Notes from the Director

Welcome back, Gate City families. After the pause and renewal of April break, we greet the end of the school year with fresh energy and childlike joy. Like the trees and flowers, our community is blooming quickly and brightly. These next seven weeks are our chance to continue learning while celebrating the growth of an extraordinary year.

There are so many extraordinary events on the horizon, but the true highlight of this week is STAFF APPRECIATION! Our staff is nothing short of miraculous! They are the most dedicated, creative, talented….tired…..and wonderful team in the universe! This week we celebrate them with food, kindness, supplies and more! Interested in taking part in letting our staff know they are so appreciated? Here is the Signup Genius for the last items needed and volunteer opportunities. Thank you to everyone who is coming together to make this possible for our superstar team.

As with many great things, this year is going to have a grand finale rather than a quiet end. Below are some of the highlights. However, always remember to look for communication from teachers for further information.

We have three field trips scheduled for this week. On Tuesday the 2nd Grade will be heading to The Butterfly Place, while the 6th Grade will be visiting the planetarium. On Thursday, 3rd Grade will explore Beaver Brook.

Art Auction Entry Deadline May 7th: Collaborative projects, individual works, family pieces all welcome! The artwork will be displayed and auctioned at the Spring Arts Night.  Each student that submits for the art auction needs the attached permission form. 

8th Grade NHSAS in Science May 8th

Spring Arts Night May 21st: Save the Date! We will be holding our biggest and best celebration of the year. Performances, art auctions, activities, raffles, refreshments and so much more! Invite your friends. We cannot do this one without your help!  Click here to see the wishlist for donations we need to make this event a success!

i-Ready Begins May 12th: Our last i-Ready “window” begins MONDAY, May 12th. 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 Gate City our students participate in i-Ready three times during the year. Next week will mark the start of the third and final round of the diagnostic. This round is crucial in looking at student progress and schoolwide academic growth. Please encourage your students to do their best even though “spring fever” has set in.

As always, we could really use donations of snacks, gum, hard candy, and water during testing.

Pop-Up Dance Classes at Gate City Two One-Week Sessions Starting on May 13th: Are your students interested in trying dance? We are offering "pop-up" dance classes in conjunction with our community partner, Saval Dance Academy! All ages and ability levels are welcome. Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Lyrical mini classes offered. COME EXPLORE DANCE! Please watch the sign-up form tomorrow!  Register by Friday May 9th to participate!  

Ages 5-9 May 13th and 15th

Ages 10 and up May 20th and 22nd

See you on the dance floor! 

Have a wonderful week! Make art of your life!

Onward and Upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. If you were able to watch the GCCSA production of Beetlejuice Jr., I know that you will agree that it was nothing short of fabulous! It reminded me that performance arts are so much more than being on a stage. They are community and bravery and innovation and collaboration, and medicine for the souls of those performing and viewing! Thank you so much to the performers and patrons and volunteers! A special note of gratitude for our directors, Miss Dottie and Mrs. Mason, as well as our student directors, Chloe Archambault and Calissa Bell!

The students had an amazing time viewing the NASA astronaut suit last week. They had amazing and abundant questions! Their curiosity could hardly be contained. The presenter noted that our students were remarkably engaged and she was impressed! More proof that we are amazing!

And a big thank you to our student’s family for connecting us with this opportunity. Have a family member or friend or organization that has something to share? Let us know!

Coin War Winner: Kindergarten!!!!

Reminders:

• We can always use snacks and waters!
• No cell phones from 8:20 am-3pm.
• Bathroom shenanigans are on the rise. Please help us by reminding your students about bathroom behavior. There are soooo many less GROSS places to hang out and play!
• Please review the student dress code as needed with your students. 

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Announcements:

Middle School Trip to the Currier Museum April 23rd: Note the updated pick-up time of 1pm (regular dismissal at the school). Please make sure that your student is on-time to school as the bus has to leave on time. Sack lunch should be packed for every middle school student. Please review museum etiquette with your student. So excited for this super amazing trip!

SCA April 24th: There will be maidens and knights on the GCCSA grounds Thursday! An organization devoted to teaching about and enacting medieval life will be visiting our middle school!

April Vacation April 27th-May 2nd

Spring Arts Night May 21st: Save the date! We will be holding our biggest and best celebration of the year. Performances, art auctions, activities, raffles, refreshments and so much more! Be on the lookout for more information. Our wishlist for the event can be found here! We cannot do this one without your help!

Have a safe and lovely break!

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director of the GREATEST Charter School for the Arts in the Universe

Dear Gate City Community,

As the week begins, I’m reminded once again: a school is not just a building—it’s a living, breathing poem, written daily by curious minds and kind hearts.

Each morning, we open our doors, our minds and our hearts at Gate City. We watch our students grow—not just in knowledge and skill, but in spirit. They ask bold questions, take new steps, paint new worlds, and lift each other higher. And we marvel at being a part of it all!

Winter may not have gotten the memo, given our snowy weekend. However, spring’s activities are certainly in full swing.

A special thank you to everyone who participated in our Coin War! Also, much gratitude to those who met for guardian-teacher conferences. 

We are happy to announce that most students have completed their annual NHSAS Testing!

Sadly, we lost our school’s bearded dragon, Draco, last week. Look for his page in this year’s yearbook!

Now for the FUN and FROLIC-FILLED FESTIVITIES of the week!

TOMORROW! CSO Meeting April 14th at 12pm: Join the CSO in planning events including Staff Appreciation Week. Want to attend virtually? Can’t make it but want to be involved? Please email Danielle Johnson.

