Blacklick Bulletin
**Updated: September 4, 2023
Our next round of parent/teacher conferences will be here before you know it! Please make sure to sign up for a parent teacher conference if you have not done so already. Please contact your child's teacher if you need to schedule a conference time.
In addition, the PRIDE Partner PTO is providing dinner for our staff on both conference nights but needs help in providing some extras for the staff. If you are interested in donating an item for one or both conference nights, please click on the links below. Thank you in advance!
Students will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment during the month of January. 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. Parents/guardians will receive the results of these assessments at our February parent/teacher conferences.
The assessment schedule is listed below for your reference:
January 22: Grade 4 Math Assessment @ 8:45 AM + Kindergarten Math Assessment (Paskett)
January 22: Grade 1 Math Assessment @ 12:20 PM
January 23: Kindergarten Math Assessment (Schirg) @ 8:45 AM
January 23: Grade 5 Reading Assessment @ 9:20 AM
January 24: Grade 5 Math Assessment @ 9:20 AM
January 25: Grade 3 Reading Assessment @ 8:30 AM
January 26: Grade 3 Math Assessment @ 8:30 AM
All K-3 students will take the Acadience Reading assessment beginning in late January. The assessment window is from January 29 - February 16. Acadience Reading is a universal screening assessment that measures the acquisition of early literacy skills. This assessment provides reliable and valid data to find students who may be at risk for reading difficulties, and helps identify skills to target for instructional support. Classroom teachers will share assessment results with families once the testing window closes.
Library Update for First Grade
By the end of the year, first graders will be able to choose books from any section of our library. After winter break, we introduced the Fiction (chapter book) section! We reviewed how to choose a Good-Fit book but also said it was ok to choose a more difficult title for their For Fun book. And we remembered that, if a book isn’t a good fit for them, all they have to do is bring it back and try again.
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)
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in the Blacklick library at 6:30 PM.
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.
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!
February 1 GLHS Chorale Performance for grades K, 1, and 2 @ 1:00 PM
February 6 and 8 Parent Teacher Conferences
February 6 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
February 15 Valentines Day Party @ 1:10 PM
February 16 Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
February 19 President's Day - No School for Students or Staff
March 5, 6, 7 Donuts with Grownups - Sponsored by the PTO - look for details coming soon
March 8 Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
March 11 Professional Learning Day - No School for Students
March 12 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
March 29 No School for Students or Staff
April 8 - 12 Spring Break
April 16 PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM
May 6-10 Staff Appreciation Week
May 10 Strides for PRIDE Fundraiser
May 17 Talent Show for grades 4 and 5
May 21 PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM
May 23 Field Day
May 24 Grade 5 Recognition PRIDE Talk @ 8:30 AM
May 24 Grade 5 Clap Out @ 2:00 PM