This Week at Gateway
Gateway Regional Community Newsletter-April 15, 2024
Principal's Message
This Week at a Glance
Monday (A Day)
Tuesday(B Day)
Wednesday(A Day)
Thursday (B Day)
- People's Choice Awards 7:00
Friday (A Day)
Dismissal
During dismissal, please do not make a right out of the student parking lot. This is a one-way. The flow of traffic should bring people leaving the parking lot behind the buses. Once the buses depart, car traffic will be free to clear out of the parking lot. Please refrain from driving around the back of the building as we have walkers exiting that area by the tennis courts. I appreciate everyone's cooperation and patience in this matter. This has become a safety concern because people are cutting off our school buses leaving Gateway. The buses depart at 2:42.
Gators of the Month
The Chomp
The Chomp's April issue is now live and ready for your engagement and interaction. Check it out here: The Chomp.
Prom Packets
Prom Packets can be picked up in Room 202 or Room 104. You MUST follow the directions in the packet exactly. Seating for the prom depends on you following the guidelines. Any questions, see Ms Boisvert or Mr. Covely.
Yearbook Sales
HS YEARBOOK - Currently on sale HERE . Cost is $90.
HS Yearbook Ads are back on sale HERE, deadline extended until FEB 8th.
MS YEARBOOK - Currently on sale HERE . Cost is $35.
Any questions, please Mrs. Fayer at sfayer@gatewayhs.com
Thank you.
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors helps make the dream of higher education a reality for outstanding students from under-resourced, underrepresented, and underserved communities.
High school seniors who are facing financial challenges may apply to win up to a $10,000 scholarship to help them attend college or a vocational-technical school.
Applications are now open through May 17, 2024
RCSJ Scholarship Portal
The 2024-2025 online scholarship application is now open for Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus. It's free and easy to apply here: https://rcsj.awardspring.com. Don't delay, the application deadline is June 1, 2024.
Gateway Visits 6th Grades
Middle school guidance and 14 seniors shared their knowledge and experiences about being a Gator with our incoming 7th grade class!
Video Production Gators Tour KYW Philadelphia
What a fantastic experience the Video Production Gators had this week at KYW Philadelphia speaking with industry leaders and touring this fantastic state of the art facility.
We spoke with several industry leaders and specifically want to thank Tom Rickert, Director of Podcasting and Kristina Koppeser (Luca), Brand Manager for organizing our experience and spending time with us. We also got to witness a live traffic report by Stevie Reese-super cool!
The impact of students seeing what a potential career could look and feel like CANNOT be overstated. It's always inspiring to connect on a sensory level with your potential future.
The Gators Register for College Classes!
The Gators appreciated the fantastic staff at RCSJ who helped our seniors and our High School Option students register for fall classes this week.
We had a campus tour, got our new college IDs, and met with admissions. Afterwards, students were treated to pizza and Dr. Fred Keating stopped by!
Marketing Interns Connect with Wenonah Farmers Market
Gator marketing interns Emily Childs, Brielle Heffernan, and Tabby Bay met with Gateway Board Member, Tamar Shelov this week about a volunteer opportunity with the Wenonah Farmer’s Market. This dynamic trio will be amping up the Market’s social media presence. Make sure to support the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays 4-7pm starting on May 2nd!
AmeriCorps Environmental Intern!
Congratulations to Anastasia Sims who will be shadowing Phuong Nguyen, the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador!
We are so excited for this fantastic opportunity for Anastasia! She is a fantastic person who is interested in helping the environment and marine life.
Phuong, who is mentoring Anastasia, attended our Career Day in December.
You can’t chase opportunities you aren’t aware of, so these experiences are invaluable to the Gators!
Internationally Renowned Salem Community College Glass Facility
We had a fantastic time learning all about Salem Community College and specifically seeing their Sam Jones Glass Education Center!
This is an internationally recognized training facility! Students who graduate from their two-year scientific glass program are guaranteed employment because the need for employees is so great! Graduates have recently been hired in Switzerland and Japan.
