August 2, 2024
Hello, Jefferson Families!
My name is Mrs. Jen Couch and I am so excited to be joining the Gahanna Schools family as the Assistant Principal at Chapelfield and Jefferson Elementary Schools. I come to you with 25 years of experience in Columbus City Schools. My husband and I have lived in Gahanna for over 20 years with both of our boys graduating from Gahanna Lincoln High School. Alex, class of 2021, was dedicated to Lincoln soccer and track. He is now an Ohio State Buckeye. A recent graduate in the class of 2024, Ben was involved with cross country, swim and dive, choir, and theater and was the mascot! We have been cheering for the Gahanna Lions for many years, and I am honored to now serve the community in this new position. I am passionate about creating a high-quality and safe learning environment for ALL students. I look forward to meeting you all and having a great school year!
Don't forget that we have new student hours this year. The start and end times have changed for all GJPS schools. Here are the new times for the elementary schools.
7:50 Breakfast Doors open for students eating breakfast(at school)
7:55 Doors Open for all students to walk to their classroom
8:05 School Starts-
2:45 School Ends
Lunch and Recess Times
Lunch Time:
Kindergarten 10:55-11:15
First Grade 11:10-11:30
Fourth Grade 11:25-11:45
Second Grade 11:40-12:00
Fifth Grade 11:55-12:15
Third Grade 12:10-12:30
Recess Time:
Kindergarten 11:15-11:45
First Grade 11:30-12:00
Fourth Grade 11:45-12:15
Second Grade 12:00-12:30
Fifth Grade 12:15-12:45
Third Grade 12:30-1:00
Please visit 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.
- District Calendar
- Jefferson Elementary Events Calendar
- 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 Kim Karshner.
Copy Cat Volunteer Sign-up
Jefferson Elementary is in need of volunteers to help support teachers and staff!
You will be using the office copy machine to make copies of various classroom papers, collating materials for teachers, sharpening pencils, and any other office-type activities that may be needed to support classroom instruction.
Instructions will be provided, so no experience is necessary!
Lunch Helpers Volunteer Sign-up
Our school is in need of volunteers in the cafeteria to help students open food containers, help with general cleanup, and wipe off tables for others.
Playground Helpers- Volunteer Sign-up
Help the staff at Jefferson have extra eyes on the playground. Walk around the playground, monitoring activities, talking with students, or join in and play a game with them!
Mark Your Calendar...
August 12 Supply Drop-off Event 2:15 - 4:00
August 13 & 14 Building closed for new school year preparations
August 15 First Day of School for Students (1st - 5th Grade)
September 2 Labor Day No School
September 20 Picture Day
September 23 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students
September 27 Jog for Jefferson
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.