Notes from the Director

Dear Gate City Charter Community,

Thank you to everyone who helps, encourages, donates, or even just believes in what we do. At GCCSA we are all Spirit Superstars! ⭐  Now, we get to celebrate that spirit—literally!  Spirit Week is here, and we can’t wait to see our students and staff show off their imagination and school pride each day. It’s all about joy, unity, and a little sparkle of Gate City magic. ✨

🎉 October 27th-31st Spirit Week: 

• Monday: Wacky Hair Day
• Tuesday: Fall Spirit Day! Wear orange and brown!
• Thursday: PJ DAY
• Friday: Costume or Silly Outfit Day! Remember no masks or weapons! Expensive costumes may get evidence of art on them.

Now that our rechartering work is well underway, it’s time to turn our focus to one of the happiest celebrations of the year—our Fall Festival! 🎃🍁

We’ll need many hands to make it magical—setting up stations, running games, helping with crafts, sharing treats, and cleaning up after. Whether you can give 30 minutes or an hour, any amount of time makes a difference! Bring your creativity  and your Gate City spirit.

🍂 October 29th Fall Festival, 9am-12:30pm: Pumpkins, games, treats, face painting and all manner of celebrating the gift of fall. Please volunteer to be part of one of our favorite events! We are still in need of helpers and many donations to make this festival fabulous! We need set-up help Tuesday afternoon. Please Join us if you are available to help!

🆘 HELP STILL NEEDED! Please sign up HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA5A62BAAF8C25-59763690-fall

🧥November 5th Annual Winter Clothing Swap and Community Dinner!!  Every year we hold a winter clothing swap to help Gate City Charter families share much-needed winter gear. All are welcome! There is no cost or donation requirement to “shop”.This year it will be held on November 5th. We will begin collecting this week. Please bring your gently used boots, hat, mittens, jackets, snowpants and winter-related gear to the school. 

🍲We will have a donation location in the lobby, along with sign ups for the dinner.  This is such a great opportunity to share and give and receive in our own community! Here is a chance to connect, share, and enjoy a meal together!

📚🥫We are here to help! Food Pantry & Free Library: At Gate City Charter School for the Arts, we believe that creativity and compassion go hand in hand. In our school lobby, you’ll find two simple but powerful ways we share kindness within our community — our Free Library and our Free Pantry, which partners with 68 Hours of Hunger.

The Free Library invites everyone to take a book or leave a book. Students, families, and staff can exchange books freely, helping stories circulate and encouraging a love of reading that reaches beyond the classroom.

The Free Pantry, supported in part by the 68 Hours of Hunger initiative, provides easy access to food and essential items for anyone who needs them. The name “68 Hours of Hunger” refers to the critical time between a child’s school lunch on Friday and their breakfast on Monday — a gap that can be difficult for families experiencing food insecurity. Through this partnership, we ensure that students have access to food during weekends and school breaks, and that our shelves are stocked for any family who may need a little extra support. 

Need a little more help with food throughout the weekend? Please email our Guidance Counselor, Gemma Bates, at batesg@gccs-nh.org and let us know. 68 Hours of Hunger supports our families in need with weekend food supplies.

Both the Free Library and Free Pantry are built on the same idea: when we share what we have, we build a stronger, kinder community. They’re open to all — no forms, no barriers, just generosity in action. The pantry and the library are located in our lobby and available to our community members any time of day or night. Just stop by!

May we all carry a spirit of hope, celebration, and community throughout our week!

Onward & Upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Good morning Gate City Gamechangers!

Thank you for your support with beautifying the building and making our book fair a success! October is flying by in a blur of color and activity!

Note: PLEASE be safe during drop off and dismissal. I know life keeps us busy and often in a rush, but please refrain from pulling around cars or driving quickly.

It’s rechartering visit day! The NH Department of Education Rechartering Committee will visit Gate City Charter School for the Arts today as part of our charter renewal process. During their visit, they’ll tour classrooms, talk with students, staff, and families, and see how we bring learning to life through the arts.

