Gator Community Newsletter, Vol. 31
April 15, 2024 - April 19, 2024
Upcoming Events
- April 17: Gator Games
- April 18-19: Character Assemblies
- April 19: Movie Night
CAASSP: State Testing (Grades 3-5)
Dear Gage Families,
As we approach next Monday, April 23, 2024, we want to inform you that students in grades 3-5 will participate in the CAASPP State Tests for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Additionally, students in grades three through five will also be taking the Spanish assessment, and fifth-grade students will be assessed in science. Testing will conclude on May 17, with make-up sessions scheduled between May 15 and May 28.
To help your child prepare for these assessments, we have compiled some suggestions:
ARRIVE ON TIME: Testing will occur each morning from 8 to 10. Please ensure your child arrives at school promptly.
SLEEP: Encourage your child to get a good night's sleep before the test days. Sufficient rest will help them feel refreshed and attentive during the assessments.
BREAKFAST: Ensure your child eats a nutritious breakfast, at home or at school. Avoid overly sugary foods, as they can lead to energy crashes. A balanced breakfast will provide them with the energy to stay focused during the tests.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Please motivate your child to do their best. Consider sending them to school with an encouraging note to read before the tests begin. Some students may feel anxious, but remind them that they have been preparing diligently throughout the school year and are well-equipped for success.
ELECTRONICS: Remind your child that electronic devices, including smart watches, phones, fitness trackers, and tablets, are not permitted in the testing environment. Please ensure they leave these devices at home on testing days.
We want to express our pride in the academic and personal achievements of our students this year. While these assessments are important, they only capture a fraction of the incredible progress our students have made.
Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we can help our students thrive academically and reach their full potential.
Thank again!
Frequent Tardies
Dear Parents,
As we strive to maintain a productive and efficient learning environment, we want to remind you of our school's tardy policy. Our school day officially begins at 7:43 AM, with the tardy bell ringing promptly at 7:50 AM. Tardy slips will be given at all gates beginning 7:50 AM. It's important that students arrive on time to ensure they have the opportunity to start their day smoothly and maximize their learning potential.
Please note that students who arrive on time but linger in the blacktop or passing areas may still be marked tardy if they are not in their classrooms by the designated time. Additionally, if a student arrives after attendance has been taken, they may be marked absent by the teacher, triggering an automatic absent-notification call-out to parents and families. While our office staff works diligently to make changes in our system to accurately reflect attendance, please be aware that adjustments may occur after the call-outs have been initiated. We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping our students develop habits of punctuality and responsibility.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
This month's character train is INTEGRITY.
Integrity is like a guiding light that helps us make the right choices, even when no one is watching. It means being honest, doing what's right, and standing up for what you believe in, even when it's hard. When we act with integrity, we build trust with others and show them that they can rely on us. Integrity also means taking responsibility for our actions and owning up to our mistakes. By practicing integrity every day, we not only earn the respect of others but also feel proud of ourselves. It's an essential quality that helps us grow into responsible, trustworthy, and respected individuals.
New Absence-Reporting Feature
This image now appears on the Gage website homepage. By clicking it, it will take you to a link to report a student absence. Click it from this newsletter to check it out!.
Parent/Student Communication During the School Day
Dear Parents,
We kindly request that during the school day, you refrain from communicating with your children via smart watches. While we understand the convenience and connectivity these devices offer, their usage during school hours can disrupt the learning environment in several ways. Firstly, constant notifications and messages can distract students from focusing on their lessons, leading to decreased academic performance and engagement. Additionally, receiving messages from parents may cause unnecessary anxiety or stress for students, particularly if they are related to non-urgent matters. Therefore, we encourage you to communicate with your child through traditional methods such as phone calls or emails outside of school hours, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their learning experience during the school day. We appreciate your cooperation in fostering a conducive learning environment for all students.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
As per the Gage Student/Family Handbook:
District Policy states that elementary school students may possess and use cell phones and other electronic signaling devices on school grounds while under the supervision of school district employees before and after school. These devices must be carried on the student’s person, kept out of sight, and turned off during the school day.
Some Helpful Safety Reminders
Please remember to be respectful to our school safety patrol and observe traffic and parking laws.
Please DO NOT
- Let children out of your car and have them run across the street. They should always cross at a crosswalk.
- Block the driveway of our neighbors
- Get out of your car while in the loading zone. If you want to walk onto campus, you will need to find street parking.
- Park in the staff parking lot, these spots are reserved for staff
- members
It's Fiesta Time!
Fiesta Silent Auction Tickets are ON SALE NOW! This parent's night out event will take place at the Mission Trails Visitors Center on Saturday, May 4th, 6pm-10pm. Book your babysitters and buy your tickets HERE (tickets are limited).
Many exciting auction items will be available and the auction is open online for those who cannot attend. Class Baskets will be available for raffle at the event, as well as a Wine Pull, Mystery Piñatas and candid photos of your Gage Gators.
Please contact gageelementaryfiesta@gmail.com for any questions and/or if you would like to contribute an item for auction. We are looking for sporting event tickets, vacation stays, gift cards for restaurants and services, etc.
Join us for a family Movie Night - Friday, April 19th at Gage. Food trucks and concessions will be available. Bring a blanket and some chairs. Movie will begin after sunset.
Volunteer Opportunity! In order to make our Gator Games super successful and fun for the kiddos we need your help "day of". Gator Games will be held on Wednesday, April 17th with multiple fun stations: Volunteer HERE
PTA NEWS
Upcoming Gage PTA Events
· Gator Games, Wednesday, April 17th
· Movie Night, Friday, April 19th
· Administrative Assistant Appreciation Week, April 22nd - 26th
Make sure you are up-to-date on all Gage PTA Events. Stay connected:
1. PTA email list (Join PTA to get on the list! https://bit.ly/GagePTA)
2. Bookmark the Gage PTA website
3. Follow us on social media: Facebook or Instagram
Any Questions? Email GagePTA@gmail.com
Friendly Reminders
Minimum day is on Wednesdays, pick up at 12:15 p.m.
- Highwood and Hudson running club gates open at 7:25 a.m.
- All other gates open up at 7:43 a.m.
- ALL gates close at 7:55 a.m. (Please leave campus prior to gate closure)