Gator Bites
December 7, 2022
A message from Superintendent Smidy
Happy December! It has been a pleasure to be at Gateway this school year! There is a great deal of wonderful teaching and learning occurring every day!
With the first trimester of our younger grades coming to a close and our middle and high school well into second quarter, I wanted to remind all families that Gateway is committed to supporting students academic, behaviorally, and socially & emotionally. The district is aligned to the model of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, or MTSS for short. This means that the district will provide students with supports and interventions they need to be successful in school.
If your child is struggling in school for any reason--with learning new or not-so-new concepts, with getting along with peers, with their self-esteem, with understanding expectations, or anything else!--please reach out to your child's teacher, counselor, or principal. We have been taking steps to ensure that we are all working together to provide every Gateway student with the appropriate, personalized supports they need to succeed. This includes utilizing high quality instructional materials, engaging classroom instruction, conducting assessments to let us know how students are doing and how they still need help, securing and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment, communicating clear expectations so all can thrive and a continuing to build strong partnership with families and the community to make it all come together.
We look forward to continuing to work with your students into 2023 and thank you for your collaboration!
Kristen Smidy, Superintendent
FREE Family Movie Night THIS FRIDAY
Upcoming Events at Gateway!
Chester's Superpower for December is Safe Behavior
Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 - Chester Holiday Concert at Gateway Performing Arts Center
Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30pm - Littleville Holiday Concert at Gateway Performing Arts Center
Friday, Dec. 9 - MS/HS Picture Retakes
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6:30pm- Middle School Concert and Jazz Band as well as Chorus Concert at Gateway Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7pm-School Committee Meeting
Monday, Dec. 19 at 6:30pm- High School Concert and Jazz Band as well as Chorus Concert at Gateway Performing Arts Center
Friday, Dec. 23-Half Day of School
What's Happening in the GRHS Wood Shop?
Career Training Tracks at GRHS
Did you know that we have been developing Career Training Tracks for our high school students? These tracks will give students experience in careers that they'd like to explore, dual enrollment to give them a "leg up" if they choose to pursue college after high school, and internships as well as other career opportunities to help them create a great resume.
Most of these tracks will start with general ed. classes in 9th and 10th grades and then specific career courses, dual enrollment, etc. will take place in 11th and 12th grades. We are using data and well as student input to develop a variety of high-interest Career Training Tracks.
The Career Training Tracks that we have developed thus far are:
Electrical Career Training Track
We have a partnership Elm Electric in Westfield. Juniors are signing up for a 32 hour Elm Futures Program which will be held in late February/early March. This program gives students the opportunity to learn about the electrical field. If students are successful in the program, there are internships opportunities as well as further educational and hand-on opportunities to build their resume and get ready for a career in the electrical industry.
Health Career Training Track
We have two strands in the Health Career Training Track: Dental and Nursing/Medical. The Hilltown Community Health Center and Noble Healthcare are our partners.
Water Treatment Operator Career Training Track
We currently have six students in this track. The Chester, Blandford, and Huntington Water Treatment Plants are partnering with us. In second semester students will be getting OSHA certified, First and and CPR certified, taking the Water Operator I class through the American Water Works Association, completing an 100 hour internship, and taking the T1 test to become a certified Water Operator in-training.
Animal Science Career Training Track. Blandford Animal Hospital is one of our partners.
Graphic Arts Career Training Track
School Pickup - Please remember no idling!
The After School Wright Flight Program ended with our middle school students flying from Northampton Airport to Orange Airport and back!
Ronan is getting ready for take-off
Levi is flying the plane!!
Weston and Colton after their flights
Chromebooks - Parents/students please read
A reminder for parents/guardians and students that per our Acceptable Use Policy placing stickers on student Chromebooks is not allowed. The technology department is asking that if the student has placed stickers on their Chromebooks they remove them immediately. Students who turn in Chromebooks with stickers on them will be subject to a $100 fee.
Do you know anyone who loves Legos?
Springfield is hosting its first-ever LEGO convention in August 2023 at the MassMutual Center.
The Springfield Brick Convention will be held on August 5th and 6th in 2023 at the MassMutual Center. Tickets are $14.99 and are available on their website for either date. Purchasing tickets early is highly recommended.
Professional LEGO artists from around the United States will display their amazing LEGO creations and meet fans. There will also be meet-and-greets with different LEGO celebrities. Click here to learn more about this awesome event: https://www.brickconvention.com/springfield
On the GRSD Mats and Courts
Our boys and girls basketball teams, our wrestling team and are cheerleaders are ready for the season to begin!
