Family Update

I wanted to make you aware of a recent change to leadership at Middle School West. Anntara Lozen has resigned from her position as assistant principal.

As we work on a permanent replacement, this position will be covered by two Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools administrators. Sue LeHota, Director of Special Education, and Amie Ladd, Special Education Coordinator, will work collaboratively with Dr. Lamarr to support Middle School West students and staff during this time.

Please be assured that we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure this does not disrupt the school environment or student experience. If you have any questions about how this pertains to your student, please do not hesitate to contact me.

There is no school October 2nd and 3rd.

Spirit Wear Sale – Happening Now!

Looking for the NEW Gahanna Lions gear? Maybe a House shirt for your middle schooler? Check out GMSW’s Spirit Wear sale – the online store is open until Sunday, October 5th at 11:59pm (EDT) so don’t miss out!

Items will be delivered in time for the holidays so get a jump start now – Gahanna gear makes a great gift!

Suicide Prevention; Child Sexual Abuse Prevention; Dating and Sexual Violence Prevention (25-26 school year)

ONLY COMPLETE THIS FORM IF YOU WISH TO OPT YOUR STUDENT OUT OF THIS PREVENTION EDUCATION. If you do not wish to opt your student out, no further action or notification is necessary and instruction will be provided.

Parent opt out form

Sexually Transmitted Infection Education in GJPS Health Classes

In order for your student to receive this instruction, we require written permission from you as

the parent/guardian. Complete this form to give consent for your student: Parent Consent Form

Attention Grade 8 families:

Higher Orbits – Go For Launch!, a two-day program on November 8–9, 2025, where 8th–12th grade students work in teams to design a space experiment. During the event, students will engage with experts in the space and STEM fields—including astronauts, NASA engineers, and flight controllers.

Event website: https://higherorbits.org/events/go-for-launch-columbus/

Important note: Students must have their own transportation to and from the event.

2025 Washington D.C. Virtual Meeting Recording

• The explanation of the forms you will receive in Infinite Campus once you register your child begins in the video at 15:50 and ends at 30:14

Slides Presentation from the Meeting

If you would like to register your child for the trip, then you will need the following information:

• You can register your child(ren) at www.prodigystudenttravel.com.

• You will need the trip code to register, and each building has its own code.

  • Middle School West: GWDCA

October 1st- Family Conferences

October 2nd and 3rd- NO SCHOOL

October 17th- End of 1st quarter

Oct. 2, 2025: PD Day - No School

Oct. 3, 2025: Conference Comp Day - No School
Oct. 20, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Nov. 10, 2025: PD Day - No School
Nov. 26-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 2, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
*Jan. 5-8, 2026: High School Schedule Altered for New Building Opening
Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
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.