Thank you for taking the time to make reading important and building strong habits that will support your child. The kids are loving our One School One Book and making many connections to our furry friend Fenway. Today, at the conclusion of our Jog for Jefferson assembly, students started chanting "Fenway, Fenway, Fenway" when I told them he might be making a special appearance on this year's shirts!

In addition to reading each night, creating good bedtime and morning routines is important. During the month of September, we are going to focus on good attendance. We know students can learn best when they are on time for school every day, so we will be sharing facts about the importance of good attendance.

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at schmidts@gjps or call the school office at 614-478-5560.

Dear Jefferson Families,
I’m excited to announce that Jefferson Elementary will participate in “Start with Hello Week” which will take place from September 16th to September 20th. This week was developed by Sandy Hook Promise with the goal of creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging.

This week will include:
Morning Greeters: Different members of our community will welcome students each morning! Think music, pom - poms, high fives and enthusiasm! We'd love your help to celebrate! Sign up here: Welcome Greeter

Spirit Week: Plan your outfits around these festive days! See attached Spirit Flyer Below!

Classroom Morning Meetings: Teachers will focus on ways to build inclusivity, empathy and a sense of belonging among their classroom community.

Lunch or Recess Activity: Mrs. Bills, our School Counselor will facilitate lunch and recess activities across grade levels.

Let’s welcome ALL individuals and make our school the friendliest place ever!

Take a look at each day's theme and prepare for Start with Hello Week September 16th- 20th

The Jefferson Elementary community is an awesome place to grow and learn. We know your primary-age child has most likely come home talking about their new friends. We would like to invite our primary students and their families(siblings welcome) to meet and play on the playground and have a Pop Ice courtesy of the PTO! This is an informal opportunity to meet and socialize with other families. Mr. Schmidt will be on the playground that night as well. Please note that this is a family, and staff members will not necessarily be present. We will have a separate night for each grade level.

Kindergarten: Friday, September 13 6:00- 7:00

1st Grade: Friday, September 20 6:00- 7:00

2nd Grade: Friday, September 27 6:00- 7:00

We are excited to be implementing a new Elementary Math and Language Arts Curriculum as a district this year. Our teachers participated in training starting last May and continued during the summer. As we implement these new teaching resources, we will continue providing professional development for our teachers. With anything new, there is a learning curve, and teachers will continue to learn as they help your child expand their knowledge and skills in Math and English Language Arts. Teachers will share more information as they begin each new unit or module. Please consider joining us for a curriculum overview night. District Curriculum Coordinators Dr. Erin Schmidt and Mrs. Sharon Suriano will provide parents with a K-5 overview of these new curriculum resources and provide information parents should know in order to help their child be most successful.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Our primary annual fundraiser, Jog for Jefferson, is kicking off! The jog will take place on Friday, September 27th, but fundraising starts now! We need your help & support to make this event a huge success. Our goal is to raise $30,000!

The Jog proceeds support school programming, materials & special purchases during the school year. Past fundraising efforts have brought in author and artist visits, allowed for technology upgrades, school beautification, and events like family movie night and the school dance.

This is our one main fundraiser for the year, and we thank you in advance for your support!

Donation Information
Students will be collecting one-time, flat donations for participating in the Jog. Students with the most laps can earn a prize but donations are NOT collected per lap completed.

There are two(2) ways your child can collect donations:

1) CASH/CHECK: Today, your child is bringing home a pledge envelope with their name on it. Please use this envelope to send any cash or checks collected back to Jefferson by Tuesday, October 1st. Make checks out to “Jefferson Elementary PTO.”

2) DONATE ONLINE! This year, we have created a donation page for each student. The website allows you to make donations with credit cards, Google Pay, or PayPal. You will receive an invitation over the weekend with more details to manage your child’s fundraising page and personalize their website. You may also visit the fundraising website and search for your student.

*IF YOU OPTED OUT OF SHARING CONTACT INFO WITH PTO, YOUR CHILD WILL NOT HAVE A PAGE CREATED. YOU CAN CREATE A PAGE FOR YOUR STUDENT BY CLICKING HERE.

Awards & Incentives

• On the day of the jog, each child will receive a complimentary Jog for Jefferson t-shirt.

• For every $25 your child raises, they will receive a raffle ticket to enter into drawings for raffle prizes. Donations need to be turned in by Tuesday, October 1st to enter the raffle.

• The girl and boy who run the most laps in their grade will win a prize.

• The classroom that raises the most money will win a SPECIAL party!

Day of Events:

All families are welcome to attend the Jog for Jefferson! You can volunteer, run/walk with your child, or join the audience to cheer for the students. Below is a schedule of when grades will be jogging. All visitors and volunteers should check in at the east side of the building near door #12.

8:30 Opening Lap for all classes

8:40-9:35 Fifth Grade, followed by popsicles

9:35-10:25 Fourth Grade, followed by popsicles

10:25-11:10 Third Grade, followed by popsicles

11:00-1:00 Normal Lunch and Recess Schedules

1:00-1:30 Kindergarten, followed by popsicles

1:30-2:15 First & Second, followed by popsicles

If you have any questions, please contact the PTO at gahannajeffersonelementarypto@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

September 10 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm Library enter at door 12

September 12 Curriculum Parent Night 7:00- 8:00 pm

September 13 Kindergarten Pop Ice & Playground 6:00- 7:00 pm

September 16-20 Start with Hello Week

September 20 Picture Day

September 20 1st Grade Pop Ice & Playground 6:00- 7:00 pm

September 23 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students

September 27 Jog for Jefferson

September 27 2nd Grade Pop Ice & Playground 6:00- 7:00 pm

October 1& 3 Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 11 Jog Awards Assembly 1:45

• Jefferson Elementary Events Calendar

ical Link to add Jefferson Calendar to your phone

2024-25 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

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. Families are encourage to nominate a staff member today! The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.