Monthly Update, October 16, 2026

No School for Students on Monday, October 19 & Tuesday, October 20, 2026

GJPS is helping middle and high school students discover their natural talents and explore exciting possibilities for their futures! Through a new career exploration platform called YouScience, students will participate in interactive "brain games" designed to uncover their unique strengths and connect them to potential career paths they may never have considered.

By pairing these discoveries with career planning tools, GJPS is helping students make informed decisions about high school courses, graduation plans and life beyond the classroom.

The District is appreciative of the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation for using proceeds from the 2026 Gala to fund the first year of this new initiative!

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A strong attendance routine is important, but even the best plans can hit a bump in the road! Unexpected changes to work schedules, transportation troubles or hectic mornings can sometimes make getting to school a challenge. Having a backup plan in place can help families keep students on track when things don't go quite as expected.

1. Build your backup team. Identify two trusted adults who can step in when your usual ride, caregiver or morning routine falls through.

2. Keep important contacts handy. Save phone numbers for your school's office, transportation department, counselor and attendance contact so help is just a call away.

3. Plan for the unexpected. A missed bus, car trouble or last-minute schedule change doesn't have to mean a missed school day. Talk through a backup plan with your family before you need it.

And speaking of backup plans, being part of a team means showing up for one another! Every school day brings opportunities to contribute, work together and be someone your teammates can count on. This month, Be Here for Your Team... Because Every Day Counts!

Families often underestimate their student's absences...sometimes by as much as half. That means a student who has missed 10 days of school may have a family member who believes they missed only 5!

Those missed days can add up quickly. Take a moment to check your child's attendance record and keep track of EVERY absence.

And remember, showing up isn't just about the classroom. It can be about showing up for YOUR TEAM, being part of the action and making sure you don't miss a moment of the fun!

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

Each year, school districts in Ohio are required to offer an opportunity for students in grades K-12 to be identified as gifted in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. The identified areas of giftedness for Visual and Performing Arts include Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Drama/Theater and Dance.

The deadline is quickly approaching, so if you know of a student that may be gifted in an area of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) learn more about the identification process.

Congratulations to this month's Heart and Pride award winners! Heather Handshey, intervention specialist and ELSS teacher at Lincoln Elementary, and Steve Thomas, custodian at Jefferson Elementary, were recognized at the October Board of Education meeting for showcasing the Heart of a Lion and the Power of the Pride.

If you know of a staff member, regardless of position, who exemplifies our District values, be sure to nominate them!

We are thankful for our amazing GJPS teams who go above and beyond each day! Your commitment, care and creativity continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and families across the District.

Blacklick Elementary fourth graders explored the wonders of the human heart during a hands-on learning experience with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Students discovered how the heart works, learned about careers in health care and saw classroom science come to life.

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Middle School West held its first quarter House Assembly, bringing students and staff together to celebrate school spirit, teamwork and positive leadership. The celebration included a schoolwide chant and recognition of student MVPs who have made a positive impact throughout the building. What a great way to celebrate the MSW community!

We are thrilled to highlight the incredible achievements of our GLHS students! Join us in celebrating these award-winning students who have recently earned prestigious academic honors.

National Merit Semifinalists
Emmerson Huth

Brandon Jiang

Haley McCarty

Vivienne Preci

National Merit Commended Students
Leo Babcanec

Jillian Patton

Keegan Sullivan

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National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

National Merit Scholarship Commended Students

Join the Halloween fun

Sunday, October 25, 2026

10 a.m.

GLHS Stadium

REGISTER NOW

There will be a clock running for those that want to complete a 5K run. Because this is a Fun Run, participants may stop at any time to enjoy the other activities.

IMPORTANT - To preserve the track - animals, scooters, or wagons are NOT allowed. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. Thank you for understanding!

T-shirt Pickup

Thursday, October 22 at 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Clark Hall Parking Lot

--OR--

Sunday, October 25 (event date) at 10 a.m. at the GLHS Stadium

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!

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.

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.)