Good evening, Gulf Gate Families.  It’s Mrs. Miller and let me start by saying how great it was to welcome back our students and staff today.  I hope you all had a memorable holiday with loved ones.   Now on to some reminders:

• This Thursday will be our first ever Gingerbread Family Event for any family who previously signed up and paid the cost for a family Gingerbread house. The event begins at 6:00 and we can’t wait to see you there.
• Friday night is Family Movie Night, sponsored by the PTO. We will be doing an outdoor theatre showing the movie “The Grinch “.  Don’t forget, admission is free but there are concessions available for purchase if you did not pre-order a family pizza package or chick-fil-a sandwiches (you can pre-order until Wednesday).  The event opens at 6:00pm and the movie will begin at dark.  Be sure to bring blankets and chairs and we look forward to a fun event!
• AP 2 FAST testing window open on Monday 12/4/23. Please remember to have your child to school on time for the dates their grade level will test (and every day). The follow are the specific dates for your child’s grade level:
• Tuesday 12/5 5^th grade ELA and Tuesday 12/6 5^th grade math
• Thursday 12/8 3^rd grade ELA and Monday 12/11 3d grade math
• Tuesday 12/12 4^th grade ELA and Wednesday 12/13 4^th grade math
• Make-up testing for grades 3-5 will begin on Friday 12/15 and continue until Thursday 12/21 (as needed)
• Grades K-2 will begin testing when we return from winter break. More info to follow.
• We are very lucky to have a strong network of agencies working with our schools in Sarasota County.  The week of December 4^th the Child Protection Center will be providing personal safety lessons for grades K-5.  Kindergarten and First grade will learn about personal space and how to respect and protect it. Our 2^nd grade will learn how to report and respond to a bully. Our 3^rd grade students will learn about how all of our choices have an impact. The 4^th grade will learn communication and team building and 5^th grade will learn about internet safety.  We want all of our students at Gulf Gate to be well educated and safe.  If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Morey our school counselor. 
• Save the Date info: Our Kindergarten Musical Concert is scheduled for the night of Thursday, December 7^th  and Grade 5 on Thursday, December 14^th.  Also, Winter Break will begin on Friday, December 22 (this is a staff only work day) and students return on Monday, January 8^th.  Mark your calendars now.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Miller’s Minute.  Have a GREAT night!

Principal Miller  ❤

Proud Principal of Gulf Gate Elementary