Boys Basketball Schedule:
Monday 12/12/2022 Away Westfield Tech Aca (C) WTA5:30 PM 7:00 PM
Thursday 12/15/2022 Home Ludlow (C) Gateway 5:00 PM 6:30 PM
Monday 12/19/2022 Home St. Mary's (L) Gateway 5:00 PM 6:30 PM
Thursday 12/22/2022AwayPathfinder (L)Pathfinder5:30 PM7:00 PM
Monday 1/9/2023HomePVCICS (L) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Thursday 1/12/2023AwaySmith Voc (L)Smith Voc5:00 PM6:30 PM
Friday 1/20/2023HomePVCA (L)Gateway5:00 PM6:30 PM
Tuesday 1/24/2023AwayMt. Everett (C)Mt. Everett5:00 PM6:30 PM
Friday 1/27/2023AwaySt. Mary's (L)Westfield Middle School6:00 PM7:30 PM
Tuesday 1/31/2023HomePathfinder (L)Gateway5:00 PM6:30 PM
Friday2/3/2023AwayPVCICS (L) (V)Hampshire College (Robert Crown Center)N/A4:00 PM
Tuesday2/7/2023HomeSmith Voc (L)Gateway5:00 PM6:30 PM
Friday2/10/2023AwayPVCA (L)PVCA5:30 PM7:00 PM
Girls Basketball Schedule:
Tuesday12/13/2022HomeMohawk (JV)Gateway4:30 PMN/A
Tuesday12/13/2022HomeWestfield T. A. (C) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Wednesday12/14/2022AwayMohawk (JV)Mohawk5:00 PMN/A
Friday12/16/2022AwayBaystate Charter (C)South End Community Center5:30 PM7:00 PM
Monday12/19/2022AwayHopkins (JV)Hopkins Academy6:00 PMN/A
Tuesday12/20/2022AwaySt.Mary's (L) (V)Westfield Intermediate SchoolN/A6:30 PM
Thursday12/22/2022HomeHCSS-East (L) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Friday1/6/2023AwayFrontier (JV)Frontier5:00 PMN/A
Tuesday1/10/2023HomeDuggan (L)Gateway5:00 PM6:30 PM
Thursday1/19/2023AwaySci Tech (L) (V)Sci TechN/A7:00 PM
Monday1/23/2023HomePathfinder (L) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Thursday1/26/2023HomeFroniter (JV)Gateway5:00 PMN/A
Thursday1/26/2023HomePVCICS (C) (V)HomeN/A6:30 PM
Monday1/30/2023HomeHopkins (JV)Gateway5:00 PMN/A
Monday1/30/2023HomeSt.Mary's (L) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Thursday2/2/2023AwayHCSS-East (L) (V)First Baptist Church (E. Longmeadow)N/A7:00 PM
Monday2/6/2023AwayDuggan (L)Duggan5:30 PM7:00 PM
Thursday2/9/2023HomeSci Tech (L) (V)GatewayN/A6:30 PM
Monday2/13/2023AwayPathfinder (L) (V)PathfinderN/A5:30 PM
Wrestling Schedule:
Friday12/16/2022HomeMohawk (L)Gateway6:00 PM
Saturday12/17/2022AwayKnighthawk Tournament (T)Holyoke High School9:00 AM
Monday12/19/2022HomeHCSS East (C)*Gateway6:00 PM
Tuesday12/27/2022AwayBerkshire HolidayMonument Mt.9:00 AM
Friday12/30/2022AwayTomkiel (T)Agawam9:00 AM
Wednesday1/4/2023AwayDuggan (L)Duggan7:00 PM
Wednesday1/11/2023HomeSmith Voc (L)*Gateway6:00 PM
Saturday1/14/2023AwayTaconic InvitationalTaconic9:30 AM
Wednesday1/18/2023AwayPathfinder (L)Pathfinder7:00 PM
Saturday1/21/2023AwayMt. Everett Duals (I)Mt. Everett
Thursday1/26/2023AwayAthol (C)Athol6:00 PM
Saturday1/28/2023AwayMountie Tournamnet (T)Mount Greylock9:20 AM
Gateway Education Foundation - Funding educational endeavors that enhance and inspire our students at Gateway Regional School District
Gear Up for the Holidays
GRHS 2022-2023 Yearbooks on sale
High School yearbooks are now on sale! The current cost is $50. This is the LOWEST offer of the year. The price will increase in December, so buy now! Our students put a lot of energy and effort into this beautiful, hardcover, 124 page, full-color book. Students can pre-order online at JostensYearbooks.com, or can bring cash or check to Mrs. Wing in the high school to reserve their copy.
