August 16, 2024

We have had a great first two days of school. This year, we are intentionally focusing on our mission of "Positively Impacting Lives. Everybody, Everywhere, Every Day," along with our expectations that our Jefferson Leaders are always Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. Students have been busy these past two days learning about what it looks like to be Safe, Respectful, and Responsible in all of our common areas.

Starting up a new school year is never easy, and there are always a lot of logistics involved. We thank you for your patience as we make adjustments to bus routes, car drop-off, and pick-up procedures. As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me at schmidts@gjps or call the school office at 614-478-5560.

Please make sure your child's first and last name are written inside their lunch bag. This will help us get them returned to the right owner. We would also suggest adding your child's name to any jackets or coats!

The Little Free Pantry at Jefferson is now open for "business"! Over the last three months, Girl Scout Troop 6768 has been planning the installation of the pantry as their final service project before graduating to Junior Girl Scouts. These service projects are all scout-led. The girls brainstormed, chose a pantry design, shopped for supplies, constructed, painted, and installed the new pantry with support from their co-leaders, families, and generous donations from Gahanna community members. The Little Free Pantry at Jefferson aims to be a self-sustaining resource, providing families in need of shelf-stable food and toiletry items. If you are in a position to, we ask that you help Troop 6768 keep the pantry stocked by making donations when you see it running low. A special thank you goes out to Mr. Schmidt for making this installation possible. Follow the Little Free Pantry at Jefferson on Facebook for updates and continued communication." {LINK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlefreepantryatjefferson}

Please remember...

1) No cell phones when you are in the active drop off or pick up line- we need your attention focused on the students and driving- thank you.

2) Pull all the way up to the crosswalk and then fill in all available space. This will allow us to fit five cars at a time along the curb.

3) For pick up, write your child's name with a bold black marker on a piece of paper and display it on your car's dashboard or visor.

4) If you are exiting your car and walking to the front lawn to pick up your child, please use the west parking lot near the baseball diamonds.

Don't forget that we have new student hours this year. The start and end times have changed for all GJPS schools. Here are the new times for the elementary schools.

7:50 Breakfast Doors open for students eating breakfast(at school)

7:55 Doors Open for all students to walk to their classroom

8:05 School Starts-

2:45 School Ends

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
• Jefferson Elementary Events 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 Kim Karshner.

The elementary Chinese Enrichment Program is now accepting registrations for the 2024-2025 school year. This program is open to all students in grades 2 through 5 with classes taking place before or after school. Please visit our website for more details. Registration will be accepted online now through August 30, 2024.

Please consider being part of the Jefferson PTO. The PTO provides many amazing opportunities for our students and needs your help. The first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, August 27, at 7:00. You will enter through door #12 which is located near the east entrance and then head down to the Library. The PTO is open to all families, and we invite you to be part of a great organization designed to support Jefferson Elementary.

August 22 First day for ALL Kindergarteners

August 27 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm

September 2 Labor Day No School

September 20 Picture Day

September 23 Teacher Professional Learning Day, No School for Students

September 27 Jog for Jefferson

ical Link to add Jefferson Calendar to your phone

2024-25 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)

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.