Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for February 20 and February 27 at Blacklick. We always look forward to meeting with families and sharing the progress of our students. Please make sure to sign up for a conference with your child's classroom teacher.
If you would like to schedule a conference with a member of our related arts staff, please click on the link that is provided below. Mr. Bower will not be available for conferences (due to his retirement).
Related Arts February Conference Sign Up
Mrs. Scott, math specialist, will also be scheduling parent/teacher conferences. If your child works with Mrs. Scott and you would like to schedule a conference with her, please click the link below:
It's time for our annual school-wide Valentine's Day party at Blacklick Elementary.
The parties will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m in each classroom. Your teacher will reach out to get volunteers to plan the party for their class.
It is extremely important that you and any parents who plan to attend the party complete the volunteer application/background check as soon as possible. Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Volunteer Application
As a volunteer there are a few things that you are responsible for:
- Contact your teacher to see if they have any specific requests/ideas for the party.
- Collaborate with the other volunteers for your classroom to start organizing.
- Plan out the party - Typically, parties consist of four to five stations. These can include passing out Valentines, crafts, and games. Having a parent or two help lead each station is helpful.
- Review and get approval of the party plan approved by the teacher
- Get supplies for crafts and games
- HAVE FUN at the party!
- Help with clean up
Things to know:
- Students are not permitted to exchange valentines that contain candy or food due to the district food policy. If candy or food is attached to the valentine, they will not be distributed.
- Funding the party (mostly craft or game supplies) can be done in a variety of ways.
- Covered by the party volunteers
- Creating an Amazon Wishlist for any family to purchase
If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTO at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
Art in Grade 4
Hello Blacklick Families, my name is Mrs. Rex, I am Mrs. Perkins student teacher from OSU. Currently your amazing 4th graders are making Mindfulness Self Portraits. They first learned about mindfulness, and created a word bubble chart about things that they are mindful of. Now they are creating symbols to represent these ideas, which will later go on their self portraits.
Music in Grade 4
The 4th graders are headed on a very special field trip on February 13th with music teacher Mrs. Wolfe! Students will be traveling to the historic Southern Theater in downtown Columbus where they will get to hear the Columbus Jazz Orchestra group play and talk about the origins of Jazz music. We have been learning about Jazz, a uniquely American genre of music, in 4th grade music class lately!
Don’t forget to send in those permission slips!
Library in Grade 4
It’s an exciting time of year in the library world! The children’s book awards were announced on Monday the 27th. We have been talking about not only the Caldecott and the Newbery but also the Coretta Scott King Award and the Sibert Award. We’ve read some past winners and will be excited to explore the winners in upcoming weeks!
As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).
Get ready to Cheer Loud and Proud for the Future of Gahanna-Jefferson Students!
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines with a donation or joining the action in person, your contribution will make a game-changing impact for our students. You’ll be supporting classroom grants that allow you, our staff, to INSPIRE, INNOVATE and IMPACT learning for Gahanna-Jefferson students every day.
There are many ways to participate, big and small.....please go to www.GJEF.org to join the fun!
- Attend the Gala on February 22, 2025 at Jefferson Country Club
- Donate an auction item - we are collecting items now
- Buy a raffle ticket
- Join the online Silent Auction for FREE! (auction registration automatically enters you into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card)
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 and Dr. Colleen Boyle, Curriculum Coordinator of Special Programs
Dear Parents,
We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.
Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.
Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Thank you for your participation and support!
Mark Your Calendar!
Feb. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Feb. 13, 2025: Valentines Day Celebrations @ 1:15 PM
Feb. 14, 2025: PD Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 17, 2025: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 20, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Feb. 27, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 11, 2025: Grade 5 Group Photo @ 1:00 PM
Mar. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break- No School
April 8, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School
April 24, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to Gahanna Middle Schools
April 29, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to BizTown
May 1, 2025: Kindergarten Open House (for new kindergarten students for 2025-2026)
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
May 9, 2025: Strides For PRIDE
May 16, 2025: Talent Show
May 21, 2025: Field Day
May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Certificate Ceremony @ 9:00 AM
May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Clap Out @ 2:35 PM
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students
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. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.