Blacklick Bulletin
**Updated: September 4, 2023
Message from Principal Groves - Week of 12/4/23
Dear Blacklick Families,
As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.
Respectfully,
Kristen Groves
Outside Recess
As you all know, the weather in Ohio is constantly changing. Some days are warmer than others while other days are just plain cold! Please make sure to check the forecast so that your child is prepared as we will be going outside for recess as long as the temperatures are above 20 degrees.
Lost and Found is Overflowing!
Our lost and found is overflowing! If your child is missing a hoodie/sweatshirt, coat, etc. please have them check the lost and found in the back hallway!
Related Arts Update - Grade 3
Art in Grade 3
Third graders are learning about Cincinnati, Ohio based artist Jim Dine, and creating charcoal drawings of tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches. Students are being challenged to look for the dark and light values on the shiny metal objects, and to use a variety of drawing techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, stipple dot, and blending.
Music in Grade 3
Mrs. Wolfe is so PROUD of the 3rd grader’s performance at the Veteran’s Day Assembly – way to go 3rd graders! Students are enjoying drumming, playing Fall and Winter themed music activities, and moving their bodies in music class!
Library in Grade 3
In our ongoing lessons about being good digital citizens, third graders spent some time discussing why media is altered and how to spot it. We decided that if something looks too good to be true, it is probably worth questioning. This was the image that started our discussion.
Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, JANUARY 9, 2024 in the Blacklick library at 6:30 PM. There is a not a PTO meeting scheduled during the month of December.
PTO Newsletter - November 2023
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Karen Davidson, PTO President, at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
Valentine's Day Sign Up - Details Below!
The Valentine's party is quickly approaching (February 15th) and we need your help to make it a fun celebration for the entire school!
Right now, we are looking for Lead Classroom Volunteers. If you would like to be the leader for a classroom, please volunteer on the Sign Up Genius below. Once leaders are identified, we will send out another Sign Up Genius for additional classroom volunteers. Any questions... reach out to the PTO (ptoblacklick@gmail.com).
Lead Classroom Volunteer Responsibilities
- Contact your teacher to see if they have any specific requests/ideas for the party, as well as the number of volunteers they would like to have at the party, and if they need any party supplies.
- Reach out to the other parents in your classroom asking if they wish to volunteer to start organizing, planning, and/or signing up for the day to help.
- Plan out the party: Typically, parties consist of 4-5 stations. These can include passing out Valentines, a craft, and games.
- Review and get approval of the party plan approved by the teacher
- Get supplies for crafts and games, if needed.
- HAVE FUN at the party!!
- Help with clean-up.
- Students are not permitted to exchange valentines that contain food or candy. If food or candy is attached to the valentine, they will not be distributed. In addition, no candy or food can be brought into the classroom as treats.
- Funding the party (aka mostly craft and game supplies) can be done in a variety of ways. Either covered by party volunteers or through creating an Amazon Wishlist for any family to purchase.
Blacklick Elementary Parents: Valentine's Day Party (signupgenius.com)
Counselor Corner: Updates from Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Rediger and Mrs. Warfield
Winter holidays can be a stressful time for parents and families - follow these tips from your school counselors to make the holidays brighter and less stressful for everyone! As always, please reach out if you need help during this holiday season.
GJPS Inclement Weather Procedures
As the weather turns colder, it is important for families to know the procedures for closing or delaying school. Closing and delay information will be communicated in the following ways:
Local news stations: WTVN, WCOL (FM & AM/WJFX), WCLT, WKRZ, WMNI-AM, WUFM, WCMH NBC4, WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC6, WTTE FOX 28, and the Columbus Dispatch. *Look for Gahanna-Jefferson Schools.
Website: www.gahannaschools.org (All delay/closing information is posted on the district homepage).
Facebook: Search @GahannaJeffersonSchools on Facebook to find this page easily
Email/Phone Call: The Infinite Campus system will send an email and make a phone call informing parents/guardians of the closing and/or delay as soon as the decision is made in the early morning.
Blacklick Pop Tab Collection for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio
As a school community we will be collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Please check your child's PRIDE folder for information regarding this collection.
WHAT: The Pop Tab Program is a fundraising project that supports Ronald McDonald House Charities. By collecting tabs from aluminum cans, RMHC of Central Ohio is able to recycle them in exchange for money that is then put towards paying the utility bills for the Ronald McDonald House.
WHEN: September 5, 2023 - May 1, 2024
WHERE: Students can drop off pop tabs in the boxes located in each hallway at Blacklick Elementary.
GJPS Heart and Pride Award
Celebrating Our Staff
We are excited to announce the Heart and Pride staff recognition award! This award is being established to recognize outstanding staff members who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
This nomination form will remain open year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.
Free/Reduced Price Meal Benefits
If you believe your family may qualify for free/reduced-price meals, please apply online for free or reduced-price meal benefits with these easy steps:
- Sign in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
- Choose "MORE" in the left-hand column.
- Choose "MEAL BENEFITS".
RELATED LINKS
Free/Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Online Application Tutorial (PDF)
Blacklick School Events
Mark Your Calendar!
December 7 Family Night Out: MOD Pizza
December 20 End of Quarter 2
December 20 Last day of school before winter break for students
January 2 Staff Professional Learning Day
January 3 Students first day back after winter break
January 4 Pride Talk: Kick off of One School/One Book Project
January 5 Report Cards for Quarter 2 sent home with students
January 12 Pride Talk: Be the Light (Grade 2 and 4 will be performing) *More details to come!
January 15 No School in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Important GJPS Links
Blacklick, Ohio 43004
614-759-5100