October 25, 2024

As we reach the end of the grading period, I wanted to let you know that report cards will be sent home today. Please take a moment to review the report card with your child. We kindly ask that you sign the envelope and return it to school, but you may keep the report card for your records. We truly value the partnership between home and school, and your involvement plays a crucial role in your child's success. If you have any questions or concerns about the report card or your child's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Here are a few suggestions for things you can do at home to support your child's learning:

- Read nightly with your child to foster a love of reading.

- Have them work on Lexia or DreamBox to reinforce their skills.

Thank you for your continued support!

• Kindergarten: This month in guidance, kindergarteners learned about personal space! We introduced the concept of each person having an invisible "bubble" around them, and how respecting this space can help everyone feel comfortable and safe. Through stories, activities, and song students practiced recognizing their own personal space as well as respecting the space of others. You can reinforce this lesson at home by talking with your student about their "personal bubble" and why it's important to give others space, too. Thank you for helping support these important social skills!

• 1st Grade: First graders explored Friendship Skills and what it means to make good friend choices. We talked about kindness, sharing, and the importance of listening to friends. Students learned how to be a good friend by respecting others’ feelings, taking turns, and offering support when friends are feeling down. Through stories and interactive activities, they practiced these skills and discussed the qualities of a good friend.

• 2nd Grade: Our 2nd graders explored the values of kindness and acceptance. We discussed how being kind and accepting others’ differences helps everyone feel valued and included. Through stories, group discussions, and activities, students practiced ways to show kindness, be open to others’ ideas, and appreciate what makes each person unique. You can support these lessons at home by talking to your student about how they can show kindness and acceptance to others each day. Thank you for partnering with us to encourage these wonderful values!

• 3rd, 4th Grade and 5th Grade: This month, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders focused on empathy—understanding and connecting with the feelings of others. In our guidance lessons, students explored how empathy helps build stronger, more respectful relationships and practiced ways to show empathy in their daily lives. Through discussions, scenarios, and role-playing, they learned to recognize different perspectives and respond in caring, supportive ways.

  
  

Thank you for supporting your student's growth through these essential skills!

Our school will be hosting a fall party on November 1st at 1:30. Students are encouraged to wear school-appropriate costumes for the occasion. When we talk about school-appropriate costumes, we are referring to outfits that adhere to the dress code and guidelines set by the school. These costumes should not be revealing, offensive, bloody, scary, or violent. There are to be no weapons of any kind. Costumes should be respectful and suitable for a school environment, considering the age of the students and the educational setting.

We will also be inviting parents to come and view the outdoor costume parade. (if it rains, parents will be invited inside to view the modified parade.) Please note that due to limited time for games or activities after the parade, teachers will plan activities for their classrooms, and parent volunteers will not be needed to assist with the party. We ask that students are NOT signed out early on this day. Dismissal will take place at regular times. (We will also organize parent volunteers for the Valentine's Day party in February. )

For families who choose not to participate in the party, alternative activities will be available in the art and music rooms.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to celebrating the fall season with all of our students and families.

We will be collecting Candy for the Troops! Do you have extra Halloween candy that you would like to donate to the U.S Military? Please send in all of your extra candy to school by November 1 , 2024. We will have a collection bin in the front lobby. We will be partnering with a local organization to ship the candy to US military troops.

If you would like to have picture retakes done, please return pictures to school with your child and have them tell their teacher they need picture retakes. Retakes will be on Tuesday, October 29th.

On November 11, at 1:30 p.m., we will celebrate Veterans Day with a special program. We invite any relative or friend of a Jefferson Elementary student who has served or is currently serving our country to join us so we can honor them for their service. Veterans are invited to dress in uniform or join us in red, white, and blue attire! During the program, student leaders will share information about Veterans Day, our special guests will be introduced, and the choir will sing a few songs. Then, we will invite our guests back to classrooms for informal question-and-answer opportunities.

3rd - 5th Grade Families

In Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, building students’ social-emotional learning skills is a priority. During the week of October 21st, students will participate in the Panorama Student Survey to better understand these concepts and to reflect on how they perceive these skills in themselves. During this time, students will be asked to reflect on their own mindsets and approaches to learning via this online survey. Specifically, topics will include social awareness, emotion regulation, and sense of belonging. The survey should not take more than 20-25 minutes to complete. If you wish to opt your 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student out of the Panorama Student Survey, please email Mrs. Bills at billss@gjps.org

• We have a special project in the office that requires some extra hands. We need help adding page numbers to student workbooks for 1st and 2nd grades. If you're available, even for a short amount of time, use the office Volunteer Copy Cat Sign-Up below.
• Make plans to Join us for the November PTO Meeting. Tuesday, November 12, 7:00 pm. Use door #12 to enter the building and head down to the library. Child care is provided by the High School Honor Society members for school-age children in the gym.

October 25 Report Cards Sent Home (also available in Parent Portal)

October 29 Picture Retake Day

November 8 No School (teacher professional development day)

November 11 Veterans Day Assembly 1:30 pm (1:15 arrival for guests)

November 12 PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.

November 19 Festa Humana- Culture Night Event 5:30- 6:45 pm

November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break

• 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.