This visit is our chance to proudly share our growth, creativity, and community spirit — and to show what makes Gate City such a special place to learn and grow.

October 20th-24th Guardian-Teacher Conferences: Guardian–Teacher Conferences are a time for families and teachers to connect, celebrate progress, and plan next steps together. These conversations help strengthen the partnership between home and school so every student can continue to grow and thrive at Gate City Charter School for the Arts.

October 24th School Photo Retakes: No smile is ever wasted but here is your chance to try again!

October 27th-31st Spirit Week: 

• Monday: Wacky Hair Day
• Tuesday: Fall Spirit Day! Wear orange and brown!
• Thursday: PJ DAY
• Friday: Costume or Silly Outfit Day! Remember no masks or weapons! Expensive costumes may get evidence of art on them.

 
October 29th Fall Festival, 9am-12:30pm: Pumpkins, games, treats, face painting and all manner of celebrating the gift of fall. Please volunteer to be part of one of our favorite events! This year our event will be sponsored by East Coast Evolution Leadership of Manchester, NH!  

We need helpers and donations to make this festival fabulous!

Please sign up HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA5A62BAAF8C25-59763690-fall

November 5th Annual Winter Clothing Swap and Community Dinner!!  Every year we hold a winter clothing swap to help Gate City Charter families share much-needed winter gear. All are welcome! There is no cost or donation requirement to “shop”.This year it will be held on 11-5. We will begin collecting this week. Please bring your gently used boots, hat, mittens, jackets, snowpants and winter-related gear to the school. We will have a donation location in the lobby, along with sign ups for the dinner.  This is such a great opportunity to share and give and receive in our own community!

Thank you as always for being the heart and soul of our mission! 

Onward, upward, and shining outward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Hello Fabulous Families!

As we move through these next full and meaningful weeks, I am excited to see the way I know our community will come together to lift, support, grow, and exemplify GCCSA. The energy, effort, and care behind every event and every classroom moment reminds us why this work matters so deeply. Thank you for helping us prepare, celebrate, and continue growing the art of education, together. 

Ok, are you ready for overwhelming amounts of awesome? Here you go:

THIS WEEK! October 14th-17th Scholastic Book Fair: Our first Book Fair of the year is THIS WEEK Oct 14th-Oct 17th! Below you will find links for volunteer sign ups and info about creating an online wallet for your student. We still need many volunteers.Thank you for helping make this year's book fair amazing!!! 

Link for volunteer sign up genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-59319947-fall
Link for create E-Wallet & information about Book Fair: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/gatecitycharterschool 

October 16th CSO Fall Festival Planning PARTY! 

Fall Festival Planning Party on this Thursday, October 16th at 3:15pm in the 5th Grade classroom. We will be working to plan our annual Fall Festival!  We NEED your help in any big or small way. It all makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. 

Can’t make it in person?

Don’t forget that we have a link to attend virtually as well: Virtual Meeting Link 

PLEASE SHARE! October 16th Gate City Information Night 5:30pm: Information for families interested in GCCSA for this year or years to come. Nearly ALL of our students come from you sharing your love of our school!. Tell your friends! More information and registration HERE: https://gccsanh.org/admissions

October 18 & 19th Rechartering Ready Days! 

Rechartering Ready Days — Family Help Needed! As we prepare for our upcoming NH Department of Education charter renewal visit on October 21st, we’re inviting families to help make our school sparkle inside and out!

We’ll be opening the building for family volunteer times this weekend to tidy, organize, decorate, and add those special finishing touches that show off our creative community. Every helping hand makes a difference — and it’s a wonderful way to take pride in the place we’ve built together.

LOOK OUT for time slots and sign ups Wednesday! Sign-ups encouraged and drop-ins appreciated as well! Kids are welcome and appropriate tasks will be available for all ages! Can’t make it? Don't be too sad. There will be supplies to donate! 

