Message From The Principal

Hello!  Welcome to the 2023 school year.  Last year was a year of recovery and growth.  This year it is my sincere hope that we will continue to focus on those things that matter most to ensure that every student has an excellent educational experience at GATES, and we are working together to ensure the success of all Gators.

Our district has three very specific areas of focus I would like to share and assure you that GATES is embracing each of them.  They are: Social Justice and Equity, Improving Instruction, and Family and Community Partnerships.  All of these are woven into the fabric of GATES, and we are committed to becoming stronger together to ensure that we progress and engage in meaningful opportunities with all students and their families within our learning community.

GATES has long been a school that uses restorative practices as an alternative to punitive discipline.  We will continue this approach and realize that the relationships we build must be preserved to maintain a safe and civil learning environment.  We will protect the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff through restorative practices allowing opportunities to communicate, reflect, grow, and learn from one another through mutual respect.

Mrs. Levendoski is our Family Partnership Coordinator and will focus much of her time and energy into building relationships with our parents and community members to ensure meaningful and appropriate opportunities for you to be fully involved in the education of our Gators.  She is also available to help support our families who may have needs outside of school such as food, clothing, and shelter.  We know that when our students have their basic needs met, it helps them come to school ready to learn.

Last, but not least, we are committed to providing culturally responsive teaching methods that are inclusive of all learners and honor the community from where they come. To do this, we realize that we must truly partner with our families and community. Your voice matters and we want to hear from you. 

Thank you for trusting GATES with the education of your child.  We take our work very seriously and recognize that for our students to have equitable access to their future goals we must provide them an excellent education.  Regular student attendance is vital to students succeeding at GATES.  Please partner with us to ensure every student graduates ready to succeed, whether they choose to be employed, enrolled, or enlisted.  Please never hesitate to contact me directly with any issues or concerns.