Notes from the Director

Dear GCCSA Families,

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

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

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

Here are a few notes for this week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DONATIONS OF THE WEEK:. 

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

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

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

Dear Gate City Families,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curriculum &  Classroom Night Wednesday, September 17th

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

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

Family Survey Open Until Wednesday, September 10th

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

Link to Family Survey and Invitation to Comment for Rechartering

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

More Dates to Note:

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

With appreciation and a whole lot of hope,

Jenn Blanchette, 

Director, GCCSA

Dear Gate City Families,                          

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

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

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

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

Hot lunch begins TOMORROW, September 2nd

Lunches must be ordered to be available.

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

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

Forms available at the school office and on our website.

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

No Aftercare Wednesday, September 3rd 

Aftercare Begins Wednesday, September 10th: 

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

No Merrimack Bus Wednesday, September 10th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jenn Blanchette

Director, GCCSA

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

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

Hello Gate City Charter School Community!

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

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

https://gccsanh.org/our-teachers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATES! 

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

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

First Day of School is August 26th! 

Wednesday the 27th is a FULL DAY!

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

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

As always, questions are highly encouraged!

Onward and upward,

Jenn Blanchette