. If school is canceled or there is a 2 Hour Delay, you will receive a message from Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools early in the morning before school starts. This comes as a text, an email, and/or a phone call and voicemail. The kinds of messages you receive depend on what you chose in your Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. You can also check the Gahanna-Jefferson Facebook page, the Goshen Lane PTA Facebook page, and news station apps and websites.

The message will either tell you that school is canceled or that there is a 2 Hour Delay.

Important 2 Hour Delay Details:

-There is no breakfast served at school.

-Buses pick up 2 hours after their normal time.

-9:45 Car drop off may begin

-9:55 All students may enter the school

-10:05 School begins

Please make sure students are dressed warmly for recess as the weather gets colder. We will be outside for recess unless the feels like temperature falls below 17 degrees.

If you need coats, hats, or gloves, please reach out to the front office or Mrs. Cellar.

Did you know your child can access their online educational apps at home like they do in school? These resources include Lexia and DreamBox, educational accounts to build reading and math skills. Click here to read how.

Lions Locker is an anonymous pantry located at Gahanna Lincoln High School. They provide food, toiletries, school supplies and other basic necessities to PreK-12 students of Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.

If your family is in need of these basic items please reach out to Mrs. Cellar, School Counselor (cellarl@gjps.org) and she will work with Lions Locker as well as other local organizations to support your family through these need based programs.

If your student is in need of after school care, the YWCA Columbus offers services right here at Goshen Lane. There is an option to receive publicly funded childcare for those who apply and qualify. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact them directly.