Grizzly Gazette
Parent Newsletter
Week of May 27, 2019
End-of-Year Information
to school, we will have them check the backpack in at the office.
Please make sure all obligations have been paid. This includes lunch accounts, technology (iPads, cords, and charging cubes), library books, and classroom library books. Feel free to contact the front office if you need more information.
Yearbook Signing
Yearbooks are still available for purchase
in Gateway's front office - $15.
During the signing, students will be expected to follow our Gateway expectations of being safe, responsible, and respectful.
Students will not be allowed to sign articles of clothing.
Students will not be allowed to write on their bodies or bodies of other students.
Summer Learning Opportunity
Mark Twain and Truman Nominee Book Reader Winners
Congratulations to Marcello M. and Augustus K. for winning a Barnes and Noble gift card from the Gateway library. Each of these boys read 12 of the Mark Twain and Truman nominees this year. Enjoy your shopping trip, boys!
We’d like to give a shout out to Booster Club for helping us make this possible.
Boys' Basketball Camp - Oak Park
Past Issues of the Grizzly Gazette Parent Newsletter
Week of May 20, 2019
PAWS Volunteers Needed
On Thursday, May 30th we will be rewarding our Gateway 6th Graders for their hard work this final quarter with our P.A.W.S. (Positive Activity with Students) event. We need around 40 volunteers to help run 20+ activity stations, think school carnival meets Field Day. Our event will run from 12:30-2:30 but we will need volunteers to help with set-up beginning at 11:30. If you would like to help out please sign-up below.
New Mark Football Camp
End-of-Year Information
- Students will bring their items home May 29.
- Genius Hour Showcase - Please check with your child's teacher for his/her specific time.
- Students will not be allowed to bring backpacks on May 30 and 31. If they bring a backpack to school, we will have them check the backpack in at the office.
- Eligible students will participate in PAWS on May 30.
- Eligible students will participate in yearbook signing on May 31.
Award Ceremonies
If you wish to take your child with you following the ceremony, please tell his/her homeroom teacher and check out through the office.
May 20 - 9:00AM - Ambassadors
May 20 - 1:30PM - Pirates
May 21 - 9:00AM - Marvels
May 21 - 1:30PM - Explorers
May 22 - 9:00AM - Champions
May 22 - 1:30PM - Lobos
New Mark Cheerleading Camp
Battle of the Books Winners
Team Fruiy Snacks: Sydney Curran, Aly Wood and Keira Nguyen
They answered the most questions out of 100 the fastest and correctly! Their team read 10 books in order to compete and win!
Thank you to the 13 teams totaling 75 students who competed!
MAP Prize Winners
Please consider donating...
Week of May 13, 2019
Library Books Due
End-of-Year Details
- Students will check in their iPads to classroom teachers on May 15. iPads will do no longer be allowed to come home.
- Students will bring their items home May 29.
- Students will not be allowed to bring backpacks on May 30 and 31. If they bring a backpack to school, we will have them check the backpack in at the office.
- Eligible students will participate in PAWS on May 30.
- Eligible students will participate in yearbook signing on May 31.
iPad Return
Staley Feeder Pattern - Sports Physicals
Sports Physicals - Thursday, May 23
Staley High School will be partnering with Saint Luke’s Hospital to provide $10 physicals to Staley students and Staley Feeder students on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. Check in table will be located in the Great Hall at the high school.
From Gateway's Health Room...
Parents – All medication stored in the health room will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian by 12:00 on May 31st. Medication will NOT be sent home with students. Please make arrangements with your school nurse if you need an alternative pick up date/time.
All District Middle School Colorguard Camp
Northgate Middle School is hosting an All District Middle School Colorguard Camp for all incoming 7th and 8th graders. Color guard is new to many students in the 6th grade centers and middle schools, so we hope this camp will give them the opportunity to try this fun sport!
Date: Friday June 21st.
Time: 8am-2pm
Where: NGMS
Cost: $20 They can also add on a lunch made by a local food chain for $6.
The sign up deadline is Wednesday, May 29th.
The Gateway Girl Scout Troop
plants a Dogwood tree and
dedicates it to the first class of Gateway.
Spring Portrait Proofs
Spring Portrait Proofs went home on May 7th.
The packets are due back to the office by May 15th.
We will return packets of portraits as soon as they have arrived.
Thank You!
Awards Ceremonies
May 20 - 9:00AM - Ambassadors
May 20 - 1:30PM - Pirates
May 21 - 9:00AM - Marvels
May 21 - 1:30PM - Explorers
May 22 - 9:00AM - Champions
May 22 - 1:30PM - Lobos
Week of May 6, 2019
We are trying to minimize the disruption to our daily schedule. Therefore, teams will be testing throughout the day. Students will be expected to pass from class to class with silence. The rationale behind this is to allow for students on one team to be uninterrupted during testing, while a different team moves to encore classes.
Gateway will begin the 2nd week of MAP Testing the Week of May 6th.
May 7 - Lobos and Pirates
May 8 - Marvels and Explorers
May 9 - Champions and Ambassadors
Students will need earbuds and a charged iPad at school for testing.
We appreciate your help in preparing your child for school each day and to make every attempt for her/him to be at school.
A few helpful tips include:
- Get a good night's sleep before test days
- Eat a well balanced breakfast that morning
- Prepare for the morning the night before to avoid rushing around
- Give your brain a break by doing something fun
- Get out and exercise during the days leading up to the test
- Set your alarm to avoid being late
Students will earn scores for effort, hallway behavior, respect of the testing environment, iPad preparedness, and attendance (on time to school). For each 4 a student receives, he/she will earn a raffle ticket that may be placed in a bucket for a drawing. Each team will have 1 winner. The following items are in each prize package.
This...
That...
And These!
Fridays - Team Spirit
Ambassadors - Green
Champions - Royal Blue
Explorers - Golden Yellow
Lobos - Purple
Marvels - Black
Pirates - Red
End of the Year Award Ceremonies
May 20 - 9:00AM - Ambassadors
May 20 - 1:30PM - Pirates
May 21 - 9:00AM - Marvels
May 21 - 1:30PM - Explorers
May 22 - 9:00AM - Champions
May 22 - 1:30PM - Lobos
Library Poster Contest Winner
Congrats to Cadence Heitman. Her beautiful poster was voted by the Gateway staff as the poster that best represented your Gateway library.
All posters will be displayed for a few more weeks and then returned to homeroom teacher mailboxes. Cadence's poster will be framed and hung forever in the Gateway library. Thank you to all who entered. The posters were all so incredible!
A note from the Grizzly Booster Club...
UPDATE - Teacher Appreciation Week
A Note From Grizzly Booster Club...
Week of April 29, 2019
MAP Testing
We are trying to minimize the disruption to our daily schedule. Therefore, teams will be testing throughout the day. Students will be expected to pass from class to class with silence. The rationale behind this is to allow for students on one team to be uninterrupted during testing, while a different team moves to encore classes.
Gateway will begin MAP Testing the Week of April 29 and continue through May 10th.
April 30 - Marvels and Explorers
May 1 - Lobos and Pirates
May 2 - Champions Ambassadors
May 7 - Lobos and Pirates
May 8 - Marvels and Explorers
May 9 - Champions and Ambassadors
Students will need earbuds and a charged iPad at school for testing.
We appreciate your help in preparing your child for school each day and to make every attempt for her/him to be at school.
A few helpful tips include:
- Get a good night's sleep before test days
- Eat a well balanced breakfast that morning
- Prepare for the morning the night before to avoid rushing around
- Give your brain a break by doing something fun
- Get out and exercise during the days leading up to the test
- Set your alarm to avoid being late
Students will earn scores for effort, hallway behavior, respect of the testing environment, iPad preparedness, and attendance (on time to school). For each 4 a student receives, he/she will earn a raffle ticket that may be placed in a bucket for a drawing. Each team will have 1 winner. The following items are in each prize package.
#choosekindness 30 Day Challenge
End of Year Awards Ceremonies
May 20 - 9:00AM - Ambassadors
May 20 - 1:30PM - Pirates
May 21 - 9:00AM - Marvels
May 21 - 1:30PM - Explorers
May 22 - 9:00AM - Champions
May 22 - 1:30PM - Lobos
Antioch Middle School Football
We will be having a Spring Football Meeting for Parents on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Media Center @ Antioch.
This information will be about the program, summer information, and introduction of the Coaches.
Week of April 22, 2019
MAP Testing
We are trying to minimize the disruption to our daily schedule. Therefore, teams will be testing throughout the day. Students will be expected to pass from class to class with silence. The rationale behind this is to allow for students on one team to be uninterrupted during testing, while a different team moves to encore classes.
Gateway will begin MAP Testing the Week of April 29 and continue through May 10th.
