GATES FAMILY NEWSLETTER

Hello New & Returning Gator Parents!

First Newsletter For The 26/27 School Year!

As we move further into the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the energy, resilience, and growth we’re seeing in our building every day.

In alternative education, we know that there isn’t just one path to success. Every student is on their own journey, overcoming challenges, discovering their strengths, and making progress along the way. GATES staff is incredibly proud of the growth we’re seeing in our students, both academically and personally.

Of course, this is a team effort. Your support and encouragement at home make such a difference, and we truly appreciate the partnership you have with us. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education and for being part of our school community.

As many of you know, we have some newness in the main office this year! As the new Office Manager, alongside our newly appointed Principal Jessica Stella, we’re both looking forward to all that this year has in store.

Please take a few minutes to check out the updates, upcoming dates, and student spotlights below. As always, our doors are open, and we’re always happy to connect if you have questions, concerns, or need support.

Here’s to a great year ahead and plenty of little wins along the way!

All the best,

Mr. O

Mark Your Calendar!

Important Dates 📆

Oct 5th - No School

Oct 6th-9th - 3.5 Hour Early Release; Conferences

Oct 14th, 21st (GATES Day of Service), & 28th - 90 Minute Early Release

Oct 15th - Earthquake Drill

Please Note ❗

GATES Fall Day of Service is quickly approaching! Students can earn up to three hours of community service by volunteering in the community during this event. It is vital that your student arrives to school on time this day. Keep in mind, 30 hours of community service hours are required for students to be eligible to graduate. This is the perfect opportunity for students to kickstart or advance toward that goal while giving back. Permission slips to sign, will be available to you at your students conference.

Looking Ahead 🔍

Nov 18th - Jostens Senior Meeting

Nov 19th - Picture Day

Community Conversation on School Safety

Help Shape Future School Safety Efforts in Franklin Pierce Schools!

Tuesday, October 27 | 6:00 p.m.

James Sales Elementary School Cafeteria (1301 113th St. S.)

Join us to learn about recommendations from the FPS Safety Taskforce and share your thoughts on future school safety priorities.

Language interpretation services and childcare will be available. Email district staff by October 23 to request interpretation services or register for childcare.

Learn more about the October 27 Community Conversation

🐊 Meet GATES New School Board Student Representative

Welcome Manny Garcia!

Manny Garcia has recently been named the GATES Student Representative for the Franklin Pierce School Board. He follows in a long line of outstanding student leaders who have represented the community of GATES at the district level.

A Tradition of Student Leadership

Manny joins a group of GATES graduates who have previously served as student representatives:

Ruby Castaneira - Class of 2023
Rune Newman - Class of 2024
Christian Cager - Class of 2025
Dakota Cardis - Class of 2026

We are all so excited to see Manny continue this tradition of student leadership and representation!

🎤 Meet Manny

My Role as Student Representative:

“My role as the student representative for GATES is to listen to students and share their ideas, concerns, likes, and dislikes with the School Board. I help make sure students feel heard and have a voice in decisions that affect our school and district. I also encourage students to become more involved in school activities and district decisions, so please feel free to talk with me about your questions, suggestions, or concerns.”

Why did you want to serve as student representative?

“I wanted this role because it gives me a chance to help GATES students and students who may attend GATES in the future. I want students to feel heard and know they can have a voice in decisions that affect our district. I was usually a quiet student at my previous schools, so this role is helping me become more involved and step outside my comfort zone.”

What is your goal as student representative?

“My goal is to help make GATES a school where students want to be, not a place where they feel forced to be. I want to encourage students to work hard, improve, and understand that it is never too late to grow. I also want more students to participate in district decisions and activities.”

🌟Building Leadership & Community at Gates

Founded in 2011, the Navigators Leadership Council (NLC) is a student leadership development program at GATES High School. NLC members learn and practice leadership skills, encourage others to become strong leaders, and work to make a positive difference in the GATES community.

One of the NLC’s first responsibilities is creating a shared vision for the school’s future. After several brainstorming sessions, the NLC developed this vision:

“GATES High School is a positive, welcoming community where every student feels valued, respected, and a true sense of belonging. Like a family, we come together to support one another, celebrate our strengths, and build meaningful connections. We foster greatness in every student by preparing them for a successful future and empowering them to thrive.”

The NLC believes every student has the potential for greatness. By preparing students for a successful future and empowering them to thrive, the NLC helps make GATES a place where everyone can belong and succeed.

Student Device Protection

Click flier to access form to print 😁!

Student Absences

Consistency Creates Champions

Going to school every day helps students succeed. Being in class daily keeps your student on track with lessons, building strong relationships, creating great learning habits, and hitting graduation targets. Missing even a few days makes it easy to fall behind. Attendance is imperative. Please prioritize the following with your student.

Student Accountability

Please ensure your student is taking the following steps when they are absent.

GATES FAMILY NEWSLETTER