Family Update

A great way to get involved is to join the PTO. Our general public meetings are held every other month from 6-7. Our next general meeting is September 30th. Hope to see you there

We’re excited to announce that the GMSW PE Department will participate in the new Team Tressel Fitness Challenge this fall! Beginning in Mid - September, this 90-day challenge is open to PE students in grades 6-8 and gives them the tools to set personal wellness goals in three important areas: physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.

Participants will receive a certificate signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel at the end of the challenge!

Please look for information coming home to you soon!

Thank you for supporting our students as they become healthier Lions.

6th grade students are currently participating in Music Survey. This rotation allows them to learn about each of their music course offerings in order to make an informed decision. So far, they have learned about band and strings, and they will begin to learn more about choir and general music next week. Today, students will be given their music scheduling form which is due on September 12th. You can also find a copy here.

Please note that all 6th grade students are required to choose at least one music class. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our music staff:

Mrs. Urda (urdal@gjps.org, choir and general music)

Mrs. Ross (rossj@gjps.org, strings)

Mr. Warburton (warburtons@gjps.org, band)

We are proud to announce we will be offering Ruling Our Experiences again this year for girls. If your family wants your student to participate in ROX this year–please send her school counselor an email. For more information about the programming, check out this link. This program will take place during the school day for the entire school year. Your daughter will not miss any core classes.

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

On Friday, September 26th, our 6th grade students will participate in Adventure Day at Gahanna Middle School West. This special event is designed to build teamwork, character, and problem-solving skills in a fun and safe environment. Students will take part in exciting activities such as a rock climbing wall, GaGa Ball, 18 Square-in-the-Air, team building games, a video game truck, a bungee run inflatable, and even enjoy a snow cone station. Since this will be a very active day, students should dress comfortably and wear tennis shoes for climbing activities. Students have received permission slips that must be signed and returned in order to participate. Adventure Day will run rain or shine, with a reschedule only in case of severe weather.

September 25th- Re-Take picture day

September 26th- Adventure Day

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.