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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

Home of the Spartans

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  1. School
  2. Arrival, dismissal and attendance

Arrival, dismissal and attendance

Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival procedures

  • Students must be in their first-period class by 7:58 a.m.
  • Morning drop-off begins at 7:40 a.m. in the HS bus loop (lot F), and students enter GCMS at Door 3, located in the on the north corner of the building.
  • Students must stay in their vehicles until at least 7:35 a.m.
  • Staff will be outside to assist with safe and efficient drop-off.
  • The bus loop is closed from 7:30 to 8 a.m. for safety reasons.
  • No other drop-off locations are permitted.

Dismissal procedures

  • Afternoon pick-up takes place at 2:57 p.m. at Door 19.
  • If your student is not riding the bus, please arrive on time.
  • The bus loop is closed from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
  • No other pick-up locations are permitted.
  • Staff will be present to supervise and ensure student safety.

Late buses are available for our students four days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Students not taking a late bus, must be picked up at 3:30 p.m. in the south parking lot near Door 19. 

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential to student success. A record of attendance is maintained for every student in the district. Parents and guardians are expected to ensure consistent attendance and report absences when necessary.

If your student must miss school due to illness or another reason, please report the absence as soon as possible—either by calling the school or by submitting it through ParentSquare.

Types of Absences

Absences, tardy arrivals, and early departures are recorded as either:

  • Excused – includes personal illness, family illness or death, religious observances, quarantine, inclement weather, required court appearances, medical appointments, approved college visits, military obligations, or other board-approved reasons
  • Unexcused – includes reasons such as family vacation, oversleeping, missing the bus, personal errands, road tests, haircuts, or babysitting

To ensure an absence is marked as excused, students must submit a written note or email from a parent or guardian—or report it via ParentSquare—within five school days of returning. The excuse should include the date(s) and reason for the absence. If no documentation is received, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Students who are absent due to illness may not participate in school-related activities on the same day.

Making Up Missed Work

Students are responsible for connecting with their teacher(s) after an excused absence to arrange for make-up work, tests, or assignments. Teachers will provide a reasonable timeline for completion.

Truancy Policy

A student is considered truant if they are absent from school or class without parent or guardian permission. Truancy is a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action.