Blacklick Bulletin

Blacklick Families: Please check your email at the beginning of each week for the most recent school news.

Dear Blacklick Families:

Start With Hello Week was a HUGE success, and our school community was buzzing with positive energy all week long! We had many special guests help to greet our students each day (GLHS athletes, GJPS board members, GJPS district office staff, PTO members and even a visit from Brutus)! A massive thank you goes out to our incredible PTO - your support played a huge role in making this week so special for our students and staff. THANK YOU for everything you do to make our school such a great place to be!

It was wonderful to see so many families at Family Math Night last Thursday evening! What a fun way to engage in problem solving and mathematical thinking! Thank you to all that attended!

Help Needed! Students need to report directly to class upon arrival to Blacklick!

Please remind your child that it is very important that they report directly to their classroom upon arrival to school or after they purchase breakfast from the cafeteria. This will help students get started with their morning routine and get started with the day! Thank you for your help!

Bus Evacuation Drills:

Our bus riders will participate in BUS EVACUATION drills on Monday, September 28 once they arrive to Blacklick.

Thank you, Mr. Thomas!

I would like to thank Mr. Thomas for stepping in for Mrs. Gillens during her maternity leave. Mrs. Gillens will be returning to Blacklick on Tuesday (see note below). Mr. Thomas will continue to be a familiar face at Blacklick subbing in classrooms!

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

If your child is a bus rider in the morning and/or afternoon, please review the following bus expectations. Safety on the bus is our first priority.

1. Students have been assigned a bus seat and should be sitting in the assigned seat.

2. Students should remain seated while the bus is in motion.

3. Students are not permitted to use phones or electronic devices on the bus. Phones need to be off and in backpacks.

4. Students should keep their hands/feet to themselves.

5. Students should use a talking voice on the bus. Yelling/screaming is never permitted and can be very distracting to the driver.

Students should be following Blacklick PRIDE (respectful, responsible, positive, prepared and safe) on the bus.

If you would like to meet with one of your student's related arts teachers during conferences, please email them directly. Click here to ensure you are contacting the correct teacher for your student.

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO generously provides dinner for the Blacklick staff on Parent/Teacher conference nights. We need your help in providing some additional items. If you are interested in donating a food item, please click on the links below! Thank you in advance! This is a special treat for our staff.

Tuesday, 10/13: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-65708645-tuesday

Thursday, 10/15: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-65708651-thursday

Dear Blacklick Families,

I am so excited to share that I am returning from my maternity leave! My official first day back with the school will be Tuesday, September 29th. I have truly missed our school community, and while I loved every moment at home with my new baby boy, I am eager to get back to supporting your children and our wonderful team.

Over the next week or two, I will be popping into the classrooms to reconnect with the students and settle back into our daily routines. Please feel free to say hello if you see me around, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.

Respectfully,

Lindsey Gillens

Some families will be receiving communication from GJPS before the end of September regarding their child’s attendance. This is to be in compliance with HB 96 - schools must contact families and begin outreach when a student misses 5% of the minimum required hours. Families who have missed at least 2 days of school will receive email communication, and families who have missed 10% or more will receive paper letters. A sample message is below:

Dear Families, Ohio law now requires schools to track and report all student absences, regardless of whether they are excused or unexcused. Because of this, you will soon receive an update from us regarding your student's current attendance status. This outreach is simply to keep you fully informed and to ensure our school remains in compliance with state regulations. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to support your student's education.

Forms for the yearbook art contest will go home with students in grades K-5 this week!

When creating your design, please remember to :

1. Create your design in a COLOR medium such as crayons, markers or colored pencils (press firmly).

2. Use the form that was sent home and create the design below the dotted line.

3. Make sure the design in vertical.

4. Color to the edge of the paper, but keep any text or words 1" (one inch) from the edge of the paper.

5. Be sure to include BLACKLICK ELEMENTARY and 2026-2027 in your design.

Interested students should turn in their entry to their classroom teacher by Monday, October 12.

We have been working on catching with all grade levels this week. 2nd graders are developing their ability to pass and catch a playground ball and gator skin ball while moving to open space in a game called “Field Dodgeball.” This game involves a catching or fielding team and a dodging or running team.

2nd graders have been exploring contemporary Aboriginal Australian artwork! We have noticed shapes, lines and patterns that are recurring themes, and are creating our own inspired work of art! Later we will be adding some Australian animals. We have been honing our cutting, gluing, and drawing abilities in this project!

Second graders are being introduced to so many things on the computers in the library! This year, they practice logging in as themselves to use Google Classroom, our library catalog, and soon we are introducing Edutyping. Students can log in via Classlink to begin learning how to type.

Second graders have been learning about form with A and B sections of music. We have been experiencing form through a wide variety of music from opera to modern pop. Later we will be using ideas of form in dance while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P):

Nationwide Children's Hospital provides free workshops on dealing with behavior, managing fighting and aggression, developing good bedtime routines, and several other topics. Sessions are via Zoom and free of cost. To register, email TripleP@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-8099. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/behavioral-health/for-families/triple-p/groups

Topics, days, and time can be found HERE.

The Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO is looking for interested parents/guardians to serve on the PTO board for the 2027-2028 school year. Questions? Please contact PTOBlacklick@gmail.com.

Available positions include:

• Board Advisor (2 positions, 1 year term)

• Board Elect (2 year term)

• Secretary (2 year term)

• Vice President (1 year term)

• President (2 year term)

Please click on the link to review the Board Application:

PTO Board Application for 2026-2027

Applications are due to the school office by November 10, 2026.

Please click the link below for the 2026-2027 PTO Family Directory. Thank you to the PRIDE Partner PTO for putting this together for our families.

2026-2027 PTO Family Directory

The first PTO meeting of the school year is scheduled for October 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Blacklick library. All parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend!

PTO Officers for 2026-2027

Kristin Stewart - President

Jess Waxler - Vice President

Emily Smith - Treasurer

Laura Valido - Secretary

Lauren Conte - Board Elect

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

$25 Amazon Gift Card! This year, the PTO will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to the classroom with the highest parent representation at our PTO meetings! Attendance will be tracked at each meeting throughout the school year. The classroom teacher with the most parents in attendance by the end of the year will win the gift card. We hope to see you at our next meeting!

Pursuant to House Bill 96 student attendance is calculated in hours. This includes absences that have been identified as both excused and unexcused by the school, as well as planned absences, tardies and early dismissals. Every minute counts!

If your child is going to be absent for any portion of the school day, please notify the school. You may report an absence by using our Online Absence Reporting available in the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. To enter a request follow these simple steps:

1.Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

2. Select your child’s profile.

3. Navigate to the Absence Request section.

4. Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.

5. Submit your request.

You will be able to view the status of your request using the View Requests button.

You may also call Blacklick at 614-759-5100 or email Mrs. Lindsey, school secretary, at lindseyk@gjps.org to view the status of the request.

Medical excuses from a doctor can be submitted to Mrs. Lindsey or you can send in a paper copy.

Planned absences can be reported by completing this form out and shared with Mrs. Lindsey.

New in Infinite Campus Parent Portal: Assessments View

Families can now view student assessment results in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. The Assessments section provides a convenient snapshot of results from national (SAT/ACT/AP), state (OST/OELPA/AASCD), and local (NWEA MAP/Acadience) assessments, helping you better understand and monitor your student’s academic progress. If you have questions about specific results, please contact your student’s teacher or building principal.

To access the Assessments section:

1. Login to the Parent Portal

2. Choose a Student

3. Select the Menu icon at the top of the page (three lines on the top, left side)

4. Select “More”

5. Select “Assessments”

7:50 AM Breakfast offered in the cafeteria for interested students.

7:55 AM Students enter classrooms.

8:05 AM School starts - Students are to be in classrooms and ready to learn by 8:05 AM! Students entering the building after 8:05 AM will need to be signed in to the office by a parent/guardian.

2:35 PM Dismissal begins.

Bus Riders:

All students that ride the school bus to school will enter the building through the front doors at 7:50 AM each day for breakfast. Students that do not want to eat breakfast at school will walk to their classroom. There will be duty teachers outside to assist students from the bus to the building. In addition, duty teachers will assist students that will be riding a shuttle bus to another elementary school.

Car Riders:

All students that are car riders to school will enter the building through the doors by the cafeteria. The doors will open at 7:50 AM each day for entry into the building for breakfast. Students will be permitted to walk to classrooms beginning at 7:55 AM. The car rider line follows the perimeter of the back parking lot.

*Duty teachers will be outside in the back parking lot until 8:05 AM. Any student arriving after 8:05 AM need to enter the building through the front doors and be signed in by a parent/guardian.

If you plan to drive your child to school, please follow the directions below:

1. You will need to enter the back parking lot and drive along the perimeter of the parking lot.

2. You can access the back parking lot from Reynoldsburg New Albany Road and follow the back access road or from Havens Corners Road.

3. Please follow the car in front of you - please do not try to drive around other cars - stay in the car rider line.

4. Pull up to the drop off sign - they are numbered.

5. Please have your child exit the car from the right side of the car.

6. Please do not get out of the car. If your child needs assistance, we will have duty teachers available.

7. Your child will enter the school using the doors by the cafeteria. We will have duty teachers available to walk your child to the classroom.

** If you plan to walk your child to the classroom, you will have to follow our visitor procedures by entering the building through the front doors, scanning your license, and wearing a visitor badge.

If you plan to pick up your child from school in the afternoon, please follow the directions below. Dismissal is at 2:35 PM each day:

1. You will need to have your child’s FIRST and LAST NAME in the windshield of your car.

2. You will need to enter the back parking lot and drive along the perimeter of the parking lot.

3. You can access the back parking lot from Reynoldsburg New Albany Road and follow the back access road or from Havens Corners Road.

