Gables Elementary Family Newsletter
November 6, 2024
Save the Dates
- NOV.
- 11/12 Parent Teacher Conferences
- 11/12 PTA Zoom Meeting 6:30-7:30pm
- 11/21 Parent Teacher Conferences
- 11/25-29 NO SCHOOL Wellness Week
STAFF CORNER
Parent Teacher Conference Sign-up Changes
Gables Parent & Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 12th and Thursday, November 21st. If you signed up for your time slot online already, you do not need to fill out an additional form. However, because of some challenges with technology and student data privacy we will need to assign any additional conferences via paper and pencil. A paper notification was sent home Monday with your student. Please return it as soon as possible to enable us to create the final schedule.
Please remember to make three time slot choices that will work for your schedule and turn the paper back into your student's teacher. Conferences will still be held in person or via zoom. If you have any questions, please reach out to your students' teacher or the Family Ambassador. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Please note, there is an option in the signup if you would like to utilize an interpreter.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience; we hope to be able to return to electronic selections for the next conference cycle.
Notes from the Family Ambassador
On July 24, 2024, Governor DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 29 (“SB 29”), with an effective date of October 24, 2024. The Bill amends certain sections of the law and enacts new sections of law regarding student education records and student data privacy. You may be asking "What does this even mean?" Basically, this has put a pause on some of the technology tools we utilize. Please be patient with our school as we journey through this new change and find out what technology has and has not been approved by our District. The Columbus City School District is working hard to handle this change and make sure our student data continues to be safe.
Because of this pause in technology we have had to revert back to pen and paper scheduling for our conferences. Scheduling a conference with your student's teacher is such a valuable way to check in and work together to support your student's education. I know this method can be a burden, however, please try and take a moment to sign up for time with your student's teacher.
Also, in November we are focusing on kindness. Mrs. Lacey will be spearheading lessons on kindness and focusing on World Kindness Day on November 13th. What does it mean to be kind? Kindness is giving your time and intention to someone else through compassion, time, generosity, and care. Kindness doesn't always have to include dramatic gestures. Sometimes, it's the little things; opening a door, helping someone tie their shoe, grabbing something off a high or low shelf, putting someone at ease or showing respect. While it may seem easier to be kind to the people we know, we also carry the ability to show kindness to someone new. Simply being polite, using a warm tone, giving a smile, or showing patience, empathy or gratitude to a stranger can be enough. I challenge you to find a way to sneak in some kindness this month. Be a role model and show our students unique ways to be kind to one another, families, and the community at large.
We love to learn. Go get'em Gators!
Kate Green
Family Ambassador
School Counselor Update
The fall leaves are finally showing their beautiful colors. Try to take a moment in your day to appreciate the beauty. It is hard to believe that we have begun our second quarter of school.
As October ends, we are wrapping up lessons on the feelings of anger in kindergarten, managing our emotions in grades one through four, and grit and determination for our fifth graders. Feel free to ask your students to share a little about what they have learned this month at home?
Mrs. Trammell, my Counseling Intern, will be teaching our November lessons. The focus will be on Kindness. Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? Ask your children, “what are you doing to show kindness this month?” As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
8 Ways Parents Can Teach Kindness to Kids
1. Be a good role model.
2. Teach them to be helpers.
3. Be specific when expressing gratitude.
4. Consider safety.
5. Explain that small acts have big impact.
6. Clarify that it's not always easy.
7. Be kind to themselves, too.
8. Volunteer when/if possible.
School Nurse Update
Nationwide Childrens Hospital will be coming to Gables Elementary School on November 18th! They will see your student for any of the following reasons:
- Sick visits
- School-required immunizations
- Blood work
- Well checks and sports physicals
- Send medications to the pharmacy
- Work permits
- Asthma Follow-ups
- Diagnosis and manage allergies, asthma, weight
- Connect your child with another doctor, as needed
- And more!
