December 15, 2023

It is hard to believe we have three more days of school, and the first semester will end. Students have been working hard and making so much growth. Next week, there are only three school days and then a well-deserved winter break. We know our families will enjoy spending some quality time together. As has been my theme in past Jefferson Journals, please help your child find a balance between screen time and other activities, and remember, quality rest is important even during a break from school.

All the staff at Jefferson Elementary wish your family a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to seeing you on January 3 after Winter Break. (Don't forget- three more days of school next week!)

Thursday, January 4th will be the next Lion's Lunch Special. On the menu that day will be Cheese Quesadillas, green beans, garden salsa SunChips, fruit sorbet and milk.

Dear 2nd and 5th Grade Families,

Your child was administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November. You should receive the results of these tests in the mail within the next few days. In addition to the Student profile report, you can find additional information by using your child's specific Ability Profile number (located on the report) and entering it on the following website. LINK TO ABILITY PROFILE

The CogAt results are just some information that teachers consider, along with classroom and state assessments, to form a picture of each student's learning needs and the best ways to provide appropriate instruction. After reviewing these results, please contact me at schmidts@gjps.org if you have any questions.

From Nationwide Children's Hospital - by Ariana Hoet, PhD

We know that social and family connections are important for our mental health and wellness. The holidays are a great time to build those connections with your children, family, and friends.

Holiday family traditions are an awesome way to spend time as a family, create positive memories together, and build a sense of family identity and belonging in your child. Your family traditions can also help children feel connected to family members who are no longer around, because they are a great way to tell stories about them while sharing the history of that specific tradition.

You can also create new holiday traditions together. Your child may recognize that they’re an important part of the family and contributing to rituals they’re passionate about for future generations to enjoy.

To help your child gain a deeper sense of purpose and belonging this holiday season:

Involve your child in holiday preparations. Let them help you bake cookies, hang decorations or set the table for a festive meal. It may take you slightly longer (and your cookies may not be picture perfect), but your child can feel proud of their contributions.

Explain the meaning behind traditions. Share the history and the reasons why you follow certain traditions. This is especially important for children from diverse ethnic or religious backgrounds. Research has shown that when parents promote cultural pride, children have higher self-esteem, and they identify more strongly with their racial or ethnic identity.

Talk about longtime family traditions. Has your family been caroling in the neighborhood or having a multi-generational, kitchen-floor dreidel competition for generations? While you’re engaged in time-honored family activities, share some highlights of previous celebrations to help your children feel connections to the past.

Let your child put their spin on holiday traditions. Maybe that means asking them to choose which Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree, which Hanukkah menorah to light this year or what song to sing during Kwanzaa to express their creativity.

Adopt new traditions. Did your child request the same New Year’s Eve dinner you served last year? Do you watch the same holiday movies every year? Decide together which of your child’s favorite rituals should become official family traditions. Your child may be more inspired to practice old and new traditions with you.

Remember, while the holidays may feel stressful and busy for some adults, connecting and creating memories with your children is what they will remember.

GRIN provides food to be sent home on Fridays for families in need. If this is something you would be interested in, please fill out this form and send it back to me. You can also email me at haringah@gjps.org.

If you have a social, emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form. Family Counseling Referral Form

The PTO has complied a list of teacher's Favorite Things including some wishlist items.

It is important items to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. This list is put together by the PTO Hospitality Team. 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. 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.

FAVORITE THINGS LIST

Please feel free to reach out to the PTO if you have any questions!

gahannajeffersonelementarypto@gmail.com

December 19 Third Grade Music Performance

December 20 Last Day of School before Winter Break

December 21- January 2 Winter Break

January 2- Professional Development Day - No Students.

January 3, 2024 - First Day Back For Students!

LUNCH MENU LINK

2023-24 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.