East Weekly

Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We hope everyone enjoys a safe long weekend and stays warm! We look forward to seeing students back at school on Tuesday.

Take care,

Megan Kirsten

GMSE, Principal

Dear families,

Save the date! We're hosting an exciting informational meeting about our upcoming Costa Rica trip (Spring 2027).

Mark your calendars!

Date: January 20

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Middle School South Library

RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/5b5zkpz

This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. At the meeting, I'll share all the details including what we'll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot.

I hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child's life!

Best,

Rhonda Wamsley

wamsleyr@gjps.org

Our Gahanna Lincoln Girls Basketball Program is excited to host a Father–Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the new Gahanna Lincoln High School. This event will be a wonderful opportunity for our young students and their families to enjoy a memorable evening together while supporting the basketball program. The event is open to elementary, middle school, and high school students.

January 21: MATH MAP -- adjusted bell schedule

January 27 - 8th grade Field Trip to Eastland Career Center

Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School

February 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (7th & 8th grade) -- information coming soon

February 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences -- information coming soon

February 12 - Berwick- Taste of Italy Tour!

Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School

Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School

The Fitness Fundraiser team is asking for your help.

We would love a number of themed prizes from families to raffle off to students. Can you help by donating a $25-$50 gift? See the SignUp Genius description for more details.

Thank you!

2/9/26 @ 7pm

3/9/26 @ 7pm

4/13/26 @ 7pm

5/11/26 @ 7pm

The middle school counselors are excited to introduce FUTURE FRIDAY!

Each week, we’ll spotlight a different career to help students explore interests, learn about job paths, and start thinking about their future goals. Be sure to check the newsletter every Friday for a new career highlight to spark great conversations at home.

We should all have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for our futures. We will be talking to you about some ideas. Don't forget... it is ok to grow and change your mind as new things interest you. If you have an idea for a career for us to showcase, fill out the google form attached :)

This week’s career focus is…IT and Coding!

Check out the links and videos below to learn more about being an IT professional or coder!

• Coding for Kids Explained – What Is Coding & Why It’s Cool

• What is Coding? | Coding & Computer Science Song

• Career Connections | Software Developer Athens

IT professionals and coders work with computers and software to design, build, maintain, and improve technology systems. They write code, fix bugs, manage networks, and help keep data secure. Coders may create websites, apps, or software programs, while IT specialists often support hardware, servers, and computer systems for businesses. The time it takes to work in IT or coding can vary: many people spend about 4 years earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, though some enter the field faster through certifications, bootcamps, or self-study. This career field is growing quickly, with strong job opportunities in the future, and the average yearly salary is around $90,000–$120,000 depending on experience and specialization.

We hope you learned something new about this career this week! Fill out the google form above to have a career you are interested in highlighted during Future Friday!

Have a WONDERFUL Weekend!!

-Mrs. Upchurch & Mrs. Williams

You can check out the new website here. Below are directions on how to obtain the correct app.

GJEF Raffle Ticket Pre-Order Form - A chance to win $1,000!

Proceeds benefit the GMSE Choir Program

8th grade-Students are starting landscape paintings next week and have the option to use a photo from home. They are going to look beautiful!

7th grade- Students have finished their Mini Museums and are going to start planning for creative clay containers next week!

6th grade- Students are starting a creative drawing that combines realistic and cartoon styles. I look forward to seeing what they come up with!

Please remind your student to fully charge the Chromebook at home every evening!

Ace 7/8 students are learning about slope. Ask them about Slope Dude

Sixth grade conference night is Thursday, February 12. If teachers are requesting a winter conference for your child, you will be receiving an email from your child's House teacher on Friday, January 23 with a linked Google Form. Starting the week of February 2, parents/guardians who did not receive an email requesting a conference can call into the office 478-5550 to schedule a conference.

ELA: All students are continuing their research around the question: How does social media affect teens? Ask them what they have been learning and thinking! Students also have a vocabulary quiz on Tuesday 1/20.

Ace 7/8: Students are learning about slope. Ask them about Slope Dude!

Math 7: Students have completed chapter 5. We are beginning chapter 6 and solving equations with Algebra tiles.

If your student’s teacher(s) have requested a conference, an email will come out Monday. After Monday, If you would like to request a conference please contact the office at 614-478-5550 to schedule a day and time.

Eastland Career Center Permission Slips: Your student should have come home with a permission slip for our upcoming Eastland Career Center field trip on Tuesday 1/27. If we have not already received this paper, please send it in with your student on Tuesday so that they can attend.

With cold/flu season in full swing, 8th grade teachers are in search of more Kleenex! If you are able to donate a box or two, we would greatly appreciate it. Send it in with your student and they can give it to their House/WIN teacher. Thanks in advance!

We want our staff to be happy and enjoy coming to work every day. Below are just some of the ways that you can celebrate and recognize our amazing staff at East!

• PTA/Families spoil us!- Click here to join PTA!
• Student and/or family shout outs- Click here if you want to send a shoutout to a staff member!
• Heart and Pride Award- 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. The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

We’re always looking for ways to connect classroom learning to the real world or allow students to explore the future—and we’d love your help! If you're open to sharing your job title and a brief description of what you do, we’d love to learn more. We’re gathering a list of parents and guardians who might be interested in speaking to students about their careers, allowing students to shadow for a day, or participating in a future career fair.

If this sounds like something you'd consider, please take a moment to fill out this quick google form. Thank you for helping our students dream big!

Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement