Family Update

WHEW! This short week somehow felt like a month! Despite it all, your students came back buzzing with energy and ready to tackle the second quarter!

Quarter 1 is officially in the history books, which means Quarter 2 is our glorious, magical reset button. Academically and behaviorally, we are back to square one. If your student picked up a few strikes last quarter for forgetting the WEST Way, please remind them to shake it off. The slate is wiped totally clean—like a freshly erased whiteboard before someone accidentally uses a permanent marker on it. Let's make this quarter count!

Tips for Setting Quarter 2 Goals Together

• Keep it Bite-Sized: Instead of broad goals like "Get straight As," try "Read for 20 minutes a day" or "Turn in math homework on time." Small, manageable habits build big results.

  
  

• Focus on the Process: Reward the effort, not just the final grade. A goal to "pack the backpack the night before" prevents morning meltdowns and sets them up for academic success.

  
  

• Make it Visible: Write the goals down and stick them on the fridge or the bathroom mirror. Out of sight is completely out of mind when it comes to students.

  
  

• Plan the Celebration: Decide on the reward together right now. Knowing that hitting a goal unlocks a family pizza night or a trip for ice cream is a fantastic motivator for everyone.

The Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the State's high standards.

Career Corner

It's FUTURE FRIDAY!

This week's career is Welders & Assemblers.

Welders and assemblers are skilled professionals who build, join, and put together metal parts and other materials to create products we use everyday. Welders use special tools and heat to join pieces of metal together, while assemblers follow instructions and use tools to build things like cars, machines, bridges, and equipment. They use math, problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail to make sure everything fits and works safely. Most welders and assemblers learn through hands-on training, classes, or apprenticeships. Check out the links to learn more!

wosu.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/the-welder-video/i-can-be-what/?student=true&focus=true

wosu.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/welders-video/curious-about-careers/?student=true&focus=true

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm

There is a Ski Club meeting at Middle school East on October 27th at 5:45. Click below for more information.

If your 7th or 8th grade student is interested in playing a sport this Winter, you can register them here through Final Forms

2025 Washington D.C. Virtual Meeting Recording

Other Resources

• Slides Presentation from the Meeting
• Sample Itinerary

If you would like to register your child for the trip, then you will need the following information:

• You can register your child(ren) at www.prodigystudenttravel.com.

• You will need the trip code to register, and each building has its own code.

  • Middle School West: GWDCB
    

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This Veterans Day, we are proud to honor the family members of our students who have served in the military. We invite you to share their information with us by completing this brief Google form so we may recognize their service.

October 27th- 8th grade district band concert

November 9, 2026: PD Day - No School
November 25-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23, 2026-January 1, 2027: Winter Break - No School
January 4, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Day - No School
February 15, 2027: Presidents Day - No School
March 8, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
March 9, 2027: PD Day - No School
March 26, 2027: Conference Comp Day - No School
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break- No School
April 30, 2027: PD Day - No School
May 27, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
May 28, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School

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.