Notes from the Director

Happy Monday Gate City Community!

Winter reminded us who’s in charge this week. With the snowstorm keeping us off the roads, we shifted to a remote learning day—thank you for the flexibility, patience, and grace you showed as we adjusted together. Our hope is that today brought moments of learning, creativity, and calm, all while keeping our community safe.

Reminders:

• Please avoid dismissing students during the last half hour of school whenever possible. The end of school is an important time to gather as a class in a closing meeting. It is also a chaotic time of the day for classrooms. We understand that this is at times unavoidable due to doctor's appointments and other urgent matters.
   
• We are currently taking the i-Ready mid-year assessment. While these assessments are always of value. This round of results will be reviewed at our rechartering meeting at the DOE in March. Let’s team up to help our students show their best work! Rest and good nutrition are significant factors in assessment results.
   

Talent Show: We are excited for the return of the GCCSA Talent Show! 

Many students came to our “audition” with a lot of enthusiasm! Was your student unable to make it but would like to participate? Please reach out to Danielle Johnson.

RESCHEDULED Practice Day 1:   Friday January 30th  3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, February 6th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 7th. 6:00 - 8:00 pm @ Merrimack High

CSO Planning Meeting February 3rd at 9am: Interested in being part of the planning of Grandfriend’s Day/Friendship Grams, our Family Glowdance, or our Talent Show Concessions? Please join us for powerhouse planning meetings. You are essential in making the magic of our events happen. Want to help but can’t make these meeting times work? No problem. Just reach out to our CSO Support Leads at cso.gccsa@gmail.com .

NEW!!!! CSO NEWSLETTER!! Introducing the monthly CSO Newsletter! It will feature information on ways to get involved, upcoming events, and how to build our community and make our school even better! Find the newsletter attached below (links on the newsletter are active). 

SAVE THESE DATES:

• February 7th Talent Show
   
• February 9th-13th Spirit Week MORE INFO THIS WEEK!
   
• February 13th Grandfriend’s Day
   
• February 13th Family Glow Dance
  
   

Onward and upward-even through feet of winter snow!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Good evening Gate City Community,

This weekend I have taken time to consider the following impassioned words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

As we pause to honor Civil Rights Day, we reflect not only on history, but on how kindness, courage, and compassion show up in our everyday actions. Dr. King reminded us that change is rooted in how we care for one another—through listening, fairness, and the belief that every individual deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued. Every day we have the opportunity to encourage, cultivate, and nourish such change. At GCCSA, the arts help students learn to express themselves, respect others, know the power of kindness, and contribute positively to the community around them. 

Imagine a world in which each person woke every morning and asked first, “What will I do today for others?”

Reminders:

• Please avoid dismissing students during the last half hour of school whenever possible. The end of school is an important time to gather as a class in a closing meeting. It is also a chaotic time of the day for classrooms. 
• We are currently taking the i-Ready mid-year assessment. While these assessments are always of value. This round of results will be reviewed at our rechartering meeting at the DOE in March. Let’s team up to help our students show their best work! Rest and good nutrition are significant factors in assessment results.
• 
  

💲☕ THANK YOU! A huge thank you to our Community Partner, Alltown Fresh of Manchester for their generous donation of $1,300! 

🕺Middle School Dance Friday, January 23rd 6-8:30pm: 8th grade will be hosting a dance for grades 6-8 this Friday. Chaperones and donations welcome! Find ways to help at this sign-up.

🎭Talent Show Returns! We are excited for the return of the GCCSA Talent Show! 

Many students came to our “audition” with a lot of enthusiasm! Was your student unable to make it but would like to participate? Please reach out to Danielle Johnson.

Practice Day 1:   Monday, January 26th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, February 6th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 7th. 6:00 - 8:00 pm @ Merrimack High

CSO Planning Meeting February 3rd at 9am: Interested in being part of the planning of Grandfriend’s Day/Friendship Grams, our Family Glowdance, or our Talent Show Concessions? 

Please join us for powerhouse planning meetings. You are essential in making the magic of our events happen. Want to help but can’t make these meeting times work? No problem. Just reach out to our CSO Support Leads at cso.gccsa@gmail.com .

📣 NEW!!!! CSO NEWSLETTER!! Introducing the monthly CSO Newsletter! It will feature information on ways to get involved, upcoming events, and how to build our community and make our school even better! Find the newsletter attached below (links on the newsletter are active). It will also be sent again in a separate email. 

