GATES students support Ronald McDonald

Despite having its fundraising Childcare Night canceled due to weather, New Richmond’s G.A.T.E.S (Guiding Academically Talented and Exceptional Students) program was able to deliver 107 Grab 'n Go Snack Bags to the Ronald McDonald House.

NREVSD teachers Rachel Reynolds (standing left) and and Karen Burke (standing right) with their G.A.T.E.S. students who delivered 107 snack bags for guests at the Ronald McDonald House.

"We took our field trip to the Ronald McDonald House on Dec. 18, and due to the generosity of our GATES' families we were able to deliver the Snack Bags so guests at the Ronald McDonald House can stop in the kitchen to grab a snack bag before leaving to spend times at Children's Hospital for the day," said Rachel Reynolds, gifted coordinator and G.A.T.E.S. teacher for the New Richmond Exempted Village School District.

Each gallon-sized, zip lock bag had a juice or bottled water and 3-4 nutritional snacks. In addition, the Gates students  delivered over 17 lbs. of pop tabs from New Richmond Elementary, extra snack donations from Monroe Elementary, and two boxes of food and household items from Erin Parker's homeroom at Locust Corner Elementary.

NREVSD G.A.T.E.S. students were rewarded with ice skating on Fountain Square after delivering their donations to the Ronald McDonald House.

"It truly was a united effort," said Mrs. Reynolds. "We were able to have a small part in offering encouragement and strength for what these families are facing during the holidays."

The G.A.T.E.S. students were rewarded with a lunch downtown and ice skating at Fountain Square.

"Next quarter, our students are studying the Underground Railroad," said Mrs. Reynolds.  "We will be visiting the Freedom Center on January 23rd and also hosting a Performance Night at NRE at 7 p.m. on March 4.  Students will be presenting speeches, songs, instrumentals, and Reader Theater scripts all having to do with the Underground Railroad."