November 10, 2023
Attendance matters and so does on time arrival. During month of November we are paying special attention to on time arrivals. Having a good start to the day helps your child have a calm and successful day at school.
Currently 3rd graders are leading the school with three days of all 3rd graders arriving on time! As a reminder doors open at 7:45 and there is never a line at the car drop off curb at 7:45! Thanks for your help with on time arrivals.
On Friday, November 10th, we held a school-wide program to honor and celebrate Veterans. We had over 25 Veterans in attendance. We had a group of 5th-grade students who led the assembly, sharing various facts about the day. The entire school also sang a song in honor of the day. After the program, our guests were able to go to the classroom and visit with students. You may have heard that the power went out during our program. I want to thank our students for showing exceptional leadership skills when the power went out. Just imagine what could have happened with almost 500 kids and 50-plus guests in the gym when suddenly, total darkness! You would expect screaming and chaos, but no- students had a few giggles but then were very calm and quiet. Teachers instantly pulled out their phones and turned on the flashlights. Our last student speaker was able to share his speech, even without a microphone, and then we quietly transitioned back to our classroom. I was impressed with all the students' behavior and wanted to ensure we celebrated that with you. Please share with your child how impressed I was by their behavior. Awesome job, Jefferson Leaders!
(If you are a Veteran and couldn't join us this year, plan to join us next year. We will also coordinate with Middle School East to avoid families having to choose between the programs.)
No School - Monday, November 13, 2023
Teachers will be participating in a day of professional development and learning.
Communication Plan
Do you have an interest or background in communication? Do you have some insights or suggestions to improve communication at Jefferson Elementary. Are you interested in joining a short term committee to meet with Mr. Schmidt and discuss and help develop an updated communication plan for Jefferson Elementary and the Jefferson PTO? If so please email Mr. Schmidt and include "Communication Committee" in the subject line and share a little bit about your background or interest in the communication committee.
Priorities, Traditions and Celebrations
Jefferson Elementary will be celebrating it's 75th Anniversary in 2025! Over the years there have been many great traditions and opportunities for students and parents. We know that COVID interrupted school activities and parent involvement. In additional to opportunities for students and parents we know that the environment in which we learn is important as well. Thats why we are taking steps now to plan for the future. What should our priorities be, what is most important and most impactful to our Jefferson Elementary community? We are looking to establish a committee who will meet a few times to help gather feedback form the Jefferson community and provide guidance as we reset priorities for student opportunities, parent involvement and potential visual aesthetic improvements to the building. If you are interested in learning more please email Mr. Schmidt and include "Priorities" in the subject line.
Mrs. Haringa - School Counselor
Encouraging gratitude in our children is an important part of our job as educators and parents. Requiring a child to say thank you without taking time to reflect on what it means to be grateful, doesn't teach the child what we want. It's similar to providing a consequence without a conversation where the child can learn from what happened. Here are some ways to begin these conversations:
"What does it mean to have enough?"
"Do you think grandma (or whomever) takes you out to lunch because they have to or because they want to? What's the difference? How do you know?"
"What are some things your friend (or someone else) does that means a lot to you? Why do you think they do/say that? Do they have to?"
"How did you feel when so-and-so gave you that gift?"
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
PTO Meeting, November 14, 7:00 PM
Makes plans to join us after culture night for the PTO Meeting. We will meet in Mrs. Sands 5th grade classroom (room 110)
SPIRT WEAR SALE
Looking for some Jefferson Spirit Wear? Take advantage of this 20% off sale and get some of your holiday shopping completed! Click here to check out the variety of options for the whole family.
Mark Your Calendar...
November 13 No School For Students
November 14 Culture Night 6:00 pm
November 14 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
November 22-24 Thanksgiving Break
December 21- January 2 Winter Break
January 3, 2024 - First Day Back For Students!
Heart and Pride Award Nominations
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.