We have had an awesome first two days of the new school. It has been so great to start meeting all the amazing Jefferson students. I had a chance to meet with each class today as they were learning about how to be a leader in the Cafeteria. We know all students can LEAD and we want them to Lead with the 7 Habits, Exhibit Safety, Act Respectfully and Demonstrate Responsibility. We look forward to sharing more about this initiative as the year continues.

It was also wonderful to meet so many families at the Open House event as well as the past two days at drop of and pick up. Thank you for the warm welcome to Jefferson.

It has been so nice to have the kids back in the building! They are doing a great job and being so brave trying new things in new spaces!

Just as adults, kids experience worry and anxiety. It is important to validate their feelings while also helping them to cope with their worries. Here are some ideas of what you can to your child when they are feeling worried or anxious:

• "Being nervous doesn't mean you aren't brave. You can be nervous and brave at the same time."

• "Everyone worries. You aren't alone with your worries. I am here."

• "Let's take a deep breath first, just to remind our body that we are safe right now."

• "Sometimes we feel things and we don't understand why. The feeling is real even if we don't understand it."

If you have a social, emotional concern for your child that impacts them while they are at school and would like to share this with me to see how we can help support your child, please fill out this form.

Family Counseling Referral Form

Hello Jefferson families.

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year ahead! One way to help students thrive is by getting to school on time, and being in attendance every single day as long as they are healthy. I have included some information on how to build the habit of good attendance. We want your child at school everyday and on time! Please reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with getting your child to school on time every day!

Sincerely,

Chris Williams

Assistant Principal

• Bus information can be found using this link.
  
• School Pictures will be Friday, September 22. Ordering information will be sent home in advance
• Please complete the Annual Student Update in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Detailed Directions can be found here. And, yes all families, new and returning must complete.
• School Supply Lists are located on our website. If your child is in need of supplies due to family hardship please reach out to our school counselor Heather Haringa.
  

2023-2024 Food Service Information

A plate lunch is $2.75.

Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:40 - 8:00 AM each day.

Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2023-2024 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application (PDF) if they believe they may qualify. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2023-24 school year, and no other steps will be necessary unless there is an income change during the school year.

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Food Service Department is committed to assisting families and making this transition back to normal operations as easy as possible. Please feel free to contact Food Service Supervisor Megan Schweller if you have any questions.

August 22, 7:00 pm PTO meeting

September 4 Labor Day No School

September 15 Jog for Jefferson- specific schedule available Sept. 1

September 22 Picture Day

September 25 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students

2023-24 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)