Monthly Update, September 18, 2026

No School for Students on Monday, September 21, 2026!

The Heart and Pride Award was started in 2023 to honor exemplary staff members. To date, the award has been presented to 42 GJPS staff members, representing:

• All schools and departments
• 13 job categories
• 725 total years of service

As we prepare to kick off the fourth year of the program with the next round of awardees in October, hear from some of our staff members who have already earned the award and what it meant to them to be recognized.

While the District's overall star rating remained the same, there are many things to celebrate.

• Increased to a full five-star rating in Gap Closing
• Improved rating in College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness (CCWMR)
• Maintained four stars in:
• Achievement
• Progress
• Graduation
• Maintained three stars in Early Literacy
  
  

READ COMPLETE STORY

Now that the school year is underway, it’s a good time to take a quick look at your student’s attendance. Check the total number of days and hours missed so far, including excused absences.

1. A few hours here or a day there can be easy to overlook, so regularly checking attendance can help families spot patterns before missed time begins to add up.
2. If something doesn’t look right or you have questions about what you’re seeing, reach out to your student’s school for clarification or help.
3. Consider one adjustment that could make getting to school every day a little easier. Late nights, appointments, difficult mornings or other barriers can all contribute to missed time. Identifying the biggest challenge and focusing on one manageable change can help strengthen attendance habits.
   
   

And while learning is always an important reason to be here, school is also where friendships grow through the everyday moments of talking, laughing, working and simply spending time together. This month, Be Here for the Friends... Because Every Day Counts.

Nearly 9 OUT OF 10 STUDENTS who miss more than four days of school in September go on to become CHRONICALLY ABSENT that school year. That makes these first few weeks especially important.

START STRONG NOW by building attendance habits that can last all year!

At GJPS, every day counts!
Be Here For It!

The District redistricting plan was announced at the September Board of Education Workshop meeting. You can learn more about the new boundary lines, as well as search for the schools assigned to your address, on our website. As a reminder, these changes do not take effect until the 2027-28 school year.

Students walked, ran, skipped, danced and wheeled their way around the track during the Chapelfield Move-A-Thon!

Arledge Construction recently gave a presentation to seventh grade science students at Middle School West. They talked about the ingredients needed for concrete, and worked with the classes on a science experiment playing with changes to the formula. They also gave students a firsthand look at how concrete is being used in the new addition at MSW.

Lincoln Live is back for the 2026-27 school year!

The GLHS classes of 1975 and 1976 were FAR OUT as they came together to celebrate their 50th and 51st reunions! Their gathering included plenty of memories, a little '70s nostalgia and a chance to celebrate friendships that have lasted five decades!

The two classes also left a lasting mark on the new GLHS by joining forces to donate the funds for a beautiful bronze LION that now proudly stands at the main entrance to the school. It is a special piece of LION PRIDE that will welcome students, alumni and visitors for generations to come.

Thank you, Classes of '75 and '76, for this lasting gift and leaving a legacy!

Join the Cleveland Cavaliers for Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Night on November 7! Join your neighbors and fellow GJPS families at Rocket Arena in Cleveland as the Cavs take on the New York Knicks! The team is offering discounted tickets to our community and everyone that purchases a ticket will have the opportunity to take a shot on the court after the game! Cheer on the Cavs alongside your community!

September 21, 2026: PD Day - No School
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
May 29, 2027: Class of 2027 Commencement

2026-27 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

2027-28 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.

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

Please check us out and LIKE US, give us a COMMENT and SHARE us on your channels!

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.

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