GCCSD News and Updates - June 2024
As we navigate the final three weeks of school, June will surely be a busy month for celebrations of students' achievements. We are in the final stretch, and itβs essential that we help our students reach the finish line strong. Your support and encouragement during these last days are crucial for their success.
In this final e-newsletter of the year, youβll find a snapshot of Spartans in Action from the month of May, key information about the last days of school, upcoming events, and preparations for the next academic year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you all a joyful and restful summer break!
Go Spartans!
Christopher J. Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
Play Ball! βΎ
After advocating for a wiffle ball club, Paul Road students faced off against staff members in a friendly game.
Field Trip Fun π
Fourth-grade students at Neil Armstrong had a fun day of learning and playing at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
Stop, Drop, and Roll π
Brasser Bears learned important safety lessons from the Gates Fire Department.
Music and Merriment π΅
GCMS students performed for members of the community at Music and Merriment: A Bridge Between Generations.
A Formula for Fun π§ͺ
Fifth-graders from around the district toured the GCHS Atrium and learned hands-on about different science topics from current high school students.
Awards Night π
Many students were recognized at the Gates Chili High School Annual Awards Ceremony.
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 Tyla J. and Viki K., two GCHS seniors and yearbook editors.
Tell us about your experience as editors for the yearbook.
Tyla: I have been a part of the yearbook since I was in seventh grade. I joined in middle school because I have always loved art, photography, and people. Combining all those things through the work Iβve done with the yearbook has been pretty cool. I have gotten to edit, take pictures, and go to events. Iβve made a lot of friends, and this experience has been amazing.
Viki: I have been in yearbook since my sophomore year of high school because my sister dragged me into it. But honestly, itβs been fun, and Iβve made many new friends. It has been so much more of a responsibility than I expected, but it has been so cool to be such a big part of encapsulating the senior and high school experience. I love looking back on all that we have created.
What would you say to try and encourage students to join the yearbook next school year?
Tyla: If you love working with other people, art, and being involved with the school, yearbook is a great experience. There is a satisfaction in knowing that you are wrapping up the year for everybody, and it is so exciting getting to watch everyone open and look through the yearbook when theyβre distributed at the end of the year.
Viki: Going off that, working on the yearbook helps you learn to be open to criticism. When people start looking through the book, they like certain things and dislike other things. You learn that you canβt please everyone, but that's ok.
As seniors looking back, what have you loved the most about going to school at Gates Chili?
Tyla: I have always loved the diversity of Gates Chili. It's a unique part of our district. Itβs amazing to walk through the halls and meet and befriend people who are nothing like you. I think it really makes you stronger, and a better person. I also love the connections I have made and the teachers Iβve met. Thereβs a large support system here, where everyone here lifts you up.
Viki: Iβm going to second what Tyla said. Iβve never attended another high school, so I have nothing to compare it to, but itβs been cool here.
What are your plans after graduation?
Tyla: Iβm going to the University of Buffalo for pharmacy and business. I am also going to complete an internship this summer through Bank of America for my local United Way.
Viki: I want to take a gap year, and then I want to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology for fashion design.
What does it mean to be a Spartan?
Tyla: To me it means getting out there and being part of things like going to games, being involved in clubs, and trying different things. A large part of being a Spartan is how many opportunities there are, and the friendships that can come from that.
Viki: I think it's the strong sense of unity we have. People you donβt know will come to games to support you or join clubs theyβve never attended before. Itβs nice to always have the opportunity to connect with new people.
Is there anything else youβd like to share?
Viki: Thank you to Mrs. McAtee! Iβm going to miss her.
Tyla: Yes, thank you to our yearbook advisor Mrs. McAtee. We will both miss her so much.
Gates Chili is proud to once again host the USDA Summer Meals Program this summer!
Any child 18 years old and younger can enjoy a free lunch in the Gates Chili Middle School cafeteria this summer beginning Monday, July 8 and run through Friday, Aug. 9.
Hours, locations and menus will be shared later this month, so make sure to check out more information and menus in mid-June at gateschili.org/SchoolNutrition.
Gates Chili Central School District voters approved the proposed budget for the 2024-25 school budget and two additional propositions. Nearly 700 voters cast a ballot in the annual vote and board election on May 21.
- Proposition 1 for the annual budget passed with an overwhelming majority.
- Proposition 2 allows the district to purchase school buses as part of its regular bus replacement plan. This year, that includes 10 electric school buses (ESB), including one ESB equipped with a wheelchair lift. This purchase will make Gates Chili the first district in the state with this type of bus.
- Proposition 3 clears the path for the district to receive additional state aid towards its fully funded energy performance contract (EPC).
- Four incumbents were also re-elected to the Gates Chili Board of Education: Robert Long, Nicole Littlewood, Kerri Keyes and Tanya Srbinovski.
Thank you to all the Gates Chili community members who participated in the school budget vote and board election. For more detailed information about the election and school budget, go to gateschili.org/vote.
Earlier this year, Gates Chili announced a move to ParentSquare in 2024-25!
ParentSquare is a powerful and user-friendly communication platform where families will be able to keep track of news, activities and events from all their studentsβ schools in one place. Families will also be able to choose how they receive information from the district based on their needs and preferences. This change is a result of your input, which has been instrumental in shaping our efforts to improve communication within the district.
Since the announcement in January, staff have been working behind the scenes to prepare the platform and provide the required training. This summer, the district will be piloting the new system with several smaller groups of students and families to ensure a smooth launch for all families this fall.
Look out for more information in a special edition of our e-newsletter on Aug. 1!
The Board of Education approved several changes to the school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Please take note of the following changes:
- Thursday, June 13: The last day of school for high school students. Exams will continue through Tuesday, June 25.
- Friday, June 21: The last day of school for elementary and middle school students. Please note this will be a full day, not a half day.
- Wednesday, June 26: Remains the last day for 10-month staff.
These changes were made because the district did not have any emergency closures this year. In the event of an emergency closing, this schedule may be adjusted again.
Below are the dates and times for end of year celebrations:
June 17: WD Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., GCPAC
June 20: FB Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 21: PR Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., GCPAC
June 21: NA Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1 p.m., GCPAC
June 21: GCHS Class of 2024 Commencement, 5 p.m., Spartan Field House
June 1: Pride Month begins
June 1: National Caribbean/American Heritage Month begins
June 2: HS Senior Recital and Music Banquet, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 4: MS Spring Chorus Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 4: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Admin. Bldg. Board Room
June 5: MS Grade 6 Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 6: MS Grades 7-8 Band and Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 7: PR Panther Palooza, 5-7 p.m., PR Bus Loop
June 11: MS National Honor Society Ceremony, 6:30-7:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 13: Last Day of School for HS Students
June 14: MS Grade 8 Dance, 7-9 p.m.
June 16: Fatherβs Day
June 17: WD Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., GCPAC
June 18: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 19: Juneteenth β District Closed
June 20: FB Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 21: #GCPride Day
June 21: Last Day of School for K-8 Students β Full Day
June 21: PR Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., GCPAC
June 21: NA Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony, 1 p.m., GCPAC
June 21: HS Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony, 5 p.m., Spartan Field House
June 26: Conference Day β Last Day for 10-Month Staff
Every June, we recognize and celebrate Pride Month. Gates Chili proudly stands alongside its LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families, reaffirming our commitment to creating a school culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and embraced as their authentic selves.
We are proud to continue to display our special GC logo that was unveiled during June 2023. The design pays homage to the Progress Pride flag, which was developed in 2018 by American artist and designer Daniel Quasar. Based on the iconic rainbow flag from 1978, the redesign celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and calls for a more inclusive society. Join us in fostering a nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone's voice is heard.
Non-Instructional Positions:
Job ID 990: Registered Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse
Job ID 999: Summer Facilities Helper
Job ID 985: Microcomputer Maintenance Technician
Job ID 904: Cleaner
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 954: Food Service Helper
Job ID 905: Bus Attendant (2023-24 school year)
Job ID 906: Bus Driver (2023-24 school year)
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.
