Just a few testing tips and reminders.

All cell phones and electronic devices (including electronic watches and airpods) will be collected and turned off at the beginning of each MAP testing session. State guidelines dictate that students cannot have electronic devices during MAP testing sessions. If you need to contact your child at school, please call the main office at 314-261-4361 and a message will be given to your child. Thank you for your cooperation.

TIPS on MAP preparation:

• Students are encouraged to get a good night's sleep the night before testing.
• Students are encouraged to eat a nutritious breakfast on the morning of testing. Remember that breakfast is sold in the cafeteria BEFORE school begins.
• Students should bring a book to read, a puzzle book to do, WIRED earbuds or WIRED headphones (if they have them), their chromebook charger and their CHARGED chromebook.
• It is vital for all students to be in attendance and ON TIME to testing. Those arriving late to school may not be allowed entrance into a testing session if it has already begun. If your child is going to be absent during testing, please contact the main office.
• All missed tests MUST be made up.
• Encourage your child to work hard on the test and put forth his/her best effort. TEST BEST!
• Students may also wear a GSA spirit shirt and their uniform pants during MAP testing.

Dear 8th Grade Families,

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to inform you that all 8th grade students will be required to turn in their Chromebooks and chargers. This is a district-level decision that ensures we are prepared for a smooth transition to high school.

Students will be issued new Chromebooks at the start of 9th grade, so it's important that all current devices are returned in good condition. We will share collection dates in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your support as we help students successfully wrap up their middle school experience and prepare for the exciting transition to high school!

This year summer school is 17 days from May 28 - June 20 (No school on June 19). Summer School hours are from 8am-12pm. With such a short time together, attendance is critical. Students who miss more than 2 days may be dropped from the program.

We are excited to announce the following summer school options:

MS Credit Recovery

For students who have failed at least one class in the 24-25 school year. Students who qualify for this program will be notified that they must attend this program in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Students who participate in this program will complete assignments, projects, and tests in order to demonstrate that they have learned the critical knowledge and skills expected to be learned in their grade level.

6th Grade "Bootcamp" - ONLY current 5th Grade Students

For our rising 6th graders, this camp offers them some exposure to Middle School. They will participate in team building activities, enrichment activities, meet several of the teachers, learn routines such as how to use the lockers, and much more!

Summer Enrichment Camp

For students currently in 6th-8th grades, the theme of this year's enrichment program is "Saint Louis." We live in an amazing city with a rich and diverse history. In this camp, students will explore and experience the history, geography, and culture (art, music, dance, food, and languages) of St. Louis neighborhoods and landmarks. Each year a different neighborhood or landmark will be highlighted and this year the focus is on Forest Park and the Grove. Three field trips are planned for this camp.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp7Dw1e3KZGQUtG7Xv0Rvghu46UFO_-BPLnpFVGXsDHV0Azg/viewform?usp=sharing

As summer approaches, I want to tell you about an exciting program we’re offering this summer at the Bayer YMCA.

Emotional Wellness & Skillbuilding Academy: Designed to help teens become their best selves by discovering their strengths, leadership style, and unlocking their personal growth path. Through hands-on experiences, they will also focus on relationship-building, emotional regulation, and exploring entrepreneurship ventures.

This academy is a 4-week program that meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can still work, hang out with friends, or do other fun things in the afternoon!

Here are the academy dates:

· June 9 – June 12, 2025

· June 16 – June 19, 2025

· July 7 – July 10, 2025

· July 14 – July 17, 2025

You do not have to attend all four weeks—you can mix and match the weeks that work best for your schedule!

Here’s what you’ll do in the academy:

· Learn how to be your best self, and how to manage your emotions

· Build leadership and teamwork skills

· Meet guest speakers and do fun, hands-on activities

· Help with real service projects in the community

This academy will also look great on your college applications and job resume!

**And here’s something exciting—Upon completion of ALL 4wks of programming participants will receive a $300 voucher to start a savings account.

Space is very limited, so act now!

If you’re interested, just reply to this email. I’ll send you and your parents the sign-up form.

Scholarships are available, so don’t worry if cost is a concern.

