Family Update

A friendly reminder to help keep our walkers and those using parent pick-up safe and happy: please encourage your student to always use sidewalks and crosswalks—it’s the coolest way to stay safe.

Bus riders: remind your child that the bus ride is really an extension of the school day—so following the same expectations keeps everyone safe. Ask them to wait calmly on the sidewalk until the bus fully stops before boarding, and to never run toward it. Let’s help them remember that patience and alertness go a long way!

There is no school on September 1st due to the Labor Day Holiday

We want you to know something important: your attendance matters more than you think. Middle school is a time where students are discovering who they are, what they like, and what they are good at. Every single day they show up, they're learning new skills, building stronger friendships, and creating habits that will carry them into high school and beyond.

When students miss class, it’s easy to feel like they're falling behind or out of the loop. But when they're here, they're part of the energy, the teamwork, the fun. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, or on the court, everyone's presence makes a difference!

So this September, during Attendance Awareness Month, we challenge every student to commit to showing up. Let’s take the Attendance Pledge together, support one another, and prove that our middle school students are all in. Because showing up every day is how we stay in the game and how we build our futures.

Check out this video about how we plan to Stay In The Game! https://youtu.be/CJicn4NMhEI?feature=shared

We understand that sometimes families face unexpected challenges, and we want you to know that support and resources are available. If your family is in need of resources for food, school supplies, clothing, or other essentials—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We partner with GRIN for supplemental snack bags that can be taken home directly from school by your student.

Our goal is to ensure every student and family feels supported and cared for. All requests are handled with care and confidentiality.

For more information or to connect with resources, please contact your student’s school counselor.

Ms Bonasorte (A-K) bonasortec@gjps.org

Ms Verma (L-Z) vermap@gjps.org

The PTO is having a blanket fundraiser. Blanket Fundraiser

Items needed for parent teacher conferences: Parent Teacher Conference Items Needed

Concession volunteers: 8th Grade Football Concessions Volunteers Volleyball Concessions Volunteers

September 25th- Re-Take picture day

Sept. 1, 2025: Labor Day - No School

Oct. 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
Oct. 3, 2025: Conference Comp Day - No School
Oct. 20, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Nov. 10, 2025: PD Day - No School
Nov. 26-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 2, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
*Jan. 5-8, 2026: High School Schedule Altered for New Building Opening
Jan. 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 13, 2026: PD Day - No School
Feb. 16, 2026: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 9, 2026: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 20, 2026: Conference Comp Day - No School
Mar. 30-April 3, 2026: Spring Break- No School
May 1, 2026: PD Day - No School
May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students
May 23, 2026: Class of 2026 Commencement

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.