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Our School
Our School
Welcome
Gates Elementary now thrives in our state-of-the-art Boardwalk Campus—a beautifully designed, net-zero-ready facility that brings together Gates, Douglas, and the district’s early childhood program under one roof. With spacious STEAM labs, shared learning commons, a full gymnasium, school-wide cafetorium, and supportive breakout spaces between classrooms, students experience flexible, modern learning environments built for collaboration and well-being. The campus was thoughtfully designed to celebrate its setting with boardwalks that meander through protected wetlands. Daylight floods every core classroom and educational signage throughout highlights green features like geothermal heating, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy efficiency. Gates continues to champion academic excellence, compassionate community, and vibrant diversity which is all amplified by this innovative and sustainable home.
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- Mathematics: We use the Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum, which provides students with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies.
- Language Arts: Our language arts instruction is guided by the Expeditionary Learning (EL) curriculum, focusing on building literacy through engaging, high-quality texts. Phonics and the science of reading are emphasized through the Heggerty and Fundations curricula.
- Science and Social Studies: These subjects are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks, ensuring our students meet or exceed state standards in all key content areas.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): We implement the Second Step SEL curriculum to help students develop essential social and emotional skills. Our school also follows the Responsive Classroom approach, which promotes a positive school culture through respectful, inclusive practices.
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In addition to the academic curriculum, Gates Elementary offers a range of enrichment programs such as chorus, band, and strings. Our Community Education program provides extended day care for both before and after school.
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In the 2022-2023 school year, Gates Elementary moved into a new building that houses two elementary schools as well as the district’s preschool. The new campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, gymnasium, Steam Classrooms, and multipurpose cafetorium. Our school is a designated green school, having met high environmental standards.
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The Gates Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) plays an active role in supporting our school through cultural enrichment programs, volunteer efforts, and social events.
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At Gates Elementary, we pride ourselves on being a community of learners that values high expectations, respects individual differences, and celebrates the diversity of our school population. Each student brings unique strengths to our school, and we are committed to fostering a learning environment where all students can thrive.
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- Monthly All School Community Meetings
- Spirit Days
- Book Buddies
- Ice Cream Social
- Singalong
- Activity Day
- Visiting Authors
- Sixth Grade Send Off
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Every fall, Gates elects student council representatives from Grades 4-6. Meetings are held before school.
Accomplishments in the past have included:
- Acton Clothing Drive
- Food Drive
- Two Buddy Benches for the Playground
- Spirit Days - Sports Day; Characters Day