Family Update

What a fantastic start to the school year we're having! Our students are adapting quickly and truly embodying The WEST Way—their kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm are shining through every day.

As we settle into our routines, I encourage you to stay connected with your student’s digital life, especially their cell phone and social media use. I’ve observed that group chats and calls—while often harmless—can sometimes lead to misunderstandings once school starts. Helping students keep their social media interactions positive and respectful is key to maintaining a supportive learning environment.

Below are some excellent tools and resources to empower these conversations and practices at home:

• AACAP’s Screen Media Resource Center Updated through June 2025, this hub offers insights on social media, screen time balance, and practical tools for healthy tech habits.AACAP

• Common Sense Media

  Trusted guidance on apps, websites, and digital access tailored for families navigating media with kids.
  Wikipedia

• StopBullying.gov – Digital Awareness for Parents Gives practical advice like reviewing privacy settings, staying updated on youth apps/slang, and safeguarding against cyberbullying.StopBullying.gov

We’ve been giving students the flexibility to find a routine that works best for them. Starting this Monday, however, we’ll be implementing our tardiness policy to support classroom flow and learning.

• Students who are late to class will now receive a tardy.

• After a second tardy, you’ll hear from us to touch base.

• On the third tardy, your child will be assigned a Saturday school.

To help keep our school morning safe and smooth for everyone, please avoid dropping students off at the back entrance. That parking lot is shared with CES and is reserved for buses only.

Instead, you may drop your child off on the side of the building by the football/baseball fields. From there, they can walk safely around to the back entrance. Thank you so much for your cooperation and for helping keep our students safe!

We support students who wish to observe prayer. One common prayer we facilitate each year is Dhuhr prayer. In August, Dhuhr prayer takes place between 1:37 PM and 1:33 PM. Students whose families would like them to participate may create a Smart Pass as early as 1:35 PM and arrive at the office already having completed Wudu. Please note that this time is reserved for prayer only, so students who are disruptive or choose not to use the time appropriately will have their parents contacted. If you have questions, reach out to our Assistant Principal, Ms. Lozen at guenthera@gjps.org.

• All students in attendance of their math class on Monday, August 18th had their photo taken.
• If your student is new or was absent on Monday, August 18th they will have their picture taken on Thursday, September 25th.
• Order your pictures at shop.hrimaging.com

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

Interested in robotics?The middle school robotics competition team is taking applications for the 2023-2024 team. Read more about the team here: Gahanna Middle School Robotics

Current 7th and 8th grade students are encouraged to apply. Click the team application for more information. Team Application Application is due by August 25th.

Any questions, please contact Mr. Merrick at merrickd@gjps.org

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.