SAVE THESE DATES:

• February 7th Talent Show
• February 9th-13th Spirit Week
• February 13th Grandfriend’s Day
• February 13th Family Glow Dance

Looking forward with hope as we celebrate the power of human kindness and the potential of individual voices raised collectively. May we always have the courage to ask what we can do for others.

Onward and upward ALWAYS!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Greetings Gate City!

The first week back was a whirlwind of excitement and adjustment. Now, the anxious energy of our return has transitioned into active learning, and our classrooms are once again filled with the sound of questions, laughter, and brave new ideas. This part of the year is the second act in the masterpiece of our school year at Gate City Charter School for the Arts!

Congratulations to our 8th Grade! They performed their rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last week as a humorous, artistic, and amazing end to a cross-curricular unit.

ℹ️INFO NIGHT This WEDNESDAY! Share! Invite! Spread the word! 

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SESSION January 14th 5:15pm:  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? Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

YOU are our best advertisement! A majority of our newly enrolled families come from recommendations from our community. Please share our Information Night registration link with those you think will love Gate City like we do: GCCSA Information Nights Registration

Know someone interested in attending Gate City transferring this year?

Have them email our Enrollment Coordinator,Paige Duval, at info@gccs-nh.org. 

📔CSO Planning Meetings January 15th and February 3rd at 9am: Interested in being part of being the planning of Grandfriend’s Day/Friendship Grams, our Family Glowdance, or our Talent Show Concessions? Please join us for powerhouse planning meetings. You are essential in making the magic of our events happen. Want to help but can’t make these meeting times work? No problem. Just reach out to our CSO Support Leads at cso.gccsa@gmail.com .

🎭Talent Show Returns! 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!! “Auditions” will be held on Friday, January 16th. 

Please have the Google Form at the following link completed by Audition Day: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo__SZ7fh-EdwbNWdVrzJMK-olyZtUbK0qZsTnNAc1hwHJ1w/viewform?usp=preview. 

Students will not be allowed to audition without it. 

Audition Day:      Friday, January 16th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm    

Practice Day 1:   Monday, January 26th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm  

Practice Day 2:   Friday, February 6th. 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Talent Show:       Saturday, February 7th. 6:00 - 8:00 pm @ Merrimack High

🇺🇲 CIVIL RIGHTS DAY January19th NO SCHOOL

Make this week a masterpiece!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

Welcome back! I hope the break offered moments of rest, laughter, and connection—whether that meant quiet mornings, busy adventures, or simply a change of pace. 

As we return at the start of a new year, we’re reminded that learning, creativity, and growth don’t require perfection—only the courage to begin. This stretch of the year is full of meaningful learning, creative exploration, and steady routines that help our students feel safe and successful. Thank you for partnering with us as we ease back in together—one day, one rhythm, one small win at a time. 

I can’t wait to see what your students will write on the blank page of 2026! I am doubtless that it will be a story filled with growth, discovery, and even some big risks and beautiful, beneficial mistakes.

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. We know middle schoolers often believe they are immune to cold temperatures…until they are outside in them. Please have them bring their cold weather gear “just in case”.

🤒 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. 

⏰ ATTENDANCE: All healthy students should be 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. Tardiness also costs a student valuable time at school. Numerous accumulated tardies count as a full day’s absence. 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.

🥅 REPORT CARDS: Report cards for Trimester I may be found in ALMA. Questions? Please email Paige Duval at info@gccs-nh.org.

🛒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. Please mark your bargains “Holiday Shop CSO” and drop them at the Front Office.

OR, EVEN BETTER, bring them to our monthly CSO meeting this Thursday, the 8th of January, in the Great Hall at 9:15am.  All are WELCOME and urged to attend! We start every meeting with time to meet with me to share your suggestions for and questions about Gate City! So please come with your thoughts and ideas! 

EVENTS:

🖥️ i-READY WINDOW OPENS January 13th:   Each student takes the i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment three times a year (fall, winter, and spring) to help teachers understand their progress in reading and math. These assessments provide valuable insight into their learning growth and help guide classroom instruction.

