High Point Elementary Updates

Parents,

It is not too late to order your 2024-2025 yearbook! The yearbooks were offered originally for sale with our fall portrait packages but are still available for anyone interested.

Please visit the online sale site, book.hrimaging.com to order yours by February 7th! There is a message that will appear if you have already ordered one. The price of the book is $16.00.

Thank you!

As we wrap up our first One School, One Book, Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet, we want to come together to celebrate our book by collecting donations to the Franklin County Animal Shelter February 10th-13th. There is no better way to finish a book about animals than helping out our local animals that need extra love and support. High Point will be taking donations over the next week. We ask that you only donate items that are requested by our Franklin County Animal Shelter.

Priority Items

• We can use any of the items listed below, but right now the shelter is in most need of: soft or chewy treats & large bags of dry dog food (any brand).

• Amazon Wish List
  
  

• Canned or soft dog food, creamy-style peanut butter, and soft or chewy dog treats.

• Larger bath towels and beach towels are great. Please no face cloths or hand towels.

• Large blankets & unstuffed bedding.

• Large crates, collars, leashes, or any other dog related items in good usable condition.

• We love durable toys like kongs and nylabones, as well as medium/large interactive toys.

Additionally, we will gladly accept donations of dry or canned pet food and treats.

WE DO NOT NEED donations of any of the following items:

Plastic dog bowls, newspaper, paper towel/toilet paper tubes, spices, cat toys, cat treats, etc., fitted bed sheets, hand towels, face cloths, bath mats, rugs, crocheted afghans, rawhide chews, tethers or tie outs, prong collars, or retractable leashes.

Students will receive an alternate meal (cheese or turkey sandwich) whose balances are -$13.75 or greater.

If you would like to donate to the Fill My Tummy Fund, please click here:

https://www.locallevelevents.com/events/details/9752

GJPS Families,

Please be the biggest cheerleader for GJPS by volunteering for the 2025 Biggest Pep Rally Ever!

Please click on the following link, review available slots and sign up today! Volunteer Sign Up

Thank you for being involved! Go Lions!

Spring will be here before you know it! As you know, there is a lot of state testing that happens in April. See the dates below for grade-level testing as you make appointments and book trips. Thank you!

We are excited to share an incredible opportunity to support a meaningful project that will benefit all students in our district. This year, the Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation (GJEF) Gala will feature a Fund-A-Need initiative focused on purchasing and installing communication boards at each elementary and preschool playground. We encourage you to support the cause in any way you can.

Communication boards are visual tools that use pictures, symbols, and words to help individuals express their thoughts, needs, and emotions. These boards are particularly useful for students with limited verbal communication, those learning English as a second language, and even young children still developing their vocabulary. Communication boards provide students with an inclusive way to connect and engage with peers during play.

While these boards are an invaluable resource for students with specific communication needs, their benefits extend to every child on the playground. Here’s why:

• Promoting Inclusion: Communication boards foster an environment where all students can participate and communicate effectively, regardless of their language or abilities.

• Encouraging Social Interaction: By providing visual cues, these boards help children initiate conversations, make friends, and engage in collaborative play.

• Building Language Skills: For students developing their vocabulary or learning English, communication boards offer a fun and interactive way to learn new words and phrases.

• Supporting Emotional Expression: Playgrounds are not just for physical activity—they are spaces where children express their feelings and build relationships. Communication boards give all students a voice to share their emotions and ideas.

How You Can Help: The GJEF Gala is a fantastic way to bring our community together in support of this initiative. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Register for the FREE Online Silent Auction: Includes entry into the raffle for a $250 Amazon gift card.

• Donate to Fund-A-Need: Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to making these communication boards a reality.

• Spread the Word: Share this initiative with family and friends who may also be interested in supporting our schools.

Together, we can make a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and schools. We hope to see you at the Gala on February 22, 2025!

Take care,
Sue LeHota, Director of Special Education and Dr. Colleen Boyle, Curriculum Coordinator of Special Programs

We will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week at High Point February 10th-February 13th. Each classroom will have a special kindness mission to complete as we learn about how little acts of kindness can make a big impact on someone's day. We will also celebrate by having special dress up days. Please see the flyer below!

The retention pond at the bottom of the hill by the Kindergarten playground has ice/water in it. Please talk to your student about NOT playing on it before and after school, as it is not safe. We do not want anyone to fall through and get hurt. Thank you!

If you missed our PTA meeting or would like to hear more from the same speaker, this informative session is for you!

If you need to call of your child from school, feel free to call the school OR you may email our attendance address at hesattendance@gjps.org.

If you use Google Calendar, feel free to add our public calendar to your device by using this link.

February 11-PTA Meeting at 6:30 in the Library-Featured Speaker Colleen Boyle regarding Gifted Education

February 13-Friendship Parties (more info will come from classroom teachers)

February 14-No School PD Day

February 17-No School Presidents Day

February 24-PTA Sponsored Skate Zone 71 Party!

March 1-Super Saturday

March 21-Spring Fling Dance

We try to go outside for recess as much as possible in the winter months. Students will go out if the "feel like" temp is 20 degrees or higher. Please send your student will appropriate warm clothing for recess. (It is helpful if you put your child's name in their coats as many times they show up in the lost and found)

Let’s get earning! We are trying to revive our efforts for this fundraising opportunity for the school. Many may remember collecting the boxtops and sending them into the school; the process has now been digitalized through an app. During the month of February when new users use the Box Tops for Education referral code(X3ER9JC8), the school will get a bonus of $10 upon signing up and scanning your first receipt. Earning is easy with the following steps: Download the app, Create an account (use referral code above), Choose Highpoint Elementary, Purchase qualifying items, Scan receipt within 14 days of purchase, Receive school earnings. This is a simple way to kickstart our participation in this program and support our amazing school!

Prodigy is a free interactive math game that students can play at home. The game will automatically give them a placement test when they start to see what they need to work on based on their grade level and will adapt with their progress. They can earn pets and have virtual battles with other players. This is a great way for kids to “play games” at home and still work on building math skills!

Do you know a staff member who you feel makes a profound impact on students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools? If so, nominate them for the GJPS Heart and Pride award. This award is open to any staff member. regardless of position. Each month, the district will take the nominations to the Heart and Pride Committee, which is composed of community members and former staff members. The committee will select two winners a month that will be recognized by our Board of Education at the monthly meeting. If you have a staff member in mind, please complete THIS GOOGLE FORM. Nominations can take place all year.

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