GATE Gazette
April 19, 2024
SCHOOL INFORMATION
About Us
Principal: Anita.Steward@avondaleschools.org
Secretary: Angela.Williams@avondaleschools.org
Website: http://www.avondaleschools.org/gate-magnet-school
Location: 1435 W. Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: (248) 537-6400
Hours: Full Day- 8:11a.m-3:11p.m
Early Dismissal- 8:11a.m-1:15p.m
Half Day- 8:11a.m-11:25a.m
Early Pickup for your student and changes to dismissal ends at 2:45p.m.
Attendance Questions or Reporting an Absence
Please be reminded Ms. Grace, is no longer at GATE Magnet School. If you have a question or to report you child's absence please email Mrs. Williams at angela.williams@avondaleschools.org.
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
As we prepare for the upcoming month of April, I would like to bring your attention to two important assessments that will be taking place: the M-STEP Testing for grades 3rd-8th and the PSAT 8 Testing for our 8th graders.
From April 15th to April 30th, our students will have the opportunity to showcase their academic proficiency and skills through these assessments. The M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) provides valuable insights into student learning and helps us gauge our progress towards meeting state standards. Similarly, the PSAT 8 serves as a valuable precursor to the SAT and provides students with a chance to practice and familiarize themselves with standardized testing formats.
It's essential to emphasize the importance of these assessments as they not only provide valuable feedback for educators but also offer students an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and areas for growth. By participating fully and putting forth their best effort, our students can take pride in their accomplishments and contribute to our collective pursuit of academic excellence.
To ensure our students are well-prepared and able to perform at their best, I urge parents and guardians to support them in the following ways:
Prioritize Rest: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function and concentration. Encourage your child to establish a consistent sleep schedule during the testing period.
Healthy Eating Habits: Nutritious meals and snacks help fuel the body and mind. Provide balanced meals to support your child's energy levels and focus during testing days.
Arrive On Time: Prompt arrival to school ensures a smooth start to the testing day and minimizes stress for students. Please make every effort to ensure your child arrives at school on time each testing day.
As educators, we are committed to creating an environment that supports student success and well-being. Together, let's empower our students to approach these assessments with confidence, knowing that they have the knowledge, skills, and support to excel.
Thank you for your partnership in promoting a positive testing experience for our students. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming assessments, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.
Warm regards,
Anita J. Steward
Principal
Upcoming Events
4/9-4/26 - M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress)
4/19 - GATE Talent Show 6:00-8:00pm
4/25 - Take Your Child to Work Day
4/26 - NJHS Penny Wars
4/26 - Science Fair
4/29 - Coffee with PTO
4/29-4/30 - Book Fair
April Lunch Menu
For more information about our Food Services, please visit https://avondalefns.start.page/
Items in Lost & Found
Please check to see if any of these items belong to your child.
Positivity Project Trait of the Week
From the Counselor's Desk
Middle School Scheduling for Current 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade Students
Reminder! The course request google form is due Friday, April 19th by midnight. Please see the attached letter.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cTxhKGj7YiiYYkho_gtwdBuX09X3JuVxnug6S0zJU1w/edit?usp=sharing
Congratulations!
Math Pentathlon tournament
Our GATE students participated in the tournament and showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, resulting in remarkable achievements.
Please join me in congratulating the following students on their outstanding performances:
Mia Gilbert (3rd Grade) - Gold Medalist with 15 points Timothy Zhou (3rd Grade) - Silver Medalist with 13 points Anya Swasthi (2nd Grade) - Bronze Medalist with 12 points Additionally, we are proud to recognize the following five Pentathletes:
3rd grade: Susie Yoon & Aveneesh Rao
2nd Grade: Stella Puppan, Angelina Pirozzo & Kriya Urs
CareerWrite Essay Contest
Congratulations to the following students and sponsoring teachers who were winners in the OSD Career Write Essay contest which includes cash prizes!
Adrit Mishra & sponsoring teacher, Danielle Ledford, GATE
Sharia Lohia & sponsoring teacher, Laurie Waterhouse, GATE
Griffin Post: New Edition!
The Griffin Post just published its 13th edition! Read this April edition to learn about nature, food, and more! Below is an excerpt from the "Jollification Jumble" section! Go to griffin-post.weebly.com to read the entire article!
