Gates Notes & News

Hello Gates Students & Families,

What an amazing start to the school year! Despite the normal beginning of the year bumps, I could not be happier with how our students have settled in and are getting to work. The kids have transitioned back into school with ease and there is a buzz of learning throughout the building. One of my favorite things to see is how students are helping each other out. It has not been uncommon to see students working together and demonstrating routines and expectations for one another.

Remember to watch for a weekly newsletter from your child's teacher. Please review classroom newsletters weekly for information or questions regarding school activities. While we understand that there are lots of items shared on social media and many comments offering assistance regarding school policy and procedures, it is important to note that not all items pertain to all students.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, I want to remind you that there is no school on Monday, September 2nd. I hope that you all enjoy the holiday and unofficial end of summer with family and friends.

Most Sincerely,

Natalie Miller

Proud Gates Principal

Each spring students from across the district have the opportunity to enter artwork to be used in the City of Davison Water Quality Calendar. The hard part is waiting until fall to find out if your drawing has been selected. Well, this past week we learned that five Gates students, Brantlee Ackert, Scarlett Priester, Amillio Verhelle, Stella Seymour, and Brooklyn Bishop, will have their artwork featured in this year's calendar.

Our first PTO meeting of the 2024-25 school year will be held Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in the Gates Library. This is a very important meeting as we will be electing officers, discussing activities and events for the year, and looking over our budget. All parents and guardians welcome - no experience necessary! We hope you will join us!

The following forms were mailed in your 'Welcome Back' packet or provided in your child's take home folder at Open House. Please make sure that you have turned in the following forms:

• Field Trip form
• Volunteer form (Any person wishing to volunteer at the school, even if it is just for one party, MUST have an approved Volunteer form on file in our office.)
• School Picture envelope (if you plan on purchasing pictures)
• Free PTO T-shirt form
• PTO Popcorn Preorder (if you'd like to preorder for the year)

You will also want to be sure that you have logged into your child's Parent Vue account to ensure that all information, including emergency contacts and email address, have been updated if needed. Remember, that if there is an address change, we will need three updated proofs of residency before that change can be made.

This is just a reminder that ALL students will have their school picture taken on Wednesday, September 4th. If you wish to purchase pictures, please make sure your child has their picture order envelope returned to school no later than Wednesday morning. You can also place an order online at www.photofactoryusa.com. Use online order code: gates

A retake date will be established at a later time.

The Davison Homecoming will be held on Friday, September 20th! This means Spirit Week will be held September 16th through the 20th. Watch for a special flyer next week outlining all the Spirit Week fun, but you can be sure that Friday, September 20th will be 'Maroon and Gold' Day!

Please remember that our first Early Release of the school year is Wednesday, September 11th. Students will be released from school two hours early so staff can participate in professional development. Parent Pick-up and the loading of buses will begin at approximately 1:35 p.m.

Student Sign In

If dropping your child off late, please walk your child to the main entrance, ring the bell and wait for an office staff member to meet you at the door. You will then be asked to sign your child in.

Student Sign Out

If picking your child up early, ring the bell outside and a staff member will greet you. Your student will then be called down and brought to the door to be signed out. Be prepared to present your picture ID for identification.

The start of each new school year brings a review of school and classroom procedures. In Davison we teach our students the Cardinal Code. The Cardinal Code is a positive behavior support for students in which certain behaviors are expected, taught and insisted upon. For those students having difficulty following the Cardinal Code, teachers and staff work with students and parents to assist in learning and following the code.

For those new to Davison Community Schools, the Cardinal Code “CARDS” stands for ... Courteous, Attentive, Respectful, Dependable, and Supportive of Our School.

All Gates students enjoy a 30 minute outdoor recess each school day unless the temperature dips below 0 degrees or it is raining. Students should arrive at school prepared for the weather which might include hat, coat, mittens, etc. Parents are encouraged to write their student’s name on these items since many students have identical things and it will avoid confusion. Should a student need to stay in, he/she must have a note from a parent to stay indoors for recess. This request will be honored for up to 2 days. Any request beyond 2 days requires a doctor’s note stating the reason the student must remain indoors and the dates it includes.

Gates students and staff LOVE to celebrate birthdays! Due to ongoing concerns regarding food allergies, medical conditions and dietary restrictions, Davison Community Schools no longer allows food treats, including cake and cupcakes, to be sent in. Please talk with your child’s teacher about alternate ideas for celebrating your child’s birthday.

If your child needs to take medication at school, either prescription or over the counter, an “Authorization to Administer Medication” form and Care Plan must be completed and signed by a doctor prior to any medication being left in the office. The form can be obtained in the office or online. All medications must be delivered to the office by parent or other adult, never with a student for safety reasons. Medications must be in their original packaging and prescription labels must be visible. In addition the medication cannot be expired. This information needs to be updated annually. For further information, please contact the office at 591-5001 or Student Services at 591-0913.

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.

• Friday, August 30th - NO School!
• Monday, September 2nd - NO School, Labor Day!
• Tuesday, September 3rd - PTO Meeting, Join US!
• Wednesday, September 4th - Picture Day!
  
• Monday, September 9th - DCS Board of Ed Meeting 6pm
• Wednesday, September 11th - Early Release Day Students will be dismissed from school at 1:43pm
• Friday, September 13th - Popcorn Friday
• September 16th-20th - Spirit week - details to come!
• Friday, September 20th - Davison Homecoming

Gates Elementary

Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin

and

Stars Are Made!

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