GCCSD News and Updates - Dec. 2022

The end of the calendar year gives us an opportunity to pause our busy lives and reflect on our proud accomplishments. The season offers us a chance to say “thank you” to the entire school community for all of the support that you provide to our students, our families and our staff.

Over the past several weeks, I have watched as students and staff have banded together to help each other and those who need it this year. Just yesterday morning, Neil Armstrong students were featured on the news for their outstanding efforts during a toy drive. This type of community outreach and service is a great testament to our Spartan Way values, and it reflects the #GCCares culture that only continues to grow.

Take a look at the photos below to see many more Spartans in action and be sure to take note of some important updates and reminders further on in this e-newsletter. Remember that there is no school for students in grades UPK-5 this coming Monday, Dec. 5.

It is my great honor to serve as the superintendent here in Gates Chili. I wish you all a wonderful December and look forward to seeing you at our concerts, athletic contests and events.

Go Spartans!

Christopher Dailey
Superintendent of Schools

@GatesChiliSuper

As we’ve shared, districts in New York State have returned to family-paid meals this school year. For the 2022-23 school year, breakfast is $2.00, and lunch is $3.20. Families can still send in cash/check to add funds to meal accounts, however, the district retains two new platforms to help families manage the cost of meals.

In 2020, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) began requiring public schools to provide information on student and teacher access to devices and the internet.

Today is the last day to complete the brief survey found in the User Defined tab of SchoolTool Parent Portal.

• Similar to previous surveys, this questionnaire asks about students' access to devices and the internet and is required to be submitted for each school-aged child.
• Please review this brief instructional video for details on where to find the survey and how to complete it. Families must answer each question and save their responses.
• If you need technical assistance, please contact our help desk at support@gateschili.org or 585-340-5522.

Thank you in advance for responding to the NYSED Digital Equity Survey.

As we move into the winter months and the likelihood of inclement weather, here are some reminders about emergency school closings and delays.

• In the event of an emergency or inclement weather, the district will provide information and updates via phone call, text message, email, as well as the district website, social media, and local TV/radio stations.
• School closings will be announced no later than 6 a.m. whenever possible.
• While we aim to limit early dismissals whenever possible, sometimes they become necessary. Families whose homes are unattended during the day should make arrangements for their students to be supervised in the event of an early dismissal.
• If afternoon school activities are canceled due to weather conditions, all district campuses and buildings will be closed. This means all afternoon and evening activities are canceled including sporting events, field house activities, club meetings, Continuing Education classes, etc. This also means that all late bus runs will be cancelled for the day.

Gates Chili recognizes the importance of voter input in the budget development process. In an effort to gain this valuable feedback, the district is once again holding its Budget Ambassador Program for the 2023-24 school year budget.

Ambassadors will review the preliminary 2023-24 budget as developed by the administration within parameters established by the Board of Education and recommend to the BOE any modifications they would like to see.

Ambassadors will commit to serve on a committee which meets for three (3) two-and-a-half- (2.5) hour evening sessions with the superintendent and assistant superintendent for business on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6p.m.
• Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, April 6 at 6 p.m. (if a third session is needed)

• Dec. 3: FBFA Craft Show, Gates Chili MS, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dec. 5: UPK-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences/No School for Students UPK-5
• Dec. 5: HS Band Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 6: BOE Meeting, Admin. Building, 6:30 p.m.
• Dec. 7: PR Winter Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 13: MS Grades 6-8 Winter Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 14: WD Winter Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 15: MS Grades 7-8 Band Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 16: #GCPride Day
• Dec. 20: BOE Meeting, Admin. Building, 6:30 p.m.
• Dec. 23: UPK-5 Conferences - Half Day for Students UPK-5
• Dec. 26: Holiday (Observance) - District Closed
• Dec. 27-30: Holiday Recess - No School for Students and 10-Month Staff

Always check the district's online calendar for the most up-to-date dates, times and locations for events.

Job ID 774: Library Media Specialist - LTS

Job ID 777: Science Teacher (2023-24 school year)
Job ID 703: Technology Teacher

Job ID 772: School Psychologist Intern (2023-24 school year)

Job ID 776: Automotive Mechanic

Job ID 725: Cleaner

Job ID 614: Food Service Helper

Job ID 747: Teacher Aide - School Aide

Job ID 728: Hall Monitor/Cafeteria Monitor (Part-time)

Job ID 780: Receptionist - Administration Building (Full-time)

Job ID 750: Bus Attendant

Job ID 749: Bus Driver
Job ID 723: Substitute Support Staff
Job ID 724: Substitute Teacher*

*The Gates Chili Board of Education recently approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.