Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families:

It was wonderful to see so many families attend our Donuts with Grown Ups last week! Believe it or not, we passed out 70 dozen donuts! Wow! That is a lot of donuts! We appreciate all of you taking time to spend with your child at school - it is a great way for us to start the day! Thank you very much to the PRIDE Partner PTO for organizing this event for our families!

As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, March 10, 2025. This is a teacher work day for staff. We will welcome students back in the building on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Report cards for quarter 3 will be coming home with students this Friday. Please take some time to review the report card with your child. This is a great opportunity to discuss their progress and to set some academic goals. We want students to have a strong finish this school year!

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.

Respectfully,

Kristen Groves

As required by Senate Bill 288, Ohio school districts are required to complete instruction on child sexual abuse prevention for students in grades K-6 annually. These lessons will take place over the next 3 weeks at Blacklick. Communication about this and a link to excuse your student(s) from the lessons was sent home via email at the beginning of the year. More information and the link to the opt-out form can be found on the district website HERE.

Please note: If you already opted out at the beginning of the year, you do not need to complete the form again.

Last week our students learned about our next service learning project - A School Supply Drive for Gahanna Residents in Need. A representative from GRIN came to Blacklick to meet with our students and explained how the GRIN organization supports our community. GRIN has a goal of passing out 825 book bags filled with school supply to students in August. They need our help filling up these back packs with school supplies!

The Wheel of PRIDE has returned to Blacklick for the month of March! Students can earn green PRIDE Tickets for showing Blacklick PRIDE (Respectful, Responsible, Positive, Prepared and Safe). Once classrooms have earned 20 PRIDE Tickets they will spin the Wheel of PRIDE to earn a prize!

The next meeting will be held this Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Blacklick library.

We have a full agenda this month! Agenda items include:

1. A brief presentation by school board members, Dion Manley and Sue Horn, to explain the changes in state funding and how these changes will effect GJPS. Mr. Manley and Mrs. Horn will be first on the agenda and will begin at 6:30 PM.

2. Voting for new PTO board members for the 2025-2026 school year.

3. Planning for Strides for PRIDE!

PTO Officers for 2024-2025

Karen Davidson - President

Kristin Stewart- Vice President

Ashley Dean - Treasurer

Jess Waxler - Secretary

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

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.

Below is the spring Ohio State Testing schedule for our students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Testing will begin at 8:30 AM for grades 4 and 5. Testing will begin at approximately 9:45 AM in grade 3. We kindly ask that you avoid planned absences or planned medical appointments on these dates. Thank you for your support and understanding.

This orientation is for students that will be attending Gahanna Middle School East next year for grade 6. If you are not certain which middle school your child will be attending, please reach out to Mrs. Groves at grovesk@gjps.org.

Dear Parents,

We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.

Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.

Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Thank you for your participation and support!

“Staff Tribute: Share your thanks”

BES Staff Favorite Things

A list has been complied of the Blacklick staff's favorite things. It is important to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. 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/staff members. 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.

GJPS Elementary Student Handbook 24-25

Please visit You can find almost anything you need on our website

www.gahannaschools.org

• 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
• 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, Lisa Hughes at hughesl@gjps.org.
• LUNCH MENU LINK with ingredient information.
  

Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School

Mar. 11, 2025: Grade 5 Group Photo @ 1:00 PM

Mar. 11, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break- No School

April 8, 2025: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the library
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School

April 24, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to Gahanna Middle Schools

April 29, 2025: Grade 5 Field Trip to BizTown

May 1, 2025: Kindergarten Open House (for new kindergarten students for 2025-2026)
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School

May 9, 2025: Strides For PRIDE

May 16, 2025: Talent Show

May 21, 2025: Field Day

May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Certificate Ceremony @ 9:00 AM

May 23, 2025: Grade 5 Clap Out @ 2:35 PM
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students

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.