Pennsylvania Society of Biomedical Research Speaker Series
Thank you to Betsy Payne and her mom, Dr. Sylvia Payne who came in to speak with Christina Thomas’s Healthcare class recently.
Betsy is the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem Manager at the Philadelphia Education Fund and her mother is a medical doctor. We are grateful to be able to connect the Gators to fantastic community career leaders like Sylvia and Betsy!
Gator seniors and Wenonah 6th graders Connect on the Environment
Senior educational interns Joe Weyhmiller and Bridget Hart along with librarian, Kathy Bially traveled to Wenonah Elementary School to talk to 6th grade STEM students about clean energy and wind turbines.
To prepare for this event, Wenonah Elementary teacher, Denise Gatton had students read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. After the brief presentation, students then made their own wind turbines and competed to create the most energy.
The star of the dining room: Woodbury Mews residents connect with new employees through program for young adults with special needs
Woodbury, NJ – When Ryan puts on his apron and walks into the dining room at Woodbury
Mews, the senior residents adore him and he beams with pride. Ryan walks between tables
taking food and beverage orders and cleaning, while also chatting with residents about their lives
and what he calls their “brain wisdom.”
Ryan, 19, is one of two young adults with special needs who recently started working at the
Watermark retirement community in Woodbury as part of a joint Gateway Regional High School
and Woodbury High School Career Readiness Program for 18- to 21-year-olds with
developmental differences.
Ryan and his classmate, Ethan, 20, both started as interns in the community before earning part-
time paid positions – solidifying the many benefits for both them and the senior residents they
serve and connect with each day.
Centered in the heart of Woodbury, the senior living community has long been an integrated part
of the city. The idea to bring young adults in the 18-21 Career Readiness Program to the
community began when the program’s job coach coordinator, Cindy Norton, met Gabrielle
Egrie, the human resources director at Woodbury Mews.
For the last two years, the 18-21 Career Readiness Program has helped young adults with special
needs who have graduated high school transition successfully into the workforce with
placements at various businesses. The program provides everything from resources like
transportation and industry connections to skill development and mentorship, while giving the
young adults in the program empowerment and confidence to achieve career goals and lead
fulfilling lives.
Norton serves as a mentor and bridge between the employer and young adult to help ensure the
relationship is successful for everyone. She praised the way the community’s residents and
associates have warmly welcomed the two young men, as well as the students she brings once a
month for visits to assisted living.
Ryan and Ethan have both become beloved members of the Woodbury Mews family. Ethan has
found his place in housekeeping for the community: sweeping hallways, wiping shelves and
collecting trash. Ryan fits right into the daily routine of lunch.
For Ryan, the dining room was ideal because he always wanted to be a cook or bartender. One
resident brings him copies of Archeology Today magazine, while another says Ryan’s presence
brings a smile to her face.
“He is so diligent, remembering each person’s order and cleaning the tables perfectly,” said
resident Elaine O’Brien. “He is the star of the dining room!”
Resident Karen Cooper agreed saying the young associates bring joy to the routine. “I love that
they are able to contribute to our community,” she said.
At the end of each shift, Ryan and Ethan clock out and wave ‘goodbye’ to the residents and
associates at the front desk. They’ll be back tomorrow to continue shining in Woodbury Mews.
Members of the media are invited to visit the community to meet Ryan and Ethan and the
residents who have grown to love their presence. Please coordinate with Jessica Reyes at
908-268-9355 or jessica@laura-bishop.com.
Announcing the FIRST Ever Woodbury City Junior Police Academy!
Applications are in Guidance and due by June 1!. Please see the letter attached below from Officer Youngblood for more information.
The FAA is Hiring NOW! Check out this opportunity!
Career and College Readiness
Do you have big plans after graduation? We want to hear about your acceptance: College or University, Trade or Career Program, or Armed Forces of the United States. Please email Dr. Pierro with your acceptance letter. We would like to give you the recognition you deserve in the newsletter and morning announcements!