Gator News – Your Trusted Source
📩💙 Click the image above to view the full Gator Newsletter!
🎆New Year Quote🎆
Small steps each day lead to big achievements.
🍎Culture Corner🍎
Back in Action!🎒🐊
Dear Gator Parents and Students,
Welcome back and Happy New Year to you all! We hope the break provided time to rest, reset, and recharge. As we begin the second semester, we’re excited to return refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle the months ahead with purpose and energy.
This is the perfect moment to recommit to our core values: being responsible, respectful, safe, and of service. These aren’t just words. They guide our daily actions and set the standard for the kind of school community we expect and deserve.
As a reminder, dress code and cell phone expectations are fully in effect starting day one. In addition, hall sweeps will continue to ensure students are where they belong; learning in class. These measures are in place to protect valuable instructional time and eliminate loitering or skipping. Every minute matters.
Just as important to know: students do not have to struggle alone. Our teachers and administrators are here to help you navigate challenges, problem-solve obstacles, and stay on track. If you need support academically, socially, or emotionally, reach out. We are committed to helping every student meet the goal of excellence.
We are looking forward to a strong, focused start to the semester and appreciate your partnership in setting high expectations and providing consistent support.
Let’s set the tone early and keep the momentum going.
Let’s go, Gators!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Jackie Hibbler
Assistant Principal of School Culture
💬Mr. Davis' PSA
Uniform Reminder: Please ensure that all students arrive to school each day in proper school uniform. Adhering to our dress code helps maintain a positive learning environment and school pride. Uniform shirts and pants are available on an as-needed basis; families and students may see the school security officer (Ms. Missy) or any of the office secretaries for assistance.
👟👕SHARE THE WEAR👕👟
Uniform Donations Needed
Please donate gently used school pants and uniform shirts that your student has outgrown to help other students! We especially need sweatshirts and adult mens pants at this time. Thank you.
GSA Headline News
📚 Welcome to Week 2 — Testing Begins This Week!
We’re excited to kick off the second week of school and want to let families know that state testing will take place over the next two weeks. This is an important time for our students to show what they know, and we appreciate your support in helping them feel confident and prepared.
Please review the testing schedule below and note the specific dates and class periods affected:
📝 Testing Schedule
Date | Periods | Subject | Session
January 12, 2026 | Periods 1–2–3 | English II | Session 1
January 13, 2026 | Periods 1–2–3 | English II | Session 2
January 15, 2026 | Periods 1–2 | Algebra I | Session 1
January 16, 2026 | Periods 1–2 | Algebra I | Session 2
January 15, 2026 | Periods 4–5 | Algebra II | Session 1
January 16, 2026 | Periods 4–5 | Algebra II | Session 2
January 20, 2026 | Periods 1–2 | Government |
January 21, 2026 | Periods 1–2–3 | Biology |
✅ Tips for Parents
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Ensure students arrive on time and get a good night’s sleep before testing days
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Encourage a healthy breakfast each morning
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Remind students to bring glasses, calculators (if allowed), and chargers for Chromebooks
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Help reduce stress by offering positive encouragement and reassurance
⭐ Tips for Students
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Get plenty of rest and eat breakfast on testing days
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Arrive to school on time and ready to focus
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Take your time, read each question carefully, and do your best
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Stay calm — remember, this is just a chance to show what you know!
🌟📚AP Excellence Achieved! 🎓✨
Gateway Science Academy has been recognized on the College Board’s 2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Silver overall recognition for the Class of 2025.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses while supporting students on the path to college success. This recognition reflects both opportunity and achievement.
To earn Silver, schools must meet important benchmarks:
50% or more of the graduating class took at least one AP exam
30% or more earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam
5% or more of students took five or more AP exams, with at least one taken in 9th or 10th grade
In addition to Silver overall recognition, GSA also earned:
Gold recognition for students earning college credit through AP exams
Platinum recognition for early and sustained AP participation
Research shows that students who take AP courses are more likely to attend college, feel confident in college-level coursework, and graduate on time. Even when college credit is not earned, AP classes help students build critical thinking, time management, and academic confidence.
This achievement reflects a true schoolwide effort—students willing to challenge themselves, teachers providing rigorous instruction and support, counselors guiding academic pathways, and families encouraging high expectations.
Thank you for being partners in your child’s education and for supporting a culture that values growth, opportunity, and excellence. We will continue encouraging all students to explore AP opportunities as part of their academic journey.