Here is a direct link to our sales page: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03474300
Fundraisers:
* As the flyer at the beginning of our newsletter says, the Class of 2023 is hosting a movie night on Friday Dec. 9th from 6-8pm. We are showing The Grinch! Admission is free and there will be popcorn, hot cocoa, and more to purchase. All funds raised will go towards graduation and the senior trip.
* Littleville Elementary's fundraiser is below. Please see the flyer about this great event!
Senior Citizen Brunch and Concert a Success!
It was our pleasure to host Councils on Aging from our six communities.
A big thank you to our food service department led by Tasha Hartley, our music department including band director Beth Guertin, elementary music teacher Brendan Goodwin, and high school choral director Gina Clark, our National Honor Society students for acting as hosts and servers, and our technology and maintenance department for doing all the behind the scenes work to make this event a success!
Look Who's Hiring
Otis Ridge Ski Lodge - is also looking for all positions including ski instructors, lodge staff and more. Learn more and apply at https://otisridge.com/employment/. Ski instructors do not have to be professionals - Otis will train you.
Wilderness Experiences Unlimited - is looking for swimming instructors. You don't have to be a professional swimmer - WEU will train you. Learn more and apply at https://www.weu.com/join-our-team
What's Happening in our Community?
Gateway Gear Grinders Mountain Bike Team
If you have an 8 - 18 year old that is interested in riding mountain bikes? If so, come and join the Gateway Gear Grinders Mountain Biking Team! There are beginner through (almost) expert teams that make up the Gateway Gear Grinders and they would love for more riders to join the team. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/785692621791350/?ref=share. Gateway Gear Grinders - aka G3!!
Upcoming Russell Library Events:
- Join us at the Russell Public Library for a Family Performance with Tim Van Egmond, Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11:00-12:00. Celebrate the season of light through music and storytelling honoring the illumination of the season's major holidays. This program is made possible by a grant from the Russell Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.
- On Tuesday, Dec. 27th and Thursday, Dec. 29th from 11:00-1:00 Miss Dawni will be hosting games and fun for all ages. You can challenge your skills with a Pom Pom Throw or Untangle the Skate Knot and play seasonal board games. The craft table will be open to create a beautiful seasonal craft. Every child that takes out a book will receive a treat.
Enjoy a brisk walk as you read along the seasonally themed StoryWalk® at Russell Public Library. Come into the library for a story related activity packet when you’ve finished.
AMC Noble View
Join the Family Outings and Education Committee of the Western MA Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA for our 2nd annual family night, "Eyes to the Skies" Friday, Dec. 16th, 6pm-9pm. You'll enjoy a campfire, stories and cocoa. Bundle up the kids, wear warm layers, boots and bring a headlamp or flashlight, folding chair and blanket. Extreme cold or overcast, snowy or rainy conditions will cancel. Come early and take part in a self-guided StoryWalk® of “Look Up,”
Sign up at Outdoors.org or email dawne4amc@gmail.com
$75 gift card for receiving COVID Vaccine
Click here to see a list of vaccine sites where you can get a $75 gift card for getting your first, second, or booster COVID vaccine. The list is constantly being updated, so check back if you don't see a clinic that is convenient to you. The gift card is only valid at the clinics/locations listed on the site.
Past Gator Bites
November 29: https://www.smore.com/4zs6ax
November 14: https://www.smore.com/u49t2
November 7: https://www.smore.com/mb78u
October 26: https://www.smore.com/gmqb5October 19: https://www.smore.com/w2fk5
October 10: https://www.smore.com/m9uke
October 3: https://www.smore.com/pnds3
September 23: https://www.smore.com/q0x4c
September 16: https://www.smore.com/bkwp3
September 9: https://www.smore.com/uyc4m
September 1: https://www.smore.com/vu28z
August 25: https://www.smore.com/k2jehc
Contact Info!
Chester Elementary School:
Principal Vanna Maffuccio vmaffuccio@grsd.org
Littleville Elementary School:
Principal Andrew Samuelson asamuelson@grsd.org
Principal Jason Finnie jfinnie@grsd.org
Assistant Principal Will Sullivan wsullivan@grsd.org
Athletic Director Matt Bonenfant mbonenfant@grsd.org
Superintendent Kristen Smidy, ksmidy@grsd.org