High Point Elementary Updates

Thanks to everyone who is participating in One School, One Book by reading "Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet"! Continue reading and earning golden tickets for the book vending machine!

https://sites.google.com/gjps.org/highpointoneschoolonebook/home

Our Berwick Taste of Italy Tour is a fan fave at High Point so be sure to get your order in for a family dinner night with some delicious Italian food!

How it Works:

• Menu and online ordering available at https://the-berwick.com/taste-of-italy-tour-menu or call 614-235-7100.

• Order by Thursday 1/30 at 7:00 am. Link to order is ready now so go ahead and get your order in.

• Pick up food on Friday, January 31 5:30-6:30 at High Point Elementary parking lot. Food will be ready for pick up (hot or cold depending on if you want it hot and ready or reheat for another time)

• 10% of your order will be donated to High Point Elementary PTA

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

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 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.

January 31-Berwick Tour of Italy fundraiser night

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 January when new users use the Box Tops for Education referral code (X3ER9JC8), the school will get a bonus of $5 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!

Happy New Year! Over the next couple of weeks, it is a great time to set goals with your child! Using a calendar to track schedules and activities is one way to incorporate math into new routines, but goals are a valuable tool in all areas of life! Students might want to set goals for organization, work completion, the amount of independent reading they do, how often they are completing chores, etc. Make your student accountable for setting their goals and then check in with them frequently about their progress! Displaying their goals somewhere that they will be seen often will also help remind the student of what they are trying to accomplish this year!

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