GEMS Family Newsletter

• Fri. Dec. 20 - Last Day before Winter Break
• Mon. Dec. 23 - Fri. Jan. 3 - No School - Winter Break
• Mon. Jan. 6 - No School - PD Day
• Wed. Jan. 15 at 6:00pm - Enrollment Information Session
• Thurs. Jan. 16 - Celebration of Learning
• Fri. Jan. 17 - No School - PD Day
• Mon. Jan. 20 - No School - MLK Day
• Wed. Jan. 29 at 6:00pm - Enrollment Information Session
• Thus. Jan. 30 - 6:30-8:30pm - GEMS Family Crew Movie Night

• Breakfast Menu - Dec.

• Lunch Menu - Dec.

• Academic Calendar - 24-25 - UPDATED

• School Year Office Hours - 7:45am-4:30pm - office@gemsschool.org
  

• School Day Hours - 8:30am-3:15pm

Dismissal Information

• Dismissal begins at 3:15PM. We ask that parents who pick up their students please remain in line until your student is released to you.
• The Front Office will be closed 2:30-3:30pm to ensure a smooth dismissal process.
• Dismissal changes must be reported to the front office at office@gemsschool.org or called in to 614-253-4000 prior to 2:15pm.
• Dismissal forms have been sent home with each student. If you have not completed the form, please click here to print and complete the form.
• All early dismissal outside of medical is counted against student attendance.

ACTION NEEDED

• Household Income Surveys have been sent via mail and email. If you received one please return it to the Front Office. Click here to print and complete the survey.

In order to receive text messages from GEMS you need to opt in. Please text “Yes” or “Si” to 79041. Text messages are usually sent when there is an urgent school update or an attendance check.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped with the Mingle Jingle Dance!

Check out the November Newsletter!

Movie Night

Thursday, January 30, 2025 @ 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for a movie night at GEMS. More details to follow.

If you have any questions or comments please contact the Co-Coordinators Kristian Overmeyer, Adrienne Stevens & Jody Davis at ‬familycrew@gemsschool.org.

GEMS K-5 Glow Party was a hit! Students were invited to attend the party with an 85% or higher positivity rating in Kickboard for the month of November.

The December challenge is underway. Students can be invited to a movie party in January with 85% or higher positivity rating for the month of December.

• Chronic Absenteeism: Students who miss just 2 days per month (10% of the school year) are at higher risk of falling behind.

• The first month matters: Early attendance patterns set the tone for the year- consistent attendance is key.

• Relationships are critical: Students are more likely to attend when they feel they belong and have strong connections with their peers and teachers.

• Attendance is EVERYONE’S job: From every staff member to parents, it takes a team to ensure that students are in school and engaged.

Take the Attendance Pledge online - https://stayinthegame.org/pledge/

The GEMS food drive collected more than 1,609 items! The Crews that collected the most items were (elementary) Mr. Kamphaus' Crew that collected 156 items and (middle school) Ms. Chrys' Crew that collected 290 items! The winners received a Raising Cane's lunch! Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the GEMS food drive!

Please share this newsletter with anyone who is interested in learning more about GEMS.

Click here to complete a New Student Online Application.

Please e-mail Anjali Haury at records@gemsschool.org with questions.

We are thrilled to announce that GEMS has partnered with the Evans Scholars to offer our students an incredible chance to learn about the world of caddying—and get paid for their work! On Sunday, March 23rd, 8th Grade families are invited to an information session at Brookside, where students can learn what caddying entails and explore the path toward an Evans Scholarship. Starting in April, Evans Scholars will mentor GEMS students at Brookside, helping them train as caddies after school. Stay tuned for more details about this unique experience!

Click here to sign up for e-mail updates.

In Expedition we continue to learn about toys and play, we are now learning about and comparing toys of today with toys from long ago. We are preparing to make some toys of our own!

In math, we are about to complete Unit 2, in which students have been answering “how many” questions and comparing groups of objects and images within 10. In Unit 3, students will identify, describe, analyze, compare, and compose two-dimensional shapes.