April 30 - Marvels and Explorers
May 1 - Lobos and Pirates
May 2 - Champions Ambassadors
May 7 - Lobos and Pirates
May 8 - Marvels and Explorers
May 9 - Champions and Ambassadors
Students will need earbuds and a charged iPad at school for testing.
We appreciate your help in preparing your child for school each day and to make every attempt for her/him to be at school.
A few helpful tips include:
- Get a good night's sleep before test days
- Eat a well balanced breakfast that morning
- Prepare for the morning the night before to avoid rushing around
- Give your brain a break by doing something fun
- Get out and exercise during the days leading up to the test
- Set your alarm to avoid being late
Students will earn scores for effort, hallway behavior, respect of the testing environment, iPad preparedness, and attendance (on time to school). For each 4 a student receives, he/she will earn a raffle ticket that may be placed in a bucket for a drawing. Each team will have 1 winner. The following items are in each prize package.
Residency Verification for School Year 2019-2020
As we approach the end of the current school year, we now are preparing for the start of the next school year. To ensure we have timely and accurate information in your student’s record, we are asking all families to provide verification of residency. This can be done in advance to save time at registration and to streamline the process for those who have children in more than one school. For parents with students in multiple buildings, please forward the requested documentation to one building. The office staff will forward the information onto the other buildings for further processing.
Parent Letter - Letter went home Friday, April 19, with students
Take Your Child to Work Day
Take Your Child to Work Day is on Thursday, April 25, 2019. So that all parents and guardians are able to make informed decisions, we want to make sure you have accurate information regarding attendance for that day. Gateway 6th Grade Center will conduct the day as a normal school day. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education language regarding attendance states, "Students must be in attendance in an instructional capacity under the direct supervision of a certificated employee of the district to be counted for attendance purposes." Therefore, if student is absent, for part or all of the day, on Take Your Child to Work Day (April 25, 2019), he/she would be counted as absent for the time they are not in school.
We encourage you to make the decision that best meets the needs of your child for Take Your Child To Work Day and inform your child’s team and/or the Gateway office if your student will be absent on Take Your Child To Work Day (April 25, 2019).
Book Fair
Not to Late to Donate -- Fun Run - Please Consider Donating
Parents, thank you all so much for supporting this year’s Gateway Funrun. We haven't quite yet reached our goal, so at this point, Dr. Kroenke is safe from being slimed!
If you haven’t registered your student yet, you can do so this weekend on funrun.com by searching for our school or using our school’s registration code:563-773. This weekend we have a special challenge where students can receive an additional reward when they get new pledges. You can learn more on funrun.com.
All money donated/pledged will be spend on students this year.
Thank you again for supporting our school!
Strength and Conditioning Opportunity - Antioch Middle School
Please complete the permission form and return to the Gateway office.
Future Falcon Football Camp
Please complete and return to Staley High School on May 7th.
Congratulations!
Past Newsletters
Week of April 15, 2019
Grizzly Booster Club Restaurant Night
Chipotle - Englewood location -- April 22, 2019
54th Street - Liberty -- May 15, 2019
Bell Prairie Hoedown - Volunteers Needed
Facilities Long Range Planning Events
New Mark PTA - Help Wanted
4th Quarter Bookmark Winner
Week of April 8, 2019
Fun Run Kick Off
Our #Boosterthon fundraiser is just 1 WEEK AWAY! We’re raising funds for quarterly events and special projects, and we need your help! Log in to https://funrun.com and start collecting pledges!
This year, we’re raising funds to help our school and we need your help! This video explains how our #Boosterthon fundraiser works.
Parent/Guardian Action Steps Flyer
We are needing Parent Volunteers to help pass out water during the Fun Run to our runners. If you are available to help during the event or have any questions please email Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com. Please watch our Facebook Pages, Gateway 6th Grade Center and Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club, for a sign-up genius.
Fun Run Information
Click on the Flyer to Help Support or Fun Run
MAP Testing
Gateway will begin MAP Testing the Week of April 29 and continue through May 10th.
April 30 - Marvels and Explorers
May 1 - Lobos and Pirates
May 2 - Champions Ambassadors
May 7 - Lobos and Pirates
May 8 - Marvels and Explorers
May 9 - Champions and Ambassadors
Students will need earbuds and a charged iPad at school for testing.
We appreciate your help in preparing your child for school each day and to make every attempt for her/him to be at school.
A few helpful tips include:
- Get a good night's sleep before test days
- Eat a well balanced breakfast that morning
- Prepare for the morning the night before to avoid rushing around
- Give your brain a break by doing something fun
- Get out and exercise during the days leading up to the test
- Set your alarm to avoid being late
Spring Musical
Admission: $3.00 - students
$6.00 - adults
Apple Watches/Cell Phones and MAP Testing
Week of April 1, 2019
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting
Fall Sports Information Session
Students will have the opportunity to hear information about Fall Sports for the 2019-2020 school year on Monday and Tuesday. This information session is for anyone interested in participating in a fall sport (XC, football, cheer, color guard, and volleyball).
Monday, April 1-Falls Sports for Antioch
Tuesday, April 2-Fall Sports for New Mark.
Fun Run - April 16 - Parent Volunteers Needed
Our #Boosterthon fundraiser is just 1 WEEK AWAY! We’ll start with a Pep Rally and end with a big Fun Run! We’re raising funds for quarterly events and special projects, and we need your help!
Log in to https://funrun.com and start collecting pledges!
This year, we’re raising funds to help our school and we need your help! This video explains how our #Boosterthon fundraiser works.
Parent/Guardian Action Steps Flyer
We are needing Parent Volunteers to help pass out water during the Fun Run to our runners. If you are available to help during the event or have any questions please email Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com. Please watch our Facebook Pages, Gateway 6th Grade Center and Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club, for a sign-up genius.
Spring Pictures
Students will be taking spring pictures on April 8, 2019. Please send no money on portrait day. Once the proofs arrive (approximately 2 weeks later), they will go home for your viewing, along with an order form. Should you wish to purchase pictures, return the order form and money to school. If you decide not to keep the pictures, please return the proofs to school.
Grizzly Night Out - Big Success
Parent Newsletter - UPDATE
Grizzly Night Out
Please do not ask your student to "meet" you somewhere other than the front drive. This will only risk injury and slow down the line. Thanks in advance for your help and cooperation.
To accommodate the large number of students that will be attending we are asking parents to drop off and pick up students by traveling West on 92nd Street. Please avoid entering 92nd street from Indiana and use Brighton instead, allowing for right turns into the parking lot.
Staff will direct you to turn right into our East parking lot where cars will begin to que for student pick-up. You will follow the que out of the East parking lot and enter our parent pick-up loop. This is where a staff member will assist you with your student. Again, this process will help us ensure the safety of all Gateway Grizzly students!
Spring Musical - Save the Date
Admission: $3.00 - students
$6.00 - adults
Fun Run
The Gateway Grizzly Fun Run is kicking off in just 2 WEEKS! This year, we’re raising funds to help our school and we need your help! This video explains how our #Boosterthon fundraiser works.
WEEK of March 25, 2019
Grizzly Night Out
There will be a DJ, concessions, face painting, dodgeball , Bingo...just to name a few.
To be eligible to attend, students must meet the following criteria:
- No Ds/Fs in 3rd quarter core classes (math, science, reading, writing, social studies)
- No Out of School Suspension or In School Suspension on or after January 29, 2019
Grizzly Night Out Pick Up
To accommodate the large number of students that will be attending we are asking parents to drop off and pick up students by traveling East on 92nd Street. Please avoid entering 92nd street from Indiana and use Brighton instead, allowing for right turns into the parking lot.
Staff will direct you to turn right into our East parking lot where cars will begin to que for student pick-up. You will follow the que out of the East parking lot and enter our parent pick-up loop. This is where a staff member will assist you with your student. Again, this process will help us ensure the safety of all Gateway Grizzly students!
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Night at Freddy's
Upcoming Events Include:
Chipotle - Englewood location -- April 22, 2019
54th Street - Liberty -- May 15, 2019
A.C.E - 4th Quarter Sign Up
Mondays and Wednesdays
April 1st - May 15th
Questions? Contact the After Class Events Coordinator, Melissa Maultsby
Melissa.maultsby@nkcschools.org 816-321-5653
Sign Up Link - Click Here
(This is the first day the sign up link is available...not March 17 as the brochure states.)
MAP Testing
A few helpful tips include:
- Get a good night's sleep before test days
- Eat a well balanced breakfast that morning
- Prepare for the morning the night before to avoid rushing around
- Give your brain a break by doing something fun
- Get out and exercise during the days leading up to the test
- Set your alarm to avoid being late
Battle of the Books
Week of March 11, 2019
Spring Break
Join in a night of Family fun!
Can you help out at Grizzly Night Out? Sign up below!