Poem in Your Pocket Day April 16th: Poem in Your Pocket Day is an annual celebration during National Poetry Month where people are encouraged to carry a poem with them and share it with others. It's a day to appreciate and spread the joy of poetry.

NASA Presentation April 18th: The company working with NASA and developing their spacesuits will be here THIS FRIDAY! They are bringing actual suits! How very cool!

Beetlejuice Jr. Drama Performance: Please use the link below to buy tickets to GCCSA's production of Beetlejuice JR! Shows are April 18th at 7pm, April 19th at 11am and 3pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for K-12 students and seniors. Share this ticket purchasing link with family and friends and on social media far and wide: https://our.show/gccsadrama 

April Vacation: April 27th-May 2nd

Spring Arts Night May 21st: Save the date! We will be holding our biggest and best celebration of the year. Performances, art auctions, activities, raffles, refreshments and so much more! Be on the lookout for more information.

Reminders:

• We can always use snacks and waters!
• No cell phones from 8:20 am-3pm.
• Bathroom shenanigans are on the rise. Please help us by reminding your students of the importance of caring for our space.

Remember, it will all be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end!

Onward and upward-no matter what!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Good Evening Gate City Community!

What a wacky and wonderful spring so far! Snow one minute and t-shirt weather the next! And absolutely everything in between! Hold onto your backpacks, because, like the weather outside, spring at our school is anything but boring! The calendar is packed with exciting events, from drama shows and art auctions, to semi-formals and art celebrations, and all with more surprises than a piñata at a unicorn birthday party. It’s a season of sunshine, celebration, and serious fun.

Want in on the action? There are tons of ways to get involved—volunteer as a chaperone, donate your change to the Coin War, help out behind the scenes at a performance, or just come cheer loud and proud for your performer at Spring Arts Night.  Whether you’ve got five minutes or an hour, your energy helps bring these events to life. So dust off those sneakers, grab your calendar, and get ready to jump into all the springy goodness! Before we get into the calendar details…a little housekeeping:

CONGRATULATIONS Reagan Mahoney from 8th Grade for winning the Yearbook Cover Contest!

***No Merrimack Bus Tuesday, April 8th***

Warm Weather Wear: A reminder that we have a dress code at Gate City. Please review it with your students. Need a reminder? Please take a peek at the policy in the Handbook on our website under Parents and Students. 

Water Please: Our students are active! Many play physical games outside and take part in Wellness and movement electives. Please pack water for your students. Also, if you are so inclined, we will gladly take water donations. We often go through a case every day.

Lost and Found to be Lost for Good! Our Lost and Found is slowly growing into a mountain. As of April Break, all of the items in our Lost and Found will be donated! Items will be placed outside the office inside of the school during guardian-teacher conferences this week for families to “browse” before and after conferences. 

Cell Phones: A quick reminder that students should not have phones with them at school during the day. Phones should be completely “powered off” and in phone lockers if present at school. Many phones have been out and about and in use. If your student has a phone, please remind them of this policy.

Bathrooms: Our students are constantly learning how to take care of their building and one another. Please remind your students of the importance of taking care of our bathrooms. As of late, we have had many students gathering in the restrooms during class time and others misusing soap, sinks, paper and even some “graffiti”. At Gate City we take care of our space and try to leave things better than we found them. 

Thank you, as always, for partnering with us in important matters like these!

Now Onto the FUN Stuff…

Book Club begins TOMORROW April 7: This spring Gate City will be hosting a book club for students in grades 4-8! After school on Mondays from 3-4:30pm, students will bring their latest read and get together and do two of my all-time favorite things: READ and talk about BOOKS! 

Book Club set to start April 7th. Students may join at any time. ALL students attending must have a completed parent permission form found HERE:  https://forms.gle/RMgt79pvWMfQhtnA7 

Teacher-Guardian Conferences April 7-11: Teacher-Guardian Conferences will take place beginning tomorrow, April 7th. Sign up through your classroom teachers.

WE DECLARE A COIN WAR April 7-11: The Gate City CSO presents our annual COIN WAR! Classes battle it out to find who can collect the MOST change. BUT BEWARE! It’s not that easy! Grades K-3 collect all of the change of any kind that you can. Grades, 4-8, it is a little more complicated! Collect all of the silver change that you can (pennies, dimes, nickels) in your homeroom container. But toss YOUR pennies into ANOTHER grades container (4-8). Each penny will be one point deducted from that grade’s total.

Collection jars will be out during parent-teacher conferences. Bring your change! Help your student’s class win the war and support our school!

     ***Coin War Funds Support CSO Staff Appreciation Week***

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks Deadline April 11: Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! 

Join Gate City at Merrimack Easter Egg Hunt April 12: https://merrimackparksandrec.org/easter-egg-hunt

NH Philharmonic Drawn to the Music Performances April 12 and 13: Art featured by dozens of Gate City students. More information: https://www.nhphil.org/drawn-to-the-music

CSO Staff Appreciation Week Planning Meeting April 14th at 12pm: Join the CSO in planning events including Staff Appreciation Week. Want to attend virtually? Can’t make it but want to be involved? Please email Danielle Johnson.

Beetlejuice Jr. Drama Performance: Please use the link below to buy tickets to GCCSA's production of Beetlejuice JR! Shows are April 18th at 7pm, April 19th at 11am and 3pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for K-12 students and seniors. Share this ticket purchasing link with family and friends and on social media far and wide: https://our.show/gccsadrama 

April Vacation: April 27th-May 2nd

Spring Arts Night May 21st: Save the date! We will be holding our biggest and best celebration of the year. Performances, art auctions, activities, raffles, refreshments and so much more! Be on the lookout for more information. 

