East Weekly

Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in the use of inappropriate language in our hallways, during recess, and at lunch. While we are addressing this at school through positive reminders, individual conversations, and, when necessary, discipline, we kindly ask for your support at home. Please take a moment to speak with your child about the importance of using respectful and appropriate language towards others while at school.

In addition, we’ve been made aware of group text messages involving 30+ students. Although this is outside of school, it can influence interactions during the school day. It’s likely that not everyone in these large groups are close friends, which can turn these chats into spaces for gossip or unkind words. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about navigating these group chats thoughtfully and with kindness.

Thank you for your continued support and for allowing us the privilege of supporting your child’s growth.

Take care,

Megan Kirsten

MSE is excited to let students wear appropriate costumes to school on October 31. However, it is important that costumes adhere to our school dress code stated in the MSE Handbook to ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone.

Costume Guidelines:

• Costumes must follow the regular school dress code (no inappropriate language, graphics, or themes).
• No weapons (real or pretend) or masks are allowed as part of any costume. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action.
• No paint or makeup that covers the face or distracts the educational environment.
• Students must be comfortable enough to sit in a chair without disturbing their desk partner's personal space.
• No inflatables.
• There will be principal discretion.

Students who violate the dress code will need a parent or guardian to bring in a change of clothes or may be sent home.

Wearing costumes allows students the chance to express themselves, build community, and have a bit of structured fun—while also encouraging responsibility and respect for our school rules. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and fun atmosphere for all students. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

October 14 - November 1: PANORAMA Survey Window

October 21: No School
October 22: Staff Work Day - No School for students

October 22: Dine Around for MSE - CANE'S CHICKEN!

November 11: Veterans Day Program

November 8: Professional Development Day - No School for students
November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break - No School

It is hard to believe that Quarter 1 is officially over! Please remind your students that grades reset at the beginning of Quarter 2. Encourage your student to keep up the good work habits that have been formed and to continue taking the steps necessary to be as successful as possible.

Additionally, the following areas are the most common reasons students are receiving book signatures. Please talk with your son/daughter to help prevent him/her from receiving a book signature:

• Not having Chromebook charged and needing to charge it while at school

• Chewing gum/eating food in class

• Disruptive behavior with substitute

Thanks for your continued support as we gear up to start Quarter 2!

Ace 7/8 classes will be starting Chapter 4, Multiple Representations. We will be asking these questions as we work through the chapter: What is the connection? Is there a pattern? How does the pattern grow? In how many different ways can it be represented?

7th Grade Power of the Pen - We will meet on Monday from 3:50 - 4:30 in Mrs. Maynard’s room (room 1)!

7th Grade ELA - Students have begun to bend 1 of the Characterization unit. Ask your students about the book they are reading!

Related Arts classes will change on Wednesday, October 23.

Ace 7/8 classes will be starting Chapter 4, Multiple Representations. We will be asking these questions as we work through the chapter: What is the connection? Is there a pattern? How does the pattern grow? In how many different ways can it be represented?

Math 8 - Students will have their Chapter 2 & 3 test next Friday (10/25). They should have completed their study guide for homework this week and we will also review in class next week.

The GMSE Fitness Fundraiser 2025 is still months away, but we are looking for excited volunteers now to make this event a huge success! Please plan to join us for one of two upcoming planning/informational meetings. We will meet at Panera on 10/26 at 9:00am. Please bring your enthusiasm and any questions or ideas you have for fundraising. See you there!

Separate newsletter coming tomorrow!

Families who believe they may qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals can now complete the application online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. A step-by-step tutorial is available to help guide you through the process, with additional tutorials offered in Somali, Spanish, French, and Nepali.

You can also submit a paper application, which is available for download. Complete the form and return it to any school office, the Central Office, or by email or fax. Once submitted, you will be notified of your child’s eligibility through the Parent Portal under the Messages tab.

Please remember, only one application per family is needed, and eligibility is based on household size and total household income. For further details, including how to access applications in other languages, visit the USDA website.

For more information, feel free to contact us. Refer to the website below for applications and more FAQs.

The Panorama survey window will be open from October 14th through November 1st, and students will complete the survey during their science class. While opt-out options were provided from the district on October 7, we encourage participation, as the survey offers valuable insights to help MSE better support your children and foster a stronger sense of community. Student feedback is highly valued and plays a crucial role in our continuous improvement efforts.

This year on Veterans Day we are excited to honor those who have served our country. To recognize Veterans for their contributions we will hold a Veterans Day Breakfast & Assembly on Monday, November 11, 2024.

We encourage students and family members to invite a veteran in their lives—whether it's a family member, friend, or neighbor—to be a special guest at the breakfast and assembly presentation.

Please RSVP by November 1, 2024 to help us plan for this meaningful event.

Thank you for your support as we honor those who have served!

The veterans in attendance on Monday November 11, 2024 will be invited to a breakfast in the Library followed by an introduction by their MSE student at a whole-school assembly. The assembly will last until about 10:30 AM.

For veterans who can attend, I ask that you confirm their attendance by completing the form below on or before November 1st. An invitation will be emailed as a followup to completing the form.

For veterans that cannot be in attendance, we still want to recognize them! Please complete the form below, by November 1, 2024 to include in a picture for the slideshow presentation.

If you have questions about your veteran’s participation, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail. Thank you for your help as we show our students the importance of honoring those who have served our country in this manner.

To report an absence, please call the front office at (614)478-5550 or email fischerj@gjps.org by 9:10am if possible.You also have the ability to login into Infinite Campus and mark your child's absence there. Please ONLY do this if your child will be absent for the entire day.

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.

The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

PTA meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month in the GMSE library at 7:00pm. All are welcome!

Meeting dates:

• November 11

• December 9

• January 13

• February 10

• March 10

• April 14

• May 12

Help support and fund numerous initiatives for students and staff throughout the year. Stay tuned to our Facebook page, “GMSE Parents” (new members be sure to answer the questions to be admitted), and upcoming newsletters for more information about what we do and how you can help.

Please consider joining the Middle School East PTA.

Oct. 21, 2024: Comp Day - No School
Oct. 22, 2024: Staff Work Day - No School
Nov. 8, 2024: PD Day - No School
Nov. 27-29, 2024: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 2, 2025: Winter Break - No School
Jan. 3, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Jan. 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Feb. 14, 2025: PD Day - No School
Feb. 17, 2025: Presidents Day - No School
Mar. 10, 2025: Staff Work Day - No School
Mar. 31-April 4, 2025: Spring Break- No School
April 18, 2025: Comp Day - No School
May 2, 2025: PD Day - No School
May 23, 2025: Last Day of School for Students
May 24, 2025: Class of 2025 Commencement