McGehee is dedicated to nurturing a culture of active participation in every facet of our students' lives. Whether it's in the classroom, on the sports fields, at mock trial, or on stage, our girls are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in their learning and to uplift one another. Through collaborative efforts, we witness the transformative power of participation and the remarkable outcomes when every piece falls into place in the act of creation.
Your generous contribution on GiveNOLA Day empowers our students to persist in their journey of participation, sparking a ripple effect that extends far beyond our school's walls.
Make a gift online now through 11:59 p.m. at givenola.org/mcgehee ❤️
#mcgeheeschool #mcglittlegate #leadingwomen #givenoladay #givenoladay2024
At midnight tonight, scheduled donations end and GiveNOLA Day begins! 🤩 Your support to McGehee in any amount will count towards Class of '73 alumnae Miggy Monroe and Alix St. Paul's $80,000 Participation Challenge. You do not have to be a McGehee alumna to participate in the challenge.
Your support will make a difference because, at McGehee and Little Gate, when all participate every student wins. ❤️
Make a gift online at givenola.org/mcgehee or at the link in bio.
#mcgeheeschool #mcglittlegate #leadingwomen #givenoladay #givenoladay2024
It’s springtime in the Butterfly Garden at Little Gate. 🌷🦋 The children are excited to discover all the new residents that are making their happy homes in our beautiful garden!
#mcglittlegate #butterflygarden #springtime #earlychildhooddevelopment
The Red Gators have been exploring house building. 🏠 Each child sent in exterior and interior home pictures, which are shown daily. They now recognize each other’s homes and enjoy building a neighborhood with wooden blocks and a dollhouse from classroom shelves. They might soon greet neighbors, saying, “Hey, I know that house!”
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #housebuilding #learningthroughplay
The Jade Pelicans began their alligator and swamp exploration by reading “Babies in the Bayou” by Jim Arnosky. 🐊 Intrigued by the illustrations, they embarked on a mixed media art project inspired by the book, creating their own swamp scenes with watercolored alligators using various materials like chalk, paint pens, crayons, and more. Each student’s creation showcased a unique 3D gator in its habitat.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #babeisinthebayou #playbasedlearning #reggioemilia
An interest in creating elaborate buildings and animal hotels led the Aqua Elephants in the direction of a House Study! The girls were able to examine real large scale blue prints, incorporate sample tile pieces into their play, and inspect other materials used in the process of building homes, all courtesy of a Mom in the classroom. Wanting to create their own Dream House, they took various pieces of cardboard to assemble their home and painted it to their liking. Next they poured through home magazines, selecting items they would want inside of their houses. Each and every one of them were so proud of what they created, they insisted on presenting what they liked most to their friends. Their individual styles really came through during this study!
#interiordesign #mcglittlegate #blueprints #earlychildhoodeducation
The Ruby Elephants are loving their woodworking sessions, starting with safety rules and tool introductions. 🛠️ They’re now mastering tools like a level, hammer, saw, pliers, screwdriver, and carpenter’s square. Their goal? Crafting individual airplanes by May’s end. Woodworking fosters crucial skills: creativity, math (numbers, measuring), science, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, language, and problem-solving.
#earlychildhoodeducation #playbasedlearning #mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #woodworking
Join us on Wednesday, April 10th from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. for this informative Date at the Gate session with occupational therapist, Kim Bradly, owner of Kim4Kids. She will present on Sensory Motor Development in Young Children and understanding Occupational Therapy and the role of OT in the classroom. Occupational therpay in the pediatric population focuses on function of daily activities such as dressing and bathing however, it also focuses on a child's number one occupation, play.
RSVP online at bit.ly/dateatthegate410 or at the link in bio
Little Gate had a vibrant celebration this week, combining Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, with Easter. Friends joyfully threw colored powder, including the little Butterflies, while parent volunteers helped create an Easter mural from donated egg cartons. Children hunted for eggs filled with decorations for the mural and enjoyed egg races and shaving cream-filled eggs. It was a beautiful start to spring!