ℹ️ ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SESSION January 14th 5:15pm:  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? Attendees will take a tour, learn more about the school, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

YOU are our best advertisement! A majority of our newly enrolled families come from recommendations from our community. Please share our Information Night registration link with those you think will love Gate City like we do: GCCSA Information Nights Registration

Know someone interested in attending Gate City transferring this year?

Have them email our Enrollment Coordinator,Paige Duval, at info@gccs-nh.org. 

🇺🇲 CIVIL RIGHTS DAY January19th NO SCHOOL

A new year invites us to turn the page—not to erase the past, but to build on it. With fresh energy and a shared sense of purpose, we look ahead to all the learning, creativity, and connection waiting for us. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds for our students, our staff, and our community.

Onward and upward!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

As we head into our final week before holiday break, the halls at Gate City are sure to be alive with excitement and just a little extra sparkle. Spirit Week is a chance for us to celebrate joy, connection, and community—gifts without price but more important than anyone can measure. 

🎉 Spirit Week December 15th-19th

Monday: Holiday Hat, Hair, or Headband!

Tuesday: Sparkle, Twinkle and Shine like the STAR you are!

Wednesday: Winter and Holiday PJ Day

Thursday: Festive Flannel Fun!

Friday: Ugly Sweater, Sweatshirt and/or Shirt

❤️ Congratulations to our 2nd Grade for receiving the GCCSA Art of Having Heart Award!

🛍️The Holiday Shop was a fundraising and joy-bringing SUCCESS! Thank you to our Community-Staff Organization for all of their help and for your many donations of gifts and time!

🎄The Gate City Wishing Tree is another incredible example of how we take care of one another! All of our families’ wishes have been “adopted”.  Don’t forget to drop off your wrapped gifts at the school on or before December 18th. Tags labeled with the family’s number and the individual’s age are very helpful. Wishing you had gotten in on the giving? We will gladly take donations of gift cards to add to the packages.

👚 GCCSA Merch is in! If you have not received it, it should be sent home Monday (tomorrow)!

🎨 YMCA Art Workshops: Head to the YMCA of Merrimack for a FREE winter art workshop! No registration required! December 15th & 16th at 5:30pm. 

🕹️ Dave and Buster’s Cards will be sent home this week!

We’re looking forward to ending the year together with laughter, school spirit, and meaningful moments before we pause to rest and recharge. May this season bring you just enough magic to carry you through the winter days and leave you hopeful for a magnificent year ahead!

With warmth and joy!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,

As we step into this season of twinkling lights, cozy mittens, and extra mugs of hot cocoa, I find myself especially grateful for this community. Our halls are buzzing with music, art projects, and the kind of kindness that doesn’t fit in a gift box, and that’s what makes this time of year at Gate City so special.

A special thank you to all who attended and volunteered for the Polar Express Night on Friday! It was a wonderful, magical night for all who joined us! A special thank you to the Johnson Family who make this annual event possible.

Reminders: 

🌟 Winter Clothing: Please send students in with appropriate, labeled winter clothing, including jackets, mittens/gloves and boots and snowpants for snow-covered areas. We go outside every day for recess if the temperatures are safe. Younger students should bring a change of shoes to wear inside and would benefit from a change of clothes (especially socks) just in case!

🌟 Illness: Please keep students home from school when they are unwell. Ill students spread illness to other students and staff, some of which may have compromised immune systems. All over the country schools are facing an increase in illness this year. Please continue to do your part by keeping ill children home, especially those with fevers and vomiting, for at least 24 hours post fever or intestinal episode. 

🌟 Tardies/Absences: According to New Hampshire state law and our school’s attendance policy, excessive absences and tardies have the potential to significantly impact your student’s academic performance, social development, and overall success in school. Combined tardies are counted as absences for your student, and excessive absences may require actions such as notification letters, team meetings, home visits, and contact of appropriate authorities. Please make every effort to get your students to school on time and to have them at school every day.

