GATE Gazette

If you have a question or to report your child's absence please email Mrs. Majjari at divya.majjari@avondaleschools.org.

Principal: Anita.Steward@avondaleschools.org

Assistant Principal: Angela.Castaldi@avondaleschools.org

Secretary: Angela.Williams@avondaleschools.org

Attendance Clerk: Divya.Majjari@avondaleschools.org

Website: http://www.avondaleschools.org/gate-magnet-school
Location: 1435 W. Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: (248) 537-6400

Hours: Full Day- 8:11a.m-3:11p.m

Half Day- 8:11a.m-11:25a.m

Early Pickup for your student and changes to dismissal ends at 2:45p.m.

Middle School Webpage: https://sites.google.com/avondaleschools.org/gatemiddleschool/home

Please review the contact and emergency contact information for your child in PowerSchool to ensure it is up to date. If any revisions need to be made please revise in PowerSchool. If you need assistance please contact the main office.

avondale.nutrislice.com

March 14th is National Pi Day, a day to celebrate the mathematical constant pi (π). The date 3/14 matches the first three digits of pi (3.14).

March 17: Regular Board meeting, 7-9 pm @ Avondale High School

March 18: Districtwide 5th Grade Music Concert, 6PM @ Avondale High School

March 20: PTO Meeting, zoom ID 204 024 3974 , password GATEPTO @ 7-8 PM

March 21: HALF DAY - End of 3rd Quarter - Dismissal at 11:25am

March 24-28: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

March 31: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Learning

April 1-7: Spring Conferences

April 3: Spring Picture Day

April 4: Student Progress Check/Report available in PowerSchool

April 9: TK-8th grade HALF DAY - Teacher Professional Learning - Dismissal at 11:25am

April 11: GATE Goes Global 6:00 - 8:00pm

Dear Griffin Families,

March 21st marks the end of the 3rd quarter. It will be a half day for students, allowing teachers to work on student records in the afternoon. Student progress, as detailed in the district’s communication below, will be available to parents on Friday, April 4th.

We understand that some parents have experienced difficulty reviewing student progress through the PowerSchool App. If you encounter any issues, we encourage you to use the Online Portal for a more reliable way to access your child's progress.

Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences – By Invitation Only

Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held April 1st–7th and will be by invitation only. All GATE staff will be conducting conferences for students who currently present academic, social, or emotional concerns.

If your child’s teacher requests a conference, you will receive a letter with details on how to sign up for a date and time.

If you are not requested for a conference but would still like to meet with a staff member, you are welcome to reach out directly via email. The staff member will provide information on how to schedule a meeting.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

GATE 2-5 Progress Report/Report Card Communication

GATE 6-8 Progress Report/Report Card Communication

Best regards,

Anita Steward, Principal

Angela Castaldi, Asst. Principal

Dear Parent/Guardians:

Recently, we have had an increase in communication regarding extended travel. We understand that family travel may sometimes occur during the school year, and we appreciate your efforts to keep us informed. If your child will be absent due to travel, please notify the school as soon as possible.

Please be aware that absences due to travel are considered unexcused and will count toward your child’s overall attendance record. Excessive absences may result in an attendance letter and, depending on the number of days missed, could lead to a referral for truancy. Although we would love to excuse the absence, Michigan Law (MCLA 380.1561 – Student Compulsory Attendance in School) and the Avondale Attendance Policy require us to report absences. Please click on the link for the Avondale Handbook.

If your child will be absent for an extended period, we encourage you to communicate with their teachers to discuss possible assignments or alternative learning options. While we will do our best to provide support, please note that missed classroom instruction and activities cannot always be replicated.

To report travel plans that will affect attendance or if you have any questions, please contact the attendance secretary, Mrs. Majjari at divya.majjari@avondaleschools.org.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring your child’s continued learning.

Thank you for your support!

Rochester Hills Public Library

This past weekend, many GATE 5th graders competed in the Rochester Hills Public Library Battle of the Books. There were about 40 groups with close to 200 students, 5 groups had kids from GATE. The competing kids had 4 months to read 12 books and they battled for 2 hours against each other. They all did an amazing job!

It was an intense competition, we had 2 GATE teams that tied for first place along with another team. It was the first tie that they have had in over 10 years. They had to go into a tie breaker and the two GATE teams, The Papercuts and Book Bots, ended up tying for 2nd place. We are so proud of them all! Go Griffins!

Auburn Hills Public Library

GATE Magnet School also had 6 5th grade teams and 2 4th Grade teams who participated in the Battle of the Books at the Auburn Hills Public Library! What a wonderful way to showcase our wonderful readers and their love of learning!

Accent Pontiac Student, Trent Dawson, has been selected to perform as part of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Middle School Honor Day on Monday, March 10th. This is a prestigious event, where our students will represent the district, Accent Pontiac, and the community as they interact with other students from around Metro-Detroit.

Congratulations to Assistant Principal, Mrs. Castaldi and 5th grader, Ankit Padhi for being honored at the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce 29th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Program. This special evening is to honor students and the teacher of their choice who display qualities of excellence.

We’re going to The Netherlands, Belgium, France, England in Spring 2026, and you’re invited!

We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity: https://rsvp.eftours.com/m33pxsj

When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.

In this info session, we’ll talk about:

• How this opportunity will benefit your student
• What we’ll see and do on our trip
• Everything that’s included in this experience
• How your child can earn academic credit
• How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period

There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Thanks!

Ms. Hannah Syme

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming International Night, called GATE Goes Global, an exciting event that will celebrate the diversity of our school community! This is a great opportunity to come together, learn about different cultures, enjoy delicious food, and have fun with friends and family. We truly hope that every family will join us for what promises to be a memorable evening!

Date: April 11, 2025

Time: 6-8pm (subject to change slightly)

Location: GATE School

The VOLUNTEER After School Program Coordinator (ASP) role is available for next school year. We are very appreciative of our current ASP, as she has done a phenomenal job. We are currently looking for a volunteer replacement who would spend time transitioning with her, with plans of taking over and doing the coordinating work next school year. Please see the role description and email Mrs. Steward @ anita.steward@avondaleschools.org if you are interested.

Spanish will have a make-up on Tuesday, March 18th.

Skyhawks Basketball will have a make-up on Wednesday, March 19th.

Brighter Minds will have a make-up on Thursday, March 20th.

Skyhawks Basketball will have an additional make-up on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Brighther minds are offering an Online Zoom Spring Information Session for Brighter Minds on Tuesday, 18th March 8:30 pm - 9 pm on Zoom. Interested parents can RSVP at the link below to join our call:

https://forms.gle/VqoV2GEbRKGCh6ya9

If you are interested and want to sign up for a table, you can sign up here: https://gate.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=b1bb4446-d18e-4ef9-894b-8ef8c5cbd099~s.9223370298047767490

Being part of a committee is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our school community, develop new skills, and collaborate with fellow parents, teachers, and students.

Important: Each individual can sign up for a maximum of two committee spots. This ensures that everyone has a chance to participate and contribute meaningfully.

Explore the different committees and find the ones that match your interests and strengths. We look forward to your involvement and the great ideas you'll bring to our school!

Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to making our school the best it can be!

To view and sign up for our PTO committees, click HERE

Here is the most recent Avondale Athletics Newsletter.

Thanks,

Denise

Please use the Google doc link to sign up for the program.