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Dear Gateway Community,
It is truly staggering to think that we are just a few weeks from the one-year mark of Gateway’s difficult decision to close our campuses in March 2020. As what we thought would be a few unusual weeks stretched into our shared new normal, I have been amazed by the way our staff and students alike have continually adapted and reinvented their teaching and
learning, finding new ways to not only keep pace academically but to be there for one another through challenging times.
In this issue of The Gate, you’ll find snapshots of what this looks like in different forms, from students who are taking charge of their education to staff who are moving heaven and earth to meet student needs to virtual events that are bringing our community together in ways we never would have imagined a year ago. It turns out that even a global pandemic can’t dim Gateway’s shine.
Of course, I am anxious for the day that our “new normal” starts to look more like our prior normal, when I can pop into a classroom or give a student a high five, and while that day is still in the future, I can’t help but be optimistic. As the days slowly grow longer, I can begin to imagine Gateway’s “next normal,” in which the skills and knowledge we’ve gained this year inform classrooms that are even better tailored to students’ unique needs. We work to instill in our students the importance of “Dreaming Big,” an idea that’s never been more important for our shared work as we look ahead -- and I for one can’t wait to see where those big dreams lead us.
Warm regards,
Sharon Olken
Executive Director, Gateway Public Schools
Black Excellence in Gateway's Class of 2021
The story of this challenging and historic year for public schools, and public school students in particular, is incomplete without the stories of our students of color. In celebration of Black History Month, we're delighted to introduce you to just a few of the young Black leaders in Gateway's Class of 2021. Dedicated, optimistic, and incredibly bright, these students represent the best of what it means to "Step Up. Do Right. Dream Big." at Gateway. READ MORE >
Safe at Home, but Exploring the World Through Art
Distance teaching is hard, but for many academic subjects, one can at least imagine some of the basic ways to adapt classroom elements virtually: science quizzes via Google Form instead of a sheet of paper, perhaps, or a history presentation slide deck instead of on a big cardboard tri-fold. Now try to imagine teaching something more subjective, like art -- and then try to imagine teaching art virtually to twelve year olds. READ MORE >
Gateway Welcomes First Students Back to Campus via New “Learning Hubs”
As classes resumed in January after the winter break, Gateway staff were able to welcome a small handful of students back to campus with the opening of its first Learning Hubs, a collaborative effort between Gateway and the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) to support students who need a little extra help to access and make the most of virtual learning. READ MORE >
GHS Student Council Tackles the Challenge of Shaping Campus Life, Minus the Campus
Student Council volunteers stop for a quick photo at a drive-thru Halloween event in October, 2020
At GHS, Student Council is serious business. Tasked with the daunting prospect of creating school spirit and fond memories for hundreds of students -- all without the benefit of actually being at school -- many students might well decide to focus on other things until campus life looks a little more traditional. But for Student Council Co-Presidents Alan and Yana, that’s exactly why a strong, robust Student Council is more important than ever. READ MORE >
GHS Brings Student Internships to the Virtual Arena
At Gateway, we’re big believers in the power of internships for high school students. By connecting young people with the wealth of opportunities and career pathways right here in the Bay Area, students can see themselves in careers they may not have been exposed to otherwise and discover passions that can alter the trajectory of their adult lives. These opportunities are no less important or urgent just because we’re stuck at home this year, so how do you adapt the internship experience for the virtual arena? READ MORE >
Join Us for Gateway’s Got Talent on March 13!
The Greatest Show on Earth is coming to Gateway and you’re invited! In lieu of our annual in-person family fundraising party, this year’s Great Gateway Gathering is Gateway’s Got Talent, a virtual celebration of our amazing community! Everyone is invited to participate, whether you’re a would-be rockstar or just appreciate a good show. Here’s how you can get involved:
Submit an act! We’re accepting video submissions (up to 2 minutes) of acts in any genre: show us your best card trick, karaoke song, stand-up routine, handstand-- whatever you’ve got! We are also accepting submissions of your cutest pet videos! The winners will be determined by American Idol-style audience voting! Learn more and submit your video here.
Support our fundraising activities! There are so many fun ways to help raise money for Gateway’s students and teachers, just like at Great Gateway Gatherings in the past. Donate or bid on auction items and count-me-in-parties, participate in our wine drawing, or reserve a party kit to help you enjoy the big show! Donate or learn more here.
Tune in and vote! Join us on March 13 at 6pm to see the full show and vote for your favorites! Each vote is a $5 donation to Gateway!
Our friends, supporters, and entire Gateway community are invited to submit an act and enjoy the show on the 13th! Click here to learn more. Questions about the event? Contact Communications Manager Danielle Smith.
The Teachers Take the Title Again at Gateway’s Second Annual Trivia-Thon
One of Gateway’s newest traditions also made the successful jump to a virtual format this year as our Second Annual Trivia-Thon on February 17 raised more than $5,000 for Gateway’s students and teachers. Two dozen contestants, primarily young Gateway alumni, battled it out through three rounds of “Through the Decades” trivia, testing their knowledge of events and pop culture from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. While all teams performed admirably, ultimately the faculty team, The Gator Graders, successfully defended their championship from the first Trivia-Thon and enjoyed a decisive win.. READ MORE >
GMS Teachers Explore Race and Equity in Year-Long Initiative with Facing History and Ourselves
While teachers everywhere are learning more than they ever imagined about the thousands of apps and platforms that can go into making a virtual classroom, it takes more than tech savvy to lead an equitable classroom. That’s why GMS has joined with partner organization Facing History and Ourselves to commit to a year-long, faculty-wide professional development initiative focused on Race and Equity in Education, empowering teachers to build a strong anti-racist foundation for their work in the classroom. READ MORE >
Opportunities for Incredible Educators at Gateway in 2021
Hard as it may be to believe, planning for the next school year is already underway at Gateway, and a new school year brings with it opportunities to add inspiring and innovative educators to our faculty roster at both Gateway Middle and Gateway High School.
Gateway is currently accepting applications for middle and high school teachers in nearly all subject areas. Our ideal candidates are deeply committed to educational equity, passionate about their students and subject area, and eager to become a part of our tight-knit school community.
If you know an outstanding educator who may be a good fit for our faculty, please send them our way! Women, queer and POC candidates are especially encouraged to apply – as are alumni!
Powerful Learners Conference Goes Online, Draws Record Attendance
More than 100 educators joined us from their living rooms, offices, and patios on February 6 for our Third Annual Powerful Learners Conference, an incredible day of learning and collaboration focused on helping educators “Reenergize, Reconnect, and Refresh” their practice during these challenging times. READ MORE >
