East Weekly

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend ahead! As a quick reminder, next week our students will be taking Part 1 and Part 2 of the Math Ohio State Test, so we appreciate your support in helping them come to school well rested and ready to do their best.

Travel baseball has officially started in my household, so I will be spending a lot of time at the ball field this weekend and crossing my fingers for no rain! No matter where you are, I hope you are able to enjoy some time with family and friends.

Looking ahead, we have many field trips coming up in the next few weeks. Please be sure to check the grade level updates below, keep an eye on your email, and connect with your student to make sure all field trip permission forms are completed and turned in.

As we move into the spring months, we typically see an increase in playful activity and students bringing items from home. While we understand that students may be excited about nice weather and the end of school nearing, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing appropriate decision-making with your students. Items that are distracting to the learning environment or that could raise safety concerns are not permitted. This includes any items that resemble weapons (squirt guns), even if they are not real or intended to cause harm. These situations can escalate quickly and disrupt the school environment.

We appreciate your support in reminding students to make responsible choices that help us maintain a safe and focused school setting.

April 20 or April 29: Talent Show Auditions -- students only need to attend one audition. See information in the the Music Update below.

April 27: Choir Concert

April 28: Band Concert

April 29: Fitness Fundraiser Field Trips -- parents should have received permission forms via email!

April 30: Fitness Fundraiser Event!

May 1: No school- Staff Professional Development

May 5 - May 8: 8th grade Washington DC Trip

May 7: 7th Grade Musical

May 11: PTA Meeting

May 13: Fitness Fundraiser Pancake Reward Breakfast

May 13: 6th and 8th grade Rewards Night - invitations coming

May 14: Fitness Fundraiser Ice Cream Reward (8th grade)

May 14: 7th grade Rewards Night - invitations coming

May 15: Awards Breakfast or Lunch Out - information coming

May18: 8th grade success fair

May 19: 6th grade field trip /7th grade Hero Speeches

May 20: 6th grade field trip / 7th grade Field Trip /8th grade success fair

May 21: Talent Show!

May 22: 8th grade clap out / Last Day of School

May 23: Last Day of School!

All testing takes place from 9:05-11:30.

5/11/26 @ 7pm

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. If you have an idea for a career for us to showcase, fill out the google form attached :)

This week’s career focus is…Electrician!

Check out the links and videos below to learn more about being an electrician!

• Electrician | Careers That Work

• Day in the Life | Electrician Apprentice

• What is an Electrician?

• What is Working as an Electrician Like?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They work with wiring, circuit breakers, lighting systems, and various electrical components to ensure that power is safely and efficiently distributed. Electricians often collaborate with construction teams, engineers, and inspectors while following strict safety codes and regulations. Their work may involve reading blueprints, troubleshooting electrical issues, upgrading outdated systems, and performing routine maintenance. Electricians can be found working on new construction projects, in residential homes, commercial buildings, or factories, and their schedules may include early mornings, evenings, or emergency calls.

Becoming an electrician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by an apprenticeship program that combines hands-on training with classroom instruction. Some electricians may also attend trade schools or obtain licenses depending on state requirements. Important skills include problem-solving, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong understanding of electrical systems and safety practices. Job opportunities remain steady due to the ongoing need for electrical work in construction and maintenance, and salaries can vary based on experience and specialization. On average, electricians earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, with higher earnings possible for those in advanced or specialized roles.

We hope you learned something new about this career this week! Fill out the google form above to have a career you are interested in highlighted during Future Friday! Thank you to all of you who suggested amazing career ideas!! We'll be sure to get your ideas featured here on Future Friday!

Have a WONDERFUL Weekend!!

-GMSE School Counselors

Shayla Upchurch and Loni Williams

You can check out the new website here. Below are directions on how to obtain the correct app.

It is time for the MSE Talent Show auditions!

Auditions will be on the following dates:

4/20 - from 4 - 6 p.m.

4/29 - from 8:30 - 9:00 am

4/29 - from 4 - 6 p.m.

(Only 1 day/time is needed for audition)

Applicants need to be well prepared for auditions, as we only cast the best acts!

You must make all arrangements with athletic coaches for your auditions!

FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT LUNCH - ON THE TABLE BETWEEN THE SCREENS

PLEASE CONTACT MRS. HARDING of MRS. HOBBS FOR QUESTIONS

April 27, 2026 - (6th and 8th Grade Choirs) 7:30 p.m. @ GLHS

*students may leave at the conclusion of the concert

Call times to Choir Room:

7:00 8th Choir

7:15 6th Choir

MSE Spring Band Concert - Tuesday 4/28 7:30pm @ MSW

• Concert includes 6th, 7th and 8th grade band

• 6th grade should wear dress clothes

• 7th & 8th concert uniform (black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks)

7th Grade Musical (Choir)

May 4, 2026 7-9 p.m. @ MSE (soloist and speaking characters only)- Dress Rehearsal

May 5, 2026 7-9 p.m. @ MSE FULL CAST DRESS REHEARSAL

May 7, 2026 7:30 p.m. Performance @ MSE Cafeteria - Call time to choir room: 7:10 p.m.

6th grade students received information this week about our upcoming field trips to Ohio Caverns and Highbanks Metropark. Please remember to complete the permission form and make the $8 payment on your child’s account before the April 30th deadline - or as soon as possible! Thank you for your help to make these field trips possible.

ACE - Students in ACE ELA will be going to see the new movie adaptation of Animal Farm the morning of Friday, May 8. Please see pink permission slip sent home earlier this week for details. Reach out to Mrs. Forster with any questions.

Math: State testing will be this next week. Please encourage your student to take their time, show as much work as possible and try their best! A good night's sleep and healthy breakfast are appreciated!

FIELD TRIP PERMISSION: 7th Grade is going to COSI on May 20! A permission form has gone home. It needs to be signed and returned to your students’ HOUSE teacher by May 6! Here is a copy of the permission form as well: LINK

Math: State testing will be this next week. Please encourage your student to take their time, show as much work as possible and try their best! A good night's sleep and healthy breakfast are appreciated!

We are asking students and parents to check their homes for their calculators. We will be needing them for State Testing which will occur this month! If you can help look at home, or provide one for your student, we would greatly appreciate it! Link for the correct calculator: https://acesse.one/ApprovedCalculator

ELA: Students have begun drafting their hero speeches. Ask them who they are choosing to honor for their speech! The day of the speeches is May 19. Be on the lookout for more information!

We want our staff to be happy and enjoy coming to work every day. Below are just some of the ways that you can celebrate and recognize our amazing staff at East!

• PTA/Families spoil us!- Click here to join PTA!
• Student and/or family shout outs- Click here if you want to send a shoutout to a staff member!
• Heart and Pride Award- 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. The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

We’re always looking for ways to connect classroom learning to the real world or allow students to explore the future—and we’d love your help! If you're open to sharing your job title and a brief description of what you do, we’d love to learn more. We’re gathering a list of parents and guardians who might be interested in speaking to students about their careers, allowing students to shadow for a day, or participating in a future career fair.

If this sounds like something you'd consider, please take a moment to fill out this quick google form. Thank you for helping our students dream big!

May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement