GCCSD News and Updates - Feb. 2025
This month also brings an opportunity for our community to help shape the future of our schools. On Feb. 5, Gates Chili voters will cast their ballots on the Future Ready capital project, a plan designed to maintain our schools, preserve resources, and ensure safe, modern learning environments for all students. This project will have no additional tax impact for our community. Read on below or visit gateschili.org/CapitalProject for more details. Please note that Wednesday, Feb. 5 is also a half day for students, so be sure to plan accordingly.
February is also Black History Month, a time to celebrate, learn, and reflect on the many contributions of Black leaders, artists and innovators. Throughout the month, our schools will highlight and celebrate voices from history and today, fostering important conversations about perseverance, leadership, and equity.
With so much ahead this month, I look forward to seeing the incredible work our Spartans continue to do. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting our students, staff and schools.
Go Spartans!
Christopher J. Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
Impactful learning 🪶
Last week, Brasser Bears and our other elementary students learned from Master Storyteller and Cultural Educator Perry Ground. Read more about this incredible learning experience in our upcoming print newsletter!
Slam dunk proposals 🏀
Walt Disney Elementary Student Council presented their proposal for a new basketball hoop to Assistant Superintendent for Business, Dr. Ball. Students shared research, rationale, and even a design for the hoop.
Music wonderland ❄️
GCMS band students chased away the winter blues with their amazing performance during their Winter Concert.
Spartan Showdown success 📣
Last week, Gates Chili hosted the Spartan Showdown cheer competition and both our modified and JV Spartans earned first place in their divisions!
Track stars 🥇
Our Spartan Girl's and Boy's Indoor Track and Field teams took first place at the Monroe County T/F Championships this weekend!
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 Jaycian I., a fifth-grade student at Walt Disney Elementary School. Jaycian has been a Disney Dragon since switching schools in first grade. In his last year as an elementary school student, he’s been preparing for the move to middle school. We caught up with him to talk about his experiences so far.
Tell us about yourself.
Jaycian: I like playing video games like “Fortnite” and “Madden”. I’m also really into sports. My dad calls me an “All American” because I’ll play anything. I love football and basketball, and anything else that keeps me moving.
What are your favorite subjects in school?
Jaycian: P.E. is my favorite. We just played a game called “spider dodge” that was very fun. I also like math because of my mom, and I like music and art classes too. I love to sing, and I like how peaceful art is. I also enjoy reading.
Do you have a favorite book that you’ve read this year?
Jaycian: Yes! I really like the “FGTeeV: Blasts Off!” It's about YouTubers that go to outer space. It’s a good book.
How do you feel about moving up to middle school next year?
Jaycian: I’ve been getting ready for it all year. My mom and my teachers have been helping me prepare. We’ve been working a lot on math, my reading, and all my other subjects. I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m also excited at the same time.
Do you have any advice for younger students?
Jaycian: Focus! Focus on what you’re doing and what you’re working on so you can accomplish what you need to. And not just in school, I mean in general too. Focus on your life.
What’s your favorite part about being a Disney Dragon?
Jaycian: My favorite thing is that everybody wants me to be here. My classmates want to be my friend, and the school always wants me to be a part of things, like this interview now!
I’ve been having a lot of fun here at Walt Disney, and I’m excited to come to school every day. I’ve had a lot of nice teachers during my time here. I like being in a place where you’re wanted, and no one will judge you for your skin color. I had a hard time before moving to this school, but I’m happy I’m here now.
In just two days, Gates Chili residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Future Ready: Preserving Our Resources, Maintaining Our Schools capital project.
📌 The vote will take place Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School.
📌 The project will be funded entirely through state aid and existing budget allocations, ensuring no additional tax impact on the community.
This project is designed to address critical infrastructure and mechanical needs across the district’s aging facilities. The proposed work falls into four categories: failing infrastructure needs, renovations, replacements and new work. These improvements will ensure our schools remain safe, efficient and inspiring environments for students and staff.
To learn more about the project, visit gateschili.org/CapitalProject. Your voice matters. We hope to see you at the polls on Feb. 5!
Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2025-26 school year.
Families with students who are turning 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2025 can go to gateschili.org/Kindergarten to begin the registration process.
Completed registration forms and accompanying documents should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 28 by
(1) emailing the completed packet to the district registrar at registrar@gateschili.org; or
(2) dropping off the completed packet at the Gates Chili District Office, 1 Spartan Way, Door 73, during business hours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
It’s Gates Chili’s 11th year hosting the Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK)! This exploratory teaches kindergarten readiness, early math and literacy skills. To apply for the program, students must be:
- 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2025
- Residents within the Gates Chili Central School District
Please note that students who are age-eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for this program.
Online lottery applications will be available from Monday, Feb. 10 through Friday, March 7. Visit gateschili.org/UPK for more information.
Enjoy coffee, desserts and raffles while listening to performances by Russell Scarbrough Big Band, Joey Stempien Big Band and our very own middle and high school jazz bands. The event will also be hosted by News 8 anchor Brennan Somers!
Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event will go towards GCHS jazz band’s bi-annual trip. In the past, jazz band students have traveled to Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.
We hope to see you this Friday!
Featuring a talented cast and crew of Spartans, this enchanting production will bring the magic of Cherry Tree Lane to life with spectacular music, dazzling choreography, and unforgettable storytelling.
Tickets for reserved seating are $13 and will be available for purchase online beginning Saturday, March 1 for the following showtimes:
- Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m.
Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International (MTI). www.mtishows.com
Gates Chili Community Connections (GC3) is proud to invite you to the second ever GC3 Gala! Join local friends and businesses to honor and support the needs of our Gates Chili community. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, raffles, prizes and a silent auction!
The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Brook-Lea Country Club, 891 Pixley Rd, Rochester, NY 14624.
Tickets are $100 and are available for purchase through Feb. 15 or until they are sold out.
Invite your friends and join us for this exciting evening where 100% of the money raised goes directly back to the community.
GC3 is a collection of community members representing the Gates Chili Central School District, Town of Gates Recreation Department, Town of Gates Library, Gates Police Department, Gates Fire District and Gates Ambulance and Town of Gates Historian. Operating together, this group supports the community by building relationships, supporting families in need, assisting youth with community projects and more.
Keep your eyes out 👀 The winter edition of our print newsletter will be hitting mailboxes 📫 later this month.
Stay tuned to read about what Spartans around the district have been up to the past few months, capital project information, upcoming events and so much more!
To read past issues of the print newsletter or this e-newsletter, go to gateschili.org/newsletter.
Feb. 1: Black History Month Begins
Feb. 5: Superintendent’s Conference Day - Half Day for Students UPK-12
Feb. 7: MS Grade 6 Social, 7-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 7: HS Java Jazz, 7 p.m., GCPAC
Feb. 11: BOE Mtg., 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
Feb. 17: President’s Day – District Closed
Feb. 17-21: Mid-Winter Recess - No School for Students and 10-Month Staff
Feb. 25: BOE Mtg., 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
Feb. 27: HS Gr. 10-11 Student / Guardian Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., HS Library Mezzanine
Feb. 28: #GCPride Day
Support Staff Positions:
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1137: Security Worker
Job ID 1138: Microcomputer Maintenance Technician
Job ID 1139: School Aide - Attendance
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.