The EduGator

Dear GRSD team,

Well, 5 full days, and I still couldn't write an EduGator on time! As you can imagine, we've got lots of irons in the fire🔥, moving parts, balls to juggle🎾, things on the plate🍱 - or name your chosen expression. That being said, we've also got lots of learning and engagement happening, all across the district. We are a strong and committed team who can make impressive progress if we keep a narrow focus on what matters most for our community.

This year, that focus is Academic Excellence - advancing our students' reading and writing skills and reducing the gaps in performance for our special education students; Portrait of a Gator - continuing to define a transformed secondary school experience for our students; and our Connected Culture - ensuring a welcoming and inclusive culture all across the district, as well as making Gateway the best place to work.

Below are some upcoming items that align to these areas of focus:

• Our September 22 1/2 day is planned and the agenda is ready for your review. As we did on the District Day in August, we will submit registration information afterwards to the SmartPD system to keep your records complete.
• MCAS and state accountability results will be publicly released tomorrow, September 22. As in most years, we have improvements to celebrate and some persistent areas without growth to reflect upon. I'll share more in a future EduGator.
• Your 2026-2027 Mandated Training is an important expectation to fulfill before September 30, if you have not yet done so. Note that your role in reducing bullying and harassment among students is covered in this training.

I can't wait to see many of you on Tuesday. Look forward to learning together,

Melissa

The Gateway Regional School District School Committee welcomes Brian Forgue back as the 3rd representative from Chester, following an election this weekend.

The next School Committee meeting is on October 7, 2026.

September 21, 6:00 pm: Girls Varsity Soccer @home

September 22: 1/2 day for Professional Development

September 22, 3:45 pm: Boys and Girls Cross Country @home

For the permanent principal role, we are on track with the timeline below.

• 1st 2 weeks: Position posting and selection of a hiring committee to make recommendations to the superintendent.
• Next 2 weeks: Hiring Committee completes review of applicants for determining interviewees and interviews candidates to determine finalists to be presented to community for feedback.
• Next 2-3 weeks: Selected finalists will appear for a public presentation/ Q & A with our community, after which the hiring committee will make recommendations to the Superintendent. I'll then decide how to move forward with an offer, transition planning, etc.

Building Technology Representatives

As part of our approach to manage your needs with reduced Technology staffing, we've posted for Building Technology Representatives, and you can see the details here. The Building Technology Rep serves as the primary on-site resource for technology support, integration, and professional development. This individual acts as a vital bridge between school-based staff and the district technology team, ensuring that technology effectively enhances teaching and learning within the building. Please contact me if you are interested in representing your building.

Early Literacy Professional Development Survey

This year, we've joined Pioneer Valley Early Literacy Collaborative to access professional learning fror our teachers. At the link below, please express interest in what you'd most like to learn so the Consortium can prioritize their limited funding for the year.

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7imxCWzJvh3wGrrLboUou2UNimhd61zERXTupDc5oWfIapQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109780563460218864112

End-of-Course Assessment Feedback Survey
The Statewide Graduation Council's Final Report recommended the use of end-of-course (EOC) assessments as one component of a new statewide graduation framework. Before key decisions are made, DESE wants to hear from the educators and leaders who will be implementing this work. Please take 10-15 minutes to share your feedback at the following link, especially grade 9-12 teachers, specialists, and support staff members (including those serving students with disabilities and multilingual learners): https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8989643/MA-DESE-EOC-High-School-Educator-Leader-Feedback-Survey

AHealthyMe

As we move into the third quarter, it is a great time to prioritize cardiovascular wellness. HCGIT is excited to launch our Quarter 3 "Heart Healthy" ahealthyme challenge, which is designed to support you in building healthier heart habits. We invite you to join this challenge. If you decide to participate and do not have an account, please set one up here.

• September 15, 2026: Challenge kicks off!
• October 14, 2026: Challenge ends.