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #holi #festivalofcolors #easter #easteregghunt
For six weeks, the Yellow Gators fully immersed themselves in baseball, from hitting off tees to running bases. ⚾️ With surprise coaches from McGehee’s softball team joining in, the excitement soared as they practiced alongside the older girls, potentially igniting lifelong passion for the sport. The mornings were filled with the sound of laughter and cheers as they honed their skills, donning their uniforms with pride. This collaborative project not only brought joy and camaraderie but also opened doors to new experiences and aspirations for the young players. Who knows where this journey might lead them in the future?
The Emerald Elephants had a visitor come to their classroom to share a special family tradition - Pysanky Easter egg painting! Pysanky (Ukranian) or Pisanki (Polish) Easter Eggs have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The practice of decorating Easter eggs predates Christianity, with ancient pagan rituals and customs celebrating the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. As Christianity spread, pagan traditions merged with Christian practices and beliefs, and a new symbol for hope and renewal emerged - the resurrection of Christ. Long ago, pysanky was only made by adult women. The intricate patterns have been faithfully passed down from mother to daughter since at least the 15th century. Today, the art of pysanky remains a special tradition, celebrated for its craftsmanship, beauty, and cultural significance. We are so grateful to our families that take the time to share their knowledge and heritage with our little friends. If you have a special family tradition you’d like to share with our community, please reach out to your child’s teachers!
#mcglittlegate #pysankyeasteregg #pisankieasteregg #earlychildhooddevelopment
We’re dedicated to igniting creativity, curiosity, and endless smiles in our youngest learners! At last week’s faculty meeting, Little Gate teachers delved into a fun “Make & Take” activity, where they discovered a variety of sensory play recipes to enrich their classrooms.
#ReggioInspired #SensoryPlay #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyChildhoodTeachers
The Little Gate Emerald Elephants recently finished their third round of self-portraits. Using a mirror, they observed their facial features, starting with the basics like mouths, eyes, and noses. With each session, they delved deeper, noticing details like eyebrows, eyelashes, and freckles, even extending to their bodies. These portraits not only display their improving fine motor skills and keen observation but also reveal their evolving self-awareness and artistic expression.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #selfportrait #playbasedlearning
Aqua Elephants are making MAGIC! One of the many magical things about Little Gate are the gems scattered around various play spaces. The Aqua Elephants are natural treasure finders and have always enjoyed collecting these gems. That's when their teachers decided to have a dedicated gem jar in our classroom and use them to create something special. Since the beginning of the year our collection has grown. Now it was time for magic wands! The Aqua Elephants each selected a star to paint, glue their gems, and search for the perfect stick to complete the wand. And abracadabra the magic wands were created!
#childlead #magic
Spring is just around the corner and the Green Butterflies are absolutely blooming. 🌸💐🌷
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation
The Pink Gators had a very special guest this week! 🚂 Claire Watson, mother of Ruby Claire, visited the classroom and read the book Freight Train by Donald Crews in celebration of Black History Month. She read “Freight Train” by Donald Crews and brought gifts like conductor hats and train whistles. Each friend received a book and a biography of Mr. Crews. Ruby Claire wrote a letter explaining why the book is meaningful to her family. It was a fun visit for the Pink Gators!
#mcglittlegate #blackhistorymonth #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation
Rainy days are behind us, and Little Gaters are thrilled to enjoy the sunshine outdoors once more! 😄☀️
#mcglittlegate #sunnydays #reggioapproach #earlychildhooddevelopment #playbasedlearning #earlychildhoodteachers
Ashley Scott, owner of Chatter Nola, will be discussing milestones and development as well as early warning signs of when to seek additional services to support your child's development.
