Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We are excited to welcome students back in the building on Monday.

We are excited to announce that the Wheel of PRIDE is back at Blacklick for the month of December! Students will be working to earn purple PRIDE Tickets for showing Blacklick PRIDE (Respectful, Responsible, Positive, Prepared, and Safe). Once a class has earned 20 PRIDE Tickets, the class will come to the office to spin the Wheel of PRIDE to earn a prize! Please ask your child about this new incentive!

Our students will learn about our next Service Learning Project this Friday during our PRIDE Talk. We will be collecting Socks for Seniors. Please look for more information coming home in PRIDE folders soon! We will be collecting socks through December 19.

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

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.

Did You Know?

Missing two days per month - excused or unexcused - can add up to a child being considered chronically absent.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more (approximately 18 days) during a school year, regardless if the absence is coded excused or unexcused!

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

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.

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

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."

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

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!

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).

Dec. 19 End of Quarter 2

Dec. 20 - Jan. 4: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 2: Staff Work Day - No School

Jan. 5: First day for students after winter break

Jan. 10: GLHS Ribbon Cutting and Community Tours

Jan. 12: Yearbook Group Photos

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