Blacklick Bulletin
Week of February 10, 2025
A Message from Principal Groves
Dear Blacklick Families:
We had a wonderful week last week as students participated in our third service learning project of the school year. Our students worked with their buddy to color special "spring and summer" themed placemats for the Life Care Alliance organization. Our students enjoyed a presentation from a guest speaker who is the director of volunteering from Life Care Alliance. She explained the mission of this organization. Life Care Alliance will be using the placemats during special events throughout the spring and summer in hopes of putting a smile on the face of their clients.
Our students are looking forward to celebrating Kindness Week this week and ending the week with our special Valentines Day celebration on Thursday, February 13.
THANK YOU to all of the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO members that spent time at Blacklick this morning decorating the cafeteria for our students. The students are going to LOVE all of the Valentine's Day decorations!
In addition, THANK YOU to all the families that donated time and materials for our classroom Valentines Day celebration. Our students are really looking forward to Thursday!
As a reminder, there is no school for students on Friday, February 14 as it is a professional learning day for our staff. In addition, there is no school for students on Monday, February 17 due to President's Day.
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
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2025
Blacklick Elementary is excited to celebrate Kindness Week, a time dedicated to spreading positivity and compassion throughout our school community! Students will be focusing on kindness activities in the classroom throughout the week. See below for details.
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Coming in February!
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for February 20 and February 27 at Blacklick. We always look forward to meeting with families and sharing the progress of our students. Please make sure to sign up for a conference with your child's classroom teacher.
If you would like to schedule a conference with a member of our related arts staff, please click on the link that is provided below. Mr. Bower will not be available for conferences (due to his retirement).
Related Arts February Conference Sign Up
Mrs. Scott, math specialist, will also be scheduling parent/teacher conferences. If your child works with Mrs. Scott and you would like to schedule a conference with her, please click the link below:
Help Needed! Parent/Teacher Conference Night Dinners for Staff
The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO provides dinner for our staff on both conference nights. They need some help in providing sides, snacks, drinks and paper products. If you would like to make a donation to our parent/teacher night dinners, please click on the links below! Thank you in advance! We greatly appreciate your kindness. This is a wonderful treat for our staff!
Thursday 2/20: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-54488233-thursday
Thursday, 2/27: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-54488269-thursday
Valentine's Day Celebration - Thursday, February 13, 2025
It's time for our annual school-wide Valentine's Day party at Blacklick Elementary.
The parties will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m in each classroom. Your teacher will reach out to get volunteers to plan the party for their class.
It is extremely important that you and any parents who plan to attend the party complete the volunteer application/background check as soon as possible. Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Volunteer Application
As a volunteer there are a few things that you are responsible for:
- Contact your teacher to see if they have any specific requests/ideas for the party.
- Collaborate with the other volunteers for your classroom to start organizing.
- Plan out the party - Typically, parties consist of four to five stations. These can include passing out Valentines, crafts, and games. Having a parent or two help lead each station is helpful.
- Review and get approval of the party plan approved by the teacher
- Get supplies for crafts and games
- HAVE FUN at the party!
- Help with clean up
Things to know:
- Students are not permitted to exchange valentines that contain candy or food due to the district food policy. If candy or food is attached to the valentine, they will not be distributed.
- Funding the party (mostly craft or game supplies) can be done in a variety of ways.
- Covered by the party volunteers
- Creating an Amazon Wishlist for any family to purchase
If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTO at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
Guidance for Staying Home from School - Please Read!
Coming Soon! Donuts with Grownups at Blacklick!
Mark your calendars now for Donuts with Grownups! RSVP forms will be coming home in PRIDE folders this week!
Ohio State Testing Schedule for Grades 3, 4, and 5
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.
Related Arts Spotlight - Grade 3
Art in Grade 3
Hello, my name is Mrs. Rex and I am Mrs. Perkins’ student teacher from OSU. 3rd grade students looked at historical bells that documented specific times in history. Then, students sculptured a pinch pot that became their own personal time capsule bells, with details that represented them in 2025.
Music in Grade 3
Third graders have been working hard to learn how to play the ukulele in music class! Students have learned the names of the strings, the parts of the instrument, and can play basic chords and songs like “Row Row Row Your Boat” and “Pop! Goes the Weasel”.
Library in Grade 3
Third graders have been reading some of the award-winning books and watching some clips of the nonfiction basis for some of the stories. This will lead us into our mini-research unit in March.
Recess Update - Dress Warm!
As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).
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.
Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation Gala Information
Get ready to Cheer Loud and Proud for the Future of Gahanna-Jefferson Students!
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines with a donation or joining the action in person, your contribution will make a game-changing impact for our students. You’ll be supporting classroom grants that allow you, our staff, to INSPIRE, INNOVATE and IMPACT learning for Gahanna-Jefferson students every day.
There are many ways to participate, big and small.....please go to www.GJEF.org to join the fun!
- Attend the Gala on February 22, 2025 at Jefferson Country Club
- Donate an auction item - we are collecting items now
- Buy a raffle ticket
- Join the online Silent Auction for FREE! (auction registration automatically enters you into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card)
GJEF Fund-A-Need: Communication Boards
We are excited to share an incredible opportunity to support a meaningful project that will benefit all students in our district. This year, the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation (GJEF) Gala will feature a Fund-A-Need initiative focused on purchasing and installing communication boards at each elementary and preschool playground. We encourage you to support the cause in any way you can.
Communication boards are visual tools that use pictures, symbols, and words to help individuals express their thoughts, needs, and emotions. These boards are particularly useful for students with limited verbal communication, those learning English as a second language, and even young children still developing their vocabulary. Communication boards provide students with an inclusive way to connect and engage with peers during play.
While these boards are an invaluable resource for students with specific communication needs, their benefits extend to every child on the playground. Here’s why:
Promoting Inclusion: Communication boards foster an environment where all students can participate and communicate effectively, regardless of their language or abilities.
Encouraging Social Interaction: By providing visual cues, these boards help children initiate conversations, make friends, and engage in collaborative play.
Building Language Skills: For students developing their vocabulary or learning English, communication boards offer a fun and interactive way to learn new words and phrases.
Supporting Emotional Expression: Playgrounds are not just for physical activity—they are spaces where children express their feelings and build relationships. Communication boards give all students a voice to share their emotions and ideas.
How You Can Help: The GJEF Gala is a fantastic way to bring our community together in support of this initiative. Here’s how you can contribute:
Register for the FREE Online Silent Auction: Includes entry into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card.
Donate to Fund-A-Need: Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to making these communication boards a reality.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with family and friends who may also be interested in supporting our schools.
Together, we can make a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and schools. We hope to see you at the Gala on February 22, 2025!
Take care,
Sue LeHota, Director of Special Education and Dr. Colleen Boyle, Curriculum Coordinator of Special Programs
Share your Thanks for a Blacklick Staff Member!
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!
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.
Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)
All Parents/Guardians are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to Attend Our PTO Meetings!
The next meeting will be held on February 11, 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
Need to contact the PTO?
News from the Blacklick Cafeteria: Friday Pizza Rotation
ABCD Related Arts Rotation Calendar 2024-2025
GJPS Elementary Student Handbook 24-25
Important Links for Families
Please visit You can find almost anything you need on our website
- 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.
Blacklick School Events
Mark Your Calendar!
Feb. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Feb. 13, 2025: Valentines Day Celebrations @ 1:15 PM
Feb. 14, 2025: PD Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 17, 2025: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 20, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Feb. 27, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 11, 2025: Grade 5 Group Photo @ 1:00 PM
Mar. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break- No School
April 8, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School
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)
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
Heart and PRIDE Award Nominations
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.
Blacklick, Ohio 43004
614-759-5100