RSVP online at bit.ly/dateatthegate324
The Coral Pelican classroom is bustling with zoo excitement! 🦁🐯🐻 Students have immersed themselves in learning about animals’ appearances, sounds, and diets. They’ve incorporated animal themes into activities like matching boards and wearing animal hats and tails. Their creativity shines through jungle collages, painting animal tracks, and exploring textures with playdough and shaving cream. It’s been a wild adventure of learning and fun!
#McGLittleGate #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ZooExcitement #LearningIsFun #CreativityAtWork
The Tangerine Elephants are actively exploring tubes in the block center, using them as telescopes, castle components, and containers for loose parts. Teachers are encouraging further investigation into the many possibilities offered by these tubes, fostering the children's creativity and curiosity.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay
Little Gate students love hearing all about everyone’s customs and celebrations and our Black History Month banner display is amazing! Our young ones are learning about the incredible contributions of Black artists, athletes, leaders and more!
#BlackHistoryMonth #LearningTogether
Plum Pelicans take a deep dive into the song “Baby Beluga” by drawing things that represent unfamiliar words (like “above”).
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay
New Orleans' very own princess, inspired by the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, made a surprise visit to Little Gate! She took some time to read a story then posed for pictures and mingled with all of our Little Gate friends.
#mcglittlegate #princesstiana #leahchase #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation
Little Gate, Summer at McGehee registration is now open! 🤩 Register online at https://mcgehee.campbrainregistration.com/
Join us at Little Gate Camp for an amazing summer! With new Camp Directors and a fun-filled program, we're here to ensure your little ones have a blast. From water play to art projects, we offer a summer full of excitement, friendship, and growth. Don't miss out on the perfect summer experience!
***Our Little Gate Summer Camp is only open to current Little Gate students who have completed one full year at Little Gate.***
To continue the Lunar New Year celebrations, Little Gaters got to observe and then taste Chinese Candy Art, an ancient art form in which children can watch beautiful creations spring to life from hot sugar paintings drawn with a ladle and spoon. They enjoyed fun shapes such as rabbits, swords, and even Olaf made from hot colored sugar! 🍭🎨
#YearOfTheDragon #LunarNewYear #CelebrateTraditions #mcglittlegate #CommunityJoy
Since returning from winter break, the Red Gators have shown a huge interest in building, so the teachers started to put different types of blocks out each morning for the children to use. As the weeks went on, the teachers have been adding more and more materials for the children to build with. The children have learned how to balance, connect, and create all different types of structures while working together. They even started to use a projector to project images of different cityscapes for the children to draw inspiration from! The Red Gators are definitely transforming into little architects with every passing day!
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay #buildingblocks
The Green Butterflies, spanning from our youngest to oldest members, have been thoroughly enjoying the outdoors. From porch relaxation for the older babies, watching streetcars on St. Charles Avenue, to the youngest ones joining strolls around campus, they relish the tranquility of nature. If you see us, feel free to say hello—our little ones eagerly await with sweet smiles! 💚
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay #mardigras
Little Gate parents enjoyed an evening out courtesy of the Parents’ League at our Little Gate Soiree! All gathered in the Main Building for conversation, some food and fun. Thanks to our chairs: Liz Horton, Valerie Lamb ‘09, Kathleen Monteleone and Margaret Tuskey! Everyone had a great evening despite the weather.
The Little Gate Gold Pelican class has been excited about all things Mardi Gras! 💜💚💛 Recently, they have been practicing cutting up Mardi Gras beads and then using them to create a variety of artwork. Their favorite activity was painting with the beads using the signature purple, green, and gold of the carnival season! Love these little artists in the making.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay #mardigras
Join the Blue Gators on an exciting journey exploring all things Mardi Gras! From reading Mardi Gras books to embracing vibrant costumes, these students immerse themselves in the festive spirit, unleashing creativity and joy. Let the festivities begin!
