

East News
August, 2023
The Annual Student Update
The Annual Student Update is now available on Infinite Campus. Please take time to complete this PRIOR to schedule pick-up. It is important that EVERY student has updated information for use in case of an emergency at school, but it is NECESSARY to have this completed PRIOR to any student leaving the school grounds during the day (for a field trip as an example). Please work on this over the next week or so. If you need help, you may call the school at 614-478-5550 for assistance or follow these directions for completing the update
Start of the School Year
Schedule Pick-Up: 8/10 from 9 - 11 am OR 2 - 4 pm
1st Day of School for ALL Students: 8/17 (see schedule below for times)
Curriculum Nights
6th grade: 6 pm on 8/24
7th grade: 6 pm on 8/29
8th grade: 6:30 pm on 8/29
Construction Update
Construction Update: Crews are working hard on the new construction and renovation projects at East. New lockers are being installed this week and work on the cafeteria, ceiling, office space, music areas and many classrooms continues. Our hope is that we will be able to have our schedule pick-up as planned in the building on 8/10, BUT, if that means getting in the way of construction progress, we will make alternate arrangements and let you all know as soon as possible. It will be a tight schedule from here to the start of the school year!!
Cell Phone Policy Reminder
I sent a note out about this earlier this summer, but just want to give everyone another chance to talk to your GMSE student about this prior to the school year starting. Cell phones, ear pods, connected watches, etc. are not permitted at any time during the school day next year. Here is a link to the letter discussing cell phones further if you did not see it earlier in the summer and here is the exact policy from the student handbook:
Cell phones are permitted to be at school, but they must remain powered off and put away at all times during the day. At the middle school level, this includes in class, at lunch/recess and the hallways. Students are permitted to use cell phones while riding the bus and they will have the opportunity to earn cell phone use during lunch and recess at the discretion of building administration.
Smart watches are also permitted, but should only be used as a clock while at school.
Students are not permitted to send or receive text messages or calls on cell phones or smart watches during the day. Additionally, photos may not be taken with cell phones or smart watches at school. On state testing days, smart watches are not permitted to be worn.
Infractions may result in a student’s device being taken by building staff and kept in the office until the end of the day. If a parent/guardian needs to reach their student during the school day, they should call the school office.
Staff Changes
There have been several staff changes this year including our assistant principal.
- Mr. McCreary has moved districts to become the assistant principal at Karrer Middle School in Dublin. He lives in Dublin, his family is involved in Dublin Schools and this afforded him the opportunity to work in his home district. As his replacement, we are fortunate to welcome Amy Hilbert from Reynoldsburg City Schools. She was a junior high assistant principal and a teacher prior to that. She is excited to start!
- We also added a full time 2nd guidance counselor, Ms. Uniacke. She is joining us at East and Ms. Verma (our half time counselor) will be full time at Middle School West.
- Mrs. McKee (ESS) transferred to High Point Elementary school and Ms. Richards from our FSS program will be taking her place.
- Joining us from Reynoldsburg Schools is Ms. Asbrock who will be working with our FSS program this year.
Start/Stop Times
8:20 AM Students eating breakfast are welcome into the cafeteria
8:35 AM All students are allowed to enter the building and will be released to their House
8:40 - 8:46 AM House Meeting/Announcements/Attendance
11:22 AM 7th Grade Lunch/Recess
12:01 PM 6th Grade Lunch/Recess
12:38 PM 8th Grade Lunch/Recess
3:30 PM Dismissal
School Safety Language
We, in Gahanna Public Schools, are working to consistently teach our students and staff the most up to date information when it comes to school safety. Here is the language we will be sharing with your children this school year. While this is not all new information or protocols, I want you, as parents, to see and understand how we will be communicating this important information. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Include Upcoming School Events
Mark Your Calendar
August 14 Convocation for Teachers
August 15 PD Day for Teachers
August 16 Work Day for Teachers
August 17 First Day of School for Students
September 4 Labor Day No School
September 25 Teacher PD Day No School for Students
730 Clotts Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
614-478-5550