Gator Bites- 1/8/24
Important Dates:
Monday, 1/8/24-GYAA Night at the Girls Basketball Game! 6:30pm
Tuesday, 1/9/24-GYAA Night at the Boys Basketball Game! 6:30pm
Monday, 1/15/24-No School-MLK
Tuesday, 1/16/24-Half Day for students-Professional Development for Staff
Wrap Around: Free starting February 5 with adjusted hours!
We are pleased to share that the Gateway Regional School district has been awarded the “Afterschool and Out-of-School Time” ASOST grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the second year in a row.
As a result, starting on Monday, February 5, 2024, all fees for Wrap-Around will be waived for families who do not have an outstanding balance on their account. We expect the grant to cover all fees for the remainder of the school year.
Please know that all outstanding fees must be paid in full and students must have a current registration on file before families can enjoy this exciting benefit. Therefore, we ask that your balance is paid in full by February 5, so we can move free programming forward for the remainder of the 23/24 school year. However, If there are extenuating circumstances that the district should consider, please reach out to the school principal.
Also, please note that the hours for wrap around at both locations will shift slightly--starting on February 5, 2024, morning hours for wrap around will begin at 7:30am. In the afternoon, wrap around programming will end at 5pm instead of 5:30pm.
If you have questions about this programming, please reach out to your child's principal.
Safety Info for Families : Cyber Security
A safety tip or reminder will be included in each Gator Bites. This edition, we will focus on Cyber Security!
More and more, those seeking to violate young individuals do so online. Therefore, it is important to have strong communication with your child about the risks of having an online presence and protocols to ensure safety.
In school, we have a protected guest network and assign all students a chrome book in order to support their education, but also to ensure the proper protections are in place to limit vulnerabilities. The district also has software that alerts administration if inappropriate conversations have specific alarming buzz words that may need follow up. GRSD screens any apps or software used by students to ensure it complies with the federal and state safety measures.
Families can support student safety online by:
- ensuring passwords are not shared with anyone and devices aren't passed around/left unattended
- not sharing personal information online
- knowing the details of apps on personal devices to ensure that information is not compromised or collected inappropriately
- keeping an open line of communication with children regarding the technology they are using and checking in on them
The Department of Homeland Security has a family PowerPoint on Internet safety that can be found here: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Families%20Cybersecurity%20Presentation.pdf
Barr Foundation Grant Update
We are excited to transition into the "Dream" phase of this grant! The Dream phase includes students, staff, families, and stakeholders imagining all the possibilities that could ensure that every student at Gateway Regional is engaged in learning and able to meet their goals. Part of this process includes visiting other schools to see how they are meeting students needs in new and creative ways. Final call for any caregiver to sign up for a school visit--please reach out to your school principal and Superintendent Smidy.
Fun Around the District
Spirit Week in the Middle School
Chester Elementary Spelling Bee
Learning about World Braille Day at Littleville
Gateway Athletics
Congratulations on 100 Wins, Eli!
Eli Gilbert, senior at GRHS, accomplished 100 wins in wrestling! Congratulations, Eli!
Fall Sports Awards Announced!
Many of Gateway's fall athletes received accolades for their outstanding performance in the season. Please congratulate the following student athletes!
Girls Soccer
Abigail Madru-grade 12-ALL WMASS Class D First Team, PVIAC All-League, Senior All-Star
Alexi Bonenfant-grade 12: ALL WMASS Class D First Team, PVIAC All-League, Senior All-Star
Addison Green-Grade 9: All WMASS Class D Second Team,
Kaitlyn Maynard-Grade 12: All WMASS Class D Second Team, All League, Senior All Star
Jayliana Rivera-Grade 10: All WMASS Class D Second Team
Maia Kibbe-Grade 12: All WMASS Class D Honorable Mention
Erica Madru-Grade 10: All WMASS Class D Honorable Mention
Anna Sakaske-Grade 12: All WMASS Class D First Team
Cross Country
Anna Niles-Grade 9: PVIAC All-League
Sawyer Wilkinson-Grade 12: PVIAC All-League
Jacob Maynard-Grade 8-PVIAC All-League
Boys Soccer
Ivan Chepurenko-Grade 11-All WMASS Class D Second Team , PVIAC All-League
Sean Kingsley-Grade 12-All WMASS Class D Second Team, PVIAC All-League
Elijah Chepurenko-Grade 9-All WMASS Class D Honorable Mention
Zachary Hess-Grade 9-All WMASS Class D Honorable Mention
GRHS/MS Winter Sports Schedule
Lunch Menu for January
From our Nurse Leader
On behalf of the nurses in the district, we are excited to welcome everyone back from winter break and wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
Now is the perfect time to start or continue healthy habits at home! Take this opportunity to spend some quality time and talk with your child about healthy habits and goals they may have for the new year and create their own New Year’s resolution list.
