The GATE Gazette
Tuesday, November 26 , 2019
REMINDER!! TODAY, Tuesday, November 26th is a HALF DAY! Dismissal is at 11:14am
This Week
I decided to send a quick, shortened version of our newsletter to share a few pieces of info!
I am so excited to share that our students donated 1,053 pounds to the Gleaners Food Pantry! That's more than DOUBLE our goal! We are showing our gratitude for what we have and giving to others when we can. #OtherPeopleMatter!
1. School-wide goal: 500 lbs = We all earn a Pajama Day! We will celebrate this on December 19th!
2. Classroom goal: Most pounds donated = Pizza Party!
Ms. Breeden's Classroom! Congratulations! We will schedule your pizza party in December!
3. Classroom goal: Most pounds per student = Paint the Rock!
Ms. Breeden's Classroom! Congratulations! We will schedule this soon!
I am still waiting to hear the Blessings in a Backpack "Coins for Kindness" total amount donated - I'll let you know when I find out!
Please read the important information regarding our new "Raptor" security measure below.
Sincerely,
Kate Martin, Principal
We are Grateful for Our Teachers!
Our Upcoming P2 Character Strengths!
Gleaners
GATE Upcoming Events
- Nov. 27-29: No School
- Dec. 2: Art Gallery Walk 6pm @ GATE
- Dec. 2-6: Scholastic Book Fair all week! See times below.
- Dec. 6: 1/2 Day; Teacher Records in PM.
- Dec. 7: Holiday Breakfast @ 8:30am-11am (If you signed up)
- Dec. 9: Ukulele Recital (club) immediately following dismissal in Media Center
- Dec. 12: PTO Meeting 7pm @ Media Center
- Dec. 17: Drama Club Performance in Cafeteria after school
- Dec. 19: School-wide PJ day!
- Dec. 20: Classroom winter parties - time TBD by classroom teacher
- Dec. 23-Jan. 3: Winter Break
- Jan. 9: PTO Meeting 7pm @ Media Center
- Jan. 16: Early Dismissal @ 1:05pm
- Jan. 17: Blanket Making event sponsored by PTO - details to come
- Jan. 23: GATE Open House Showcase Event - details to come
- Jan. 27-31: NWEA MAP Winter Testing week
Communication Flow
Please see the communication flow graphic below. Remember that all staff contact information, the district calendar, school times, menus, and the code of conduct is always at the bottom of every newsletter as well.
I will no longer be a member of the GT Parent Facebook group, and teachers will also be leaving the group. The PTO will take over managing the page. I will still be managing the actual GATE Magnet School Facebook page.
I am kindly requesting that we use the communication flow chart below to find answers to questions rather than ask on Facebook or social media. We want to be able to help you find your answers quickly, and using this flow will ensure that you're getting the most accurate and timely information possible.
Thank you!
New/Modified Logo!
Exciting Announcement!
I'm very pleased to officially present to you our new GATE logo! Thank you to Jon Hocking for offering his branding and design skills to help give GATE an enduring icon which helps communicate something meaningful and different about our program.
Paired with our new tag-line, we state clearly to the world that we are not just about academic advancement, but also strive to grow the whole child. It is important that we support gifted children to understand how to manage and face their unique social and emotional challenges, in addition to academic advancement.
"Nurturing Gifted Minds and Hearts"
Our new branding will gradually replace our current logo over time. There's no rush!
The logo is currently featured on the PTO website (gate.ptboard.com, if you've not had a chance to register yet, please do!) and it's being featured on the next round of PTO Spirit Wear (orders due Dec 2nd, order through the PTO website).
Volunteer Opportunity: Blessings in a Backpack
Parent/Teacher Gifted Resources
School Security Changes
Avondale's Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Avondale High School's Leadership 101 class is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for the Avondale community next Tuesday, November 26th from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the AHS Cafeteria.
Thanksgiving is a very special time for many people in the United States to spend with their families. Our best Thanksgivings are spent with loved ones, eating wonderful food and having fun. However, many people in our community are unable to participate in such a blessed time and it is our duty to make sure that they are able to take part in it. This is Avondale's way of giving back and we need your help to do so.
This dinner can only be possible with your donations, although a donation is not required. If you would like to donate a fully prepared dish or supplies, please sign up at bit.ly/ahsthanksgiving. We hope that everyone can join us! Thank you for supporting us in helping those in need this holiday season.
PTO News
Staff Contact Information
If you need to notify the school of an:
ABSENCE
ABSENCE EXCUSE
EARLY DISMISSAL
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR CHILD
Please call/email Brenda in the front office AND email your child's teacher:
GATE OFFICE CONTACT:
248-537-6400 (voicemail is now set up) or email brenda.trager@avondaleschools.org
You do not need to notify Ms. Martin of absences or early dismissals; please follow directions above.
Classroom Teachers
4th/5th: Ms. Michelle Gierman
michelle.gierman@avondaleschools.org
4th/5th: Ms. Erica Burmann
erica.burmann@avondaleschools.org
2nd/3rd: Ms. Amanda Merrill
amanda.merrill@avondaleschools.org
Long-Term Sub for Ms. Merrill - Ms. Leanore Ray
2nd/3rd: Ms. Kimberly McDermid
kimberly.mcdermid@avondaleschools.org
3rd/4th: Ms. Rachel Breeden
rachel.breeden@avondaleschools.org
6th: Mr. Mike Bigelow
michael.bigelow@avondaleschools.org
Special Area Staff
STEAM Lab: Ms. Heidi Heil
heidi.heil@avondaleschools.org
Physical Education: Ms. Adrianna Pfeffer
adrianna.pfeffer@avondaleschools.org
Art: Ms. Elizabeth Lowe
elizabeth.lowe@avondaleschools.org
Support Staff
Learning Resource Room: Ms. Jennifer Spencer
jennifer.spencer@avondaleschools.org
Speech Therapist: Ms. Kristen Genslak
kristen.genslak@avondaleschools.org
Social Work: Ms. Anne Ossewaarde
Contact Info
Our secretary, Brenda Trager, will be answering your calls.
Please call this number to report absences or when you have school related questions.
brenda.trager@avondaleschools.org
8:00-9:15am & 2:15-2:53pm - Enter at GATE entrance. All other times, enter main office.
Our address is 1435 West Auburn Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Our website: https://sites.google.com/a/avondaleschools.org/gate-1/
Contact Information
Email: kate.martin@avondaleschools.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/avondaleschools.org/gate-1/
Location: 1435 West Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 537-6400
Twitter: @KateMartinGATE