Gates Notes & News

Hello Gates Students & Families,

It is hard to believe that our second Intersession of the year will begin at the close of school on Friday. Whether you are staying home or traveling, I hope that the break gives you a little extra time as a family. From the sounds of it, those that will be in Michigan are going to have a nice fresh coating of snow to get outside and play in.

This week we will celebrate Valentine's with classroom parties and a friendship dance (a make-up for the missed holiday pajama-jammie-jam), both on Friday. As fun as the little cards can be, Valentine's is a wonderful time to focus on friendship and kindness toward others. Students and families are encouraged to look for simple ways to spread kindness throughout our community. Remember, kindness doesn't have to be a big grand gesture. A smile, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand can make a world of difference to someone facing struggles we cannot see. As adults, let’s model the behavior we want to see in our children by showing patience, empathy, and understanding with one another. Together, we can create a supportive atmosphere that lifts everyone up and makes the world a little better place.

Most Sincerely,

Natalie Miller

Proud Gates Principal

Students will celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th! Party plans have been shared by classroom teachers. Please remember that only approved volunteers are allowed to attend classroom parties. Also, please remember that the District policy for food allergies remains in effect for parties. We do not allow edible treats to be sent in for birthdays and the same is true for Valentines passed out by students. Teachers may contact parents for specific food related donations that meet the needs of their individual classroom. Additionally, pre-approved party volunteers should plan to have their ID (Driver's License) ready when checking in and to obtain a Visitor's Badge from the office before going to their child's classroom.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in grade level dance parties opposite their classroom Valentine's party. These are a make-up to the dance party we missed due to the snow day prior to holiday break.

The second grade economics fair was a blast for the kids! Students had the opportunity to be producers, consumers, buyers and sellers of goods and services. They learned about scarcity as ring pops sold out quickly. This was a wonderful unit ending event in which students, again, got to put what they had learned into practice.

Mrs. McConnell's 1st Graders showed us how they think they will look at 100 years old to celebrate 100s Day!

As part of a celebration of learning that wrapped up a recent reading unit focused on the literal and figurative meaning of 'heart', the fourth grade students rotated through several engaging activities in where students dressed up as surgeons and put what they had learned to use. A special thank you to Mrs. Trombley's husband and Patriot Ambulance service for adding to the experience.

The Mobile Dentist will be back at Gates for previous student-patient's 6 months checkups and seeing new students whose parents complete the form sent home last week.

Forms are due back by February 28th!

Just a quick reminder that there will be no school the week of February 17th for Intersession. We hope that the week gives you time to relax and have fun with family and friends. Read some books, get outside, check out one of the amazing family opportunities (nature centers, museum, etc.), have a family movie night... just enjoy something special as a family!

Our very own Gates 2nd grader, Isabelle Duby, was named as this past month's Cardinal Kid! Isabelle earned this award for her efforts to raise money for Outreach East and the Cool to Care campaign. With the help of her family and area bowlers, Isabelle was able to make a donation of $1,000 to this worthy community cause.

Winter weather continues to persist, so please make sure your child wears a warm coat daily and has a hat and gloves/mittens! It's a great idea to mark all clothing with your child’s name. Students should also be reminded that they should keep track of any items taken off outside during recess. Remember, students will go outside everyday for recess unless it is raining or the temperature is below zero. If your child is in need of a coat, please contact our office. We are here to help!

If you have any extra mittens or gloves laying around, we would appreciate any donations. Our 'stock' of mittens and gloves for students to borrow when they forget them is nearly gone.

For consistency, www.weather.gov is the website used by DCS to determine the temperature daily.

Our next Early Release Day will be Wednesday, February 26th. Students will be dismissed at 1:43pm. End of the day procedures will remain the same as on other days but will take place 2 hours early. On these dates, teachers will be participating in professional development meetings in the afternoon.

It is important that your child know how they are going to get home each day. While we understand that occasionally situations arise that may cause you to request a change in your student’s usual means of transportation, you must call the office no later than 3:15 pm and talk directly to one of the office staff to ensure that the change is made. An online chart is shared with teachers who project the changes on their white boards prior to dismissal.

However, if a change is known prior to the start of school, please make sure to change your child's backpack tag. Thank you for your support.

One student from each class is chosen every month by their teacher for following the Cardinal Code, making attendance a priority and being a generous, helpful and kind friend to others! Their pictures are displayed on a hallway bulletin board and they are awarded a special lunch courtesy of Jimmy Johns.

The January, 2025 Fan Favorites are: Izel Iveson, Lauren Osmun, Ja'Niyla Mitchell, Reagan Frase, Novaleigh Trevino, Nik Ferguson, Arijit Singh, Chloe Brewer, Dawson Judd, Walter Hartman, Aubree Worvie, Easton Boshell, Ben Hoover, Kennedy Koss, Ashlyn Baxter, Evelyn Huber, Kolby Musthaler, Beckham Clason, Joslyn Cook, Raelynn Schroeder

Congratulations to these amazing students!

Be sure to join us for our next PTO meeting, February 11th at 6:00 pm in the Gates Library.

Get Involved! Many studies indicate increased student success when families join educational staff in creating exciting and memorable experiences together. Remember, all volunteers must have an approved volunteer application on file.

Feel free to contact the Gates PTO at gatespto@gmail.com

It’s that time of year when Mother Nature can lead to school cancellations. Be sure to turn on your television before your children leave for school when storms roll through our area. Better yet! Sign up for email and text alerts from Davison Community Schools and get the news before it hits the news! If you haven’t done so yet, you can sign up to receive text alerts and emails by visiting the district website at www.davisonschools.org and clicking on the "Quick Links" at the top of the page then choose "Ed Alerts".

• Tuesday, February 11th- Gates PTO Meeting, 6pm
• Friday, February 14th - Valentine's Parties & Grade Level Dance Parties... both held during school hours.
• Monday, February 17th - Friday, February 21st - No School, Intersession Break
• Wednesday, February 26th - Early Release Day! Dismissal at 1:43pm

Around the Corner...

• Monday, March 3rd - Board of Education Meeting, 6pm
• Thursday, March 6th - 4th Grade Musical, 6:30 p.m. at the Davison High School Performing Arts Center
• Tuesday, March 11th - PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 14th - Popcorn Friday
• Wednesday, March 19th - Early Release Day! Dismissal at 1:43pm
• Wednesday, March 19th - Family Reading Night / 5-7pm
• Friday, March 21st - Mobile Dentist Visit
• Wednesday, March 26th - Pick the One Book Day
• Friday, March 28th - End of the 3rd Marking period
• March 31st - April 4th... Spring Break!

Attendance at school each day is important for the education of all children. Missed days in many cases results in lost learning. However, any child who is ill should stay home. If your child is going to be absent, please remember to call the attendance line at 591-5000. If they are not in school and we do not receive a call, students will be marked unexcused.

Please be sure you are signed up for a Remind account. If you already have a Remind App, this will work with your existing account. If you do not have a Remind account, you will want/need to create one. Remind will work through the app or via email for those who do not want to download the app.

Through remind, you can set notifications to alert you to messages being sent from school to keep you up-to-date with all the latest information. Please make sure to check in with your child's teacher of you have questions or issues with the Remind setup .

All volunteers at Gates must have a confirmed Volunteer Form on file prior to coming into the school to help at an event, this includes upcoming class holiday parties.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin and Futures are Bright!

Email: nmiller@davisonschools.org
Website: www.davisonschools.org
Location: 2359 S. Irish, Davison, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-5001