Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families:

It was great to see families at our final conference night last week! We appreciate your time!

We are looking forward to a full week this week at Blacklick as we have Donuts with Grown Ups, a PRIDE Talk to introduce our next community service project and the return of the Wheel of PRIDE for March Madness!

As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, March 10, 2025. This is a teacher work day for staff.

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

We hope you will join us for Donuts with Grown Ups this week at Blacklick! Come and enjoy a donut with your child. Please see the details below.

Parking information: Please park in the back parking lot and enter the building through the cafeteria flex space doors from the playground. Parents will need to stay in the gym/cafeteria with their child until students are released to classrooms at 7:55 AM.

The Wheel of PRIDE is returning 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!

Our students will be learning about our next service learning project - A School Supply Drive for Gahanna Residents in Need. A representative from GRIN will be coming to Blacklick to meet with our students to explain how the GRIN organization supports our community.

It is our favorite time of year - Spread the Word at GJPS! This year our theme is “Every Voice Counts” and t-shirts are on sale for 1 week only!

They will arrive in time for our District Wide Celebration Day on March 26th. Proceeds will be given to all buildings with ELSS/ESS programs.

The sale will close on March 5th. Proceeds will be given to all buildings with ELSS/ESS programs.

Click the link below if you are interested in ordering.

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.

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is looking to fill the PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, TREASURER, and BOARD ELECT POSITIONS for the 2025-2026 school year.

*If you are interested in any of these positions, please email ptoblacklick@gmail.com or stop by the school office to pick up a nomination form.

Any Blacklick staff member or guardian of a K – 5th grade student for the 2025-2026 school year may nominate themselves or another individual for the position.

*Completed forms need to be turned into the school office by Wednesday, March 5th at 3:30 PM. Voting will take place at the March 11 PTO meeting at 6:30 PM.

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.

As you know, Ohio weather is all over the place and can change from week to week/ day to day/ and even hour to hour! Some days are pleasant while other days can be down right COLD! We will be going OUTSIDE for recess as long as the temperature (including windchill) is 20 degrees or higher. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside play (coat, gloves, hat, etc.).

As the weather turns colder, it is important for families to know the procedures for closing or delaying school. Closing and delay information will be communicated in the following ways:

Local news stations: WTVN, WCOL (FM & AM/WJFX), WCLT, WKRZ, WMNI-AM, WUFM, WCMH NBC4, WBNS 10TV, WSYX ABC6, WTTE FOX 28, and the Columbus Dispatch. *Look for Gahanna-Jefferson Schools.

Website: www.gahannaschools.org (All delay/closing information is posted on the district homepage).

Facebook: Search @GahannaJeffersonSchools on Facebook to find this page easily

Email/Phone Call: The Infinite Campus system will send an email and make a phone call informing parents/guardians of the closing and/or delay as soon as the decision is made in the early morning.

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.

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

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

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.