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Dear Gates Chili School Community,
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As we turn the page to June, our schools are filled with pride and anticipation. The final weeks of the school year are a time to reflect, celebrate and look ahead.
This month, we honor the incredible achievements of our Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate and embark on new adventures. From music to athletics to academics, this class has left an indelible mark on our district, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. Check out this month's "Ask the Spartans" segment to hear from one of these outstanding soon-to-be alumni.
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June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate love, acceptance and the vibrant diversity that makes our Spartan community stronger. We remain committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued.
As we say goodbye to another school year, we also extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated retirees whose cumulative 518+ years of service have enriched our schools and the lives of countless students. Their contributions will continue to inspire future generations of Spartans.
Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Let’s embrace these final days of school with gratitude and optimism as we prepare for a well-earned summer break.
Go Spartans!
Christopher J. Dailey
Superintendent of Schools
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Bears forever built in 🏗 |
Over 400 Brasser Bears left their mark on an 18-foot beam now part of their new school entrance—building memories that last a lifetime! |
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Spikes swings into PR ⚾ |
Panthers got a special visit from Rochester Red Wings’ mascot Spikes ahead of a field trip to Innovative Field for third graders, and performances from PR music students during a recent game! |
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Book sampling 📚 |
Tastings aren’t just for food! With so many genres to choose from, Armstrong Stars recently had the opportunity to sample books in the library.
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Showcasing creativity 🎨 |
Disney Dragons got to celebrate and show off their art skills at the Disney Art Show! |
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Capital gains 🏦 |
GCMS Civics students took their learning to Albany, meeting a state senator and exploring how government works firsthand. |
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Learning under the sun 🌞 |
Ms. Capuano’s English class took advantage of the beautiful weather with an engaging lesson in the outdoor classroom at GCMS. |
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STEM-tastic adventures 🧪 |
Fifth-graders from across the district got a taste of high school science with DNA extractions, mini robots, and hands-on experiments at Gates Chili High. |
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Beautiful as a butterfly 🦋 |
GCHS students and staff spruced up the courtyard with a butterfly garden, mural, bench, and blooms for their Day of Caring project! |
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Every decision matters 💭 |
Ahead of the Junior-Senior Gala, GCHS seniors watched a DWI simulation with a powerful reminder: celebrate smart—one choice can change everything. |
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The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!
This month,This month, meet John C., a graduating senior at Gates Chili High School. John was recently recognized as an Outstanding Senior from Gates Chili at the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents’ (MCCOSS) Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner.
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How does it feel to be graduating this month?
John: I’m excited, but at the same time a little nervous for what’s to come. I’m mostly excited and a little sad to be leaving.
What are your plans after graduation?
John: I plan on attending SUNY Geneseo in the fall for education, with a concentration in biology.
Is science your favorite subject?
John: Yes, science and math.
What are some extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in?
John: I’ve been very involved in the music program here. I’m in jazz band now, and have participated in pep band, show choir, and the musical. I’m also the class vice president, I’m in botany club, and a member of Tri-M and the National Honor Society. I also was on the cross-country team and competed in the Gates Chili Independent Winter Guard.
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What elementary school did you attend? Are you excited to walk those hallways again later this month during the Senior Walkthrough Tradition?
John: I went to Walt Disney. And yeah, I’m excited! I know it's changed a lot since I attended with all the updates that have been done, but I’m still excited to see it again.
You were just named the Outstanding Senior from Gates Chili. Can you talk a bit about that experience?
John: It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to see other seniors from the other schools in the area during dinner. It was also great to sit down and have a meal with the superintendent, which is not something everyone gets to do. It was a nice experience, and felt good to be recognized for all that I’ve done.
Do you have any advice for the current junior class, who will be in your shoes this time next year?
John: It can be hard, especially if you’re taking any AP classes. I just got through those exams. But once you make it through those challenges, try and hold onto every moment. Time is starting to fly by, so treasure every moment.
What does it mean to be a Spartan to you?
John: I think it really means to uphold those four values we were first taught in elementary school [The Spartan Way]: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Hard Work. Being a Spartan means following those values and showing pride in your school.
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The Gates Chili Board of Education has appointed two new leaders to the district’s leadership team.
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First, Lora Bower will be the next principal at Florence Brasser Elementary School. Bower is currently serving as assistant principal at Village Elementary School in the Hilton Central School District. Bower is a relationship-focused leader who commits herself to open communication and an unwavering support for both students and staff. She holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a certificate of advanced study from SUNY Brockport.
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Next, Michael Perkins will be the newest assistant principal at Gates Chili High School. Perkins currently serves as an assistant principal at University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men in Rochester. He also has past experience as a dean of students, care manager at Golisano Children’s Hospital and a youth advocate with the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. He holds a bachelor’s from Alfred University, a master’s from American Public University and a certificate of advanced study from SUNY Brockport. In addition, he is a GC dad of two Paul Road Panthers!