Grizzly Night Out
There will be a DJ, concessions, face painting, dodgeball , Bingo...just to name a few.
To be eligible to attend, students must meet the following criteria:
- No Ds/Fs in 3rd quarter core classes (math, science, reading, writing, social studies)
- No Out of School Suspension or In School Suspension on or after January 29, 2019
Friday, Mar 29, 2019, 06:00 PM
Gateway
Service - March Character Trait of the Month
Service is the action of helping or doing work for someone. Service to others means being unselfish. One who does something for someone else without expecting any reward or gain. Service to others also means helping people out when they cannot complete a task by themselves. A person demonstrating the character trait of service gives of him- or herself without expecting anything in return.
STUCO - Can Food Drive for Harvesters
Learn the Facts About the KCMO Pre-K Tax Proposal
Major Saver District Fundraiser Campaign
Diverse Characters/Realistic Fiction Book Club
Students will begin hearing about their upcoming reading book club unit--Realistic Fiction focusing on diverse characters. Students will be given an option of 5 different titles. Students will participate in a book club to discuss author's craft and main idea/theme. Students will engage in conversations around what the characters are experiencing and feeling. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email your child's reading teacher.
The titles include:
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Bowling
Aven has a malformation of the limbs and is born without arms. The other main character has Tourette’s Syndrome. Wildly hilarious narrator – it’s a fun read!
Amina’s Voice brings to life the joys and challenges of a young Pakistani-American and highlights the many ways in which one girl’s voice can help bring a diverse community together to love and support each other.
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George
The First Rule of Punk by Perez
There are no shortcuts to surviving your first day at a new school—you can’t fix it with duct tape like you would your Chuck Taylors. On Day One, twelve-year-old Malú (María Luisa, if you want to annoy her) inadvertently upsets Posada Middle School’s queen bee, violates the school’s dress code with her punk rock look, and disappoints her college-professor mom in the process. Her dad, who now lives a thousand miles away, says things will get better as long as she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself.
Amina’s Voice brings to life the joys and challenges of a young Pakistani-American and highlights the many ways in which one girl’s voice can help bring a diverse community together to love and support each other.
Week of March 4, 2019
Volunteers for 3rd Quarter PAWS - Needed
Last call for volunteers for our 3rd quarter PAWS event on March 6. If you can help out, please use the link below to sign up. We need help with setting up beginning at 7:30 and then the actual event begins at 8:25 and goes until 10:05. We will also need some help with clean-up until 10:30. If you are available to help with one or all of these times will you please use the sign-up genius link below? If you have any questions please feel free to email Erin Tolin - erin.tolin@gmail.com
Cell Phone Reminder
I recently read about this quick experiment a teacher did with her students. She asked her students to turn their cell phones on loud, and every time they received a notification they went up and put a tally mark under the correct category. The picture below represents one class period. Every one of these tally marks is an interruption in a students' education.
Should a student have a cell phone out in the classroom it will be taken and locked in the office for safe keeping. On the first occasion, the student can pick it up after school, before going home. Should the student have the phone out a second, or subsequent times, administrators will create a plan to have the student check the phone in at the office for the day and/or ask the parent to pick up the phone after school.
As we partner to give the best education possible, please encourage your child to keep his/her cell phone stored in their backpacks in the off position. Please take this into consideration when your student texts or you text. If you have the need to get a message to your student, please call the office, and we will deliver it.
Starlight STARS of Tomorrow
Starlight STARS of Tomorrow Flyer
Starlight Theatre has two unique performing arts opportunities for Kansas City-area youth coming up, and we would love your help spreading the word to your students, teachers and parents. Both auditioned performance troupes, Starlight STARS of Tomorrow (tailored to middle school students) and Starlight STARS (tailored to high school students), provide students exclusive access to work with industry professionals and touring Broadway actors.
If you could share this information in your upcoming newsletters, with your teachers and/or via social media, we would be so grateful! You can find more information in the press release attached, and I’ve written some sample copy for social media below:
This month, @KCStarlight is holding auditions for TWO youth performance summer programs – Starlight STARS & Starlight STARS of Tomorrow. If cast, students work with industry professionals and perform at Starlight and throughout KC. Learn more at kcstarlight.com/education.
There’s still time for middle school students to apply for the 2019 Vincent Legacy Scholarship, which provides opportunities for ethnically diverse youth to pursue professional training in the performing arts. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 29.
Please let me know if there’s any additional information that I can provide for our educational opportunities, and thank you for your continued support of Starlight Theatre!
All the best,
Rachel Bliss | Communications Manager
Starlight Theatre | 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132
rachel.bliss@kcstarlight.com - 816.997.1151
Art Exhibit
Hannah Potter will have her artwork displayed in the upcoming All-District student art exhibit on March 7th. The exhibit will be on view through May 7th. If you have questions, please contact Lorrie.Boydston@nkcschools.org
2019-2020 Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Board
Gateway’s Growlin’ Grizzly Booster Club is looking for family members of current fifth graders that might like to be a part of the booster club executive board for the 2019-2020 school year. This is a great opportunity to make an impact at Gateway. Being a part of the board gives you the opportunity to plan fun activities for the students, support the staff and raise funds for the school. Board members serve a term of one year. The board positions are as follows: President, Vice President of Fundraising, Vice President of Committees, Treasurer, and Secretary. If this is something you would be interested in or have more questions please feel free to reach out to Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com. We would like to have all nominations by March 15th. Our current board will vote on April 1st.
Free Space Camp Opportunity
The KU School of Engineering is hosting a FREE SPACE CAMP for 6th-8th grade students on campus for middle school students. This will be a day of activities and learning focused entirely on exposing students to the exciting world of space exploration and the career opportunities within it.
The details for the day can be found below along with the link for registration. Please reach out to either me or Chandler Sloan (sloanchandler@ku.edu) with any additional questions or concerns.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: KU School of Engineering
WHO: 6th-8th grade students led by current School of Engineering Faculty and Students
WHY: To learn about space exploration and ways to be involved in high school and beyond.
Registration: https://goo.gl/forms/pmhi1UEuUC9CacGF3
Note: Students will need to be dropped off and picked up from KU School of Engineering on the day of. Students will be fed lunch, so listing any dietary restrictions is very important.
**If this no longer applies to you, but you know groups of students who might be interested, please forward this to interested parties.
Sincerely,
Annie Gardner
NASA Pathways Intern AFRC
Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate
University of Kansas
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to our Star Speller at Gateway! Niveditha Sudheer represented our school so well in the 2nd Round of the Clay-Jackson County Spelling Bee! Those words will be with her throughout her life and she has a bright future ahead of her!
Yearbook Order
Week of February 25, 2019
Mod Pizza Night for Gateway
MOD Pizza offers pizzas and salads made just like you like them. This is a great meal to grab on a busy week night and a fun way to meet up with other Gateway families. We hope you can join us.
Gateway STUCO Gives Back
Saturday morning, 30 StuCo students, parents, and siblings volunteered at Harvesters. We had a great time giving back to the community!
New Mark AVID - A Note from the AVID Coordinator
NEW MARK AVID acceptance and regret letters will be handed to students at the end of school on Monday, February 25. Students are asked to wait to open them at home. If a student was not accepted, they will be placed on a waiting list to get in the program based on vacancies or student drops.
New Mark AVID students will sign their AVID contracts at AVID Night, April 23rd from 6:30-8:30 at New Mark. Please save this date!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a nice week!
Ms. Hendry
V. Brooke Hendry
New Mark Middle School
AVID Coordinator/Teacher
Antioch AVID
Heart and Soul - Girls Running Club
Heart and Soul is a 10-week program focused on the unique needs of middle school girls. The curriculum focusses on the whole girl - body, brain, heart, spirit, and social connection - and builds girls through lessons that teach girls how to identify areas of themselves they's like to nurture and ways they can contribute to positive change around them. For more information, please click on the flyer link below.
Team: Gateway 6th Grade Center
Practice Days/Times: Monday & Wednesday/ 3:30-5:00
Register Now at www.nkcschools.org/lifelonglearning
3rd Quarter Bookmark Contest Winner - Aden Berry
7th Grade Information Follow Up
Thanks to all you were able to attend Antioch's and New Mark's 7th Grade Information nights. Presentations are posted on the middle school websites. We know that some were not able to attend, therefore we have information available at Gateway. In order to be prepared for enrollment on February 27, there are three key pieces of information provided in the handouts.