Let’s come together to make Gate City Charter School for the Arts shine bright for our rechartering visit. Thank you for helping us show the creativity, teamwork, and heart that define our school!

October 20th-24th Guardian-Teacher Conferences: Guardian–Teacher Conferences are a time for families and teachers to connect, celebrate progress, and plan next steps together. These conversations help strengthen the partnership between home and school so every student can continue to grow and thrive at Gate City Charter School for the Arts.

October 21st Department of Education Visit: The NH Department of Education Rechartering Committee will visit Gate City Charter School for the Arts as part of our charter renewal process. During their visit, they’ll tour classrooms, talk with students, staff, and families, and see how we bring learning to life through the arts.

This visit is our chance to proudly share our growth, creativity, and community spirit — and to show what makes Gate City such a special place to learn and grow.

October 27th-31st Spirit Week: 

• Monday: Wacky Hair Day
• Tuesday: Fall Spirit Day! Wear orange and brown!
• Wednesday: Mismatch Day! Wear any and all patterns and colors.
• Thursday: PJ DAY
• Friday: Costume or Silly Outfit Day! Remember no masks or weapons! Expensive costumes may get evidence of art on them.

 
October 29th Fall Festival: Pumpkins, games, treats, face painting and all manner of celebrating the gift of fall. Please volunteer to be part of one of our favorite events! This year our event will be sponsored by East Coast Evolution Leadership of Manchester, NH! Come to our planning PARTY on Thursday immediately following dismissal!

School Photos are in! Just follow the link below and enter your student’s name and grade. You will be able to view the gallery and order packages. 

Gallery link:   http://my.photoday.com

Retakes will be October 24th.  

Donations Requested:

• ANNUAL WINTER CLOTHING SWAP!!  Every year we hold a winter clothing swap to help Gate City Charter families swap much-needed winter gear. All are welcome! This year it will be held on 11-5. We will begin collecting this week. Please bring your gently used boots, hat, mittens, jackets, snowpants and winter-related gear to the school. We will have a donation location in the lobby beginning today! This is such a great opportunity to share and give and receive in our own community!
• Printer Paper
• Home Depot & Lowes gift cards to use for rechartering prep!

In these busy seasons, we flourish because of YOU! Thank you for your trust, support, and for being our partners in education!

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Dear Gate City Families,

It is so wonderful to welcome another October at GCCSA! The colors surrounding us serve as a reminder that nature itself is an awe-inspiring work of art. As Albert Camus observed, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Under the Sea Dance such a joyful success! From the decorations and music to the dancing and laughter, it was a night that reminded us how community is a vibrant and essential part of GCCSA! We’re so grateful to every volunteer, family member, and staff who made the magic happen!

🫶 Another big thank you to those who came out to support our Alltown Fresh Car Wash in Manchester! 🚗💦 Your participation helps us raise funds and keeps us building strong bridges between our school and our greater community.

🗓 IMPORTANT NOTE: We have no school for students this Friday the 10th for a Staff Workshop and no school Monday in hoor of Indigenous People’s Day. 

🤝 DON’T MISS: Our CSO meeting on Thursday, October 8th this week at 3:15pm in the 5th Grade classroom. Students are welcome to stay with you. Don’t forget that we have a link to attend virtually as well: Virtual Meeting Link . We will be working to plan the Fall Festival and other fabulous happenings! We NEED your help in any big or small way. It all makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. 

As we head deeper into autumn, there’s so much to look forward to:

🍁 15th Gate City Information Night 5:30pm: Information for families interested in GCCSA for this year or years to come. Nearly ALL of our students come from you sharing your love of our school!. Tell your friends! More information HERE: https://gccsanh.org/admissions

📚 13-17th Scholastic Book Fair: Look for volunteer sign-ups and the e-wallet links in a follow-up email. 

✨ 27th-31st Spirit Week: Get your crazy hair and PJs ready! More info on the way.       

