East Weekly

Even though it was a short week, we had a lot going on at East! On Tuesday, we had a guest speaker talk with our students about the “Ripple Effect” and how one action or decision can start something that impacts others. Ask your student about it! We hope this is something that sticks with them throughout the year and reminds them to think about the choices they make and the impact they can have on those around them. One small choice can make a big difference!

We also had MAP testing on Wednesday. About a third of the way through, the system decided to take an unexpected break! Our students were so patient and handled the interruption really well. Once we were able to get back into testing, they jumped right back in and kept going. We were really proud of how they handled it!

Our ELA MAP assessment will be on Tuesday, September 15. Please remind students to bring their charged Chromebooks and come ready to do their best!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take care,

Megan Kirsten

Sept. 14: PTA meeting @ 7:00pm Library

Sept 15: ELA MAP Assessment --Adjusted bell schedule

Oct 2: 7th grade field trip

Oct. 6: Parent Teacher Conferences (6th grade families ONLY)

Oct. 8: Parent Teacher Conferences (ALL grade levels)

Oct. 13: Parent Teacher Conferences (ALL grade levels)

Oct. 16: End of Q1

Oct. 19: Conference Comp Day - No School
Oct. 20: Staff Work Day - No School for students

We want to make sure families have the information they need to help support safe and responsible technology use at home.

Our school uses Securly to help monitor and support student internet activity. Families can also access Securly’s parent tools to view and manage their student’s activity outside of school.

Getting Started with Securly

• Visit Securly’s parent resource page for information about the app, website, and available features: Securly Home Parent Resources
• When creating your Securly account, please use the same email address that is listed for you as a guardian in Infinite Campus (IC).
• Using the email address on file in IC will automatically connect you to the students for whom you are listed as a guardian and provide access to the available monitoring and parental control features.

Please note that the parent monitoring and control features are intended to help families manage student technology use outside of the school day. School-based technology monitoring and management will continue to be handled by the school.

We encourage families to explore the Securly resources and take advantage of these tools to help support healthy, safe, and responsible technology use at home.

PTA meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month in the GMSE library at 7:00pm. All are welcome!

Meetings 7:00-8:00 pm

• September 14

• October 12

• November 9

• December 14 - Virtual

• January 11

• February 8

• March 8

• April 12

• May 10

Help support and fund numerous initiatives for students and staff throughout the year. Stay tuned to our Facebook page, “GMSE Parents” (new members be sure to answer the questions to be admitted), and upcoming newsletters for more information about what we do and how you can help.

Please consider joining the Middle School East PTA.

Here is the 6th grade launchpad link for you to bookmark: Launchpad. This tracks the daily work and homework.

Ace 7/8 will be assessed over Chapter 1 next week.

Chapter 2: Simplifying with variables starts our study of where and how to use variables. This chapter lays the foundation for simplifying expressions and solving equations.

Math 7: Students will have their first assessment on Chapter 1 at the end of next week. They will be given a study guide to make sure they are prepared, with ways to check their answers and get help if needed!

Ace 7/8 will be assessed over Chapter 1 next week.

Chapter 2: Simplifying with variables starts our study of where and how to use variables. This chapter lays the foundation for simplifying expressions and solving equations.

ELA: 7th grade ELA will be starting a new unit next week. This unit is called “Community & Belonging” and it is part of our school’s CommonLit 360 core curriculum. Please remind your students to come to school with a charged Chromebook each day, as they will be using their devices to answer questions & write about their reading.

ELA - All students should have turned in their Application Essays on 9/8 @11:59p. Please make sure you are checking your child’s grades in Infinite Campus. We are starting off next week with our exciting Suspense Unit!

Students are receiving course scheduling forms in music survey. Please review the form with your child and help them make their course selection!

Band

• If your student is interested in band, please sign up for a fitting appointment where they can try instruments. If you cannot attend our evening fittings, email Ms. Smallwood to arrange a separate time: smallwoodj@gjps.org.

• If you missed our parent meeting this past Tuesday, you can take a look at the presentation and handout for more information.

Strings:

• Parent meeting for 6th grade Strings was this past Thursday.

• Any parents whose child has any interest in joining Strings should email kinnearm@gjps.org with questions.

Choir/SMASH

• There in not a meeting for these course options

6th Grade finished their Vexx Art projects which are half realistic drawing and half cartoon style. They look fantastic and I will be hanging some up in the hall soon!

7th Grade finished up their mini art galleries complete with art reproductions and furniture. Students were so creative and I cannot wait to display these in the cafeteria!

8th Grade Art just finished small mixed-media cards representing different parts of their identity. It was fun to see students layering materials in new ways and stretching themselves to try new things.

8th Grade 3D Art is finishing up their Altered Book projects. Students used various paper sculpture techniques and additional materials to turn an old book into a sculpture inspired by a movie, game or story. Look for these to be on display in the case by the front door and in the cafeteria.

To report an absence, please call the front office at (614)478-5550 or email fischerj@gjps.org by 9:10am if possible.You also have the ability to login into Infinite Campus and mark your child's absence there. Please ONLY do this if your child will be absent for the entire day.

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.

The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

September 7, 2026: Labor Day - No School

September 21, 2026: PD Day - No School
October 19, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
October 20, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
November 9, 2026: PD Day - No School
November 25-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23, 2026-January 1, 2027: Winter Break - No School
January 4, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Day - No School
February 15, 2027: Presidents Day - No School
March 8, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
March 9, 2027: PD Day - No School
March 26, 2027: Conference Comp Day - No School
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break- No School
April 30, 2027: PD Day - No School
May 27, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
May 28, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
May 29, 2027: Class of 2027 Commencement