Blacklick Bulletin
**Updated: September 4, 2023
We want students to be engaged in learning and not distracted by devices. Just a reminder from our Student Handbook:
"CELL PHONES & SMART WATCHES
Cell phones are permitted at school, but must remain off and in the student’s book bags throughout the school day. Smart watches are also permitted, but should only be used as a clock while at school. Students are not permitted to send or receive text messages or phone calls on cell phones or smart watches during the day. Additionally, photos may not be taken with cell phones or smart watches at school. On state testing days, smart watches are not permitted to be worn. If a parent/guardian needs to reach their student during the school day, they should call the school office at 614-759-5100. The school is not responsible for cell phones or smart watches that are lost, stolen, or damaged."
Thank you for your help and understanding.
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 16: Grade 2 Reading Assessment @ 10:05 AM
January 17: Grade 2 Math Assessment @ 10:05 AM
January 18: Grade 4 Reading Assessment @ 8:45 AM + Kindergarten Math Assessment (Steger/Park/Sitz)
January 19: Grade 4 Math Assessment @ 8:45 AM + Kindergarten Math Assessment (Paskett/Schirg)
January 22: Grade 1 Math Assessment @ 12:20 PM
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
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, JANUARY 9, 2024 in the Blacklick library at 6:30 PM. There is a not a PTO meeting scheduled during the month of December.
PTO Newsletter - November 2023
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.
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)
For the 2024-25 School Year
After many years of discussion and months of research, meetings and feedback, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is changing its start and end times beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
New Start Times for the 2024-25 School Year
Preschool AM: 8:30-11:15
Preschool PM: 12:15-3:00
Elementary: 8:05-2:45
High School: 8:35-3:20
Middle School: 9:05-3:50
These start times better align our District with research and the feedback we have received from our community.
Check out our GJPS website to learn more about the process and see some FAQs surrounding this project.
As a school community we will be collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Please check your child's PRIDE folder for information regarding this collection.
WHAT: The Pop Tab Program is a fundraising project that supports Ronald McDonald House Charities. By collecting tabs from aluminum cans, RMHC of Central Ohio is able to recycle them in exchange for money that is then put towards paying the utility bills for the Ronald McDonald House.
WHEN: September 5, 2023 - May 1, 2024
WHERE: Students can drop off pop tabs in the boxes located in each hallway at Blacklick Elementary.
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!
January 2 Staff Professional Learning Day
January 3 Students first day back after winter break
January 4 Pride Talk: Kick off of One School/One Book Project
January 5 Report Cards for Quarter 2 sent home with students
January 9 PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
January 12 Pride Talk: Be the Light (Grade 2 and 4 will be performing)
January 15 No School in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 1 GLHS Chorale Performance for grades K and 1 @ 1:00 PM
February 6 and 8 Parent Teacher Conferences
February 13 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