• 12/6 Book Nook
• 12/10 PTA Meeting 6:30pm (zoom)
• 12/11 Winter Concert 6:30pm (at Centennial High School)
• 12/13 PTA Movie Night 6pm-8pm
• 12/20 Early Release (pickup is 3:00pm)
• 12/23-1/3 No School Winter Break

Join us in some holiday fun as we countdown the days to winter break. Participate as you are able and enjoy the month of December!

Decembers Book Nook is coming up! On Friday December 6th, during the school day, your child will be able to purchase a book for just $.50 cents. We need parent, grandparent, and guardian volunteers! Please email gablesgators@gmail.com to help.

If you'd like to sponsor your child's class, a $12-15 donation will ensure every child in the class gets a book. Please email gablesgators@gmail.com to find out exactly how much to send in or paypal.

Do you have books that you've outgrown at your house? We will take them! We are especially in need of books for established readers (grades 3-5). Highly requested books that we never seem to have enough on hand are of graphic novels and books about sports.

Join us on Friday December 13th from 6-8pm for Family Movie Night. Pizza and Snacks will be available for purchase. Adult must be present with students. We will be featuring the Disney movie "Frozen". Hope to see everyone there!

Welcome back from Wellness Week Families. I hope you were able to get some rest, relaxation and some family time together last week. As we head into the winter months, I wanted to take a moment and talk about Recess. We will continue to head outside as long as the weather is dry and above 20 degrees. We will take into account wind chill factors and sunshine as well. We need to send our students to school prepared to be outside. This means with coats, gloves, hats, scarfs, whatever your student needs to stay warm. If you need help with winter coats and hats, please reach out and we can help with resources. Now, let's talk about labeling. As you may have noted from previous smore letters, we have an ever-growing pile of lost and found items. If you could label your children's belongings it makes it a whole lot easier to figure out to whom they belong.

I also wanted to talk about some recess behavior, since we will be moving into more confined spaces on some winter days. This seems to be our most challenging time for students. As adults, parents, and guardians we need to be talking to our students about keeping their hands and feet to themselves. Teaching your child about body autonomy is an important way to help them understand the importance of respecting both their own personal space and the space of others. It also involves teaching them to respect others' boundaries and to ask for permission before touching anyone else. At recess, whether indoors or outdoors, it's important for children to keep their hands and feet to themselves while playing. This helps prevent accidents and ensures everyone feels safe and respected. By encouraging children to keep their hands and feet to themselves, you're teaching them valuable lessons about empathy, respect, and how to build positive, healthy relationships with others. This all ties to focusing on our Gator Way all day every day. Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Kind!

We love to learn. Go get'em Gators!

Kate Green

Family Ambassador

Respecting and honoring the people and beliefs behind all of the celebrations makes Gables Elementary School a better place. We hope that no matter what holidays your family is celebrating this winter, you know that you are a valued part of our school.

Here are some hints for a happy and healthy December!

• Practice relaxation. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation are good ways to calm yourself. Taking a break to refocus can have benefits beyond the immediate moment.

• Get enough sleep.

• Spend time in nature. Studies show that time in nature reduces stress.

• Find support. Whether it’s with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, airing out and talking can help.

• Don't abandon healthy habits. Try these suggestions:

• Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.

• Eat healthy meals.

• Include regular physical activity in your daily routine.

• Be mindful of how social media and news stories impact your mood and expectations.
  

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 not drop off children on Becket Avenue.

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!

Subject: Important:
Student Data Access 72-Hour Notices to Begin Wednesday
Dear CCS Families, We have important information regarding future communications of student data policy. You will regularly see 72-Hour Student Data Access Notices every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning Wednesday, December 4, 2024. These communications will be sent through Infinite Campus Parent Portal Message Center Inbox.

Please do not be alarmed by this communication, as it is a requirement that our District must follow. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but for our District to be in compliance with Senate Bill 29, we are required to send out this 72-hour notice. In the case of a perceived threat, you will be contacted directly through the communication channels we have on file.

Details of the 72-Hour Communication notices:
Date/Time: Notices concerning the 72-hour notice will be distributed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Purpose/Goal: SB29 compliance Location/Platform: Notices will be sent through Infinite Campus Messenger Should you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Customer Relations at 614-365-8888.

Give your family the gift of science learning with a free membership to COSI! Thanks to the generosity of the Robert Weiler Company, Columbus City Schools 5th-grade students and their families can receive FREE year-round visits to COSI!

Memberships are limited. Don't wait. Apply today! First come, first served. Application closes on February 28th, 2025.

Please use the link below to register for your FREE membership.

The Christmas season brings hope, joy, and togetherness. For families in need, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio offers support through our annual Christmas Cheer Program, providing toys for children (14 and under) and hearty food boxes to make the season brighter. This service is available to families across Franklin County. Please see details about the program in the flyer, or by visiting the site link below.

Registration Dates:

December 4th 10:00am-1:00pm AND 5:00pm-7:00pm

December 5th 10:00am-1:00pm Saturday

Locations:

Salvation Army Citadel Worship and Service Center 3662 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43224 614-262-8450 ext. 205

Salvation Army Hilltop Worship and Service Center 2300 West Mound Street, Columbus, OH 43204 614-274-7600 ext. 201

Salvation Army/Stowe Mission Center 888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206 614-449-8066 Salvation Army East Main Worship and Service Center 966 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205 614-437-2153

Salvation Army Chapel at Worthington Woods 760 Worthington Woods Blvd., Columbus, OH 43081 614-846-1884 ext. 10

Parents/Guardians will select toys and pick up a food box the week before Christmas. The time and location will be shared at Registration. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (614) 221-6561 x600

WinterFest Columbus, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a free annual celebration of the winter season in downtown Columbus. This free event marks the kickoff of winter in Columbus and draws thousands downtown to enjoy seasonal local craft beers, live music, food trucks, hot cocktails and activities for all ages.

WinterFest Columbus will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saxsquatch, the viral social media sensation who seamlessly blends saxophone mastery with quirky, Bigfoot-themed entertainment, will be headlining the event. With more than 2 million followers on TikTok, he has captivated live audiences with his special blend of humor, intrigue and music.

In addition to Saxsquatch, there will be live performances by Rumpke Mountain Boys and their string instruments and funk music with Austin & The Syd Experience. DJ BLCKUNICORN will be spinning throughout the event.

WinterFest Columbus is a family-friendly event that includes fun seasonal activities for all ages such as a mechanical reindeer, a holiday inflatable bounce house and slide, a giant snowglobe, cornhole and giant pong.

Attendees ages 21 and older can purchase seasonal craft beers made by local brewers as well as hot craft cocktails, including a bourbon chai cider made with Echo Spirits blended bourbon and Simple Times chai apple mule, and a spiced hot chocolate featuring Echo Spirits spiced rum and Winans Coffee and Chocolate’s hot chocolate.

For those who want to sample a variety of the craft brews, a beer tasting will be available for $14 that will include six 4-ounce pours and a complimentary WinterFest Columbus koozie.

WinterFest will also feature some of Columbus’ favorite food trucks, including Buckeye Crepes, Cupzilla, Dos Hermanos, Fork in Nigeria, Monster Baby Donuts, Pitabilities, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.

For more information, visit WinterFestColumbus.com.

COACH REGGIE DYNAMIC AGILITY WINTER BREAK SPORTS CAMP
Dynamic Agility Sports, led by Coach Reggie Jones, will be offering 1-week sports camp for boys and girls ages 5-13. Campers will learn skills in a variety of sports and they will be competing in “tournaments” for each sport on Friday! Lunch is NOT included, so please bring your own along with a water bottle with your name on it! Camp is from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
CAMP DATES AND SPORTSDecember 30-January 3: Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer
CAMP FEE: Residents: $128 per child / Non Residents: $153
NO CAMP JANUARY 1- CENTER CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY

Here are some important dates to be watching for activities and registrations at Carriage Place for Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.

• January 9: Winter 2024 Class Registration
• January 16: MLK Day: CENTER CLOSED
• January 17: Winter 2024 Classes Begin
• January 31: Gymnastics Meet @ Franklin Park
• February 20: President’s Day: CENTER CLOSED
• February 22: Outdoor Rec Summer Camp Registration
• February 27: CRPD Summer Camp Registration
• February 28: Gymnastics Meet @ Franklin Park
• March 9: Winter Classes End
• March 12: Spring Class Registration
• March 12: T-Ball & Coach Pitch Baseball Lg. Registration
• March 13: Gymnastics Meet @ Franklin Park
• March 19: Spring Classes Begin
• March 25-29: CP Spring Break Camps

Sign up is at Ridgeview Middle School located at 4241 Rudy Road, Columbus Ohio 43235
www.cbaclintonvillebasketball.com
Ages 8 to 16- Coed- $110.00
Limited Space Available
Questions please call Randy Colby at (419) 718-4026

Registration is December 7th 8:30am-12:00pm & December 14th 8:30am-12:00pm

PLAYERS FOR COED REC LEAGUE

The Clintonville Basketball Association (CBA) welcomes any and all who want to play in its co-ed recreational league. The CBA Senior League is for boys and girls aged 13 to 16 and the Junior League is for those aged 8 to 12. (Players who are 12 or 16 years old as of December 14 will be eligible to play in the Junior or Senior leagues even if they turn 13 or 17 during the CBA season.)

The CBA season runs from January to mid-March. Each team will play 10 games and have at least 10 practices. Senior League Games are played Saturday mornings. Junior League games are each Saturday afternoon. All games are at Ridgeview Middle School. Practices are at either Ridgeview or another school in the north Columbus area on weekday evenings. Each team plays both a four quarter "varsity" and two quarter "JV" game each week. Some players participate in both games but the most experienced players only play the varsity game.

The cost of joining a CBA team is $110. CBA requests that all players come to one or both of the evaluation/sign up days. CBA coaches evaluate players at the sign ups so that they can draft teams of relatively equal talent as best possible. Evaluation/sign up days are December 7 and December 14 at Ridgeview Middle School. Senior League sign ups are from 10:30 AM until 12 noon. Junior League sign ups are from 9 until 10:30 AM. For any questions, feel free to call Randy Colby at 740-718-4026, or email Bill Stewart at <stewjma@yahoo.com>, or visit the CBA website at <www.cbaclintonvillebasketball.com

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/

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

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!

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