Weekly Update - Middle School South

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

At Middle School South, we are so fortunate to benefit from a strong & engaged Parent Teacher Organization.

Please consider joining us for our next meeting this Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 6:00PM in the Middle School South Library.

Can't join us in person? Consider joining us VIRTUALLY by clicking the link below!

In any case, we hope to see you soon!

It feels unbelievable to be writing about this already, but in just a few weeks, a team of High School Counselors will be here at South to begin the process of getting our 8th Graders scheduled for the 26-27 school year -- their Freshman Year classes!

The scheduling timeline is planned as follows:

December 1st -- Initial Student Registration Kick-Off Week communication shared with families

December 8th -- Infinite Campus Student Registration Portal opens

December 11th -- 8th Grade Parent Night at Gahanna Lincoln High School

December 12th -- HS Counselors initial visit with 8th Grade students at MSS to discuss scheduling

January 11th -- Infinite Campus Student Registration Portal closes

January 26th - 30th -- HS Counselors meet with 8th Grade Students at MSS to review course requests

Please be advised that the above timeline is tentative, but you can/should mark your calendars for the 8th Grade Parent Night at Gahanna Lincoln High School on December 11th. More details will be shared closer to this event.

Linked below, I have included the 2025-2026 GLHS Program of Studies. These Programs of Studies are susceptible to changes from year to year, but I at least wanted to give you a glimpse at the very robust course landscape at the HS.

No need to stress! Our counselors will work in tandem with high-school counselors to guide your student and your family though this whole process!

Please see the schedule below for official basketball team photos:

When: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

Where: Middle School South

7th Grade Girls' Basketball : 4:30PM

8th Grade Girls' Basketball: 4:45PM

7th Grade Boys' Basketball: 5:00PM

8th Grade Boys' Basketball: 5:15PM

I will communicate more information as I have it. Don't hesitate to reach out to child's coach for more information as well, if need be.

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 2

HOME v. Groveport MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

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

Thursday, December 4

AWAY @ Reynoldsburg Baldwin MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

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

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Tuesday, December 2

AWAY @ Groveport MS

7th Grade: 5:30PM

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

Thursday, December 4

HOME v. Reynoldsburg Baldwin MS

8th Grade: 5:30PM *** no 7th-grade game***

WRESTLING

Wednesday, December 3

AWAY @ Lancaster Thomas Ewing MS

5:30PM

Even though the App is called "Gahanna Lincoln Athletics," MIDDLE SCHOOL Athletics are on there as well!

Go download this App through either the App Store (Apple) or through the Google Play Store (for Android)!!!

Did your student have photo retakes? If so, those photos are now available for available for "Student ID" download.

Check out the instructions below for how to access these ID photos!

Each year, school districts in Ohio are required to offer an opportunity for students in grades K-12 to be identified as gifted in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. The identified areas of giftedness for Visual and Performing Arts include Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Drama/Theater, and Dance. If you know of a student that may be gifted in an area of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) learn more about the identification process.

Always remember: Gahanna South is a COMMUNITY! We are here to support all of our families, especially when times get tough - as they can & do for everyone.

Through our partnership with GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need), we are happy to be able to offer supplemental food for families need over the weekends.

Click on the link below if your student and your family could benefit from some supplemental provisions, and we'll be in touch soon with what we're able to offer and how we can get these provisions to you!

Supporting one another is just what we do!

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

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)