The EduGator
November 3, 2026
Dear GRSD team,
As a reminder to everyone, the Calendar Committee and the district moved our full day of professional development out of November, so we'd have 1 more day of uninterrupted school in a month that can feel very disjointed. You'll have to let me know how it feels. Check out these Chester students in the photo - dressed in their Gateway gear!
This first week of the month is a busy one: principal candidate visits, School Committee, Instructional Leadership Council, and Veterans Day celebrations. Next week will be punctuated with the Veterans Day holiday.
Thanks to the 36 of you who provided feedback on our Professional Development 1/2 day last week. As promised, the PD Committee will look at the results of the survey for future planning. Here are a few highlights:
- 83% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed the professional development was organized, well-presented, and paced well for your learning.
- 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed the professional development will enable you to continuously improve your practice.
- Great advice for the future included: bringing back "shout outs" at the start of the sessions, making sure sessions have a clear wrap-up and next actions, opportunities to return to work with your own team or grade.
Two opportunities to recognize our colleagues are open now.
- Nominate a teacher for the 2026-2027 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards by emailing me with the individual's name and reason for your nomination by November 20. This award recognizes a certified educator who works full time instructing students and also demonstrates:
- Excellence in teaching practices
- Effectiveness and creativity
- Impact on students
- Support of and positive impact upon other teachers’ practice
- Participation in professional development
- Evidence of going “above and beyond” in classroom and school community
- Nominate Massachusetts’ First Paraeducator of the Year! Please email me directly by November 20 to nominate an instructional assistant at Gateway who:
- Provides instructional supports that are evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally and linguistically sustaining.
- Contributes to a safe and supportive classroom environment, fostering a sense of welcome and belonging for all students.
- Collaborates with students, teachers, and the larger school community to support student learning
We continue to look for Instructional Assistants (PreK, Elementary, Grade 7) and Substitutes. Please pass on our Employment Opportunities to others who would be a good fit at Gateway.
Enjoy this sunny week,
Melissa
Shout out to:
- The Chester Girls on the Run coaches would like to shout out Denae Dostal and her awesome, league-winning girls' XC team for coming out to Chester to support, encourage, and be amazing role models for our girls! - Rebecca Nicholson, Brittany Passman, Maddy Jenkins, and Jenna Kakimoto (see photo below)
Many thanks to our early elementary teachers who support our high school Early Education and Care students in their classrooms as interns. This is an amazing learning opportunity for our older students to serve at Chester and Littleville, and we could not offer our EEC program without you! - Dr. M. (see an EEC student at work at Littleville below)
Share your shout out with me!
- November 6: Veterans Day Celebrations at Gateway Regional School and Chester Elementary
- November 10: Veterans Day Celebration at Littleville Elementary
- November 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
- November 18, 19: 1/2 Days - Conferences
- November 25: 1/2 Day
- November 26, 27: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
This week we will host 3 finalists for the role of GRS Principal. During their visits, candidates will engage with students, staff, families and School Committee members as individuals would choose to do so.
Our finalist candidates are:- Erika Schraft, Assistant Principal/ Site Administrator, Springfield Public Day High School
- Lexie Jennings, Instructional Coach, Gateway Regional School
- Bill Manchester, K12 Math Curriculum, Data and Assessment Manager, New Bedford Public Schools
We have invited all GRS and district office staff to participate in a brief intro and then Q & A opportunity with all candidates in the GRS Library as follows:
- Monday, November 2, 2:30 pm - Lexie Jennings
- Wednesday, November 4, 2:30 pm - Bill Manchester
- Thursday, November 5, 2:30 pm - Erika Schraft
We will then hold sessions for parents, families, and School Committee in the School Committee Room as follows: