GEMS Family Newsletter
June 2022
Upcoming Events
- Mon. Aug. 22 - Fri. Sept. 2 - PD Days
- Wed. Aug. 31 - Back to School Night
- Mon. Sept. 5 - No School - Labor Day
- Tues. Sept. 6 - First Day of School
- Thurs. Sept. 29 - Fri. Sept. 30 - No School - PD Days
Haga clic en "Translate" (Traducir) a la derecha para ver esto en español.
Important School Information
GEMS Summer Front Office is open 9:00am-3:00pm office@gemsschool.org
We're Hiring! Check out TGFS employment opportunities for the 22-23 school year!
Summer Meal Information
All children ages 1 through 18 are eligible to receive free meals during the summer months at participating program sites. Individuals age 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) through their current enrollment in educational programs are also eligible for free summer meals. For a full list of locations near you for summer of 2022 please visit the link listed below, or you can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY(486479).
https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=83b4d15211ed491a8ad5104291e601d2
2022-23 Registration - Is your student returning next year?
We need to hear from you as soon as possible confirming your student’s return to GEMS next year. Our annual registration forms have moved to an online format. If you already have an account use the same login you used for the 2021-22 school year. We ask that this information be updated every year for the safety & well-being of our students. These forms are required by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and our sponsor, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO), to be updated annually or when there is a change in information regarding the student. If you prefer to complete a paper registration packet, go to the GEMS website (www.GemsSchool.org) Admission tab and print a registration packet. Please fill out these forms and return them to GEMS as soon as possible to hold your students' place for next school year. They may be mailed or dropped off at the school.
Please note:
Your student’s enrollment at GEMS is not guaranteed until all necessary forms are returned.
In addition to the Registration Packet, we are mandated by the Ohio Department of Education to obtain a new proof of residency every school year. This may be a copy of a utility bill or bank statement (dated on or after July 1, 2022). Proof of residency can be sent separately in the summer. But it must be submitted on or before the first day of school.
GEMS is a public community school open to all students. The school has high costs each year supplying items such as technology, paper, printer ink, and class supplies that allow our students to have significant class experiences during their time at GEMS. We ask our families to help with these expenses by making an annual school contribution of $35.00. You may pay with credit card, cash, check or money order in person or by mail. You may also pay with a credit card online via the GEMS School Store.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact, Wesley Owens, Registrar & Community Outreach Liaison at owens.2@gemsschool.org or 614-253-4000.
OneView Login Page: https://gems.esvportal.com/
- As you set up your account you will be asked to create your own PIN. You will enter your Invite Code in Option 1.
- Once you enter the site, your student's information should be pre-populated into the forms. Double check that the pre-populated information is correct, fix any incorrect information, complete new information, and then submit. Check each Section.
- NOTE: Choose Yes or No at the end of each section BEFORE trying to update the information.
- NOTE: Use the Save and Return button, frequently.
- Once you have completed all seven parts, select Save and Return THEN Save and Submit to District.
Thank you for confirming that your student is returning to GEMS next year!
GEMS Talent Show
GEMS Needs Your Support!
GEMS has the freedom to pursue its unique educational mission within the structure of core standards and state requirements. However, state funding does not fully cover all of our expenses. Gifts to the Annual Fund provide unrestricted critical resources that support the essentials of a quality academic and expeditionary program while allowing us flexibility to direct funds to where they are needed most such as building improvements, technology upgrades, class materials, and support for professional development that keeps our teachers at the leading edge of best practices in the field of education. Charitable gifts allow us to invest in those value-driven aspects of GEMS that set us apart from other schools.
Affordable Connectivity Program
Please check out information and fliers that can be found here from The Ohio Connectivity Champions on the Affordable Connectivity Program. The OCC can support families through the application process. The ACP provides $30 per month discount on internet bills and $100 subsidy for a connected device.
The Webpage for the ACP - https://www.fcc.gov/acp
The Webpage for the Ohio Connectivity Champions - https://www.ohio-k12.help/remotedx/connectivity-champions/
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
- A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
Columbus Summer Opportunities
Calling all GEMS 8th Grade Families!
NOW is the time!
If you are considering enrolling your 8th-grade student at The Graham School (TGS) or The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University (TCS@ODU) please complete an online application ASAP.
Your family MUST complete an application to be considered for enrollment.
Completing an online application does NOT:
commit your student to attend OR
complete their enrollment for either high school.
GEMS students are not guaranteed placement at either TGS or TCS@ODU.
Use the following links to complete an online application:
If you’d like a paper application for either school please contact Wesley Owens at 614-253-4000 to have the 2022-23 application mailed out to you.
Do you know anyone who might be interested in attending GEMS? Please share this information!
When you shop at Kroger, and/or Amazon you can help GEMS raise money for expeditions!
Kroger
Go to: www.krogercommunityrewards.com or call 1-800-837-4483 to enroll in the program. Add GEMS to your card. You can search for GEMS by name or use our school code: FD086. Shop! Every time you shop and use your Kroger Rewards Card GEMS gets rebates. Kroger totals those rebates and sends GEMS a check.
Amazon Smile
When you make a purchase on Amazon Smile they will donate 0.5% of your total purchase to GEMS. Go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-4350069 to get started!
No Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students in 2022-23
Due to the pandemic, the federal government has been providing universal free school meals for students. This program has allowed The Graham Family of Schools and other school districts to provide free lunches and breakfasts to all students since the spring of 2020. The USDA will not be extending the food service program waivers for the 2022-23 school year. Because of this, families not eligible for Free/Reduced meals will need to pay for the meals. However, families should fill out a Free & Reduced School Meals Application to see if they qualify for free or reduced meal pricing and these other benefits:
- pEBT $ (if available)
- Reduced fees for taking ACT/SAT testing
Beginning July 1st we will have online applications listed on our website.
More Free Covid-19 Tests
Click here to complete the online form to request MORE free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government.
Covid-19 Vaccine Locations:
EL Education
Our partnership with EL Education empowers our teachers to unleash the potential of their students. EL Education is built on ten design principles that reflect the educational values and beliefs of Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound and co-founder of EL Education. These principles also reflect the design's connection to other related thinking about teaching, learning, and the culture of schools. The 10 design principles are: The Primacy of Self-Discovery, The Having of Wonderful Ideas, The Responsibility for Learning, Empathy and Caring, Success and Failure, Collaboration and Competition, Diversity and Inclusion, The Natural World, Solitude and Reflection, Service and Compassion.
GEMS School-wide Title 1
GEMS is a School-wide Title 1 program, enabling us to receive Federal Funds to ensure that our students receive the support they need to reach and exceed grade level goals particularly in reading and math. We welcome parent involvement in planning, review and improvement of Title 1 programs. Please contact Debbie Addison at addison.2@gemsschool.org with any questions.
RESIDENCY VERIFICATION NOTIFICATION
Per House Bill 21 community schools are required to perform a monthly review of student files and randomly select families for residency verification. Please contact the school immediately in case of an address change. Proof of residency must be submitted within two weeks of an address change. If evidence is not provided, requests for additional documentation or a home visit may occur.
GEMS
Email: office@gemsschool.org
Website: https://www.thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/gems_home.aspx
Location: 140 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Phone: (614) 253-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Graham-Elementary-and-Middle-School-109578509098428