                                      
🧡 29th Fall Festival: Pumpkins, games, treats, face painting and all manner of celebrating the gift of fall. Please volunteer to be part of one of our favorite events! This year our event will be sponsored by East Coast Evolution Leadership of Manchester, NH!

❄️ ANNUAL WINTER CLOTHING SWAP! DONATE TODAY! 

Every year we hold a winter clothing swap to help Gate City Charter families swap much-needed winter gear. All are welcome! This year it will be held on 11-5. We will begin collecting this week. Please bring your gently used boots, hat, mittens, jackets, snowpants and winter-related gear to the school. We will have a donation location in the lobby beginning today! This is such a great opportunity to share and give and receive in our own community!

Together, we’re not just growing a school — we’re growing art, heart, and hope.

With appreciation and excitement,
Jennifer Blanchette
Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts

Dear Gate City Community,

Fall at Gate City is when our community really shines – books, music, movement, and a whole lot of joy. Here’s what’s blooming:

Matilda Jr. Auditions & Parent Meeting – Tuesday, September 30, 3-5pm

FUNDRAISER ALERT!!!Friday,October 3rd & 4th - ALL DAY:

Alltown Fresh Carwash Fundraiser 2391 Brown Ave, Manchester, NH  03103, USA                                    Every carwash earns GCCSA $5! Every wash membership earns $20 for our school!

Under the Sea Family Dance – THIS FRIDAY, Friday, October 3, 6-8pm            Free entrance for all! Bring the whole family. Meet our community! Snacks, pizza, and more for sale!! WE STILL NEED DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA5A62BAAF8C25-58854394-under

Scholastic Book Fair – October 14th-17th.        Come browse, volunteer for a shift, or send an eWallet so your reader can shop independently. More information and hours on the way shortly!

Information Night – October 16th 5:30pm
Invite your friends to learn more about Gate City Charter School for the Arts at Information Night. The evening includes a short presentation on our arts-integrated model and academics, guided building tours, and an open Q&A with students, teachers, and staff. Our team will also provide application/lottery support on site. Help our creative community grow!

Enrollment Ambassadors – “Each One, Reach One”  This year we have been working to get the great news about Gate City out to more families.  We’re launching a small but mighty team of family ambassadors to help spread the word about our school—sharing posts, chatting at groups, greeting at events, making enrollment calls, or placing flyers at local spots. Light lift, big impact! Willing to help out?

Sign up HERE to help: https://forms.gle/9yYWsrhsgtbQsMha6

Guardian-Parent Conferences –October 20th-24th

Fall Festival – October 29th

Thank you for the countless ways you show up—for your children, for our staff, and for one another. 

This season, let’s fill our halls with good books, full hearts, and dancing feet.

Onward and upward and ALWAYS be good to one another

Jennifer Blanchette
Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts 

Cherished Gate City Families,

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their quiet dance toward the earth, we are reminded that fall is a season of both change and care. The trees let go of what they no longer need, making room for renewal, and we too are invited to slow down, notice, and take care of one another.

This season calls us to gather close, to offer warmth in words and kindness in actions. The world often feels hurried and divided, but here in our school community, we can choose a different rhythm—one of patience, understanding, and gentleness.

Just as every leaf belongs to the canopy, every person here belongs to something greater than themselves. May this fall be a time where we lean into togetherness, where we listen a little longer, smile a little wider, and extend grace a little further. In doing so, we create not only a safe place for learning but a haven of compassion and care. 

We have many opportunities to gather on the horizon. Please join us as we come together in friendship and celebration of the collective mission of our charter that has brought us together at one of our upcoming events.

Info & Events

Monday- September 22: First day of fall

Monday-September 22: Band and instrument lessons begin

Tuesday-September 23, 3-4:30pm: Audition Practice for this year's drama production - Matilda Jr. Open to students in grades 5-8.

Thursday--September 25, 3-4:30pm: Audition Practice for this year's drama production - Matilda Jr. Open to students in grades 5-8.