Here are some healthy and positive goal-setting resolution ideas from Healthychildren.org you can suggest to your children, depending on their age:
New Year's resolution ideas for preschoolers
I will try hard to clean up my toys by putting them where they belong.
I will let my parents help me brush my teeth twice a day.
I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
I will try new foods when I can, especially all different colors of vegetables.
I will learn how to help clear the table when I am done eating.
I will be friendly to all animals. I will learn how to ask the owners if I can pet their animal first.
I will always hold a grown-up's hand whenever I cross the street.
I will do my best to be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad or lonely.
I will talk with my parent or another adult I trust when I need help or am scared.
New Year's resolution ideas for kids (5 to 12 years old)
I will drink water every day and healthy beverages like milk with meals. I will keep soda and fruit drinks only for special times.
I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I'll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
I will try to find a physical activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) or a sport I like and do it at least three times a week!
I will take care of my skin by putting on sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses when possible.
I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
I'll try to be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends by talking with them and inviting them to join activities.
I will tell an adult about bullying that I see or hear about to do what I can to help keep school safe for everyone.
I will keep my personal info safe and not share my name, home address, school name or telephone number online. Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer or phone without asking my parent or guardian if it is okay.
I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.
I promise that I'll do my best to follow our household rules for videogames and internet use.
I will try to save time to read for fun.
New Year's resolution ideas for teens (13 years old and older)
I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day. I will drink sodas or fruit drinks only at special times.
I will do my best to take care of my body through fun physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods.
When I have some down time for media, I will try to choose educational, high-quality non-violent TV shows and video games that I enjoy. I will spend only one to two hours each day—at the most—on these activities. I promise to respect our household rules for videogames and internet use.
I will try to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep that my body needs each night.
I will do what I can to help out in my community. I will give some of my time to help others, working with community groups or others that help people in need. These activities will make me feel better about myself and my community.
When I feel angry and stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend.
When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult I can trust.
When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied or making risky choices, I will look for a trusted adult so that we can attempt to find a way to help.
I will be careful about whom I choose to date. I will treat the other person with respect and not force them to do something they do not want to do. I will not use violence. I will expect to be treated the same way in return.
I will resist peer pressure to try drugs, alcohol or smoking or vaping.
I agree not to use a cell phone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.
Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Children & Teens
I have a few updates to share.
State Mandated Health Screenings
The middle and high school will be starting the state mandated health screenings at the end of this month. If you would like to opt out of any health screenings, please do so by emailing Nurse Theresa Brownlee at tbrownlee@grsd.org before January 22, 2024.
Telehealth Room
The Middle and High School Telehealth Room is ready to provide access to telehealth appointments. This space is located in a private room within the nursing health office and has a phone & computer with a webcam that can be used to schedule weekly appointments, a one time appointment or whatever your child may have a need for. We are offering this space to create an access point for kids to have appointments during the school day that are difficult to obtain after school hours. These appointments can be for medical or mental health needs such as counseling.
Time slots are 8:00am-9:00am, 9:00am-10:00am, & 10:00am-11:00am Monday-Friday.
If your child would like to utilize the space for a telehealth appointment, please email me at ksudnick@grsd.org and I can help assist you in reserving the room for the date and time you need.
For any questions about this space, please email me at ksudnick@grsd.org
Fundraisers and Events
Gateway Hats on Sale!
The Pease Store in Chester is selling Gateway Hats!
The cost for the hats pictured below are 20 dollars and are currently available!The store is open on Saturday between 9am-2pm and it is located on Main Street in Chester.
Hats are also available by emailing ksmidy@grsd.org.
GEF Trivia Night--Save the Date!
Get your thinking caps on--March 23rd at Stanton Hall for Trivia Night 2024!
From our Community Partners
Hilltown Family Center Tinker Group
The Hilltown Family Center is registering families for its six-week Tinker Play Group developed
by the Boston Children’s Museum, beginning January 19th at the Hilltown Family Center, 9
Russell Road in Huntington (across from the Huntington Fire Department). This program is
limited to ten families with children aged 3 to 5. Registration is required by emailing Susan
LeBarron at slebarron@hchcweb.org. Registered families will utilize a kit from the Boston
Children’s Museum and weekly activities program with caregivers engaging in the process and
will be coordinated by Susan LeBarron, Family Center Coordinator. Families will take home
their kit at the end of the six-week program.