In skills, we have been working hard on learning our letters and their corresponding sounds, as well as how to write them. Each week we work on 2 new letters. We are also working on learning high frequency words, we have introduced 16 so far (I, a, am, an, and, the, so, go, no, my, do, to, said, of, into, is) and the class is doing great with remembering and reading them. See if they can point some out in print around you!

In Expedition, we are continuing to learn about the Sun, Moon, and Stars. We have been taking a deep dive into the different patterns we notice with the sun and moon throughout the day.

In Math, we have been working with numbers from 1 to 20. We are focusing on working with 10 and bundles. We have been talking about what happens when we add 10 to single digit numbers and what that gives us.

In Expedition, we are continuing with FOSSILS! We started our COSI STEM dinosaur sets as well. Expect to hear about some amazing experiments! In math, we are combining our learning of measurement and subtraction with regrouping through story problems.

In Crew we decorated our holiday tree, and talked about manners. Keep an eye out for communication from our room parents about our Holiday Party!

Please check your student’s purple folder over the weekend and return it on Monday!

In Expedition we are currently learning about frogs and their adaptations. Our focus is on creating a “why” narrative. Students will be creating their own short stories to share with the class. This will wrap up Unit 1 of Module 2. Our focus will shift to writing informational pieces about different frogs and their adaptations. You can help your student by asking them about what they are writing. They are so excited and would love to tell you all about it!

In Math, we are continuing to learn about addition and subtraction. This week we are exploring subtraction strategies along with some algorithms. Next week, we will explore multiples of 100 and 10. We will be using number lines to help compare numbers to develop a better sense of how they relate together. You can help your student by having a conversation about any number. Ask them questions about what they notice and wonder about that number. It may seem silly, but having a conversation about this topic helps build understanding that we can use in class.

I would also like to invite 3rd grade families to our Winter Party on December 20th from 1:35 - 2:00pm. Below is a link to sign up to volunteer, or to bring in food or drinks. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy the holiday season!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AA8AC23ABFBC43-53739742-winter

In our Expedition lessons, we've wrapped up our study of the American Revolution and are diving into the world of poetry! We're exploring key vocabulary such as rhyme, imagery, onomatopoeia, alliteration, stanza, simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, repetition, and more. This week, we’ll begin crafting poems as a class and then work with our reading partners on creating more poems. It's an exciting new topic that’s sure to strengthen writing skills.

In math, we've started exploring decimals. This week, we’re focusing on identifying decimals on the number line, comparing and ordering decimals, and reviewing place value. Instead of a traditional Unit 4 test, students will be working on a project that will be shared during our Celebration of Learning (Jan. 16).

In Humanities we have been learning about designing creative solutions to critical problems, and reading the story of William Kamkwamba. When famine hits his village in Malawi, William is forced to drop out of school because his parents can’t afford to send him, so he spends his time working to create a windmill to generate power for his family and his community.

In Math this month, our students have been exploring practical and engaging math topics that connect directly to everyday life! They’ve been working on unit rates, learning to compare quantities like speed or prices to make informed decisions. They’ve also been tackling percentages, using real-world scenarios such as discounts and tips to strengthen their understanding. To tie it all together, we’re focusing on real-world applications, showing how these concepts are valuable tools in solving practical problems. Ask your student about what they’ve been learning—they’re doing fantastic work!

In Science this month in class, students have been diving into the fascinating world of cells, the building blocks of life! We’ve explored the structure and function of cell organelles, learning how each tiny part works together to keep the cell—and us—alive and healthy. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and creative projects, students are discovering how cells affect everything from our energy levels to our ability to fight off illnesses. Ask your student about their favorite organelle and what they’ve learned about its role in the human body—you might be surprised by their insights!

This will be a great month of equations and tape diagrams. Equations and tape diagrams help us visualize word problems; they even help us simplify the mathematical process. We will continue this process until the winter break. I look forward to your participation.

Students will continue working on their children’s books. On December 10, students got the chance to talk to two award-winning authors, Kwame Alexander (The Crossover), and Mo Willems (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus)! We learned a lot from these established (and well-known) authors!