We will be busy this spring, but we will not be bored! This month is chock full of amazing!

Onward and upward!

Jennifer Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Happy SPRING Gate City Families!

As we enter full speed ahead into the final trimester of the school year, it is, as always, filled to overflowing with excitement, learning, and celebrations.

Great news! We met our Book Fair goal for sales! 

More Great News! Our Destination Imagination teams all rocked it at regionals! The Slay Queen Nuggets placed 5th; The Kurious Kids placed 5th; and The Nuclear Potatoes placed 1st which qualifies them for Globals. Moreover, they all presented some pretty awesome, creative, and entertaining performances!

As we wrap up the year, our teachers are working diligently to ensure that students are meeting their academic goals. Please continue to support learning at home by encouraging regular reading, practicing math skills, and engaging in creative projects. Want to know more about how your students are doing and how to best to support them? Sign up for Guardian-Teacher Conferences! 

NHSAS Testing Window Grades 3-8: Testing starts for grades 3-8 on the 30th of this month. The schedule and other information is now posted on our website. Grade 3-8 families please head to the website and visit the NHSAS section on the Parents and Students page for a schedule, informational letter, and other information.  ***We would love donations of snacks, gum, waters, and mints or hard candy for our testing weeks.***

Report Cards April 2 Report cards will be available on April 2nd for Trimester 2. 

Book Club begins April 7: This spring Gate City will be hosting a book club for students in grades 4-8! After school on Mondays from 3-4:30pm, students will bring their latest read and get together and do two of my all-time favorite things: READ and talk about BOOKS! 

Book Club set to start April 7th. Students may join at any time. ALL students attending must have a completed parent permission form found HERE:  https://forms.gle/RMgt79pvWMfQhtnA7 

Teacher-Guardian Conferences April 7-11: Teacher-Guardian Conferences will take place beginning on the 7th. Look for sign-up information from your classroom teachers.

WE DECLARE A COIN WAR April 7-11: The Gate City CSO presents our annual COIN WAR! Classes battle it out to find who can collect the MOST change. BUT BEWARE! It’s not that easy! Grades K-3 collect all of the change of any kind that you can. Grades, 4-8, it is a little more complicated! Collect all of the silver change that you can (pennies, dimes, nickels) in your homeroom container. But toss YOUR pennies into ANOTHER grades container (4-8). Each penny will be one point deducted from that grade’s total.

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks Deadline April 11: 

Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! See the attached flyer for ordering details!

GCCSA’s Drama Club Presents Beetlejuice! Tickets ON SALE NOW!: It's Showtime! Please use the link below to buy tickets to GCCSA's production of Beetlejuice JR! Shows are April 18th at 7pm, April 19th at 11am and 3pm. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for K-12 students and seniors. Options to preorder candy grams and carnations for kiddos are available as well! Can't make the show? Consider donating on the donations page! QR codes and ticket confirmations will be sent to the email added Please check your spam folder if they don't appear. These will need to be shown for entrance to the show.  Any questions can be directed towards Miss Dottie- charestdo@gccs-nh.org 

Share this ticket purchasing link with family and friends and on social media far and wide: https://our.show/gccsadrama 

Spring Arts Night May 21st: Save the date! We will be holding our biggest and best celebration of the year. Performances, art auctions, activities, raffles, refreshments and so much more! Be on the lookout for more information. 

So save the dates, gather the coins, set the conferences and order the yearbooks and tickets! And, always, always have a degree of fun doing it, 

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Hello Fabulous Families!

Spring has sprung! The weather is more temperate, aside from the occasional arctic wind that blows over lawn furniture and people alike, the birds are singing, and, hopefully, there is just a little more levity in the blossom-filled air. Here at Gate City we are buzzing with energy! Something sparks inside of us during the spring season.  Leo Tolstoy wrote, "Spring is the time of plans and projects." As nature awakens, so does curiosity—life and  learning feel fresh, alive, and full of possibility in the spring! It’s a wonderful time to be part of a  place like Gate City!

Last week was a whirlwind of events like the bake sale, spirit week, book fair and more. Thank you so much to everyone who was a part of these activities. They are what make our community the vibrant village that it is! Can you believe we are beginning our third and final trimester of the year?

Here’s What’s Buzzing!

GOOD LUCK Destination Imagination! I’d like to begin with a correction. In error I announced that our DI teams were competing this past weekend. However, on Sunday our three teams held a DI prep day. It is actually this Saturday, March 29th, that they will inspire and amaze at the DI Tournament! Now we have even more of a chance to wish them well!

Book Fair Extended! Thank you to EVERYONE making this spring's book fair a success! We only have 100 more dollars of sales to meet our goal! Haven't shopped yet? Not to worry! Below are the hours for the final 3 days:

Monday 8am-12pm
Tuesday 8am-11am
Wednesday 8am-9am
No money can be added to EWallets. Cash or cards only! 

Book Club: This spring Gate City will be hosting a book club for students in grades 4-8! After school on Mondays from 3-4:30pm, students will bring their latest read and get together and do two of my all-time favorite things: READ and talk about BOOKS! Look for more information this week!

Muffins & Mixed Feelings: A Discussion About Standardized Testing with the Director March 27th 3:30-4:15 pm: Join us as we talk about testing and preparing students to do their best!

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks: Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! 

