Blacklick Bulletin

Dear Blacklick Families:

THANK YOU to all of our Blacklick families that attended Community Night last Thursday! What a wonderful evening of community building. We had an AMAZING turnout! I am so thankful for all of the support of our Blacklick families.

In addition, thank you to all of our Blacklick families that attended the Blacklick Bazaar over the weekend! Thank you to the Blacklick PRIDE Partner PTO for organizing this event for our community!

We will wrap up our short week with an OSU/Michigan parade through our hallways on Tuesday afternoon! Our kindergarten students lead the parade and our students in grades 1-5 cheer them on! It is a great way to go into a break from school. There will be lots of scarlet/gray and maize/blue throughout the school on Tuesday! It is a fun day for all!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 614-759-5100 or by email at grovesk@gjps.org.

Respectfully,

Kristen Groves

The Gahanna Lincoln High School Performance Theatre class will be performing for our students in grades kindergarten, first, second, and third grade on Monday afternoon. A summary of the performance is listed below for your review:

“Snow White and the Seven Endings”

Happily-ever-after gets turned on its head in this comedic retelling of Snow White’s classic princess fairy tale. When the seven forest dwellers (who can be tall or short, it doesn’t matter!) reminisce about their recent run-in with a royal run-away, they each have a different take on how the story unfolds and who the real hero is. But which is the real ending? They all have to work together to get to the bottom of it ! The only thing they agree about is that the Prince shouldn’t get the credit!

Laughter abounds as each of the seven forest dwellers takes their turn sharing their recollection of what happened to Snow White once she came to their cottage. Which will be your favorite? The mysterious ”And Then There Were Seven,” the melodramatic ”Perilous Plight of Miss Snow White,” or the slapstick ”Snow Alone — Lost in the Woods”? Naturally, everyone loves the action-adventure ”Spindiana Jones and the Apple of Doom!” There’s also the Shakespearean ”Mid-Snow White’s Dream” and the hysterical interpretive dance, ”The Hunt-Cracker,” along with the classic retelling.

Dear Parents,

We invite you to share a few kind words or a heartfelt message for your child's teacher or Blacklick staff member. Our staff works tirelessly to provide the best education and support for our children, and your appreciation can make a significant impact on their day.

Please take a moment to express your gratitude, share a positive experience, or simply say thank you.

Your messages will be shared with the staff member to brighten their day and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Thank you for your participation and support!

“Staff Tribute: Share your thanks”

This holiday season, we understand that families may be facing financial challenges. Below, you'll find links to resources and assistance programs available in our community. Please share this information with anyone who could benefit.

Holiday Help Guide

Gahanna Gift Shop

Free or Low Cost Family Fun

GRIN Holiday Assistance Information

BES Staff Favorite Things

A list has been complied of the Blacklick staff's favorite things. It is important to understand the teachers are not asking for gifts. We know that many parents might want to get their child's teacher a gift and this list is to help you select something the teacher would like. Please do not feel obligated to buy a gift for your child's teachers/staff members. A thoughtful note from you and/or your child at any time of the year is appreciated just as much or more as any gift.

There is not a PTO meeting in the month of December. The next meeting will be held on January 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Blacklick library.

PTO Officers for 2024-2025

Karen Davidson - President

Kristin Stewart- Vice President

Ashley Dean - Treasurer

Jess Waxler - Secretary

Need to contact the PTO?

PTOBlacklick@gmail.com

If you have a planned absence, please fill out this form and send it in to the office. For more information or questions, please visit the GJPS website. As a reminder, the time missed will be counted as an authorized, UNEXCUSED absence but shall not be a factor in determining grades unless the make-up work is not completed.

To report an absence, please call the front office at 614-759-5100 or email lindseyk@gjps.org by 8:30am if possible. You may also elect to use the online absence reporting in the Parent Portal (see information listed below).

GJPS Elementary Student Handbook 24-25

Please visit You can find almost anything you need on our website

www.gahannaschools.org

• Infinite Campus: Please log in to the parent portal and complete the Annual Information Update. Update all Emergency Medical Forms, make sure all contact information is current, apply money to lunch accounts, and more! Click Here for DIRECTIONS
• Bus Information: find your student's bus route, contact information, and download the bus app.
• District Calendar
• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: Apply for free or reduced price lunch using the Parent Portal. Directions and more information can be found on the Food Service Website. If you need assistance please contact our head cook, Lisa Hughes at hughesl@gjps.org.
• LUNCH MENU LINK with ingredient information.
  

GRIN Snack Bag Sign Up

Dear Blacklick Elementary Families,

Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) has partnered with Blacklick Elementary to offer a “Weekend Snack Pack” program for our students.

The program is to benefit families who are experiencing food insecurity or who NEED supplemental food at home for the weekend.

If you would like to participate in this program you will receive a bag of non-perishable food items that will be sent home from school with your child every Friday. No refrigeration is required.

In order to participate, please complete the form below. If you have more than 3 students complete the form until you have entered all children.

Nov. 27-29, 2024: Thanksgiving Break - No School

Dec. 20 End of Quarter 2
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

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.