Hello, and welcome to this edition of Cruiser Connections. Our goal is to keep our Cruiser community informed of the happenings, celebrations, and news of the school district, our students, staff, and schools. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey, and we look forward to your feedback.

To allow for more time for teacher collaboration and professional development opportunities, school start and dismissal times (bell schedules) have been modified slightly for the upcoming school year. Please note the following:

Find Back-to-School Info Online – and in Your Mailbox!

Looking for start dates, school supply lists, transportation information, and open house schedules? You'll find all of the back-to-school information you need at GoCruisers.org. We've also mailed a copy of our Back-to-School Newsletter to every residential address in the school district. Check your mail; it should arrive within the next week.

The USDA has discontinued the universal free lunch program (where all students receive free lunches without the need to apply). Groveport Madison Schools will continue to provide free breakfast for all students. Still, students' families must complete an online application to be considered for free or reduced-price lunch next school year. Apply now at gocruisers.org/FreeorReducedLunch.aspx.

Before the upcoming school year, incoming seventh graders must have a second dose of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) and MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine. Incoming twelfth graders must have a second MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine dose. Please call your healthcare provider soon to make an appointment to get these required vaccines and booster shots.

The District's Extended Day Program (EDP) provides before- and after-school childcare programming for children in grades K-5 who attend Groveport Madison Schools. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can participate in the program, which operates from 7 AM until school starts, and after school, until 6 PM.

The EDP curriculum encourages physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth and positive feelings of self-worth. The program, which operates with an adult-to-child ratio of 1 to 18, offers age-appropriate games, crafts, activities, and special events. Children work on homework, enjoy planned activities, and have free time to play outside. A healthy afternoon snack also is provided.

Transportation is provided to and from the program's location to the school the student attends. The fee to register one child for morning and afternoon care begins at $350.00 per month. A fee schedule and registration information are available at gocruisers.org/ExtendedDayProgramEDP.aspx.

Get off to a great start by attending your school’s Open House! Every Groveport Madison school hosts an open house/ welcome night before the start of the school year. Open houses help parents and students familiarize themselves with their school and meet our teachers and principals.

SchoolCare is a new tool the District is implementing in August to improve communication between our school nurses and students' parents/guardians. The system communicates directly with parents to ensure they know all about their student's healthcare at school. Parents will receive immediate alerts when their child visits the school nurse, their child's medication is running low, or when immunization deadlines are approaching.

Parents will receive an email to register their students into the SchoolCare system. This is a one-time registration process and eliminates the need for parents/guardians to provide paper copies of District health forms.

With SchoolCare, student health records remain secure and strictly adhere to privacy protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

There is no cost to the District or parents for the service.

Having the necessary supplies and materials for students to meet their educational goals is a partnership between the school district and our families. Groveport Madison Schools provides our schools with most of the essential materials and supplies they need; however, many class- and teacher-specific supplies are also required from families.

School supply lists for each of our elementary and middle schools are available on the District's website at gocruisers.org/backtoschool2022.aspx. We do not publish traditional school supply lists at the high school level because of the array of courses available. Instead, the high school's teachers will inform their students of any supplies or materials needed for specific classes once students arrive.

None of us want to be surprised by an unexpected change of plans. You can stay informed of any last-minute changes that might impact your child or their schedule by ensuring your contact information on file with the school district is always up-to-date. Update your information as often as needed through your FinalForms account. Go to gocruisers.org/FinalForms.aspx to sign in to your account and make any necessary changes.

The District’s Human Resources Department is accepting applications for the following classified (non-licensed) positions for the 2022-2023 School Year:

- Classroom Instructional Aides

- Cooks / Kitchen Help

- Custodians

You can obtain an application at gocruisers.org/employment.aspx, or send your resume to elaine.dawson@gocruisers.org.

Openings for teaching and other licensed positions can be found on the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio’s website.

We know that great news occurs every day. We invite you to share positive news items with us via our social media outlets as well. News and information can be shared via personal messaging on Facebook (GroveportMadisonSchools). You may also email us at gm.communications@gocruisers.org, or call us at (614) 492-2520.

Facebook: GroveportMadisonSchools

Twitter: @GMSchools

Instagram: @gmschools

YouTube: GroveportMadisonSchoolsCruisers