Philosophy

Creating a successful learning community

  • The American Middle Level Education identifies 14 characteristics that, when fully implemented, create successful schools for young adolescents. These characteristics are:

    • educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so;
    • courageous, collaborative leadership;
    • a shared vision that guides decisions;
    • an inviting, supportive and safe environment;
    • high expectations for every member of the learning community;
    • students and teachers engaged in active learning;
    • an adult advocate for every student;
    • school-initiated family and community partnerships;
    • curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory;
    • multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity;
    • assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning;
    • organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning;
    • school-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness and safety; and
    • multifaceted guidance and support services.

    We embrace these characteristics; therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to being the best middle level educators we can be.

    Sincerely,

    Daniel Zdanowski, Ed.D. 
    Principal, Gates Chili Middle School

MISSION

  • Together we teach and inspire excellence for all learners.

VISION

  • We will accomplish our mission by establishing healthy and caring relationships with stakeholders. The content we teach must be relevant to the learner and rigorous in its expectations.

VALUES

  • We will lead by the four values that define The Spartan Way:

    • respect
    • responsibility
    • compassion
    • hard work

MORAL IMPERATIVE

  • The Gates Chili Central School District has a moral duty to serve its students and families. Every student must be able to receive an equitable education where they are represented, protected and able to thrive. The district acknowledges the presence of white privilege and bias and how this perpetuates systematic racism. The Gates Chili Central School District is committed to the necessary growth required to develop and sustain equity and dismantle disproportionality.