Thursday-September 25, 6-8pm: DI (Destination Imagination) Family Night

Tuesday-September 29, 3-5pm: Matilda Jr. Auditions & Parent Meeting

Friday-October 3, 6-8pm: Under the Sea Family Fall Dance

                                Our biggest dance of the year!

Free entrance for all! Bring the whole family. Meet our community! Refreshments for sale! Volunteer and donation sign up HERE:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA5A62BAAF8C25-58854394-under

FUNDRAISER ALERT!!!Friday-October 3rd & 4th, ALL DAY: Alltown Fresh Carwash Fundraiser 2391 Brown Ave, Manchester, NH  03103, USA 

Every carwash earns GCCSA $5! Every wash membership earns $20 for our school! See attached flyer!

Visit www.gccsanh.org for our events calendar, lunch menu, handbook, and so much more!

In abiding hope and joy!

Always onward!

Always upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear GCCSA Families,

We are already moving into the third week of September, and I can feel our community beginning to settle into its rhythm. The first days of school are always filled with excitement, new routines, and a few bumps along the way, but it’s inspiring to watch our students and staff find their flow.

Just as artists warm up before they create, our weeks of “warming up” are giving way to deeper learning, collaboration, and creativity. I see classrooms humming with curiosity and joy—students painting, moving, writing, and discovering in ways that connect the arts with every subject. It’s a reminder of how powerful our mission is: to grow not just academic skills, but a lifelong love of learning.

Our community is a space of safety and learning where we are committed to teaching the finest of all arts: love, compassion, hope, gratitude, and mutual respect. I am especially grateful and proud to be part of it.

Here are a few notes for this week:

Instrument Rental Assembly Grades 4-8 Tuesday, September 16th: Interested students in grades 4-8 will have the opportunity to explore instruments at lunchtime!

i-Ready: i-Ready “window” begins TUESDAY, September 16th and will extend into October. i-Ready is an online diagnostic program in math and English that will help your student’s teacher(s) determine your student’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the school year. At GCCSA our students participate in i-Ready three times during the year. Next week will mark the start of the first round of the diagnostic. Class diagnostic schedules will vary depending on grade level, academic schedules, and technology distribution. You can learn more about i-Ready by visiting here: https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/what-is-i-ready/

Families, please help your students show us what they know by ensuring that they:

• Are well-rested 
• Bring water and plenty of healthy snacks to school 
• Understand that this assessment is designed to give students challenging questions that they are expected to get incorrect
• That all we ask is that they do their best and that will always be enough!
• 
  

Curriculum & Classroom Night Wednesday, September 17th: Parents and guardians, join us on September 17th from 5-6:30pm to explore classrooms, learn more about curriculum, and discover ways to help your student succeed. This is a night for parents and guardians only. Information about music lessons, band, drama, and other activities will also be available. Can’t make it in person? No worries! Classroom teachers will send a virtual link. Classroom sessions/presentations will take place at 5:15pm and 6pm. Middle School and Grades 4 & 5 will hold their presentations together.

Instrument Rental Night Wednesday, September 17th: Stop by the music table in the Great Hall at Curriculum & Curriculum Night. 

8th Grade Parent Meeting Wednesday, September 17th: At 6:30pm, immediately following Curriculum & Classroom Night, we will be holding a very important 8th Grade Parent Meeting. A virtual link will be available. This meeting will provide very important information about the 8th grade year.

OOOPS! We Apologize! Last week we were SOOO EXCITED to have the CSO (Community-School Organization) meet that we sent out TWO links! Our sincerest apologies if you were unable to attend virtually due to this snafu. Please join us THIS Tuesday to help plan our upcoming Family Dance on October 3rd and our ever-popular Fall Festival at the end of October! More info below:

  CSO Event Planning Meeting: Whole School Family Dance &  Fall Festival  – Thursday 9:15am-10:15am in the “Great Hall”. You can also join us online HERE: https://meet.google.com/pzt-ksab-wrw Or dial: ‪(US) +1 573-559-1205‬ PIN: ‪179 631 161‬# 

ALL ARE WELCOME!  No need to have attended a previous meeting or to attend the events we are planning. There is always a way to help. Just come and bring your awesome ideas! We need you!

