Armstrong Star Gazer

Dear Armstrong Stars Community,

As we near the conclusion of another rewarding academic year at Neil Armstrong Elementary School, I am delighted to reflect on the tremendous progress our students have made, particularly in the realm of literacy and reading skills.

Throughout this year, we have diligently monitored and supported our students' growth in reading, witnessing their dedication and hard work culminate in significant achievements. It is truly heartwarming to see our Armstrong Stars shine brightly as they embrace the magic of reading and writing.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable strides our students have taken in their literacy journey. Together, let us continue to nurture a love for reading and learning that will guide them towards a bright and promising future.

Proud to be your leader,

Rebecca Scott, Principal

#ArmstrongStars

Weekly News & Updates can be found on the website and are updated every Friday afternoon. Check it out at www.gateschili.org/StarUpdates

My name is Kassy Cappon and I am the new School Community Site Coordinator at Neil Armstrong. I work for the Center for Youth but will perform the roles of my position in the Neil Armstrong building.

A Community School is a strategy that transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for students learning and healthy development. As a parent in the district (I have children at Paul Rd. Elementary) it is very important to me to connect with and help others in our community.

Going forward I will be here to help plan events, over-see after school clubs and help connect families with resources they want or need. If you have any questions for me, you can email me at krcappon@gateschili.org.

The Board of Education approved several changes to the school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Please take note of the following changes:

• Tuesday, June 18: Grade 5 Seabreeze Trip
• Thursday, June 20: Student End of Year Fun Day Celebration
  
• Friday, June 21: Armstrong Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1 p.m., GC-PAC
  
• Friday, June 21: BOCES UPK Graduation, 10 a.m. and 1 pm.
• Friday, June 21: The last day of school for elementary and middle school students. Please note this will be a full day, not a half day.
  
• Wednesday, June 26: Remains the last day for 10-month staff.

These changes were made because the district did not have any emergency closures this year. In the event of an emergency closing, this schedule may be adjusted again.

June 1: Pride Month begins

June 1: National Caribbean/American Heritage Month begins

June 4: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Admin. Bldg. Board Room

June 5: Grade 5 Track Meet, Spartan Stadium

June 6: Track Meet Rain Date

June 18: Grade 5 Seabreeze Trip

June 18: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC

June 19: Juneteenth – District Closed

June 20: Armstrong Student End of Year Fun Day

June 21: #GCPride Day

June 21: NA Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1 p.m., GCPAC

June 21: BOCES UPK Graduation, 10 a.m. and 1 pm.

June 21: Last Day of School for K-8 Students – Full Day

Always be sure to check the district website for the

most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events.

Earlier this year, Gates Chili announced a move to ParentSquare in 2024-25!

ParentSquare is a powerful and user-friendly communication platform where families will be able to keep track of news, activities and events from all their students’ schools in one place. Families will also be able to choose how they receive information from the district based on their needs and preferences. This change is a result of your input, which has been instrumental in shaping our efforts to improve communication within the district.

Since the announcement in January, staff have been working behind the scenes to prepare the platform and provide the required training. This summer, the district will be piloting the new system with several smaller groups of students and families to ensure a smooth launch for all families this fall.

Gates Chili is proud to once again host the USDA Summer Meals Program this summer!

Any child 18 years old and younger can enjoy a free lunch in the Gates Chili Middle School cafeteria this summer beginning Monday, July 8 and run through Friday, Aug. 9.

Hours, locations and menus will be shared later this month, so make sure to check out more information and menus in mid-June at gateschili.org/SchoolNutrition.

Consider the following opportunities to become actively involved in our school community for the 24-25 school year:

Neil Armstrong Parent Teacher Organization (NAPTO)

NAPTO supports both students and staff in a variety of ways. From organizing family events, to managing fundraisers that help off-set family costs, this organization works hard to promote a fun and inclusive school atmosphere. Last year they hosted events such as a Trunk-or-Treat and Family Movie Night!

This group is only as strong as its volunteers, so please consider joining us this year. There are many ways to get involved that do not necessarily include attending each meeting. Please complete the form LINKED HERE to join!

School Equity and Improvement Team (SEIT)

Armstrong's School Equity and Improvement Team works to promote a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environment for all students. This team is an opportunity for families to engage and become involved in the academic and social-emotional work we are doing as a building and district. We value the insights and input of our families, and welcome all who are interested to participate. Reach out to principal Scott for more information about joining.

This school year, Gates Chili Literacy Intervention staff have implemented the Acadience Universal Screener in our school for students in grades K-5. Students in K-2 completed the screener in the beginning of the year, mid-year, and will do so this week for the end of the year point to track literacy growth.

The Acadience Universal Screener is a valuable tool designed to help us gain insight into student's pre-reading skills and reading abilities. It assesses a range of critical early literacy skills, allowing us to identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional support. By conducting this universal screener, we aim to tailor our instruction to better meet the individual needs of each student.

Our dedicated teaching staff has worked diligently to ensure a smooth and positive experience for our young learners during the screening process. They have received extensive training to administer the assessment effectively and create a comfortable environment for each student.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s teacher. Thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your student’s learning!

During certain times of the year, the health offices typically see increases in the number of illnesses. This occurs in the fall, when students are back in classrooms, after breaks from school, and at other times during the year when illnesses are more prevalent. Families and staff should remind students about proper handwashing and other illness prevention strategies, and caregivers are encouraged to monitor their students for signs or symptoms of illness. As a reminder, any student with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher must be kept home from school until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

Caregivers are not notified about any contagious illnesses or conditions in their student's classroom unless there is an extreme circumstance that might require notification. The decision to notify parents is at the discretion of the school nurse and the district medical director.

A few additional reminders:

1. If your student is not feeling well, please do not send them to school and consult your family's doctor.
2. Please send your student to school with a water bottle each day.
3. Appropriate footwear is important for playing outdoors to assist in avoiding injury to feet, toes, and ankles.
4. As our Rochester weather continues to change, please be sure to have your student wear appropriate clothing for outdoor play!

• To keep the car line moving efficiently, please pull ahead and the staff will assist your student to your car.
• Do not pass another car in line, unless directed to do so by a staff member. This will be very important for student safety.
• To ensure a safe and timely dismissal, please notify the main office by 12 p.m. (noon) if you intend to pick up your student at the end of the day. If you cannot do this, when you come, you will need to park and enter the main office foyer, Door #6.
• If your student arrives after 9 a.m., you will need to escort them to the main office foyer. This a very important safety concern. PLEASE NO DROPPING OFF.
• Please remember to bring a valid drivers license with you whenever picking up your student.
• If you are picking your student up at the end of the day (dismissal), please be sure to arrive by 3:20 p.m.

Email: Rebecca_Scott@gateschili.org
Website: gateschili.org/nas
Location: 3273 Lyell Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585.247.3190
Facebook: facebook.com/NeilArmstrongES
Twitter: @NeilArmstrongES