Weekly Update July 15, 2022
Updated School Volunteer Procedures
Volunteer Application and Background Check Now Required
To increase safety and security protocols, all GJPS volunteers who may have the potential to interact with students in an unsupervised setting or may have access to confidential information will be required to complete an online application that includes a background check. The district will provide the background checks at no cost to the volunteer.
EXAMPLES
- Examples of volunteer experiences include but are not limited to: cafeteria helpers, reading aides, mentors, hall monitors, field day volunteers, library helpers, office helpers, tutors, field trip chaperones, small group or individual student work in the hallway, party helpers, concession workers, fundraising volunteers, book fair volunteers, mobile dentist volunteers, etc.
STEPS TO VOLUNTEER
- Contact your principal or teacher to express an interest in volunteering.
- Your principal or teacher will send you a link to the Online Volunteer Application and background check.
- Complete the Online Volunteer Application and Background Check at least 5 days before your initial volunteer experience.
- Renew your Volunteer Application and Background Check yearly from the date of issuance.
Board Approves New Middle School West Principal
Welcome Mr. Kiev LaMarr
The GJPS Board of Education recently approved Mr. Kiev LaMarr as the next principal at Gahanna Middle School West. Mr. LaMarr is replacing Mr. Steve Tartt who has accepted a position as principal at Olentangy Local Schools.
Mr. LaMarr comes to the district with 11 years of administrative experience as an assistant principal and dean of students in Columbus City Schools and Westerville City Schools. He most recently served as the assistant principal at Westerville South High School for the last three years.
Good luck Mr. Tartt and Welcome Mr. LaMarr!
Blacklick and High Point Construction Update
Teaching Professions Program Heads to D.C.
Program Earns Top 10 Placements
Students from the Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools (EFCTS) Teaching Professions satellite program housed at Clark Hall traveled to the nation’s capital for a four-day stay at the Educators Rising national conference. Between individual and team competitions, 16 students from the program traveled to compete and 11 placed in the top-10, nationally.
RELATED LINKS
The Lion's Share
With Superintendent Barrett
In education, we talk a lot about 21st Century skills, the skills students will need to thrive in the years ahead.
In "The Global Achievement Gap", Harvard professor Tony Wagner writes about the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking, collaboration across networks, adaptability, initiative, effective oral and written communication, analyzing information, and developing curiosity and imagination.
Few would disagree with the importance of these skills, but how does a teacher actually set the stage for this type of learning? How does a teacher motivate students to value collaboration and adaptability, curiosity and imagination?
Did You Know?
1,099,448
Our GJPS FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT proudly served 1,099,448 meals to our students during the 2021-22 school year!
Thank you for always serving delicious meals to our students with a side of smiles for dessert!
A Trip Down GJPS Memory Lane
Lincoln Elementary Reading Garden: October 2021
While the new school year will be here before we know it, we want to take some time over the next few weeks to enjoy some of our favorite stories from the 2021-22 school year.
The Lincoln Elementary Reading Garden continues to be a cozy place to take in the fresh air and a good book!
Enjoy these (then 2nd grade) students from Mrs. Huyghe's class as they celebrate reading back in October 2021.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 18-22 Orchestra Summer Camp
July 27 Elephant and Piggie Party at Lincoln Elementary
August 10 First Day of School for Students
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 - Thursday
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Friday
9:00 - 11:00 a.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.
Sign Up For the GJPS Weekly District Newsletter
The newsletter you are reading (the GJPS NEWS TO KNOW District Newsletter) is emailed to our families and GJPS community on most Friday afternoons.
If you live in the GJPS community and want to stay in the know about what's happening in YOUR school district, please SIGN UP for our weekly update.
(Psssst, families of current GJPS students already receive this newsletter, so there is no need to sign up again, but please share with a friend who does not receive it.)
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 471-7065