April 5, 2024

Jefferson Families,

Spring break is here, and it's important to acknowledge the efforts of our students and celebrate their achievements. Throughout the school year, your children have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to being Jefferson Leaders and working hard on their school work. Their perseverance and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed; we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.

I am confident your child came home full of energy and ready for spring break. I want to extend my best wishes to you and your families. I hope this will be a time of relaxation, rejuvenation, and quality time spent together. Whether you plan to travel, explore new activities, or simply unwind at home, I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable break.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Please review the upcoming state testing schedule and encourage your child to relax and put forth their best effort on the tests. We are excited for them to show all that they have learned this year.

Thanks,

Mr. Schmidt

For the past two weeks, I have been in classrooms teaching the safety lesson. After break, I will wrap these up in Mrs. Nilsen's and Mrs. Higginbotham's classrooms. At the end of the lesson, a paper identifying safe adults to talk with is completed, and I ask them to share the paper with you so you can have any follow-up conversation you would like.

From the American Academy of Pediatrics: 10 Tips for Parents to Teach Children About Body Safety and Boundaries

From Nationwide Children's Hospital: Starting a Conversation With Your Kid About Sexual Abuse

GRIN provides food to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out this form and send it back to me. You can also email me at haringah@gjps.org.

If you have a social or emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form. Family Counseling Referral Form

Please visit https://www.gahannaschools.org/families/enrollment for information on how to enroll your incoming Kindergartener for next year. Please help spread the word to your neighbors and friends who have a child who will be 5 by August 1st.

Jefferson Elementary's Kindergarten Kick-Off Open House event for parents and students will be Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 - 6:30.

The Jefferson PTO is looking to fill the VICE PRESIDENT and SECRETARY positions for the 2024-2025 school year. They are also looking to add an Assistant Treasurer. Use the link below to submit your name, make a nomination or just to learn more about this service opportunity.

Any Jefferson Family member of a K–5th grade student for the 2024-2025 school year may nominate themselves or another individual for the position.

April 8-12 Spring Break

April 26 School Dance Grades K-2 6:00 -7:10

April 26 School Dance Grades 3-5 7:30 - 9:00

April 30 2nd Grade Music Performance "Colors" 7:00 pm

May 7 1st Music Performance "A Day at School" 7:00 pm

May 9 Kindergarten Kick-off Event 5:30 - 6:30 pm

May 17 Carnival

May 22 Field Day

May 24 Last day of School

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

The state-required testing in grades 3-5 will take place from the end of April through the beginning of May. You will hear these tests referred to as "OST" which stands for Ohio State Tests. We ask that you make every attempt to have your child at school on these testing dates and avoid doctor appointments or unnecessary absences.

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.