Out of the Gates

Posted Date: 9/26/25 (4:30 PM)

Principal’s Message

It was great to see so many families last Friday at the Family Picnic. I hope you were able to make connections with other families and have some fun!

This past week staff spent time defining our core value kindness in developmentally appropriate language depending on the grade level. Here is a drafted definition for 2nd and 6th grade:

2nd Grade - Showing others you care and helping others through actions and words.
6th Grade - Treating people the way you would want to be treated; Having/showing empathy towards others

Although both definitions of kindness emphasize how we treat one another, you can tell how our interactions with each other become more complex as we get older and develop more mature relationships. I will continue to keep you posted on this important work!

We also are making our way through all the beginning of the year safety drills. This past week, all students had the opportunity to practice evacuating a bus in the event of an emergency. Students were all successful with this practice drill an a big thanks to the transportation department for organizing this drill each year.

Finally, I would like to thank families in advance for supporting the Boardwalk clean up this weekend. We truly appreciate families from both Gates and Douglas coming together to make our grounds a safe and fun place for our students.

Have a great weekend!

Allison

School News

School Pictures
Please be on the look out for information about school pictures next week from Coffee Pond. Families will have the choice of filling out the paper order form being sent home next week, or the online form. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Coffee Pond if you have any questions about ordering.

Accessible Parking at the Boardwalk

We kindly remind everyone that the accessible parking spaces in the Spruce Street Parking Lot are reserved exclusively for vehicles with a valid handicap permit or families who have communicated with school nursing staff on temporary student needs.

Please do not park in these spaces unless you have the proper authorization. This ensures that the families and staff members who need these spots have safe and accessible parking available to them at all times.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Gates Fun Run, Walk, and Roll Registration Open

Everyone is doing a great job registering for the Fun Run! 258 of 400 students have registered. That’s 65% of all students. Kindergarten is at 72%, 1st grade is at 67%, 2nd grade is at 56%, 3rd grade is at 61%, 4th grade is at 69%, 5th grade is at 46% and 6th grade is at 80%.

Let's see if we can all get to 100% by October 8th!

Ordering a t-shirt does not register you for the event. Please register your student for this event at this site, by Wednesday, October 8th.

New and Improved Website

The District's websites recently got a much-needed facelift. Check out the new and improved Gates School website. Thank you technology department for making this happen.

Gates Website

District News

Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents & Caregivers

AB Schools proudly partners with Cartwheel to provide valuable mental health and wellness resources for our students, families, and staff. Cartwheel offers evidence-based telehealth services, including therapy and psychiatry, and a free webinar series designed to support student and family well-being. The live webinars are hosted throughout the school year. All sessions are held remotely, recorded, and shared with registrants after the event.

Click to Explore this year’s schedule

Upcoming Events

10/2/25 No School, Yom Kippur
10/8/25 Gates Fun Run, Walk, and Roll
10/13/25 Indigenous Peoples' Day, No School
10/14/25 Gates Picture Day
10/20/25 Diwali, No School
11/10/25 Professional Day, No School
11/11/25 Veterans Day, No School
11/12/25 All School Meeting, 10:05
11/15/25 Gates Spelling Bee

Up Coming All School Meeting Presentations, 10:05-10:50

11/12/25 5th Grade Presentation
1/14/26 2nd Grade Presentation
2/11/26 6th Grade Presentation
3/11/26 Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Presentations
4/8/26 1st Grade Presentation
5/13/264th Grade Presentation

Helpful Links

School Menu
2025-2026 Academic Calendar
AB Elementary Family Resources
AB Resource Center
AB Transportation