For more information, see Nurse Fackler kfackler10333@columbus.k12.oh.us or visit NationwideChildrens.org/Care-Connection
Safety & Security
Introducing Mr. Clyde Johnson III, Gables Safety & Security Officer
Hello there! My name is Clyde Johnson and I am YOUR Safety and Security Specialist here at Gables Elementary! Although I am new to Safety and Security, I am no stranger to education. I've spent most of the last 12 years in various roles in the district; as a substitute teacher, special needs instructional assistant, family ambassador regional coordinator and community engagement coordinator. I enjoy working with students, families, and staff members and will work very hard to make sure everyone in the building is always safe and have smiles on their faces!
You can see MY smiling face each and every morning at parent and bus drop off.
Always feel free to say hi whenever you see me!
Lost & Found
And so, it grows... Lost and Found is located in the corner of the multi-purpose room. If you are missing items and wonder where they could be... please check here first! We currently have lots of hoodies, sweatshirts, water bottles, and even a bike helmet!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO SHARE
About Gables Elementary
If you are calling the school office in regard to your student, and your call is not answered, please leave a message on the Gables Office voicemail and your call will be returned promptly.
Attendance Email:
If your child will be absent, please email below. If you are just running late to school, please bring your child into the school, you do not need to call ahead.
attendance.gables@columbus.k12.oh.us
Attendance Phone: 1-380-997-6025
PTA Email: gablesgators@gmail.com
Family Ambassador: Kgreen2@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Phone: 614-221-FACT (614-221-3228)
Email: gableses@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: ccsoh.us/GablesES
Location: 1680 Becket Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Phone: 614-365-5499
Learn the Gator Way!
Be Responsible!
Be Respectful!
Be Safe!
Be Kind!
That's the Gator Way, Chomp Chomp!
PTA NEWS
Pizza Dinner for Teacher Conferences
The PTA organizes dinner for the teachers and staff on Parent Teacher Conference nights. Can you help by donating items or your time? We are having pizza for the teachers on Tuesday, November 12th.
Here's the link to sign up:
PTA Meeting November 12th
PTA November Calendar
COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS
November 1, 2024 - November 1 marks the beginning of National Family Literacy Month, a time dedicated to fostering a love for reading and learning within families. This initiative began in the early 1990s when alarming statistics revealed that millions of American workers lacked basic literacy skills. In response, Congress collaborated with the National Center for Families Learning to establish this important month.
At Columbus City Schools (CCS), we recognize how essential literacy is to our students' overall development. We believe the partnership between district leaders, teachers, and families is crucial in supporting our students’ growth. CCS is dedicated to providing families with resources that enhance learning both at home and in the classroom.
As families embrace November, we encourage you to explore various opportunities to read together—whether it’s through our #TogetherWeRead book bundles or a selection from your local library. Join the movement and remember #LiteracyIsACivilRight and #LiteracyAndJusticeForAll!
Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate National Family Literacy Month:
Explore Your Home Library: Dive into your own collection of books! Thanks to our community partners, CCS has ensured that every student has access to new titles throughout the year.
Visit Sora: Discover the joys of a digital library where students can check out books from home.
Utilize Teaching Books: Access a treasure trove of resources at Teaching Books to explore books and authors in depth.
Join the "Learning Together Challenge": Participate in this free initiative that offers a month-long calendar filled with engaging family activities to inspire learning.
Read and Watch: Choose a book and then watch its movie adaptation. Discuss the similarities and differences as a family.
Try Audiobooks: Experiment with different reading formats, such as audiobooks or e-books, to mix things up.
Host a Book Exchange: Organize a neighborhood book exchange and chat about your favorite stories with friends and family.
Start a Book Club: Create a family or neighborhood book club with fun games and snacks related to the book you're reading.
Reimagine Stories: Rewrite or reenact classic children's tales together.
Visit Your Local Library: Take a trip to the nearest Columbus Metropolitan Library branch and discover a new book to read!
Let’s make this National Family Literacy Month a month-long celebration of learning, reading, and bonding!
Pathways Express
Join Columbus City Schools’ Pathway Express !
Saturday, December 14, 2024
3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065)
for a day full of exploring STEM and Zoology!
Family Learning Experiences include:
Free Flu Shots
Marine Life Exploration with the Watters Aquatic Conservation Center
Environmental Responsibility Awareness with Keep Columbus Beautiful
Free Books and Giveaways (While Supplies Last)
Experience the Magical Zoo Lights!
During December’s Pathway Express event, learning will be centered around Critical Thinking, a key quality in our Portrait of a Graduate. This means helping our students analyze and apply evidence-based reasoning to understand “big picture” challenges and how solutions affect other parts of a system.
Registration for the event opens Monday, November 18 at noon!
Families must register in advance for tickets. Click here to register (November 18th)
Free transportation is provided! Buses will shuttle families from Northland, Walnut Ridge, South, and West High Schools to the zoo and back. Buses will depart from each school at 3:00 p.m. and will depart the zoo at 8:00 p.m. to drop families back off at the school that evening.
Check back for more information!
Parent Portal
Is Your Parent Portal Account Activated? Stay engaged in your child's education by setting up and signing into the Columbus City Schools Parent Portal. Through the Parent Portal, you'll be able to securely access valuable information on your student(s):
- Teacher Contact
- Grades and Course Schedules
- Daily Attendance
- Missed Assignments
- Complete your Annual Update
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & RESOURCES
Franklin Park Conservatory Community Days
Community Day is the first Sunday of every month. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required.
Community Days include access to the entirety of our gardens and collections and current daytime exhibitions. Admission to Special Engagements (Chihuly Nights, Pumpkins Aglow, Conservatory Aglow) is not included. Please read the FAQ.
Theme: Health and Wellness
Additional Programming:
- Local Health & Wellness Resource Fair in the Atrium and Veridian from 11-2
- WIC, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Museums for All, Center for Cancer Health Equity, Versiti, and Bridge Credit Union.
- Get a flu vaccine from Columbus Public Health in the food truck loop from 10-2
- Enjoy some coffee from Local Joy Coffee in the food truck loop from 10-2
COLUMBUS LIBRARY INFORMATION
2nd & 7 Columbus Kids' Book Bank
The 2nd & 7 Columbus Kids’ Book Bank is hosting its 2024 Fall Giveaway, offering free books for readers of all ages! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stock up on exciting reads for the whole family. These giveaway events are open to the public, and you can grab books from their large inventory on the following dates:
- Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visit bookbank.secondandseven.com for more details or call 614.396.8161. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to encourage reading at home!
Here is the link for the calendar of events happening around Columbus for the entire month of September. There are over 60+ events to choose from for just this coming weekend!
When it’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy, indoor play is a great way for kids to burn off some energy.
Whether you’re at home with your children during the week, or you’re hanging out with them on the weekends and evenings, sometimes you just need to get out of the house!
There are plenty of indoor play places and activities in Columbus to help your kids of all ages burn off some energy without worrying about the wildly fluctuating temps in Ohio. Please check links or call before you go in case there are changes in hours throughout the year.
Need Help? Check out our Community Partners.
Here is a list of Columbus Community Partners providing assistance.
LSS 211 offers services from homeless shelters to senior living. Call 211.
City of Columbus CARES Act offers assistance with utilities.
Cap4Kids provides resources for families in the areas of meals, housing, utilities, mental health and lots more.
Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio offers pharmacy services and medicines, counseling on proper medication usage, health screenings, wellness education, and social program assistance for those who cannot afford them. (614) 227-0301
Clintonville Resource Center serving all of Central Ohio by providing assistance through the food pantry, child and youth programs, senior services and kinship care programs.
Franklin County Childrens Services Guide provides information on local emergency or non-emergency assistance to families.
Mid Ohio Food Bank provides food locations by zip code.
OhioKAN ensures every kinship and adoptive family who wants support navigating the resources available to them can get it.
Project Connect provides help to families living in shelters, car, motel, campground and doubled-up families.
Election Stress & Uncertainty provides sound advice on how to persevere through a challenging time.