Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families,

We had a wonderful week last week returning from winter break! It was so good to have the students back in the building. We spent a lot of time reviewing expectations both in the classroom and in our common spaces (hallway, restroom and cafeteria). Our staff put together 3 videos to remind students of the expectations in our common spaces. You are welcome to watch the videos at home to reinforce expectations with your child.

A. Restroom - Go, Flush, Wash, Leave and a shorter version of the Go, Flush, Wash, Leave

B. Cafeteria - Sit, Eat, Lights Off/Voices Off

C. Hallway - Look, Walk, Don't Talk (with hand signals).

Report Cards came home with students on Friday. Report cards can also be viewed on Infinite Campus. Our teachers and students are working hard. Please use this time to talk at home about areas the student is proud of and areas the student would like to give more attention to in this second semester. This is a perfect time for reflection and goal setting. Please sign and return the envelope to your child's teacher. You can keep the report card at home.

Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM in the library. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.

Respectfully,

Kristen Groves

We had the best time kicking off our One School/One Book project last week! We hope you are enjoying The Wild Robot with your family! You can find the chapter recordings, copy of the reading calendar and chapter questions by clicking the link below:

The Wild Robot Landing Page

Raffles will be held on Wednesday's and Friday's through the month of January!

LAST CALL FOR YEARBOOKS!

It is not too late to order your 2025-2026 yearbook!

Please visit the online sale site, book.hrimaging.com to order a yearbook before January 30th!

Yearbooks were originally sold with our fall school portrait packages. There is a message that will appear in an orange banner on the page if you have already ordered one.

The price of the book is $17.00.

Reserve yours today!

We are looking forward to our next PRIDE Talk on January 16. The focus of the PRIDE Talk will be to encourage our students to use their voices to make a positive difference in the world.

The PRIDE Talk schedule is below:

9:30 AM PRIDE Talk - Grades Kindergarten, 4, and 5

**Students in grade 4 will be performing at the 9:30 AM PRIDE Talk

10:45 AM PRIDE Talk - Grades 1, 2, and 3

Students in grade 2 will be performing at the 10:45 AM PRIDE Talk

1st grade students are continuing to develop their spatial awareness concepts through various tag style games and target rolling and throwing games.

Students will be taking the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment during the month of January/February. 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 March parent/teacher conferences.

The assessment schedule is listed below for your reference:

January 14: Grade 4 and Grade 5 Math MAP @ 8:30 AM

January 22: Kindergarten Math MAP (Paskett @ 8:45 AM and Park @ 9:15 AM)

January 23: Kindergarten Math MAP (Steger @ 9:00 AM, Schirg @ 9:15 AM and Snyder @ 9:30 AM)

January 28: Grade 5 and Grade 4 Reading MAP @ 8:30 AM

January 29: Grade 3 Math MAP @ 10:15 AM an Grade 2 Math MAP @ 9:45 AM

January 30: 1st Grade Math MAP @ 9:00 AM

February 4: Grade 3 Reading MAP @ 10:15 AM and Grade 2 Reading MAP @ 9:45 AM

All of our students in grades K-5 will be given the Acadience Reading Assessment during the month of January/February. 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 March parent/teacher conference.

Look for a paper flyer to come home with students in PRIDE folders the week of January 12.

Good school attendance leads to student success. Students with consistent attendance develop stronger relationships with peers and feel more connected with the school community. Click the video below to view tips on how to promote good attendance.

Please make sure students are dressed warmly for recess as the weather gets colder. We will be outside for recess unless the temperature falls below 17 degrees.

If you need coats, hats, or gloves, please reach out to Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Warfield or Mrs. Jenkins.

As the weather turns colder, it is important for families to know the procedures for closing or delaying school. Closing and delay information will be communicated in the following ways:

Local news stations: WTVN, WCOL (FM & AM/WJFX), WCLT, WKRZ, WMNI-AM, WUFM, WCMH NBC4, WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC6, WTTE FOX 28, and the Columbus Dispatch. *Look for Gahanna-Jefferson Schools.

