Welcome to Gables Elementary

Welcome to Gables Elementary this online newsletter is filled with information about our school. Please read it carefully and if you have any questions that aren't addressed, please feel free to ask! We're so glad you're here. We love to learn and hope you'll join us at Gables Elementary School.

We are delighted that you are considering Gables for your child’s education. It is our pleasure to invite you into our school where you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the warm and nurturing environment that makes Gables Elementary so special.

We understand that choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we are here to support you along the way. Our goal is to provide your child with a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a safe, supportive and inclusive community. Our principal, Jill Lausch values family feedback and is always open to talk with you while on your students journey through education.

It is important that everyone who is part of the Gables community be excited to be here. This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment. At Gables Elementary we believe in doing things the “GATOR WAY” by following these easy steps

BE RESPONSIBLE!

BE RESPECTFUL!

BE SAFE!

BE KIND! THAT'S THE GATOR WAY!!

We look forward to working with you and your family!

Website: www.ccsoh.us/GablesES

Staff Directory Link: www.ccsoh.us/domain/1850

Principal: Ms. Jill Lausch jlausch@columbus.k12.oh.us

Secretary: Ms. Jennifer Cahill jcahillthornton@columbus.k12.oh.us

Nurse: Ms. Kim Fackler kfackler@columbus.k12.oh.us

Counselor: Mrs. Erin Lacey elacey@columbus.k12.oh.us

Family Ambassador: Mrs. Kate Green kgreen2@columbus.k12.oh.us

Every Wednesday families will be emailed a weekly information summary called Smore. It will contain important information, school dates, and academic information. This will be sent from our principal Jill Lausch through email from the parent portal.

Absent

If your child is unable to attend school email or call the attendance line and leave a message

Attendance Email: attendance.gables@columbus.k12.oh.us

Attendance Phone: 1 (380) 997-6025

Arriving Late

If your child is arriving late, a parent needs to come into the school building to sign in your child. Students are considered late after 9:00 am.

Leaving Early
If your child will be picked up early due to an appointment or scheduled activity, a written note must be sent to school for his/her teacher and the front office. If a child needs to be picked up early, please pick him/her up by 3PM. We will not release students between 3-3:30PM due to the teacher end of day routine and bus dismissal.

Please bring your driver’s license so we may verify you are on the pickup list.

If your child has a doctor’s appointment, please ask the doctor for a written excuse. Have your child give the written excuse to his/her teacher the next day at school.

Policy for Going Home a Different Way:
If your child is changing his/her normal transportation routine (being parent pick up instead of taking the bus, going home on a different bus, or walking home with a friend) a written note must be sent to school for his/her teacher and the front office.

Phone calls will no longer be received unless it is an emergency. We will work with families when an emergency situation arises.

All bus riders will go home on their assigned bus unless we are notified with a written note.

This policy will reduce confusion, and it will increase our ability to safely get children where they need to be.

8:30am: Students enter building for breakfast

9:00am: Tardy Bell Rings

11:45-12:45: 1st and 4th grade lunch and recess

11:45-12:45: Kindergarten and 2nd grade recess and lunch

12:45-1:45: 3rd and 5th grade lunch and recess

3:30: Dismissal to Walkers, Parent pick-up, and Busses

Food Service Mission: Working together to provide meals that nourish and stimulate the mind and body of every student to enhance learning in a global community.

School Menu Restrictions Currently in Place:

• Peanut and tree nuts are not served by cafeteria staff to students in elementary grades.
• Seafood and pork are not served on the student menus.

Columbus City Schools follow the MyPlate dietary guidelines

Free language assistance is available to Columbus City Schools families regarding school programs and activities.

• Spanish: (614) 365-5118

• Arabic: (614) 365-6920

• French: (614) 365-5327

• Somali: (614) 365-8972

• Nepali: (614) 365-3105

MS. KIM FACKLER kfackler@columbus.k12.oh.us

When should my child stay home?

CCS wants every child to learn and be successful. School attendance is linked to learning. However, there are times when your child may be ill and should stay home until they feel better or are no longer contagious to others. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when your child needs to stay home.

• Temperature above 100 degrees by mouth (without fever-reducing medication)

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Shortness of breath or wheezing during normal activity

• Couth that interrupts normal activities

• Pain from earache, sore throat or recent injury

• Yellow or green drainage from eyes

• Undiagnosed rash or draining sores on body

How can I prevent the spread of illness and stay healthy?

• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue

• Wash hands for at least 15-20 seconds with soap and water.

• Children can sing a song to themselves like “Happy Birthday” to make sure they are getting the job done.

• Avoid touching your face (nose, mouth and eyes)

• Avoid contact with people that are ill.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet & move your body

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Move your body, exercise comes in all shapes and sizes

• Get a good night's sleep. Children need 10-12 hours of sleep.

• If you become ill, remember to REST and REHYDRATE water is always best.

• If a child has diarrhea or vomiting, staying hydrated is key.

• Small sips of water at frequent intervals are best.

Students needing to take medication during school hours must follow these guidelines:

• Provide the school nurse with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by both the parent/guardian and the healthcare provider.
• Medications cannot be at school without the form and signatures of both doctor and parents. Medications cannot be held until the medication authorization form arrives.
• A new Medication Authorization Form is required each school year AND when there is a change in medication or dose.
• All medication must be in the original container in which it was dispensed by the healthcare provider or pharmacy and be labeled with the correct dose and instructions. The medication cannot be expired.
• The label must match what is on the Medication Authorization Form
• Students taking a medication at both school and home can request 2 separate labeled bottles from the pharmacy to divide the pills to have some at home and school.
• Students using an inhaler, epinephrine pen or other emergency medications at school can request 2 prescriptions from the healthcare provider in order to have a supply at home and school
  

• Medication must be brought to school by the parent or guardian. Bus drivers cannot be responsible for medications on the bus.
• School personnel cannot give over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. A medication authorization form is required.
  
• Prescribed over the counter medications follow the same guidelines as stated above for prescription medications. (Over the counter medications include pain medication such as Tylenol, cough medicine, eye drops, ointments.)
• Over the counter medications must be in the original container and not expired.
• A label must be attached to the medication which includes: the students name, name of medication, dosage, strength, route, time of administration and expiration date. Label must match the Medical Authorization Form.
• Medications ordered three times a day or less, unless time is specified, may not need to be taken at school. The medication should be given before school, after school and at bedtime.

All unused medication must be picked up by the parent/guardian on the last day of student attendance or it will be discarded.

Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 8:30 a.m. Staff is

not on duty until this time. Breakfast is from 8:45-9:00 AM.

All parents who transport students to school should arrive through the student pick-up area located on Becket Ave. Students will then enter the school through the cafeteria doors from the parking lot. School buses and daycare vans dropping off

students will pull in front of the school on Becket and unload students. The students will

then enter the school through the front doors by the office.

Parents/guardians who escort their students to school should stop at the entrance to the cafeteria and students should enter the building on their own.

CAR RIDERS

For the drive through line, we ask parents to remain in your car. We will be coming to you and asking for your child’s names which will call to students waiting in the gym. Once their name is called they will exit the gym to their cars. When leaving the parking lot it is a RIGHT TURN ONLY onto Becket Avenue.

BUSES

Students that ride buses will continue to enter and exit through the door in the front of the building (by office). Children will wait in their classrooms until their bus is called. Please see information in the Parent Portal for up to date transportation information.

WALK UP/WALK HOME

If you are wanting to pick up your child by walking to the door, this is done at the gym door (side of building) by the parking lot. Please walk up to the door and let the teacher working know the name of your child, we will bring the student to the door. You should arrive no later than 3:30 to get children from this location. If you arrive late, you will need to walk to the front door office. Parking is available on Willoughby Street & Hollister Street.
NO PARKING ALONG THE SCHOOL CURB ON BECKET AVENUE.

PARENT REQUESTED DISMISSAL CHANGE

We understand that things come up and you may need to make a change in the way that your child is going home on a particular day. All requests to change transportation must be made before 2:30pm in order to allow for changes to be made effectively.

Pickup time is very busy, and we want all students, staff, and families to remain safe. Please remember to drive carefully, arrive on time, and comply with school dismissal procedures in order to have things go smoothly.

LOOK COOL AND RAISE MONEY FOR THE SCHOOL!

What is PBIS?

• Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an approach the school uses
  to promote school safety and good behavior.

• With PBIS, schools teach kids about behavior expectations and strategies.

• The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.

• PBIS teaches students how to use positive behavior strategies.

Why is PBIS important?

• Positive behavior strategies help build a trusting relationship between teachers, students, and families.

• The focus changes from “fixing” students to understanding their behavior.

• PBIS allows for culturally responsive approaches to analyzing the behavior and how respond.
  
  

At Gables we focus on the Gator Way to achieve PBIS.
It’s simple and easy to remember for kids of all ages.
Be Responsible!
Be Respectful!
Be Safe!
Be Kind! That’s the Gator Way! CHOMP! CHOMP!

Can the same PBIS used at school work at home? YES!

• PBIS can be practiced at home as well as school.

• Have clear expectations and routines. Use a visual to support schedules, transitions, or changes and keep language short and simple.

• Teach behavior expectations, such as being safe, being kind, being respectful, and being responsible.

• Talk with your family and BE the example of expected behaviors.

• Be clear about what will happen when practicing and not practicing the expected behavior.

• Set behavior goals with your child.

• Recognize and reward your child for practicing the expected behavior.

Parent Right to Know Information as Required by The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)] and the Every Student Succeeds Act

[Section 1112(e)(1)(A)]

August 2024-2025

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

As a parent of a student attending a school that is receiving Federal Title I dollars, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teacher(s) and instructional paraprofessional(s) who instruct your child. Federal law requires every Title I school district to comply and to provide you with the requested information in a timely manner.

We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

∙ Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,

∙ Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and

∙ What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additional right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:

∙ Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and ways for opting out

∙ Information on required assessments that include:

• ∙ subject matter tested,
• ∙ purpose of the test,
• ∙ source of the requirement (if applicable),
• ∙ amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and
• ∙ time and format of disseminating results.
  
  

Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Ohio state requirements.

We look forward to the upcoming school year, and together we will make a difference in your child’s life.

Sincerely,

Jill Lausch, Principal

Is Your Parent Portal Account Activated? Stay engaged in your childs education by setting up and signing into the Columbus City Schools Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, you'll be able to securely access valuable information on your student(s):

• Teacher Contact
• Grades and Course Schedules
• Daily Attendance
• Missed Assignments
• Update Contact Information

Activating the Parent Portal is Easy.

1. Go to our website at www.ccsoh.us and click on the Students and Families Tab.

2. Click on Parent Portal box at the bottom of the page

3. Click on the button that says NEW USER ACTIVATION

4. Enter your ACTIVATION CODE (contact your school to obtain one if needed)

5. Follow the prompts to set up your username/password and to add a recovery email address.

6. If you have forgotton your username/password, click on EXISTING USER in the Portal, then click FORGOT USERNAME/PASSWORD, and the information will be sent to the email used to set up the account. If you no longer have access to the email you used when setting up the account, please send a picture ID and your student's name and date of birth to parentportalaccess@columbus.k12.oh.us

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS

Call the Parent Portal Assistance Line at (380) 997-7245

A new school year is upon us, and we have a few brief reminders to ensure the safe and timely transportation of our students.

• Update Contact Details: Please check the Parent Portal to ensure your contact information is current for emergencies or is a bus driver needs to reach you.
• Stay Informed on Bus Schedules: Be aware of your child's bus timing and location
• Drop-Off for Younger Students: If your child is in kindergarten to second grade, kindly be at the bus stop during drop-off for their safety. Our drivers will only release a child from kindergarten to second grade if an adult 18 or older is at the stop. However, parents can sign a release allowing the K-2 grade students to be dropped off without an adult. Release forms can be obtained from your student's bus driver.

Additionally, adjusting our transportation system may take approximately two weeks as we roll into the new school year. Every year, schedule changes, drivers familiarizing themselves with new routes, traffic variations, construction and unpredictable weather can affect services.

**REMINDER** This school year (2025-2026), the district's transportation department will no longer mail bus route information to family's homes.

• Transportation eligible families will now receive their child's bus routing information through Parent Portal.
• You can access your child's bus information by clicking on the Transportation tab within the Parent Portal.

We're committed to continual improvement and ask for your patience and understanding. Our shared goal is a safe and efficient transportation experience for all students.

• CCS: Columbus City Schools

• ES: Elementary School

• MS: Middle School

• HS: High School

• BOE: Board of Education

• ESL: English as a Second Language

• ELL: English Language Learners

• PBIS: Positive Behavior Interventions & Support

• PEAK: Positive Efforts for Adjustments & Knowledge

• GT: Gifted & Talented

• SPED: Special Education

• IEP: Individual Educational Plan

• ODE: Ohio Department of Education

• PD: Professional Development

• BOY: Beginning of Year Test

• MOY: Middle of Year Test

• EOY: End of Year Test

• PTA: Parent/Teacher Association