Summer School Information
Part A: Enrollment Forms for both Antioch and New Mark
Part B: Enrollment Forms for both Antioch and New Mark
Health Form for both Antioch and New Mark
Transition Days
Summer Spartans Forms (Antioch)
Summer Stars Forms (New Mark)
Week of February 18, 2019
No School - February 18
Main Event Spirit Night
Gateway Restaurant NIght
Mod Pizza - Antioch location -- February 25, 2019
Freddy's - Liberty -- March 25, 2019
Chipotle - Englewood location -- April 22, 2019
54th Street - Liberty -- May 15, 2019
Summer School 2018-2019
Week of February 11, 2019
Social Media Concern
Social media, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook ask that users are 13 years or older when using their app. When working with students at school, we find that many times unwanted remarks are made via these apps, which lead to hurt feelings and lost class time. With careful monitoring, often times, unnecessary peer-to-peer drama can be avoided. Using the acronym, THINK (see below) is a great place to begin conversations with our kids about posting things online.
With social media being ever present in our children's lives, we want to make you aware of a new app that has recently surfaced. Tik Tok is video sharing app for users 16 years and older. Formally known as Musical.ly, Tik Tok allows users to share short video clips with special effects and stickers. Users can be sent friend requests from complete strangers seeking personal information allowing them to engage in chats and online challenges. The app only allows 2 privacy settings: completely private so the user sees only his or her videos and completely public which allows anyone in the world to view your child's videos. We encourage you to talk to your children about the safety concerns of Tik Tok and all social media and discuss ways to protect themselves and their online presence.
5th Grade Information Nights
We are so excited to welcome our newest Grizzlies to Gateway for the 2019-2020 school year! We will have two parent information nights for you to attend to make the transition to Gateway 6th Grade Center a very smooth process. Please see the schedule below for which night we ask that you attend. We have purposefully divided the alphabet to ensure we can meet the needs of the 900 students that will be attending next year. If you cannot attend the night we ask that you attend, please choose which best fits your schedule. We hope to see all of you at one of these two nights.
Last Name A - L: Tuesday, February 12, 2019, from 6:00-7:00pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 12 is Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Same time frame.)
Last Name M - Z: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, from 6:00-7:00pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 13 is Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Same time frame.)
We will begin our information night with a general session in the large gym. Following that, you are free to tour the building and visit the encore exhibits.
Please mark your calendars accordingly to attend our incoming 6th Grade Night! We look forward to meeting you all soon!
7th Grade Family Information Night
Last Name A - L: Monday, February 11, 2019, from 6-7:30pm
Last Name M - Z: Tuesday, February 12, 2019, from 6-7:30pm
Click Link for Antioch Information Letter
Click Link for New Mark Information Letter
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting- Date Change
Summer School 2018-2019
Future Grizzly Booster Club Restaurant Nights
Mod Pizza - Antioch location -- February 25, 2019
Freddy's - Liberty -- March 25, 2019
Chipotle - Englewood location -- April 22, 2019
54th Street - Liberty -- May 15, 2019
Week of February 4, 2019
Summer School 2018-2019
Gateway Business Partners
3-D Printing
Building a House
Planning the Project
Watching the 3-D Printer at Work
Science
Our upcoming science unit over Matter, Energy, and Waves and will last from February 4-March 15. Students will be studying synthetic and natural materials, thermal energy, particle motion, various types of waves, how vibrations carry energy, as well as a few other related concepts. In order for students to better understand these topics, we will be doing several hands on labs in class. Teachers will be going over the Gateway Science Safety Contract with students, in order to ensure that they understand the safety expectations that must take place during labs. Students will sign the contract in class, stating that:“I have read and understand each of the above safety rules. I understand that I must follow these rules when participating in a lab in order to ensure my safety as well as the safety of others. I also agree to follow general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provide a safe learning environment for everyone. If these expectations are not met, my teacher may ask me to sit out for the lab and I will receive a 0.”
Please review these expectations with your student at home. We are so excited for our sixth graders to learn about Matter, Energy, and Waves through hands on experiences throughout this science unit! Click here to review the Science Safety Contract.
5th Grade Information Night
We are so excited to welcome our newest Grizzlies to Gateway for the 2019-2020 school year! We will have two parent information nights for you to attend to make the transition to Gateway 6th Grade Center a very smooth process. Please see the schedule below for which night we ask that you attend. We have purposefully divided the alphabet to ensure we can meet the needs of the 900 students that will be attending next year. If you cannot attend the night we ask that you attend, please choose which best fits your schedule. We hope to see all of you at one of these two nights.
Last Name A - L: Tuesday, February 12, 2019, from 6:00-7:00pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 12 is Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Same time frame.)
Last Name M - Z: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, from 6:00-7:00pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 13 is Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Same time frame.)
We will begin our information night with a general session in the large gym. Following that, you are free to tour the building and visit the encore exhibits.
Please mark your calendars accordingly to attend our incoming 6th Grade Night! We look forward to meeting you all soon!
A.C.E. Dates Canceled
February 12 (snow date February 19)
February 13 (snow date February 20)
Grizzly Night Out
There will be a DJ, concessions, face painting, dodgeball , Bingo...just to name a few.
To be eligible to attend, students must meet the following criteria:
- No Ds/Fs in 3rd quarter core classes (math, science, reading, writing, social studies)
- No Out of School Suspension or In School Suspension on or after January 29, 2019
Friday, Mar 29, 2019, 06:00 PM
Gateway 6th Grade Center, North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Reminder: 7th Grade Family Information Nights
7th Grade Enrollment Information
Last Name A - L: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 5 is Monday, February 11, 2019. Same time frame.)
Last Name M - Z: Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 7 is Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Same time frame.)
Click Link for Antioch Information Letter
Click Link for New Mark Information Letter
Week of January 28, 2019
AVID Interviews
New Mark - January 30
Antioch - January 31
Grizzly Night at Panera
Flannels and Flapjacks
Thank you!
Flannels and Flapjacks
Catching flapjacks was part of the fun!
Fortnite Dance offs were highlight of the evening.
Fun with friends!
More fun times!
Mr. Mercer stopped by to join in the fun!
1st Annual NKC Schools PTA/Booster Club Summit
No School
Teachers will engage in professional development, continuing their learning and deepening their understanding of Equity and Inclusion. Our afternoon will focus on growing in our knowledge of the adolescent brain.
February 18, 2019 - No School - President's Day
Week of January 21, 2019
No School - January 21, 2019
Lost and Found
7th Grade Information Nights
Last Name A - L: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 5 is Monday, February 11, 2019. Same time frame.)
Last Name M - Z: Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 7 is Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Same time frame.)
Click Link for Antioch Information Letter
Click Link for New Mark Information Letter
Gateway Spelling Bee Winner
Congratulations to the Gateway Spelling Bee winner Niveditha Sudheer and our alternate is Mariska Gifford.
The winning word was Riviera, but students advanced for a full hour to 28 rounds.
Words spelled correctly were:
Chivalrous
Frippery
Diffidence
Flambeau
Aphorism
Auf Wiedersehen
And then we had to advance to the Additional word list.
Please wish Niveditha good luck as she will advance to the next level of Spelling at the Woodneath Library on February 16.
"Sub"way Winners
"Sub"way Winners
Character Trait PATH
Character Trait Award Winners
Gateway Night at MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza offers pizzas and salads made just like you like them. This is a great meal to grab on a busy week night and a fun way to meet up with other Gateway families. We hope you can join us.
Future Restaurant Nights with Grizzly Booster Club
Panera - Liberty -- January 28, 2019
Mod Pizza - Antioch location -- February 25, 2019
Freddy's - Liberty -- March 25, 2019
Chipotle - Englewood location -- April 22, 2019
54th Street - Liberty -- May 15, 2019
Booster Club Meeting - Date Change
Week of January 14, 2019
MTSS - Session 2
MTSS - Multi Tiered Systems of Support - is 25 minute portion of our school day where our students are provided math and ELA instruction based on their individual needs. Tier 1 support is provided to all students throughout the day as it encompasses research-based instructional practice. During MTSS, if a student is not in need of additional support in Math or ELA, he/she will have the opportunity to focus on learning additional ELA and/or Math skills that will benefit their content understanding. Four weeks will be focused on learning about analogies and the relationship of words when paired. The second four weeks will focus on critical thinking and problem solving strategies.
There are also students who have been identified who are needing additional support in math or ELA. These students will meet with their reading or math teacher to receive targeted instruction to shore up gaps in missing skills. This is identified as Tier 2 interventions.
Finally, some students are in need of Tier 3 interventions in math or reading. If a student has been identified for Tier 3 support the parents/guardians have been contacted.
Flannels and Flapjacks
AVID - Summer PE
Attention: Students Who Completed AVID Applications
If you are currently a 6th grade band or orchestra student and you want to continue with band or orchestra in 7th grade, please read over the following information.
Students who want to enroll as 7th graders in band or orchestra and are accepted into and enroll in AVID will need to complete PE during summer school. Information and forms for summer PE will be given out in late March/early April with more information. This will allow students to take AVID/band or AVID/orchestra during the two encore hours.
