Jeff Bower, Blacklick PE teacher, has decided to retire after many years in education! Mr. Bower's last day with students will be Thursday, February 13, 2025. We very much appreciate Mr. Bower's service and dedication to the students, staff, and families of Blacklick Elementary! Together, the students and staff will be celebrating Mr. Bower in February! We wish him all the best in his retirement. He will be missed!
Roger Whittaker will be stepping in to teach PE classes beginning on February 17, 2025 to finish this school year. Mr. Whittaker is the head girls track coach at GLHS and has extensive experience in elementary education. He is a former 5th grade teacher in Gahanna and stepped in to support Blacklick students as assistant principal in 2023 when Mrs. Gillens was on maternity leave. Our students are very familiar with Mr. Whittaker. We look forward to a seamless transition as Mr. Whittaker steps in to teach PE.
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled for February 20 and February 27 at Blacklick. We always look forward to meeting with families and sharing the progress of our students. Please make sure to sign up for a conference with your child's classroom teacher.
If you would like to schedule a conference with a member of our related arts staff, please click on the link that is provided below. Mr. Bower will not be available for conferences (due to his retirement).
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.
As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).
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. Students will complete this assessment on a chromebook. Students have as much time as they need to complete the assessment (there is not a time limit). This assessment is part of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirements for our grade 3 students.
Parents/guardians will receive the results of the MAP assessments at our February parent/teacher conferences.
The assessment schedule is listed below for your reference:
January 21: 4th and 5th Grade Reading MAP @ 8:30 AM
January 23: 4th and 5th Grade Math MAP @ 8:30 AM
January 28: 1st Grade Math MAP @ 9:00 AM + Grade 3 Math MAP @ 9:45 AM
January 29: 2nd Grade Reading MAP @ 10:30 AM
January 30: 2nd Grade Math MAP @ 10:30 AM
All of our students in grades K-3 will be given the Acadience Reading Assessment during the month of January. This is a one on one assessment where students will work with their teacher to complete the assessment. This assessment assesses students early literacy skills. We will use the data from this assessment to pull together small groups that focus on specific student needs. Families will receive the results of this assessment at the February parent/teacher conference.
It's time for our annual school-wide Valentine's Day party at Blacklick Elementary.
The parties will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m in each classroom. Your teacher will reach out to get volunteers to plan the party for their class.
It is extremely important that you and any parents who plan to attend the party complete the volunteer application/background check as soon as possible. Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Volunteer Application
As a volunteer there are a few things that you are responsible for:
- Contact your teacher to see if they have any specific requests/ideas for the party.
- Collaborate with the other volunteers for your classroom to start organizing.
- Plan out the party - Typically, parties consist of four to five stations. These can include passing out Valentines, crafts, and games. Having a parent or two help lead each station is helpful.
- Review and get approval of the party plan approved by the teacher
- Get supplies for crafts and games
- HAVE FUN at the party!
- Help with clean up
Things to know:
- Students are not permitted to exchange valentines that contain candy or food due to the district food policy. If candy or food is attached to the valentine, they will not be distributed.
- Funding the party (mostly craft or game supplies) can be done in a variety of ways.
- Covered by the party volunteers
- Creating an Amazon Wishlist for any family to purchase
If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTO at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
Get ready to Cheer Loud and Proud for the Future of Gahanna-Jefferson Students!
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines with a donation or joining the action in person, your contribution will make a game-changing impact for our students. You’ll be supporting classroom grants that allow you, our staff, to INSPIRE, INNOVATE and IMPACT learning for Gahanna-Jefferson students every day.
There are many ways to participate, big and small.....please go to www.GJEF.org to join the fun!
- Attend the Gala on February 22, 2025 at Jefferson Country Club
- Donate an auction item - we are collecting items now
- Buy a raffle ticket
- Join the online Silent Auction for FREE! (auction registration automatically enters you into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card)
Dear Parents,
We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.
Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.
Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Thank you for your participation and support!
Art in Kindergarten
We have been having so much fun in art class making puppies and kittens wearing sweaters! Students read the book “Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters” and are now making their own pattern sweaters to be worn by a cat or dog. Students are working hard on their tracing, cutting and pattern making skills, and the results are absolutely adorable!
Music in Kindergarten
Kindergartens had an “Instrument Petting Zoo” before they left for winter break. Each student got to play 12 different instruments and discover if the instruments are played by “shaking”, “striking”, or “scraping”.
Now, we are learning winter themed songs like “Hot Chocolate”! Look for a lyric sheet to come home, and ask your child to sing you the song “Hot Chocolate”!
Library in Kindergarten
Kindergartners have been learning about folk and fairy tales since before winter break with an illustrator study of Jerry Pinkney. They are also doing some traditional stories in their classes too so this is a great time for them to have the option of a new section. They are allowed to check out red-letter books from our Folk and Fairy Tale section if they wish!
Dear Blacklick Elementary Families,
Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) has partnered with Blacklick Elementary to offer a “Weekend Snack Pack” program for our students.
The program is to benefit families who are experiencing food insecurity or who NEED supplemental food at home for the weekend.
If you would like to participate in this program you will receive a bag of non-perishable food items that will be sent home from school with your child every Friday. No refrigeration is required.
In order to participate, please complete the form below. If you have more than 3 students complete the form until you have entered all children.
Mark Your Calendar!
Jan.13, 2025: Group Photos for the Yearbook
Jan. 14, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Jan. 17, 2025: Be The Light PRIDE Talk
Jan. 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Feb. 13, 2025: Valentines Day Celebrations @ 1:15 PM
Feb. 14, 2025: PD Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 17, 2025: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 20, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Feb. 27, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 11, 2025: Grade 5 Group Photo @ 1:00 PM
Mar. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break- No School
April 8, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School
April 24, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to Gahanna Middle Schools
April 29, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to BizTown
May 1, 2025: Kindergarten Open House (for new kindergarten students for 2025-2026)
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
May 9, 2025: Strides For PRIDE
May 16, 2025: Talent Show
May 21, 2025: Field Day
May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Certificate Ceremony @ 9:00 AM
May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Clap Out @ 2:35 PM
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students
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.