"The exact origins of the potato chip are unclear, but folklore claims that a disgruntled chef named George Crum invented them in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1853. Frustrated by a customer who repeatedly complained his French fries were too thick (allegedly Cornelius Vanderbuilt), Crum supposedly sliced them paper-thin and fried them to a crisp."
-Adyoth Sural
M-STEP
4/9-4/26 Grades 3-8th
The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is a 21st Century computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. The M-STEP will be April 9th-26th.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice has released a letter to Michigan families discussing the Spring 2024 assessments.
Yearbook Orders
Click on the following link to order a yearbook: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
Annual Talent Show
Take Your Child to Work Day
Thursday, April 25th is National Take Your Child to Work Day. This annual event is a program where parents take their child to work with them for one day. The day is designed to help children explore their parents work place.
If your employer participates in this event and you would like to take your child to work, please contact your child's teacher in advance to make them aware and make arrangements for them to participate in this program.
Please note, with documentation from your employer, this is an excused absence and does not count against your child's attendance.
Book Fair
This year's Book Fair is going to be epic! More Books. More Choices.
Mark your calendar for the week of May 6th and special evening opening on Friday May 10th during the GATE Art Fair!
Please watch for more information, e-wallets, volunteer sign ups and more!
Art Show
8th Grade Field Trip
School Supplies for 24-25 School Year
After-School Tutoring
After School Activities & Clubs
Soccer -3:20-5:15 pick up at Meadows doors Tuesdays: Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun 4 - $139 https://skyhawks.configio.com/orglandingpage?org=837
Golf via TGA 3:20-4:20 pick up at Meadows doors Wednesdays Apr 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Jun 5 $175 - https://semichigan.playtga.com/pd/2925/avondale-gate-spring-2024?txt=Gate%20&returncom=productlist&source=search
Paddles and Racquets - 3:20-5:15 pick up at Meadows doors Thursdays Apr 4, 11, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Karate
Spring session! Click on the link to register.
Avondale Spring Sports
Junior Golf
Sign up today!
Tennis
Grades 6-8th
Middle School Track
Practice Starts on 4/15 at 3:00 on the track.
Students 6th - 8th grade. Physical must be on file with the athletic office. Pay to play is $100. Any questions please reach out to Coach Gilbert at sarah.gilbert@avondaleschools.org
Parent Meeting for Middle School Track
The parent meeting for track will be rescheduled to Tuesday, April 23 at 5:00pm. The meeting should last until 4:30. The handouts below will be distributed at the meeting.
Social Studies Summer Opportunity
See the following for a Social Studies summer opportunity for gifted families: https://engage.msu.edu/news-and-announcements/2024/april/gate-program-invites-students-to-explore-msus-history-through-archaeological-dig
PTO
2024/25 PTO Executive Board
We are seeking nominations for the Avondale GATE PTO 2024-2025 Executive Board. Please follow this link to nominate yourself:
https://forms.gle/vZF4ECV2WkmzwYp79
Key dates: PTO Nominations form available April 19th - 27th
PTO Ballot available May 3rd through 11th
Please respond to this survey no later than 5 p.m. on April 27, 2024.
Our PTO can only be successful with interest and involvement from parents like you!
Expert, Author, and Researcher
Science Expo!
Volunteers Needed!
Spring is here and so is the PTO sponsored spring event! Please join us for the first ever GATE Science Expo next Friday evening, April 26! It will be a night to remember with student led experiments, a photo booth, parent engagement, a Mad Science demonstration and much more!
We could still use some volunteers for the GATE Science Expo. If you are able and have the time please consider volunteering your time to help make this event a success! Please volunteer here: https://gate.ptboard.com/sgnvw
GLOW PARTY
Join us for a GLOW PARTY! What : glow in the dark games and activities; Photo Booth; music, food, and FUN!!
When : May 2, 2024 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where : GATE Gym and Cafeteria
Who : ALL GATE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
RSVP for this FREE event (and order pizza, if desired) : https://middle-school-party-may-2nd.cheddarup.com/
Join the PTBOARD
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Spring Conference at Avondale High School
Come join us at Avondale High School in April! Ms. Gierman will be presenting a breakout session. There will also be some wonderful, well renowned speakers speaking about gifted education.
If you are an Philanthropists, have unused gift cards, or other gifts, please consider donating silent auction items for this conference. The proceeds will help fund gifted students scholarships for summer programs, which is a great cause. Many gifted students and their families do not live near free public gifted education schools, and cannot afford private gifted programming. This help those families in need!
