Gator Community Newsletter, Vol. 5

September 22: Early Release 12:15pm

September 22: Movie Night, 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30)

September 28: Picture Day (UTK and Kindergarten)

September 29: Picture Day (1-5)

This image now appears on the Gage website homepage. By clicking it, it will take you to a link to report a student absence. Click it from this newsletter to check it out!.

We want to kindly remind you of our school's policy regarding the use of mobile phones during school hours. It has come to our attention that there have been several incidents where students have been texting their parents discreetly during class time for reasons such as forgotten items. While we understand that communication between parents and students is essential, it is important that we maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment for our students.

We kindly request that you have a conversation with your child about the importance of adhering to the school's rules and policies regarding mobile phone usage. Encourage them to use their phones responsibly and only during designated times, such as breaks or after school. This will not only ensure that our classrooms remain conducive to learning but also help your child develop responsible digital habits that will benefit them in the long run. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a productive and respectful school environment.

Stay tuned for some suggestions for how to continue your student's growth and development at home.

This club is inteneded for Gage K-5th graders who are interested in learning and understanding different brown and black cultures. This club will meet on Fridays from 215-315pm. Our 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to lead in this club as we prepare for various events such as our 2nd annual Ruby Bridges Walk, MLK Day and our flag raising on Juneteeth. Through games, stories and fun our littles (K-2nd) will learn about different traditions and cultures. Want to know more?

The first meeting is Friday, September 29th at 2:15pm-3:15pm

Thank you to Mr. Clark and Patrck Henry Athletics for joing our Running Clun Friday morning. The community connection is awesome and our Gators are loving the opportunity to run with the "big kids".

We hope you're all having a fantastic school year so far! As the days get busier with drop-offs and pickups, we just wanted to send a friendly reminder to please drive safely around our campus. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we all play a part in making sure everyone arrives and leaves the campus without any incidents.

Please remember to adhere to the posted speed limits, use designated drop-off and pickup zones, and avoid distractions while driving on campus. Your patience and consideration go a long way in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all our students. Thank you for your cooperation, and let's keep our campus a safe and happy place for everyone!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on GrandGators Day! Your presence added an extra layer of warmth and joy to the event, making it truly memorable for our young Gators. Your love and wisdom are invaluable to us, and it's heartwarming to see the special connections you share with your grandkids. Thank you for being a part of their lives and for making GrandGators Day a cherished tradition we all look forward to.

We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the PTA for their incredible support in organizing this wonderful day. From arranging photo opportunities that captured precious moments to coordinating engaging activities that strengthened family bonds, your dedication and hard work truly made the event a success. Your commitment to our school community is deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for the fantastic experiences you provide for our students and their families. Thank you, PTA, for making GrandGators Day such a fantastic celebration!

Are you interested in being on the School Site Council? The School Site Council (SSC) is a governing

body responsible for deciding how to spend the allocated categorical funds to improve the instructional program here at Gage Elementary. The School Site Council members work together to set goals for improving student achievement at the school and allocate the funds to accomplish those goals. If you are interested in running for one of the open seats, please use this link to add your name to the ballot.

We are excited to invite you to become a part of our Gage English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). ELAC plays a crucial role in advising our school on matters related to English learners, ensuring that our students receive the support they need to succeed. This committee focuses on topics such as school attendance, the School Plan for Student Achievement, and the English Learner Needs Assessment.

Our first ELAC meeting for the school year is scheduled for October 5, 2023, at 6:00 PM. To make participation accessible to everyone, the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom at the following link: Zoom Meeting Link.

We believe that English learner success encompasses achieving high levels of English proficiency, mastery of grade-level standards, and opportunities to develop proficiency in multiple languages. By joining the ELAC, you can actively contribute to your child's educational journey and become their voice in our school community. We value your input and look forward to your participation.

Thank you for your commitment to the success of all our students at Gage Elementary School. We hope to see you at our upcoming ELAC meeting.

We kindly remind you that our school's tardy bell rings promptly at 7:50 AM each morning. To ensure a smooth start to the day for all students, we request that you please assist us in adhering to this schedule and note that children cannot be walked to class by parents after this bell, but can be assisted by staff. After this time, our staff is dedicated to helping students settle into their classrooms independently. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, as it contributes to a positive learning atmosphere for all. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Minimum day is on Wednesdays, pick up at 12:15 p.m.

• Highwood and Hudson running club gates open at 7:25 a.m.
• All other gates open up at 7:43 a.m.
• ALL gates close at 7:55 a.m. (Please leave campus prior to gate closure)

There will be an early-release day on Friday, 09/22/23 for teacher professional development. Please make arrangements for student pickup.

We reviewed our Character program with our students this week. The first trait we will be focused on is Trustworthiness. At the end of the month, students will be voting on which student in their class has exhibited this trait the most during the month. These students will receive an award for that trait during the character assembly in October. Parents are welcome to stay for our character assemblies.

The first assemblies will be in late October.

Reminder, students who enter the field must be walking/running the track and are not permitted to play on the playground or go to their classrooms during running club. For more information visit our website: https://bit.ly/GatorRunningClub

~2613.39 miles

~We are currently in the Bahamas

~50.5% participation rate

Prizes:

Foot Token - every 10 miles

Ribbons - every 25 miles

Medals - 26.2 miles and 100 miles

Monthly Popsicles - must run 10 miles in one month

FIELD TRIP - 150 miles will earn you a day off of school! Talk about motivation! Ha!Ha! Last year the field trip was at Rockin' Jump. The students who earn the field trip will also earn extra rewards!

Calling all 5th graders! Come help your fellow classmates and sell concessions at the upcoming movie night. All proceeds help support the 5th grade graduation and Yearbook. Sign up NOW.

Upcoming Gage PTA Events:

• Wednesday, October 4th: PTA Meeting at 6:30pm. Gage Auditorium and online via Zoom· Wednesday, October 11th: Jog-A-Thon. More details to follow for day of volunteers.
• Jog-A-Thon! Please email GagePTA@gmail.com with your expressed interest.