📢 Events and Other Holiday Happenings:

🎄Gate City Giving Tree! One way at GCCSA is sharing joy with our community this year is through our Holiday Giving Tree. The items on the tree this year are for families in our community that could benefit from just a little holiday cheer. Gifts should be delivered to the school on or before December 18th. Our virtual tree can be found HERE: www.dreamlist.com/for/v6iaqxs5fv

🎁 Holiday Shop STARTS TOMORROW, Monday December 8th! The annual CSO holiday shop will begin on December 8th! All students will be given time during the school day to shop for and wrap affordable presents for their loved ones.There will be free gift wrapping, so each gift can be a surprise for the recipient.  We still need volunteers to assist with wrapping and shopping Monday and Tuesday. We will happily accept last-minute gift donations, especially for the male gift recipients students will be shopping for! Check out the sign up to see when your student is shopping. Gifts  from 50 cents to $10. See the attached flyer and shopping list. Sign up here to volunteer: Holiday Shop Sign Up

💕Parent’s Night Out December 13th! Sign up TODAY!

December 13th leave your children in the care of our awesome 8th graders (and supervisory adults) and enjoy a night of fun out, while helping our 8th Grade raise funds for a graduation celebration. 

Time: 4-9pm

Cost: $25 per child $35 per Family

Ages 3-11 welcome!

🎉 Spirit Week December 15th-19th

Monday: Holiday Hat

Tuesday: Sparkle and Shine

Wednesday: PJ Day

Thursday: Festive Flannel

Friday: Ugly Sweater

🕹️Dave & Buster’s Play Card Fundraiser!

• For every $20 Dave & Buster's gift card you purchase or sell to friends, family, and other good-hearted humans, our school earns $10! That means you get games, food, and FUN - and we get the support we need! HOLIDAY SHOPPING COMPLETE!
• Fill out the order form attached below (printed forms were sent home last week) and pay via our Venmo link (also attached in the flyer below) or with cash. When purchasing through this link, you MUST put the student's name and the fundraiser name (D&B) in the memo, otherwise we will not know how to get your play cards to you.
• Cards will be sent home with students on Friday, December 19th. If the cards are gifts for students just let the office know and they can be picked up there!

🎨 YMCA Art Workshops: Head to the YMCA of Merrimack for a FREE winter art workshop! No registration required! December 15th & 16th at 5:30pm. 

Get ready to share the fun, festive days ahead!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Welcome back Gate City, 

I hope your Thanksgiving was restful, joy-filled, and just the right mix of pie and pajamas. As we step back into school this week, we’re carrying a lot of gratitude—with full hearts and (still) full bellies—into a busy, exciting stretch before winter break. There’s so much good work ahead of us in these next few weeks, and we’re grateful to have you and your students as a part of it!

🌨️ Check your email for information on our SNOW DAY and DELAY procedures and notification  tools.

👀🎄Look Out for our Virtual Giving Tree

This season we will be inviting you to directly support families in our GCCSA community in providing small gifts and joy for the holidays. We will be sending a virtual giving tree with ways to bring holiday cheer to our families in need. Thank you for your support!

Fundraiser Alert! 🛍️GIFT LIST COMPLETED! Dave and Buster’s Cards FOR EVERYONE!

• Holiday Gifts

• Family Outings

• Epic Game Nights

Here's how this AMAZING FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY works:

1. For every $20 Dave & Buster's gift card you purchase or sell to friends, family, and other good-hearted humans, our school earns $10! 
2. That means you get games, food, and FUN - and we get the support we need! HOLIDAY SHOPPING COMPLETE!
3. Fill out the order form attached below and pay via our Venmo link (also attached in the flyer below) or with cash.
4. Cards will be sent home with students on Friday, December 19th. If the cards are gifts for students just let the office know and they can be picked up there!
5. When purchasing through this link, you MUST put the student's name and the fundraiser name (D&B) in the memo, otherwise we will not know how to get your play cards to you.

ℹ️ Events:

1. 🛤️ Polar Express Night: Only a few days left! ALL ABOARD This Friday 12/5! RSVP by Wednesday, 12/3 for this FREE EVENT!

Join us for this magical, Gate City family tradition on December 5th from 6:30-8:30pm. Come hear a reading of the Polar Express and then ALL ABOARD for a night of music, crafting, treats and fun! This event is FREE!  RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/TSrW8XLdDwEVTX7K8

1. 🎄Holiday Shop: The annual CSO holiday shop will begin on December 8th! All students will be given time during the school day to shop for and wrap affordable presents for their loved ones.There will be free gift wrapping, so each gift can be a surprise for the recipient.  DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS are still needed to make this event successful!

