• 11/19 PTA Poinsettia Sale Order Deadline (Extended)
• 11/21 Parent Teacher Conferences
• 11/25-29 No School Wellness Week

DECEMBER

• 12/2 School Resumes
• 12/6 Book Nook
• 12/10 PTA Meeting
• 12/11 Winter Concert (at Centennial High School)
• 12/13 PTA Movie Night
• 12/20 Early Release (30 minutes early)
• 12/23-1/3 No School Winter Break

Gables Parent & Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 21st. If you have signed up already you can skip this message. However, because of some challenges with technology and student data privacy we will need to assign any additional conferences via paper and pencil. A paper notification was sent home with your student. Please return it as soon as possible to enable us to create the final schedule. Conferences will be held in person or via zoom. If you have any questions, please reach out to your students' teacher or the Family Ambassador. We look forward to seeing everyone. Please note, there is an option in the signup if you would like to utilize an interpreter. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience; we hope to be able to return to electronic selections for the next conference cycle.

This month I wanted to take a moment to talk about an awesome program that plays an important role in maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment at Gables. PBIS, which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This is an evidence-based program that is utilized across the entire district. PBIS ideas are tailored to specific building cultures and needs.

PBIS is a proactive approach to managing behavior that focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors rather than reacting to negative ones. The goal of PBIS is to create a school culture where all students can thrive academically and socially. Research supports that by teaching and recognizing positive behaviors, we can reduce challenging behaviors, improve overall school climate, and foster a sense of belonging and success for every student.

At Gables Elementary we have "The Gator Way" behavior expectations as part of PBIS. For our Gators they learn “Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Kind, that is the Gator Way" as a guide to how they can be successful while in the school building.

As parents and guardians, you play a role in supporting PBIS both at school and at home. Here are a few ways you can support PBIS with your student:

1.) Familiarize Yourself with PBIS: Take some time to learn about PBIS and its principles.

2.) Consistency is Key: Reinforce the same positive behaviors at home that your child is learning in school. Every month there is a focused character trait of the month. You will see our Students of the Month are based off children who represent the monthly character traits. The character traits are as follows; September was Time Management, October was Considerate, November is Trustworthy, December is Problem Solver, January is Adaptable, February is Kind, March is Focused, April is Perserverance, and May will be courageous.

3.) Encourage Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your child about their day at school. Remember to ask open ended questions that can keep the conversation going, continue trying to ask and be curious about your child’s day.

4.) Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and cheer on your child’s achievements and positive behaviors. The school offers several incentives for displaying the Gator Way, if your child shares a proud moment for them, make a big deal about it. It is a big deal to them.

5.) Model Positive Behaviors: If I see a behavior in my child I don’t find appealing, I try first to look at my own behaviors and if I am behaving in a way, they are modeling. Model behaviors you want to see in your child such as respect, kindness, and responsibility. Make a big deal about your own positive behaviors too. Parents also need a pat on the back from time to time. If you’re trying, you’re growing and setting good examples.

If you have questions about PBIS or would like more information, please reach out to the school counselor Mrs. Lacey at ELacey@columbus.k12.oh.us or you can call the school to ask for her.

We love to learn. Go get'em Gators!

Kate Green

Family Ambassador

kgreen2@columbus.k12.oh.us

The fall leaves are finally showing their beautiful colors. Try to take a moment in your day to appreciate the beauty. It is hard to believe that we have begun our second quarter of school.

As October ends, we are wrapping up lessons on the feelings of anger in kindergarten, managing our emotions in grades one through four, and grit and determination for our fifth graders. Feel free to ask your students to share a little about what they have learned this month at home?

Mrs. Trammell, my Counseling Intern, will be teaching our November lessons. The focus will be on Kindness. Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? Ask your children, “what are you doing to show kindness this month?” As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

8 Ways Parents Can Teach Kindness to Kids

1. Be a good role model.

2. Teach them to be helpers.

3. Be specific when expressing gratitude.

4. Consider safety.

5. Explain that small acts have big impact.

6. Clarify that it's not always easy.

7. Be kind to themselves, too.

8. Volunteer when/if possible.

Our Mission
The staff of Columbus City Schools’ Office of Safety and Security Services is dedicated to excellent service that impacts the reduction in crime, creates a safe environment and enhances the quality of life for our schools and community. We believe safety directly impacts the effective learning environment that our district supports. Our department is committed to providing quality service to staff, students and parents in a professional manner to support the vision of Columbus City Schools." Our vision is: Safety is Everyone's Responsibility.

And so, it grows... Lost and Found is located in the corner of the multi-purpose room. If you are missing items and wonder where they could be... please check here first! We currently have lots of hoodies, sweatshirts, water bottles, and even a bike helmet!

