Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families:

Last Thursday we kicked off our Strides for PRIDE fundraising event with our students. Students came home with detailed information about Strides for PRIDE including information about donation collection days, prizes, etc. We are excited about our Strides for PRIDE event which will be held on May 9, 2025! We hope that you can join us if your schedule allows. Please see the detailed information listed below - we are in need of additional volunteers the day of the event!

Our first collection day for Strides for PRIDE is this Monday, April 21! Raffle prizes will be awarded at the end of the day on Monday!

Ohio State Testing continues this week for our 5th and 3rd grade students. The testing schedule for this week is listed below. We kindly ask that you avoid scheduling routine appointments during this time:

Tuesday, April 22: 5th Grade - Math Part 1 @ 8:30 AM

Wednesday, April 23: 5th Grade - Math Part 2 @ 8:30 AM

Thursday, April 24: 3rd Grade - Math Part 1 @ 9:30 AM

Friday, April 25: 3rd Grade - Math Part 2 @ 9:30 AM

Please 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

Strides for Pride is our one and only fundraiser of the year that is organized by our PRIDE Partner PTO. We will need many volunteers to make this even successful on May 9, 2025!

There are openings for setting up and tearing down, activity stations and classroom chaperones. Times for each shift are noted. Please click on the Sign Up Genius link below if you are interested in volunteering: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-54488671-2025

Parking will be tight, so plan for additional time when arriving.

**All volunteers need to have completed the background check prior to participation.**

Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Volunteer Application

WHAT IS STRIDES FOR PRIDE?

• Strides for PRIDE is our one and only fundraiser of the year that is organized by our

PRIDE Partner PTO. This year it is on May 9th!

• Students rotate to various activities and games outside, walk on a designated track, and

visit vendor stations with their classmates and teacher.

• ALL students receive a FREE Strides for PRIDE t-shirt from the PTO. Parents can purchase

a t-shirt for themselves for $12 the day of the event (May 9) at Blacklick.

• Students can earn prizes for participation.

HOW IS MONEY RAISED?

• Donations – Students collect money from family, friends, and/or familiar neighbors/community members.

• Corporate Sponsor Contributions – watch for information in your child's PRIDE folder in the coming weeks.

• Silent Auction Items – Family and Friends can bid on items in our virtual auction - 100% of proceeds go back to Blacklick!

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

• Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the event at the school on May 9th.

• Classroom chaperones will be needed to escort the children from activity to activity.

• Volunteers will be needed for setup and activity stations.

• Parents/guardians/family members/friends can bid on dozens of Silent Auction Items

The next meeting will be held this Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Blacklick library.

PTO Officers for 2024-2025

Karen Davidson - President

Kristin Stewart- Vice President

Ashley Dean - Treasurer

Jess Waxler - Secretary

PTO Officers for 2025-2026 voted in during the March 11 meeting:

Kristin Stewart - President

Jess Waxler - Vice President

Laura Valido - Secretary

Emily Smith - Treasurer

Board Elect - Andrea Stump

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

Concord Counseling Services is offering summer groups! Click HERE to get access to early registration.

Below is the spring Ohio State Testing schedule for our students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Testing will begin at 8:30 AM for grades 4 and 5. Testing will begin at approximately 9:45 AM in grade 3. We kindly ask that you avoid planned absences or planned medical appointments on these dates. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Please check your child's lunch account balance and add money to avoid negative balances. Students are not permitted to have a negative balance and may not be allowed to get a hot lunch with a negative balance. Use the link below for directions on accessing your child's lunch count.

Dear Parents,

We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.

Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.

Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Thank you for your participation and support!

“Staff Tribute: Share your thanks”

BES Staff Favorite Things

A list has been complied of the Blacklick staff's favorite things. It is important to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. We know that many parents might want to get their child's teacher a gift and this list is to help you select something the teacher would like. Please do not feel obligated to buy a gift for your child's teachers/staff members. A thoughtful note from you and/or your child at any time of the year is appreciated just as much or more as any gift.

GJPS Elementary Student Handbook 24-25

Please visit You can find almost anything you need on our website

www.gahannaschools.org

• Infinite Campus: Please log in to the parent portal and complete the Annual Information Update. Update all Emergency Medical Forms, make sure all contact information is current, apply money to lunch accounts, and more! Click Here for DIRECTIONS
• Bus Information: find your student's bus route, contact information, and download the bus app.
• District Calendar
• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Apply for free or reduced price lunch using the Parent Portal. Directions and more information can be found on the Food Service Website. If you need assistance please contact our head cook, Lisa Hughes at hughesl@gjps.org.
• LUNCH MENU LINK with ingredient information.
  

April 24, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to Gahanna Middle Schools

April 29, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to BizTown

May 1, 2025: Kindergarten Open House (for new kindergarten students for 2025-2026) - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School

May 9, 2025: Strides For PRIDE

May 16, 2025: Talent Show

May 21, 2025: Field Day

May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Certificate Ceremony @ 9:00 AM

May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Clap Out @ 2:35 PM
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students

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. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.