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Welcome to the new GC website!

The new district and school websites, powered by ParentSquare’s Smart Sites, feature improved navigation, a streamlined layout consistent across all sites, and a user-friendly design to better serve our entire community. They also seamlessly integrate with ParentSquare, the district’s communication platform.

Although the new website has a redesigned look, most of the website components and menus are the same!

2 days ago

Gates Chili Middle School

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  3. Curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and instruction

Middle school curriculum

Middle school students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes art, English Language Arts (ELA), health, library, math, music, physical education, science, social-emotional learning (SEL), social studies, technology, and world languages.

As students transition through middle school, they have opportunities to explore new interests and prepare for high school coursework. For a detailed overview of course offerings and academic pathways, view the Middle School Program of Studies.

  • Middle school art encourages creativity and self-expression through various media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art. Students learn about art history, techniques, and principles of design, exploring how art reflects and influences culture and society. At Gates Chili, students take art in grades 6 and 8.

  • In middle school ELA, students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. They analyze complex texts, develop argumentative and narrative writing, and engage in research projects. Students also deepen their ability to evaluate themes, perspectives, and the author’s craft, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

  • Through FACS, students explore life skills such as personal finance, nutrition, cooking, and time management. They engage in hands-on activities that teach them responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork, preparing them for future independence and careers. At Gates Chili, students take FACS in grades 6-7.

  • Middle school health education focuses on teaching students how to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Topics include nutrition, substance abuse prevention, emotional health, human development, and healthy relationships, promoting lifelong healthy habits. At Gates Chili, students take health in grades 6-7. The courses also include the Teen Safety Matters program, which focuses on information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, abuse, and digital dangers.

  • Students build on foundational math skills, learning concepts such as ratios, proportional relationships, algebraic expressions, equations, geometry, and statistics. They apply mathematical reasoning to solve real-world problems, preparing them for advanced math in high school.

  • Music education also fosters creativity, discipline, and collaboration. Middle school music programs introduce students to music theory, performance, and appreciation. At Gates Chili, students take general music in grades 6 and 8. Students may also participate in band and/or chorus while developing their skills in reading music, playing instruments, or vocal performance.

  • Physical education promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in individual and team activities, learn about health-related fitness concepts, and develop motor skills. The program emphasizes lifelong fitness and the importance of staying active.

  • Middle school science encourages students to explore the natural world through hands-on experiments and inquiry. Topics include earth science, life science, physical science, and engineering design. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they engage in scientific investigations.

  • Social studies in middle school explores history, geography, economics, and civics. Students examine world cultures, ancient civilizations, and American history, gaining an understanding of historical context, diverse perspectives, and the role of citizens in a global society.

  • Technology education introduces students to the principles of design, engineering, and problem-solving. Students use tools and technology to create solutions, learn coding and robotics, and explore the impact of technology on society. At Gates Chili, students take technology in grade 8. Click here to see the middle school’s newly renovated technology classrooms.

  • Middle school students begin learning a new language, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. At Gates Chili, students in grades 7-8 can choose from Spanish, French, Italian or Latin. They explore cultural practices, perspectives, and traditions, fostering global awareness and preparing for advanced language study in high school. In addition, middle school students can earn high school credit in this content area.

District and NYS assessments

Gates Chili Central School District uses a comprehensive assessment system to support high-quality instruction and ensure all students are progressing toward learning goals. This system includes a variety of assessments—such as formative, summative, diagnostic and progress monitoring tools—administered throughout the year. Together, these assessments provide a well-rounded picture of each student’s growth and achievement.

By collecting and analyzing data on student learning, educators can adjust instruction, provide targeted support, and make informed decisions that help every student succeed. Assessments are not only a tool for measuring progress but also a framework for continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

In addition to district-based assessments, students also participate in state-required testing:

  • Grades 3-8: Students take New York State Assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math each spring. Students in grades 5 and 8 also take a Science assessment. Families will receive more information each spring before testing begins.

  • High School (Grades 9-12): Students take New York State Regents Examinations to demonstrate mastery of core subject areas. These exams are a key part of graduation requirements and are typically offered in January, June and August in subjects such as ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Together, these assessments help ensure that all students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive—both in school and beyond.

  • Classroom Formative

    What: Confirms that specific learning has taken place and provides data to inform instruction that follows

    Who: All students or small groups

    When: Ongoing throughout the school year

  • Universal Screening

    What: Identifies students in need of additional assistance in order to meet learning goals

    Who: All students

    When: 3-5 times per school year

  • Diagnostic Screening

    What: Pinpoints specific skill areas of need for individual students

    Who: Students/groups flagged by screening

    When: 2-3 times per school year

  • Progress Monitoring

    What: Evaluates progress toward learning targets per the rates of improvement for the specific skill being targeted by intervention

    Who: Students receiving Tier 2-3 interventions

    When: 1-4 times per month

  • Benchmark/Common Formative

    What: Measures students’ standards proficiency and identify needed instruction

    Who: All students

    When: 2-3 times per school year

  • Summative

    What: Evaluates, certifies, and/or grades learning at the end of a specific period of instruction

    Who: All students

    When: End of year, end of term or end of course

Student progress reports and conferences

Gates Chili progress reports are aligned to New York State Learning Standards. Achievement and effort scales reflect student progress toward state standards.

At the secondary level, progress reports are shared at the five-week mark of each quarter to help keep families informed of academic standing. Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter and are shared via ParentSquare. Families can also view current grades, assignments, and attendance at any time through the SchoolTool Parent Portal.

To stay connected with instruction and classroom expectations, families are encouraged to regularly check Schoology, where teachers post assignments, assessments, due dates and other instructional updates.

While formal parent/guardian-teacher conferences are not scheduled schoolwide, families are welcome to request a conference with individual teachers at any time to discuss academic progress, concerns or ways to support student success.