If you have further questions please email Shauna.pope@nkcschools.org
AVID Interviews
New Mark - January 30
Antioch - January 31
February Booster Club Meeting
Week of January 7, 2019
Welcome Back!
Our teachers took time to reconnect with students and review expectations and procedures. As I shared with the students today, they are closer to being a 7th grader at the end of today, than they are being a 5th grader! We experienced true passing time with bells today. Teachers are using these first few days to point out what would be considered tardy and and help students troubleshoot how they can get to class on time.
3rd Quarter A.C.E Sign Ups
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
January 14th - March 6th
**No ACE on January 21 and February 18 -- No School
Questions? Contact the After Class Events Coordinator, Melissa Maultsby
Melissa.maultsby@nkcschools.org 816-321-5653
Sign Up Link - Click Here
7th Grade Information Nights
Last Name A - L: Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 5 is Monday, February 11, 2019. Same time frame.)
Last Name M - Z: Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 6-7:30pm (inclement weather date if school isn’t in session on February 7 is Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Same time frame.)
Stay tuned for additional information next week.
Update Edition
Student Illness
Chiefs Live Stream Event-Character Playbook
Today, our Gateway students had the opportunity to participate in a very exciting event with other schools in the KC Metro area called Character Playbook Live.
Character Playbook Live allows the Chiefs to broaden their engagement within our community by having a Chiefs Player, Chris Conley, digitally enter the classroom through Zoom. Several students throughout the metro are given a chance to ask Chris a question, there is a true/false component, and a school call out session. Chris describes his middle school years, how to come out ahead, and challenges the students to bully-proof their school!
EVERFI, an education technology company that provides web-based resources to teachers focused on critical skills, partnered with the NFL and United Way to bring Character Playbook, a character education web-based resource, to schools across the nation during the 2018-2019 School year. The local program is sponsored by the KC Chiefs and the United Way of Greater Kansas City and was used by over 4,000 students within the Greater KC area.
Gateway will continue to promote kindness, making good choices, and displaying good character through many of our activities. These include, but are not limited to:
- #choosekindess campaign
- Character Trait Recognition
- Daily Kindness Challenge
Week of December 17, 2018
Early Dismissal - Friday, December 21, 2018
Lunch will be served.
We wish each our families a happy and safe holiday season.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
5th Grade MAP Results
Spirit Week-NOTE CHANGES
Spirit Week (December 17-21):
Monday – Comfy Day
Tuesday – Twin Day
Wednesday – Wacky Wednesday
Thursday – Black Out Day
Friday – Merry & Bright Day (festive clothes or brightly colored clothes)
PAWS
Use the link below to volunteer.
Spring Musical Auditions
You only need to bring yourself for those two days. We will teach you a song, choreography, and you’ll read from the script.
The musical is by audition only and the cast will be posted on December 19th. Rehearsals will be during the next ACE rotation.
2nd Quarter Bookmark Winner
Staff Holiday Breakfast Donations
We are wanting to provide our Gateway staff a Happy Holidays breakfast on Wednesday, December 19th and are looking for donations. If you would like to donate please use the Sign-up Genius link below.
Thank you for your support!
Erin Tolin
Booster Club President
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60b044fabad22a6f49-holiday
AVID Information
7th Grade Parent Information Night
Week of December 10, 2018
Early Dismissal - December 21st
Lunch will be served.
Link to Parent Focus Group Questions
PAWS - December 21
Use the link below to volunteer.
AVID Applications Due December 14th
Spring Musical Auditions
Attention all students! The Spring musical will have auditions after school on December 17th and 18th from 3:30 to 5:10. You only need to bring yourself for those two days. We will teach you a song, choreography, and you’ll read from the script. The musical is by audition only and the cast will be posted on December 19th. Rehearsals will be during the next ACE rotation.
Band Concerts
Concert begins at 6:20 pm
Tuesday, December 18 -- Future Oakies @ OPHS
Concert begins at 6:30 pm
ENCORE – PE
A word from Coach Faubion, Coach Maultsby, Coach Sherman...
Happy December. We finished up our first round of fitness testing for this year. We also enjoyed a hockey unit. We continued our Workout Wednesdays this month and the students are enjoying fitness stations as well as a few fun stations sprinkled in here and there! The gym is going to get a new coat of paint and will display some new Grizzly spirit. There will also be four more basketball goals installed! We will be starting the new year with a basketball unit. Stay warm and keep moving!
Student Council Sponsored Spirit Week
Spirit Week (December 17-21):
Monday – Black out day (wear black)
Tuesday – Twin Day
Wednesday – Wacky Wednesday
Thursday – Comfy Day (PJs and comfy clothes)
Friday – Merry & Bright Day (festive clothes or brightly colored clothes)
Week of December 3, 2018
6th Grade Center Parent Focus Groups
6th Grade Center Focus Groups
We would like to gather stakeholder feedback regarding our two 6th Grade Centers. These focus groups will help us to determine strengths and areas for growth of the 6th Grade Centers so that we can engage in a cycle of continuous improvement. Hosting focus groups is important to gain insight to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of our 6th grade centers.
What you can expect at the focus group sessions:
· Open-ended questions that prompt the exploration of comments
· A place to respectfully express opinions, concerns and interests
· Two-way communication that fosters sharing and discussing
All focus group sessions will be held at the Northland Innovation Center (NIC) in the Multipurpose Space on the 3rd floor. The NIC is located at 6889 North Oak Trafficway.
Following are details pertaining to audience, dates, and timeframes.
6th Grade Parent/Guardian Focus Group
o Monday, December 3rd, 5:00-6:00PM
o Please RSVP using this link.
#ChooseKindness
December's Character Trait of the Month - Responsibility
PAWS - December 21
Use the link below to volunteer.
Tardy Bells
Blanket Drive
Gateway's 1st Annual Food Drive
Orchestra Concerts
Concert begins at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 4 -- Future Oakies @ OPHS
Concert begins at 6:00 pm
Band Concerts
Concert begins at 6:20 pm
Tuesday, December 18 -- Future Oakies @ OPHS
Concert begins at 6:30 pm
Special Announcement
6th Grade Center Focus Groups
Beginning in December, we would like to gather stakeholder feedback regarding our two new 6th Grade Centers. These focus groups will help us to determine strengths and areas for growth of the 6th Grade Centers so that we can engage in a cycle of continuous improvement. Hosting focus groups is important to gain insight to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of our 6thgrade centers.
What you can expect at the focus group sessions:
· Open-ended questions that prompt the exploration of comments
· A place to respectfully express opinions, concerns and interests
· Two-way communication that fosters sharing and discussing
All focus group sessions will be held at the Northland Innovation Center (NIC) in the Multipurpose Space on the 3rd floor. The NIC is located at 6889 North Oak Trafficway. Following are details pertaining to audience, dates, and timeframes.
· 6th Grade Parent/Guardian Focus Group
o Monday, December 3rd, 5:00-6:00PM
o Please RSVP using this link.
Week of November 19, 2018
Thanksgiving Break
Blanket Drive
7 Ways to Avoid Conflict in Group Texting
When texting, it is difficult to interpret tone, intent, or emotion. Using the 7 hints below, we can help our children learn to avoid conflict when involved in a text conversation.
- Change the topic. If a group text becomes argumentative or uncomfortable, learn to simply change the topic. Ask who’s going to the hockey game or about where you can purchase a certain pair of boots or shirt. It’s an old trick but it works!
- Encourage your child to clarify a troubling statement immediately with phrases such as “when you said xx . . . I heard xx . . . is that what you meant?” or “I’m not sure if you are serious or joking right now.”
- Create a code word. Establish ground rules with friends before the next group text. Agree on a code word or acronym such as #TMD (Too Much Drama). Use that acronym to mutually keep a group text steered in a positive direction.
- Group Text with Caution. Remember the screenshot. Remind your child that a group text (and anything shared online) can be captured and shared outside of that group. Be aware that a digital conversation is never “secret” or “private.”
- Be real. Be kind. Never say anything online that you would feel uncomfortable saying to that person or the group face-to-face. Because of its remote nature, texting (especially with an audience looking on) can spark overconfidence or arrogance and lead to overly brash exchanges. If something hurtful is said, teach your child to take a break and step away before responding.
- Use emoticons to express tone. Those little graphic faces may very well be the best mediator your child has. Emoticons can express instant laughter, joking and help bridge at least a few of the physical deficits of online communication.
- Use a snag as a springboard. This last point will require an extra dose of maturity for a tween or teen. Teach your child to use a group text conflict to improve the overall friendship and model good communication. Ask the friend/s to talk face-to-face and clarify the problem. Usually, all will agree, the blowup was made worse because intent was misinterpreted. Teach your child to use “I” statements such as “I feel hurt by some of the stuff you said. I want to talk about it face-to-face in a way we can both feel heard and understood.”