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay #mardigras
The Jade Pelicans took a field trip to the lower school library, where they explored and expanded their knowledge of books! 📚
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #handsonlearning #learningthroughplay
The Yellow Gators enjoyed a great break and are now kicking off the Mardi Gras season with special projects. They’re unknowingly honing fine motor skills by mastering dropper use, creating vibrant watercolor paintings and developing finger strength and coordination for future writing. Now walking, the gators proudly parade from the alumnae house to the toddler yard, delighting teachers and students. 🤩🎨
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #LearningThroughPlay #ChildDevelopment #PlayfulLearning #MotorSkills
The Plum Pelicans came back from break ready to learn a new skill: drinking out of an open cup. Their teachers gave them a few tips such as, use both hands, when finished drinking put the cup behind your plate, take small sips and if it spills, don’t worry we can just clean it up! After some curious questions, the students enjoyed their milk without spills, making everyone proud. 👏👍
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay
Weather Update & Early Closure: After closely monitoring the weather and consulting with other ISAS schools, we have made the decision to close campus early today with no after care or afterschool activities for both McGehee and Little Gate.
Dismissal and carpool will take place as follows in the usual places.
12 p.m. Little Gate-(Philip Street)
12:15 p.m. Pre-K and K (Philip Street)
12:30 p.m. 1st-12th grade (in their usual carpool locations)
Lunch will be provided for Little Gate and Lower School prior to departure.
Stay safe!
Little Gate Winter Camp was pure magic! We're convinced every Princess Elsa brought the snow with them! ❤️❄️
REMINDER: Tomorrow is a Kwanzaa Duds Day for Little Gate! Wear your red, green and black colors in celebration of the rich traditions of African American culture.
Our hallways have been ringing with joy and excitement as our students both at Little Gate and McGehee learn about various customs and celebrations celebrated throughout their community. Pre-K girls loved hearing from Lower School Librarian Emily Bucher about the gingerbread man as well as sampling her homemade gingerbread. Pre-K Yellow Ladybugs learned about Kwanzaa from Nuri Langham’s grandmother, Lucinda Gaddis. First Graders gathered with McGehee alumnae, Ann Ecuyer ‘87 and Harriet Nelson ‘56 to hear a Christmas story on The Nutcracker, and 4th Graders enjoyed book time and special treats with Ms. Buchtel to learn all about Hanukkah.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #customsandcelebrations #happyholidays
A fairly new but very well-loved tradition at Little Gate is the re-enactment of the Hanukkah Bear performed by our parent volunteers. The Hanukkah Bear was written by Eric Kimmel and narrated for Little Gate by our very own Ms. Sarah. The audience was filled with curious eyes as they waited to find out if Bubba Brayna would feed her latkes to the bear that visits her house. Also, we love seeing everyone’s holiday wear and appreciate the festive spirit of our families. 💙
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioinspiredteachers #hannukahbear #storytime #earlytheaterfans
Little Gate Camp is approaching, and we're thrilled about our new Camp Directors and tailored summer programs for our youngest campers. Our focus is on ensuring your little one has a summer filled with activities that nurture growth in mind and body, foster relationships with fellow campers, and promote independence and self-confidence. ☀️
Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for more details in January, where we'll shine the spotlight on our incredible Camp Directors and share more details on a summer of fun for your little one(s).
Please Note: �Little Gate's Summer Camp is open to current Little Gate students who have completed one year at Little Gate.
A 10+ year winter tradition at Little Gate, parent volunteers performed The Mitten by children’s author, Jan Brett, narrated by story time teacher, Ms. Vaughn. 📚🐻🦉🦊🐭
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #themitten #janbrett #storytime #storytimeteacher
Reminder: Christmas Duds Day on Thursday! Pull out your Santa, reindeer and Christmas tree shirts or your favorite red and green play clothes to wear while we have stories with Ms. Claus, community caroling and cookies and hot chocolate.
#mcglittlegate #customsandcelebrations #Christmas #earlychildhoodeducation
Reminder: Hanukkah Duds Day is Wednesday. Pull out your dreidel shirts and menorah leggings or your blue, grey and silver play clothes to celebrate Hanukkah as we enjoy our dramatic retelling of The Hanukkah Bear with latkes and applesauce.
