GCCSD News and Updates - Oct. 2024

Dear Gates Chili Community,

The 2024-25 school year is off to a great start, and I am filled with pride and excitement for the incredible things happening across our district. From our students' enthusiasm to our staff's dedication, it's clear we are building brighter futures together.

This month, we continue to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, both within our district and beyond. This month, we also recognize the beginning of Italian Heritage Month, as well as many other heritage and awareness months that reflect the rich diversity of our community. These celebrations offer meaningful opportunities to recognize and honor the cultural diversity that makes Gates Chili such a vibrant and special community.

Read on later in the newsletter for a full list of these heritage and awareness months and where you can learn more about them. Sharing these resources is just one way we can work together to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for each student and their family.

As the fall air turns cooler, I look forward to seeing students, staff and families out and about at various events and functions. In the meantime, don’t forget that Wednesday, Oct. 2 is a half day for students and there will be no school for students on Friday, Oct. 11 and Monday, Oct. 14.

Go Spartans!

Christopher J. Dailey

Superintendent of Schools

The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!

This month, meet Nico M., a seventh-grader at Gates Chili Middle School taking Italian as a language elective. Gates Chili is one of the few districts in the county that offer Italian as a language. In honor of Italian Heritage Month, we chatted with Nico about his Italian class and how it ties into his Italian Heritage.

What made you decide to take Italian as opposed to other language classes offered?

Nico: I have family in Italy. Right now, I only know the bare minimum of the language. I want to learn more so that I can go back to Italy to see my family and talk to them without having to rely on a translator.

Have you been to Italy before?

Nico: Yes, three times actually. I can’t remember the first trip because I was so young, but most recently we went earlier this year. My dad and I’s favorite soccer team Napoli made it to the championship, and we were able to go and watch them play. It was a really good time.

Do you have a goal of learning to speak fluent Italian?

Nico: Yeah! My dad’s parents are from Italy, and after my dad was born, they brought him back to Italy for a time. When they came back [to the U.S.] my dad was fully fluent in Italian because he was immersed in the language while staying in Italy. Sometimes he will speak in Italian to me. I’ve learned to understand a lot of the language, but I want to learn to be able to actually speak it.

Has having a parent who is fluent in the language helped you prepare for the class?

Nico: Yeah definitely! Because it’s only my first year [taking Italian] we are not learning anything too intense, but I already understand a lot of the basics and have been able to help my friends out as well.

What is your favorite thing you’ve learned so far in Italian class?

Nico: Probably introductions. [GCMS Italian teacher] Mrs. Gelfuso had us do an activity where we had to introduce a friend to the class. It was fun because you got to learn more about that person and other classes, while also starting to learn the language.

Why do you think it's important to learn a different language?

Nico: It’s really useful overall, especially if you want to travel. Being able to go to a different country and have the ability to communicate without a translator would make the experience better. Just being able to go to a restaurant and order something using that country’s language makes things easier.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Nico: Mrs. Gelfuso is a really great teacher! Italian is my favorite class. I walked into class on the first day and when I saw a lot of my friends in the class I thought, this is the best class I’ve had so far!

Social media is designed to be addictive and distracting, and it’s impacting our kids’ minds. That’s why Gates Chili High School and Gates Chili Middle School are teaming up on a special event designed to give students and families tools to address these challenges.

Social Media and Your Kids: Navigating Social Media's Grip on Young Minds

⌚ Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 4:45-6:30 p.m.

🗺 Gates Chili Performing Arts Center at GCHS, 1 Spartan Way

🍕 Free pizza dinner is available from 4:45-5:30 p.m.

💬 Presentation from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

🧒 Free childcare is available for school-aged children

Register at gateschili.org/SocialAwakening or by clicking the button below (please note you must be logged into ParentSquare to access the registration link).

All district residents will soon be receiving a postcard in the mail regarding a community census. This census will assist the district in obtaining the most accurate enrollment data for planning future school programs and services.

If you have children in your household under the age of 21, please complete the community census form using one of the methods outlined below no later than Oct. 31, 2024:

• Go to gateschili.org/census on your computer or mobile browser to complete the form
• Call (585) 247-5050 ext. 12224 to complete the form over the phone with the registrar
• Scan the QR code on the postcard you receive in the mail

If you have any questions, contact the district registrar via email at registrar@gateschili.org or by calling (585) 247-5050 ext. 12224. Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated.

Construction continues on the first phase of the district’s current capital project!

Crews have been working hard on upgrades to high school and middle school technology classrooms, middle school music classrooms and high school family and consumer science (FACS) classrooms. The addition of restrooms near the Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC) is also nearly complete. This phase of the project also includes the relocation of district office staff from the Administration Building to the high school. That work should be done before the end of the calendar year, with staff moving into the high school sometime in December.

Meanwhile, plans to renovate the Gates Chili Administration Building now involve transforming the space into the district’s operations hub. You may remember that while NYSED approved the plans to construct prekindergarten classrooms in this building, it unexpectedly did not approve state funding for this space. That funding would have offset the majority of the cost of construction. Acknowledging a commitment to not increasing the local tax burden, the district will now only address necessary infrastructure needs to be able to use this space for facilities, security and other internal operations.

The second phase of this project is still awaiting NYSED approval. It includes work at Florence Brasser Elementary School, the creation of a multipurpose turf complex near the middle school and general building upkeep such as upgrades to heating and ventilation units and other regular maintenance. Once approved, construction on this phase will begin immediately.

While construction continues on the Building Brighter Futures project, the district is gearing up for its next capital improvement project—Future Ready!

Just like regular maintenance and upkeep of a home, the district must address its ongoing facilities needs through regular planned capital improvement projects. The goal with each of these projects is to have no impact on the tax levy, instead using capital reserves and state funding to offset costs.

After many months of research and planning, the district is ready to present a plan for its next capital project that preserves resources and maintains schools for many years to come. Unlike past projects that have focused mainly on new construction and the addition of things like the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center, much of the work included in this project are infrastructure and mechanical needs related to aging facilities.

Work is divided into four categories with each building having certain needs addressed. The greatest percentage of the proposed work will address failing infrastructure needs:

• 42% failing infrastructure needs
• 35% renovations
• 15% replacements
• 8% new work

There will be many more opportunities to learn about this project ahead of the Feb. 5, 2025 vote. Again, thanks to careful planning, this construction is expected to have no impact on the local taxes. For updates on this and other capital improvement projects, visit gateschili.org/CapitalProject.

Mark your calendars—it’s almost time for the Fall Family Fest: Harvesting Health and Wellness in our Community! Please join us at the event on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 5-7 p.m. in the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way.

There will be fun games, live performances, flu vaccines, a passport fair, our annual coat drive and great opportunities to connect with community businesses and live performances!

Flu vaccinations will be available from 5-7 p.m. for individuals ages 4 and older. Walk-ins are welcome, but you are encouraged to make an appointment. Call (716) 805-1020 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make an appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted as payment, so please bring your insurance card. For those without insurance, the cost will be $45 per person. For more information, please contact info@INCnursing.com.

In addition, our annual Spartan Way Coat Drive is also kicking off later this month! Coats collected will be available for distribution at the Fall Family Fest on Nov. 7. If you’re interested in donating, you can drop off new or gently used coats, hats and mittens from Tuesday, Oct. 21 through Tuesday, Nov. 5, only at these locations:

• Gates Chili Administration Building
• Gates Chili Transportation and Facilities Center
• Gates Chili High School
• Gates Chili Middle School
• Imagination Childcare Academy
• Florence Brasser Elementary School
• Neil Armstrong Elementary School
• Paul Road Elementary School
• Walt Disney Elementary School
• Gates YMCA Elmgrove
• Chili Public Library

We are excited to host our community at this wonderful event. Hope to see you there!

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month

National Principals Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Czech Heritage Month

Filipino American History Month

German American Heritage Month

Italian American Heritage and Culture Month

Polish American Heritage Month

Oct. 2: Rosh Hashanah begins

Oct. 2: Supt. Conf. Day - Half Day for Students UPK-12

Oct. 2: MS Gr. 7-8 Meet the Staff Night and PSQ Demo, 6:30-8:45 p.m.

Oct. 3: FB Picture Day

Oct. 3: HS Rochester Area Colleges (RAC) Fair

Oct. 3: Staff Flu Clinic, 3-6 p.m.

Oct. 3: WD Fall Family Fun Night, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 5: FBFA Apple Dumpling Festival, 1-4 p.m.

Oct. 8: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC

Oct. 9: HS Financial Aid Night, 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11: Yom Kippur begins

Oct. 11: Supt. Conf. Day - No School for Students UPK-12

Oct. 14: Columbus Day / Indigenous People's Day - District Closed

Oct. 15-18: GC Homecoming Week

Oct. 17: HS Picture Makeup Day

Oct. 17: HS PSAT Exam

Oct. 21: PR Picture Day

Oct. 23: WD Picture Day

Oct. 23: HS Military Careers Day, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Oct. 24: HS Fall Drama, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25: #GCPride Day

Oct. 25: MS Gr. 7-8 Social, 7-8:30 p.m.

Oct. 28-31: Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 29: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC

Oct. 31: PR Socktober Fest

Oct. 31: WD Costume Parade, 9:30-10 a.m.

Always be sure to check the district website for the
most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events.

Have you activated your ParentSquare account yet? If so, you're one of more than 2,700 parents/guardians who have unlocked several new ways to engage with their student's school!

On average across the district, 45% of parents/guardians have downloaded and are using ParentSquare's mobile app, which allows families to access information on the go, including messages from teachers, principal updates, Secure Documents and attendance notices.

Not sure how to get started? Click the button below or visit gateschili.org/ParentSquare to see our step-by-step guides or watch a brief video showing you how to activate your account!

Gates Chili is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Click the button below to apply or share the opportunity with someone you know!

Job ID 1094: Elementary Special Education Teacher – LTS

Job ID 984: School Psychologist Intern (2024-25 school year)

Job ID 1097: School Social Worker – Substitute

Job ID 1069: Teacher Aide for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1070: Substitute Support Staff

Job ID 1071: Substitute Teacher*

Job ID 1096: Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Job ID 990: Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse

Job ID 1098: Cleaner: Sunday -Thursday and Tuesday – Saturday

Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1099: Head Custodian

Job ID 789: Lifeguard

Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1089: Secretary

Job ID 1095: Network Technician (Civil Service Competitive Position)

Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year

Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year

*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,