Finally, this may sound like a cop out but if conflict via group texting becomes a pattern in your child’s life—and even spills over into bullying—advise your child to use her parent card and tell friends: “my parents won’t allow me to group text anymore.”
Communication is tough in person for adults. Imagine the trouble tweens and teens must have with peers when a majority of their communication is a 24/7 digital stream. And while our tweens and teens do not need us to barge in and rescue them from every online conflict, don’t hesitate, parent, to offer wisdom and guidance as they navigate some very choppy digital waters.
For the full article click here.
Toni Birdsong is a Family Safety Evangelist to McAfee. You can find her on Twitter @McAfee_Family.
Week of November 12, 2018
Historical Fiction
Students will begin hearing about their upcoming reading unit, a Historical Fiction book club. Students will be given an option of 7 different titles. The titles include:
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor
- The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Day of Tears by Julius Lester
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
- Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
All books take place in a historical time period. Refugee, Number the Stars, and The Boy in Striped Pajamas take place in WWII. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Bud, Not Buddy take place during the Great Depression. Day of Tears takes place during slavery. Watsons Go to Birmingham occurs during the Civil Rights Movement. All books contain vocabulary and terminology associated with that time period. With that being said, please be aware that part of book clubs will be to discuss author's craft and word choice. We will talk about how words can be a force for good or can be abused - depending on how the speaker chooses to wield that power. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email your child's reading teacher.
Blanket Drive
Conversations About School
Describe a book you enjoyed today.
Students are reading on an average of 35-40 minutes per day. In asking this question, it gives you an idea of your child's interests. Asking this question each day also begins to develop a daily reading habit.
Tell me what you learned that you'd like to know more about.
During Inquiry, students learn about the social sciences, as well as physical sciences. Use your child's interests as a jumping-off point for activities to share.
Show me what you have for homework.
Rather than asking, "Do you have any homework?" ask your child to show you their work. If time is used wisely in class, there should be little to no "assigned" work. However, we ask that each student read for a minimum of 20 minutes per night.
A few other quick after-school questions:
- What's the coolest thing that happened? What wasn't so cool?
- Pretend you were the teacher...How would you describe the day?
- What made you laugh?
- What was the most creative thing you did?
- How were you helpful or kind today? Was anyone helpful or kind to you?
IGED Jr. Day
Representatives of the Character Trait: Achievement
Justifying Algebraic Equations
Publishing Informational Writing
Week of November 5, 2018
Character Trait of the Month: Respect
Respect is “treating others with honor and dignity.” People of good character are respectful of others. You show respect by recognizing and honoring everyone's right to be themselves, to make decisions, and to have privacy and dignity. Accept individual differences and don't insist that everyone be like you. Being respectful is being considerate and honoring the feelings, opinions, and property of others.
Reading
Our goal for 6th grade readers to inc engage in increasingly complex texts over the course of the school year. This is in preparation for high school, college, and careers. Reading a variety of texts and genres, there is an increased emphasis on non-fiction text. This will help prepare them with skills required for reading, writing, and researching across all courses. "As students read more complex texts, analyzing and understanding them in deeper ways, they strengthen their knowledge of all subjects, including science and history."
In order to build reading skills, your 6th grader:
- Uses evidence from the text in order to summarize the plot, make inferences about and analyze the text, and determine the central theme or themes in a text.
- Understands and explains the point of view in a text; understands the significance of certain words and passages in a text.
- Understands and relays the main thesis or claims of a non-fiction text and its supporting evidence.
- Reads and compares different texts and genres that address the same topics.
- Uses a variety of media and formats, including video and audio, to further enhance understanding of a topic or text.
- Participates in class-wide and group discussions expressing the ideas and skills learned.
- Practices a variety of vocabulary skills, including using the context in which a word is found to determine the meaning of words, recognizing roots of words, and using digital and physical reference materials (dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries).
- Gains an understanding of and the ability to explain figurative language in a text.
---adapted from Scholastic.com
Spelling Bee
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting
Monday, Nov 5, 2018, 06:30 PM
Gateway Library
Upcoming Dates
November 21-23 -- Thanksgiving Break
November 26 -- Spelling Bee Round 1 @ GatewayDecember 3 -- Future Falcons Orchestra Concert @ New Mark Middle School
December 4 -- Future Oakies Orchestra Concert @ Oak Park High School
December 11 -- Future Falcons Band Concert @ Staley High School
December 18 -- Future Oakies Band Concert @ Oak Park High School
December 21 -- 1/2 Day - Early Dismissal
December 24-January 4 -- Winter Break
January 7 -- Classes Resume
Week of October 29, 2018
Wacky Wednesday in the Cafe
Attendance
Attendance Line: (816) 321-5362
2nd Quarter A.C.E. Begins Monday
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
October 29th-December 12th
**No ACE on October 31, Halloween, and the week of Thanksgiving, November 19th-20th
Questions? Contact the After Class Events Coordinator, Melissa Maultsby
Melissa.maultsby@nkcschools.org 816-321-5653
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting
Monday, Nov 5, 2018, 06:30 PM
9201 North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Maker Space Items Needed
Our MakerSpace is in need of the following supplies. If you can donate any of the items listed, we would appreciate the support. Feel free to send them to school and/or drop off in the office.
- Zip ties
- Metal Brads
- Twisty Ties
- Duct Tape (regular & colored)
- Single Hole Punches
Grizzly Choir Performs in the Staley Feeder Pattern Concert
"Sub"way winners enjoy lunch with Dr. Kroenke
Informational Text Research
Recording for Speech and Theater Class
Collaboration at its best!
Analyzing an Infographic
Week of October 22, 2018
Quarter 2
Quarter 2 began on October 18. The start of a new quarter, offers everyone a fresh beginning. All students received a new agenda (yellow) which includes a new Success Tracker. Students are encouraged to reflect on first quarter and list what went well and what they would like to improve. By setting goals for school work and behavior, students have something to work toward.
Goals could include:
- Making new friends
- Trying out a new genre of book
- Limit the number of marks received on the Success Tracker
- Turning in all classwork
I encourage you to chat with your 6th grader and to create 2 goals. One that is focused on academics and one that is addresses behavior/social goals. Let' make this an awesome 2nd quarter and wrap up to 2018!
Transportation Home
Lock and Teach
Truman/Mark Twain Book Challenge
Bookmark Contest Winner
Congrats to our 1st quarter Gateway Library Bookmark Contest Winner : Aden Berry in Mrs. Dillon's class of the Explorer's team! The Theme was: Reading Is.......
Bookmark Contest
Bookmark Contest rules and specifics are available in the library.
Bus Safety Week
MakerSpace Supplies Needed
Our MakerSpace is in need of the following supplies. If you can donate any of the items listed, we would appreciate the support. Feel free to send them to school and/or drop off in the office.
- Zip ties
- Metal Brads
- Twisty Ties
- Duct Tape (regular & colored)
- Single Hole Punches
Attendance
School Attendance
School attendance for school-age children is compulsory by Missouri Law, therefore regular attendance is expected of each student enrolled in the North Kansas City School District. As a public school in Missouri, we adhere to the guidelines set forth by MSIP 5 (Missouri School Improvement Plan). State guidelines deem attendance rates of 95% or better as necessary for optimal learning and rates below 90% as unsatisfactory. When a student's attendance falls below 90%, the school will notify the parent/guardian.
Students should strive to maintain a good attendance record. There is a direct relationship between school attendance, academic achievement and success in school. Frequent absence of a student from the classroom disrupts the continuity of the learning process, and places undo stress on the child and family. Missouri utilizes a school’s attendance rate as part of the accreditation process for schools and districts. We know it is of great importance to the parents and patrons of the North Kansas City School District that our school and district remain highly accredited. Optimal attendance is an integral part of that endeavor.
Partial-day absences, late arrivals, and early check-outs count against a child’s attendance. We ask that parents avoid scheduling appointments, out of town events, vacations, etc. during school. If your child has an important appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours, please try to have your child at school before and after the appointment as much as possible. Please avoid checking them out early after you have visited for lunch or an event during the school day.
Attendance is closely monitored with monthly reports and parents will be notified and asked to address attendance concerns. By board policy and law, on-going concerns may meet criteria to be reported to legal authorities.
Please inform the school by 8:45 a.m. on the day of your child’s absence if your child will not be in attendance. If your child will miss several days, you only need to call the first day and state the days of absence. If no contact is made by 8:45 a.m., every attempt will be made to reach a parent or emergency contact to verify the reason for the absence to ensure the child’s safety and parent awareness of their child’s whereabouts.
School attendance is an important part of a student's success. Each day throughout the year is important and valued. It is impossible to truly make-up the entire learning experience. Teamwork, question and answer sessions, individual and small group discussions with the teacher, and encore classes are just a few of the valuable experiences that cannot be “sent home.” In working together as a team, we can help to make sure your child has a successful year. As Grizzlies, we strive to make each and every day count!