#customsandcelebrations #mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation #Hanukkah
Little Gate families enjoyed a delightful morning at Garden District Books during our annual Book Fest. Parents and their little ones enjoyed exploring books, ate a light breakfast, and had a blast listening to Ms. Sarah as she brought stories to life. With books, children discover a universe of possibilities. From fostering creativity and empathy to building language skills and expanding horizons, books are the gateway to a lifetime of learning and joy. Thank you to all the parents, teachers, and little book enthusiasts who made this morning a celebration of the magic that unfolds when we open a book. Here’s to many more years of storytelling, laughter, and the endless adventures that books bring into our lives! Remember that McGehee’s Book Fest with the Garden District Bookshop continues through December 31st. Be sure and mention McGehee and Little Gate when you do your shopping as a portion of the proceeds benefit the school.
#mcglittlegate #reading #books #earlychildhoodeducation #TheGardenDistrictBookshop
Teaching infants to use utensils fosters independence, fine motor skills, and confidence. The Purple Butterflies in our older infant class are making remarkable progress, showcasing their pride in successfully using utensils. This is part of our commitment to supporting their overall development and promoting happy, healthy eating! 🍽️😋
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #reggioemiliainspired #reggioinspiredteachers #childledlearning #finemotorskills
Little Gate Indigo Pelicans have LOVED playing with old cell phones and landlines to practice their back and forth conversation! What great phone skills these little ones will have. 📞📱☎️
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #reggioemiliainspired #reggioinspiredteachers #childledlearning
Our Little Gate Emerald Elephants had a blast getting dressed up for Book Character Day! 🤩
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #bookcharacterday #bookfest #earlychildhoodeducation #favoritebookcharacter
The Orange Gators have been having a great time with pumpkins in recent weeks, rolling, counting, and painting them in classrooms. It turns out, cutting them open was just as exciting when the children couldn't guess what was inside. The Orange Gators had a blast filling their ziploc bags with seeds and learning that seeds are the origins of pumpkins. 🎃
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioemiliainspired #reggioinspiredteachers #childledlearning
The Ruby Elephants adore small world play! In this imaginative activity, kids act out real-life, story, or imaginative scenes using miniature figures and objects. It's a fantastic way for them to explore emotions, practice social skills, and build language while creating magical stories with small items. The Rubies love being able to play with all these small items to recreate many magical stories!
#mcglittlegate #smallworldplay #reggioemiliainspired #earlychildhoodteachers #teachersfollowteachers #iteachpreschool #childledlearning #reggioinspiredteachers
Each year in November the Little Gate community gathers to celebrate another year of growth and life of our favorite cypress tree named "Windy." Students and faculty assemble under her branches and are reminded of her importance and her beauty. We reflect as a group on why we love her so much and why she is so important to us. Little Gaters sing songs to Windy and end our celebration with "Windy Birthday treats" and dancing under her branches. Celebrating Windy's birthday is a Little Gate tradition and one of our favorite days of the year!
Happy 28th Birthday, Windy! 🎂🎉
The Gold Pelicans celebrated Diwali on November 13th, India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. Diwali, named after the row of clay lamps (diyas) symbolizing inner light, is significant in warding off spiritual darkness. Ashwin and Tina Vilkhu, Iyra's parents, were invited to share a Diwali story with the Gold Pelicans. Each child received a personal diya to paint, courtesy of the Vilkhus, who graciously shared their family culture.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #diwalicelebration #festivaloflights
Check out the fantastic "friend ships" crafted by the Aqua Elephants! 🚢🌟 Merging multi-step art projects with lessons on kindness, these vessels made of twigs and poster board sails remind the Aqua Elephants about the value of time and care in building friendships. Much like the twigs coming together, collaboration in class strengthens our bonds! 💙
#McGLittleGate #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FriendShips #CreativityInTheClassroom
When the theater department had a prop piano they no longer needed, the Pink Gators were thrilled to give it new life in their classroom! 🎶🎹🎵 Throw in some drums and a xylophone and they're ready to start their own band!