Picture Day Friday, September 19th: All students will have a photo taken for our records and for the yearbook (unless prohibited). These photos will be used for student identification in our Student Information System as well as fun memories. New this year: we are working with Janina Reyes Photography. Check out her amazing work HERE: https://janinareyesphotography.com/. Picture prints and packages will be available at a link that will be sent AFTER Picture Day. These photos will be delivered for the holidays.

Parent–Student Handbook
Our updated handbook is now available in the Parent & Student section of our website.  Please take time to review it with your child, as it outlines expectations, supports, and the values that guide our community. 

More Upcoming Events: Don’t Miss Out! Visit our website for calendars, lunches, forms, and so much more! https://gccsanh.org/upcoming-events

DONATIONS OF THE WEEK:. 

• Small mints, candies or gum to be used during i-Ready to assist with focus
• Clorox Wipes
• Tissues
• 
  

As we continue to grow, let’s keep in mind that building community is like tending a garden: we plant seeds with kindness, water them with patience, and watch them bloom through creativity and care. Thank you for all you do to help our school flourish.

With gratitude,
Jenn Blanchette
Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts

Dear Gate City Families,

The first weeks of school are bursting with energy, creativity, and connection. Thank you for the ways you’ve helped us plant the seeds of a joyful year. We know the bustle of the year’s beginnings can leave our students excited, but also potentially a little bit overwhelmed and exhausted. As we adjust and grow as a community, we understand that your kiddos might need a moment to breathe or a hug or words of encouragement. Communication is the best way to let us know if your student might need a little extra support right now. We are here to help in any way that we can. Never hesitate to reach out!

Here are a few highlights to keep on your radar this week:

Alltown Fresh Free Coffee Trailer Wednesday!
Stop by the back parking lot on Wednesday, September 10th from 7-9am for a community coffee break. Come sip, chat, and connect with fellow families. A giant THANK YOU to Alltown Fresh in Manchester for this generous gift!

  JOIN US! CSO (Community-School Organization) Meeting – Thursday 9:15am-10:15am in the “Great Hall”. You can also join us online HERE: https://meet.google.com/pzt-ksab-wrw Or dial: ‪(US) +1 573-559-1205‬ PIN: ‪179 631 161‬# 

 We’ll share updates, plan upcoming events, and welcome new members to the team that helps our community thrive! This is the place to get involved, volunteer, and meet community members! Light refreshments will be served.

Aftercare Updates
Our aftercare program begins this Wednesday-September 10th from 1-3pm. To secure your child’s spot or to ask more questions, please email rael@gccs-nh.org. 

Curriculum &  Classroom Night Wednesday, September 17th

Parents and guardians, join us on September 17th from 5-6:30pm to explore classrooms, learn more about curriculum, and discover ways to help your student succeed. This is a night for parents and guardians only. Information about music lessons, band, drama, and other activities will also be available. 

Parent–Student Handbook
Our updated handbook is now available in the Parent & Student section of our website.  Please take time to review it with your child, as it outlines expectations, supports, and the values that guide our community. 

Family Survey Open Until Wednesday, September 10th

Gate City Charter School for the Arts is seeking a renewal of its charter set to expire in June of 2026. As part of the process for renewal to the State Board of Education, we are inviting any member of the school community, parents, staff members, and key partners to submit comments regarding the school's application for renewal. The open period for comments will be until 09/10/2025. If you wish to make a comment regarding our intention to renew our charter, please do so below. PLEASE NOTE: COMMENTS IN THIS SECTION BECOME A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. *Do not include any personal identifiers for students or school staff members in your comment.

