Blacklick Bulletin
**Updated: September 4, 2023
Message from Principal Groves - Week of September 25, 2023
Dear Blacklick Families,
No School on Monday, September 25:
As a reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, September 25. This is a professional learning day for our staff.
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Thursday, September 28 and Thursday, October 5
We are excited to welcome parents/guardians into the building this Thursday (September 28) for our first round of parent/teacher conferences. If you have not signed up for a conference, please contact your child's teacher.
Scheduling a conference with a related arts staff member:
If you would like to meet with your student's related arts teacher on either conference night (September 28 or October 5), please email them directly at:
PE: Mr. Bower or Mr. Harvey
Art: Mrs. Perkins or Ms. Petree
Music: Mrs. Wolfe or Mrs. Dawson
Library: Mrs. Ball or Mrs. McGrew
Spirit Wear Orders from Pep Rally Apparel:
Spirit Wear orders are expected to arrive at Blacklick at some point this week. Orders will be sent home with students as soon as they arrive.
As always, 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
Highlights from Kindergarten Related Arts
Library Update - Kindergarten
Kindergarteners are checking out books from our yellow label Everyone section! They are learning to keep the shelves in order while choosing a book they like - and how to take care of it while they borrow it.
Music Update - Kindergarten
Kindergarteners are learning how to “start & stop” playing small instruments, and met their new friend Mrs. Music!
They are learning how to use their singing voices and how to be safe musicians in the classroom.
Art Update - Kindergarten
Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in the Blacklick library at 6:30 PM. Mrs. Groves will be sharing information about the new dyslexia law and the third grade reading guarantee.
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for September 28 and October 5, 2023. The PTO provides dinner for the Blacklick staff staff on these dates. Please click the links below if you would like to donate an item for our staff dinners. Thank you! The Blacklick staff really appreciates your kindness!
Donations for Thursday, September 28:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-40142747-thursday
Donations for Thursday, October 5:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054DADAB2CA6F49-40142746-thursday
Check out the most up to date information from the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO by clicking on the link below:
PTO Newsletter - September 2023
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Karen Davidson, PTO President, at ptoblacklick@gmail.com.
Attention Blacklick Students - Yearbook Art Contest
Forms for the yearbook art contest will go home in PRIDE Folders this week with students in grades K-5.
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 2023-2024 in your design.
Interested students should turn in their entry to their classroom teacher by Monday, October 16.
GJPS and the Ohio Dyslexia Law
Check out this brief overview of Ohio's Dyslexia Law and our work in Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools with our Director of Curriculum, Tia Holliman, and K-12 English Language Arts Coordinator, Dr. Erin Schmidt.
Mrs. Groves will be reviewing this information at the October 10th PTO meeting as well. Dr. Erin Schmidt will also be in attendance at the PTO meeting to share additional information.
GJPS Heart and Pride Award
Celebrating Our Staff
We are excited to announce the Heart and Pride staff recognition award! This award is being established to recognize outstanding staff members who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
This nomination form will remain open year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position. Please nominate a staff member you feel is deserving by September 29, 2023 to be considered for October recognition, but if you miss the deadline, please still submit nominations as this is a monthly award.
Blacklick Pop Tab Collection for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio
As a school community we will be collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Please check your child's PRIDE folder for information regarding this collection.
WHAT: The Pop Tab Program is a fundraising project that supports Ronald McDonald House Charities. By collecting tabs from aluminum cans, RMHC of Central Ohio is able to recycle them in exchange for money that is then put towards paying the utility bills for the Ronald McDonald House.
WHEN: September 5, 2023 - May 1, 2024
WHERE: Students can drop off pop tabs in the boxes located in each hallway at Blacklick Elementary.
Counselor's Corner: A Message from the Blacklick Counseling Staff
Mr. Rediger, Mrs. Warfield and Mrs. Jenkins - School Counseling Team!
Ensuring students' success hinges on a good night's sleep. Healthy sleep helps children and teens learn in the classroom and excel in sports and extracurricular activities. Wondering about the ideal sleep duration for kids and teens? Discover the AASM's sleep recommendations for school-age children. https://bit.ly/3jHMQrx
Need support for your child?
K-1: Contact Mr. Rediger by email: redigern@gjps.org or by phone: 614-643-0817
2-5: Contact Mrs. Warfield by email : warfieldc@gjps.org or by phone: 614-643-0773
Mrs. Dawn Jenkins will also support students in a new role of Mental Health Specialist. Mrs. Jenkins can be reached at Jenkinsd@gjps.org.
GJPS COVID Update
On May 11, 2023, the federal government declared the COVID-19 public health emergency to be over. In this light, Franklin County Public Health has rescinded the Franklin County COVID-19 public health emergency. This update ended school districts’ obligation to contact trace and report COVID positive cases within the community.
FCPH and CDC guidance remains as follows: “After testing positive, you should stay home for 5 days regardless of vaccination status. After 5 days, you may end isolation if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without use of fever-reducing medicine) AND your symptoms are improving.”
GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need): Snack Bags
Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) will once again provide weekend snack bags to families who need support with food. This program is meant for those with a need to supplement food at home for their children.
You may follow this link - https://forms.gle/UBsm7G85rhHaVyg66 - to access and sign-up for the program. Please fill out the form and note any special dietary needs.
Free/Reduced Price Meal Benefits
If you believe your family may qualify for free/reduced-price meals, please apply online for free or reduced-price meal benefits with these easy steps:
- Sign in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
- Choose "MORE" in the left-hand column.
- Choose "MEAL BENEFITS".
RELATED LINKS
Free/Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Online Application Tutorial (PDF)
Blacklick School Events
Mark Your Calendar!
September 25 Teacher PD Day No School for Students
September 28 Parent/Teacher Conferences
September 29 Custodian's Day at Blacklick
October 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 10 PTO Meeting in the Blacklick Library at 6:30 PM
October 11 Family Night Out: City BBQ (S Stygler Road)
October 16 -20 Blacklick Book Fair
October 19 Blacklick Community Night (Details coming soon!)
October 23-24 No School for Students
October 27 Report Cards go home with students
Important GJPS Links
Blacklick, Ohio 43004
614-759-5100