Jefferson Families,

I can hardly believe that we're at the end of September already! It's been a wonderful start to the school year, and we want to take a moment to check in on the school routines that are so essential to your child's success. Routines help create a sense of stability and consistency, which is especially crucial for academic growth.

**Sleep Matters: Are Your Kids Getting Enough?**

A good night's sleep is one of the cornerstones of a successful school routine. Adequate sleep not only ensures that your child is alert and ready to learn but also supports their overall health and well-being. According to experts, elementary-age children typically need 9-11 hours of sleep per night. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT: 9-11 HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT - EVEN ON THE WEEKEND. Please take a moment to reflect on your child's sleep habits and make any necessary adjustments to help them get the recommended amount of rest.

**Home Reading**

Reading and math are foundational skills that are nurtured not only at school but also at home. To reinforce these skills, this week we are focusing on reading:

- **Reading Routine:** Are you setting aside time each evening for your child to read independently or with you? Establishing a reading routine helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for books.

**Tips for Success:**

1. **Establish a Consistent Bedtime:** Ensure your child is getting enough sleep by setting a consistent bedtime that allows for the recommended hours of rest.

2. **Designate a Reading Nook:** Create a cozy reading nook at home with your child's favorite books. Make it a comfortable and inviting space for reading.

3. **Celebrate Progress:** Celebrate your child's reading milestones to motivate them to keep up with their routines.

As we move into October, let's continue to work together to support our children's academic growth. Thank you for your dedication to your child's education and well-being. We look forward to seeing their continued progress throughout the school year.

Mr. Schmidt

Our new front entrance is looking a lot better, thanks to the GJPS grounds crew. Today they cleared out all the weeds and grass and mulched the area. We have future plans to work with our Student Green Team to help create a landscape plan using Ohio native plants. Many thanks to the GJPS Grounds Crew for helping beautify our school. Jefferson Families, please consider helping us this weekend to continue the efforts to beautify the grounds.

Gahanna-Jeffesron Schools uses an online assessment system called MAP to help us make instructional decisions and support your students in grades 1-8 along their learning journey for Math and Reading. If you were able to attend parent-teacher conferences, results of the MAP assessments were given to you. If you were unable to attend conferences, the reports will be mailed to you on October 9th. Below is a letter from the Curriculum Department that shares more resources as it relates to the MAP assessment.

It is so important for us to continually model emotional regulation for kids. No one is perfect at this. The times we get caught up in our own big feelings, we have the opportunity to show kids what it looks like to go back and mend any hurt feelings with others afterwards. Here are some examples of things you can say to your child:

• "I can feel in my body that I am having big feelings. I am going to take a 10 minute* break to calm down and then I will come back to talk to you."

• "I can tell we are both having big feelings about this. Let's take some deep breaths together before we keep talking. (or take a walk, take a break, etc.)

• "I got upset and yelled. I am sorry you heard me yell. That was probably scary for you. Next time I will take a break to calm down so I don't yell. I don't like the way it feels and I know you don't either."

• "I am feeling frustrated right now. I need to take a break from this conversation. Can we come back in 30 minutes* to talk more about it then?"

*Always set a time when you will come back together so the child doesn't think it will just be dropped. Coming back together to talk is important.

GRIN provides food to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out this form and send it back to me. You can also email me at haringah@gjps.org.

If you have a social, emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form. Family Counseling Referral Form

October 6 Jog Celebration Assembly 1:30pm

October 10 PTO Meeting 7:00pm

October 23 & 24 No School for Students (Conf. Comp Day and Professional Learning Day)

October 27 Fall Party/Costume Parade Friday 1:15pm

October 31 Picture Retake Day

November 14 Culture Night

LUNCH MENU LINK

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)