Weekly Update - Middle School South

It is absolutely unbelievable to me that we have arrived at the end of the end of the first half of the year!

As we approach our holiday break, I want to take a moment to reflect on my first ever months serving as your Principal. It has truly been an honor to lead this building and to be welcomed into such a caring, committed school community. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know our students, families, and staff, and I am grateful for the relationships we’ve already begun to build together. As we look ahead to the new year and the second half of the school year, I am excited about my own continued growth and learning as well as the continued collaboration that await us. I hope this upcoming break will provide time for rest, time to recharge, slow down, and enjoy meaningful moments with family and loved ones. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. I wish you a joyful, restful holiday break, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.

Kris Fuller

As if your student would let you forget... please be reminded that Winter Break runs from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2 (Friday, January 2 is a Work Day for our teachers)!

We'll look forward to seeing all of our students back in class on MONDAY, JANUARY 5th, 2026.

Again, soak up EVERY MOMENT of this well-deserved and much-needed break!

Our student leadership team has been doing their best to get the word out to our kids, but I wanted to share this information with you as well just so you have it as well!

We're are trying to roll into break with a little FUN by having a Spirit Week! Check out the themes listed below, and reach out with any questions!!

Last Thursday, December 11, High School counselors welcomed 8th Grade parents in for an informational meeting regarding the scheduling process at Lincoln High School. Amongst the variety of topics, counselors spoke with families about the path to graduation (graduation requirements), required courses (for Freshman Year), application/audition courses, electives, the structure of the school day, P.E. waivers, College Credit Plus, and more!

Then, on Friday, December 12, counselors from the High School came to speak directly with our 8th Grade students about many of the same topics. During this presentation, they also passed course-planning informational guides.

I am happy to share all of the materials that counselors shared with students.

If you have any questions about the scheduling process, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's Middle School counselor or their future High School counselor (alphabet breakdowns by last name are in the slide decks).

Remember:

Course requests are due in Infinite Campus by January 11, and High School counselors will return to Middle School South to review students' course requests the week of January 26.

For any 8th Grade student who takes a language course at Lincoln High School, please be reminded that the 2nd Semester return looks a little different due to the opening of the new building...

Monday, January 5: STAFF ONLY AT GAHANNA LINCOLN; NO STUDENTS

Middle School students will report directly to MSS at 9:00.

Tuesday, January 6: STAFF ONLY AT GAHANNA LINCOLN; NO STUDENTS

Middle School students will report directly to MSS at 9:00.

Wednesday, January 7: FIRST DAY IN THE NEW BUILDING FOR 10TH & 12TH GRADERS

Middle School students will have language class at GLHS.

Students will be met by their teachers at the entrance of the building and will be walked out at the end of class.

Thursday, January 8: FIRST DAY IN THE NEW BUILDING FOR 9TH & 11TH GRADERS

Middle School students will have language class at GLHS.

Students will be met by their teachers at the entrance of the building and will be walked out at the end of class.

Friday, January 9: ALL HS STUDENTS ATTEND CLASS

Middle School students will have language class at GLHS.

Students will be met by their teachers at the entrance of the building and will be walked out at the end of class.

Check out our Weekly Career Spotlight!

We should all have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for our futures. We will be talking to you about some ideas. Don't forget... it is ok to grow and change your mind as new things interest you.

Big thanks to the students who suggested this week's career: Information Technology (IT)

Information technology, commonly known as IT, is all about using computers and technology to help people and businesses solve problems, communicate, store information, and stay secure. IT workers make sure computers, networks, software, and data work the way they should, and are safe from cyber threats. IT is a huge field with many different types of jobs. Some of the popular paths to take in IT are:

Computer Programming/Coding: Programmers (also known as software developers or coders) write the instructions that tell computers what to do. They create apps, games, websites, tools, and more!

Network and Systems Support: These IT professionals help computers talk to each other--so, setting up networks, fixing tech issues, and helping people when something stops working.

Cybersecurity: Those in cybersecurity protect computers and data from hackers and cyber attacks. They help keep systems safe, monitor threats, and respond to security issues.

These are just three of many paths you could take if you are interested in computers and technology! The level of education/training required varies on the path you choose to take. Some jobs you can get out of high school, while others may require 2-4 years of college. You can also get certificates in short programs focused on specific skills like coding languages. You must be good with computers, critical thinking, problem solving, and math. Yearly salary ranges from $50,000 to $120,000+ depending on where you live and what path you take.

HAVE A WONDERFUL Week!!

Thank you to all of you who suggested amazing career ideas!! We'll be sure to get your ideas featured here on Future Friday!

There's nothing like playing in front of an energized, roaring crowd. If you can, come support our Lions on the court this week!

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Tuesday, December 16

AWAY @ Pickerington Lakeview MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

8th Grade: 6:45PM (appx.)

Thursday, December 18

AWAY @ Pickerington Ridgeview MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

8th Grade: 6:45PM (appx.)

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Tuesday, December 16

HOME v. Pickerington Lakeview MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

8th Grade: 6:45PM (appx.)

Thursday, December 18

HOME v. Pickerington Ridgeview MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

8th Grade: 6:45PM (appx.)

WRESTLING

Wednesday, December 17

HOME v. Pickerington Lakeview MS

takes place at MSE

5:30PM

If your Lion is interested in playing baseball this spring (7th & 8th Grade only!), please check out the flyer below for information about Winter conditioning!

As we enter the home stretch of the 2nd Quarter, which officially ends on December 19, these next few weeks are some of the most important of the entire semester. Now is the time for students to really lean in by staying organized, putting forth their best effort, seeking feedback, and taking advantage of the support their teachers are eager to provide. Whether it’s meeting with teachers during WIN or Study Hall, asking questions in class, or revisiting assignments, every small step can make a meaningful difference in finishing the quarter strong. We also want to encourage families to keep communication lines open with us. Your partnership is essential, and together we can ensure every student has what they need to feel confident and successful heading into winter break. If you have questions or concerns at any point, please reach out. We’re here, we’re committed, and we’re cheering on our students all the way to the finish line.

UPCOMING DATES:

End of Quarter 2/Semester 1: Friday, December 19th

Winter Break: Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2

Grades Due: Wednesday, January 7

Report Cards Available on I.C.: Friday, January 9

Is there a Staff Member out there you believe is deserving some praise?!

Let us know about it!

Click on the button below to send some positive vibes to a staff member so that we can celebrate that person, too!

Friday, December 19: Final day of Quarter 2/Semester 1

Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2: Winter Break -- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Friday, January 9: 2nd Quarter Report Cards available

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Day -- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS OR STAFF

2025 - 2026 GJPS School Calendar

Kris Fuller -- Princpal (fullerk@gjps.org)

Andy Bonath -- Assistant Principal (bonatha@gjps.org)

Debbie Hensler -- Secretary (henslerd@gjps.org)

Nikki Gervais - Attendance/Records (gervaisn@gjps.org)

Ashley Artis - School Counselors, last names beginning with A - K (artisa@gjps.org)

JJ Lubinski - School Counselors, last names beginning with L-Z (lubinskij@gjps.org)