Gates Notes & News

Hello Gates Students & Families,

What a fantastic start to the school year! While we know that the beginning of a new school year always comes with a few bumps and adjustments, I couldn’t be more pleased with how quickly our students have settled into their routines and embraced learning. There is such a positive energy throughout our building, and it has been wonderful to see students excited to be back at school and ready to learn.

One of the highlights of these first few weeks has been watching our students support one another. Whether they are working together, welcoming new friends, or helping classmates learn our routines and expectations, they are already demonstrating what it means to be a caring and connected Gates community. We truly are better together!

As we move into the school year, please be on the lookout for a weekly newsletter from your child’s teacher. These newsletters will be your best source of information about classroom learning, activities, and upcoming events. While social media can be a fun way to share information and celebrate our students, not everything posted will apply to every student or necessarily reflect school or district expectations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to rely on communication directly from your child’s teacher and the school.

And, as always, if you ever have a question or need clarification, please reach out! We are here to partner with you and support your child in any way we can.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, there will be no school on Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7. I hope you enjoy the long weekend with family and friends and take a little time to savor these final days of summer.

Most sincerely,
Natalie Miller
Proud Gates Principal

Davison Homecoming is Friday, September 18! ❤️💛

That means it’s time for Spirit Week, September 14–18! This year, we’re bringing the colorful, festive spirit of Rio to Davison as we celebrate Homecoming together. Get ready for a week of fun, school spirit, and lots of colorful creativity! Below is a preview of our special Spirit Days as we celebrate Homecoming and show our Cardinal pride!

Also, please note that Friday, September 18th will be a District Early Release for all students and staff to allow everyone to prepare for the parade and game. Students will be released at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Friday, September 18th.

Please remember that our first Early Release of the school year is Friday, September 18th. Students will be released from school two hours early so that students and staff may prepare for the homecoming parade and game. Parent Pick-up and the loading of buses will begin at approximately 1:35pm with final dismissal at 1:43pm.

Additionally, please be sure your calendars are marked for 'no school' on Monday, September 21st. Staff will be participating in professional development all day on this date.

Congratulations to Emmersyn Cole and Eli Crane on being choose as our first marking period Morning Announcers. While they have only been 'on the job' for two weeks, we can share that they are naturals and doing an amazing job!

Keep the Code! The start of each new school year brings a review of school and classroom procedures. In Davison we teach our students the Cardinal Code. The Cardinal Code is a positive behavior support for students in which certain behaviors are expected, taught and insisted upon. For those students having difficulty following the Cardinal Code, teachers and staff work with students and parents to assist in learning and following the code.

For those new to Davison Community Schools, the Cardinal Code “CARDS” stands for ... Courteous, Attentive, Respectful, Dependable, and Supportive of Our School.

We love having extra help during the school day! Parents and guardians (only) are invited to participate in various activities during the school day, including Watch Dogs, Mileage Moms, Popcorn Poppers, Composters and party day helpers. Please note that all volunteers must have a preapproved Volunteer Form on file with the District prior to any volunteer opportunity. Completed volunteer forms must be submitted with a copy of the volunteer's Michigan Driver's License for consideration and must be updated annually. Thank you for helping to keep all student's safe while at school!

Gates students and staff LOVE to celebrate birthdays! Due to ongoing concerns regarding food allergies, medical conditions and dietary restrictions, Davison Community Schools no longer allows food treats, including cake and cupcakes, to be sent in. Please talk with your child’s teacher about alternate ideas for celebrating your child’s birthday.

PTO members are encouraged to complete the DCS Volunteer application as soon as possible to become eligible to participate in any PTO volunteer opportunities including "Pick the One "Book Day, Gates Walk-A-Thon, and Santa's Workshop. Volunteer forms are valid for one year from date of completion once approved. Looking forward to seeing you at this important meeting!

If your child needs to take medication at school, either prescription or over the counter, an “Authorization to Administer Medication” form and Care Plan must be completed and signed by a doctor prior to any medication being left in the office. The form can be obtained in the office or online. All medications must be delivered to the office by parent or other adult, never with a student for safety reasons. Medications must be in their original packaging and prescription labels must be visible. In addition the medication must match what is written on the Authorization to Administer Medication form and cannot be expired. This information needs to be updated each school year. For further information, please contact the office at 591-5001 or Student Services at 591-0913.

We understand that sometimes a change may need to be made to your child's after school destination. When this happens, please call the Gates office by 3:15pm (810-591-5001) in order for the office staff to have time to deliver the information to your student's teacher. Additionally, please do not leave after school change messages on our voicemail for safety reasons. Please speak to staff member to assure your information is able to be delivered prior to dismissal.

• Friday, September 4th - NO School!
• Monday, September 7th - NO School, Labor Day!
• Tuesday, September 8th - PTO Meeting, Join US!
• Tuesday, September 15th - PTO Fundraiser Orders DUE
• Friday, September 18th - Early Release Day, Students will be dismissed from school at approximately 1:43 p.m.
• Friday, September 21st - No School for Students, Staff Professional Development Day
• Friday, September 25th - Popcorn Friday
• Thursday, October 1st - Fundraiser Pick up in the gym (3:45-6pm)
• Tentative - October 5th- Mobile Dentist visit
• October 7th - Early Release, dismissal at 1:43pm
• October 14 & 15 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Future Dates...

1st Grade Musical - May 20th, 6:30pm/DCS PAC

2nd Grade Musical - December 7th, 6:30pm/DCS PAC

3rd Grade Musical - November 12th, 6:30pm/DCS PAC

4th Grade Musical - April 27th, 6:30pm/DCS PAC

Family Reading Night - Wednesday, March 10th

Family Art Night - May 12th

PTO Daddy/Daughter Dance - Saturday, November 7th

PTO Mother/Son Event - March (TBD)

Attendance at school each day is important for the education of all children. Missed days in many cases results in lost learning. However, any child who is ill should stay home. If your child is going to be absent, please remember to call the attendance line at 591-5000. If they are not in school and we do not receive a call, students will be marked unexcused.

Gates Elementary

Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin

and

We Celebrate Groovy Pride and Cardinal Pride!

Email: nmiller@davisonschools.org
Website: www.davisonschools.org
Location: 2359 S. Irish, Davison, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-5001