Use the link below to donate!
District Wide Carnival
We would like to inform you that Spring Fest is right around the corner, it will be on April 26th, 2024.
We would like to invite all our middle school and elementary school students to come and join us to celebrate Spring Fest! This year Springfest will include inflatable attractions, putt-putt golf, food trucks, and so much more!
It will be from 5-8 pm and tickets are sold at the door $10 per wristband or 3 for $25. Staff from the district are welcome to come in for free and a guest will be $5.
BOND Proposal Town Hall
Avondale School District
No Tax Rate Increase Bond Proposal
on the August 6, 2024 Ballot
Plan to attend a TOWN HALL on MAY 2, 2024 from 6:30-8:00pm at Avondale High School or on ZOOM to learn about this important election. Get the facts about the benefits and financial impacts and learn about the projects that a successful bond will fund. All schools, athletics, and Arts programs will benefit from the bond passage and there will be no tax rate increase to the community.
Come in person or join on ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7832497459?omn=86264229227.
Blessings in a Backpack Golf Fundraiser
Avondale Blessings in a Backpack is teaming with SFL Companies to host a Golf Scramble Fundraiser on May 6, 2024. Please consider participating in this great (and fun) event that supports our Avondale students!
$800 / foursome
$200 / single golfer (will be paired with other singles or to complete a team)
Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, practice facility, lunch, dinner, and non-alcoholic beverages
Learn about sponsorship opportunities here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdMEpclvzpYkOmJ9sguk91VJYDZi3c3c/view?usp=sharing
You can register for the outing at this link: https://blessingsinabackpackmi.org/events/.
National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6-10, 2024
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, 2024. The Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) wishes to celebrate teachers across Michigan for the entire month of May.
MDE invites parents to submit 15-30 second videos of their students recognizing and thanking a specific teacher for their impact. Nothing fancy is required—cell phones can capture the videos. Please follow the directions on the flyer. Videos and parental consent may be submitted via the Teacher Appreciation Video Project Google Form. Videos are currently being accepted until Friday, April 19, 2024.
Submitted videos may be posted on the Teacher Appreciation Month webpage and the MDE’s YouTube channel. The Office of Educator Excellence Facebook (@MIeducator) and X (formerly Twitter) social media pages will be promoting the videos throughout the month of May.
If you have a child with great things to say about a teacher, don’t hesitate—use the instructions found on our website to submit a video today!
Instructions to submit video (Arabic) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FGOsFm2UqssthvOfR_map5ghBr8AeqCh/view?usp=sharing
Instructions to submit video (English) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UOLzeH7wTWukRhwy2IZKdNmCmUYUGp8M/view?usp=sharing
Instructions to submit video (Spanish) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17_uXaEop73z_bhaVJKAUZtB094MGFtLl/view?usp=sharing
Avondale School District would also like to share your video with our community. Please send your video to Annette McAvoy at 248-217-1759.
School Based Health Center
DID YOU KNOW?
Honor Community Health, located in Avondale High School (2800 Waukegan, Auburn Hills) offers vaccinations, physical and mental health check-ups, athletic physicals, and MORE! Payment for service is based on a sliding scale. Call for an appointment: (248) 537-6235 or (248) 724-7600.
24-25 School Year Calendar
Detailed calendar to be shared in the near future.
Enrollment for Summer Camp and the 2024-2025 School Year
Enrollment for Summer Camp and the 2024-2025 school year is open! Click on one of the following links to start the enrollment process for your student:
- If you want to enroll your student in the ELC Summer Camp, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 3 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 4 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
All current ELC students are only eligible to attend the ELC Summer Camp, not the Busy Bee Summer Camp. Busy Bee Summer Camp is for students who have completed a year of TK/Kindergarten.
Thank you!
Tiffany Mellado
Avondale Theatre Company Summer Drama Camp
Community
4-H Discovery Day
Doctors Back to School
Registration is now open for Doctors Back to School™on Saturday, May 11th at the OUWB School of Medicine!
Families can register at https://bit.ly/OUWB-DBTS-2024
Please share with any youth who might be interested - if families have questions about older/younger siblings attending, please have them reach out to me at 248-505-9137 via text or ragutier@oakland.edu
Rose