As we continue our journey through another exciting school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible environment we have nurtured at Jefferson Elementary. Our school is truly an awesome place for students to learn and grow.

We believe it takes a whole village to support our school community, and we invite you to be an active part of that village. One great way to contribute is through our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). We currently have open officer and committee chair positions and would love for you to consider adding your name to learn more about this opportunity to serve our students and make a meaningful impact.

Please take a few minutes to review the available positions. Your involvement can help shape enriching experiences for our children and strengthen the connection between home and school.

Thank you for supporting Jefferson Elementary as we work to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Together, we can make a difference!

With our PTO's new bylaws being passed, each Board position term 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.

Please check your child's lunch account balance and add money to avoid negative balances. Students are not permitted to have a negative balance and may not be allowed to get a hot lunch with a negative balance. Use the link below for directions on accessing your child's lunch count.

Our last book fair of the year is fast approaching! It will take place Tuesday, February 25th and go through Friday, February 28th. It will be open during the school day to students only, and they will come with their class to shop during their scheduled library time. It will also be open on both conference nights from 3:30-7:00pm. 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 card and Apple Pay.

2. This year we will only be offering bookmarks and pencils during the school day. Toys will be put out during both conference nights so you're welcome to come back with your child to get those then. This is a change from previous years and may be a disappointment for some students, so I appreciate you helping steer conversation to keep it positive if they bring it up 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. If you'd like to donate funds, please click HERE. 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!

Does your child know they are fantastic? Do they have some goals set? Ask them about our visit with Jason Tharp. Beyond just learning about writing and illustrating books, students learned some great live lessons. Ask them to tell you what Jason Tharp shared with them yesterday!

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 to RSVP for the performances.

Our last book fair of the year is approaching. It will take place Tuesday, February 25th-Friday, February 28th. It will also be open on both conference nights from 3:30-7:00 pm. This book fair would not be possible without your help so I want to say a big thank you! If you're interested in signing up, please click on the Signup Genius link below. Thank you!

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 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