Website: www.gahannaschools.org (All delay/closing information is posted on the district homepage).

Facebook: Search @GahannaJeffersonSchools on Facebook to find this page easily

Email/Phone Call: The Infinite Campus system will send an email and make a phone call informing parents/guardians of the closing and/or delay as soon as the decision is made in the early morning.

A list has been complied of the Blacklick 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.

BES Favorite Things 25-26

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!

Staff Tribute: Share Your Thanks

Do you know a staff member who you feel makes a profound impact on students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools? If so, nominate them for the GJPS Heart and Pride award. This award is open to any staff member. regardless of position. Each month, the district will take the nominations to the Heart and Pride Committee, which is composed of community members and former staff members. The committee will select two winners a month that will be recognized by our Board of Education at the monthly meeting. If you have a staff member in mind, please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM. Nominations can take place all year.

2025-2026 Food Service Information

A plate lunch is $2.75.

Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day.

Lunch Menu

Breakfast Menu

Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2025-2026 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2025-2026 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.

PTO Officers for 2025-2026

Kristin Stewart - President

Jess Waxler - Vice President

Emily Smith - Treasurer

Laura Valido - Secretary

Andrea Stump - Board Elect

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is already planning for Teacher Appreciation Week (that is scheduled for May 2026). If you are interested in donating an item for Teacher Appreciation Week, please click on the link below:

Teacher Appreciation Wish List

Please click on the link for the Blacklick Family Directory 2025-2026.

A big thank you to Mrs. Stump and the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO for putting this directory together for our families this year!

We are thrilled to announce our fundraising partnership with Minted this holiday season. Please support the Blacklick Elementary School Pride Partner PTO by using our unique promo code “FUNDRAISEBLACKLICK” to purchase your holiday cards and gifts from Minted (www.minted.com). You’ll receive 20% off your order and 10% of each purchase will be donated back to the PTO at the end of the year.

For food assistance, please come to GRIN. No appointment needed. Come during the listed pantry hours. Bring your photo ID & proof of residency. You may come 2 times/month for canned foods, fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries & cleaning supplies.

Pantry Hours:

Every Tuesday 6-8:00 PM

Every Wednesday 10 am - Noon

Every Saturday 9 am - 11:00 am

Questions? Contact Beth Bentley, Program Director at pd@grin4gahanna.org.

"GRIN is an equal opportunity provider."

Ohio State Testing Dates are ready for the 2025-2026 school year. Please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments over these dates.

The Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation “Promotes Excellence” by funding innovative projects beyond traditional school budgets. Since 2004, GJEF has funded over $3.4 million in educational programs for our students.

💰 Raffle Details

Grand Prize: $1,000 CASH
Ticket Prices:

• 1 Ticket = $10

• 3 Tickets = $25

50/50 Raffle: 50% of ticket sales go to the Blackick PTO

🌟 Drawing: 2/28/2026 🌟 Need not be present to win 🌟 Open to everyone

The flyer for raffle tickets will be coming home with your student.

Thank you for supporting Blacklick Elementary and the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation! Questions? Contact: Cara Platt (carajplatt@gmail.com) or Kellie Bodle (leisk3@gmail.com).

Jan. 12: Yearbook Group Photos

Jan. 13: PTO Meeting in the Library @ 6:30 PM

Jan. 16: Be the Light PRIDE Talk (Details coming soon)
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Feb. 3, 4, and 5: Donuts with Grown Ups (Details coming soon)
Feb. 13: Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
Feb. 16: Presidents Day - No School

Feb. 28: GJEF Gala

March 6: End of Quarter 3
March 9: Staff Work Day - No School

March 20: Conference Comp Day - No School for Students or Staff
Mar. 30-April 3: Spring Break- No School
May 8: Strides for PRIDE Day!

May 15: Talent Show - Grade 5 Students

May 21: Field Day

May 22: Last Day of School for Students

May 26: Teacher Work Day (Last day for staff)

May 28: Report Cards Released to Families