Gates Elementary School

Gators

2700 W. Louise
Grand Island, NE 68803

Friday
May 16, 2008

Julie Martin, Principal

	Phone:	308 385-5892
	Fax:	308 385-5729

The school was named for Dr. C. Ray Gates, Superintendent of Schools from 1922 until his death in September 1944.

Dr. C. Ray Gates

1955
The building included only Grades K-4. It consisted of five classrooms, an office suite, and a multi-purpose room. The school was officially dedicated on November 8, 1955.

1957-1958
A two room addition was approved in April 1957. This addition was occupied in January 1958.

1961-1964
More land was purchased and three more classrooms were built.

school1964:

Gates Elementary in 1964

1965-1966
Four more rooms were added, bringing the total number of classrooms to fourteen, from the original five in 1955.

1979-1982
Gates School was selected as the site for special education services. A gymnasium, office, media center, music room, standard classrooms, and special education classrooms were added and occupied in 1982. The school now had twenty classrooms and space for special services.

1983-1985
The PTA raised approximately $20,000 to develop a creative playground, including a barrier free swing. The library materials were bar-coded and the card catalog computerized. A computer lab was established.

woodenplayground:

New playground equipment

1997-1998
When the Grand Island School District converted to a middle school system, Gates Elementary became a preschool through grade five facility.

2001-2002
The PTA raised money, erected and installed additional playground equipment. The Early Childhood classroom wing was remodeled. A preschool class for English Language Learners was established.