Gatewood Guidelines

  With myself and others:
            I am kind.
            I am safe.
            I am a learner.

Gatewood’s Philosophy and Organization

Gatewood Elementary prides itself on building a community of independent learners.  We try to instill in our students that they can learn any thing, at any time, at any place.

Based on much research we have prioritized our resources to keep class size significantly smaller than state averages.  Our school is multi-age, so we have three grade bands – K/1, 2/3 and 4/5.  Some content is delivered in a milti-age setting and some is delivered in a single-grade band configuration.  Students also stay with the same team of 2 or 3 teachers for two years.  Gatewood is also a full-inclusion school. 

In order to help our students thrive in the ever changing world in which we live, we teach not just the basics of reading, writing, math and science, but we also teach THE BIG 4:  Cooperative learning, Technology, Critical Thinking and Multiple Intelligences.

Critical Thinking

The single most important skill we teach children is critical thinking – the ability to know, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information.

Cooperative Learning

Students work individually and in teams with others of different gender, race, culture and ability, focusing on interaction and communication.

Technology

Our students need the ability to access technology that is ever changing and increasingly complex to build relationships and process information.

Multiple Intelligences

Based on Howard Gardener’s work,  we now know that intelligence is not a single entity fixed at birth, but that individuals use at least nine intelligences.  We allow students to learn in and access multiple intelligences.  They are:  Logical-Mathematical, Verbal-linguistic, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Musical, Visual-Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Environmental and Philosophical.

Our Gatewood model is only possible because of the support we receive from many parents, volunteers, team parents, an active PTA and local businesses.

Please take an active part in helping your student become an independent learner. 

·        Volunteer to help in the classroom

·        Send in materials when asked for by the teachers

·        Chaperone a field trip

·        Help teachers prepare materials from home

Additionally, we are requesting that all parents set a goal of volunteering for Gatewood at least 10 hours throughout the school year.  We know that it would help our learning community tremendously and we think you might enjoy it too!