As part of each of these formal search processes, there were nearly or more than 20 applicants for each position. Each candidate interviewed with two committees comprised of students, staff and other district administrators. At Brasser, the district also hosted a virtual family forum, to give parents/guardians the opportunity to provide feedback on the principal finalists.
Thank you to the members of the Gates Chili school community who participated in the search processes for these positions. Both new leaders will start working with us before the end of this school year.
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Gates Chili is hitting all the right notes — once again earning the Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation! This nationwide honor celebrates our district’s incredible commitment to making music an essential part of every student’s education.
Now in its 26th year, this award goes to school districts that go above and beyond to ensure music is accessible to all. Gates Chili impressed with strong support for music programs, dedicated instruction time, active student participation, and community involvement that really makes the music come alive.
To earn the spotlight, the district completed a deep-dive survey on everything from funding and facilities to graduation requirements and community programs. The answers were reviewed by top education researchers at WolfBrown.
Bravo, Gates Chili!
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The Gates Chili School Nutrition Team has been offering free meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program for the past 10 years.
WHO: All children 18 years old and younger
WHAT: Enjoy a free meal in our cafeterias; Adult meals, snacks available for purchase
WHEN: Monday, July 7 to Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
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Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m.
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Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way (park in lot H and use door #60 near the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center)
In addition, you can catch the Spartan Eats Bus for lunch on weekdays at the following locations:
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11 a.m. Lions Park
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11:30 a.m. Westgate Park
Check out the menus at gateschili.org/menus.
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This summer, Gates Chili will begin upgrading all district devices to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. This is a required update as Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 later this year.
The transition will be handled automatically for most devices, but some families and staff will need to take specific action to ensure their devices update properly.
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Who needs to take action this summer?
Students in grades 6-8 and 10-12 and all teachers who bring laptops home for the summer must:
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Leave laptops ON and connected to Wi-Fi starting June 30
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Keep the device plugged in and online until the update begins (this could take several hours and may not start immediately)
This ensures the upgrade happens before the start of school. Devices not updated over the summer may cause delays or disruptions in September.
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Who does NOT need to take action?
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Students in grades K-5 and grade 9 will receive updated devices in the fall
- Technology staff will update on-campus devices over the summer
A detailed FAQ will be available soon at gateschili.org/Windows11. For questions, contact the Technology Help Desk.
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As the school year winds down, we are excited to prepare for end of year celebrations in our district. Fifth-Grade Moving Up Ceremonies mark a meaningful transition for our elementary students as they prepare to embark on their middle school journey. At the same time, we look forward to honoring the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors during Commencement for the Class of 2025. Please see the schedule below for dates, times, and locations of these special celebrations.
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Fifth-Grade Moving Up Ceremonies
📌 All of the Fifth-Grade Moving Up Ceremonies will be held in the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center at Gates Chili High School.
Neil Armstrong: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Paul Road: Friday, June 20, 2025, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Florence Brasser: Friday, June 20, 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Walt Disney: Monday, June 23, 2025, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
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Commencement for the Class of 2025
📆 Thursday, June 26, 2025
🕒 5 p.m.
📌 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School
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June 1: HS Senior Recital and Music Banquet, 4-7 p.m., GCPAC
June 3: MS Grades 6-8 Spring Chorus Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 4: MS Grade 6 Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 5: MS Grades 7-8 Band and Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC
June 6: MS Grade 8 Trip
June 6: PR Panther Palooza, 5-7 p.m., PR Bus Loop
June 10: MS NJHS Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 11: MS Award Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC
June 13: MS Grade 8 Farewell Dance, 7-9 p.m., GCMS
June 17: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC
June 19: Juneteenth – District Closed
June 20: #GCPride Day
June 23: Conference Day – Half Day for Students Grades UPK-5
June 25: Conference Day – Half Day for Students Grades UPK-5
June 25: Last Day of School for Students
June 26: Conference Day – Last Day for 10-Month Staff
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Always be sure to check the district website for the
most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events.
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Gates Chili is hosting its annual Support Staff Hiring Event again this summer!
📅 Thursday, July 10
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4-6 p.m.
📍 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School:
💙 Learn more about the perks of being a Spartan
❓ Take part in an on-site interview with next-day follow-up
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Gates Chili is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Click the button below to apply or share the opportunity with someone you know!
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Instructional Staff Positions:
Job ID 1069: Teacher Aide for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1070: Substitute Support Staff
Job ID 1071: Substitute Teacher*
Job ID 1226: Occupational Therapist (2025-2026 School Year)
Job ID 1227: Speech Language Pathologist (2025-2026 School Year)
Job ID 1229: Elementary General Education Teacher (2025-2026 school year)
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Support Staff Positions:
Job ID 789: Lifeguard
Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year
Job ID 1137: Security Worker
Job ID 1224: Grounds Equipment Operator
Job ID 1225: Head Custodian
Job ID 1228: Secretary
*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,
increased rates for instructional substitutes. Click here for details.
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Gates Chili Central School District
www.gateschili.org
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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. |
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