August 11, 2023 Jefferson Journal
We are making final preparations for the start of the school year. We can't wait to welcome our young leaders back to the building. Please know that all staff, including the office and support staff will be in various professional learning sessions all day and Monday and Tuesday and will respond to emails and voice mails as time allows. When the new year starts your children will be learning all about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids and being a leader. We are going to be focused on celebrating all the great things our young leaders do everyday as they leave their mark!
Hello Jefferson Families! My name is Heather Haringa and I am your school counselor for the 2023 - 2024 school year. This will be the start of my 20th year at Jefferson. During my time here I have been a second grade teacher as well as an English Learner Teacher. For the past several years I have been the School Counselor and love my role. I am here to help your child and your family with emotional, mental, social and academic support. Please feel free to email me at haringah@gjps.org with any questions and/or information you'd like to share.
The Counselor's corner also includes resources that families can use at home to engage in conversations and activities to help your child. This weeks tip is focused on the return to school. There are many feeling around the start of a new year. Separation anxiety is something your child may be feeling about the start of the school year. I have included helpful tips for creating a separation routine and talking about these back to school feelings.
GRIN is a local community resource that does an amazing job supporting Gahanna residents in need. Click this link to learn more about GRIN and the services they provide. If your family is in need of extra food over the weekends we would love to help you. Click this link for form to request a weekend snack pack . You can fill out this form and return it to me.
I look forward to seeing you all soon and am excited for the new school year!
Answers to frequently Asked Questions
- Students and families are welcome to stop by the building on Monday August 14, from 4:00 till 5:00 to find your classroom and drop off supplies and meet your teacher.
- Bus information can be found using this link.
- School Pictures will be Friday, September 22. This is a change from previous years. We will not be taking pictures at the meet the teacher event.
- Please complete the Annual Student Update in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Detailed Directions can be found here. And, yes all families, new and returning must complete.
- Kindergarten families will be getting an email from a kindergarten teacher inviting them to school next week to complete portions of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment.
- School Supply Lists are located on our website. If your child is in need of supplies due to family hardship please reach out to our school counselor Heather Haringa.
Mark Your Calendar
August 14 Welcome Back Event 4:00 - 5:00
August 15 & 16 Building closed for new school year preparations
August 17 First Day of School for Students
September 4 Labor Day No School
September 15 Jog for Jefferson
September 22 Picture Day
September 25 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students