NHSAS Testing Window Grades 3-8: Testing starts for grades 3-8 on the 30th of this month. The schedule and other information is now posted on our website. Grade 3-8 families, look for my follow-up letter today with important information!

Report Cards and Teacher-Guardian Conferences: Report cards will be available on May 2nd for Trimester 2. Teacher-Guardian Conferences will take place the following week, beginning on the 7th. Look for sign-up information from your classroom teachers.

I hope you feel renewed warmth, levity, and passion this week! Don’t forget that you are amazing just by being yourself!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

This week, our school is alive with energy as we celebrate Spirit Week, the Book Fair, and St. Patrick’s Day. We will even get the opportunity to support the 8th Grade by purchasing a sweet treat! These events aren’t just about fun traditions—they’re opportunities to strengthen our sense of community, creativity, and love for learning.

Spirit Week reminds us that belonging and shared experiences help shape a positive school culture. The Book Fair ignites curiosity and a lifelong appreciation for reading. And as we mark St. Patrick’s Day, we reflect on themes of gratitude, perseverance, and the good fortune of learning together. Every day I feel lucky to be part of the amazing things happening at Gate City!

Be sure to check out all the exciting events happening throughout the week, and thank you for your continued support!

Interested in donating this week? We could use water or snacks. But perhaps consider donating to your student's classroom library or to a child who would benefit from a little help to purchase a book (See the e-wallet link for the Book Fair). Thank you!

Goings On:

8th Grade Bake Sale:

STARTS TOMORROW! Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th. All items $1! GF and vegan options.

Spirit Week March 17th-21st: 

Monday: Wear Green or Rainbow

Tuesday: Wear Lucky Socks

Wednesday: Glitter and Shine Like Gold

Thursday: Wear a Lucky Hat

Friday: Bring a Stuffy (no bigger than a backpack)

Band Practice-a-Thon Fundraiser March 17th-21st: Sponsor a band member to practice, practice, and practice some more! See a band member or contact Jess Mason to pledge your support!

Book Fair March 17-21st: 

Set up your e-Wallet HERE: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/gatecitycharterschool

Volunteer **High Need on Thursday**HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-55698959-march 

Community Staff Organization Meeting March 20th 3:30-4:30pm: Come socialize, plan, support and DREAM BIG! All are welcome! Be part of the positive momentum of the CSO!

Muffins & Mixed Feelings: A Discussion About Standardized Testing with the Director March 27th 3:30-4:15 pm: Join us as we talk about testing and preparing students to do their best!

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks: 

Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! See the attached flyer for ordering details!

NHSAS Testing Window Grades 3-8: Testing starts for grades 3-8 on the 30th of this month. 

GOOD LUCK: Our THREE Destination Imagination teams are off to competition next Sunday the 23rd! You have been working so hard! We are proud of you!

May you find treasures worth far more than a pot of gold in every day!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Hello Families!

At midnight last night we may have “lost” an hour of sleep, but we have gained the hope, energy, and promise that more daylight ignites. With the change in the clocks we edge closer to the beauty and warmth of spring. However, we know that this week will bring with it some sleepy heads as our bodies adjust, especially those of our students.

Even during this “sleepy” adjustment, we have so much to look forward to!

Gate City Information Night: Tomorrow, Monday, March 10th, from 5-6:30pm we will hold our third Information session for students considering enrollment for the remainder of this year or the 2025-26 school year. It’s not too late to sign up to attend! Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions! Know someone interested? Have them email Paige Duval at info@gccs-nh.org or register HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5A82DA0F5C52-49921189-october#/

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks: Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! 

NO SCHOOL MARCH 14th! Teacher Training Day!

PI DAY CELEBRATIONS:

Middle School Pi Celebration March 13th: Middle School Families, come join your student for an hour of Pi Day treats and activities! 

10am-8th Grade    11am-7th Grade    1pm-6th Grade

Pi Day Middle School in-class sign up and RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-55466069-pidaycelebrations

Gate City Family Pi Night March 13th from 5:30-7pm: Bring the whole family! Come enjoy pie and celebrate with fun, Pi-themed activities!. RSVP and DONATE here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-55466489-pidayfamily

St Patrick’s Day 8th Grade Bake Sale March 17th and 18th: Held at lunchtime. All items $1. All proceeds benefit 8th grade activities!

Spirit Week March 17th-21st: Look for information early this week!

Band Practice-A-Thon Fundraiser March 17th-21st: Sponsor a band member to practice, practice, and practice some more! See a band member or contact Jess Mason to pledge your support!

Book Fair March 17-21st: Look for volunteer sign ups and wallet information coming this week!

Community Staff Organization Meeting March 20th 3:30-4:30pm: Come socialize, plan, support and DREAM BIG! All are welcome! Be part of the positive momentum of the CSO!

NHSAS Testing Window Grades 3-8: Testing window opens for grades 3-8 on the 30th of this month. Detailed scheduling and other information available this week.

Enjoy your extra daylight!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Dear Gate City Students and Families,

I hope that you all had moments of exploration and fun over break, but also time for stillness. Amidst the splintering chaos and noisy tumult present around us, stillness is all-too-rare and precious. In the words of Rumi. “Even in uncertain times, love endures, kindness matters, and hope quietly takes root.” So, let us nourish hope and seek for the best in ourselves and others! Despite all that may attempt to, or even successfully, divide us, we are a part of this community because we believe in the individual and collective power and value of creativity. 

And so we will celebrate that which unites us-education and art! The curtain rises, the first brushstroke is drawn, the first note hums in the air—welcome back Gate City! After a well-deserved break, we are ready to step back onto the stage of learning, where every student is shaping their own masterpiece of growth and discovery.

