Students at Gateway have been engaged in academic and elective classes, sports teams, and opportunities for climate activism. Please read about the most recent happenings in the middle school.
Islamic Networks Group (ING) Panel Visit 10/4
As part of Cultural Studies, all middle school students attended a discussion in which ING facilitated a panel of individuals representing five faiths: Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism. The panelists shared their basic beliefs and practices, and then explored extremism in religion and how people can counteract behaviors that are not in line with their religious values.
Save our Shores Visit 6th and 7th grade 10/3
6th and 7th grade students with will working with Save Our Shores and the LiMPETS citizen science program this fall to learn more about the sandy beach ecosystem and what they can do to keep our beaches healthy. After a few initial lessons with these organizations to learn background information, students will go on a field trip to Natural Bridges Beach to sample the Pacific Mole Crab and collect important data that will be part of a large ongoing data set.
Bring Your Parents to PE
The 7th and 8th grade classes had their parents participate in PE last Friday 10/4. 6th Grade families, it’s your turn on 10/16 at 1:00-1:57! Please join us for a special class of fitness and fun in physical education. Participate with your child’s P.E. class and experience how they are learning to lead physically active and healthy lives.
What to Wear: Appropriate clothing for exercise and don’t forget your sneakers!
When to Come: Please arrive a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled class time indicated above.
Where to Go: We’ll meet on the blacktop near the P.E. classroom. Please be sure to check in at the receptionist desk first for a name tag.
What if it rains? Some classes may have to be rescheduled. Check your email before coming.
Student Activists – Climate Strike 9/27
I had the pleasure to see students in action planning, and preparing for the Climate Strike that took place September 27th. Students attended lunch meetings to learn more about climate change and what they can do about it. They research various issues and presented to each other. Students also worked together to make signs for the strike.
On strike day, students gathered and walked about 2.5 mules to the downtown meeting place. Along the way, cars honked in support of our students, and gave the students a sense of pride. Once we were downtown and among a large crowd of students from various schools and community members, several of our Gateway students were interviewed, and a few appeared on the news that night!
Fall Conferences 10/11 &10/14
Students are currently preparing for their student led conferences on October 11th and 14th. They have been reviewing material in class, and self reflecting to develop their goals for the school year. We ask students to notice and celebrate their strengths as well as identify their own areas of growth that they want to improve. Students then use this information to write goals and the actions they will take to achieve those goals. The Middle School teachers look forward to seeing you at conferences.
Advisory – Social Contract
Students have been exploring aspects of their own identity and wrote their own goals and declarations for the school year. Students then acknowledged that to achieve their goals they need a supportive community in which all students adhere to a social contract. All advisories are in the process of collectively developing the social contract of ideal behaviors for the middle school to establish and maintain a productive and positive working environment.
High School Admission Visits for 8th Graders
Even though the school year just started, it is the time for 8th graders to begin to think about the type of program they are looking for in a high school. We know that choosing the right high school can be challenging, so we invite admissions personnel from various local high schools to present to our 8th Graders. During these lunch- time presentations, students can ask questions to learn about the programs that make each school unique. During October, we have scheduled Santa Catalina 10/ 9, Kirby 10/17, and Stevenson 10/18. We look forward to adding a few more schools to the list.
Gateway Sports
Girls Basketball is in full swing. They have been practicing three days a week and working hard. The girls just won a game at our very own new gym last week! There are a few more games this season, so please come out and see the girls play. Check the Gateway Calendar for the game days and times.
Looking Ahead
October
10/7-10/10 Miles to Go 7th / 8th grade * alternative schedule
10/7-10/10 DISCO Week – Digital Citizenship
10/8 School Day Tour
10/9 Bring Your Parents to PE (6th 1:00-1:57)
10/11 Fall Conferences – No School
10/14 Fall Conferences – No School ; Indigenous Peoples Day
10/31 Halloween
November
11/3 Day Light Savings Time Ends
11/4-11/8 WrAP Testing
11/11 Veteran’s Day – No School
11/12-11/15 ERB Testing
11/18-11/22 Make Up ERBS
11/26 Grandfirend’s Day
11/27 – 11/29 Thanksgiving Break
December
12/23-1/3 Winter Break
Academics
Google Classroom
To see a list of your student’s homework assignments, you may log on to each teacher’s Google Classroom on any device using your student’s email account credentials. If you need assistance with the Google Classroom, please email me at allison.birkhead@gatewaysc.org.
Blackbaud
To check your student’s progress in each class, you can go to the school online grade book, Blackbaud. Please use your login and password that you received from the Gateway to access Blackbaud. If you need assistance, please email me at allison.birkhead@gatewaysc.org or Jeremy at jeremy.king@gatewaysc.org.
Who to Contact
Absences – sickness – please contact the student’s advisor.
General Academic Questions – the student’s advisor
Specific Academic Questions– the student’s teacher
General Question about Policies or Events – Alli
School Issue – Hannah or Alli