Family Update

What a fantastic start to the 2026-2027 school year—complete with an unexpected extra day for our students to chill! The energy in the building has been incredible, especially meeting our new 6th graders today and watching the excitement as they were sorted into the Houses they’ll call home for the next three years.

While we are thrilled to be back, we also made sure to get down to business. During today's grade-level meetings, we clearly laid out our school expectations and discussed exactly what it means to live the LIONS Way. We need your partnership to make this a success: please take a moment tonight to review these expectations with your student and ask them, "Are you living the LIONS Way?"

Arrival & Dismissal Safety Student safety is our absolute top priority, and the parking lot can get very hectic during these first few weeks. Please pack your patience as we work through the early-year kinks of drop-off and pick-up. We urgently ask that you:

• Form two lines to keep traffic flowing efficiently.

• Follow all directions given by staff on duty.

• Stay highly attentive at all times—keep your eyes peeled for moving cars and walking students.

August 24th: Picture Day

August 24th: 8th grade football

August 24th: Girls Volleyball

September 7, 2026: Labor Day - No School
September 21, 2026: PD Day - No School
October 19, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
October 20, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
November 9, 2026: PD Day - No School
November 25-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break - No School
December 23, 2026-January 1, 2027: Winter Break - No School
January 4, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Day - No School
February 15, 2027: Presidents Day - No School
March 8, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School
March 9, 2027: PD Day - No School
March 26, 2027: Conference Comp Day - No School
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break- No School
April 30, 2027: PD Day - No School
May 27, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
May 28, 2027: Staff Work Day - No School

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.

The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.