Blacklick Bulletin
Week of February 2, 2026 - Issue #25
Students will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment during the month of January/February. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 will take the MAP Math Assessment. Students in grades 2 -5 will take the MAP Assessment in both Reading and Math. Students will complete this assessment on a chromebook. Students have as much time as they need to complete the assessment (there is not a time limit). This assessment is part of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirements for our grade 3 students.
Parents/guardians will receive the results of the MAP assessments at our March parent/teacher conferences.
The assessment schedule is listed below for your reference:
February 3: Grade 5 and Grade 4 READING MAP @ 8:30 AM
February 4: Grade 3 MATH MAP @ 10:15 AM and Grade 2 MATH MAP @ 9:45 AM
February 6: Grade 1 MATH MAP
February 9: Grade 3 READING MAP @ 10:15 AM and Grade 2 READING MAP @ 9:45 AM
All of our students in grades K-5 will be given the Acadience Reading Assessment during the month of January/February. This is a one on one assessment where students will work with their teacher to complete the assessment. This assessment assesses students early literacy skills. We will use the data from this assessment to pull together small groups that focus on specific student needs. Families will receive the results of this assessment at the March parent/teacher conference.
PE in 4th Grade
Our 4th graders have been hard at work on their hockey skills! Students are learning the basic skills of stick handling, passing, and spacing through a variety of hockey games and activities.
Library in 4th Grade
It’s an exciting time of year in the library world! The children’s book awards were announced on Monday the 26th. We have been talking about not only the Caldecott and the Newbery but also the Coretta Scott King Award and the Sibert Award. We’ve read some past winners and will be excited to explore the winners in upcoming weeks!
Music in 4th Grade
4th graders are preparing to begin playing the recorder in February! An instrument was purchased by the Blacklick PTO for each student — Thank you PTO! Students will learn the importance of caring for an instrument, and will be responsible for practicing at home. The recorder is an excellent “starter” instrument that will prepare the students for middle school band!
Art in 4th Grade
Miss Willmore, Mrs. Perkins’ wonderful student teacher from OSU, has been teaching 4th graders about the clay skills of pinching and pulling forms from one solid piece. Students are at the practice stage, and later they will confidently be able to make their own mythical creature from clay. We can’t wait to see the amazing things they will make!
It's time for our annual school-wide Valentine's Day party at Blacklick Elementary.
The parties will be held on Thursday, February 12 from 1:40- 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
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.
All Parents/Guardians are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to Attend Our PTO Meetings!
PTO Officers for 2025-2026
Kristin Stewart - President
Jess Waxler - Vice President
Emily Smith - Treasurer
Laura Valido - Secretary
Andrea Stump - Board Elect
Need to contact the PTO?
The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is already planning for Teacher Appreciation Week (that is scheduled for May 2026). If you are interested in donating an item for Teacher Appreciation Week, please click on the link below:
Please make sure students are dressed warmly for recess as the weather gets colder. We will be outside for recess unless the temperature falls below 17 degrees.
If you need coats, hats, or gloves, please reach out to Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Warfield or Mrs. Jenkins.
2025-2026 Food Service Information
A plate lunch is $2.75.
Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day.
Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2025-2026 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2025-2026 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.
Do you know a staff member who you feel makes a profound impact on students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools? If so, nominate them for the GJPS Heart and Pride award. This award is open to any staff member. regardless of position. Each month, the district will take the nominations to the Heart and Pride Committee, which is composed of community members and former staff members. The committee will select two winners a month that will be recognized by our Board of Education at the monthly meeting. If you have a staff member in mind, please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM. Nominations can take place all year.
Mark Your Calendar!
Feb. 3, 4, and 5: Donuts with Grown Ups (Details coming soon)
Feb. 13: Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 16: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 20: Family Movie Night at Blacklick (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Feb. 28: GJEF Gala
March 6: End of Quarter 3
March 9: Staff Work Day - No School
March 20: Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
Mar. 30-April 3: Spring Break- No School
May 8: Strides for PRIDE Day!
May 15: Talent Show - Grade 5 Students
May 21: Field Day
May 22: Last Day of School for Students
May 26: Teacher Work Day (Last day for staff)
May 28: Report Cards Released to Families