Blacklick Bulletin
Week of January 5, 2026 - Issue #21
One School/One Book Project
We are so excited to be kicking off our One School/One Book project with our students on January 5, 2026. Be on the lookout for more information about this wonderful school project coming home with your child on Monday! The goal of this project is to promote a love of reading with our students!
We want students to be engaged in learning and not distracted by devices. You may have seen that Ohio's new cell phone law was officially effective on January 1, 2026, however, there are no changes to our previously communicated expectations outlined in the Student Handbook. The expectations are listed below for you to review:
"CELL PHONES & SMART WATCHES - from the Student Handbook
Cell phones are permitted at school, but must remain off and in the student’s book bags throughout the school day. Smart watches are also permitted, but should only be used as a clock while at school. Students are not permitted to send or receive text messages or phone calls on cell phones or smart watches during the day. Additionally, photos may not be taken with cell phones or smart watches at school. On state testing days, smart watches are not permitted to be worn. If a parent/guardian needs to reach their student during the school day, they should call the school office at 614-759-5100. The school is not responsible for cell phones or smart watches that are lost, stolen, or damaged."
PE in 2nd Grade
2nd graders have been working on their basketball skills, through a variety of skill based activities. Shooting is a big focus with shooting elbow in and holding their follow through. Students have also been working on dribbling in various games with a focus on keeping the ball waist high or slightly below.
Library in 2nd Grade
Last week, most of our students, including our 2nd graders, worked on BeeBots, robots shared across the district that students can program to move across a grid. They did well with them so we may be able to use them again sometime in the spring.
Music in 2nd Grade
2nd graders have begun preparations for the Be The Light Assembly that will be held at Blacklick on Friday, January 16th, 2025 (4th and 2nd graders will perform…see Mrs. Wolfe’s Talking Points announcement and Mrs. Groves’s newsletter for more information on how to attend!)
We are working on performance etiquette, singing with a group, and following the cues of a conductor!
Art in 2nd Grade
Students will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment during the month of January/February. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 will take the MAP Math Assessment. Students in grades 2 -5 will take the MAP Assessment in both Reading and Math. Students will complete this assessment on a chromebook. Students have as much time as they need to complete the assessment (there is not a time limit). This assessment is part of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirements for our grade 3 students.
Parents/guardians will receive the results of the MAP assessments at our March parent/teacher conferences.
The assessment schedule is listed below for your reference:
January 14: Grade 4 and Grade 5 Math MAP @ 8:30 AM
January 22: Kindergarten Math MAP (Paskett @ 8:45 AM and Park @ 9:15 AM)
January 23: Kindergarten Math MAP (Steger @ 9:00 AM, Schirg @ 9:15 AM and Snyder @ 9:30 AM)
January 28: Grade 5 and Grade 4 Reading MAP @ 8:30 AM
January 29: Grade 3 Math MAP @ 10:15 AM an Grade 2 Math MAP @ 9:45 AM
January 30: 1st Grade Math MAP @ 9:00 AM
February 4: Grade 3 Reading MAP @ 10:15 AM and Grade 2 Reading MAP @ 9:45 AM
All of our students in grades K-5 will be given the Acadience Reading Assessment during the month of January/February. This is a one on one assessment where students will work with their teacher to complete the assessment. This assessment assesses students early literacy skills. We will use the data from this assessment to pull together small groups that focus on specific student needs. Families will receive the results of this assessment at the March parent/teacher conference.
Please make sure students are dressed warmly for recess as the weather gets colder. We will be outside for recess unless the temperature falls below 17 degrees.
If you need coats, hats, or gloves, please reach out to Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Warfield or Mrs. Jenkins.
Do you know a staff member who you feel makes a profound impact on students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools? If so, nominate them for the GJPS Heart and Pride award. This award is open to any staff member. regardless of position. Each month, the district will take the nominations to the Heart and Pride Committee, which is composed of community members and former staff members. The committee will select two winners a month that will be recognized by our Board of Education at the monthly meeting. If you have a staff member in mind, please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM. Nominations can take place all year.
2025-2026 Food Service Information
A plate lunch is $2.75.
Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day.
Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2025-2026 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2025-2026 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.
All Parents/Guardians are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to Attend Our PTO Meetings!
PTO Officers for 2025-2026
Kristin Stewart - President
Jess Waxler - Vice President
Emily Smith - Treasurer
Laura Valido - Secretary
Andrea Stump - Board Elect
Need to contact the PTO?
The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is already planning for Teacher Appreciation Week (that is scheduled for May 2026). If you are interested in donating an item for Teacher Appreciation Week, please click on the link below:
For food assistance, please come to GRIN. No appointment needed. Come during the listed pantry hours. Bring your photo ID & proof of residency. You may come 2 times/month for canned foods, fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries & cleaning supplies.
Pantry Hours:
Every Tuesday 6-8:00 PM
Every Wednesday 10 am - Noon
Every Saturday 9 am - 11:00 am
Questions? Contact Beth Bentley, Program Director at pd@grin4gahanna.org.
"GRIN is an equal opportunity provider."
The Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation “Promotes Excellence” by funding innovative projects beyond traditional school budgets. Since 2004, GJEF has funded over $3.4 million in educational programs for our students.
💰 Raffle Details
Grand Prize: $1,000 CASH
Ticket Prices:
1 Ticket = $10
3 Tickets = $25
50/50 Raffle: 50% of ticket sales go to the Blackick PTO
🌟 Drawing: 2/28/2026 🌟 Need not be present to win 🌟 Open to everyone
The flyer for raffle tickets will be coming home with your student.
Thank you for supporting Blacklick Elementary and the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation! Questions? Contact: Cara Platt (carajplatt@gmail.com) or Kellie Bodle (leisk3@gmail.com).
Mark Your Calendar!
Jan. 5: First day for students after winter break
Jan. 10: GLHS Ribbon Cutting and Community Tours
Jan. 12: Yearbook Group Photos
Jan. 16: Be the Light PRIDE Talk (Details coming soon)
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 3, 4, and 5: Donuts with Grown Ups (Details coming soon)
Feb. 13: Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 16: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 28: GJEF Gala
March 6: End of Quarter 3
March 9: Staff Work Day - No School
March 20: Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
Mar. 30-April 3: Spring Break- No School
May 8: Strides for PRIDE Day!
May 15: Talent Show - Grade 5 Students
May 21: Field Day
May 22: Last Day of School for Students
May 26: Teacher Work Day (Last day for staff)
May 28: Report Cards Released to Families