CES Weekly Communicator

Issue #27: February 28, 2025

This weekly update will be how we communicate with the school community. Please check your emails on Fridays for the most recent school news.

Principal Corner

Happy Friday, Chapelfield families.

Thank you for coming to our last parent teacher conferences last night. It is so important to us to build strong partnerships with you to support your child/ren in school. Continue to reach out if you ever have questions.

Don't forget that today is Student Council movie night! We open doors at 6 p.m.

JUST A REMINDER: We need HELP for dismissal in the carpool lane. We ask that you call the front office if you have another adult picking up your child in the carpool lane. This will allow us to move quicker at dismissal. It is our responsibility to make sure students are getting home safely and with known adults. We need YOUR PERMISSION to have an alternative driver. Thank you for your support.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Nikki Miller

Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Jasin

Hello Families!

This month, we covered a variety of different topics in classroom guidance lessons! Please read below to help support these important skills at home.

In kindergarten, we learned about self-control. We discussed what self-control looks like and sounds like in and out of the classroom using one of our favorite sea creature friends, Clark the Shark! Learning and practicing self-control helps to contribute to not only academic success, but also our overall well-being. We encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about the meaning of self-control and how we can practice it in different scenarios.

In first, second and third grade, we learned about conflict resolution through i-Messages. When we talk it out, we use our words to peacefully solve conflicts. We practiced i-Messages by using this prompt, "I feel…when…Could you please…"

In fourth and fifth grade, we discussed conflict resolution from a lens of seeing another person's perspective. Seeing a problem from someone else's point of view helps us understand their feelings and find a fair solution, making it easier to solve conflicts. We also looked closely and practiced the difference between you-messages vs. i-messages.

You-message: "You never listen to me!"

I-message: "I feel frustrated when I’m not heard because I want to share my thoughts too. Can you please let me have a chance to talk?"

GRIN provides weekend snack bags to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please email me at jasink@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 reach out to me at jasink@gjps.org.

Best,

Krysten Jasin - School Counselor

Practice this breathing strategy at home!

Spread the Word Shirts-March 26

It is our favorite time of year - Spread the Word at GJPS! This year our theme is “Every Voice Counts” and t-shirts are on sale for 1 week only! They will arrive in time for our District Wide Celebration Day on March 26th. Proceeds will be given to all buildings with ELSS/ESS programs.

The sale will close on March 5th. Proceeds will be given to all buildings with ELSS/ESS programs.

Click the link below!

STW 2025

stores.inksoft.com

Related Arts Spotlight

Library Updates from Mrs. Long

The Book Fair was a great success!! Thank you so much to all the volunteers who helped students shop and understand how much they could purchase. Students picked out some great books, and raised about $2,400 to purchase new books for the library!

We have continued our discussion about book awards and reading books that were published in 2024. We read Chooch Helped by Andrea Rogers. This book won the Caldecott Award, which is actually given to the illustrator for the best artwork in a children’s picture book. This is the first book that Rebecca Lee Kunz illustrated, and she won! The story is about a girl who gets very frustrated with her little brother, named Chooch, when he “helped” with chores. We also read Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo, which won the Caldecott Honor Award. This is also the first picture book that Cherry Mo has illustrated. This is a story about a girl who moves to the United States from Hong Kong, and how she eventually makes friends even though she does not speak any English. We also read Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor. This is a story about Ursula the upside down catfish, which we learned is a real species of catfish in Africa. The students identified the message of the story being that we all have different perspectives and we should be happy being ourselves, while respecting that others act and think differently than us.

Then, all students were able to nominate a book for the Buckeye Children’s Book Award, an award given here in Ohio to a book that ONLY kids get to nominate and vote on. The books that received the most nominations were The Yellow Bus by Loren Long, Home in a Lunchbox, Ursula Upside Down, and Two Together by Brendan Wenzel. This has been such a fun unit with the students! They are all doing an amazing job understanding the story, “reading” the illustrations, and identifying lessons we can learn from each book. They have shown themselves to be very deep thinkers who are kind and have empathy for others.

