GCCSD News and Updates - March 2026
As we celebrate Music in our Schools Month, we are reminded that music helps students find their voice, build confidence and connect with one another. From upcoming instrumental and choral concerts to everyday classroom experiences, the arts play an important role in a well-rounded education. This month’s Ask the Spartans feature offers a student perspective on just how meaningful those experiences can be.
That same sense of pride and perseverance is visible throughout our district — from a cereal box domino challenge and 100th day celebrations to many of our Spartan athletes competing in sectional contests. Of note, our Boys Indoor Track team earned the Class A2 Sectional title for the first time since 2007, Boys' Bowling won sectionals and has advanced onto states later this month, and Boys' Basketball won their first sectional game and will face off against Webster Shroeder tomorrow (Tuesday).
March is also a time for planning and looking ahead. We continue our long-range planning work with community voices guiding the process. We are preparing for next year with the approval of the 2026-27 school calendar. We are opening doors for our youngest learners through the UPK lottery and welcoming future educators at Rochester Teacher Recruitment Day.
Thank you for supporting our students, attending performances and events, and partnering with us to ensure every learner continues to grow and thrive.
With GC Pride,
Dr. Mitchell J. Ball
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Domino challenge 💨
BHM Read Aloud 📖
100th Day of School 💯
Fan Dance 🪭
Spreading positivity 🩷
Work the runway 👠
Class A2 Champions 🏅
Bright Spot ☀️
GCHS students Brennan D. and Raymond H. were honored at the Do the Right Thing Award ceremony last week. The two were nominated for the award after helping an elderly neighbor this past summer. Read more about their heroics on our website!
Strike! 🎳
Tell us about yourself.
Graham: My name is Graham and I’m in fifth-grade. I’m in district chorus, district band and regular chorus and band.
What instrument do you play?
Graham: I’ve played piano, ukulele, the recorder and I’ve been playing the trumpet since fourth grade.
How did you learn to play piano and the ukulele?
Graham: My uncle is in a band and he plays the piano, so I learned from him. And then I learned the ukulele for about a year but wasn’t really as into that. I haven’t played either instrument as much; I’ve been focusing more on learning and playing the trumpet now.
What’s been your favorite song or activity [in music class] so far?
Graham: I like the song “March from First Suite for Military Band” that we play for district band. For Chorus, my favorite song was one we sang in fourth-grade called “Windy Nights”.
Why do you think music is important in school?
Graham: It helps a lot of people reduce stress and anxiety, and a lot of people enjoy playing in concerts. Most people really love to listen to music too, and if they don’t, thats ok too.
What’s the most challenging part of learning music?
Graham: Probably if you’re stuck and just want to move on. Learning all the notes can be challenging, and I think it's hard when you mess up because then you think you won’t like a song if you are bad at it, but if you keep practicing it gets easier and then becomes more fun to play, and that encourages you to move on.
If you could give advice to a younger student learning music, what would it be?
Graham: Practicing is really important. If you want to play music, then you should do it. I always encourage people to learn music because it's really fun! I didn’t think I would like it at first, but then I tried in fourth-grade and ended up loving it. Before I joined [band] I thought I wanted to play the French horn because my mom played it, but then my band teacher Mrs. Simonetti encouraged me to try the trumpet. I tried it and really liked it. So don’t be afraid to try new things.
I also got to go to a band camp one summer, and it was really fun. It helped me get really into trumpet and I’ve grown a lot since then. I could barely get notes out when I started, and now I’m playing notes that are almost off the scale.
There’s still time to apply! Online lottery applications for Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) will be available until Monday, March 9.
This exploratory program teaches kindergarten readiness, early math and literacy skills. To apply for the program, students must be:
- 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026
- Residents within the Gates Chili Central School District
Please note that students who are age-eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for this program.
Visit gateschili.org/UPK for more information.
The Gates Chili Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations for Hall of Fame candidates. Applications received by April 1, 2026 will be reviewed and considered for the Class of 2026, ahead of Homecoming 2026 this fall.
