Gahanna Lincoln High School

As we head into winter break and our big move to the new GLHS building, I wanted to share a quick heads-up about what to expect over the next few weeks.

You may receive a few informational emails over winter break with updates about the move, the new building, and what school will look like when students return in January. I know this is a busy time for families—the messages are simply there so you have the information when you’re ready for it.

Here are a few key dates as we begin second semester in the new building:

• Monday, January 5: No school for students (staff work day, trainings, and classroom/office setup in the new building).

• Tuesday, January 6: No school for students (staff work day, trainings, and classroom/office setup in the new building).

• Wednesday, January 7: First day in the new building for 10th and 12th graders only.

• No school for 9th & 11th graders.

• Thursday, January 8: First day in the new building for 9th and 11th graders only.

• No school for 10th & 12th graders.

• Friday, January 9: All students attend on an adjusted 8-period schedule; we’ll close the week with a Pep Rally to celebrate our first days together in the new space.

• Saturday, January 10: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new GLHS building.

I’m so grateful for your flexibility, patience, and partnership during this exciting transition. I can’t wait to welcome our Lions into their new home in January!

Go Lions!

We will follow a B / A / B / A / All schedule December 15-19.

Monday, December 15 - B Day

Tuesday, December 16 - A Day

Wednesday, December 17 - B Day

Thursday, December 18 - A Day

Friday, December 19 - All 8 Periods

Thank you for supporting your student as they prepare for a successful exam week!

We are excited to share an important video featuring Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence and Superintendent Dr. Tracey Deagle, highlighting the enhanced safety and security features built into our new Gahanna Lincoln High School.

The safety of our students and staff has guided every step of this project, and the new building includes significant upgrades designed to create a secure, welcoming, and modern learning environment. In the video, Chief Spence and Dr. Deagle walk through several of the key features, including:

• A phased visitor entry system to better control access

• Advanced electronic monitoring, giving real-time oversight across the entire campus

• All classrooms located under one roof, eliminating the need to cross busy intersections or move between unlocked exterior doors

• Zoned sections that can be quickly secured if needed

• Strategically placed 911 safety buttons

• An open design with natural light and clear sight lines to support safety, well-being, and supervision

• Emergency shades for medical or safety situations

• Visibility that reduces blind spots and helps prevent bullying or fights during transitions

These features are only part of a larger, layered safety plan—some elements are reserved for law enforcement and not shared publicly.

We are deeply grateful for the community support that made this secure, innovative building possible.

We encourage all families to watch the video below to learn more about how we’re keeping our Lions safe and supported.

If your student was absent on December 12 during our scheduled locker clean-out time, please ensure they clean out their locker and take all personal belongings home by Wednesday, December 17.

This includes:

• All items from lockers

• Personal supplies and materials

• Athletic gear

• Musical instruments

• Decorations or personal touches

• Their lock

As we prepare for the move to the new building, it’s important that all student-owned items are removed. Anything left behind after December 19 will not be accessible. Thank you for your support in helping us finish this transition smoothly!

Our Gahanna Lincoln DECA students are conducting a research project, and they need your help! Families are invited to complete a brief survey to support their work.

All responses are confidential and will be used for statistical purposes only. Your participation provides valuable real-world data for our students as they develop their marketing and research skills.

Thank you for taking a moment to support this student-led project—we appreciate your partnership!

SURVEY LINK

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10:00 a.m. (Doors open 9:30 a.m.)
New Gahanna Lincoln High School Gymnasium

• Enter at the south end of the building through the athletic entrance on the side closest to the football field.

• New building tours begin after ceremony.
• Old and new building tours for those who did not attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony begin at 11:00 a.m.
• Self-guided tours along a designated route highlighting favorite spaces and unique features.
• Last entry for tours at 2:30 p.m.
• Doors will close at 3:00 p.m.

For more detailed information, check out our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Building Tours webpage, available soon!

Looking ahead, the new Ohio cell phone law, which restricts phone use throughout the entire school day, will take effect on January 1, 2026. We will begin transitioning to these new expectations at that time, aligning with our move into the new building.

Students will still be permitted to wear smartwatches, as long as they are not being used as a substitute for a phone (pending final Board policy).

Additional details and clarifications will be shared over Winter Break to help students and families prepare for this change. Thank you for partnering with us to support a focused, respectful learning environment for all Lions!

Our PASS (Positive Academic Support Solution) Room is now open after school! It is open Monday - Thursday from 3:40 PM - 5:00 PM, and is located in the ASC Lab (H163A). The PASS Room is operated by GLHS teachers who are ready and willing to provide academic support on assignments.

Cap and gown ordering for graduation is now open! Please use the link below to place your student’s order.

• Order early and save! Early Bird pricing ends January 10, 2026.

• Cap & Gown Pick-Up: April 24 & 25, 2026 (for students who have ordered and paid).

• Graduation Announcements: Shipped directly to your home.

Click here to order your student’s cap and gown

December 19, 2025 End of 2nd Quarter

December 22 - January 2, 2026 Winter Break - No School

January 5, 2026 Transition to New Building - No School for Students

January 6, 2026 Transition to New Building - No School for Students

January 7, 2026 Orientation day for 10th and 12th graders (no school for 9th and 11th graders)

January 8, 2026 Orientation day for 9th and 11th graders (no school for 10th and 12th graders)

January 9, 2026 All students report to school as normal

January 9, 2026 Report Cards Available on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal

January 10, 2026 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New High School

January 19, 2026 MLK Day - No School

January 26, 2026 PTO Meeting (7:00 PM)

February 4, 2026 Family Conferences

February 4, 2026 Junior Parent Meeting (6:00 PM)

February 12, 2026 Family Conferences

February 13, 2026 Professional Development Day - No School

February 16, 2026 President's Day - No School

February 23, 2026 PTO Meeting (7:00 PM)

March 6, 2026 End of 3rd Quarter

March 9, 2026 No School

March 20, 2026 No School

March 23, 2026 PTO Meeting (7:00 PM)

March 30 - April 3, 2026 Spring Break - No School

April 14, 2026 English 10 State Testing

April 15, 2026 SAT

April 21, 2026 US History & Government State Testing

April 23, 2026 Biology State Testing

April 27, 2026 PTO Meeting (7:00 PM)

April 28, 2026 Algebra I State Testing

April 30, 2026 Geometry State Testing

May 1, 2026 Professional Development Day - No School

May 9, 2026 Prom

May 22, 2026 End of 4th Quarter

May 22, 2026 Last Day of School

May 23, 2026 Graduation

2025-26 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)