#musicmaking #mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodeducation
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is India's most important holiday of the year. 🪔 Diwali gets its name from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means "row of clay lamps". Many families light diyas, which are small clay oil lamps, to welcome in Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune. To celebrate, families set up and beautifully decorate altars where they pray for good health and prosperity. The sensory table in Little Gate's welcome room is currently set with colored sand, dried flowers, and diyas with tea candles. Classes will take turns exploring the table in the welcome room as well as a book reading and discussion to learn more about this special tradition.
#mcglittlegate #diwali #happydiwali #festivaloflights #earlychildhooddevelopment #sensorytable
Children express their views on the world in countless ways, and tinkering is one of them! Tinkering means thinking with your hands, learning by doing. Our studio is a space where children engage in unstructured activities, using their whole bodies for process art and feeding their curiosity. It's a spot where every option sparks critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Our Little Gaters are loving every moment of it! 🌟
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #tinkerstudio #handsonplay #kidsAndcreativity #tinkeringfun
In the Red Gator classroom, teachers promote independence and a sense of community by letting the children take turns as helpers during snack and lunch. This boosts their confidence and pride as they distribute water bottles to their friends, reinforcing good manners, and reducing the need for reminders to say thank you.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyindependence
WE DID IT! 🎉 Parent Annual Giving (PAG) hit our goal yesterday with 85% of our parents participating in the annual fund for the 2023-2024 school year. We deeply appreciate your generosity, both this month and always. Your contributions will have a significant positive impact on our students in various ways.
A big shoutout to our dedicated PAG Grade Captains, who put in tremendous effort over the past few weeks to successfully take on Miggy's Challenge and increase parent participation giving rates. ❤️
Little Gate friends gathered fragrant basil leaves from the Tinker Garden. Students assisted in selecting and cleansing the delectable green leaves, and subsequently, they blended them with freshly grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic. In no time, presto! Pesto was ready. Ultimately, they mixed their pesto sauce with noodles and savored the meal. 😋💚
#mcglittlegate #pestopasta #tinkergarden #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment
🗓 Reminder: There is no school for Little Gate students on Wednesday, November 1st due to Little Gate Open House and Faculty Professional Development.
Open every gate for your child.....to creativity, to joy, and to opportunity! Join us for a Little Gate Open House on Wednesday, November 1 from 9-10:30 a.m. For girls and boys infants to three years old.
Register online at bit.ly/littlegateopenhouse23 or at the link in bio.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #reggioemilia #openhouse
Join us for Spirit Night on Friday, November 3rd, at the City Park Carousel Gardens, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The last chance to buy online tickets for Spirit Night is 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1st. 🌴✨ A special shout-out to our generous Spirit Night sponsors! 🩷
Purchase tickets and goodie bags online today at bit.ly/mcgspiritnight23 or at the link in bio
Open every gate for your child.....to creativity, to joy, and to opportunity! Join us for a Little Gate Open House on Wednesday, November 1 from 9-10:30 a.m. For girls and boys infants to three years old. Register online at bit.ly/littlegateopenhouse23 or at the link in bio
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodevelopment #openhouse
Fall has arrived, and the Coral Pelicans have had a blast discussing the changing seasons, engaging in creative activities, and going on nature walks to explore the beauty of fall. They've noticed the leaves changing colors, adding an extra layer of excitement to their seasonal exploration. 🍂
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #fallleaves #naturewalk
It was a special day at Little Gate for the Elephant Buddy Breakfast. Students, parents, and special guests came together for a delightful breakfast featuring eggs, sausage, and pancakes before embarking on adventures at the playground and the butterfly garden. 🍳🥞
McGehee's eagerly awaited annual Holiday Boutique, hosted by the Parents' League, offers a perfect opportunity for boutique owners, crafters, and artisans to showcase their holiday wares. Join us on the front lawn, rain or shine, and enjoy some festive shopping. Space is still available for vendors if you'd like to participate!
