Dear Gates parents and students,

I hope that you are all enjoying your summers thus far, relaxing and staying cool. I cannot remember a summer that was this hot this early in the season. While the students are busy recharging their batteries for September and hanging out with their friends, I am learning all I can about the Scituate Public Schools and Gates Intermediate School. I have long adored the Scituate community and am proud and humbled to now be a part of such a wonderful school district. As I have spent time in Scituate over the past few years, I have seen what amazing young adults the Gates students are and am looking forward to spending time getting to know them and their families.

When it was announced that I would be the new principal at Gates, people started to ask me what my priorities are as I begin my new role. One of my first priorities is to hire an assistant principal and to continue the hiring process for staff so that the students at Gates have the best teachers ready to greet them in September. My second priority is to get to know the students of Gates, their parents, the teachers, and the community. In an effort to begin this process I would appreciate it if each student who attends Gates and his/her parent(s) would take a few minutes to complete a short, online survey, which can be found at:

Link for Parent Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZT2B6GK

Link for Student Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQHH2D7

or accessed via the Gates Intermediate School Website ( http://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/schools-gates-intermediate.htm ). I would also invite you to stop by Gates over the summer to introduce yourself to me. It is my hope that the data gathered from these surveys and your visits will help me get to know who the students and families of Gates are and what your needs might be. Students, if your parents need help doing the survey online, sit next to them and show them how to do it! Parents, if you still need assistance, please call the Gates office and we can assist you.

Throughout July, I will be transitioning between Duxbury and Scituate, spending some time in each district. However, no matter where I am, I can always be reached at: sshannon@scit.org. Students and parents of Gates Intermediate School, I am excited to be joining you as you navigate the middle school years and look forward to hearing from you over the summer! Don’t forget to do your summer reading and math, to be safe, and to have fun! I am looking forward to a great 2010-2011 school year!

Regards,

Sarah Shannon