Tinkering is exploring and using materials and tools and often starts with simple questions such
as “What can I do with this?” or “How does this work?” Exploring materials and investigating
how to use tools is a foundational step of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and
math) learning. When children tinker, they are learning about the properties of materials and the
capabilities of tools. They are also developing their fine motor skills. Sometimes, tinkering is just
exploring, and sometimes it leads to making something (to do a job or just for fun). It is
absolutely the foundation to more complex engineering (using materials to make something that
solves a problem). Skills children may develop include fine motor coordination, using tools,
problem solving, collaborating, experimenting, thinking creatively, observing, comparing,
relating to prior and/or current experience, communicating, and persevering. Tinkering also
develops social and emotional skills around self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills,
self-management, and responsible decision making.
The Hilltown Family Center, located at 9 Russell Rd in Huntington, houses many of the Hilltown
Community Health Center’s community programs and services, and offers an extensive list of
resources for parents, caregivers, and families. The Family Center programs are built around the
belief in nurturing strong families, by helping them to strengthen their flexibility and resilience.
Programs help families establish strong social connections and give concrete support in times of need, recognizing family’s strengths and understanding that being a parent is part natural and
part learned. The Family Center also helps children connect and relate to their world.
The Hilltown Family Center’s many free programs include weekly play to learn groups, the ASQ
developmental screening program, Hilltown Holiday Help, Parent Powered learning messages,
ParentChild+ home visit literacy program, Rise and Read Book bag program, StoryWalk
program, parent education, as well as services and referrals through Hilltown Community Health
Center. This program is made possible through the Hilltown Family Center and the Hilltown
Community Health Center through a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant
through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care in collaboration with the
Boston Children’s Museum.
For more about this program or the Hilltown Family Center please visit our Facebook page at
Hilltown Family Center or Parent & Family Supports - Hilltown Community Health Center
(hchcweb.org) or contact Susan LeBarron, Hilltown Family Center Coordinator.
Upcoming Events at Russell Public Library!
RUSSELL PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3-7pm,
Tuesday & Thursday 10am-2pm
Saturday 10am-1pm
Please join our updated Facebook page and connect with our other resources there.
Teens, Drop in with your friends on Wednesday afternoons in January for your choice of games and/or crafts. While you’re here check out our ever expanding young adult book section. Let us know if there are favorites you’d like us to buy.
Kids, Stay snuggly and join us for “Pajama Day” on Saturday, January 20th from 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM. Wear your PJs, bring a stuffy and get cozy with books a craft, cocoa and cookies at the library. Open to everyone, no registration required.
Preschoolers, Join Miss Dawne for a guided storywalk of “Winter Sleep,” on Tuesday, January 9th from 1:00 to 2:00PM. It will be followed by an interactive activity in the library. If the weather is yucky we will read inside.
Adults and Families: The Russell Library in collaboration with Appalachian Mountain Club will sponsor Wild Life Tracking with Jim Pelletier at Noble View Outdoor Center on Saturday, February 3rd. Jim is an experienced tracker and naturalist who makes hiking and seeking tracks fun. The family program will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM. Family tracking will be followed by a story, games and cocoa. If it is a nice day bring a lunch and enjoy the view. The adult program will run from 1:00-4:00 PM. Please register by email rpldirector@townofrussell.us, call 413-862-6221 and leave a message, or come in and sign up at the library by January 31st.
Free Parent Webinars
Cartwheel Care has a free webinar series for parents, caregivers, and school staff: their upcoming webinar on January 10 at 7pm will focus on when and how parents might consider seeking mental heath support for their child, and tips for how to go about finding a mental health professional. Anyone who registers for the webinar will be emailed a recording, so if you're interested but can't attend, go ahead and register anyway! You can register here, or by using the QR code on the attached flyer.
Contact Information:
Chester Elementary School:
Principal Vanna Maffuccio vmaffuccio@grsd.org
Littleville Elementary School:
Principal Melissa McCaul mmccaul@grsd.org
Interim Principal Will Sullivan wsullivan@grsd.org
Interim Assistant Principal Kylie-blu Crawford kcrawford@grsd.org
Athletic Director Matt Bonenfant mbonenfant@grsd.org
Superintendent Kristen Smidy, ksmidy@grsd.org
Gateway Regional School District
Website: grsd.org
Location: 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA, USA
Phone: 413-685-1100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatewayRegionalMA?mibextid=LQQJ4d