Week of October 15, 2018
Congratulations!
A.C.E. Sign Up
Sign-Ups due Wednesday, October 24th
Payment Due Friday October 26th.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
October 29th-December 12th
**No ACE on Halloween and the week of Thanksgiving November 19th-20th
Questions? Contact the After Class Events Coordinator, Melissa Maultsby
Melissa.maultsby@nkcschools.org 816-321-5653
1st Quarter Ends October 17th
Some ideas for second quarter goals may include:
- Attendance
- Work completion
- Reading 20 minutes a night
- Completing random acts of kindness
- Follow the PATH to success
IDEA: Check with your child if they need their school supplies replenished! We've been working hard and pencils or loose leaf notebook paper may be running low.
We believe that each quarter is a fresh start and encourage students to plan for the future, rather than dwell on the past. In Grizzly Country, we believe that being leaders of our own PATH to success will help us as we make the journey toward high school graduation.
PAWS Fun!
Minute to Win It Challenge
CowTown Donuts
Volleyball Fun
Maker Space
Math Olympics!
Get your dance on!
Spirit Assembly
Chuck Chuckles
Pirates waiting for the assembly to begin.
Oak Park Drum Line
Staley Emeralds
Are you smarter than a 6th grader?
Marvels enjoying the spirit assembly fun!
Week of October 8, 2018
No School - Monday, October 8, 2018
Thank You!
Grizzly Tokens
Parking Lot
Congratulations!
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club
Volunteers needed! Gateway is in need of parent volunteers for our first PAWS (positive activities with students) event on Wednesday, October 10, from 9:30-10:40. Time slots from 8:30-11:00 am include set up and clean up. Please use the following link to sign up.
PAWS-Positive Activities With Students
We start fresh each quarter. Therefore, if a student was not able to participate in this PAWS, providing he/she demonstrates good citizenship 2nd quarter as defined by our building Positive Behavior Support matrix and the BOE policies, he/she could join in the activities in December.
Honor Choir
Look for flyers with information and required permission slips coming home this week!
Fall Play-Goldilocks on Trial
“Goldilocks on Trial” will be performed at Antioch Middle School. Curtain time is 7:00 pm.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 1, 2018
Fall Academic Conferences
Educating children takes a team! We strive to partner with families to ensure that we are working to achieve the common goal of preparing children for not only the next step in their educational journey, but also in life. Teachers and parents want the same thing for our children: academic, social, and emotional growth. We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet with you each on October 3 or 4 during parent/teacher conferences to celebrate your child’s successes and to make plans to continue building knowledge and understanding during the rest of the year.
If you haven't already scheduled your fall conference, please reach out to your child's home room teacher to find a time to meet.
October 3 - 3:30-8:30 PM
October 4 - 3:30-8:30 PM
Education Foundation Khaler Grant Winners
Mrs. Ellison - 3D Printer for Maker Space
Mrs. Sherman - MO Finalist for the Science Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Ms. Orr, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Dennis - CHOICE: Children Having Options in Classroom Environment
Mrs. Hall - Tomorrow's Adaptive Learners
Silent Brass Demonstration
Textile Art
Thank you, Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club!
We had a great time at our Fall Picnic.
We made new friends and connected with old!
PAWS Volunteers Needed
Booster Club needs your help! We will be hosting quarterly events for our Gateway students called PAWS. These events will last for an hour each quarter and is a way for us to celebrate our student’s school accomplishments for that quarter.
We will have around 20 activity stations set-up throughout the building and for each activity station we will need 2-4 parent volunteers. Our first event will be held on October 10th from 9:30-10:40. We would like to have a few volunteers to help with Set-up beginning at 8:30 and then all other volunteers in place by 9:20. If this is something you would be interested in or if you have any questions, please email Erin Tolin at Erin.tolin@gmail.com
Trash Bag Order Pick Up
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting
Please contact the office to order your sweatshirt. Congratulations!
This month's drawing: Enter your name for your child to win free ice cream from the Grizzly Cafe every Friday for one month.
Monday, Oct 1, 2018, 06:30 PM
Gateway 6th Grade Center - Library
A Note From Our PE Coaches...
Physical Education Grades
As we are wrapping up our first quarter at Gateway we wanted to reach out to our Grizzlies to explain our grading system in Physical Education. Students will be assessed based on three standards: sportsmanship, fitness principles, and cooperative activities and games.
We will be assessing students based on the scale of M-Mastery, P-Progressing, and N-Needs Improvement.
We expect that at this point most of our Grizzlies will be receiving successful grades. We have started our year by reviewing 5th grade fitness principles, and playing games that most students are familiar with. As we continue through the year, PE will be progressing and students will participate in fitness testing, and the start of sports units and lead up games.
We have loved being a part of Gateway and are excited to see our students grow in their fitness and knowledge of lifelong activities. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your student’s PE teacher.
Thank you!
Coach Faubion
Coach Maultsby
Coach Sherman
Week of September 24, 2018
Learning Surrounds Us at Gateway
Writer's Workshop
Textile Art Class
Band Class
Writer's Workshop
Math Workshop
Abstract Art
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Picnic
- Extra parking will be available at Northview Elementary and shuttle service will be provided.
- Individual Tickets -- $5
- Family Tickets (4-5 people) -- $15 (6-8 people) -- $25
- Booster Club Members receive $1 off their meal
- Meal Includes: hot dog, chips, water, and a Hostess Snack treat
Trash Bag Pick Up - Day 1
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018, 04:00 PM
Gateway 6th Grade Center
Trash Bag Pick Up - Day 2
Friday, Sep 28, 2018, 03:30 PM
Gateway 6th Grade Center, North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Needs YOU!
- Trash bag delivery sorting and/or pick up -- email Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com
- Book fair -- email Rebecca Cooper regarding questions at racoop70@yahoo.com
Book Fair Set Up -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA4AC23AAFD0-gateway
Book Fair Help -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4CA4AC23AAFD0-fall
- Conference Dinner Donations October 3 and/or 4 - email Growlingrizzly6@gmail.com
- PAWS (Positive Activities with Students) on October 10 - email Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com
- Spirit Carts on October 10 - email Erin Tolin at erin.tolin@gmail.com
Staley Homecoming Pep Rally and Parade
The trucks take cash and cards and the average cost is $8 for a meal.
Staley Homecoming Football Game
Canvas - Parent Observer Account
Parents are able to create observer accounts that will allow you can see work and communication from the teacher about your child's class. Use the following video to guide you through the process of setting an account up as a parent observers.
To Receive Text Messages From Gateway
If you wish to receive text messages for future announcements please complete the following steps.
Text – YES to 67587
Video Announcements
Week of September 17, 2018
Character Trait of the Month-Positive Attitude
Each month we will highlight one of eight character traits. This month's trait is Positive Attitude.
A positive attitude can affect your life favorably in all areas, improving your mental and physical health. People with a positive outlook, view life, challenges, and the situations they go through, with confidence and are sure they can deal with them. People with a positive attitude will not let failure or obstacles stand in their way, and will always try to find ways to overcome them. Such a person would rather learn from past mistakes and move on. A person with a positive state of mind does not dwell on the problems and difficulties of the past, and does not let them dictate his or her life. People who maintain a positive approach to life situations and challenges are able to move forward more constructively than those who become stuck in a negative attitude. People who possess this attitude are easier to get along with, are happy, and they spread joy around them.
Students and staff who demonstrate the trait throughout the month will be awarded a certificate. Each team will choose 3 students who exemplify the trait through their words and actions to be celebrated during a brief gathering at the end of the month.
Diversity Council Representatives
Studying Data
Writer's Workshop
EXPIRED
Society of Women Engineers: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Jr. Event
The Kansas City section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE-KC) would like to extend an invitation to an event which aims at better equipping young women for the future: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Jr. (IGED Jr.).
IGED Jr. is a day established to help acquaint young women with the opportunities available in the field of engineering. SWE-KC is holding Kansas City’s third annual IGED Jr. on Friday, November 9, 2018 at UMKC’s Atterbury Success Center. IGED Jr. targets middle school females who show interest and aptitude in the areas of STEM. This year, SWE-KC aims to have 150 students accompanied by 75 female professional mentors. Gateway 6th grade center will be able to take 10 young ladies to this event. The registration fee will be paid by NKCSD PLTW Department.
If your 6th grade female student would be interested in attending this field trip, please contact Cathleen Hall Cathleen.hall@nkcschools.org for more information. The deadline to turn in forms September 20, so don’t hesitate. If more than 10 families are interested, we will put all names in a hat and pull out 10 student names to attend.
