GSA Middle School

We are just a few weeks away from Spring Break. Wow this year has flown by…and it will continue to go by quickly. Please take a moment to read about the great things taking place at GSA Middle.

Are you missing winter coats? Do you have mix-match gloves at home? Have you not seen your child’s lunchbox in two weeks? Next week, before we head off for the break, we will have all students clean out their lockers of trash, old food, old work, broken pencils, coats, gloves, etc. This is the perfect time to take home items that they no longer use, are spoiled or that just have no place at school. Please have your child bring a trash bag or bag to take home all of their extra things that they are storing in their lockers.

When we return from break, our Admin team will be holding grade level meetings to reinforce our behavioral expectations and ensure that all students understand and follow our GSA Gator Way in all areas of our school community.

We will emphasize several key reminders that are crucial for maintaining a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment.

Cell Phones, Earbuds, Headphones: These devices are not permitted for use during the school day. Phones are to be off and put away in lockers. We ask for your support in reinforcing this rule with your child to minimize distractions and focus on learning. Students choosing not to follow the expectations may have their items confiscated and a parent may need to pick them up at the main office.

Safe Behavior: It is essential that students keep their hands, feet and items to themselves; avoiding any physical contact with others. Any physical fighting results in serious consequences, including out-of-school suspension.

Dress Code: GSA has an established dress code that students are expected to follow. Please be sure to monitor what your child is wearing when they leave for school in the morning. A few things that we are seeing that are not allowed: crocs, sweatpants, leggings, biker shorts, coats, etc. Please review the dress code with your child. Students choosing not to adhere to the dress code may receive consequences including suspension.

Promoting Respectful Speech: Any form of demeaning or insulting language is strictly prohibited. We encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of treating others with kindness, respect and empathy at all times.

Tardies: First hour starts at 7:51 each day. Being on time to school and class is critical for student success, as it allows for them to be prepared for learning when they are present and on time. The same is true for being on time to class. Students who are late to classes will accumulate tardies and consequences from detentions to suspensions may be assigned. Thank you for ensuring your child arrives to school on time and encouraging them to get to each class by the bell.

Academic Success: Please stay up on your child’s academic progress by checking Powerschool frequently. Tutoring is arranged by teachers after school should your child need additional help. Please reach out to them for times and days that they stay for tutoring sessions. Students who are not meeting the academic targets are subject to retention.

Just a reminder that school ends at 2:42 (1:30 on Wednesdays) and students need to be picked up promptly. We are noticing several students lingering and attempting to socialize with friends instead of looking for their rides. While we understand their wanting to connect with peers, this behavior delays parents departing and poses safety concerns with students not watching crossing guard directives. Just a reminder too that local businesses are not extensions of the school and students should not wander there to further gather and socialize unbeknownst to their parents.

By reinforcing these expectations at home, you play a crucial role in supporting our efforts to foster a safe and respectful learning environment for all. Thank you for your partnership in promoting positive behavior and respectful interactions among our school community.

A continued reminder regarding Saturday School: Saturday school is INVITATION ONLY. Teachers will contact parents should they believe that their child has enough missing assignments to fill up three hours of time. Please note that a teacher will confirm with a parent the days and times for Saturday School. If your child is NOT on the list, your child will not be allowed in. Should your child be assigned Saturday School, you will need to have your child here a few minutes before 8:00. The doors will LOCK at 8:00 and latecomers will not be allowed in. This allows for the teachers to secure the building, go over expectations with the students, and begin working with them on their assignments. Students are to be picked up promptly at 11:00 when Saturday School has concluded for the day.

Please note a few dates:

End of Third Quarter

March 14

Fourth Quarter Begins

March 17

Spring Break - NO SCHOOL

March 24 - 28

No School

March 31 - Records Day for Students

Students Return

April 1

PINK OUT

Date to be determined

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

GSA Middle School Administration and Counseling Team

4th Quarter is here!!! This means the end-of-year celebrations are right around the corner.

Be Aware - Eligibility Requirements are in effect!!!

Passing ALL Quarter Classes (no grades lower than 60%)*

90% Attendance for the Quarter (can’t miss more than 4 days of the same class)*
No Out-of-School Suspensions*
*If criteria result in ineligibility, there may be opportunities for recovery, such as Saturday school, community service, and accountability acknowledgment statements.

Illuminate 3rd Quarter MAP Practice Benchmark

Students will take a similar test to the MAP test next week, identical to the assessment they did before the Winter Break. This test measures students' growth since the beginning of the 3rd quarter.

This will be in Writing class on Tuesday, March 18th, Writing and Reading on Wednesday, March 19th, and for students who still haven't finished or have been absent, make-ups will be on Thursday, March 20th, and Friday, March 21st, in Reading or Writing class as completion of the test happens. They will be expected to finish it before Spring Break.

Our Middle School Yearbook Club is hard at work, capturing all the unforgettable moments and achievements from this school year! Don’t miss out on this keepsake filled with memories made by students, for students. To reserve your copy, please go to this link and order your yearbook today: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2259035/Gateway-Science-Acad-Middle-Sch/2025-Yearbook/2024071004215586374/CATALOG_SHOP/.

NOTE: This is only for the Middle School Yearbook. The High School yearbook cannot be purchased with this link.

Middle School Student Council is excited to announce the launch of its latest service project, the February Canned Food Drive! Here's what you need to know:

• Each grade level at GSA Middle is competing to see who can donate the most ounces of canned goods.
• Cans must be in good condition and not expired to be counted.
• Social Studies teachers’ classrooms will serve as the drop-off locations for each grade.
• The grade that donates the most canned goods by the end of February wins a donut party provided by admin during an advisory period in March!
• All canned goods will be donated to a local food pantry in March.

Students will be asked to remove all perishables, winter coats, and unnecessary items from their lockers before Spring Break. They need to come prepared to carry things home the following days:

Tuesday - 7th and 8th

Thursday - 6th

We hope you have a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable spring break! Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed on April 1st.

We hope you had a great spring break! A quick reminder that doors open at 7:30 AM. Looking forward to seeing everyone back!

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

Friday- April 11th

Friday- May 9th

Hello Gator Families,

Are you a St. Louis Blues fan? Looking for a fun night out? Want to support our amazing students? Well, mark your calendar for March 25, 2025, because Louie, the Blues mascot, wants to see YOU at the Enterprise Center when the Blues take on the Montreal Canadiens at 7:00 PM!

Ticket Info:

• Prices: $32 - $159 (something for everyone’s budget!)
• Benefits: A portion of every ticket sold through our special link will directly support the Class of 2027, helping them reach their fundraising goals for future events and activities.
• Bonus: You can pay in 4 easy installments with Zip!

Purchase Deadline: March 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Location: Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103

Let’s fill the arena with maroon and blue as we cheer for the Blues and support the Gator community! Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just want a fun night out, this is your chance to make a difference while having a blast.

Get your tickets now and share the link with family, friends, and colleagues: Get Tickets Here

Thank you in advance for your support! Let’s make this an unforgettable night for the Class of 2027 and show St. Louis what Gators are all about.

GSA Fyler Campus

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

April 24: 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.