For more information or to register to be a vendor visit bit.ly/mcgboutique23 or the link in bio
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️🌴
Kate Massey—Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Kate joined the McGehee community very recently, making the move from Loyola University Admissions. Kate moved to New Orleans from Birmingham, AL almost 10 years ago, not knowing a soul and quickly fell in love with the people and culture of the city. During that time she met her husband Dan. Kate has spent most of her career in education and is currently pursuing her Masters in School Counseling. She loves a good crafting project and says that glitter is a permanent part of their home. Most of her free time currently goes to school work for her Masters, but outside of that she enjoys spending time with friends and family (especially at the beach) and fitting in time to exercise. She is also a big Survivor nerd and requests that if you have any fun theories about Season 45 to send them her way.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #newfaculty
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩🩷✨
Emily Hebert—Little Gate Indigo Pelicans
Emily describes herself as a "born and raised" New Orleans lady with a passion for learning and education. This year, she is celebrating her 10th year in education. Emily has a positivity blog called "That Girl is Positive," she loves to dance and she loves anything pink! She is most excited about joining and experiencing the magic of the Little Gate community.
#mcgeheeschool #mcglittlegate #leadingwomen #earlychildhoodteacher
Fall has arrived, and our Yellow Gators are immersed in apple and pumpkin exploration! 🍎🎃 They're reading books about apple picking and the season, not just enjoying apples as a tasty treat but also having fun painting and stamping with them. The Gators were captivated as their teacher revealed apple seeds when cutting the apples open. They honed their fine motor skills by using forks to stamp with the apples, creating colorful art on paper.
In addition, they refined their fine motor skills by using their little pinchers to rescue cheerios from applesauce, a challenging coordination task for our one-year-olds!
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #finemotorskills
Open every gate for your child.....to creativity, to joy, and to opportunity! Join us for a Little Gate Open House on Wednesday, November 1 from 9-10:30 a.m. For girls and boys infants to three years old. Register online at bit.ly/littlegateopenhouse23 or at the link in bio.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodevelopment #openhouse
Little Gate's annual FIESTA! brought to light the vibrant customs and traditions of Hispanic culture and honored the Hispanic heritage of the staff, faculty, and friends within our school community! Art, food, music and fun were on full display. Thanks to our amazing team members who make this event possible with home cooked food and all the fiesta fun. Many thanks to Lucy Velasquez, Fany Velasquez, Natividad Flores, Patty Hiza, Sohad Pineda, Jacqueline Renderos, and Rosa Cruz!
#mcglittlegate #hispanicheritagemonth #culture #fiesta #earlychildhooddevelopment
Will you join our "I Participated" campaign to meet alumna Miggy Monroe's $100,000 Annual Giving Challenge? Miggy has challenged alumnae and parents to increase our overall participation percentage to The McGehee Fund by October 31st.
Your contribution empowers our students to participate in every opportunity in front of them, in school, in college and in the community, igniting a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of our school. Please make your gift today, or make your pledge for GiveNOLA Day 2024.