If you are calling the school office in regard to 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!

We’ve got one week left for the Gables PTA Winter Flower Sale. Order deadline has been extended to 11/19/24! Can you spread the word so we can meet our goal? Check your email for your child's personalized shopping link. You can also find your child’s shareable sale link here: https://app.fundraiseit.org/refer.php

The PTA organizes dinner for the teachers and staff on Parent Teacher Conference nights. Can you help by donating? We are having a soup and sandwich dinner for the teachers on Thursday, November 11/21.

Here's the link to sign up and for more information:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054FAAAA2EAA8-52316738-soup

Poinsettia Sale is here! You should have received an email with your students' personal ordering code. Catalogs and order forms went home last week! We gladly accept the order forms, but ordering online is the fastest and easiest way to place your orders. These plants and candles make great gifts for the Holiday season.

November 1, 2024 - November 1 marks the beginning of National Family Literacy Month, a time dedicated to fostering a love for reading and learning within families. This initiative began in the early 1990s when alarming statistics revealed that millions of American workers lacked basic literacy skills. In response, Congress collaborated with the National Center for Families Learning to establish this important month.

At Columbus City Schools (CCS), we recognize how essential literacy is to our students' overall development. We believe the partnership between district leaders, teachers, and families is crucial in supporting our students’ growth. CCS is dedicated to providing families with resources that enhance learning both at home and in the classroom.

As families embrace November, we encourage you to explore various opportunities to read together—whether it’s through our #TogetherWeRead book bundles or a selection from your local library. Join the movement and remember #LiteracyIsACivilRight and #LiteracyAndJusticeForAll!

Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate National Family Literacy Month:

1. Explore Your Home Library: Dive into your own collection of books! Thanks to our community partners, CCS has ensured that every student has access to new titles throughout the year.

2. Visit Sora: Discover the joys of a digital library where students can check out books from home.

3. Utilize Teaching Books: Access a treasure trove of resources at Teaching Books to explore books and authors in depth.

4. Join the "Learning Together Challenge": Participate in this free initiative that offers a month-long calendar filled with engaging family activities to inspire learning.

5. Read and Watch: Choose a book and then watch its movie adaptation. Discuss the similarities and differences as a family.

6. Try Audiobooks: Experiment with different reading formats, such as audiobooks or e-books, to mix things up.

7. Host a Book Exchange: Organize a neighborhood book exchange and chat about your favorite stories with friends and family.

8. Start a Book Club: Create a family or neighborhood book club with fun games and snacks related to the book you're reading.

9. Reimagine Stories: Rewrite or reenact classic children's tales together.

10. Visit Your Local Library: Take a trip to the nearest Columbus Metropolitan Library branch and discover a new book to read!
    
    

Let’s make this National Family Literacy Month a month-long celebration of learning, reading, and bonding!

Join Columbus City Schools’ Pathway Express !

Saturday, December 14, 2024

3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065)

for a day full of exploring STEM and Zoology!

Family Learning Experiences include:

• Free Flu Shots

• Marine Life Exploration with the Watters Aquatic Conservation Center

• Environmental Responsibility Awareness with Keep Columbus Beautiful

• Free Books and Giveaways (While Supplies Last)

• Experience the Magical Zoo Lights!

During December’s Pathway Express event, learning will be centered around Critical Thinking, a key quality in our Portrait of a Graduate. This means helping our students analyze and apply evidence-based reasoning to understand “big picture” challenges and how solutions affect other parts of a system.

Registration for the event opens Monday, November 18 at noon!

Families must register in advance for tickets. Click here to register (November 18th)

Free transportation is provided! Buses will shuttle families from Northland, Walnut Ridge, South, and West High Schools to the zoo and back. Buses will depart from each school at 3:00 p.m. and will depart the zoo at 8:00 p.m. to drop families back off at the school that evening.

Check back for more information!

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

Here is the link for the calendar of events happening around Columbus for the entire month of September. There are over 60+ events to choose from for just this coming weekend!

https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/events/calendar/

When it’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy, indoor play is a great way for kids to burn off some energy.

Whether you’re at home with your children during the week, or you’re hanging out with them on the weekends and evenings, sometimes you just need to get out of the house!

There are plenty of indoor play places and activities in Columbus to help your kids of all ages burn off some energy without worrying about the wildly fluctuating temps in Ohio. Please check links or call before you go in case there are changes in hours throughout the year.

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 undocumented students that are going through the stress/fear of deportation.

Election Stress & Uncertainty provides sound advice on how to persevere through a challenging time.