Student Council Movie Night: Friday, February 28

Please help support student council on Friday, February 28 from 6-8 p.m. An adult chaperone must be present and stay the entire time. We can wait to watch Home Alone together!

Updates from the Clinic-A few reminders

NWEA MAP Results

During parent teacher conferences, we will be handing out NWEA MAP results to families. Students in 2nd-5th grade will have results in Reading and Kindergarten-5th grade will have results in Math. Please see the link for the parent letter about MAP results below. Those families that did not come to parent teacher conferences will have their results mailed home.

MAP Winter Results Family Letter

OELPA Testing for English Language Learners

OELPA testing will begin Monday, February 3rd for our English Learner students. This test monitors students’ progress in English in the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Please click HERE for more information on the test. Please contact Mrs. Melville or Mrs. Sinkey with any questions.

Spring Ohio State Testing (OST) Calendar

Spring will be here before you know it. As you know, there is a lot of state testing that happens in April. See the dates before for 3rd-5th grade state testing as you make appointments. Thank you for your support.

Recess Update-Dress Warm!

As you all know, the weather in Ohio is constantly changing. Some days are warmer than others while other days are just plain cold! Please make sure to check the forecast so that your child is prepared as we will be going outside for recess as long as the temperatures are above 20 degrees.

Visitors

We kindly ask that ALL visitors follow the steps below each and every time you visit Chapelfield:

1. Once at the front, exterior doors of the school, press the buzzer. A member of the office staff will ask your reason for visiting Chapelfield.

2. Once inside the vestibule, you will enter your drivers' license or state ID into the scanner. ALL visitors/guests/guardians need to scan their drivers license EACH and EVERY time they visit Chapelfield.

3. Once your license has been scanned and processed you will be permitted to enter the main office area to pick up your visitor/volunteer badge.

4. If you have NEVER had your driver's licensed scanned at Chapelfield before, this will take a longer time. You will want to plan accordingly.

**As a reminder, if there is a non-guardian planning to visit Chapelfield for any reason (to eat lunch, read a book in the classroom, visit the bookfair, take your child to an appointment etc.), we ask that the guardian email the teacher and front office (gilzows@gjps.org ) to let us know prior to the visit.

Our Vestibule

The vestibule will be a place you have to wait if you are picking up a student, dropping off a book bag or lunch box.

The office is a busy place and there are times that we are dealing with student confidential issues. The vestibule will be a place to wait. It also allows us to keep our building safe. We want to keep students and staff safe including keeping confidential information safe. Thank you for understanding.

PTO Updates

PTO Events

*Spring Flower Sales begin February 25-March 12 . Delivery will be on April 29th. This is right in time for Mothers Day!

*We need a Carnival Chair in order for this event to happen on Friday, May 9th 6:00-8:30. Please email us if you are interested in chairing at Chapelfield.elementary.pto@gmail.com. A few vendors have already been secured! It is a great event to organize. Tina Green can support you and show you the ropes!

*Mark your calendars for Pancakes and Pajamas with The PTO on March 19th 6:00-7:30 p.m.

The PTO needs your support for 2025-2026. Sign up here:

open_in_new

5th Grade Committee Updates:

Mark your calendars:

*March 5th Chiller Night 6-7:30

*April 24th Skate Night 5-7:30

*Spring Spirit Wear will be shared soon.

5th grade parents ONLY

Dear 5th Grade Families,

The end of the year will be here before we know it, and we will be celebrating our children's last year of elementary school. There will be several fun things to come, and we wanted to get a head start on collecting photos for two separate projects.

1. Baby Photo Guessing Game: Please submit a photo of your child as a baby. The students will walk around and try to identify as many of their classmates as possible as an infant. The student with the most correct matches will win a prize. Please send the attachment with your child's name and homeroom teacher.

