Gator News – Your Trusted Source

Uniform Donations Needed

Please donate gently used school pants and uniform shirts that your student has outgrown to help other students! We especially need sweatshirts and adult mens pants at this time. Thank you.

"This well-deserved recognition reflects your dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on our students and school community.

Thank you for your continued commitment and excellence. We are proud to have you as part of our faculty."

-Dr. Icel to Mrs. Erdogan🩵

🎭 School Talent Show Tryouts Are Coming! 🌟

The search for talent begins next week! Talent show tryouts will take place starting February 2 in Room 163, from 3pm-3:30pm. Students with skills in singing, dancing, comedy, spoken word, music, or any other performance talent are encouraged to participate.

The School Talent Show will be held on February 13 during 6th & 7th periods. Tickets will be available for $3, so be sure to come out and support your classmates as they take the stage.

Don’t miss your chance to shine — or to cheer on our amazing performers!

💕 Crush Grams Are Back! 💕

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a Crush Gram! Whether it’s for a friend, a crush, or someone who deserves a little extra appreciation, Crush Grams are a sweet way to make someone’s day. Purchase one and let us help you deliver smiles, surprises, and Valentine’s cheer around campus!🌹💌

Looking for a fun, flexible part-time job? The local soccer stadium is now hiring for Guest Services positions! This is a great opportunity to earn extra income while gaining customer service experience in an exciting, fast-paced environment. Ideal for students and community members who enjoy working with people and being part of live sporting events.

Click Here to Apply ⚽

📝Quick Note

St.Louis has seen an increasing number of cases of flu and respiratory illness in the past month. This is a challenging time of year, and I appreciate your help to keep our students and staff healthy! Please refer to the guidelines below if your child is not feeling well.

Students who exhibit symptoms such as fever greater than 100.4F, persistent cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, or general illness should remain at home until they are well enough to participate fully in school activities.

COVID-19 Considerations
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should remain home while they are acutely ill. They may return to school once:

- They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and
- Their symptoms have significantly improved, allowing them to participate in normal school activities.

Upon return, it is strongly recommended that students wear a well-fitting mask for several days (at least 5 days) to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if coughing or nasal congestion persists. Masks are available in the front office and nurse office.

Other Respiratory Illnesses (Flu, RSV, etc.)
The same return-to-school principles apply to other respiratory illnesses. Students should remain home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving.

Vision Screening coming to GSA!

Kids Vision for Life is coming to GSA in late January to conduct vision screenings. All students in grades 9 and 11 will have their vision screened. If you do NOT want your child screened, call or email the school nurse at nursefyler@gsastl.org.

If your child is in 10th or 12th grades and you would also like their vision screened, or they need new glasses because they have lost or broken theirs, then please call or email the school nurse.

If your child does not pass his/her vision screening, they qualify to receive an eye exam from a Kids Vision for Life St. Louis licensed optometrist and a pair of prescription glasses at no cost. You will be notified if your child does not pass their vision screening to complete a consent form for the eye exam.

At GSA, we are proud to call the YMCA our partners in expanding opportunities for students and families. The Y plays an essential role in strengthening our schools—from sponsoring underwater robotics programs in our elementary and middle schools to collaborating with us to secure the Mobile Y for the Gateway Region, which our students and families now enjoy through a variety of after-school activities.

Many of our students rely on the Y as a safe, welcoming place to go after school, and this partnership continues to open doors for incredible experiences. A GSA High School student represented both our school and our local YMCA at the International Leadership Conference in Colombia, showcasing the leadership potential within our district.

The YMCA also invests in our educators—providing professional development opportunities—and works alongside us to co-host family events that bring our community together.

By contributing to the YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign, you are investing directly in our students, our families, and the strength of our community. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for supporting a partnership that helps our students thrive. We are proud to call the YMCA our partners! You can donate easily at the following link-

Here

January has been a busy and exciting month in Mr. Doll’s Life Skills classroom, as students jumped right into hands-on learning that builds independence, confidence, and real-world skills.

The month began in the kitchen, where students learned how to make homemade pasta sauce and fresh pasta noodles from scratch. From measuring ingredients to mixing and shaping dough, students practiced teamwork and perseverance. One student shared with a smile, “They might not look good, but I like to eat them anyway!”

In the second week of January, students took on an even bigger challenge by making breakfast burritos. This project required students to dice potatoes and onions and follow a 20-step set of directions. Students found a recipe on YouTube, wrote out the instructions, and worked through the cooking process over the course of the week—building valuable skills in following directions, planning, and kitchen safety.

January also marks the start of Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trips for the class. Students will begin visiting community locations such as the St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry in Dutchtown, where they will work, serve others, and gain important job and workplace skills. In addition, students will visit local grocery stores throughout the remainder of January and into February to plan meals for upcoming cooking labs. These trips will help students learn how to compare prices, find sale items, calculate percentages, and determine sales tax—essential math and budgeting skills for everyday life.

Mr. Doll’s Life Skills students have truly hit the ground running this semester and are excited to continue preparing for their futures through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Ms. Neudorf's chemistry class demonstrating different chemical reactions

(synthesis and combustion)

Dear GSA High School Students and Families,

Spring Sports Registration is now open, and we’re excited for another season of growth, competition, and Gator pride.

