Dear Gates Chili School Community,

As we turn the page to June, our schools are filled with pride and anticipation. The final weeks of the school year are a time to reflect, celebrate and look ahead.

This month, we honor the incredible achievements of our Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate and embark on new adventures. From music to athletics to academics, this class has left an indelible mark on our district, and we are so proud of their accomplishments. Check out this month's "Ask the Spartans" segment to hear from one of these outstanding soon-to-be alumni.

June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate love, acceptance and the vibrant diversity that makes our Spartan community stronger. We remain committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued.

As we say goodbye to another school year, we also extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated retirees whose cumulative 518+ years of service have enriched our schools and the lives of countless students. Their contributions will continue to inspire future generations of Spartans.

Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Let’s embrace these final days of school with gratitude and optimism as we prepare for a well-earned summer break.

Go Spartans!

Christopher J. Dailey

Superintendent of Schools 

The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!  

This month,This month, meet John C., a graduating senior at Gates Chili High School. John was recently recognized as an Outstanding Senior from Gates Chili at the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents’ (MCCOSS) Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner. 

How does it feel to be graduating this month? 

John: I’m excited, but at the same time a little nervous for what’s to come. I’m mostly excited and a little sad to be leaving.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

John: I plan on attending SUNY Geneseo in the fall for education, with a concentration in biology. 

Is science your favorite subject? 

John: Yes, science and math. 

What are some extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in? 

John: I’ve been very involved in the music program here. I’m in jazz band now, and have participated in pep band, show choir, and the musical. I’m also the class vice president, I’m in botany club, and a member of Tri-M and the National Honor Society. I also was on the cross-country team and competed in the Gates Chili Independent Winter Guard.  

What elementary school did you attend? Are you excited to walk those hallways again later this month during the Senior Walkthrough Tradition? 

John: I went to Walt Disney. And yeah, I’m excited! I know it's changed a lot since I attended with all the updates that have been done, but I’m still excited to see it again.  

You were just named the Outstanding Senior from Gates Chili. Can you talk a bit about that experience? 

John: It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to see other seniors from the other schools in the area during dinner. It was also great to sit down and have a meal with the superintendent, which is not something everyone gets to do. It was a nice experience, and felt good to be recognized for all that I’ve done.  

Do you have any advice for the current junior class, who will be in your shoes this time next year? 

John: It can be hard, especially if you’re taking any AP classes. I just got through those exams. But once you make it through those challenges, try and hold onto every moment. Time is starting to fly by, so treasure every moment.  

What does it mean to be a Spartan to you?

John: I think it really means to uphold those four values we were first taught in elementary school [The Spartan Way]: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Hard Work. Being a Spartan means following those values and showing pride in your school.  

First, Lora Bower will be the next principal at Florence Brasser Elementary School. Bower is currently serving as assistant principal at Village Elementary School in the Hilton Central School District. Bower is a relationship-focused leader who commits herself to open communication and an unwavering support for both students and staff. She holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a certificate of advanced study from SUNY Brockport.

Next, Michael Perkins will be the newest assistant principal at Gates Chili High School. Perkins currently serves as an assistant principal at University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men in Rochester. He also has past experience as a dean of students, care manager at Golisano Children’s Hospital and a youth advocate with the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. He holds a bachelor’s from Alfred University, a master’s from American Public University and a certificate of advanced study from SUNY Brockport. In addition, he is a GC dad of two Paul Road Panthers!  

As part of each of these formal search processes, there were nearly or more than 20 applicants for each position. Each candidate interviewed with two committees comprised of students, staff and other district administrators. At Brasser, the district also hosted a virtual family forum, to give parents/guardians the opportunity to provide feedback on the principal finalists.  

Thank you to the members of the Gates Chili school community who participated in the search processes for these positions. Both new leaders will start working with us before the end of this school year. 

Gates Chili is hitting all the right notes — once again earning the Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation! This nationwide honor celebrates our district’s incredible commitment to making music an essential part of every student’s education. 

Now in its 26th year, this award goes to school districts that go above and beyond to ensure music is accessible to all. Gates Chili impressed with strong support for music programs, dedicated instruction time, active student participation, and community involvement that really makes the music come alive. 

To earn the spotlight, the district completed a deep-dive survey on everything from funding and facilities to graduation requirements and community programs. The answers were reviewed by top education researchers at WolfBrown. 

Bravo, Gates Chili! 

The Gates Chili School Nutrition Team has been offering free meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program for the past 10 years. 