To our students: This is your canvas. Be bold. Ask questions. Try new things. Make mistakes and turn them into something even more brilliant.

To our families: Thank you for being the heart of our school. Your support, involvement, and belief in our mission help us create an environment where every child can thrive.

THANK YOU!  Thank you so much to Miss Kate Pritchard and the Currier Gallery of Art for the amazing presentation teaching students about museums. We hope you all received your FREE PASS for the Currier (one per student) sent home Friday before February Break. Please check out the museum website for info on admission-free days, free art classes, and more! https://currier.org/

UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Yearbook Cover Contest ENDS THIS WEEK! We are excited to announce the Gate City Charter School for the Arts Yearbook Cover Contest! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and artistic talent. The winning design will be featured on the cover of our 2024-25 yearbook! We encourage students to be creative and represent our school’s unique arts-integrated mission! We can’t wait to see the amazing artwork our students create 

Entries are due by March 6

• Submissions must be turned in at the Front Office by the deadline.
• Designs must be created on 8.5" x 11" paper
• The cover should either:
  • Include "Gate City Charter School for the Arts" and "2024-25" at the top, or
  • Leave space for us to add this text later
  • 
    

Gate City Information Night: Monday, March 10th, from 5-7 pm. Here is your chance! Share Gate City with your community and families! Do you know a family that might be interested in learning more about Gate City Charter School? Our third Information Session for students considering enrollment for the remainder of this year or the 2025-26 school year will be next Monday at 5pm! Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions! Know someone interested? Have them email Paige Duval at info@gccs-nh.org or register HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5A82DA0F5C52-49921189-october#/

Order Your Gate City Yearbooks: Order Now! Create 2 custom pages for free! Deadline to order is April 11th! See the attached flyer for ordering details!

NO SCHOOL MARCH 14th! Teacher Training Day

ENROLLMENT LOTTERY MARCH 15th: Tell your friends and their friends and their friends! We are to AWESOME to keep a secret!

Book Fair & Spirit Week March 17th-21st. More info on the way!

Community Staff Organization Meeting March 20th 3:30-4:30! Come socialize, plan, support and DREAM BIG! All are welcome! Be part of the positive momentum of the CSO!

Destination Imagination Gets Ready to Compete: Our THREE DI teams are in the final stages of preparation for their competition March 29th! What is DI? Learn more HERE: https://www.destinationimagination.org/

NHSAS Testing: Testing starts for grades 3-8 on the 30th of this month. Be on the lookout for more information and guidance on how to help your students succeed with less stress.

May you find a moment of stillness in every day this week—a deep breath, a ray of light, the warmth of a kind thought, a new hue in the evening sky. 

Onward and upward ALWAYS!
Jenn Blanchette
Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the love, kindness, and connection that make our school community so special. Love isn’t just about heart-shaped cards and sweet treats—it’s about the care we show one another every day. It’s in the encouragement between classmates, the dedication of our teachers, and the support you provide as families. In a broader sense, love is extending grace, practicing empathy, doing the hard work of forgiveness, and being brave enough to continue to believe in the best of one another. Love is a challenge, but one worth taking on!

GOAL EXCEEDED: We reported 1,631 acts of kindness and made Gate City even kinder!

DAVE AND BUSTER’S POWER CARDS: For the entire month of February follow the link below to purchase a 20$ POWER CARD good at any Dave and Buster’s location in the nation, and we get 50%, $10 from each card purchased. What a deal! Please share with friends, family…perfect strangers…ANYONE!! Think gifts, February Vacation and more! HERE is the link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/54043-gate-city-charter-school-for-the-arts-dave-busters-fundraising-campaigns?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=o_offers_day_1 

February 14th Grandfriends Day! We are so excited to be hosting our annual Grandfriends Day for grades K-3. Grandfriends Day is a day for your children’s grandparents/a special person in their life to come enjoy some time with them at Gate City! Attendees can join us from 12-1pm. Light refreshments will be served, but feel free to pack a lunch. Roses will be available for purchase for your special student! 

Friendship Grams: Friendship Grams will be on sale TOMORROW, Monday 2/10! They are ONLY $1 each and will be delivered on Valentine’s Day, Friday, 2/14! What a great way to support the school AND get classroom valentines checked off your lists!  

Students will get to pick the accompanying “gift” at the time of purchase. Students can purchase for their entire class or specific students! Volunteers will be available to help younger students complete grams. You may want to send a list for younger students if grams are for specific students.

Classroom Valentines: Gate City allows students to exchange Valentines with the focus being on friendship and community. Given the large number of students with food sensitivities and allergies, we encourage the exchange of stickers, erasers, and other small, non-food trinkets. ONE GREAT IDEA:Friendship Grams! 

February 15th from 4-9pm Parents’ Night Out: Help the 8th Grade raise funds for end-of-year activities and enjoy a night out! Crafts, games, movies and dinner provided! All potty-trained children ages 3-11 welcome! 25$ for one child and $35 per family. REGISTER NOW! See the attached flyer! 

No School Monday, February 17th

DONATIONS NEEDED: Bottled Water, Snacks, Printer Paper

Let’s be compassion in action!

Onward and upward ALWAYS!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Congratulations Gate City Community!

This week on Thursday we celebrate a milestone—100 days of learning, creating, kindness, and joy!

In these first 100 days, our students have explored new ideas, created meaningful connections, and demonstrated resilience and curiosity in their learning. From the excitement of the first day of school to the discoveries made in classrooms each day, every moment has shaped a foundation for success.