Thanks,

--

Earlisha Jefferson

Youth Wellness Director

Community Development YMCA

Get ready, GSA! The wait is almost over—yearbooks will be distributed on May 15th during advisory! It's time to relive the memories, the laughter, the epic moments, and everything in between from this unforgettable school year.

Missed the online sale? No worries! A limited number of extra yearbooks will be available for purchase after school on May 15th and throughout the last week of school—but don't wait! These are first come, first served, and they’re sure to go fast.

Yearbooks are just $15. We accept cash, but check or money order (made out to GSA) is preferred. Want to pay by card? No problem—parents can swing by the front office to pay that way too.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this year’s memories!

Mark your calendars—Friday, May 9th is going to be a blast for our awesome 6th graders! It’s FUN DAY, a special celebration packed with activities, laughter, and memory-making as we wrap up the school year in style!

On this day, students will be assigned to an activity room full of exciting things to do during periods 1–3 and 5–7. They’ll still attend their regular 4th and 8th hour electives, but the rest of the day is all about FUN!

But there’s one important rule:
To join in the fun, students must complete all of their MAP tests. If a student is late or misses a session, they’ll be pulled by Ms. Doyle for make-up testing and will need to finish before returning to their activity room.

So, let’s make sure everyone is on time every day during MAP testing so they don’t miss out on this awesome event!

Let’s finish the year strong and celebrate all the hard work with a day full of fun and friends!

Students pay $3, cash or check, on the day of the dress down day. Again, we do not take app payments.

Friday- May 9th

Where: Smiley 6576 Smiley Ave

When: 6:00–7:00 PM Doors open at 5:30

The last day of school is finally here! 🎉 Dismissal will be at 11:40 AM today. Have a safe and fun summer, Gators! 🐊☀️

Created by GSA parents, 8th grade students, and Mr. Chavers

Thank you to all who contributed a message or note to encourage a Gator during testing and transitioning to the end of the year.

The Girls on the Run St. Louis Spring 5K is right around the corner and we are in need of over 200 volunteers to ensure our Girls on the Run have an unforgettable experience!

Join us on Saturday, May 10th in Ballpark Village. Volunteers are still needed for:

• Set-up Crew *8 volunteers needed*

• Course Marshals *20 volunteers needed*

• Recycling Team *8 volunteers needed*

• Finale Crew *5 volunteers needed*

• Information Tent *5 volunteers needed*

• Cheer Stations and more!

Groups are welcome! If you are interested in registering to volunteer as a group, please email volunteer@gotrstl.org

ALL women are welcome—students, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, and friends!

Join us for a powerful and practical self-defense course led by our very own Ms. McGuire, a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and proud GSA mom!

Thursday, May 16th
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Multipurpose Room at GSA
$30 per person | Bring a guest for just $10 more!

Learn how to protect yourself:

• From standing positions

• Against a wall

• On the ground

About Your Instructor:
Ms. McGuire had her first-ever professional Jiu-Jitsu match on Oct. 19! With 8 years of training, and a daughter who also trains, she’s living proof that this sport builds strength, confidence, and resilience. Yes—her daughter has even used these skills in a real-life situation!

Register now at: ms.gsastl.org/selfdefense

Let’s show up, level up, and support each other. GATOR STRONG.

we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support as the Gold Sponsor for our weight room. Your sponsorship plays a crucial role in enhancing our facilities and providing students with the tools they need to stay active, healthy, and strong

Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m: General meeting & Elections

PTO Website

ms.gsastl.org/pto

hs.gsastl.org/pto

Please join the PTO Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GSAMiddleSchoolPTO

Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis - Middle School provides its students with an innovative world class education, rich in math, science and technology focused on preparing students to become bold inquirers, problem solvers and ethical leaders, skill-ready for post-secondary education to meet the challenges of a competitive global workforce.

Gateway Science Academy-NHS Cultural Night will take place on Tuesday, April 29th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM!

This special event celebrates the rich diversity of our school community through music, performances, traditional dress, food, and cultural displays.

Please save the date and stop by to support our students and staff who are proudly sharing their cultures. It promises to be an evening full of learning, connection, and celebration.