As we continue our journey through the school year, we want to emphasize the importance of good attendance and punctuality. Arriving at school on time helps ensure that your child is ready to learn and fully engaged in their education. However, it’s equally important to keep your child home when they are not feeling well. Please remember to provide a medical excuse for any absences to avoid mandatory letters and meetings due to state attendance laws.

We understand that finding the right balance between attendance and health can be challenging, but staying informed is key. For more guidance on when to keep your child home and details about state attendance laws, please refer to the information below. Thank you for your commitment to your child’s education and well-being!

During parent teacher conferences, we will be reviewing NWEA MAP results to families. Those families unable to attend parent teacher conferences will have their results mailed home. NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computerized standardized test that measures a student's academic skills in reading and math. The test is designed to help teachers identify students' strengths and weaknesses, and to track their growth over time.

When looking at your child’s reports, the RIT score indicates overall academic achievement in reading and mathematics. The RIT percentile describes how your student scored compared nationally to other students in the same grade. As more test administrations are completed, reports will begin to show multiple data points that indicate the learning trajectory of your student as measured by MAP assessments.

As with all other assessment data, it is important to remember the MAP assessment is only one measure that we use to determine your child’s strengths and instructional needs. If you have any questions regarding this assessment or your student’s results, please contact your child’s teacher or Mr. Schmidt.

FAMILY MAP GUIDE

Our last book fair of the year takes place Tuesday, February 25th through Friday, February 28th. It will be open during the school day to students only. They will come with their class to shop during their scheduled library time. The Book Fair will be open for parents and families on both conference nights from 3:30-7:00pm.

*Please note the Book Fair does not open until 3:30 for families.

A few important notes:

1. Students can pay during the day using cash or Ewallet. Click on this link to go through the steps on how to sign up for Ewallet. During conference nights, you can use a credit card and Apple Pay.

2. We will only be offering books, bookmarks and pencils during the school day. Toys and non book items will only be sold during conference nights. This is a change from previous years, so I appreciate you helping steer conversation to keep it positive and remind them that this is first a book fair.

3. We have a fund called "Share the Fair" that we like to use for students who may not be able to purchase books or don't have enough money for a book. If you'd like to donate funds, please click the following link: "Share the Fair Donation" We appreciate your generosity!

4. Click this link to review the class schedule for Book Fair week.

Thank you and please email me at hoare@gjps.org with any questions!

Mrs. Hoar

Media Specialist

Below is our spring Ohio State Testing Schedule for grades 3, 4, and 5 students. Testing will begin in the morning. We kindly ask that you avoid planned absences or planned medical appointments on these dates. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Check for emails from Miss Raynewater for full details.

Click below to RSVP for the performances.

FIRST GRADE RSVP

SECOND GRADE RSVP

THIRD GRADE RSVP

4th grade RSVP will be available at a later date.

Each PTO Board Member and Committee Chair term has been reduced to one year. Therefore, all Board and Committee Chair positions are open for the 2025-2026 school year!

Please review all positions & descriptions within the following form. By signing up for one or more slots, you are simply expressing interest and are not yet committed to the role. The PTO Board will be in touch to discuss further and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Schmidt with questions as well.

Our last book fair of the year is approaching. It will take place Tuesday, February 25th-Friday, February 28th. We need help with set-up, shifts during the school day as well as during conferences nights and for packing things up. This book fair would not be possible without your help so I want to say a big thank you in advance! If you're interested learning more, please click on the Signup Genius link below. Thank you- Mrs. Hoar.

February 14 No School- Professional Learning Day

February 17 No School - President's Day

February 25 & 27 Parent Teacher Conferences

March 10 No School Teacher Work Day

March 11 - Class Group Panoramic Picture Day

March 11 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm in the Library (use door #12)

March 14 Reports Cards Sent Home

March 18 1st Grade Music Performance @ 6:00 pm
March 18 2nd Grade Music Performance @ 7:00 pm
March 25 3rd Grade Music Performance @7:00 pm with 5th Grade Choir

Spring Break Monday, March 31- Friday, April 4
April 15 4th Grade Music Performance @7:00 pm with 5th Grade Choir

April 18 No School Conference Comp Day

April 24 5th Parent Orientation Meeting at Middle School East, 5:30 pm

April 25 School Dance: Grades K-2 6:00- 7:10 pm. (Free Event)

April 25 School Dance: Grades 3-5 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Free Event)

• Jefferson Elementary Events Calendar

ical Link to add Jefferson Calendar to your phone

2024-25 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

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.

Please visit www.gahannaschools.org You can find almost anything you need on our website

• Infinite Campus: Please log in to the parent portal and complete the Annual Information Update. Update all Emergency Medical Forms, make sure all contact information is current, apply money to lunch accounts, and more! Click Here for DIRECTIONS
• Bus Information: find your student's bus route, contact information, and download the bus app.
• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Apply for free or reduced price lunch using the Parent Portal. Directions and more information can be found on the Food Service Website. If you need assistance please contact our head cook, Kim Karshner Karshnerk@gjps.org

Join our Facebook Group and be part of the community. This group was created for Jefferson families and staff to support and celebrate our students and school. It's also a great place to ask questions of other parents and have support as you navigate the school year.

We are excited to see all the amazing and encouraging ways our families and staff connect with each other! This is a place for positive comments and a helpful resource for families. This is not the place to voice concerns. If you have an issue you would like to discuss, please get in touch with the staff member directly via email or call the school. This is a place to build on the sense of community within our Jefferson Family.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP