Gates Chili high school reports awards, new programs and ‘tremendous’ cell‑phone policy results

The Gates Chili Central School District board heard a high school update that highlighted student recognitions, new instructional supports and extracurricular initiatives.

Tom Hamill, Gates Chili High School principal, opened the presentation and introduced his administrative team. He recognized Spartan Pride and GC Pride award recipients, citing Sarah Robinson, Eleni Hartman, Kirsty Knight and Andrew McManus for leadership, instructional support and community service. "Good evening, Superintendent Daley, President Coffey," Hamill said before introducing the recipients and the materials the board received for the presentation.

Hamill described efforts tied to district Goal No. 1 — restorative practices and social‑emotional learning — including monthly SEL lessons delivered through Schoology and reviewed by counselors for concerning trends. On the district cell‑phone/Internet‑use policy, Hamill told the board the change has been "a tremendous success," noting tiers of infractions and restorative conversations with administrators. "1,140 students in the high school and we didn't even reach double digits of students that needed to be on a device check‑in plan," he said, linking the change to improved student engagement in common areas and classrooms.

Administrators outlined a proposed peer‑mentor program to help new students transition to Gates Chili by pairing them with trained upperclassmen who would track monthly meetings and may receive volunteer hours for participation. Assistant principals also reported a recent data day that included SEL screeners and a student presentation titled "Drugs Unfiltered" by law enforcement, plus a rollout of School Links, the district's new career and college planning tool.

Special education expansions were described, including a new 6:1:1 classroom, a life‑skills learning space with kitchen and laundry for authentic skill development, and a sensory room in progress. Presenters said students in art programs are partnering with food service and maintenance for work‑based opportunities.

The board also heard about growing CTE and makerspace offerings — new sewing and culinary labs (classes capped at 24), technology and CAD projects, and Makerspace Friday activities featuring 3D printing, robotics and coding. Hamill said a proposed half‑year social studies elective, "History of Sports in America," is slated for 2026–27 with multiple sections planned.

The presentation included several student remarks via the school improvement team and senior town‑hall summaries. The update closed with a preview of upcoming events including the Harlem Wizards fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 16.

The high school presentation was informational; no board action was required.