Link to Family Survey and Invitation to Comment for Rechartering

We are also seeking testimonials and reviews  from our community. Have something great to say about us. Please do! Review options like Niche, Great Schools, and Google are all amazing. You can also send a quick testimonial in reply to this email. Testimonials may be used in promotional materials, so let me know if that is not okay when you send it. 

More Dates to Note:

• No Merrimack Bus Wednesday, September 10th
• Instrument Rental Assembly Grades 4-8 Tuesday, September 16th
• Instrument Rental Night Wednesday, September 17th
• Picture Day Friday, September 19th

With appreciation and a whole lot of hope,

Jenn Blanchette, 

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,                          

September has arrived, carrying with it the golden hush of late summer and the bright promise of beginnings. Like the first brushstrokes on a fresh canvas, these early days of the month remind us that every child, every classroom, every teacher holds the potential to paint something new. The morning air feels crisp full of possibility—of growth waiting to unfold, of learning ready to take root, and of community gathering together to nurture both. 

Like any community, Gate City needs involvement and support to grow and thrive. We are excited to have you play a vital role in growing the magic, diversity, and beauty of Gate City! Grandparents, guardians, parents, and other trusted adults are essential to our Gate City family! We hope that the whole family will feel welcome and valued!

Each week there will be a Director’s Note outlining upcoming events and sharing important information, along with ways that you can be involved.

Safety: The tragic events in the news give us all pause. I want to assure you that our school is a very safe place. We follow security practices and protocols to maintain that safe environment. We have emergency plans that were developed in coordination with the Merrimack Police and Fire Departments, and we have regular drills with our public safety partners.  We took time at our recent staff meeting to review these plans and their accompanying procedures. While the awful news of this school shooting naturally creates fear and anxiety, please know that we make every effort to ensure that Gate City and your students are the safest possible.

Hot lunch begins TOMORROW, September 2nd

Lunches must be ordered to be available.

Families qualifying for free or reduced lunch MUST both order ahead and fill out the form.

NEW THIS YEAR: We are asking every family to complete the Free and Reduced lunch form as completing it benefits the school.

Forms available at the school office and on our website.

Lost your copy? No printer? No worries! Stop by the Front Office for a copy!

No Aftercare Wednesday, September 3rd 

Aftercare Begins Wednesday, September 10th: 

• Aftercare begins at dismissal and ends promptly at 3:00pm.
• Boys & Girls Club and the Merrimack buses arrive at 1:00pm. 
• YMCA students will need to sign up for the GCCSA Aftercare Program or have other pick-up arrangements by 1:00pm. YMCA will transport at 3pm.
• Fees:
• (Monthly) $15 per session per student x # of sessions per month or $20 for one time/sporadic use
• Fees to be collected by Front Office staff prior to aftercare session or paid on the website indicating aftercare,student name, and date(s) of aftercare sessions
• 
  

No Merrimack Bus Wednesday, September 10th

CSO Meeting with the Director 9:15-10:15am Thursday, September 11th Topic: What on Earth is the CSO?

Gate City’s version of a traditional PTO, our Community-Staff Organization is designed to engage staff, community, and parents as we take on the important work of supporting the school, its mission, and the staff and students growing in greatness every day! 

• There will be a virtual option for each meeting.
• Grandparents, aunts, and anyone who loves Gate City are welcome!
• There will be a 15 min discussion session at each meeting so bring your questions my way!
• Times will alternate between morning and afternoon meetings to accommodate schedules.
• I will absolutely entice you  with breakfast munchies and beverages!
• 
  

Instrument Rental Assembly Grades 4-8 Tuesday, September 16th: We love our band! Students will receive information regarding instrument rental and different instruments. Additional information will be available on September 17th at our parent/guardian Curriculum & Classroom Night. Lessons will begin the week of September 22nd.

Curriculum &  Classroom Night Wednesday, September 17th: Parents and guardians, join us on September 17th from 5-6:30pm to explore classrooms, learn more about curriculum, and discover ways to help your student succeed. This is a night for parents and guardians only. Information about music lessons, band, drama, and other activities will also be available.  

Instrument Rental Night: Join us on Curriculum Night to rent musical instruments as students prepare for lessons and band!

Picture Day Friday, September 19th: All students will have a photo taken for our records and for the yearbook (unless prohibited). These photos will be used for student identification in our Student Information System as well as fun memories. More info coming this week.

As always, questions encouraged! Have a hopeful, joyful, artful week!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Check Out  GCCSANH.ORG for information about the items below:

• School Calendar
• Upcoming Events
• Report an Absence
• Find out what’s for lunch
• Contact Staff
• Find Notes from the Director
• And SO MUCH MORE!

Hello Gate City Charter School Community!

We hope you're enjoying a season full of sunshine, fun, and meaningful moments. Whether you're brand new to our community or a returning family, we're excited to be just weeks away from another joyful, creative, and inspiring school year together. The Gate City Charter School team is already busy preparing to make 2025-26 our best year yet! We wanted to share a few midsummer updates to help everyone feel ready for the adventure ahead.

Below you will find a link to the section of our website where you will find teacher welcome letters, supply lists, and wishlists for our classrooms:

https://gccsanh.org/our-teachers

Looking for Ways to Help Gate City Get Ready for the School Year?

Wish Lists/Donations: Our charter school is big in purpose and heart but small in funding. Our teacher wish lists and even the smallest of monetary donations provides support that enriches and magnifies an already outstanding educational experience for your students. Wish lists for our teachers can be found on our website here: https://gccsanh.org/our-teachers and monetary donations can be made at the bottom of our home page on our website: https://gccsanh.org/

STEAM FEE (formerly Art, Science and Lab Fee): Each year, in an effort to provide the best possible learning opportunities, we request a $275 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) fee for each student. This fee helps support our innovative, project-based, multi-disciplinary approach to learning. As you know, charter schools operate on very limited funding. With the collected monies, we are able to offer more hands-on projects, access to a wide range of art supplies, up-to-date software and technology, guest speakers and various other materials and experiences to fuel creation, innovation, and understanding. 

This fee can be paid in one sum or in monthly installments. More information regarding payment and a request for your family’s payment preferences will be sent in the upcoming weeks. However, if you would like to pay the fee in full today, please go to the following link and head to the bottom of the home page: https://gccsanh.org/. Don’t forget to designate the amount, your child’s full name, and the purpose of the payment (STEAM Fee).

IT’S CHARTER RENEWAL TIME! This year we will be asking for your support as we go through the crucial process of rechartering. Charter schools in NH are required to renew their charters every 5 years through an in-depth and multi-faceted process which must demonstrate our ability to educate students while also meeting our unique mission. Additionally our facilities, the strength of our community, fundraising efforts, and enrollment are also reviewed.

 So, how can you help during such an important time?

1. Keep sharing Gate City! Letting your friends and neighbors know that we are here, tuition-free, and awesome keeps our community strong and growing.
2. When we ask for testimonials, please consider providing yours! It would mean the world to us!
3. Look for opportunities and relationships for us to build community partnerships and receive donations. Our best ideas and connections come from YOU!
4. Consider joining us for Gate City Beautification Days. Be on the lookout for more information. Stop by for as long as you can.
5. Get involved! Gate City is only as strong as its vibrant community of parents, staff, students, and community members! We need you, your ideas, your talents, and your spark! You bring our events, committees, and organizations to life!

SAVE THE DATES! 

Back-to-School Social on August 25th from 4:30pm-6pm

Join us as we welcome all students and their families to meet the teachers and staff, see the classrooms, tour the school, and discover ways to get involved in our inspiring community!

First Day of School is August 26th! 

Wednesday the 27th is a FULL DAY!

Labor Day Long Weekend: August 29th-September 1st

In the next several weeks leading up to school you can expect frequent communication from us regarding lunches, procedures, and much more!

As always, questions are highly encouraged!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette