News from Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
Back to School 2018
HELPFUL Links
Here are some helpful links to get your year off to a great start. Need more information? We bet you can find what you need on the GJPS website .
CHECK Us Out
GJPS has very active Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube accounts.

Please check us out and LIKE US, give us a comment or tweet and SHARE us!

 Have a question about something school related? We bet you can find the answer at www.GahannaSchools.org .
FEATURE Stories
PLAYGROUND Updates
Elementary students will have a nice surprise when they return to school on August 15. Thanks to money from a 2014 permanent improvement levy, students in six of the seven elementary schools will have updated playground equipment. Lincoln Elementary will receive a new playground when the new elementary is built on Helmbright Drive.

Please watch our video to learn more about these fun updates!
NEIGHBORHOOD Community Meetings
We are excited to begin the design phase of our new elementary school on Helmbright Drive. We want our residents and families to be part of the conversation.

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is hosting a series of open meetings, engaging the community in the design phase of the new elementary school. 

Residents are encouraged to attend, especially those in close proximity to the Gahanna Middle School South area where the new school will be located.

Please join us for one of our three meetings:
Tuesday, August 21
Thursday, August 23
Wednesday, August 29

Gahanna Middle School
South Library
GJPS KINDERGARTNERS Meet the Bus
The GJPS Transportation Department opened its doors this month to welcome our newest bus riders! Kindergartners and first-time bus riders had the opportunity to learn about bus safety, board a bus and even take a spin with their guardian.

Please watch the video to learn more about Meet the Bus Day!
VOLUNTEER Background Checks
As an added component to our district safety plan, this year we will require any  volunteer that may have access to confidential information or that may supervise students without a GJPS staff member present  to complete a background check investigation through Background Investigation Bureau (BIB). 

Not all volunteers will need to complete this simple online process, but those that do will receive more information from building principals and classroom teachers. 

This simple online system will help us to maintain safety as our top priority in all areas and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we transition to this new process.   
CLASSROOM PARTY Food Treat Policy Change
When preparing for a new school year, we regularly evaluate our safety policies and procedures. This year due to a significant increase in the number of students in our schools with allergies, there was a need to include these practices in our review as well. 

To maintain the safety of all students , parents/guardians (preschool through 5th grade) will no longer be allowed to bring in food treats to be shared in any classrooms for birthday celebrations or classroom/holiday parties.

We know this change may be met with some resistance, but we ask that families adjust to this plan and work to rethink instances where food may have previously been included 

Please read the complete letter , sent out to our families in June, for more information. If you have a question about a specific food item or the information provided in the letter, please contact your school nurse or building principal. 
TOO GOOD To Miss
#WeAreLions Doing Great Things
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM SUMMER 2018
IMPORTANT Stuff
UPCOMING Events
Aug 15 First Day of School, Freshmen Only at GLHS
Aug 16 First Day of School, Grades 10-12 at GLHS
Aug 21 New School Community Meeting
Aug 23 New School Community Meeting
Aug 29 New School Community Meeting
Sep 3 Labor Day - No School
Oct 12 End of First Quarter
Oct 15 Teacher PD - No School
Oct 22 Comp Day - No School
Nov 9 Teacher PD - No School
Nov 21-23 Thanksgiving Holiday - No School 
Dec 21 End of Second Quarter
Dec 24 - Jan 4 Winter Break - No School

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools | (614) 471-7065 | www.GahannaSchools.org