Notes from the Director

Dear Gate City Families,

This time of year is a reminder of the connections we share and the strength we find in one another. Through the challenges and triumphs of 2024, we’ve supported, encouraged, and celebrated as one. It’s in the joy of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering partnership of our families that our true spirit shines.

As the years pass, those of us who have watched our children grow up in these classrooms can tend toward nostalgia, but it is equally wonderful to see the evolution of our school as it grows and changes. We are grateful to each of you and the role you play in our story.

A few notes of gratitude:

• On behalf of Gate City Charter School for the Arts, I want to express our deepest gratitude for Sarah Thibeault and her seven years of dedicated service as a member of our Board of Trustees. You have been a steadfast supporter and are an essential part of the Gate City family, ensuring that our school continues to thrive as a place where arts, learning, and community come together in harmony.
• Thank you to everyone who was a part of the Polar Express event. What a wonderful evening spent in celebration and togetherness. A special thank you to the student Select Choir and the jolly friend who stopped by!
• Our volunteer elective teachers bring meaningful variety to the learning we offer. Thank you so much for a great first trimester!
• Donations are so essential to our day-to-day operations. Please know that we appreciate EVERY SINGLE ONE!

Many things have finished or are coming to a close at Gate City:

• Our first trimester has ended, and report cards will be available by the close of school this week on our student information system, ALMA. 
• Congratulations to our Gate City Cross Country Team for another successful year! 
• Spirit Week was such a great and festive success! 

As we head into the last week of school before the holidays, let’s savor these moments together. Let’s celebrate our accomplishments, enjoy the joy of our students’ growth, and take pride in all we’ve achieved. Most importantly, let’s carry forward the kindness and care that define our community.

Join Our Endowments and Fundraising Committee! 

The Endowments and Fundraising Committee is looking for guardian and staff volunteers to join, and help raise funding for our fabulous school. As a public charter it is more critical to fundraise as we are 40% less funded than a public school. Please help us offer even more amazing educational opportunities for our students at Gate City!

Please use the link below to join the committee, and we will notify you of the meetings starting in January.: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1EzTXeu6qAr3cjjE0xKy3pFX9ix2gD2VIV13iPIek9DDT2A/viewform?usp=sharing

Documentary Night:  Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Our 8th graders would like to invite you to our documentary film night on December 18th. Students have created short documentary films inspired by one of the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals. They have worked very hard and we are excited to share them!  We’ll have a “vote” for the most persuasive documentary.  We will also have a silent auction for original art related to the films. (all money will go to the charity chosen by the winning film.) Popcorn and beverages will be available for a donation.

Winter Break Dates: December 21st-January 1st. School resumes for all students January 2nd.

I hope this holiday season brings you time to rest, recharge, and make memories with those you hold dear. Thank you for being part of this remarkable family, and for all the ways you contribute to making Gate City Charter School for the Arts a place where creativity, love, and learning flourish.

Wishing you peace, joy, and a wonderful holiday season,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts

Hello Gate City!

As much as I am yearning for the long days of summer when l leave work in the 5pm darkness, I find a special beauty in this season. The world looks like a blank canvas when it snows, filled with a bit more possibility. I wish you an unabating sense of possibility, along with a double measure of hope and peace, this Holiday Season and always.

***COLD WEATHER IS HERE***

Students go outside at Gate City if it feels over 20 degrees. Please try to send outside gear with your students. If you need help acquiring winter clothing, please let us know!

Holiday Shop: Thank you to EVERYONE who has made this year’s shop so successful. The students have been so delighted!!!! Our community made this such an incredible event! The joy on the faces of the students shopping radiates throughout the school!

Spirit Week is THIS Week: 

Tuesday: Twinkle Tuesday

Wednesday: PJ Day

Thursday: Favorite Flannel 

Friday: Ugly Sweater

Donuts with the Director: Please join me for Donuts with the Director Thursday the 12th at 9am. We will create the mission for our Community-Staff Organization (think PTO but inclusive of guardians, extended family and so forth) as well as look into the new year as we discuss fundraising and volunteer opportunities! Bring your questions and ideas!