WHO: All children 18 years old and younger 

WHAT: Enjoy a free meal in our cafeterias; Adult meals, snacks available for purchase 

WHEN: Monday, July 7 to Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 

• Breakfast: 8:30-9 a.m. 
• Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

WHERE: Gates Chili High School, 1 Spartan Way (park in lot H and use door #60 near the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center) 

In addition, you can catch the Spartan Eats Bus for lunch on weekdays at the following locations: 

• 11 a.m. Lions Park 
• 11:30 a.m. Westgate Park 

Check out the menus at gateschili.org/menus.

This summer, Gates Chili will begin upgrading all district devices to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. This is a required update as Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 later this year. 

The transition will be handled automatically for most devices, but some families and staff will need to take specific action to ensure their devices update properly. 

Who needs to take action this summer?
Students in grades 6-8 and 10-12 and all teachers who bring laptops home for the summer must:

• Leave laptops ON and connected to Wi-Fi starting June 30 
• Keep the device plugged in and online until the update begins (this could take several hours and may not start immediately) 

This ensures the upgrade happens before the start of school. Devices not updated over the summer may cause delays or disruptions in September. 

Who does NOT need to take action? 

• Students in grades K-5 and grade 9 will receive updated devices in the fall 
• Technology staff will update on-campus devices over the summer

A detailed FAQ will be available soon at gateschili.org/Windows11. For questions, contact the Technology Help Desk. 

As the school year winds down, we are excited to prepare for end of year celebrations in our district. Fifth-Grade Moving Up Ceremonies mark a meaningful transition for our elementary students as they prepare to embark on their middle school journey. At the same time, we look forward to honoring the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors during Commencement for the Class of 2025. Please see the schedule below for dates, times, and locations of these special celebrations. 

📌 All of the Fifth-Grade Moving Up Ceremonies will be held in the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center at Gates Chili High School.

Neil Armstrong: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 2 – 3:15 p.m.

Paul Road: Friday, June 20, 2025, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Florence Brasser: Friday, June 20, 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Walt Disney: Monday, June 23, 2025, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

📆 Thursday, June 26, 2025

🕒 5 p.m.

📌 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School 

Click on the links below to learn more about this month's awareness and heritage months:

National Caribbean/American Heritage Month 

Pride Month 

June 1: HS Senior Recital and Music Banquet, 4-7 p.m., GCPAC 

June 3: MS Grades 6-8 Spring Chorus Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC 

June 4: MS Grade 6 Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC 

June 5: MS Grades 7-8 Band and Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., GCPAC 

June 6: MS Grade 8 Trip 

June 6: PR Panther Palooza, 5-7 p.m., PR Bus Loop 

June 10: MS NJHS Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC 

June 11: MS Award Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., GCPAC 

June 13: MS Grade 8 Farewell Dance, 7-9 p.m., GCMS 

June 17: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC 

June 19: Juneteenth – District Closed 

June 20: #GCPride Day 

June 23: Conference Day – Half Day for Students Grades UPK-5 

June 25: Conference Day – Half Day for Students Grades UPK-5 

June 25: Last Day of School for Students

June 26: Conference Day – Last Day for 10-Month Staff 

Always be sure to check the district website for the
most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events. 

Gates Chili is hosting its annual Support Staff Hiring Event again this summer!

📅 Thursday, July 10 

⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4-6 p.m.

📍 Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School:

💙 Learn more about the perks of being a Spartan

❓ Take part in an on-site interview with next-day follow-up

Gates Chili is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Click the button below to apply or share the opportunity with someone you know!

Job ID 1069: Teacher Aide for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1070: Substitute Support Staff 

Job ID 1071: Substitute Teacher* 

Job ID 1226: Occupational Therapist (2025-2026 School Year) 

Job ID 1227: Speech Language Pathologist (2025-2026 School Year) 

Job ID 1229: Elementary General Education Teacher (2025-2026 school year) 

Job ID 789: Lifeguard 

Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1137: Security Worker 

Job ID 1224: Grounds Equipment Operator 

Job ID 1225: Head Custodian

Job ID 1228: Secretary 

*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,

Please join us in welcoming our new Spartans, who were hired, started working in the past few months or will start this month and congratulating those who have moved to new roles this school year! If you see these folks out and about throughout the district, be sure to say "hello" and let them know we are glad they're here.

Ava is excited to join the Gates Chili community! She has worked with children for three years now and is excited to gain experience and knowledge from an amazing team. Ava has five cats and two dogs, and her favorite hobby is crocheting! 

Jaelyn is an alumnus of Gates Chili Class of 2020 and will be attending Nazareth's Master's program in the fall for speech pathology. She looks forward to working at GC and getting to know students and staff! 