2. End of the Year Slideshow: Please submit photos of your children from early childhood through Fifth Grade. These can include extracurricular activities, field trips, class parties, Walk-a-thons, etc. We would like all the kids to feel included, so if you have group photos that would be wonderful as well.

We appreciate your help in making these kids feel celebrated during this really exciting time!

Please submit the photos to chapelfield2032@gmail.com

Sincerely,

The Fifth Grade Committee

Community Connections

GJPS Families,

Please be the biggest cheerleader for GJPS by volunteering for the 2025 Biggest Pep Rally Ever!

Please click on the following link, review available slots and sign up today! Volunteer Sign Up

Thank you for being involved! Go Lions!

GJEF Gala Information-February 22, 2025

GJEF Raffle Ticket Information

GJEF: Fund a Need at Gala

We are excited to share an incredible opportunity to support a meaningful project that will benefit all students in our district. This year, the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation (GJEF) Gala will feature a Fund-A-Need initiative focused on purchasing and installing communication boards at each elementary and preschool playground. We encourage you to support the cause in any way you can.

Communication boards are visual tools that use pictures, symbols, and words to help individuals express their thoughts, needs, and emotions. These boards are particularly useful for students with limited verbal communication, those learning English as a second language, and even young children still developing their vocabulary. Communication boards provide students with an inclusive way to connect and engage with peers during play.

While these boards are an invaluable resource for students with specific communication needs, their benefits extend to every child on the playground. Here’s why:

Promoting Inclusion: Communication boards foster an environment where all students can participate and communicate effectively, regardless of their language or abilities.
Encouraging Social Interaction: By providing visual cues, these boards help children initiate conversations, make friends, and engage in collaborative play.
Building Language Skills: For students developing their vocabulary or learning English, communication boards offer a fun and interactive way to learn new words and phrases.
Supporting Emotional Expression: Playgrounds are not just for physical activity—they are spaces where children express their feelings and build relationships. Communication boards give all students a voice to share their emotions and ideas.

How You Can Help: The GJEF Gala is a fantastic way to bring our community together in support of this initiative. Here’s how you can contribute:

Register for the FREE Online Silent Auction: Includes entry into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card.
Donate to Fund-A-Need: Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to making these communication boards a reality.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with family and friends who may also be interested in supporting our schools.

Together, we can make a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and schools. We hope to see you at the Gala on February 22, 2025!

Take care,
Sue LeHota, Director of Special Education &

Dr. Colleen Boyle, Curriculum Coordinator of Special Programs

GJPS Heart and Pride Award

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.

March Important Dates

Monday, February 3-March 21: OELPA testing

Tuesday, February 25-March 19: PTO Spring Flower Sales

Monday, March 3: Read Across America Spirit Week-Wear Socks

Tuesday, March 4: Read Across America Spirit Week-Wear a shirt you can read

Wednesday, March 5:

*Read Across America Spirit Week-Wear a hat

*PTO Chiller @ 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 6:

*Read Across America Spirit Week-Wear exercise or sports clothes

*Guys with Ties for 4th and 5th grade BOYS

Friday, March 7:

*End of 3rd Quarter

*PAWS breakfast @ 7:30 a.m.

Monday, March 10: Staff Work Day; No School

Tuesday, March 11: PTO Meeting @ 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19: Pancakes and PJs with PTO @ 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 25: Guys with Ties for 4th & 5th grade BOYS

Thursday, March 27: Yearbook class pictures & 5th grade group picture

Friday, March 28: Learning Communities @ 8:30 a.m.

Monday, March 31-Friday, April 4: Spring Break; No School

Monday, April 7: First day back to school

Important District Links

GJPS Elementary Student Handbook 24-25

2024-2025 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

2024-2025 School Menus

2024-2025 Bus Schedule and Routes

2025-2026 School Calendar

CES Weekly Communicator

Issue #27: February 28, 2025