Family Update

As a part of the West Way our goal is to ensure every student feels safe and focused while they are in the classroom. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in interpersonal conflicts during school hours that stem from social media activity occurring after school.

To help us maintain a positive environment, we encourage you to regularly check-in on your student’s cell phone and social media particularly their group chats and video calls. We are seeing instances of inappropriate language and images that often spill over into the school day, causing distress and distraction for those involved.

A Quick Reminder on School Policy: While we prefer to resolve issues through conversation, please be aware that if a conflict starts online and continues to disrupt the learning environment or impact student safety at school, school disciplinary consequences may be applied.

Tips for Navigating the Digital World

• The "Living Room" Rule: Encourage kids to use their devices in common areas rather than behind closed doors to keep communication transparent.

• Review Privacy Settings: Periodically check that accounts are set to private and that "disappearing message" features are turned off.

• Open Dialogue: Instead of just monitoring, try asking: "Who are you hanging out with online today?" or "Have you seen anything lately that made you feel uncomfortable?"

Helpful Resources for Parents

• Common Sense Media: Excellent reviews and age-appropriateness guides for apps and games.

• ConnectSafely: Comprehensive "Parent Guides" for specific platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

• Google’s "Be Internet Awesome": Interactive ways to teach kids about digital citizenship.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students make responsible choices both online and off.

There will be no school on Monday March 9th due to a staff work day.

Students are NOT permitted to re-enter the Shamrock Shindig once they leave.

Attention 7th grade families- If your student is eligible to take an international language next school year, please make sure they make that selection as soon as possible. Students can check their email for more information and to access the form to make their choice.

The national Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, celebrating people of all abilities, is this spring and our district will be celebrating on Friday, May 8. This campaign focuses on using positive language to promote respect and kindness while celebrating the diversity of all people. We should include, love, listen, and accept everyone. Celebrate minds of all kinds!

As part of this event, our Special Education FSS classes will be selling t-shirts featuring our theme. All proceeds go directly to our class for Independent Living class and Community-Based Learning. Shirts can be ordered by clicking the link below.

• PLEASE CHOOSE MSW when you check out and your shirt will be delivered to your child here at school.
• Orders are due by 3/18/26.
• Please also feel free to share the link with your friends and family (and have them choose MSW, then list your child's name). I will deliver their shirts to you/your child.

Spread the Word Shirt Sales

**Don't forget to indicate MSW as your school when ordering!

Thank you so much for your continued support of both our class, but also this important cause! If you have any questions, please contact FSS Intervention Specialist Heather Turner (Turnerh@gjps.org).

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to Costa Rica in Spring 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.

We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited:

Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/ee39hab

Why attend?
- Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment.
- Get first access to limited spots.
- Learn about what we'll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.

In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.

We hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life!

Best,
Rhonda Wamsley & Megan Woodburn
6th grade math teacher (GMSS)
6th grade science teacher (GMSS)

*This trip is not school sponsored*

Food Assistance

Is your family in need of food, clothing, or personal hygiene items? GMSW partners with GRIN, Lion’s Locker, and other organizations that can provide free resources for our students and families. You can receive weekly food bags or a one-time bag of necessities. We can discretely provide you or your student with needed items or we can deliver it to your home. Reach out anytime:

Cara Bonsorte (A-K) bonasortec@gjps.org

Paige Verma (L-Z) vermap@gjps.org

No School March 9th- Staff Work Day

OST Test Dates April 8th,9th 21st, 22nd, 28th

Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School

Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement

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.