Gateway Family Newsletter (English)
October 2021
Important Upcoming Events
Friday, Oct. 1st---NO SCHOOL, Curriculum Day
Friday, Oct. 8th---1st Quarter Ends
Friday, Oct. 8th---NO SCHOOL, Teacher Plan Day
Monday, Oct. 11th---2nd Quarter Begins
Monday, Oct. 11th---1st Quarter Report Cards Sent Home
Wednesday, Oct. 13th---Individual Student Picture Day
Wednesday, Oct. 20th---No School for Early Childhood Students Only (Early Childhood Plan)
Wednesday, Oct. 20th---Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:30 pm---8:00 pm
Thursday, Oct. 21st----NO SCHOOL, Parent Teacher Conferences, 12:30 pm---8:00 pm
Friday, Oct. 22nd---NO SCHOOL, Teacher Planning Day
Friday, Oct. 29th---Classroom Fall/Harvest Parties, 2:30 pm
Monday, Nov. 1st---NO SCHOOL ,Teacher Planning Day
Notes From the Gateway Office
Please remember that school will not be in session on the dates listed below.
- Thursday, October 21st (Parent Teacher Conferences)
- Friday, October 22nd (Teacher Planning Day)
- Monday, November 1st (Teacher Planning Day)
Arrival Dismissal Times
At Gateway, the safety of our students and staff continues to be our number one priority. Please remember that Gateway students that do not attend Kid’s Club should not be arriving at school before 8:35 AM. Breakfast is free for all Gateway students and will be served each morning at 8:35 am. The school day begins each morning at 8:50 AM. Students are dismissed each day promptly at 4:05 p.m.
Leaving children at school prior to 8:35 AM creates an unsafe situation, due to the fact that teachers are not on duty until 8:35 AM.
If you need to drop your child off prior to 8:35 AM, please consider using Kids Club. Kids Club is a before and after school program administered by the Omaha Schools Foundation for children attending Omaha Public Elementary Schools. If you are interested in enrolling your child in Kids Club or have questions regarding specific hours and fees, please call the Omaha Schools Foundation Office at 557-2045.
Face Coverings While on Campus
Parent Teacher Conferences
Mark your calendars for Fall Parent Teacher conferences:
- Wednesday, October 20th, 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Thursday, October 21st 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm
If you haven’t done so, please call 531-299-1480 to schedule a time. Our goal is always 100% attendance for P/T Conferences!
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) offers some excellent information about Parent Teacher conferences:
Children whose parents are involved in their education do better in school.
Before the conference, talk with your child and find out what his/her favorite school subjects and activities are and if he/she has any concerns for you to discuss with the teacher.
Review your child’s work. Are there any areas that need improvement? Discuss both strengths and weaknesses with the teacher – we all have both.
Be on time. The conference schedule is tight and everyone needs to stay on schedule. If you develop a conflict, let the school know as soon as possible. Try to reschedule, even if it needs to be a phone conference.
Keep an open mind. Conferences are meant to help you understand your child’s school performance. Working together, home and school maximize student success.
Make plans to follow through at home if needed. Decide what you, your child, and the teacher need to do to help your child succeed.
Afterwards tell your child about the talk. Praise the things he/she is doing well and pass along compliments. If you need to, talk about areas you will work to improve.
Classroom Parties
Classroom Fall/Harvest Parties are scheduled towards the end of the school day (2:30) on Friday, October 29th. Please keep in mind that our health and safety protocols are still in place. Some general "do's and don'ts" for these parties are listed below. If you have specific questions, please contact your child's teacher. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Do's
Store bought pre-packaged treats
One way treat distribution by teacher or paras with gloved hands
Fall or harvest theme movie
Bingo
Outdoor scavenger hunt
Fall or harvest themed arts and crafts
Pumpkin activities
Apple activities
Dont's
Costumes
Masks
Traditional trick-or-treating (reaching into a communal candy bowl)
Parades
Large gatherings
Classroom volunteers
Handmade treats or goodie bags
Halloween themed activities
Gateway Counselors
Panera Bread Program
Not Feeling Well?
While it’s important for children to be at school, it’s also important for them to stay at home and rest if they are sick--both so they can recover and so they don’t make others sick. If your child is sick, please notify the main office at 531.299.1480. Strict adherence to our health and safety guidelines protects other members of our community and allows in-person learning to proceed more successfully.
If you have any questions, please call our School Nurse, Mrs. Lauren Boll @ 531-299-1480.
Nebraska Family Helpline
Raising kids is hard. It’s okay to ask for advice. The Nebraska Family Helpline is a free, confidential resource for parents who have questions regarding their child’s behavior. Trained counselors are standing by. Have a question? Give them a call at 1-888-866-8660.
Terry Burton, Principal Gateway Elementary
Email: terry.burton@ops.org
Website: gateway.ops.org
Location: 5610 South 42nd Street, Omaha, NE, United States
Phone: 531-299-1480