GCCSD News and Updates - Nov. 2024
Dear Gates Chili School Community,
Although the crisp fall air seems to be waffling this week, it’s clear that fall is in full effect in Gates Chili! From fun fall events to what’s nearly the end of the first marking period, it’s clear our Spartans are having a great school year so far.
As we enter November, a season of reflection and gratitude, I am reminded of how thankful I am for our dedicated staff, engaged families, and resilient students who all contribute to making our district a remarkable place to learn and grow.
With each passing day, our Gates Chili family continues to demonstrate kindness, perseverance and a commitment to excellence, and for that, I am truly grateful. Let’s carry this spirit of gratitude forward as we move through this school year together, celebrating both the big and small moments along the way.
Go Spartans!
Christopher J. Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
The Power of Poetry 📖
Florence Brasser fifth-graders wowed an audience of peers by performing in a class poetry slam.
Cooking Club Creations 🍽️
Armstrong Stars enjoyed some yummy cuisine they cooked up during cooking club.
Autumn Learning 🍁
Disney Dragons in the ENL program took a trip to Wickham Farms for some fun fall activities!
Safety First 🦺
GCMS students took bus safety to a whole new level by participating in an emergency simulation using Gates Chili’s Safety Bus!
Social Awakening 📲
GCMS and GCHS students attended assemblies to learn about the impact of social media on the mind from Max Stossel, an award-winning artist, the Founder of Social Awakening, and Youth & Education Advisor for the Center for Humane Technology.
Real World Learning 🏗️
GCHS construction students had the chance to get an up-close-and-personal lesson from the construction crews working on the high school, receiving real world application of the skills they’re learning in their tech classes!
The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!
This month, meet Emma P., a senior at Gates Chili High School and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) student at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES. With the CTE Expo Night coming up, we thought we would talk to Emma about her experiences in the program.
What would you say to a student starting the Cosmetology program for the first time?
Emma: Things start off slow at first, but once you get through those initial lessons things start to pick up and you learn a lot, so stick with it!
Would you encourage other students to consider joining the CTE program?
Emma: Yeah! Honestly, I feel like it’s a good thing to get into, regardless of what program you choose. In CTE you are given multiple opportunities within different trades and if you get nominated for National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) it will give you volunteer hours and help with scholarships. It also allows you to build new bonds with people from other schools as well as bringing you closer to people that you didn't really know before from your home school.
Do you feel you have gotten real-life learning experiences from being a CTE student?
Emma: Yes, especially as a senior where we are doing clinic. It puts you in real-life situations where you have to practice time management and work with real people to do their hair. It definitely helps you prepare for life after graduation.
What are your plans after graduation?
Emma: I want to go to college for nursing, but I plan on trying to do Cosmetology on the side. I know it will be a lot of work, but I’m ready for it and I think it will work well for me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Emma: All of the teachers and staff over at WEMOCO are amazing. They are all so positive and truly care about your wellbeing.
The event is for prospective CTE students and their families in grades 8-10.
Students and families will be able to:
🔎 Explore the technical learning spaces
👀 Experience in-demand skill training
📈 Expand future career possibilities
You can find out more about BOCES 2 CTE offerings at www.monroe2boces.org/CTE.
As part of Gates Chili’s commitment to student and staff safety, the district will be conducting a test of its new emergency notification system on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. During the test, families and staff members will receive a message from the district’s new communication platform, ParentSquare.
No action is required on your part, but we encourage everyone to verify they have received the message. If you do not receive a message on Nov. 13, please complete the brief form at gateschili.org/EmergencyTest2024. Testing this system is a critical step in our safety protocols, and we appreciate your cooperation and attention.
As a reminder, you do not need to activate your ParentSquare account in order to receive emergency notifications, however, activating or registering your ParentSquare account will ensure you have the opportunity to engage with your student’s school in other important ways. Go to gateschili.org/ParentSquare for more information.
You’re invited to learn more about the district’s next capital improvement project—Future Ready!
The district is seeking community input on its proposed capital improvement project during one of two community input forums:
- Monday, Nov. 4 from 12-12:45 p.m. in the Board Room of the Gates Chili Administration Building, 3 Spartan Way
- Monday, Nov. 4 from 6-6:45 p.m. in the Gates Chili Professional Learning Center at Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way
Unlike past projects that have focused mainly on new construction and the addition of things like the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center, the majority of the work included in this project is infrastructure and mechanical needs related to aging facilities.
The proposed work is expected to have no impact on the tax levy, instead using capital reserves and state funding to offset costs. For updates on this and other capital improvement projects, visit gateschili.org/CapitalProject.
If you’re still interested in donating, you can drop off new or gently used coats, hats and mittens until Tuesday, Nov. 5, to the following locations:
Gates Chili Administration Building
Gates Chili Transportation and Facilities Center
Gates Chili High School
Gates Chili Middle School
Imagination Childcare Academy
Florence Brasser Elementary School
Neil Armstrong Elementary School
Paul Road Elementary School
Walt Disney Elementary School
Gates YMCA Elmgrove
Chili Public Library
We hope to see you on Nov. 7!
Nov. 1: Diwali begins
Nov. 3: Daylight savings time ends
Nov. 4: Capital Project Community Input Forum, 12-12:45 p.m. and 6-6:45 p.m., Administration Building Board Room.
Nov. 5: HS National Honor Society Ceremony, 6:30-8 p.m., GCPAC
Nov. 6: MS Picture Makeup Day
Nov. 6: BOCES 2 CTE Expo Night, 5:30-7 p.m., WEMOCO CTE Center
Nov. 6: HS Fall Choral Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
Nov. 7: Fall Family Fest, 5-7 p.m., Spartan Field House at GCHS
Nov. 8: MS Gr. 6 Social, 7-8:30 p.m., GCMS
Nov. 11: Veterans Day – District Closed
Nov. 12: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
Nov. 13: FB Picture Makeup Day
Nov. 13: Test of the emergency notification system, 4 p.m.
Nov. 14-15: MS Musical – Alice in Wonderland Jr., 7 p.m., GCPAC
Nov. 20: HS Skills Trade Day, HS Career Center
Nov. 22: #GCPride Day
Nov. 27-29: Thanksgiving Recess - District Closed
Support Staff Positions:
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1089: Secretary
Job ID 1095: Network Technician (Civil Service Competitive Position)
Job ID 1113: Grounds Equipment Operator
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.