A Word from the Present and Former Principals…

“I am filled with pride and joy to be a part of Gateway Science Academy and such a wonderful neighborhood. I am continually awed by this close-knit community who care for the well being of all of its members and beyond. At GSA, we are committed to present the high values and expectations that the community holds for its new

school. We are ready to offer the quality education this community expects!” -Cengiz Karatas "We're very happy to have a community school to serve our neighborhoods and provide an additional education option for our students. Welcome GSA, we wish you luck!" -Sharon Morgenthaler

July 2010 Issue

EXPLORE THIS ISSUE: -Team Introduction -FAQs -Application Information -Enrollment Information

Gateway Science Academy

NEWSLETTER

6576 Smiley Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 • 314-498-7454

www.gsastl.org

Instructional Staff

OFFICE STAFF

Mr. Conner Mr. Memic Ms. Kelly

ABOVE: Cengiz Karatas, Principal of Gateway Science Academy, receiving the keys to the school from Sharon Morgenthaler, former Principal of Epiphany of Our Lord School.

Meet Our Team!

Leading GSA to Greatness!

Job openings at GSA were posted in early May and we received nearly 900 applicants. Each candidate was reviewed with ded-ication and precision and the pool narrowed. Those who made the initial cut were interviewed, ob-served, and interviewed again. Scouring the remaining candidates for enthusiasm, dedication and expertise, we began offering contracts. Countless hours of preparation and two full days of staff development on July 7th and 8th, we have assembled a cream of the crop staff we are proud to offer to the community.

All St. Louis City families interested in applying to Gateway Science Academy are encouraged to fill out the electronic application on our website: www.gsastl.org . If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer to fill out a paper copy of the application, please come by the school office at 6576 Smiley Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 be-tween 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday through Friday. You may contact our offices at 314-498-7454 to set up a time to visit us outside of nor-mal summer office hours. We look forward to meeting you! Cengiz Karatas, Principal

Mrs. Biggs, Mr. Karatas,

Ms. Linde, Mrs. Ludwig,

Mrs. Savens, Mr. Klousia,

Ms. Giordano, Mrs. Sparks,

Mrs. Savo, Ms. McCann,

Mrs. Zellerman, Ms. Morris

Meeting Neighborhood Families Southwest Baptist Church graciously served as the meeting space for GSA’s first Town Hall meeting, July 8th, 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the community about what GSA has to offer neighbor-hood families. We presented our staff and programs to a very receptive and patient audience. Participants

asked important questions and we received a consider-able amount of feed-back. We truly val-ued the opportunity to meet more mem-bers of the commu-nity and hear what members had to

say. If you missed this Town Hall meeting, or have more questions for us, we will be scheduling more fol-low up Town Hall meetings and Open Houses. Please

look for our announcements soon!

We’re accepted, what’s next?

Read about “enrollment”

Check your availability for a home visit

Note the first day of school is

August 25th, 2010!

Save the Date August 23rd for a

Back to School Open House

Review the Club Guide

Spread the word about GSA

Stop by for a yard sign!

Quick FAQs 1. Does Gateway Science Academy (GSA) provide transportation for my child?

No, GSA requires parents to organize rides to and from school for their children. 1. You have “Science” in the name of your school, does this mean that you focus

mostly on science and not other subjects? GSA provides an inquiry based approach to

science and effectively integrates technology into each classroom. We focus on all core areas of ac-ademics, not just science, but our environment will foster a technology, math and science in-tensive learning experience.

2. What areas does GSA serve? We intend to be a neighborhood school, serving a majority

student population directly from the surrounding areas and neighborhoods.

3. Will there be uniforms or a dress code? GSA will require students to wear uniforms.

Uniforms will be purchased through the school. Shoes will be the only item purchased outside of school. Requirements and order forms will be mailed after the student has been accepted and the enrollment process starts.

4. What sort of curriculum will be offered at GSA? GSA does not adhere to any one

philosophy or methodology, but rather believes in choosing the best instructional practices, including constructivism, Reggio Emila and multiple intelligences. Our language arts program will center around balanced literacy, during which each child will be challenged on his individual level no matter what grade. Inquiry methods allowing children to be true scientists will be used for science. Math students will make sense of core concepts while focusing energy on internalizing the basic skills necessary to succeed. GSA believes in research based, proven curriculum and will use qualitative and quantitative methods to maintain top of the line instruction for all students.

5. What are clubs and what does that mean for my child after school? GSA offers interest clubs (cooking, dancing, guitar, yearbook, etc) after school Monday through Thursday. Clubs vary in ending times to accommodate different age groups and activities. No club will run after 5:00pm. See the “Clubs Guide” for club examples.

6576 Smiley Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 • 314-498-7454

www.gsastl.org

GATEWAY SCIENCE ACADEMY OF ST. LOUIS NEWSLETTER

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Gateway Science Academy will be mailing official acceptance letters to families who have applied for their K-7 children to attend GSA. We are very excited to see our grade levels filling up and hope to see even more appli-cants. In the official acceptance letter you will find further information con-cerning the time and place to turn in supporting documentation to complete your child’s enrollment. These documents will include: -three forms of proof of residency, -a copy of your child’s birth certificate, -an up to date copy of your child’s immunization record, -a completed free or reduced lunch application, -a notarized Missouri Safe Schools Act completed form (grades 1-7) and any additional documentation that might be necessary on a case by case basis and will be expressed in your personal acceptance letter. All supporting documentation will be due by August 6th, 2010. Please sched-ule any special trips to retrieve these documents or any doctor appoint-ments accordingly. Questions? Email Sarah Kelly at skelly@gsastl.org. Thank you for your cooperation in starting the school year!