We are continuing the hat mitten and glove drive until Friday December 20th! Please have your students bring in new hats, gloves or mittens to the office or hang them on the orange tree in the lobby. Any extras will be donated to a local charity. We appreciate all donations and look forward to showing our kids how to shine through giving. Thanks for taking care of our fellow Gators.
I hit a roadblock this week while deciding on a topic to write about, so I looked back at some of the pieces from past years. One that really stood out was an excellent article by our former Family Ambassador, Jen Davidson. Last year, she wrote a heartfelt piece on family traditions that truly hit the nail on the head.
After reflecting on her words, here are the key takeaways that resonated most with me. Family traditions play a crucial role in connecting children to their cultural roots and strengthening family bonds. In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to see holidays as just commercial events, but they offer valuable opportunities for learning and connection. Traditions provide stability and meaning, creating lasting memories. Whether it’s celebrating specific holidays or engaging in simple family rituals, these practices help children understand their heritage and develop a strong sense of belonging. Psychologist Sara Duke found that children who are familiar with their family history tend to navigate life’s challenges with more confidence, higher self-esteem, and a stronger sense of control. The type of tradition or holiday isn’t as important as the shared experience itself. Whether big or small, expensive or simple, celebrating traditions strengthens family ties and promotes emotional well-being. These practices transcend socioeconomic barriers, making them accessible to everyone. As children grow, they naturally seek to understand their origins. Traditions provide a sense of purpose and connection across generations, fostering trust and easing emotional challenges. Even the simplest, most consistent practices—like decorating for the holidays or preparing a favorite meal—can leave lasting impressions. It’s not about extravagance but about the moments of togetherness that truly matter. This holiday season, remember that every effort you put into celebrating traditions strengthens your family’s connection. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, knowing that what you do is more than enough. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a restful Winter Break!
We love to learn. Go get 'em, Gators!
Kate Green
Family Ambassador
The In-School Eye Exam (iSee) program conducts eye exams and provides eyeglasses (if needed) for children throughout Ohio at no cost. Students are eligible if they have not been seen by an Optometrist in the past 12 months. This program is coming to Gables in January 2025. Please call Gables, ask for the School Nurse if you are interested in having your child examined.
Kim Fackler, M.Ed, BSN, RN
Ohio Licensed School Nurse
Gables ES
P-614-365-5499
f-614-365-6451
It has been noticed that some students are being dropped off across the street on Becket, cars dropping off in the bus line 🚌, someone made a U-turn in the drop-off line while kids are unloading, and turning left out of the parking lot during pick-up and drop-off. These things are potentially dangerous and impede the flow of traffic. If you turn left leaving pick-up or drop-off on Becket you could block a bus from being able to pick up kids to get home or to their next stop.
Following traffic patterns in the Gables Elementary parking lot is crucial for ensuring the safety of students, parents, and staff. The parking lot is often busy, with children walking to and from cars. Properly following traffic patterns reduces the risk of accidents and also ensures smooth flow, preventing congestion and frustration for drivers. I know we all have places to be in the morning, but the safety of the students should come first. When everyone follows the rules, it creates an organized environment where pedestrians and vehicles can coexist safely, making the parking lot a safer place for everyone involved. Here is a reminder of our traffic patterns for both morning and afternoon parent pick up. Please note you should NEVER drop off children on Becket Avenue, this is for busses ONLY.
Metro Parks Annual Winter Hike Series and Celebration
POSTED BY Val
Get out and enjoy the fresh air in our beautiful metro parks this winter. Get healthy and enjoy the beautiful scenery around our metro parks with the Annual Winter Hike Series with Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.
For the 2024/2025 series, the hikes are not guided or scheduled. Visit the parks and hike any trail on your own schedule, pace, and distance.
Each month will feature different parks where you can take a stroll, get your hike card stamped and join a group for a walk if you wish.
Pick up your Winter Hike card at a featured park beginning December 1 or download the travel guide from the website https://www.metroparks.net/winter-hikes/. After you hike, ask a staff member to stamp the card.
After the series, join the celebration on February 23, 2025 to receive your new Winter Hike patch. Visit Friends of Metro Parks to find out how to earn hike medallions and additional swag.
Here is a list of Columbus Community Partners providing assistance.
Asian American Community Center - is a non-profit community-based organization serving needs of all Asian Pacific Islanders in Central Ohio. AACS has led efforts to empower and develop the local Asian community through its expansive and proactive programs and services.
LSS 211 offers services from homeless shelters to senior living. Call 211.
City of Columbus CARES Act offers assistance with utilities.
Cap4Kids provides resources for families in the areas of meals, housing, utilities, mental health and lots more.
Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio offers pharmacy services and medicines, counseling on proper medication usage, health screenings, wellness education, and social program assistance for those who cannot afford them. (614) 227-0301
Community Refugee and Immigration Service (CRIS) is an independent non-profit agency serving refugees, asylees, and immigrants in central Ohio. They help refugees and immigrants achieve successful integration into the central Ohio community.
Clintonville Resource Center serving all of Central Ohio by providing assistance through the food pantry, child and youth programs, senior services and kinship care programs.
Ethiopian Tewahado Social Services (ETSS) assists immigrant and refugee families and low-income individuals in Central Ohio through education, training, supportive services, and self-development opportunities.
Franklin County Childrens Services Guide provides information on local emergency or non-emergency assistance to families.
Mid Ohio Food Bank provides food locations by zip code.
MY Project USA is a non-profit organization. It is the first and the only national initiative that is addressing the challenges facing the American Youth, especially in the immigrant and refugee communities from various Muslim countries.
OhioKAN ensures every kinship and adoptive family who wants support navigating the resources available to them can get it.
Project Connect provides help to families living in shelters, car, motel, campground and doubled-up families.
Teaching Tolerance provides guidance for educators on how to handle students that are going through the stress/fear of deportation.
If you are calling the school office about your student, and your call is not answered, please leave a message on the Gables Office voicemail and your call will be returned promptly.
Attendance Email:
If your child will be absent, please email below. If you are just running late to school, please bring your child into the school, you do not need to call ahead.
attendance.gables@columbus.k12.oh.us
Attendance Phone: 1-380-997-6025
PTA Email: gablesgators@gmail.com
Family Ambassador: Kgreen2@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Phone: 614-221-FACT (614-221-3228)
Email: gableses@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: ccsoh.us/GablesES
Location: 1680 Becket Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-365-5499
Learn the Gator Way!
Be Responsible!
Be Respectful!
Be Safe!
Be Kind!
That's the Gator Way!
Is Your Parent Portal Account Activated? Stay engaged in your child's education by setting up and signing into the Columbus City Schools Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, you'll be able to securely access valuable information on your student(s):
- Teacher Contact
- Grades and Course Schedules
- Daily Attendance
- Missed Assignments
- Complete your Annual Update
