East Weekly

We hope your family enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break. As we begin 2026, our staff has spent time reflecting on our educator goals from 2025 and revisiting new goals or meaningful extensions to guide our work this year. We remain committed to developing the characteristics of our Learner Profile while continuing to incorporate engaging instructional strategies that support each learner. Most importantly, we are excited to learn, grow, and have fun together as we begin the next part of our school year.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns!

Take care,

Megan Kirsten

January 11 Scheduling Deadline: All course requests for GLHS are due in Infinite Campus via the Academic Plan. Selective course applications are also due.

Additionally, the signed course request document (9th Grade) must be turned into the Middle School (MS) Counselor. ** Please turn in the signed form by January 14.

All 8th grade students have the opportunity to participate in career exploration and tour the Eastland Career Center this year. Below, you will find the permission slip that is required for your student to leave Gahanna Middle School East and participate in the visit. Each student must have their Emergency Medical Forms completed through Infinite Campus in order to travel.

Our Gahanna Lincoln Girls Basketball Program is excited to host a Father–Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the new Gahanna Lincoln High School. This event will be a wonderful opportunity for our young students and their families to enjoy a memorable evening together while supporting the basketball program. The event is open to elementary, middle school, and high school students.

January 10: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at GLHS!

January 15: ELA MAP -- adjusted bell schedule

January 21: MATH MAP -- adjusted bell schedule

January 27 - 8th grade Field Trip to Eastland Career Center

Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School

February 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (7th & 8th grade) -- information coming soon

February 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences -- information coming soon

Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School

Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School

The Fitness Fundraiser team is asking for your help.

We would love a number of themed prizes from families to raffle off to students. Can you help by donating a $25-$50 gift? See the SignUp Genius description for more details.

Thank you!

1/12/26 @ 7pm

2/9/26 @ 7pm

3/9/26 @ 7pm

4/13/26 @ 7pm

5/11/26 @ 7pm

You can check out the new website here. Below are directions on how to obtain the correct app.

GJEF Raffle Ticket Pre-Order Form - A chance to win $1,000!

Proceeds benefit the GMSE Choir Program

8th grade- students are creating mixed media mini artworks using "culture" as a theme. They are looking so creative!

7th grade- students are artists and museum curators as they select and recreate art from art history for their mini museums.

6th grade- students are learning how to create the illusion of a 3D form using different tints and shades of oil pastels.

Ace 7/8 students have started Chapter 7: Slope and Association. Students will examine data to find trends and make predictions.

Math 7: Students will be finishing Chapter 5: Probability and Percents. An assessment will be next week.

Ace 7/8: Students have started Chapter 7: Slope and Association. Students will examine data to find trends and make predictions.

7th Science Merrick - The 3rd quarter we will be starting our Energy Unit. Students will be able to:

• Build, design different types of circuits.
• Explain how energy is transferred in a closed system. (Law of Conservation of Energy)
• Investigate friction and how in all systems there is some type of thermal energy present.

ELA: All students are starting a new unit today centered around Social Media. They will be conducting research and reading non-fiction articles. Today, they received their first set of vocabulary words for an upcoming quiz on January 20. Ask them about their new unit!

With cold/flu season in full swing, 8th grade teachers are in search of more Kleenex! If you are able to donate a box or two, we would greatly appreciate it. Send it in with your student and they can give it to their House/WIN teacher. Thanks in advance!

Math 8: Letters for course recommendations were sent home today with your child. Please see Infinite Campus for the recommendation in their schedule.

Gahanna Lincoln Girls High School Soccer Info: Interested in playing high school soccer? Please complete the Incoming Player Survey to start receiving info on program dates and happenings. Questions please email Coach Merrick at merrickd@gjps.org

We want our staff to be happy and enjoy coming to work every day. Below are just some of the ways that you can celebrate and recognize our amazing staff at East!

• PTA/Families spoil us!- Click here to join PTA!
• Student and/or family shout outs- Click here if you want to send a shoutout to a staff member!
• Heart and Pride Award- 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.

We’re always looking for ways to connect classroom learning to the real world or allow students to explore the future—and we’d love your help! If you're open to sharing your job title and a brief description of what you do, we’d love to learn more. We’re gathering a list of parents and guardians who might be interested in speaking to students about their careers, allowing students to shadow for a day, or participating in a future career fair.

If this sounds like something you'd consider, please take a moment to fill out this quick google form. Thank you for helping our students dream big!

Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement