The Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation (GJEF) was created in 2002 to provide a special community focus on education. The purpose of the Foundation is to "Promote Excellence" by funding innovative projects beyond the traditional expenditures of the Board of Education. Since 2004 the Foundation has provided funding for innovative projects and student support in excess of $1.3 million.
Each year, GJEF hosts one main fundraiser, the Gahanna Gala. With over 400 guests, the sellout crowd enjoys live and silent auction items, great food and an amazing celebration of community support for the students of Gahanna. A large portion of the profits of the gala provides support for "grants of excellence" which are awarded across the school district. One example of a grant of excellence awarded last year at the elementary level is the purchase of 30 Peruvian Beat Box drums (cajones) for Brian Behary's music program at High Point. They are an innovative instructional tool used as instruments and seating during music class. The cajones are used to increase rhythmic fluency, musicianship and to explore other cultures through music.
Gahanna Middle School South teachers Sharon Franke and Heidi Sullivan were granted iPads for their math classes. The goal of using iPad tablets is for the students to be able to create visual models to represent the mathematics being studied. By using this technology the students have access to Explore Learning Gizmos which offers them conceptual models critical when building a foundation in mathematics.
At the high school, GJEF provided funding to update the editing system in the advanced TV, Broadcasting & Video Production classes. The updated equipment is in line with what students use at the college level. The software also allows student to produce special projects that look more professional.
Along with funding grants of excellence, GJEF provides support on a yearly basis for the following programs: YMCA Partnership for the after school tutoring program for 6th & 7th graders, fifth grade and summer drama camps for students at Goshen Lane, and the Experience the Arts program, a celebration of creative works of students across the district.
Other sources of funding for the foundation include; individual donors, retired staff members, business partners and GLHS class reunion gifts. This year's Gahanna Gala will be held on Saturday, March 19th at the Hilton Easton Town Center. The theme of the event is a Night in Ireland and guests are invited to enjoy a buffet meal, bid on silent and live auction items and enjoy music by Emcee Dan Orr. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.gjef.org.
Heartland Bank is proud to support the Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation’s Gahanna Gala.