#ChooseKindness
School Deliveries
Fall Progress Conferences
Please contact your child's home room teacher to schedule.
No School
iPad Passcodes
Please encourage your child to leave the passcode set as their lunch number. We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Future Oakie Night
District PTA Meeting
North Kansas City District PTA Council
Everyone is invited to the NKC District PTA Council meeting at Rising Hill on October 25th at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent, Dr. Dan Clemens will share the State Of The District address, guests can tour Rising Hill, and everyone can enter the raffle for great sports memorabilia.
Thursday, Oct 25, 2018, 06:30 PM
Rising Hill Elementary, Northeast 108th Street, Kansas City, MO, USA
Week of September 10, 2018
School Attendance
School attendance for school-age children is compulsory by Missouri Law, therefore regular attendance is expected of each student enrolled in the North Kansas City School District. As a public school in Missouri, we adhere to the guidelines set forth by MSIP 5 (Missouri School Improvement Plan). State guidelines deem attendance rates of 95% or better as necessary for optimal learning and rates below 90% as unsatisfactory. When a student's attendance falls below 90%, the school will notify the parent/guardian.
Students should strive to maintain a good attendance record. There is a direct relationship between school attendance, academic achievement and success in school. Frequent absence of a student from the classroom disrupts the continuity of the learning process, and places undo stress on the child and family. Missouri utilizes a school’s attendance rate as part of the accreditation process for schools and districts. We know it is of great importance to the parents and patrons of the North Kansas City School District that our school and district remain highly accredited. Optimal attendance is an integral part of that endeavor.
Partial-day absences, late arrivals, and early check-outs count against a child’s attendance. We ask that parents avoid scheduling appointments, out of town events, vacations, etc. during school. If your child has an important appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours, please try to have your child at school before and after the appointment as much as possible. Please avoid checking them out early after you have visited for lunch or an event during the school day.
Attendance is closely monitored with monthly reports and parents will be notified and asked to address attendance concerns. By board policy and law, on-going concerns may meet criteria to be reported to legal authorities.
Please inform the school by 8:45 a.m. on the day of your child’s absence if your child will not be in attendance. If your child will miss several days, you only need to call the first day and state the days of absence. If no contact is made by 8:45 a.m., every attempt will be made to reach a parent or emergency contact to verify the reason for the absence to ensure the child’s safety and parent awareness of their child’s whereabouts.
School attendance is an important part of a student's success. Each day throughout the year is important and valued. It is impossible to truly make-up the entire learning experience. Teamwork, question and answer sessions, individual and small group discussions with the teacher, and encore classes are just a few of the valuable experiences that cannot be “sent home.” In working together as a team, we can help to make sure your child has a successful year. As Grizzlies, we strive to make each and every day count!
Mathematicians at work!
App Creators in the making!
Orchestra making sweet music!
Car Rider Line Pick Up
Yearbook SALE and Personalization Options
If you are purchasing a yearbook, you need to complete side one. You also have the option to personalize the cover. If you wish to do that, please complete side two.
Have you already purchased your yearbook at registration? Great! You may choose from several designs and personalize the cover. You will only need to complete the 2nd page.
Please make checks out to Gateway Middle School. Money can be turned into your child's home room teacher or to the office.
Personalization Orders Due: February 6, 2018 ----- Personalize Your Yearbook Click Here
Yearbook Orders Due: March 1, 2018 ----- Yearbook ONLY Order Form Click Here
School Safety Survey
Each year, schools in our district give an annual SSS (School Safety Survey) to teachers, students, and families. This survey is to assess what stakeholders feel about their school community. The survey will not take more than 5 minutes and will provide valuable information for Gateway, especially in our launching year.
We appreciate you taking the time as caretakers of our students to fill out the survey via the link by Friday, September 14th: https://www.pbisassessment.org/Anon/TW7F00X0300
Students and teachers will take this survey during class meeting times on Monday. Thank you!
Tryouts for Annie - Staley's Fall Musical Production
Click here for more information and the audition form.
If you have further questions, please contact Danielle Trebus at Danielle.trebus@nkcschools.org
School Picnic
- Extra parking will be available at Northview Elementary and shuttle service will be provided.
- Tickets may be purchased beforehand by sending in money with the flyer. (Flyer is scheduled to go home sometime this week and will also be available in next week's parent newsletter.)
- Individual Tickets -- $5
- Family Tickets (4-5 people) -- $15 (6-8 people) -- $25
- Booster Club Members receive $1 off their meal
- Meal Includes: hot dog, chips, water, and a Hostess Snack treat
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018, 06:00 PM
9201 North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Trash Bag Order Pick Up - Day 1
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018, 04:00 PM
9201 North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Trash Bag Order Pick Up - Day 2
Friday, Sep 28, 2018, 03:30 PM
9201 North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO -- Small Gym
Week of September 3, 2018
While our building is nearly complete, we are working through the final details with the architect and contractor. In the coming weeks students and staff will see the graphics appear in the new hall, new graphics on the marques sign, lettering on the front of the building, and when weather permits, a finished parking lot.
I look forward to seeing our first year at Gateway unfold and sharing many celebrations of success with our families.
Becky
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Student Greeters
Reader's Workshop
Math Workshop
PowerSchool
Canvas
September Lunch Menu
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Fundraiser
Trash Bags for Sale!
Students are selling trash bags for $11 a roll, regardless the size.
There are a variety of sizes:
White tall kitchen bags (65 per roll)
Yellow 39-gallon trash bags (25 per roll)
Blue 55-gallon trash bags (16 per roll)
Orders are due September 14. Please collect the cash or check at the time of the order. Checks should be made out to Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club.
Trash bags will be available for pick up at Gateway on September 27 and 28.
Growlin' Grizzly Booster Club Meeting
Monday, Sep 10, 2018, 06:30 PM
Gateway Library
Gateway Student Expectations
Students visited with the principals during the last week to review the expectations of our PBS-SW (Positive Behavior Supports-Schoolwide). As students follow the PATH - positive behavior, aspire to achieve, through respect for all, with high expectations - we will practice safe, respectful, and responsible behavior.
In addition to common area expectations, a review of Board Policy JG-R1, highlighting threats, as Defined by the North Kansas City School District, was shared with students with the help of our counselors, Ms. Lisa Hayden and Ms. Shauna Pope.
Threats or Verbal Assault – Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage.
Consequences-Parent contact, student/staff conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Notification to law enforcement.
A.C.E. - After Class Events
First Quarter ACE Offerings are:
- iMovie/Garage Band
- Dodgeball
- Study Lab
- Math Lab
- American Sign Language
- Book Club
- Choir
- Fall Play
- Walking Club
Sessions begin as soon as the busses have been dismissed. Session 1 ends at 4:10pm, and students may be picked up by car at that time. Session 2 will begin at 4:20 and will end at approximately 5:05. Busses will load as they arrive from New Mark and Antioch.
Team T-Shirt Order Form
Future Falcons - #StaleyStrong
Thursday, September 6 - Boys Soccer vs. NKC at 6:30pm, SHS
Friday, September 28 - Football Homecoming, 7:00pm, SHS
Tuesday, October 16 - Volleyball vs. Liberty, 7:00pm, SHS
WINTER DATES
Friday, January 11 - Boys Basketball vs. St. Joe Central, 7:00pm, SHS
Tuesday, January 22 - Wrestling vs. Fort Osage/Liberty North, 5:00pm, SHS
Friday, February 8 - Girls Basketball vs. Park Hill South, 5:30pm, SHS
SPRING DATES
Tuesday, April 9 - Girls Soccer vs. Truman, 6:30pm, SHS
Future Oakies - #forthefamily
Monday, September 17 - Softball vs. Raytown, 4:00pm, OPHS
Monday, September 24 - Soccer vs. Truman, 6:30pm, OPHS
Friday, October 12 - Football vs. NKCHS, 7:00pm, OPHS
Friday, October 19 - Football Homecoming, 7:00pm, OPHS
WINTER DATES
Friday, December 14 - Boys and Girls Basketball vs. NKCHS, 5:30pm and 7:00pm, OPHS
Tuesday, January 8 - Wrestling vs. William Chrisman and Ruskin, 6:00pm, OPHS
SPRING DATES
Tuesday, April 30 - Girls Soccer vs. Belton, 6:30pm, OPHS
Connecting with Gateway
Website: https://www.nkcschools.org/page.cfm?p=2787
Location: 9201 North Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: (816)321-5360
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Gateway6thGradeCenter
Twitter: @Gateway6NKC
A.C.E. Dates Canceled
February 12 (snow date February 19)
February 13 (snow date February 20)
Reminder: No School
Teachers will engage in professional development, continuing their learning and deepening their understanding of Equity and Inclusion. Our afternoon will focus on growing in our knowledge of the adolescent brain.
February 18, 2019 - No School - President's Day