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

February 14-17: NO SCHOOL Mid-Winter Break

February 20 : PTO Meeting on Zoom

February 24 : Regular Board meeting, 7-9 pm @ Woodland Elementary

February 28: GATE Elementary Talent Show

March 03 : Regular Board meeting, 7-9 pm @ Admin Building

March 07: GATE Middle school Talent Show

Thank you for your support!

Avondale Gate Magnet School Wins K-5 & K-3 State Chess Championships!

A Historic Year as Avondale Continues Its Chess Dominance

By Bryan wilson(Michigan Chess Association)

For the third time in four years, Avondale Gate Magnet School has cemented its dynasty in Michigan elementary chess, winning the 2025 Michigan Elementary State Championship in both the K-5 and K-3 divisions.

With five teams across multiple sections, Avondale showcased depth, talent, and a winning culture, proving that teamwork and leadership drive success. Not only did Avondale Gate Initiative win the K-5 championship, but Avondale Gate Development became the 2025 K-3 State Champions, while Avondale Gate Space secured a 9th-place trophy in its first-ever tournament!

K-5 Championship – Back-to-Back Champions!

Avondale’s three teams in the K-5 Championship dominated the competition, culminating in an all-Avondale final round between the two top teams.

Avondale Gate Initiative (K-5 State Champions)

Final Record: 5-0, 19 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses

• Round 1: 4-0 vs. Detroit Edmonson
• Round 2: 4-0 vs. Detroit Bates Academy
• Round 3: 4-0 vs. The Roeper School
• Round 4: 3-1 vs. Novi Parkview
• Round 5: 4-0 vs. Avondale Gate Material

When Coach Bryan Wilson realized that the final round would be an all-Avondale battle, he expressed disappointment that the team would have to play itself for the title. He turned to team captain Lerui Zheng, known as "Supa Star," and asked, “What should I do?” Zheng's response was simple but powerful:
“Let’s just play.”

That mindset led to a commanding 4-0 victory and a back-to-back K-5 state championship for Avondale Gate Initiative.

Avondale Gate Material (2nd Place)

Final Record: 4-1 (Clinched 2nd place before the final round)

• Round 1: 4-0 vs. South Arbor
• Round 2: 4-0 vs. Troy Wattles
• Round 3: 4-0 vs. Troy Boulan Park
• Round 4: 3-1 vs. The Roeper School
• Round 5: 0-4 loss to Avondale Gate Initiative

With this performance, Avondale secured a 1-2 finish, dominating a field of 25 schools.

K-3 Championship – Avondale Gate Development Wins State Title!

While Avondale’s older players secured another state title, the younger players proved they are ready to continue the tradition of excellence.

Avondale Gate Development – K-3 State Champions!

Final Record: 4.5 points, 1st Place

• Round 1: 4-0 vs. Novi Parkview
• Round 2: 3-0 vs. Okemos Central
• Round 3: 4-0 vs. St. Isaac Jogues
• Round 4: 2-2 draw vs. Okemos Bennett Woods
• Round 5: 3-0 vs. South Arbor Primary

Lin, Cynthia Xinyi (4 points, Silver Medalist, Board 1)
Lovria, Luka (5 points, Gold Medalist, Board 2)
Sivunigunta, Veronica (2 points, Development Year, Board 3)
Kim, Soeun (5 points, Gold Medalist, Board 4)

This victory continues Avondale’s dominance in elementary chess, as Avondale Gate has won EVERY K-3 state championship since the program’s inception.

Avondale Gate Space – 9th Place Trophy in First Tournament!

Incredibly, Avondale Gate Space—a team composed of students who had never played in a tournament before—placed 9th overall, earning a trophy in their first competition!

Their journey started with signing up for the beginner chess class at school, and now they’ve proven that they are the future of Avondale’s chess program. Next year, these players will replace the outgoing 3rd graders, ensuring the dynasty continues!

Christofis, Jacob (3 points, Bronze Medalist, Board 1)
Verma, Neel (1.5 points, Development Year, Board 2)
Malone, Theodore (2.5 points, Development Year, Board 3)
Gavande, Reyan (2 points, Development Year, Board 4)

Individual Medalists from Avondale

Several Avondale players took home individual medals for outstanding board performances:

Gold Medalists (5-0 Record)

• Anirudh Anand (Avondale Gate Initiative, Board 3)
• Lovria, Luka (Avondale Gate Development, Board 2)
• Kim, Soeun (Avondale Gate Development, Board 4)
• Wu, Will (Avondale Gate Lines Squares, K-5 Reserve, Board 2)
• Zhang, Shuheng (Avondale Gate Initiative, Board 4)

Silver Medalists (4-4.5 Points)

• Zheng, Lerui (4.5, Avondale Gate Initiative, Board 1)
• Wang, Grace (4.5, Avondale Gate Initiative, Board 2)
• Kapoor, Mihir (4, Avondale Gate Material, Board 1)
• Jain, Vivaan (4, Avondale Gate Material, Board 3)
• Billings, Elijah (4, Avondale Gate Material, Board 4)
• Maruneni, Soham (4, Avondale Gate Officers, K-5 Reserve, Board 1)
• Iyer, Krish (4, Avondale Gate Lines Squares, K-5 Reserve, Board 1)

Bronze Medalists (3.5 Points)

• Christofis, Jacob (3, Avondale Gate Space, Board 1)
• Padhi, Ankit (3.5, Avondale Gate Officers, K-5 Reserve, Board 2)

The Legacy Continues

Avondale Gate has now won EVERY K-3 state championship since the program’s inception.
The K-5 team is now a back-to-back state champion.
The K-3 development team won another title, proving the pipeline is strong.
The K-5 reserve teams showed massive potential for next year.

Coach Bryan Wilson praised the team’s unity and resilience, saying:
"The kids put in the work, they believe in each other, and they deliver. This program is built on teamwork, and it’s why we keep winning. The dynasty is only growing."

Avondale chess is stronger than ever!

Siddheshwari - 5th Grade

Averlin Lebaron - 7th Grade

Apply Here

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

Dear 7th Grade Guardians,

The annual 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip has launched! Washington D.C. serves multiple purposes of researching and engaging in civic and government-related activities. Students will visit civic landmarks and view original documents of democracy. They will better understand the history, structure, purpose, and processes of the U.S. government and important persons in governmental history. The trip occurs November 5 - 8, 2025. I invite 7th grade families to register and review the DC Trip below. Registration closes before summer vacation starts and reopens next school year if spots are available.

TRIP PORTAL:

GATE MAGNET - DC TRIP '25

This year there is a wait list for parent chaperones. I believe we will be able to have as many guardians that would like to join but we must first accommodate student demand. Please scan the QR code for pricing and read carefully through the Powerpoint Parent Meeting details. As the date approaches, there will be an in-person meeting to go over more details at GATE. All parent Chaperones are legally required to go through background checks as well as complete Fingerprinting services with ISCAN. More details will be sent out to those "Parent Chaperones" who join us in the near future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr. Kaczanowski

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.

TGA Golf will have a make-up on Thursday, March 6th.

PKSA Karate will have a make-up on Monday, March 10th.

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

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

Here is the link to the Google form for parents to sign up for the club: https://forms.gle/P56qnaYxWbVR4Puq7

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 Athletic Newsletter.

Thanks,

Denise

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

This is a half day program (9am-12pm) on March 25th and March 27th, 2025. This is for kids aged 5-10, and will be held at our Hawk Woods Park and Campground. We will be engaging in fun nature activities, cooperative games, crafts and more!