Family Update

Can you believe we’ve already reached the end of the first quarter? What an incredible start to the school year it has been!

It has been a joy to watch our students grow over these past few weeks. Our 6th graders have beautifully settled into their new environment, our 7th graders are exploring their passions and discovering who they are, and our 8th graders are showing impressive maturity as they prepare for the transition to high school.

Our dedicated teachers have spent this time getting to know your children, identifying both their unique strengths and exciting areas for growth. As we move into the next quarter, we will be purposefully increasing the academic rigor to ensure every student is challenged and supported as we strive toward our "Rise to 5" goal.

I hope your family gets a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect over this extended break. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your child's early successes, re-establish healthy home routines, and set positive goals for the second quarter.

Helpful Resources for Quarter 2 Planning:

• How to Help Tweens and Teens Set Goals: Practical tips for guiding your middle schooler to set achievable academic and personal targets.

  
  

• The Importance of Family Routines: A helpful guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics on establishing consistent sleep, study, and daily routines.

  
  

• Fostering a Growth Mindset: Everyday strategies to encourage your student to embrace challenges, make the most of increased academic rigor, and build resilience.

There is no school on Monday AND Tuesday, We will welcome students back on Wednesday October 21st.

The Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the State's high standards.

Our teachers received professional development from our Math Instructional Coach Mrs. Kelley around Math Anxiety. Here is some information for you and how you can help your child if you have Math anxiety. Did you know…

Please read the following information about E-Bikes.

E-Scooters: Can go where bikes can go, to include sidewalks (max of 20 MPH, must yield to pedestrians, front light and rear reflector required at night)

E-Bicycles: Can go where bikes can go, to include sidewalks when the motor is not engaged.

Gas-powered scooter & bicycles: Not permitted on streets or sidewalks

E-Dirt bikes: Not permitted on streets or sidewalks (when it's an OHM)

Read more information here: https://gahanna.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/473

CRIS Support for Students and Families

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) is a local nonprofit organization supporting refugee and immigrant families in Central Ohio. CRIS offers help with school, daily life, and future goals.

Currently, the CRIS youth team has about 10 staff members and supports about 522 youth from 69 countries, speaking 53 languages (presentation data from October 13, 2026).

Who can ask for support?

CRIS serves refugee and immigrant families, including young people born in the United States to families from these communities. You do not need refugee status to ask for help. Students do not have to be identified as English Learners. CRIS staff can explain which programs fit your family’s needs. Participation is voluntary. You and your child can decide whether youth support is a good fit.

Support for young people

The Community Connectors program matches young people with mentors. Caring adults meet regularly and help them work toward their goals. Support may include schoolwork, English practice, friendships, school routines, and college or career exploration. CRIS also offers art groups, cooking classes, soccer, and cricket. These offer opportunities to make friends, share cultural traditions, explore interests, and build a sense of belonging. Ask the youth team which activities are available for your child.

Support for families

CRIS offers English classes for adults, employment support, and immigration legal services. Their staff can help families connect with community resources and food support. Please ask CRIS about language assistance and available services.

Contact information

Please contact CRIS directly or ask your school counselor for help. Program eligibility, availability, appointments, and fees vary.

School Counselors：

Cara Bonasorte (student last name A to K ) | bonasortec@gjps.org

Paige Verma (student last name L to Z ) | vermap@gjps.org

CRIS：

CRIS main office: 614-235-5747 | www.crisohio.org

Youth support: Jeremy Hollon | 614-273-5618 | jhollon@cris-ohio.org

Legal appointment line: 380-529-2747

Office: 4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, OH 43220

Career Corner

It's FUTURE FRIDAY!

This week's career is an HVAC Technician.

An HVAC technician is a skilled professional who installs, repairs, and maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes, schools, and businesses. HVAC technicians help keep buildings warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and comfortable all year long. They use tools, science, math, and problem-solving skills to figure out why heating and cooling systems aren't working properly. Many HVAC technicians learn through technical school programs or apprenticeships, which combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. Check out the links to learn more!

We should all have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for our futures. Don't forget... it is ok to grow and change your mind as new things interest you. If you have an idea for a career for us to showcase, email your school counselor :)

Save the date for October 22nd, 5:30pm-7:30pm

This Veterans Day, we are proud to honor the family members of our students who have served in the military. We invite you to share their information with us by completing this brief Google form so we may recognize their service.

October 22nd- STEM Fest

October 19, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
October 20, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
November 9, 2026: PD Day - No School
November 25-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23, 2026-January 1, 2027: Winter Break - No School
January 4, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Day - No School
February 15, 2027: Presidents Day - No School
March 8, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
March 9, 2027: PD Day - No School
March 26, 2027: Conference Comp Day - No School
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break- No School
April 30, 2027: PD Day - No School
May 27, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
May 28, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School

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.