GCCSD News and Updates - April 2023
Panthers pause for play!
It was a day of play throughout Paul Road on March 31 but that doesn’t mean learning wasn’t happening indoors and out! Hard work demonstrated by all Panthers!
Lions and tigers and BEARS, oh my!
Second-grade Bears became experts in selected animals and then shared their animal research projects with families!
Stars on the run!
Students at Armstrong kicked off Girls on the Run in March, a fun, evidence-based program that inspires girl empowerment by building confidence, kindness and decision-making skills.
Serving up Pasta Madness!
We are Gates Chili
Spartan artists showcased dozens of works of art at the GCMS Art Show on March 30. Work of fifth-graders was also on display as part of the “We Are Gates Chili” art project collaboration! Read about that project in the winter issue of the district newsletter.
Flag football makes debut in the snow
More than 50 student-athletes made history this spring by being the first students to try out for the new varsity girls flag football team! They were greeted by snow flurries in Spartan Stadium!
"The Start of Something New" at the GCPAC
Spartans became Wildcats last month during the high school production of “High School Musical” in their first public performance at the GCPAC! Students brought to life the energizing message that “We’re All in This Together!”
Like other districts around New York State, Gates Chili continues to wait for the final state budget, which outlines funding provided for school districts. This is the final component of the budget development process, which began in the fall. Once the district receives word on how much state aid is expected, the board of education is expected to adopt the budget at its next regular business meeting on April 18. Once adopted, the next step will be for district residents to vote on it at the annual budget vote.
Meanwhile, the district is accepting petitions for Board of Education candidates. Four (4) seats on the Gates Chili Board of Education are open for election this year:
- Three (3) seats with terms beginning July 1, 2023 and expiring June 30, 2026
- One (1) seat with a term beginning May 17, 2023 and expiring June 30, 2024
Board member service is an important role within the school community, representing the community’s voice in the educational setting. The National School Boards Association (NSBA) shares that Board members are more than policy-makers and administrators; they are advocates for students and their parents and are entrusted to engineer a better future. If you’ve considered board service, but have questions, check out this webcast of current and former board of education members. In it, they speak about BOE service in the monthly ACT for Education webcast. To see that webcast about board service, go to https://actforeducation.org/live
District residents interested in running for the Board of Education must be nominated by petition. Interested individuals may pick up a petition from the district clerk here at the Admin Building. The petition must be signed by 25 qualified voters of the Gates Chili Central School District and submitted, with other required paperwork, by Monday, April 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. The Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election will take place on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Gates Chili Field House.
The at-a-glance calendar for next school year is now available. It includes the first day of school for students and staff as well as an outline of the year’s holiday, winter and spring recesses and assessment windows.
You can view and/or download that file at this link.
It will also be mailed home on page 15 of the budget issue of the district newsletter. You can expect to receive that in your mailbox the week of May 8. Remember to always check the online district calendar for the most up-to-date event listings.
The Gates Chili Education Foundation is proud to host the return of its BINGO Bonanza!
The event will be held Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Gates Chili Field House. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The adults-only event is free, but attendees can purchase BINGO cards and daubers, snacks and 50/50 raffle tickets. In addition, gift card prizes will be provided by local retailers and vendors.
This fundraiser helps provide scholarships and grants for Gates Chili students and furthers the mission and vision of the Gates Chili Central School District.
- April 3-7: Spring Recess (no school for students and 10-month staff)
- April 7: Good Friday (district closed)
- April 11: HS AVL Ceremony and Reception, GCPAC and HS small cafeteria, 6:30-8 p.m.
- April 14: GCEF Bingo Night, Gates Chili Field House, 7 p.m.
- April 17: BOE petitions due by 5 p.m.
- April 18: BOE Meeting, GCPLC, 6:30 p.m.
- April 19: HS Band Spring Concert, GCPAC, 7:30 p.m.
- April 21: Sweethearts Dance, GCPAC, 6-8 p.m. (rescheduled from February)
- April 28: #GCPride Day
The Gates Chili Food Pantry was featured on the news last week! Spectrum News showcased our food pantry and the great need we’re seeing in our community and throughout the region for resources such as this. We are proud to share that we have been able to help nearly 50 families since opening the food pantry this January! To watch that story, click here or on the photo below.
A reminder that the Gates Chili Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 3-4:30 p.m. Families in need of this resource should come to Gates Chili High School and enter through door #1 (the main entrance near the bus loop). If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to Angelina Pound at appound@gateschili.org.
The Gates Chili Central School District is dedicated to fostering curiosity, growth, and diversity within our school community. The district celebrates and embraces differences and strives to dismantle exclusion, bias, racism, and prejudice of all forms.