Gates Notes & News
February 5, 2024
It is hard to believe that we are already more than half-way through the school year and two weeks from our second Intersession of the year. By now you should have received your child's second marking period report card via email. If you have not, please contact your child's teacher to ensure that we have your correct email address on file.
In this edition of the Gates Notes & News, you will find information about Valentines Day, our upcoming Family Reading Night, Kindergarten Round-up, a PTO sponsored Mother/Son event, and much more. As always, thank you for reading and for sharing your child with us!
Most Sincerely,
Natalie Miller
Proud Gates Principal
Count Day is February 14th
Next WEDNESDAY (Feb. 14th) is COUNT DAY!
Your child’s attendance in school is extremely important on this day.
Davison Community Schools will be reporting the number of students in our district to the State of Michigan for funding purposes. If you are not able to attend, please send a note to school or call 591-5000 explaining the reason for your child’s absence so that it can be excused. Thank you for your support.
Valentine's Day Party Check In
If you have already signed up with your child’s teacher to assist with their Valentine’s party, please have your ID ready when signing in to visit our building. Our staff has been instructed to verify each and every visitor including parents, substitute teachers, even other DCS staff if they are unfamiliar at Gates. Please know that while we would love to invite all parents to the parties, space is limited. Only those who have already received confirmation from the teachers are allowed to attend. Your consideration and support is key to keeping our students safe while at school.
Morning Buses
As many of you know, some of our students who ride morning buses must unload in order for other students to board the bus and go to their assigned school (i.e. Thomson, Hill, Central or Siple). Students who unload at 8:10 a.m. are asked to line up by the front entrances. When the weather is uncooperative – raining or low temperature – children are brought into the building to wait in the hallway. We do encourage children to dress appropriately during these winter months.
Welcome Therapy Dogs!
Therapy dogs are invaluable companions in elementary schools, providing a comforting and supportive presence for students. These specially trained canines offer a unique form of emotional and social support. The gentle and non-judgmental nature of therapy dogs helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and fear among students, fostering a sense of calm and security. The presence of these furry friends also encourages communication and empathy, as children often find it easier to open up and express themselves in the presence of a friendly animal. Their impact extends beyond emotional well-being, as they can assist in improving literacy skills when students read to the dogs. Overall, therapy dogs can play a vital role in further developing a nurturing and supportive learning environment already being built by our amazing staff.
Although we previously announced the upcoming addition of Harley to our Gates Family, we are even more excited that the time for her to come is almost here! As of now, Harley's first day 'on the job' with Officer Forman will be sometime during the last week of February. She will also be present for our families to meet on Family Reading Night!
Additionally, we are excited to welcome Mabel to Gates. Mabel is a therapy dog owned by Hadleigh Mouch, 1st grader, and her family. While Mabel will not be at Gates on a daily basis, she will visit once or twice a month.
It should be noted that while students will have opportunities to interact with Harley (and Mabel when she is at Gates), they will never be forced to as we want this to be a positive experience for all involved.
COMING SOON... One School One Book!
What will it be??? The title of this year’s One School One Book will be revealed soon!
Once again students, parents and the entire Gates staff will be treated to a month long reading extravaganza! Book packets will be distributed, one per family, on March 4th and will include a reading calendar along with activity and vocabulary sheets. If you have more than one Gates student, the packet will be given to your oldest child to share.
We think this is one book you and your family are sure to enjoy!
Join Us for Family Reading Night
As you may remember, March is Reading Month! While we encourage reading throughout the year, March gives special time for us to come together around literature and reading. At Gates, we have long celebrated by participating in One School One Book. A program in which all Gates' students, families, and staff join in reading the same book. We are going to keep the book a secret for now, however, we would like you to mark your calendar and join us Thursday, February 29th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for Family Reading Night! Durning this event, families will have the opportunity to participate in several different activities designed to spark interest in the book, creativity, and that are just plan fun.
How Would You Like to Join the Gates Staff?
We are hiring additional Playground Monitors and Paraprofessionals at Gates Elementary. If you are interested in applying to be a Playground Monitor you can apply online at www.gecs-inc.org. If you are interested in applying for a Title I or Special Education Paraprofessional position you can apply at www.davisonschools.org. Please call the office at 810-591-5001 to let the office staff know you have completed your application. Also, please be aware that part of the hiring process is a complete background check and fingerprinting. If you have any questions please feel welcome to call us.
Kindergarten Round-up Time is Here!
Can you believe that it is already time to start thinking about next year?! We will begin taking appointments for Kindergarten Round-Up on Wednesday, February 28th. If you have a child or know someone with a child who will be in Kindergarten next year, please be sure to call our Thomson office and make an appointment at (810) 591-0911.
Kindergarten Round-Up for all Davison Elementary Buildings will take place April 15th - 19th.
As a note, our current DK/Early 5 students do not need to make an appointment as your child(ren) are already completely enrolled as Davison students. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.
Parents, if you have younger children at home we wanted to make you aware that we are now starting the waiting list for Early-5's. Our Early 5's program is for children that will turn 5 between June 15 and December 1, 2024. This is an excellent program to prepare young children for kindergarten. It is a full day program that focuses on kindergarten readiness. To add your child to the wait list please call the Thomson Elementary office at 810-591-0911. The waitlist for Early 5's is open now.
Davison also offers our amazing FREE GSRP preschool program. Registration is currently underway for the 2024-2025 school year. For more information you can call 810-591-0922.
PTO News!
Be sure to join us for our next PTO meeting, Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Gates Library.
Special Night Out for Moms and their Son(s) - The PTO is busy planning a special evening for moms and their son(s). Please save the date for this 'magical' event that will be held on Saturday, March 16th. More information will be sent home following Intersession.
Snow Fun at Recess!
Mark Your Calendar
- Monday, February 5th - DCS Board of Education Meeting, 6pm DHS Auditorium
- Thursday, February 8th - Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-6pm -By Appt Only
- Friday, February 9th - Popcorn Friday!
- Tuesday, February 13th - PTO, 6:00 p.m. in the Gates Library
- Wednesday, February 14th - Count Day & Valentine's Day
- Monday, February 19th - 23rd - No School - Intersession Break
- Thursday, February 29th - Family Reading Night, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 6th - Early Release Day
Attendance Matters
Do you have your Remind Account set up?
Please be sure you are signed up for a Remind account. If you already have a Remind App, this will work with your existing account. If you do not have a Remind account, you will want/need to create one. Remind will work through the app or via email for those who do not want to download the app.
Through remind, you can set notifications to alert you to messages being sent from school to keep you up-to-date with all the latest information. Please make sure to check in with your child's teacher of you have questions or issues with the Remind setup .
Gates Elementary
Gates Elementary
Where Kids Come First and Futures Begin
and
We are WILD ABOUT LEARNING!
Email: nmiller@davisonschools.org
Website: www.davisonschools.org
Location: 2359 S. Irish, Davison, MI, United States
Phone: 810-591-5001