Here’s how you can help with this absolute, student-favorite event:

​​Donations: We are looking for donations of new or very gently used gifts suitable for any age! Donations accepted until 12/5!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476725-holiday#/ https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476725-holiday

Wishlist Items: Check out our wishlist on Amazon for ideas or to purchase and ship gift donations directly to the school.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/K67UBWV1FY9B?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_NY8C0HXQJCT4ZRSY3KDG&language=en-US

Volunteers: Come help students shop or wrap!

:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476448-holiday#/ https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476448-holiday

💕Parent’s Night Out December 13th! Sign up TODAY!

December 13th leave your children in the care of our awesome 8th graders (and supervisory adults) and enjoy a night of fun out, while helping our 8th Grade raise funds for a graduation celebration. 

Time: 4-9pm

Cost: $25 per child $35 per Family

Ages 3-11 welcome!

Let’s make this season one of cheer and giving,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Hello GCCSA Community!

Thanksgiving week invites us to pause, breathe, and notice the good that surrounds us. In the midst of lessons, projects, and preparations, we are grateful for the families, students, and staff who shape this school into a place of creativity, care, and belonging. Thank you for being part of our community.

Here are the happenings:

🥫Tomorrow is the last day of our Food Drive! Thank you to all who donated! 

🍗 Thanksgiving Break begins Tuesday at 3pm! See you next Monday!

🛤️ Polar Express Night: Join us for this magical, Gate City family tradition on December 5th from 6:30-8:30pm. Come hear a reading of the Polar Express and then ALL ABOARD for a night of music, crafting, treats and fun! This event is FREE! Please RSVP by 12/3. RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/TSrW8XLdDwEVTX7K8

🎄Holiday Shop : The annual CSO holiday shop will begin on December 8th! All students will be given time during the school day to shop for and wrap affordable presents for their loved ones.There will be free gift wrapping, so each gift can be a surprise for the recipient.  

Here’s how you can help with this absolute, student-favorite event:

​​Donations: We are looking for donations of new or very gently used gifts suitable for any age! Donations accepted until 12/5!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476725-holiday#/ https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476725-holiday

Wishlist Items: Check out our wishlist on Amazon for ideas or to purchase and ship gift donations directly to the school.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/K67UBWV1FY9B?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_NY8C0HXQJCT4ZRSY3KDG&language=en-US

Volunteers: Come help students shop or wrap!

:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476448-holiday#/ https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70A054AA9A929A0FA7-60476448-holiday

💕Parent’s Night Out: SAVE THE DATE!  December 13th leave your children in the care of our awesome 8th graders (and supervisory adults) and enjoy a night of fun out, while helping our 8th Grade raise funds for a graduation celebration. More info on the way!

♥️Art of Heart Award

 🎉  Congratulations to our 8th Grade!  🎉 They were the first recipients of our GCCSA Art of Heart Award! This staff-nominated award will be presented every week to the class that exemplifies the values of Gate City in their classrooms and beyond! 

Wishing you a week of goodness, gladness, and gratitude!

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Greetings Gate City Families,

We hope to see many of you at our first Celebration of Learning this Tuesday, the 18th, from 5:30-7pm. Classrooms will be open to families and student work will be on display for everyone to enjoy! Come watch your students and their classmates beam with pride as they show off all of their hard work and creative accomplishments!

📢 Want to be more “in the know”? Visit  www.gccsanh.org to find:

• Menus /Lunch Ordering
• CSO/Volunteer Info
• Enrollment info to share 
• Payment and donation info
• School Calendar
• Events Calendar
• All Director’s Notes
• Handbook
• Coming this week: Volunteer and donation event links section

👥 Did you know that we are on Facebook and Instagram? Come visit us on

• Facebook at Gate City Charter School for the Arts: https://www.facebook.com/gccsanh 
• Instagram at gatecitycharternh

👋 Want to connect with other families or be even more informed?

• Visit our Facebook connection group called GCCSA Connection at https://www.facebook.com/groups/663383772996849

🎁 Holiday Help

The Holidays are approaching. If you find that your family could use a little help with holiday needs or gifts, please reach out. We will do our best to support you.

🗓️ Important Dates:

• 11-17 Merch Sale Ends
• 11-18 Celebration of Learning 
• 11-21 Drama Program Fudge Sale Ends
• 11-24 Food Drive Ends
• 11-26 No School Thanksgiving Break Begins
• SAVE THE DATE Polar Express Night 12-5 🛷❄️

💰🥫Current Drives & Fundraisers Additional Info:

🥫Annual Food Drive November Now-24th

Families, we will once again be collecting non-perishable canned and boxed foods, including cereals, paper towels and more. Please drop off your donations in our front lobby at any time convenient for you! 