With appreciation,
Dr. Icel
Principal, Gateway Science Academy
What’s Buzzing on Campus🐝
Gator Nation - from the Nurse's Office 💉😷🤧
📝Quick Note
St.Louis has seen an increasing number of cases of flu and respiratory illness in the past month. This is a challenging time of year, and I appreciate your help to keep our students and staff healthy! Please refer to the guidelines below if your child is not feeling well.
Students who exhibit symptoms such as fever greater than 100.4F, persistent cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, or general illness should remain at home until they are well enough to participate fully in school activities.
COVID-19 Considerations
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should remain home while they are acutely ill. They may return to school once:
- They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and
- Their symptoms have significantly improved, allowing them to participate in normal school activities.
Upon return, it is strongly recommended that students wear a well-fitting mask for several days (at least 5 days) to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if coughing or nasal congestion persists. Masks are available in the front office and nurse office.
Other Respiratory Illnesses (Flu, RSV, etc.)
The same return-to-school principles apply to other respiratory illnesses. Students should remain home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving.
Vision Screening coming to GSA!
Kids Vision for Life is coming to GSA in late January to conduct vision screenings. All students in grades 9 and 11 will have their vision screened. If you do NOT want your child screened, call or email the school nurse at nursefyler@gsastl.org.
If your child is in 10th or 12th grades and you would also like their vision screened, or they need new glasses because they have lost or broken theirs, then please call or email the school nurse.
If your child does not pass his/her vision screening, they qualify to receive an eye exam from a Kids Vision for Life St. Louis licensed optometrist and a pair of prescription glasses at no cost. You will be notified if your child does not pass their vision screening to complete a consent form for the eye exam.
💙 Scrubs & Smiles 😊
Applications are now open for the Nurse Aide Apprenticeship through Next Prep & SSM Health!
Please click here for the application!
Please click here for the apprenticeship overview!
Applications close Sunday, January 25th.
If you have any questions, please contact Riley Foster at rfoster@theopportunitytrust.org
Support Our Students and Community
At GSA, we are proud to call the YMCA our partners in expanding opportunities for students and families. The Y plays an essential role in strengthening our schools—from sponsoring underwater robotics programs in our elementary and middle schools to collaborating with us to secure the Mobile Y for the Gateway Region, which our students and families now enjoy through a variety of after-school activities.
Many of our students rely on the Y as a safe, welcoming place to go after school, and this partnership continues to open doors for incredible experiences. A GSA High School student represented both our school and our local YMCA at the International Leadership Conference in Colombia, showcasing the leadership potential within our district.
The YMCA also invests in our educators—providing professional development opportunities—and works alongside us to co-host family events that bring our community together.
By contributing to the YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign, you are investing directly in our students, our families, and the strength of our community. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.
Thank you for supporting a partnership that helps our students thrive. We are proud to call the YMCA our partners! You can donate easily at the following link-
🤖Gator Robots in Action🤖
Principles of Engineering Students Complete Robotics Project
To celebrate their achievement, the students visited several classrooms to demonstrate their robots and share their learning with other students. The demonstrations highlighted teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering design skills, while also sparking curiosity and excitement about engineering and robotics across campus.
This project showcased students’ hard work and creativity and reflected the hands-on learning that takes place in the Principles of Engineering course.
🧪🥼🥽 In the Lab w/ Ms. Neudorf🧪🥼🥽
Athletics News
⚽🏀🏋🏽Spring Sports Registration⚽🏀🏋🏽
Dear GSA High School Students and Families,
Spring Sports Registration is now open, and we’re excited for another season of growth, competition, and Gator pride.
High School Spring Sports Offered:
Baseball
Boys Volleyball (JV & Varsity)
Girls Soccer
Track & Field
All students must register through FinalForms at:
https://gateway-mo.finalforms.com/
Once registered on FinalForms, sport-specific communication (tryouts, schedules, and team updates) will be sent directly from coaches through FinalForms. Please make sure your contact information is accurate and that you regularly check emails connected to FinalForms.
***Please note that registering does not guarantee a spot on a team. Each sport will hold tryouts to determine final rosters.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in spring sports tryouts, students must:
Have a current sports physical on file and all forms completed in FinalForms prior to tryouts.
Provide a copy of first-semester grades.
Students with any failing grade from first semester are NOT eligible to try out for spring sports during second semester.
Athletic Fee
The High School Athletic Fee is $75 for the spring season. Payment details will be shared after team placement.
Supporting GSA Athletics – Thank You
We’re proud to share that GSA now has a workout room on campus serving our student-athletes. This and many other athletic improvements are possible because of your continued support.
Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to purchase essential tools for our programs, including:
Dr. Dish Basketball Shooting Machine
Volleyball Spike Machine
Additional weights and equipment for the weight room
We were able to host clinics
And more resources that directly support student-athlete development
Families can support GSA Athletics in multiple ways:
Donate directly: https://omella.com/flrgc
Shop the GSA Merch Store, including retired jerseys, with proceeds supporting the athletic department:
https://omella.com/7gxza
Thank you for investing in our student-athletes and helping us continue to build a strong, sustainable athletic program.
We look forward to another great spring season as we continue building a culture of accountability, effort, and excellence—on and off the field.
Go Gators
GSA Athletics Department
Important Links
Athletics Website | Access/ Register on FinalForms | GSA FanStore | Download Sports Physical
Follow us on Social Media
GSA Athletics on Twitter | GSA Athletics on Instagram | GSA Gator Athletics on Facebook
Spirit in Motion📣💙🙌
We are excited to reintroduce our Cheer Squad, a group of spirited students dedicated to promoting school pride, unity, and positive energy across campus. Meet our Gator cheer girls!!
(2nd photo, pictured, left to right: Skylar, Justice, Jamia, Dylan, Kiera, Raya, Chloe, Celeste, Samary, Chyle)
Friday Night Victory🙌🏼🏀
Congratulations to our girl's basketball team on their exciting victory last Friday against McKinley! Their teamwork, determination, and hustle on the court led to a well-earned win. Way to represent, girls!
🎮 Join the eSports League!👾
Love gaming? Ready to compete and connect? The upcoming Spring Season of Esports is your chance to team up, level up your skills, and represent your school in organized competitive gaming. Build teamwork, strategy, and bragging rights — all while having fun. All skill levels welcome!
Click the controller below for more information.
GSA Athletics Merch Store
🐊💙 Welcome to the GSA Athletics Merch Store!
We’re adding retired Gators jerseys to the shop—your chance to own a piece of GSA history. These authentic jerseys have been worn in competition and are now available for fans, alumni, and families to take home.
Every purchase supports new jerseys, warmups, and equipment for our current athletes, helping us keep GSA teams strong and game-ready.
🛒 Shop now or make a direct donation to back our Gators: GSA Merch Store
GSA Middle and High School PTO News
2025-2026 PTO Meeting Schedule
2025-2026 PTO Meeting Schedule
December 16: Board meeting @ Middle School
January 27: General meeting @ Middle School
February 24: Board meeting @ High School
March 24: Board meeting @ High School
April 28: General meeting & Elections @ Middle School
May 14: Board meeting @ High School
PTO Website
Please join the PTO Facebook Page:
Big Fun. Bigger Impact!😃✨🐭
Hello GSA Families,
We’re excited to begin preparations for the 2026 GSA PTO Mouse Races, our largest PTO fundraising event of the year, supporting both GSA Middle and High School students.
Each grade level has a grade-specific fundraising letter with details on:
The Mouse Races event
Class basket donations
How families can help secure business sponsors
Click below to open the documents and see detailed information for each class and representatives.
Mouse Race Flyer
Business Sponsorship Spreadsheet: (If you speak with a business representative, please note it on the spreadsheet.)
Class of 2026 : STL Home Town Basket
Class of 2027: Spa Day Basket
Class of 2028: BBQ and Outdoors Basket
Class of 2029: Pet Lovers Basket
Class of 2030: Gift Card Tree
Class of 2031: Game Night Basket
Class of 2032: Movie Night Basket
GSA's Future Health Professionals - HOSA club is hosting our first annual Trivia Night. Join us for just $5 entry fee to learn more about our club's mission and support our future competitions/activities. In addition to the Kahoot based trivia (bring a phone or other device), we will have homemade goodies and intermission games for a small fee. Thank you for your support of HOSA!
Click the title & follow the link to sign up!
Community News & Events
Get Involved with Your Neighborhood Associations
Looking for ways to connect, give back, and help shape the future of our community? Join one of our local neighborhood associations!
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Southwest Gardens Neighborhood Association – Build friendships and support neighborhood projects.
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Northampton Neighborhood Association – Share your voice and stay informed about community updates.
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The Hill Neighborhood Association – Celebrate culture and help plan fun neighborhood events.
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South Hampton Neighborhood Association – Work together to keep South Hampton vibrant and welcoming.
Whether you attend a meeting, volunteer at an event, or simply stay informed, your participation strengthens the GSA community and the neighborhoods we call home.
Alderman Devoti - 5th Ward News
The next SWGNA General Membership Meeting is
Monday, January 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Alderman Matt Devoti Contact information
Matt Devoti: devotim@stlouis-mo.gov
Thora Pearson: pearsontho@stlouis-mo.gov







