GCCSD News and Updates - Feb. 2023
Dear Gates Chili School Community,
This week marked the beginning of the second semester, which means we are officially in the second half of the 2022-23 school year.
As we continue our steadfast journey to June, we remain committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming and affirming environment in each of our schools. As such, we must acknowledge the feelings of frustration, fear and grief that are being felt by many in our community since the release of the video of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, as well as the mass gun violence in the Asian American community in California.
The constant imagery of violence, in particular against historically marginalized people, is harmful and its impact enduring. Like other videos and incidents, the violence causes great pain for students, staff and families alike and many are being forced to relive past trauma. If you are feeling hurt or isolated, please know that you are not alone.
We are fortunate to live, work and learn in a school district community made up of people who truly support one another and the quest to make this world a better place for us all. Gates Chili remains steadfast in its commitment to disrupt acts of racism and hatred, so that all students may feel empowered, protected and able to thrive.
As adults, it is incumbent upon us to help students work through their questions and feelings. The following resources may help families talk with their students:
• Responding to Tragedy: Resources for Educators and Parents (Edutopia)
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (NASP)
• Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)
Today begins Black History Month. While it is important to study, recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black and African American people throughout history, I urge our school community to dig deeper and push further this month and beyond. Let us continue to look for ways to transform systems and interrupt actions that are threats to human and civil rights.
Go Spartans!
Christopher Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
Students = teachers
Junior Achievement Economics students have been teaching economic concepts to students in grades 3-5. Disney Dragons and other elementary students engaged in lessons about entrepreneurship, costs, revenue and careers.
Change sings at Armstrong
Armstrong Stars cozied up in their PJs on Pajama Day! Fifth- and second-grade students worked together focusing on being positive change agents in the school community.
A culture of kindness
Paul Road Panthers are celebrating Kindness Week by saving the world with kindness. They were encouraged to show off outfits that represent either a culture or place they have visited!
GCMS goes back in time
Students kicked off their ancient civilizations unit by learning about ancient Greece and Rome. As a part of the unit, students will be competing in Olympic events!
Art comes alive for Anime Club
The GCHS Anime Club welcomed guest speaker Liz Pritchard on Jan. 18, who shared their portfolio and background in art, including how they first started drawing anime.
Inclusion Revolution!
Gates Chili HS played host to the 2023 Youth Activation Summit on Jan. 27. This partnership between the Special Olympics and Section V helps foster a culture of inclusion around Unified Sports.
Gates Chili is committed to strengthening family partnerships that contribute to student success. An important part of those partnerships is two-way communication and feedback. As the district explores constant opportunities for growth and improvement, we are once again seeking family input through a districtwide survey.
Later this week, families will receive an email with a link to this year’s survey, which asks questions on several topics including communication, technology, school operations and more. The data from this anonymous survey will inform important district- and building-level decisions and highlight opportunities for growth or improvement.
Last year, 787 families, or nearly 30%, of all GC families participated in the survey. Some of the valuable information learned from that first-ever survey included how families access information from the district, preference on communication channels and formats, as well as satisfaction ratings for several departments. On average, services provided by the district were rated 4.1 on a scale of 1-5.
The Gates Chili Board of Education voted to appoint Catherine Coffee as its new president during the board’s regular business meeting on Jan. 24.
Coffee replaced Jeffrey Pettenski, who has served as a member of the board since 2014 and as president since 2018. Pettenski stepped down from his leadership position due to new commitments in his personal and professional life. He will continue to serve as a member of the board of education for the remainder of his term. Coffee is currently serving her second three-year term as a member of the Gates Chili Board of Education. She currently serves on the District Improvement Team (DIT), the Ad Hoc Committee, and as the Board liaison to the Education Foundation. Frank Muscato will continue to serve as the board’s vice president.
In early January, the board welcomed Kathryn Davis as its newest member. Davis was selected to complete the term of Andrea Hinchey Unson, who stepped down from the board in December to spend time with family.
Board of Education meetings are moving to the new Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC) beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28. The GCPLC, located at the high school, is what many used to know as the band room and the final piece to district's $68 million capital project.
This unique space can host small break-out style events to large group-screening style events featuring four digital displays and two projection screens with flexible technological capabilities. With space for approximately 100 participants, the GCPLC will be a place for faculty, staff and administration to take part in training, workshops and other important learning.
Come hear GCHS Jazz Ensembles, Gates GCHS Show Choir and GCMS Jazz Band, PLUS Tom "Bones" Malone (Blues Brothers, SNL, David Letterman) and local pop-funk band "USP" at this year's Java Jazz fundraiser!
The event is on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door. All proceeds benefit the students' upcoming trip to Disneyworld.
- Feb. 7: Board of Education Meeting, GCPLC, 6:30 p.m.
- Feb. 10: Java Jazz Concert, GCPAC, 6-9 p.m.
- Feb. 17: #GCPride Day
- Feb. 20: President's Day - District Closed
- Feb. 20-24: Mid-winter Recess - No School for Students or 10-Month Staff
- Feb. 28: Board of Education Meeting, GCPLC, 6:30 p.m.
Always check the district's online calendar for the most up-to-date dates, times and locations for events.
The Gates Chili Food Pantry is open today! The food pantry, supported in partnership with Gates Chili Community Connections, is located at Gates Chili High School and will be open on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 p.m. or by appointment. Families in need of this resource should come to Gates Chili High School and enter through door #1 (the main entrance near the bus loop).
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to Angelina Pound at appound@gateschili.org.
Job ID 795: Assistant Principal - Secondary
Job ID 794: Elementary General Education Teacher (anticipated for 2023-24 school year)
Job ID 662: Business Teacher
Job ID 797: Mathematics Teacher
Job ID 703: Technology Teacher
Job ID 725: Cleaner
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 747: Teacher Aide - School Aide
Job ID 728: Hall Monitor/Cafeteria Monitor (Part-time)
Job ID 750: Bus Attendant
Job ID 749: Bus Driver
Job ID 723: Substitute Support Staff
Job ID 724: Substitute Teacher*
*The Gates Chili Board of Education recently approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.
Job ID 799: Spring - Girls Varsity Softball Assistant Coach
Job ID 800: Spring - Girls Mod A Softball Head Coach
Job ID 801: Spring - Girls Softball Program Assistant Coach
Job ID 802: Spring - Girls Varsity Flag Football Head Coach
Job ID 803: Spring - Girls Flag Football Program Assistant Coach
Job ID 804: Spring - Golf Program Assistant Coach
Job ID 805: Spring - Boys Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach
Job ID 806: Spring - Girls Modified Lacrosse Head Coach
Job ID 807: Spring - Modified B Track and Field Assistant Coach
The Gates Chili Central School District is dedicated to fostering curiosity, growth, and diversity within our school community. The district celebrates and embraces differences and strives to dismantle exclusion, bias, racism, and prejudice of all forms.