High School Spring Sports Offered:

• Baseball

• Boys Volleyball (JV & Varsity)

• Girls Soccer

• Track & Field

All students must register through FinalForms at:
https://gateway-mo.finalforms.com/

Once registered on FinalForms, sport-specific communication (tryouts, schedules, and team updates) will be sent directly from coaches through FinalForms. Please make sure your contact information is accurate and that you regularly check emails connected to FinalForms.

***Please note that registering does not guarantee a spot on a team. Each sport will hold tryouts to determine final rosters.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in spring sports tryouts, students must:

• Have a current sports physical on file and all forms completed in FinalForms prior to tryouts.

• Provide a copy of first-semester grades.

• Students with any failing grade from first semester are NOT eligible to try out for spring sports during second semester.

Athletic Fee

The High School Athletic Fee is $75 for the spring season. Payment details will be shared after team placement.

We’re proud to share that GSA now has a workout room on campus serving our student-athletes. This and many other athletic improvements are possible because of your continued support.

Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to purchase essential tools for our programs, including:

• Dr. Dish Basketball Shooting Machine

• Volleyball Spike Machine

• Additional weights and equipment for the weight room

• We were able to host clinics

• And more resources that directly support student-athlete development

Families can support GSA Athletics in multiple ways:

• Donate directly: https://omella.com/flrgc

• Shop the GSA Merch Store, including retired jerseys, with proceeds supporting the athletic department:
  https://omella.com/7gxza

Thank you for investing in our student-athletes and helping us continue to build a strong, sustainable athletic program.

We look forward to another great spring season as we continue building a culture of accountability, effort, and excellence—on and off the field.

Go Gators
GSA Athletics Department

Important Links

Athletics Website | Access/ Register on FinalForms | GSA FanStore | Download Sports Physical

Follow us on Social Media

GSA Athletics on Twitter | GSA Athletics on Instagram | GSA Gator Athletics on Facebook

We are excited to reintroduce our Cheer Squad, a group of spirited students dedicated to promoting school pride, unity, and positive energy across campus. Meet our Gator cheer girls!!

(2nd photo, pictured, left to right: Skylar, Justice, Jamia, Dylan, Kiera, Raya, Chloe, Celeste, Samary, Chyle)

Pictured left to right: Coach C. Williams, De'Angelo Allen (9), Miguel Lopez (9), Coach D. Miranda, Josh Hill (12), Jahmai Jefferson (10), John Wright (10), and Arnes Avdic (10)

Congratulations to our boy's basketball team on their outstanding victory last weekend at the FBA Showcase Tournament 2026. We beat the host of the tournament First Baptist Academy by the score of 38-32. Give our Gator Boys a hand!!! 🐊👏🏼

Love gaming? Ready to compete and connect? The upcoming Spring Season of Esports is your chance to team up, level up your skills, and represent your school in organized competitive gaming. Build teamwork, strategy, and bragging rights — all while having fun. All skill levels welcome!

Click the controller below for more information.

🐊💙 Welcome to the GSA Athletics Merch Store!

We’re adding retired Gators jerseys to the shop—your chance to own a piece of GSA history. These authentic jerseys have been worn in competition and are now available for fans, alumni, and families to take home.

Every purchase supports new jerseys, warmups, and equipment for our current athletes, helping us keep GSA teams strong and game-ready.

🛒 Shop now or make a direct donation to back our Gators: GSA Merch Store

2025-2026 PTO Meeting Schedule

December 16: Board meeting @ Middle School

January 27: General meeting @ Middle School

February 24: Board meeting @ High School

March 24: Board meeting @ High School

April 28: General meeting & Elections @ Middle School

May 14: Board meeting @ High School

PTO Website

hs.gsastl.org/pto

Please join the PTO Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GSAMiddleSchoolPTO

Hello GSA Families,

We’re excited to begin preparations for the 2026 GSA PTO Mouse Races, our largest PTO fundraising event of the year, supporting both GSA Middle and High School students.

Each grade level has a grade-specific fundraising letter with details on:

• The Mouse Races event

• Class basket donations

• How families can help secure business sponsors

Click below to open the documents and see detailed information for each class and representatives.

Mouse Race Sponsor Letter

Mouse Race Flyer

Business Sponsorship Spreadsheet: (If you speak with a business representative, please note it on the spreadsheet.)

Class of 2026 : STL Home Town Basket

Class of 2027: Spa Day Basket

Class of 2028: BBQ and Outdoors Basket

Class of 2029: Pet Lovers Basket

Class of 2030: Gift Card Tree

Class of 2031: Game Night Basket

Class of 2032: Movie Night Basket

Looking for ways to connect, give back, and help shape the future of our community? Join one of our local neighborhood associations!

• Southwest Gardens Neighborhood Association – Build friendships and support neighborhood projects.

• Northampton Neighborhood Association – Share your voice and stay informed about community updates.

• The Hill Neighborhood Association – Celebrate culture and help plan fun neighborhood events.

• South Hampton Neighborhood Association – Work together to keep South Hampton vibrant and welcoming.

Whether you attend a meeting, volunteer at an event, or simply stay informed, your participation strengthens the GSA community and the neighborhoods we call home.

The next SWGNA General Membership Meeting is

Monday, January 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Matt Devoti: devotim@stlouis-mo.gov

Thora Pearson: pearsontho@stlouis-mo.gov