Family Update

No school Monday September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for a fantastic start to the school year. Long weekends are the perfect opportunity to disconnect from our routines, step away from the screens, and reconnect with each other before the fall schedule hits full swing.

If you are staying local and looking for fun ways to keep your students engaged while making some memories, here are a few of my favorite things to do right here in the Gahanna area:

Get Outside and Explore

• Paddle Creekside: Take advantage of the late summer weather and rent a kayak or paddleboat to explore Big Walnut Creek. It’s a peaceful way for students to observe local wildlife and burn off some of that endless energy. You can learn more and reserve boats through Gahanna Parks and Recreation.

  
  

• Picnic at a Local Park: We are fortunate to have beautiful green spaces in our backyard. Pack a lunch and head to Hannah Park for its open spaces and trails, or Woodside Green Park for a relaxing afternoon walk with the family dog.

  
  

• One Last Splash: If your students are looking to cool off one last time this summer, Zoombezi Bay is open Saturday through Monday for the holiday weekend with a special $24.95 admission rate for all ages.

  
  

Spark Their Creativity

• Immersive Art: If you haven’t checked out Otherworld yet, it is a spectacular, interactive art installation just down the road in Columbus. It is an incredible way to captivate students of all ages and inspire their imaginations.

  
  

• Build and Play: Head over to Easton for the Legoland Discovery Center. It’s a fantastic spot for younger students to practice their engineering and problem-solving skills with hands-on building challenges.

  
  

Connect Over a Local Treat

• Family Game Night: Challenge your students to a round of indoor, glow-in-the-dark golf at Glow Putt Mini Golf right here in Gahanna.

  
  

• Sweets and Celebrations: Celebrate the long weekend by letting the kids pick out a custom treat. You can grab fresh, made-to-order donuts from Donna’s Delicious Dozen or explore Gahanna's newest sweet spot, the Buckeye Candy Company.

  
  

However you choose to spend this extra day, I hope it is filled with rest, laughter, and quality time together. We look forward to seeing our students refreshed and ready to learn on Tuesday!

I am inviting you to our first "Conversation with the Principal" on September 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the cafeteria! Since I was unfortunately unable to attend Open House, I am especially eager to finally meet you and connect in person.

This evening is designed to be an open, collaborative dialogue. I will be sharing some of our exciting building and district goals, but more importantly, I want to hear from you. This is a dedicated time for you to share how your student's start to the school year has been, ask questions, and offer any feedback or suggestions you have for how we can continue to improve our school community.

During the event, you will also have the opportunity to:

• Meet the PTO: Connect with parent leaders and purchase your new spirit wear.

• Discover Career Explorations: Learn more about the programs and opportunities we are offering to help students explore their future paths.

I truly value your partnership and look forward to a great evening of conversation and connection. See you there!

We understand that sometimes families face unexpected challenges, and we want you to know that support and resources are available. If your family is in need of resources for food, school supplies, clothing, or other essentials—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We partner with GRIN for supplemental snack bags that can be taken home directly from school by your student.

Our goal is to ensure every student and family feels supported and cared for. All requests are handled with care and confidentiality.

For more information or to connect with resources, please contact your student’s school counselor.

Ms Bonasorte (A-K) bonasortec@gjps.org

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

Please remind your student about the cell phone/electronics expectation. You can refresh your understanding about the policy here. AirPods and Bluetooth headphones are not permitted during the school day.

To help keep our classrooms healthy and in compliance with state guidelines, please ensure your child's up-to-date immunization records or a signed exemption form are submitted to the school. If we happen to be missing your student's records, our nursing staff will send you a few gentle reminders throughout September so you have plenty of time to get them in. Please make sure everything is turned in before October 7th, as students without records on file will unfortunately need to stay home starting that day until they are submitted. Thank you so much for your partnership in keeping our school community safe and our students ready to learn!

At Gahanna Middle School West, we are committed to creating clear and consistent expectations for students while partnering with families to support student success. Our school-wide expectations are known as the LIONS Way:

• Lead with Respect

• Include Others

• Own Our Actions

• Navigate Safely

• Strive for Success

When a student has difficulty meeting an expectation, staff will first provide a verbal warning and reteach the expected behavior. If the behavior continues, a Strike may be assigned.

Each time your student receives a Strike, you will receive an email notification with information about what occurred. This communication is intended to keep families informed and provide an opportunity to follow up with your student at home.

If a student receives three Strikes within the designated time frame, they will be assigned an After-School Detention. Parents/guardians will also receive an email notification when a detention is assigned.

Our goal is to maintain open communication with families while giving students opportunities to reflect, adjust their behavior, and make positive choices. Students who receive three After-School Detentions may be subject to additional progressive disciplinary consequences.

Mark your calendars!

Date: September 22

Time: 7:00 PM

Location:Middle School South Library

This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. At the meeting, I'll share all the details including what we'll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot.

I 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!

September 5th: Cross Country

September 9th: Girls Volleyball

September 9th: 7th Grade Football

September 10th: 8th Grade Football

September 15th: Conversation with the Principal 5-7.

September 7, 2026: Labor Day - No School
September 21, 2026: PD Day - No School
October 19, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
October 20, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
November 9, 2026: PD Day - No School
November 25-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23, 2026-January 1, 2027: Winter Break - No School
January 4, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Day - No School
February 15, 2027: Presidents Day - No School
March 8, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
March 9, 2027: PD Day - No School
March 26, 2027: Conference Comp Day - No School
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break- No School
April 30, 2027: PD Day - No School
May 27, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
May 28, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School

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.