In Science we are finishing the unit Ocean, Atmosphere and Climate. We’ve been learning that different locations have very different temperatures even though they're at the same latitude. We figured out the role ocean currents play in determining a location’s temperature. Now we’re focusing on what defines the direction and strength of ocean currents. Both Scientific readings and hands-on activities can be expected to enhance students’ understanding.

Students have been focusing on improving their craftsmanship and teamwork skills. They’ve been exploring creative projects using air-dry clay, forming circular beads and other unique designs. Additionally, tempera paint has been a key medium, allowing students to experiment with vibrant colors. These activities encourage collaboration and artistic growth while enhancing fine motor skills. Happy Holidays!

We have been working on a variety of projects- the sixth graders just finished a pattern landscape project, and a surreal perspective collage. Next, they will do a rock painting activity for the holidays, and an uplifting portrait activity! In Seventh grade, the students just finished learning to draw anatomy and making a ‘Cartoon You’ project. Next, they will be making a collaborative concept project with a partner and material of their choice! Happy Holidays

Middle schoolers are fully participating in Classroom Guidance lessons conducted by the middle school social worker and OSU intern!

For this week, the focus was on Self-Esteem. Specifically, the discussions centered around what self-esteem is; intention vs. impact (how what we say may be for good intentions but could potentially have negative impact on someone’s self esteem); being honest vs. being tactful- (understanding the need to filter out words when having sensitive conversations with one another and how these conversations impact one’s self esteem); and comparison vs. envy. Additionally, in the MTSS groups, students are learning what taking responsibility looks like and how to apologize.

• December 20th - Ice Haus Field trip

Students enjoyed the Bugs and Bontay with Franklin Park Conservatory.

We are pleased to inform you that Graham Elementary and Middle School (GEMS) will be implementing a new option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for School Year 2024-2025.

What does this mean for you and your children attending the school(s) identified above?

Great news for you and your students! All enrolled students of GEMS are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2024-2025 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application. We will be collecting Ohio Income Household forms in order for students to qualify for other programs. If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at baney.1@thegrahamschool.org or 614-262-1111.

Sincerely,

Cathy Baney, Child Nutrition Director

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Graham Elementary & Middle School (GEMS) announced today a change to its policy for serving meals to children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for GEMS for the 24-25 school year. Schools qualifying to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provide breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.

FREE HEALTH CARE: Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for FREE health care coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio’s Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. These programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and more. Please call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Information can also be found on the web at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/familychild.stm. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is already receiving these services.

For additional information please contact the following person:

Cathy Baney, Child Nutrition Director

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   

   U.S. Department of Agriculture

   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

   1400 Independence Avenue, SW

   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax:(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GrahamElementaryandMiddleSchool

Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/gemscolumbus/

Kroger

Go to: www.krogercommunityrewards.com or call 1-800-837-4483 to enroll in the program. Add GEMS to your Kroger card. You can search for GEMS by name or use our school code: FD086. Shop! Every time you shop and use your Kroger Rewards Card GEMS gets rebates. Kroger totals those rebates and sends GEMS a check.

Our partnership with EL Education empowers our teachers to unleash the potential of their students. EL Education is built on ten design principles that reflect the educational values and beliefs of Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound and co-founder of EL Education. These principles also reflect the design's connection to other related thinking about teaching, learning, and the culture of schools. The 10 design principles are: The Primacy of Self-Discovery, The Having of Wonderful Ideas, The Responsibility for Learning, Empathy and Caring, Success and Failure, Collaboration and Competition, Diversity and Inclusion, The Natural World, Solitude and Reflection, Service and Compassion.

GEMS is a School-wide Title 1 program, enabling us to receive Federal Funds to ensure that our students receive the support they need to reach and exceed grade level goals particularly in reading and math. We welcome parent involvement in planning, review and improvement of Title 1 programs. Please contact Debbie Addison at addison.2@gemsschool.org with any questions. Follow this link to the Parent Pact.

School Day Hours - 8:30am-3:15pm

Email: office@gemsschool.org
Website: https://www.thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/gems_home.aspx
Location: 140 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Phone: (614) 253-4000