GCCSD News and Updates - May 2023
Dear Gates Chili School Community,
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
Today is the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States.
The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Many of these groups are represented in and add to the rich diversity of our Gates Chili school community. This month (and all year long), let us all continue to celebrate the unique life experiences, cultures and traditions that are woven into the colorful tapestry of Gates Chili.
There are many ways to learn more about our proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year. Please continue reading below for more information. In addition, we invite you to join us tomorrow evening for our Budget Public Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night. It kicks off at 6 p.m. in the Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC). Both events will be streamed live and recorded on the district YouTube channel at the links above.
Be sure to also check out the snapshot of all the wonderful things happening in Gates Chili, including several new awards and recognition of our students and programs!
Go Spartans!
Christopher Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
Learning caught in action!
Brasser Bears jumped into a second-grade measurement lesson last month, taking their learning to new heights!
Artistic Dragons
Disney Dragons have been busy curating and hanging art for the Disney Art Show this month. Come check it out Thursday, May 11 from 6-7 p.m.
The magic of Aladdin on stage!
Second- through fourth-grade Panthers (and Dragons, Bears and Stars) enjoyed a performance of Aladdin at the Auditorium Theatre this spring thanks to the ARTS Partners program, a partnership with RBTL.
Important lessons in social media
Middle school students attended a special assembly on April 13 focused on digital safety and citizenship on social media titled "Pause Before You Post.”
HEY-AY-AY-AY! Let's go Spartans!
The first-ever Gates Chili Girls Flag Football team had the chance to scrimmage a team from Section VI inside the Buffalo Bills practice facility in April!
Spartans have got the skills!
WEMOCO machining student Sarah S. and several other Gates Chili students collaborated with their regional peers during the SkillsUSA NYS Leadership and Skills Championships on April 27.
Gates Chili Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education! Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
“We continue to look for ways to give students rich, authentic experiences in the arts,” explained Superintendent Christopher Dailey. “From opening the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center and state-of-the-art music and art classrooms to provide students with the space to further develop and explore the arts, to partnering with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) to integrate music education into the classroom, I know this national recognition will only further motivate our Spartans to achieve great success in their music education.”
“The benefits of music education to a student’s life are immeasurable,” said Katie Coon, director of secondary education. “Music education supports all learning, stimulating language skills, developing a great work ethic, fostering a spirit of collaboration and helping students to build confidence.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Gates Chili answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Eligible residents will vote on the following:
- Proposition 1: Authorizes the appropriation of $ 128,552,415 to meet estimated expenditures. Under the proposed plan, the overall spending would increase by $ 6,215,006, a 5.08% increase over the 2022-23 budget. However, the proposed tax levy is $ 59,954,918, which is an approximate 2.99% increase, and therefore does not exceed the New York State Tax Cap.
- Proposition 2: Authorizes the purchase of school buses at a total cost of no more than $ 1,929,330. Please note that New York State reimburses Gates Chili approximately 75% of the cost of bus purchases.
- Proposition 3: Authorizes the creation of a capital reserve fund, not to exceed $15 million with a 10-year life, to finance reconstruction and improvement of school buildings and facilities.
- Proposition 4: Authorizes a student who is a senior and who has attended high school within the district for at least two (2) years serve as an ex officio student member of the Board of Education.
Keep an eye on the mailbox next week:
Next week, district residents will be receiving the budget issue of the district newsletter in the U.S. mail.
It features information about the 2023-24 budget, information about the candidates running for the Board of Education, as well as many stories of the outstanding successes and opportunities available to our students and staff.
Extra copies are also available in every school's main office, as well as the Gates Chili Administration Building.
Episode 1: What are we funding?
Episode 2: The cost of what we're funding
Gates Chili is proud to announce a partnership with Children’s Institute to revise the code of conduct during the 2023-24 school year. For more than 60 years, Children’s Institute has been dedicated to addressing children’s social and emotional health. They are a recognized leader in our region for their research on the health and well-being of young children and families, and they work with school districts to support implementation of practices that help students, academically and behaviorally.
The code of conduct is a set of rules that guide behavior and expectations within the school community. Over time, some of these rules may become outdated or may not consider the diverse needs and experiences of all students. The goal of the code of conduct revision is to promote equity and create a more positive school environment by promoting a culture of inclusivity, empathy and respect.
In preparation for the code of conduct revision process, Children’s Institute is gathering information from staff, students and families to better understand experiences with the code and areas for improvement. Throughout this process, there will be opportunities for families to provide input and feedback before, during and after the revision process. The first two opportunities are focus groups that will be led by experts from Children’s Institute. These small-group interviews will be essential to incorporating the needs of students and their families in the revision of the code.
- Monday, May 22 from 10-10:45 a.m. (virtual)
- Monday, May 22 from 6-6:45 p.m. (virtual)
Only Children’s Institute staff will know the specific content of what is shared during these focus groups. No specific identifying information will be shared with any Gates Chili staff members. If you are unable to participate in these focus groups, please complete the form to indicate that you’d like to be considered for future opportunities.
This Thursday, you'll be able to:
đź‘‹ Meet our drivers
🚍 Test drive a school bus
🔋 Look under the hood of our new electric buses
And learn about important perks of the job, including:
đź’µ NYS retirement system
đź’Š Health insurance for the whole family
đź’Ş Fitness center, indoor track and pool access
Ready to apply? Head over to gateschili.org/jobs.
- May 2: Gr. 8 to 9 Transition Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- May 2: Budget Public Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night, GCPLC, 6 p.m.
- May 4: Transportation Job Fair, Transportation and Facilities Center, 4-7 p.m.
- May 4-5: MS Synchronized Swim Show, GC Natatorium, 7 p.m.
- May 8: HS Tri-M Recital, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- May 9: Board of Education Meeting, GCPLC, 6:30 p.m.
- May 9: FB Spring Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7p.m.
- May 10: MS Senior Citizens Dinner, GCMS Cafeteria, 4-6 p.m.
- May 10: PR Spring Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- May 11: HS Art Show Awards, GCHS Counseling Suite, 6-7 p.m.
- May 11: NA Spring Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- May 16: Annual Budget Vote and Board Election, GC Field House, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- May 16: HS Jazz Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- May 17: WD Spring Band and Chorus Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- May 18: HS Awards Ceremony, GCPAC, 6:30 p.m.
- May 19: #GCPride Day
- May 19: MS Gr. 6 Fun Night, GCMS Cafe / Library / Gym, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- May 23: Board of Education Meeting, GCPLC, 6:30 p.m.
- May 26-29: Memorial Day Recess (District Closed)
- May 31: HS Spring Choral Concert, GCPAC, 7 p.m.
- Job ID 859: Physical Education Teacher/Health Education Teacher (2023-24 school year)
- Job ID 703: Technology Teacher
- Job ID 862: Licensed Practical Nurse (2 positions for 2023-24 school year)
- Job ID 854: Summer Facilities Help - Temporary
- Job ID 861: Micro Computer Maintenance Technician
- Job ID 755: Head Bus Driver (Supervisor)
- Job ID 725: Cleaner
- Job ID 789: Lifeguard
- Job ID 858: Food Service Helper
- Job ID 747: Teacher Aide - School Aide
- Job ID 728: Hall Monitor/Cafeteria Monitor (Part-time)
- Job ID 750: Bus Attendant
- Job ID 749: Bus Driver
- Job ID 723: Substitute Support Staff
- Job ID 724: Substitute Teacher*
- Job ID 860: Security Worker - Provisional Appointment
*The Gates Chili Board of Education recently approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.
