A Note From Mr. Graves

Welcome to the fall season, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. Students and staff have settled into the routine of school, and lots of teaching and learning are occurring each day. Consider supporting your students learning by taking advantage of some of the cooler weather and some of the final warm days spending time outdoors and observing the changes taking place all around, especially with the trees and the leaves. The outdoors provides many learning opportunities and experiences that your child will enjoy experiencing with you. As the school year roles out, please consider these tips to help make the school year a great one for your student.

• Physical Activity: Physical activity is good for your child’s body—and his/her brain. Have him/her make a list of active things he/she likes to do (play volleyball, jog, ride a bike), and encourage him/her to spend 60 minutes each day doing things from their list.
• Consistency and routines matter: Children function best when there’s stability and guidance, and this is especially the case during challenge or times of transition. Sometimes behaviors or circumstances change or get “rocked,” and this can be hard for kids to manage. Help them get back into a pattern or routine so they feel at ease, and less pressured. They’ll be more inclined to move forward, and to use their productive energy.
• Convey pride: Celebrate the small successes as well as the bigger ones. Show that you believe in children’s ability to succeed. This will help build their self-confidence and optimism, so they’ll feel good about themselves, and be better prepared to tackle life’s ups and downs.
• Give thanks. Be grateful for all that we have, all that we can accomplish, and all that our children can accomplish. Continue to foster and fortify their developing plans, capabilities, sensitivities, virtues, aspirations, enthusiasms, and value systems. In the whole scheme of things, these are what really matter. (*Found in The Creativity Post EDUCATION August 22 2018/Joanne Foster, Ed)

Something to think about.

With the end of the 1st quarter of the school year approaching, student report cards will soon be available for you to review. When your student's report card arrives, use it to encourage him/her to have an even better 2nd quarter of the school year. Try these strategies for discussing it.

• Give your student and his/her report card your full attention. Find a quiet spot with no phone, or tv where you can discuss what is on the report card.
• Find reasons to high-five your student. Maybe he/she got a good grade in reading, or maybe the teacher commented on how well he/she gets along with classmates.
• Talk about ways he/she can improve. Maybe the math grade is not a good as you both would like for it to be, or if he/she needs to be more organized, share strategies you use to keep your things organized.

We appreciate your interest in volunteering for Gahanna Jefferson public Schools. Our district offers a variety of activities you may choose from when volunteering your time. Simply complete and submit a volunteer application and upon approval you will receive instructions on next steps.

Gahanna - Jefferson Schools Volunteer Application

Each month, students who go above and beyond in meeting the Goshen Lane expectations of being extra safe, helpful, and caring have the chance of being recognized as the Golden Opportunity Award Winner for the month. Winners are awarded with a certificate of recognition, a Golden Opportunity T-Shirt, and a pancake breakfast cooked by the school principal. Congratulations to the September Golden Opportunity winners:

• Kindergarten: Cayden D. Sylvia S. Maryan A.
• 1st Grade: Munira L. Mohamed B. Gael S.
• 2nd Grade: Jacob C. Amara D. Kasey H.
• 3rd Grade: Sundus S. Karter J. Ilhan J.
• 4th Grade: Jackie C. Talia F. Aiden W.
• 5th Grade: Alisha D. Ky'Lynn F.

• October 21: Teacher Conference Comp Day (No School )
• October 22: Staff Work Day (No School)
• October 23: School Picture Retake Day
• October 25: First Quarter Report Cards Available in the Parent Portal
• November 1: Fall Parties (Look for information from your child's classroom teacher for specific details)