4. Please follow the car in front of you - please do not try to drive around other cars - stay in the car rider line and do not get out of the car.

5. Pull up to the pick up signs.

6. Once you pull up, we will bring your child out to your car.

This drop off/pick up process takes awhile. We will try to move as quickly as possible. I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work through the beginning of the day drop off and end of the day pick up routine.

Your students' bus route for the 2026-27 school year is available on Transfinder. The web-based service provides Gahanna-Jefferson families 24/7 flexibility and access to route information based on their home address!

Be sure to enter only the street number and street name. Do not enter zip code, grades or school. (Entering more than the street number and name may cause inaccurate information to display.)

When you receive your bus information, please check over it carefully. If something does not make sense, please contact transportation at (614) 751-7581.

We are excited to offer the mobile device app Here Comes the Bus. This app allows families to view the real-time location of your child's school bus on a smartphone, tablet or computer using GPS technologies with which each school bus is equipped.

How to Get Started with Here Comes the Bus:

1. Download the Here Comes the Bus app or visit www.HereComesTheBus.com.
2. Click the “SIGN UP” button at the bottom of screen.
3. Follow directions on screen to create an account using the GJPS school district code: 29231
4. You will be sent an email to verify your email address and activate your account.
5. Return to app and add your child’s last name and STUDENT ID number.
   (STUDENT ID NUMBER IS THE SAME AS STUDENT CAFETERIA PIN NUMBER)
6. Click “ADD STUDENT” to add other children in your household.
7. You are now ready to begin following the location of your child’s bus!

If you are visiting Blacklick for any reason, you will need to enter the building through the front doors.

We kindly ask that ALL visitors follow the steps below each and every time you visit Blacklick:

1. Once at the front, exterior doors of the school, press the buzzer. A member of the office staff will ask your reason for visiting Blacklick.

2. Once inside the vestibule, you will enter your drivers' license or state ID into the scanner.

3. Once your license has been scanned and processed you will be permitted to enter the main office area to pick up your visitor/volunteer badge.

**As a reminder, if there is a non-guardian planning to visit Blacklick for any reason (to eat lunch, read a book in the classroom, visit the bookfair, take your child to an appointment etc.), we ask that the guardian email the teacher and front office (lindseyk@gjps.org) to let us know prior to the visit.

Background Checks are needed each year for all volunteers!

To increase safety and security protocols, all GJPS volunteers who may have the potential to interact with students in an unsupervised setting or may have access to confidential information will be required to complete an online application that includes a background check. The district will provide the background checks at no cost to the volunteer. Background checks are required EACH school year. If you completed a background check last school year, you will need to complete the process again for the 2026-2027 school year.

EXAMPLES

• Examples of volunteer experiences include but are not limited to: cafeteria helpers, reading aides, mentors, hall monitors, field day volunteers, library helpers, office helpers, tutors, field trip chaperones, small group or individual student work in the hallway, party helpers, concession workers, fundraising volunteers, book fair volunteers, mobile dentist volunteers, etc.

Interested in Volunteering?

Click on the link below and fill out the necessary information:

Volunteer Form - Link is currently activated for the 26-27 school year!

A plate lunch is $2.75.

Breakfast is $1.50. *Breakfast runs from 7:50 - 8:05 AM each day at Blacklick.

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

*There will be 2 hot lunch options available for students to choose from for lunch each day. Please see the lunch menu for details. Students not interested in the hot lunch options will be able to select Yogurt/roll, Garden Salad, Cheese Sandwich, Wowbutter sandwich or a Turkey Sandwich.

Families are again asked to complete and submit a 2026-2027 Free/Reduced-Priced Meal Application if they believe they may qualify. Applications are available in the Blacklick school office or online at: GahannaSchools.org. If approved, the completed application will cover the student for the entire 2026-27 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 Stephen Ismael (Ismaels@gjps.org) if you have any questions.

For food assistance, please come to GRIN. No appointment needed. Come during the listed pantry hours. Bring your photo ID & proof of residency. You may come 2 times/month for canned foods, fresh produce, dairy, meat, toiletries & cleaning supplies.

Pantry Hours:

Every Tuesday 6-8pm

Every Wednesday 10am - Noon

Every Saturday 9am - 11am

Questions? Contact Benth Bentley,, Program Director at pd@grin4gahana.org

"Grin is an equal opportunity provider."

Ohio State Testing Dates are ready for the 2026-2027 school year. Please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments over these dates.

October 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 13 PTO Meeting in the Blacklick Library at 6:30 PM

October 15 Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 16 Last day of quarter 1

October 19 Conference Comp Day - No School for students or staff

October 20 Teacher Work Day for Staff - No School for Students

October 23 Report Cards for Quarter 1 go home with students

October 27 and October 28 Ohio State Test in Reading for Grade 3 Students

2026-2027 GJPS District Calendar

2026-2027 Blacklick School Calendar

Bus Schedule and Routes