RSVP TODAY! Polar Express Night: All aboard for a night of holiday magic and family fun! We are thrilled to invite you to Polar Express Night—a special, FREE event for families to enjoy together. We will all come aboard and enjoy an evening of stories, music, hot chocolate and more!

Saturday, December 14th. 4pm - 6pm 

Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10th HERE:            https://forms.gle/mHD9WW5muQrtPYgq9

Volunteer or donate to make this amazing event possible HERE:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-53793203-polar

Documentary Night: 

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Our 8th graders would like to invite you to our documentary film night on December 18th. Students have created short documentary films inspired by one of the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals. They have worked very hard and we are excited to share them!  We’ll have a “vote” for the most persuasive documentary.  We will also have a silent auction for original art related to the films. (all money will go to the charity chosen by the winning film.) Popcorn and beverages will be available for a donation.

Winter Break Dates: December 21st-January 1st. School resumes for all students January 2nd.

Donation Spotlight: Paper, Water, and Snacks 

Looking forward seeing all of the seasonal spirit on the inside and outside this week!

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Good Morning Gate City Community!

As we usher in the Holiday Season and go full steam ahead into the weeks before Winter Break, I wanted to recognize those who give Gate City one of the most precious gifts that can be given, the gift of time. Specifically, I wanted to express gratitude for the work of Danielle Charest. Danielle has served tirelessly in so many capacities for our school, including as a member of our PTO, as a parent volunteer, and as a faithful and long-serving Board of Trustees member, most recently as Chairperson. Her over nine years of labor for our Board and the school is both remarkable and evidence of her love for and devotion to Gate City and its mission.This November marked the end of Danielle’s term on our Board of Trustees. However, she remains a cherished member of our community, and her loyal efforts are appreciated beyond words. This holiday, no matter what form of celebration, religious or otherwise, we take part in, let us all try to offer the gift of gratitude. 

Winter Gear: Cold weather is HERE! Students should bring warm coats and hats and mittens/gloves. At Gate City we are outside nearly every day if the conditions are safe.

Giving Tuesday Campaign: TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 3rd, non-profits across the world will ask their communities for donations. As a charter school we receive ⅓ of the typical funding neighborhood public schools get, and so, rely on donations, grants, and fundraisers to make up the difference. We all know that Gate City is special - our school is filled with kindness, growth, education, and creativity - we are hoping you will reach out to anyone and everyone you know to ask for their support. Every donation counts, and we are hoping that this Giving Tuesday will be a successful one for GCCSA!

Donations can be made on our website: gccsanh.org 

Or venmo: gccsanh

Please, please, please share with your communities! 

Holiday Shop: Shopping December 6th and 9th! Look for budget sheets to head home early this week! We are still accepting donations. Please bring them to the front office.

Parent’s Night Out: December 7th the 8th Grade is hosting a Parent’s Night Out to fundraise for the 8th Grade Trip in the spring. Children 3 and over will be entertained, cared for, and fed at the school between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. Children ages 3 and older who are potty trained are welcome to attend. Adults will be there to guide and support. These fundraisers are crucial to supporting the 8th Grade’s end-of-year experiences. Please consider supporting them and giving yourself a night out! See the attached flier for even more details. Please register your children HERE - https://forms.gle/Jq2aSJaZSU5yLfth9 

Spirit Week: December 9th-13th. Details to follow ASAP.

Polar Express Night: All aboard for a night of holiday magic and family fun! We are thrilled to invite you to Polar Express Night—a special, FREE event for families to enjoy together. 

Saturday, December 14th. 4pm - 6pm.  Please RSVP by Monday Dec. 9th            https://forms.gle/mHD9WW5muQrtPYgq9

Winter Break Dates: December 21st-January 1st. School resumes for all students January 2nd.

Donation Spotlight: Paper, Water, and Snacks 

Have an amazing week! Do something extraordinary!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA