November 17, 2023
Attendance matters and so does on time arrival. During month of November we are paying special attention to on time arrivals. Having a good start to the day helps your child have a calm and successful day at school.
4th graders are now leading the school with the most days of on time arrivals. As a reminder doors open at 7:45 and there is never a line at the car drop off curb at 7:45! Thanks for your help with on time arrivals.
Thanksgiving Break
There are only two days of school next week. No School Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday for Thanksgiving Break.
Communication Plan
Do you have an interest or background in communication? Do you have some insights or suggestions to improve communication at Jefferson Elementary. Are you interested in joining a short term committee to meet with Mr. Schmidt and discuss and help develop an updated communication plan for Jefferson Elementary and the Jefferson PTO? If so please email Mr. Schmidt and include "Communication Committee" in the subject line and share a little bit about your background or interest in the communication committee.
Priorities, Traditions and Celebrations
Jefferson Elementary will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2025! Over the years there have been many great traditions and opportunities for students and parents. We know that COVID interrupted school activities and parent involvement. In additional to opportunities for students and parents we know that the environment in which we learn is important as well. That's why we are taking steps now to plan for the future. What should our priorities be, what is most important and most impactful to our Jefferson Elementary community? We are looking to establish a committee who will meet a few times to help gather feedback from the Jefferson community and provide guidance as we reset priorities for student opportunities, parent involvement and potential visual aesthetic improvements to the building. If you are interested in learning more please email Mr. Schmidt and include "Priorities" in the subject line.
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is excited to introduce a new texting tool that will help families connect better with their schools and teachers. We heard in our communication survey that text messages are the preferred communication method to receive information from GJPS and to support this feedback, we are expanding our district use of TalkingPoints to all staff and families.
TalkingPoints is a texting platform that allows families to receive the messaging as a text or through the TalkingPoints app. It also provides messages in more than 150 languages. For families who choose to receive TalkingPoint communication straight to your text inbox, you will need to save the text numbers separately so you know who they are from. Otherwise, we encourage you to download the TalkingPoints for Parents mobile app in the app store on your iPhone or Android for additional features. More information about accessing messages can be found on our GJPS District website.
You will be receiving text messages from the District, your principal, in December and from teachers in January so please be on the lookout!
Mrs. Haringa - School Counselor
Great conversations are often sparked by great questions. Here are some good conversation starters to use with your kids.
What is something that made you feel proud recently?
What is your biggest dream/wish right now?
What or who made you feel loved today?
What is your favorite thing about our home?
When someone looks sad or tired, what could we do to be kind?
What would you like to learn to do?GRIN provides food to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out this form and send it back to me. You can also email me at haringah@gjps.org.
If you have a social, emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form. Family Counseling Referral Form
Student Directory
Here is a link to the Student Directory. This directory is to be used to make connections between families and is not to be used for soliciting or mass communication purposes.
SPIRT WEAR SALE
Looking for some Jefferson Spirit Wear? Take advantage of this 20% off sale and get some of your holiday shopping completed! Click here to check out the variety of options for the whole family.
Mark Your Calendar...
November 22-24 Thanksgiving Break
December 19 Third Grade Music Performance
December 21- January 2 Winter Break
January 3, 2024 - First Day Back For Students!
Heart and Pride Award Nominations
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. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.