Our mission is to create a nurturing and engaging environment where every child feels valued and inspired. Parents, guardians, and families, your support and partnership continue to make all the difference. Together, we are building a community that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, let’s celebrate not just how far we’ve come, but the incredible potential still ahead. The next 100 days will be filled with even more achievements, discoveries, and moments of joy.

Note of Thanks: What an incredible night of talent, creativity, and courage! Our annual Talent Show was a beautiful celebration of the gifts and passions of our students, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of so many. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing organizers and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to bring this event to life. Your time, effort, and enthusiasm made it a truly special experience for everyone.

Kindness Makes Gate City 100X Better: This week continues our school-wide challenge with a big goal: to perform and track over 1,000 intentional acts of kindness by the 100th day of school.

• Each grade will aim to complete and track 100 acts of kindness through individual and group efforts.
• The initiative will culminate on the 100th day of school this THURSDAY the 6th when we celebrate our collective and individual kindness.

February 3rd-7th National School Counseling Week Color Days: Celebrate National School Counseling Week by proudly wearing the colors of CHOOSE LOVE:

• Monday: Wear GOLD/YELLOW for courage.
• Tuesday: Wear ORANGE for gratitude.
• Wednesday: Wear BLUE for forgiveness.
• Thursday: Wear GREEN for compassion and/or 100th Day of School gear.
• Friday: Wear RED for self-love.

**FEBRUARY FUNDRAISER ALERT**

DAVE AND BUSTER’S POWER CARDS: For the entire month of February follow the link below to purchase a 20$ POWER CARD good at any Dave and Buster’s location in the nation, and we get 50%, $10 from each card purchased. What a deal! Please share with friends, family…perfect strangers…ANYONE!! Think gifts, February Vacation and more! HERE is the link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/54043-gate-city-charter-school-for-the-arts-dave-busters-fundraising-campaigns?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=o_offers_day_1 

February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm Let’s Glow Crazy Family Dance: FREE ENTRY FAMILY DANCE! Bring the ENTIRE family! Concessions for sale: Pizza -Snacks- Drinks!  50/50 raffle. ​​

We need your help with dance donations and volunteers! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-54612761-lets

February 14th Grandfriends Day! We are so excited to be hosting our annual Grandfriends Day for grades K-3. Grandfriends Day is a day for your children’s grandparents/a special person in their life to come enjoy some time with them at Gate City! Look for details early this week!

Classroom Valentines: Gate City allows students to exchange Valentines with the focus being on friendship and community. Given the large number of students with food sensitivities and allergies, we encourage the exchange of stickers, erasers, and other small, non-food trinkets. 

ONE GREAT IDEA:The CSO will be selling Friendship Grams! Look out for the flier! 

February 15th from 4-9pm Parents’ Night Out: Help the 8th Grade raise funds for end-of-year activities and enjoy a night out! Crafts, games, movies and dinner provided! All potty-trained children ages 3-11 welcome! 25$ for one child and $35 per family. REGISTER NOW! 

DONATIONS NEEDED: Bottled Water, Snacks, Printer Paper

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to the next 100 days and beyond!

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

I for one am thrilled that our daylight is longer every day, moment-by-moment. The extreme cold and the darkness have been weighing heavily on me, but now it seems that there is a crack in the gray “wall” of winter, one small but mighty enough to let relative warmth and light through. Kindness is very much the same. There seems to be an abundance of worry and cruelty and division and sadness surrounding us. However, it is kindness that breaks through. It is kindness that lets the light in. At Gate City Charter School for the Arts, we believe that kindness and service are more than just values—they are powerful tools that build connections, create a sense of belonging, and make our community and the world a better place. We strive to foster a culture where every child learns the joy of giving, the importance of empathy, and the strength of coming together to make a difference.

This year we are engaging in a  Kindness Makes Gate City 100X Better initiative, a school-wide challenge with a big goal: to perform and track over 1,000 intentional acts of kindness by the 100th day of school.

We invite every student, teacher, and staff member to be a part of this meaningful journey. Acts of kindness can be big or small—from holding the door for someone to writing a note of gratitude or helping a friend in need. Each act will contribute to a growing ripple effect of positivity, not just within our school but also in our homes, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Here’s how it works:

1. Each grade will aim to complete and track 100 acts of kindness through individual and group efforts.
2. The initiative will culminate on the 100th day of school when we celebrate our collective and individual kindness.

How You Can Help:
We encourage families to join in! Model kindness at home and talk about ways your family can participate. At Gate City, we believe every small act of kindness has the power to spark change. Together, we can show our students—and the world—that kindness truly matters. 

BUCKLE UP! SO MANY HOPPIN’ HAPPENINGS:

Community-Service Organization (CSO) Meeting Recap: Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday! We are off to an energetic and welcoming start! Members attended virtually and in person. We discussed our mission, the talent show, Valentine’s Day fundraising, and the upcoming family dance. Look for our involvement/interest form this week. There are so many ways big and small, in-person and at home, that you can be a part of this AWESOME organization.

Thursday, January 30th 9am Donuts with the Director: Come learn more about two FANTASTIC new programs that will help you support and enrich your child’s education. Gate City recently purchased Zearn and Flocabulary as a way to offer remediation and extension for our students in fun and engaging ways. These are digital learning platforms can be used at home and are a great way for families to be involved. Come explore and play and even complete sample activities! And, as always, bring your amazing ideas for and questions about anything Gate City!

Talent Show THIS SATURDAY, February 1st: Tickets at the door! Concessions! Raffles, Shout outs and MORE! Cash PLEASE! 

Practice Day 2:   Friday, January 31st. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 1st.  6 - 8 pm 

Location:       Merrimack High School Cafeteria 38 McElwain St.

Tickets:       Tickets: $5 each with a max of $25 per family. Sold at the door. 

Volunteers Still Needed! Updated Donations and Volunteer List: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-54457245-talent

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Danielle Johnson, Event Coordinator at johnsond@gccs-nh.org.

February 3rd-7th National School Counseling Week Color Days: Celebrate National School Counseling Week by proudly wearing the colors of CHOOSE LOVE:

• Monday: Wear GOLD for courage.
• Tuesday: Wear ORANGE for gratitude.
• Wednesday: Wear BLUE for forgiveness and/or 100th Day of School gear.
• Thursday: Wear GREEN for compassion.
• Friday: Wear RED for self-love.
• 
  

February 7th from 5:30-7:30pm Let’s Glow Crazy Family Dance: FREE ENTRY FAMILY DANCE! Bring the ENTIRE family! Concessions for sale: Pizza -Snacks- Drinks!  50/50 raffle. ​​

We need your help with dance donations and volunteers! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-54612761-lets

Upcoming: Parents’ Night Out February 15th. More info coming.

Hope you can be part of these amazing events!

Onward and upward,
Jenn Blanchette
Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts

Hello Gate City Community!

I hope you are having a marvelous Monday! As we pause to recognize the life, sacrifices, and leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., we are poignantly reminded of both the power of our words and the capacity for positive change they possess. Just as King believed that words and actions of love and truth could ultimately prevail over evil and hate, I believe our words carry with them the  potential to affect the course of individual lives, our own as well as those of others, families, communities, and even the world. We cannot know where the ripple effect of our words ends. We are, however, in control of those words and whether or not they carry currents of kindness or waves of malice. In an unrelenting age of “information”, we, along with our students, are often caught in an impulsive and unforgiving undertow of destructive, untrue, and brutal language, often presented under the guise of humor. 

Perhaps if we all took today, in honor of MLK Jr. and our better selves, to remember the power of our words and to share the lessons of that power with our students, we might emerge, personally and as a community, with an increased commitment to have our words act as ripples of inspiration and uplift felt endlessly in the world. 

Events & Information:

i-Ready: i-Ready “window” begins Tuesday, January 21st.. 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 Gate City our students participate in i-Ready three times during the year. Next week will mark the start of the second round of the diagnostic. Class diagnostic schedules will vary depending on grade level, academic schedules, and technology distribution. The diagnostic will ideally be completed in a two-week period.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!

Talent Show Information and Needs: CALLING THE TECH-INCLINED! We need a tech savvy music SUPERHERO to “cut” the digital music provided for our acts. The superhero cape is optional, but I would be happy to provide one. Please reach out ASAP to Danielle Johnson at johnsond@gccs-nh.org if you are willing to help!

Donations: Our talent show is successful because of YOU! Please sign up to donate an item HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAA22A2F8C43-54457245-talent

Dates and Times:

Practice Day 1:   Friday, January 24th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, January 31st. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 1st.  6 - 8 pm 

If you have any questions, concerns, or scheduling conflicts, please feel free to reach out to Danielle Johnson, Event Coordinator at johnsond@gccs-nh.org.

Community-Staff Organization Meeting January 23rd at 3:15pm: Join us for our first independent CSO (Gate City’s version of the PTO) meeting after dismissal. Meet community members and learn about ways to get involved in our Community-Staff Organization. Volunteer. Make connections. Share your brilliant ideas! 

Need to join virtually? We have you covered! Join HERE: 

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ffq-vinu-vzi

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 224-513-0211‬ PIN: ‪782 933 053‬#

Missing the MAGIC? Meeting times will rotate for convenience. Look for our meeting recap! 

January 30th 9am Donuts with the Director: Come learn more about two FANTASTIC new programs that will help you support and enrich your child’s education. Gate City recently purchased Zearn and Flocabulary as a way to offer remediation and extension for our students in fun and engaging ways. These platforms can be used at home and are a great way for families to be involved. Come explore and play and even complete sample activities! And, as always, bring your amazing ideas for and questions about anything Gate City!

I will close with my favorite MLK Jr. quote: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that," Strength to Love, 1963. May your week be filled with light. And, if you cannot find the light, try to be the light. Light will, after all, attract light. 

Thank you all for being so much of the light in my life.

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Charter School Families,

At Gate City Charter School for the Arts, we are more than a school—we are a vibrant community and a family forged by the choice you have made to trust us with your child’s education. At this time of year we look ahead with hope for the future as we share Gate City with new families interested in learning more about our community. Your voice plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school. By sharing your positive experiences with prospective families, you help us build bridges that strengthen our community and ensure we continue to grow together. 

*It’s SNOW GEAR TIME!* Send in those snow pants, boots, gloves and hats! Extra socks for wet feet are also often helpful!

EVENTS:

TODAY! January 13th 3-4:30pm, Talent Show Auditions: We are excited to announce the return of the GCCSA Talent Show! So start practicing those acts! Feel free to perform solo, with a group of friends, or even with your family!! Tell some jokes; perform some magic; perform acrobatics.The possibilities are endless! 