The Gates Chili Hall of Fame is designed to honor graduates of Gates Chili High School who have achieved distinction, outstanding accomplishment or significant contribution within their schools, families, careers, communities or personal lives. In addition to honoring selected graduates, a major goal of the Hall of Fame is to provide role models and incentives for current and future students.
Gates Chili is hosting this year’s Rochester Teacher Recruitment Day.
📅 March 20
🕐 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
📍 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School
1 Spartan Way, Rochester NY, 14624
If you or someone you know is looking for a teaching position in the Rochester area, this is the perfect event to interview with 30+ local school districts. Spaces are limited, so make sure to sign up today!
When Gates Chili launched its long-range planning and optimization study this fall, it committed to thoughtfully positioning the district for the next five to 10 years. Since then, that work has continued through meaningful engagement and careful analysis.
With the support of Leadership Solutions Advisers (LSA), more than 200 students, families, staff and community members have participated in focus groups and work sessions. Together, they’ve explored educational experiences, organizational capacity and financial sustainability, using district data and community perspectives to examine enrollment trends, grade configurations, instructional programming, special education structure, schedules, facilities, transportation and other operational considerations.
This phase has focused on listening and learning — understanding where we are today and what matters most as we plan for the future.
As the work continues, LSA is facilitating another ThoughtExchange to gather additional feedback and ensure voices from across the community remain part of the conversation. We encourage you to participate using the button below. The ThoughtExchange will remain open through Monday, March 16.
Keep your eyes out 👀 The winter edition of our print newsletter is heading towards mailboxes soon.
Stay tuned to read about what Spartans around the district have been up to the past few months, capital project information, upcoming events and so much more!
To read past issues of the print newsletter or this e-newsletter, go to gateschili.org/newsletter.
The Gates Chili Board of Education approved the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year at its regular business meeting on Feb. 24.
The calendar includes a first day of school for students on Tuesday, Sept. 8. This means that the first days of school for 10-month staff will be Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The approved calendar can be found on the district website. Elementary and secondary pattern day calendars for the 2026-27 school year are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and will be posted to the website as well.
March 2: MIOSM Instrumental Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
March 5: HS Preparing for College and Career, 6:30-7:30 p.m., HS Library Mezzanine
March 7: HS ASVAB Exam, HS Career Center
March 10: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
March 13: MS Grades 7-8 Social, 7-8:30 p.m., MS Cafeteria
March 18: WD Family Literacy Night, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 19: PR Day of Play
March 19: NA NAPTO Bingo Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., MS Cafeteria
March 20: Superintendent’s Conference Day – No School for students UPK-12
March 20-21: HS Musical, 7 p.m., GCPAC
March 22: HS Musical, 2 p.m., GCPAC
March 24: MS Art Show, 5:30-7 p.m.
March 24: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
March 25: MIOSM Choral Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
March 26: HS Choral Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
March 27: #GCPride Day
March 30 – April 6: Spring Recess – No School for Students and 10-Month Staff
April 3: Good Friday – District Closed
Position spotlight: Elementary Special Education Teacher (12:1:1)
Gates Chili is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Elementary Special Education Teacher (12:1:1) to support students with special needs in reaching their full academic and social-emotional potential. This full-time, 10-month position focuses on differentiated instruction, IEP development and implementation, and creating a culturally responsive, supportive classroom environment.
- Starting salary: $43,500 (negotiable based on experience)
- Benefits: Health, vision and/or dental insurance contributions, plus paid personal, sick, and vacation time
NYS Certification in Elementary Special Education required.
Join our team and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day.
Instructional Staff Positions:
Job ID 1253: Teacher Aide for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1257: Substitute Support Staff
Job ID 1258: Substitute Teacher*
Job ID 1373: Mathematics Teacher (2026-27 School Year)
Job ID 1378: Elementary Special Education Teacher - 12:1:1
Job ID 1380: Secondary Special Education Teacher 15:1
Job ID 1389: Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Teacher (2026-27 School Year)
Job ID 1390: Speech Language Pathologist
Support Staff Positions:
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 1251: Bus Attendant for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1252: Bus Driver for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1254: Cleaner for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1255: Security Worker 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1256: Food Service Helper for the 2025-26 school year
Job ID 1405: Head Custodian
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.