👕 Open through November 17th GCCSA Merch Store

LAST DAY TOMORROW!  Now through Nov. 17th our GCCSA Merch Pop Up Store with Mint Printworks is OPEN FOR SHOPPING! FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PURCHASES! Please visit to place your orders, items expected to arrive in time for holidays. We have some fun new additions this year!  Added bonus, a portion of funds raised goes back to our school. Share the GCCSA love with family and friends! 

🎭 Drama Fudge Fundraiser Ends Friday the 21st!

Our drama program students are selling the famous treats from the Mill Fudge Factory. The delicious fudge is only $16 per box and the box is 8oz. A minimum of $6 for every box sold will go to the drama department and that amount goes up for every 100 boxes sold. Fudge will arrive prior to Christmas break. Money made from this fundraiser will go towards the rental of the theater and materials needed for the performance. Find a drama program representative today to order yours! Don’t know a drama student but want to support this awesome program and also enjoy some fudge? Email Jessica Mason for details.

🎄Deadline December 1st 8th Grade Wreath Fundraiser 

The holidays are right around the corner. Let’s support our 8th Grade and their graduation activities by taking part in their Annual Wreath Fundraiser! Direct shipping ordering is available until Dec. 1st. Visit 3rwc.com and enter our group code shown below to reach our fundraising page and begin shopping. GROUP NUMBER: 80B98A. 

As the holiday season approaches, may we all-no matter how or if we celebrate a certain day on the calendar-find JOY in sharing, giving, and connecting with others.

May you always have joy in your journey,

Jennifer Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Happy Sunday GCCSA Family!

Autumn is in full swing, with the remaining leaves being blown from the trees and crunching under our feet, and morning frost coating the ground. This week temperatures will drop and we may even see our first snowflakes foreshadowing winter. 

👢🧥 🧤Please make sure that students start bringing their heavier jackets, hats, and gloves/mittens with them to school!

If your family needs warm outerwear, we still have some remaining items from the Winter Clothing Swap last week. (Thank you for all of the donations of food, clothing, and service that made the swap possible.) The items will be displayed in the area just inside the school for the remainder of this week. There is no cost. Please come and take a peek! Should you need additional items, please reach out and we will connect you with potential resources.

REMINDER: We are a no nut facility. We currently have students with life-threatening allergies. Unfortunately this also pertains to all of those delicious peanut butter cups that you just got trick-or-treating. 

⏰ Information & Happenings:

🥫Annual Food Drive November 10th-24th

Families, we will once again be collecting non-perishable canned and boxed foods, including cereals, paper towels and more. Please drop off your donations in our front lobby at any time convenient for you! 

🇺🇲 Tuesday, November 11th NO SCHOOL, Veteran’s Day

🚨 Wednesday November 12th Volunteers Needed! Holiday Shop Prep 8am-12pm

CSO volunteers are getting ready for the upcoming  Holiday Shop and could use some help organizing our current items and inventory. Each year the Holiday Shop is a student favorite. With the help of amazing donations and helpers, students are able to select gifts for their family members and friends at very inexpensive prices. Gifts leave Gate City wrapped, labeled and under-the-tree ready! This year the shop will begin December 8th.

💛 Thursday, November 13th World Kindness Day! WEAR YELLOW!

🫶 Thursday, November 13th Monthly CSO Meeting

November 13th 9:15-10:15am Community-Staff Organization monthly meeting.  Meet in the Great Hall or attend virtually: Virtual Meeting Link

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 573-559-1205‬ PIN: ‪179 631 161‬# 

👋  CSO Roles Sign Up: Interested in serving in an organization support role (e.g. treasurer, secretary)?  Interested in supporting specific missions of the CSO (enrollment, fundraising, community outreach etc.)?  Please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Uixb1QBv58sjGLXp8 by Wednesday, November 12th. Please consider helping our CSO move ONWARD and UPWARD!

🎉 Tuesday, November 18th Celebration of Learning 

Bring the whole family to our Celebration of Learning on Classrooms will be open from 5:30-7pm. Student work will be on display. The Arts will be highlighted. And we will celebrate all that makes Gate City Charter School the unique, wonderful, exceptional learning community that it is! We encourage every family to attend. The event will be “open house” style, so come when you can and stay as long as you're able. 

🎄Deadline December 1st 8th Grade Wreath Fundraiser 

The holidays are right around the corner. Let’s support our 8th Grade and their graduation activities by taking part in their Annual Wreath Fundraiser! Nov. 9th (TONIGHT) is the deadline for ordering pick-up. Direct shipping ordering is available until Dec. 1st. Visit 3rwc.com and enter our group code shown below to reach our fundraising page and begin shopping. GROUP NUMBER: 80B98A.

👕 Open through November 17th GCCSA Merch Store             

Now through Nov. 17th our GCCSA Merch Pop Up Store with Mint Printworks is OPEN FOR SHOPPING! FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PURCHASES! Please visit to place your orders, items expected to arrive in time for holidays. We have some fun new additions this year!  Added bonus, a portion of funds raised goes back to our school. Share the GCCSA love with family and friends! https://mintprintworks.chipply.com/GCCSAholiday25/

So many amazing things to be grateful for!

With a full heart and an abundance of hope,

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

Treasured GCCSA Community,

🍂As the leaves fall and the air sharp, I find myself reflecting on all that fills our hearts — laughter, creativity, community, and gratitude. 

🙏Last week’s Fall into Art Festival was a perfect reminder of the magic that happens when we come together. Thank you to every family who painted faces, led activities, donated, set up, cleaned up, cheered on, and helped us celebrate in any way. You made the day one to remember. What a wonderful reminder that childhood joy never needs to end! 

🧾Events and Information:

🍲🧥Winter Clothing Swap & Community Dinner THIS WEDNESDAY!                                    Wednesday, November 5th, 4:30pm-6:30pm at GCCSA in the Great Hall. Family and friends welcome!!! Come “shop” for Winter Gear items (ALL ITEMS ARE FREE!)

Join us for dinner and connection! We are still taking donations in the lobby. 

Sign Ups for Volunteering and Potluck here: LINK FOR SIGN UPS

🎄8th Grade Wreath Fundraiser

The holidays are right around the corner. Let’s support our 8th Grade and their graduation activities by taking part in their Annual Wreath Fundraiser! Nov. 9th is the deadline for ordering pick-up. Direct shipping ordering is available until Dec. 1st. Visit 3rwc.com and enter our group code shown below to reach our fundraising page and begin shopping. GROUP NUMBER: 80B98A. 

🎉Celebration of Learning

Bring the whole family to our Celebration of Learning on November 18 from 5:30-7pm. Classrooms will be open. Student work will be on display. The Arts will be highlighted. And we will celebrate all that makes Gate City Charter School the unique, wonderful, exceptional learning community that it is! We encourage every family to attend. The event will be “open house” style, so come when you can and stay as long as you're able. 

🫶 Monthly CSO Meeting 

November 13th 9:15-10:15am Community-Staff Organization monthly meeting.  Meet in the Great Hall or attend virtually. Interested in serving in an organization support role (e.g. treasurer, secretary)?  Interested in supporting specific missions of the CSO (enrollment, fundraising, community outreach etc.)? 

Please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Uixb1QBv58sjGLXp8

🚘 Drop off and Pick Up Reminders

We know you have important places to be, but please remember the following safety procedures from our handbook:

• Please do not drop off before 8:20am
• Please have only students exit cars in the drop-off lane. 
• Students should ONLY exit on the passenger side. Exiting on the driver’s side can be dangerous.
• Please DO NOT pass cars in the carpool lane in order to drop off your students.
• Please NEVER speed in the parking lot.
• Please call the school before 2pm to notify the school of pick-up changes whenever possible.

Drive like the most precious treasures in the universe are all around you. They are!

🤧 Illness Reminders

We are about to enter the holly, jolly 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. 

🔊 Job Openings

We currently have job openings for both substitute teachers and one-to-one educational assistants. Interested or know someone who might be? Find us on Indeed or email: Jennifer Linatsas. Happiness is loving where you work! 💕🙂

Thank you, Gate City families, for helping our school continue to bloom in color and kindness. It may be cold outside, but the warmth of our school is ever-present!

With appreciation and warmth,
Jenn Blanchette
Director, Gate City Charter School for the Arts

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