Completion of this form will be REQUIRED for acts/students to audition: https://forms.gle/bQ6FmZpzpayo3pCN6 

“Auditions” will be held TODAY, Monday, January 13th. While we are not excluding anyone from performing a talent, this will help organize the show, as well as ensure all talents are school appropriate. We may decide to combine talents if there are many repeats. For example, if 3 students choose to sing the same song, we may ask that they sing together, or choose a different song if they wish to remain solo. Please prepare your child for this possibility. Acts should be between 1 and 4 minutes long. 

Audition Day:      Monday, January 13th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm    

Practice Day 1:   Friday, January 24th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, January 31st. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 1st.  6 - 8 pm 

If you have any questions, concerns, or scheduling conflicts, please feel free to reach out to Danielle Johnson, Event Coordinator at johnsond@gccs-nh.org.

January 14th 5pm Gate City Enrollment Information Session: Here is your chance! Share Gate City with your community and families! Do you know a family that might be interested in learning more about Gate City Charter School? Our second Information Session for students considering enrollment for the remainder of this year or the 2025-26 school year will be tomorrow, Tuesday, January 14th at 5pm! Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions! Know someone interested? Have them email our Enrollment Coordinator, Paige Duval, at info@gccs-nh.org. Share the link with those you think will love Gate City like we do: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5A82DA0F5C52-49921189-october#/

January 17th 5:30-7:30pm, Middle School Dance Grades 6-8

January 20th NO SCHOOL MLK Day

January 23th at 3:15pm Community-Staff Organization Meeting: Join us for our first independent CSO (Gate City’s version of the PTO) meeting after dismissal. Meet community members and learn about ways to get involved in our Community-Staff Organization. Volunteer. Make connections. Share your brilliant ideas!

January 30th 9am Donuts with the Director: Come learn more about two FANTASTIC new programs that will help you support and enrich your child’s education. Gate City recently purchased Zearn and Flocabulary as a way to offer remediation and extension for our students in fun and engaging ways. These platforms can be used at home and are a great way for families to be involved. Come explore and play and even complete sample activities! And, as always, bring your amazing ideas for and questions about anything Gate City!

Again, we appreciate you spreading the good word about GCCSA. After all, YOU ARE AWESOME, so your people must be amazing people! 

Hope your week is filled with kindness, grace, and art!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

As we step into the promise of a new year, I am reminded of the words of Rainer Maria Rilke: “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” Each day ahead holds the potential for growth, creativity, and connection, and together, we have the opportunity to create something truly extraordinary in the lives of our students and our community.

At Gate City Charter School for the Arts, we are inspired by the passion and dedication of our families, students, and staff. As we continue on our journey, I look forward to the moments of discovery, joy, and collaboration that lie ahead in 2025.

NOTES & REQUESTS:

COLD WEATHER:  We have had some frigid temperatures lately. Students without the proper cold weather gear are finding it difficult to remain outside and/or requesting to not to go outside at all. A reminder that we go outside as long as it does not feel below 20 degrees. I know middle schoolers especially can be stubborn. I have mine pack them “just in case” and “just in case” comes almost daily.

ATTENDANCE & ILLNESS:  As we are fully engaged in the season of sickness, please remember not to send students to school that have had a fever or experienced intestinal or other significant symptoms in the last 24 hours. Fevers should be evaluated without fever-reducing medications. 

Equally as important is that healthy students are attending school. Every day absent from school is a missed opportunity for learning. Plus, we really do miss your students when they aren’t here. Excessive absences do require us to notify both the district and the state. Please let us know if you are struggling with your child’s attendance. We are here to help.

REQUESTS FOR NEXT YEAR’S HOLIDAY SHOP:  Have you been out shopping and seen some clearance items that would be great for the next Holiday Shop? We will gladly store your donations and use them in December 2025.

DONATIONS NEEDED:

Please consider donating as there is a significant need for 

• Cases of Water
• White Copier Paper

EVENTS:

January 14th 5pm, Gate City Enrollment Information Session: Here is your chance! Share Gate City with your community and families! Do you know a family that might be interested in learning more about Gate City Charter School? Our second Information Session for students considering enrollment for the remainder of this year or the 2025-26 school year will be next Wednesday, January 14th at 5pm! Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions! Know someone interested? Have them email Paige Duval at info@gccs-nh.org. Share the RSVP link with those you think will love Gate City like we do: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5A82DA0F5C52-49921189-october#/

January 17th 5:30-7:30pm, Middle School Dance Grades 6-8

January 13th 3-4:30pm, Talent Show Auditions: We are excited to announce the return of the GCCSA Talent Show! So start practicing those acts! Feel free to perform solo, with a group of friends, or even with your family!! Tell some jokes; perform some magic; perform acrobatics.The possibilities are endless! 

Completion of this form will be REQUIRED for acts/students to audition: https://forms.gle/bQ6FmZpzpayo3pCN6 

“Auditions” will be held on Monday, January 13th. While we are not excluding anyone from performing a talent, this will help organize the show, as well as ensure all talents are school appropriate. We may decide to combine talents if there are many repeats. For example, if 3 students choose to sing the same song, we may ask that they sing together, or choose a different song if they wish to remain solo. Please prepare your child for this possibility. Acts should be between 1 and 4 minutes long. 

Audition Day:      Monday, January 13th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm    

Practice Day 1:   Friday, January 24th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, January 31st. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 1st.  6 - 8 pm 

If you have any questions, concerns, or scheduling conflicts, please feel free to reach out to Danielle Johnson, Event Coordinator at johnsond@gccs-nh.org

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering belief in the value of what we are creating together. Here’s to a year filled with discovery, joy, and the vibrant spirit of individual expression that makes our school a truly special place.

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA