


East Weekly
December 20, 2024
Notes from the Principal
Good Afternoon,
Winter break is here! We want to remind everyone to take this time to slow down, rest, and enjoy moments together with family and friends. This season offers a wonderful opportunity to recharge and prepare for the new year ahead.
Please note that school is closed for winter break, and students will return on Monday, January 6. We are grateful for the trust you place in us to support your children and are excited to welcome them back in 2025, ready for new learning and growth.
Take a moment to scroll below for some festive highlights from our staff holiday bingo board and check out the important notes from our school counselors, including helpful resources available during the break.
Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us. We wish you a restful and joyful holiday season!
Take care,
Megan Kirsten
Counselor Notes:
Over the break, if your family is in need of a variety of support, please feel free to peruse the following resources available:
Winter and spring camp opportunities: camps
Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) Food Pantry (closed 12/24-1/1): GRIN
For adolescent support and advice, check out the Child Mind Institute family resource center, which provides science based support and research. CMI
For support with household items, clothing, toiletries, and more, please contact Mrs. Williams or Mrs. Uniacke for assistance through different local referral based programs upon our return from break.
Upcoming Dates
December/January
December 23 - January 3 : Holiday Break - No School
*Students return January 6
January 8: High school scheduling meeting for students (during school)-- 8th grade only
January 9: 8th Grade Parent Night-- in the GLHS auditorium at 6:30 PM.
January 23: High school scheduling meeting for students (during school)-- 8th grade only
Athletics/Spirit Wear
20% OFF Grand Opening Sale
Your Gahanna Middle School East Sideline Store is LIVE. Save on all your favorite fan and spirit wear now with code SPIRIT20. Exclusions apply.
Welcome to Sideline Store, THE place to score personalized spirit wear and accessories from all your favorite brands. For a limited time, enjoy 20% OFF during your Gahanna Middle School East store’s Grand Opening Sale with code SPIRIT20.
Happy shopping, Gahanna Middle School East fan!
Updates from staff
6th Grade
Ace 7/8 students will be starting the new year with Chapter 7 - Slope and Association. Thank you for a great first half of the year! I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for the students.
7th Grade
Ace 7/8 students will be starting the new year with Chapter 7 - Slope and Association. Thank you for a great first half of the year! I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds for the students.
Power of the pen is BACK ON after the break! Please meet us in Room 1 on Monday, January 6th from 3:50 - 4:30.
8th Grade
American History: We The People presentations went so well! Congratulations to all 8th graders for their hard work and success in public speaking!
ATTENTION: 8th grade travelers
High School Scheduling Support for 8th Graders
- January 8th: Counselors will visit each middle school to present important scheduling information (two counselors per location).
- January 9th: Chelsey Stalnaker will host the 8th Grade Parent Night in the GLHS auditorium at 6:30 PM.
- January 23rd: Counselors will return to the middle schools to meet with students who have not submitted course requests or have additional questions.
8th Grade Parent Night Information
The GLHS school counselors are excited to invite you to our 8th Grade Parent Night on January 9th, at 6:30 PM in the GLHS Auditorium! Join us to learn all about high school scheduling and what to expect as your student transitions to 9th grade.
Following the presentation, join us for a Curriculum Fair in the cafeteria, where you can engage with teachers from various departments and ask any questions you may have. Our school counselors will also be available to support you with any inquiries.
They can’t wait to see you there and help you and your student get ready for high school!
PTA Updates/Opportunities
Looking to recognize/thank a teacher?
We’ve put together a list of the East staff's favorite things to assist families who may wish to give a gift to their child’s teacher. Please note that teachers are not requesting gifts, and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything. A heartfelt note from you or your child at any time of the year is equally, if not more, meaningful than any gift.
Next Meeting January 13, 2024
Always here!
Attendance and Planned Absences
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 GJPS Heart & Pride Award
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:
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.
Important Dates:
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