Charles enjoys sports, the outdoors and seeing new places. He’s excited to join the Gates Chili team! 

Dear Gates Chili School Community,

Spring is in full swing at Gates Chili, and with it comes a season of excitement, creativity, and community connection. From student artwork and musical performances to athletic achievements and hands-on learning, our Spartans continue to shine in and out of the classroom.

This month’s newsletter highlights just a few of the many ways our students and staff are making an impact—from designing habitats on Mars and creating “Compassion Critters” to dazzling audiences with a practically perfect performance of Mary Poppins. Behind the scenes, staff came together for professional learning during our Superintendent’s Conference Day, reaffirming our commitment to continuous growth and collaboration.

April also brings important updates for families, including changes to the end-of-year calendar and ongoing budget development. Be sure to mark your calendars for our third annual Elementary Staff Volleyball Tournament, spring concerts, and the upcoming Budget Vote and BOE Election.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to all that’s ahead as we move through the final stretch of the school year—together.

Go Spartans!

Christopher J. Dailey

Superintendent of Schools 

This past weekend, the Girl’s Flag Football team got to scrimmage in an exciting location: the Bills Field House!

The Gates Chili school community is made up of more than 3,700 students and 900+ staff members! Get ready to peek into the world of our Spartans in our e-newsletter segment: Ask the Spartans!  

This month, meet Tessa B. and Rihab M., two fifth-grade students in Mr. Fitzgerald’s class at Paul Road Elementary School. These outstanding Panthers caught our eye with their savvy business skills and big hearts. Tessa and Rihab ran a bracelet-selling business/fundraiser and donated the proceeds (almost $650) to Ronald McDonald House Charities, whose mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. 

We caught up with these outstanding students to talk about the experience.  

How did you get started with the bracelet fundraiser? 

Tessa: A couple years ago there was another group that started a fundraiser, and we thought it would be a good idea to make one of our own this year. We wanted to find a way to help children in the hospital, so we wanted to make bracelets for them and use it to make money to donate to help them out.

Rihab: We started to sell them around our neighborhoods and at the beach separately. Then we got together and asked the school if we could sell our bracelets there too.  

When did you start fundraising at Paul Road? 

Tessa: In December [2024], around Christmas time. We felt bad that there were children who had to spend the holidays in the hospital, so that’s when we started thinking of ways to cheer them up. 

You were able to raise so much in only four months with your bracelet sales. How does that feel? 

Rihab: We never knew that we would raise this much. When we received our first hundred-dollar bill, we were so happy! We didn’t expect to make hundreds of dollars.  

How did you determine pricing for your bracelets? 

Tessa: We charged $2, but we found that a lot of students would be multiple for their friends. Because they were doing such a nice thing, we would sometimes offer deals where we might throw in a free bracelet because they were showing kindness.  

Rihab: Yes, and sometimes we ran special buy on get one free deals. We created posters to advertise too.  

When did you sell the bracelets in school? 

Rihab: In the morning before classes started, we would set up a table and our bracelet stand near the front of the building and catch students on their way to breakfast.

Tessa: Sometimes we would ask to get dropped off early because it was a really good spot, but usually we set up once we got off the bus.  

When did you set aside time to make the bracelets? 

Tessa: Sometimes during lunch, we would go to Mrs. Doty’s office and make them all together. We would also call each other up or face-timed to plan designs and ideas together.  

Rihab: We used recess time and worked on them at home a lot too.  

Do you feel like your bracelet fundraiser made an impact on your school community? 

Tessa: Yeah! Anytime I’m in the hallways, everybody says hi to me, and a lot of the younger students know who we are. 

Rihab: Yeah, one student told me he felt like he was talking to a celebrity!  

Tessa: One of our goals when we started was to try and inspire other kids to start their own fundraiser and encourage them to do more acts of kindness.  

We are so proud to have such amazing students in our district, like Tessa and Rihab! Stay tuned for our upcoming budget print newsletter for more on this incredible story. 

Please take note of the following changes: 

• The last day of school for high school students (grades 9-12) will be Monday, June 16. Exams will continue through June 25. 
• The last day of school for middle school students (grades 6-8) will be Monday, June 23. In addition, please note that Friday, June 20 and Monday, June 23 will both be half days for middle school students. 
• The last day of school for elementary school students (grades UPK-5) will be Tuesday, June 24. In addition, please note that Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24 will both be half days for elementary school students.

In the event of an emergency closing, this schedule may be adjusted again. Thank you. 

Gates Chili is once again “leading the charge” in sustainable student transportation. The district recently began receiving 10 additional electric school buses, gradually expanding its existing fleet of five. Among the new arrivals is a major milestone: the first electric school bus in New York State equipped with a wheelchair lift.

“This investment reflects our continued commitment to innovation, sustainability and equity,” said Superintendent Christopher Dailey. “Each new electric bus represents progress for our students, our environment and our future.”

In preparation for this growth, the district has also expanded its charging infrastructure. There are now eight electric vehicle charging stations at the Transportation Center—allowing up to 14 buses to charge at once. Two more chargers are expected in the coming months.

Each electric bus is zero-emission and can travel more than 100 miles per charge. The quieter ride has become a welcome feature for many students.

“Electric buses are incredibly quiet, which allows for a calmer, less stressful ride, especially for students with sensory sensitivities,” said Director of Transportation Matt Helmbold. “This is about offering an inclusive transportation experience that meets the needs of all students.”

The purchase of the new buses was made possible thanks to a combination of grants, including support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Gates Chili made history in 2022 when it became the first upstate district to debut electric school buses. With this latest expansion, the district remains a state leader in clean, student-centered transportation.

Meanwhile, the district is still accepting petitions for Board of Education candidates. Three (3) seats on the Gates Chili Board of Education are open for election this year with terms from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028. 

District residents interested in running for the Board of Education must be nominated by petition. Interested individuals may pick up a petition from the district clerk, Condenessa Brown, at the Gates Chili District Office, 1 Spartan Way (door 73), Rochester, NY. The petition must be signed by 25 qualified voters of the Gates Chili Central School District and submitted, with other required paperwork, to the District Clerk by Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5 p.m. 

The Annual Budget Vote and Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School. 

As part of our ongoing capital project work, several new doors have been added to the high school. As a result, two commonly used entrances have been renumbered:

• The Gates Chili Performing Arts Center (GCPAC) entrance is now door 60 (formerly door 50)
• The Gates Chili Professional Learning Center (GCPLC) entrance is now door 47 (formerly door 40)

For a map of our main campus with highlighted key points of interest and door numbers, visit gateschili.org/Map.

In addition, construction at the middle school has caused a temporary shift in the traffic pattern on the main campus. While affected families have been contacted directly, all visitors to campus should be aware that Lot J (near the middle school cafeteria and tennis courts) is now closed to traffic.

Join us for the third annual Gates Chili Volleyball Tournament, where elementary staff will go head-to-head in a night of friendly competition and school spirit.  

The action starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 in the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School.  

Admission is just $1 with a canned food donation for the Gates Chili Food Pantry, or $5 without. Monetary proceeds will go to the Gates Chili Education Foundation. Concessions will be available—come hungry for fun! 

National Arab American Heritage Month

School Library Month

World Autism Month  

April 1: MS Art Show, 5:30-7 p.m., GCMS 

April 3: MS Talent Show, 7 p.m., GCPAC

April 8: MS Grade-Level Team Structure Q&A Session, 5:30-6:30 p.m., GCMS Library 

April 8: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC 

April 9 to May 16: NYS 3-8 Assessment Window
April 10: Elementary Staff Volleyball Tournament, 5:30 p.m., Spartan Field House 

April 10: MS Grade-Level Team Structure Q&A Session, 5:30-6:30 p.m., GCMS Library 

April 14-18: Spring Recess – No School for Students and 10-Month Staff 

April 18: Good Friday – District Closed 

April 22: BOE Meeting, 6:30 p.m., GCPLC 

April 23: HS Band Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., GCPAC 

April 25: #GCPride Day 

April 29: HS Grade 8 to 9 Transition Night, 6:30-8 p.m., GCPAC 

Always be sure to check the district website for the
most up-to-date dates, times and locations for all events. 

Gates Chili is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions. Click the button below to apply or share the opportunity with someone you know!

Job ID 984: School Psychologist Intern (2024-25 school year) 

Job ID 1069: Teacher Aide for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1070: Substitute Support Staff 

Job ID 1071: Substitute Teacher* 

Job ID 1168: Assistant Principal

Job ID 1169: Principal 

Job ID 789: Lifeguard 

Job ID 1065: Cleaner for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1066: Food Service Helper for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1067: Bus Attendant for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1068: Bus Driver for the 2024-25 school year 

Job ID 1137: Security Worker 

Job ID 1173: Secretary 

Job ID 1174: School Aide – Attendance 

Job ID 1175: CPSE Chairperson (TOSA) 2025-26 School Year

Job ID 1194: School Aide – Attendance 

*The Gates Chili Board of Education approved new,