Weekly Update May 6, 2022
Busy Week at GJPS
Heart of a Lion. Power of the Pride.
There has been much to be thankful for around the district this week as our GJPS community celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, Bus Drive Appreciation Day and School Lunch Hero Day!
We are so fortunate to have an entire team of hardworking and dedicated staff making sure Students Come First at GJPS!
Thank you, ALL GJPS STAFF. You are appreciated!
Happy Mother's Day!
To Everyone We Call MOM!
Enjoy your special day! You have earned it!
Watch some of our GLHS moms take over Lincoln Live on this very special Mother's Day edition.
Superintendent Search
Update on Superintendent Search
Dear GJPS community,
On behalf of the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Board of Education, I want to update you on the search for the next superintendent. As you know, we hired the executive search firm Finding Leaders to help find the next GJPS Superintendent for when Mr. Barrett retires on August 1.
Finding Leaders sent a Superintendent Search Questionnaire to GJPS stakeholders to gather feedback for developing a superintendent profile. We are grateful to over 400 Gahanna-Jefferson parents, staff and community members who responded to the survey and provided input about the qualities needed in our next superintendent.
Survey results indicate the GJPS community is seeking a leader who will continue moving the district forward in academic achievement while also unifying all aspects of the community. The community prefers an individual who is:
Honest
Sincere
Humble
Open-minded
The stakeholders also value the following skills and experiences in a superintendent:
Outstanding communication and listening skills
Curricular experience
Success with new school construction
Superintendent-level experience in districts with similar size and demographics to GJPS
The GJPS Board of Education via Finding Leaders accepted and interviewed 17 applications from candidates across Ohio and beyond.
After narrowing the field of candidates, Finding Leaders facilitated an invited stakeholder interview process with three finalists on Wednesday, May 4. At that time, finalists met with representatives of various stakeholder groups, including administrative leaders, instructional and non-instructional staff, students and parents, to discuss qualifications and answer questions.
The finalist candidates are:
Angela Adrean
Assistant Superintendent, Academics
Worthington City Schools
Dr. Tracey Deagle
Assistant Professor, Mercer University
Former Deputy Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
Dr. Andy Hatton
Associate Superintendent of Learning and Leadership
Upper Arlington City Schools.
The board of education will complete final interviews over the weekend and hopes to vote to hire a new superintendent next week.
Sincerely,
Beryl Piccolantonio
Board of Education, President
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
Blacklick Elementary
This PRIDE TALK at Blacklick Elementary is music to our ears!
Jefferson Elementary
恭喜 - gōngxǐ - CONGRATULATIONS to all of our GJPS elementary after-school Chinese programs that celebrated the end of the school year this week.
Special 谢谢 - xièxie - THANKS to Jefferson Elementary for the 真棒 - zhēn bàng - AWESOME presentation on Tuesday!
Middle School South
Gahanna Middle School South Drama Club will present Pride and Pretty to family and friends on May 10-11, 2022. This play, written and directed by two eighth-grade students, is a fantastic group effort by this club which meets after school. Thank you teacher Ms. Grubb for encouraging and serving as advisor to this group of ambitious students.
Weekend Happenings
Don't MIss These Amazing GLHS Events!
All That Jazz
Friday, May 13, 2022
6:30 p.m.
GLHS Band Room Parking Lot
Gahanna Orchestras Summer Camp
For Current 6th, 7th and 8th Graders
July 18-22, 2022
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 5-8 GLHS Musical Legally Blonde
May 7 Herb N' Arts Fair
May 13: GLHS Jazz Nite
May 24 Last Day of Classes for Students
May 25 Your Child & Healthy Relationships Seminar
May 28 Class of 2022 Commencement
July 18-22 Orchestra Summer Camp
2021-22 GJPS District Calendar (PDF)
Dine to Donate and Support Our Students
What's for dinner? Maybe we can help with a FUNDRAISING RESTAURANT NIGHT!
Here is a list of fundraising opportunities available at local eateries to support organizations, clubs and sports teams at Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. Please check this list before heading out to your favorite restaurant and consider supporting our GJPS students!
Domino's Pizza
Until May 13
- With the card, every time you buy a large pizza at menu price, you get a large pizza free from Domino's.
- Use the card for multiple purchases (buy 5 get 5, buy 8 get 8)
- Use the card as many times as you want until it expires.
- We will mail the cards directly to you!
- Works at every Domino's in our county and many more counties!
Purchase Slice the Price Card
Support: GLHS Link Crew
Whit's Frozen Custrd
May 21, 2022
noon - 9:00 pm
121 S Stygler Rd
Gahanna, OH 43230
Support: Jefferson Elementary PTO
Phase Two Projects
Building Pride for Our Future
In November 2020, voters in the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools district approved a bond and operating levy to fund Phase Two of the GJPS Master Facilities Plan.
Phase Two of the Master Facilities Plan Includes:
- Additions and renovations to High Point and Blacklick Elementary
- Additions and renovations to Middle Schools East, South and West
- New Lincoln High School on current site
Related Links and Phase Two Resources
BinaxNOW At-Home Rapid Test Kits Available for Symptomatic Students and Staff
BinaxNOW At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits are currently available for students and staff currently enrolled in GJPS schools who are EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS of COVID-19.
REQUEST FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN ADVANCE
While supplies last, you may request kits for:
The number of students you have enrolled in Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools in your household who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
The number of GJPS staff in your household who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
A confirmation email will not be sent.
PICK UP TIMES AND LOCATION
After completing a Rapid Test Kit Request Form, kits are available for pick up at:
GJPS Administration Building
160 S. Hamilton Road
Please ring the bell inside the front door for service.
While Supplies Last
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Let's Be Social
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 on our Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools website at www.GahannaSchools.org.
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The newsletter that you are reading right now (the GJPS NEWS TO KNOW District Newsletter) is emailed to our families and GJPS community on most Friday afternoons.
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Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 471-7065