The Spartan Scoop
Gates Chili HS E-News | April 2024
It's finally spring! 🌈☔🌸
Dear Spartan Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As we navigate through the academic year, I want to emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance for your student's success. Attendance is not just about being physically present; it is about actively engaging in learning and being part of our school community.
Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform better in their classes, achieve higher grades, and have higher graduation rates. Missing school can have serious consequences for students' academic performance and future success. Additionally, missing school can hinder students' social and emotional development, as they may miss out on important interactions with peers and teachers.
It's important to remember that every day of school missed is a missed opportunity for learning and growth. Please partner with us in prioritizing regular school attendance for your student. Let's work together to get them here on time and consistently to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Go Spartans!
Thomas Hammel
Principal
Spartan Spotlights ✨
Youth Leadership Recognition Award
A big Spartan congratulations to GCHS student Keona Craig, who was one of only two students in Monroe County to receive the 2024 Youth Leadership Recognition Award from State Senator Pamela Helming!
The award program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievement in academics, athletics, music, arts and/or community service. Senator Helming presented Keona and 24 other outstanding juniors from 22 school districts at a ceremony on March 8. Congratulations Keona and all the other award recipients! Click here for the full article.
Three Gates Chili students recognized by SkillsUSA
Three Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education students from Gates Chili were finalists at the SkillsUSA New York Area 1 Regionals held on March 5.
Gates Chili student Ariel Travis (Criminal Justice), pictured here, took home a bronze medal in the Criminal Justice competition. Two other Spartans placed fourth in their competitions: Wayquill Wynn (Culinary Arts) in Culinary Arts and Faith Waver (Digital and Visual Communication) in Photography. The next step in SkillsUSA competitions is the New York State SkillsUSA Competition held in Syracuse at the end of April. Congratulations to all!
Department Spotlight: Academic Intervention Services
GC WRITES finishes second school-wide writing contest, next contest on deck ✍🏻
The "Flash Fiction" winners were announced in November, and now the judges are excited to announce the winners of the "Tiny Memoirs" competition.
The idea for these competitions came from sophomore, Jason Cocchiara. His idea of creating a flash fiction contest has grown into multiple opportunities for our students to show their creative talents and their love of writing.
Our "Tiny Memoir" winners are:
5th place - Lily Gremminger, Grade 9 ("Expect the Unexpected")
4th place - Malaki Lovejoy, Grade 10 ("The Day It All Came Down")
3rd place - Nate Wemmett, Grade 10 ("Hat Trick")
2nd place - Emily Quintana, Grade 9 (Untitled)
1st place - Lily Sweeny, Grade 12 ("Hold On")
A third writing contest will take place in April during National Poetry Month when high school students will have the opportunity to share their original poetry. Stay tuned for the winners.
Class Updates and Information 🚨
Class of 2025
Tickets for Junior Prom will be on sale after spring recess!
Purchase tickets from April 15-19 for $70 per person. Cash or check only.
Counseling Center 🗨️
Get help with the financial aid process! 💰
SUNY is hosting a special FAFSA event to assist students and families with the financial aid process and more easily connect them to colleges representatives. It's open to anyone and financial Aid experts from multiple colleges will be on hand to assist students in completing the FAFSA.
- The event will take place on Monday, April 15 from 3-6 p.m. at Monroe Community College Downtown Campus, 321 State Street.
- Event parking is located in LOT AA which across form WXXI and Innovative Field
With all the changes and the late release of the new FAFSA, it is more important than ever for families to take advantage of this opportunity! However, it is imperative that both the student and parent/contributor, complete their FSA ID at least three (3) days prior to April 15.
Questions? Contact the Monroe Community College Admissions Team at 585-292-2200 or admissions@monroecc.edu.
Scholarship and Career Opportunities!🎓🏫
Pictured below is one of several boards in the high school where scholarship and career opportunities are posted for our students. Check out these opportunities in the small cafeteria and Counseling and Career Center. Mrs. Robinson also sends emails about new scholarship opportunities as they become available. Encourage your student to check their email or visit the Counseling and Career Center to get more information.
Course selections 📑
Counselors are meeting with students for course selections for the 2024-25 school year. Reach out to your counselor with questions!
Resources to Remember 📍
Paper Tutoring Support
Gates Chili is proud to offer Paper.co to students. This is a 24/7 tutoring service that is offered for all subjects. Students are able to interact live with tutors to get support. Access to this service can be found on students Classlink. Need more information? Sign up for a parent/guardian webinar below where there is also additional information. Please encourage our students take advantage of this great opportunity! Click here to learn more.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates 📅
April 8: Total Solar Eclipse
April 9: Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends)
April 17: HS Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., GCPAC
April 18: Academic Varsity Letter Ceremony, 6:30-8:30 p.m., GCPAC
April 22: Passover beginsApril 26: GC Pride Day
April 30: Gr. 8 to 9 Transition Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., GCPAC
April 30: Passover ends
Stay Connected on Social Media 👍
We're now on Instagram, too!
Stay connected with what's happening at Gates Chili High School by following us on Twitter @GatesChiliHS and now on Instagram @gateschilihs!
Follow us for important reminders, updates and a look at all the amazing things happening at Gates Chili High School.
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.