Blacklick Bulletin
**Updated: September 4, 2023
Art in Grade 5
Fifth grade students have been learning about abstract art! We took a look at 9 different artists including Picasso, Mondrian, and Pollock, and have also learned about contemporary artists such as Rashid Johnson and Kiran Manandhar. Now students have begun their own work. 5th graders have a huge amount of materials and techniques to choose from, and many are taking this opportunity to experiment!
Music in Grade 5
Fifth graders combined Music & P.E. class for a fun activity! They learned a “Trepak Nutcracker Basketball Dribbling Routine” with Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Bower, & Mr. Harvey. Students learned about “downbeats”, classical music/ballet, and dribbling technique!
Library in Grade 5
For the 2024-25 School Year
After many years of discussion and months of research, meetings and feedback, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is changing its start and end times beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
New Start Times for the 2024-25 School Year
Preschool AM: 8:30-11:15
Preschool PM: 12:15-3:00
Elementary: 8:05-2:45
High School: 8:35-3:20
Middle School: 9:05-3:50
These start times better align our District with research and the feedback we have received from our community.
Check out our GJPS website to learn more about the process and see some FAQs surrounding this project.
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, JANUARY 9, 2024 in the Blacklick library at 6:30 PM. There is a not a PTO meeting scheduled during the month of December.
PTO Newsletter - November 2023
The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO has complied a list of the staff's favorite things. It is important to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. We know that many parents might want to get their child's teacher a gift and this list is to help you select something the teacher would like. Please do not feel obligated to buy a gift for your child's teachers/staff members. A thoughtful note from you and/or your child at any time of the year is appreciated just as much or more as any gift.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Karen Davidson, PTO President, at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
The Valentine's party is quickly approaching (February 15th) and we need your help to make it a fun celebration for the entire school!
Right now, we are looking for Lead Classroom Volunteers. If you would like to be the leader for a classroom, please volunteer on the Sign Up Genius below. Once leaders are identified, we will send out another Sign Up Genius for additional classroom volunteers. Any questions... reach out to the PTO (ptoblacklick@gmail.com).
Lead Classroom Volunteer Responsibilities
- Contact your teacher to see if they have any specific requests/ideas for the party, as well as the number of volunteers they would like to have at the party, and if they need any party supplies.
- Reach out to the other parents in your classroom asking if they wish to volunteer to start organizing, planning, and/or signing up for the day to help.
- Plan out the party: Typically, parties consist of 4-5 stations. These can include passing out Valentines, a craft, and games.
- Review and get approval of the party plan approved by the teacher
- Get supplies for crafts and games, if needed.
- HAVE FUN at the party!!
- Help with clean-up.
- Students are not permitted to exchange valentines that contain food or candy. If food or candy is attached to the valentine, they will not be distributed. In addition, no candy or food can be brought into the classroom as treats.
- Funding the party (aka mostly craft and game supplies) can be done in a variety of ways. Either covered by party volunteers or through creating an Amazon Wishlist for any family to purchase.
Blacklick Elementary Parents: Valentine's Day Party (signupgenius.com)
As a school community we will be collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Please check your child's PRIDE folder for information regarding this collection.
WHAT: The Pop Tab Program is a fundraising project that supports Ronald McDonald House Charities. By collecting tabs from aluminum cans, RMHC of Central Ohio is able to recycle them in exchange for money that is then put towards paying the utility bills for the Ronald McDonald House.
WHEN: September 5, 2023 - May 1, 2024
WHERE: Students can drop off pop tabs in the boxes located in each hallway at Blacklick Elementary.
Celebrating Our Staff
We are excited to announce the Heart and Pride staff recognition award! This award is being established to recognize outstanding staff members who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
This nomination form will remain open year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.
If you believe your family may qualify for free/reduced-price meals, please apply online for free or reduced-price meal benefits with these easy steps:
- Sign in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
- Choose "MORE" in the left-hand column.
- Choose "MEAL BENEFITS".
RELATED LINKS
Free/Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Online Application Tutorial (PDF)
Mark Your Calendar!
December 20 End of Quarter 2
December 20 Last day of school before winter break for students
January 2 Staff Professional Learning Day
January 3 Students first day back after winter break
January 4 Pride Talk: Kick off of One School/One Book Project
January 5 Report Cards for Quarter 2 sent home with students
January 12 Pride Talk: Be the Light (Grade 2 and 4 will be performing) *More details to come!
January 15 No School in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day