www.mcgeheeschool.com/give
Don't forget to snap a photo with your "I Participated" sticker and tag us! ❤️
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #mcglittlegate #annualgiving #participation
Check out the incredible towers and castles created by the Tangerine Elephants! They've been using open-ended materials and loose parts to unleash their creativity.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #ExploringOpenEndedMaterials
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️📚🐯
Dianela Gonzalez–Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher
Dianela Gonzalez was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. in 2015. She has a Master's degree in Sports Management and has been working with children for 17 years now. She is excited to be a part of the McGehee community and is enjoying teaching McGehee girls some of the cultural side of Hispanic countries while teaching them Spanish. Dianela is also a very passionate volleyball coach and loves a good competition. She has a son named Ian who is 5 years old and they love spending time outdoors and playing sports. When she has spare time, she loves scrapbooking and doing puzzles.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #newfacultyspotlight
New Faculty Spotlight! ❤️🤩🐾🐯
Chris Jays–Chief Operating Officer
A New Orleans native, Chris and his wife spent a few years in Houston before returning home to start their family surrounded by a village of family and friends. Chris graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Accountancy and after spending some time in public accounting, this is Chris' first position at an educational institution. He wrote that he is "most excited about being a part of McGehee's engaging culture surrounded by critical thinkers who place their students at the forefront of their actions. I am driven by a commitment to financial and operational stewardship and I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to support McGehee's prestigious mission." He describes his household as never dull with a 15-month old son and two large breed dogs who "firmly believe they are lap dogs." A fun fact about Chris is that before attending Loyola, he attended LSU where he served as the Mike the Tiger mascot, an experience he describes as "a privilege to be an ambassador, on and off the field, for an iconic university." In his free time, Chris enjoys woodworking, yard work and DIY projects.
#mcgeheeschool #newfacultyspotlight
Art enhances a child's day by fostering creative expression, introducing new materials, and improving fine motor skills. The Pink Gators infused their project with delightful scents like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with sensory additions like cinnamon brooms and pine cones, making their classroom smell fantastic. Their enthusiasm for fall extended to nature walks and playful leaf throwing and catching. 🍂🌲
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #naturewalk #sensory
New Faculty Spotlight! ❤️🤩📚
Born and raised in Ohio, Elle Boyd, 4th Grade Teacher, began her teaching career in North Carolina and after four years teaching in the NC public school system, she moved overseas to pursue international education. She has taught in China, Egypt and was a founding teacher at an American International Baccalaureate school in Dubai, UAE. Elle is currently finishing up her master's degree in Social Emotional Learning. She and her husband are new to Louisiana and are excited about learning more about New Orleans and eating great food! Elle is a world traveler, having visited 52 countries! She has hiked Bwindi, Uganda to see the mountain gorillas and she independently backpacked through northern India. She spends her spare time outdoors, playing tennis, horseback riding and of course, traveling whenever she can.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #newfaculty #teacherappreciation
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️📚
Paula Fletcher or "Miss Paula", Little Gate Pedagogical and Behavioral Support Teacher, is highlighted today as new faculty after returning to Little Gate after a two year break. She was actually at Little Gate for 28 years, as a founding teacher in 1995. We are absolutely thrilled to have our "child whisperer" back home! During her two years away, Paula traveled and biked throughout the Northeast in 2021 and taught at Brentwood Elementary School in Pensacola, Florida from 2022-2023. As an accomplished cyclist, she loves biking! Miss Paula also loves telling stories, singing and driving fast cars. About returning to McGehee and Little Gate Paula remarked, "I am most excited about being back at McGehee with the children and this wonderful community."
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #leadingwomen #community
The Jade Pelicans had an enchanting morning diving into the mysteries of light and darkness! ✨ The teachers transformed the room with color-changing candles, cozy light curtains, neon paint, and a sensory table full of stars and water with water-activated electric tea lights. The children were completely captivated as they explored the dark room, moving from one magical activity to another. Stay tuned for more 'dark mornings' to spark even more curiosity and wonder! 💡🌟
#mglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #ExploringDarkness
The Green Butterflies are already forming adorable friendships and reaching milestones! 🦋💚
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodevelopment #infantmilestones
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️🦈📚
Claire is very excited to begin her fourth year of teaching, this time at McGehee, in an all girls' setting. She has taught both 3rd and 4th grade before joining the McGehee family as a 3rd grade teacher so she knows this age group very well. Claire loves hanging out with her two Goldendoodles, Coco and Chloe, and also reading mystery novels and running. Ask her about swimming with the sharks over the summer!
#mcgeheeeschool #leadingwomen #lsu #newfacultyspotlight
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️📚
Originally from China, Yanting obtained her master's degree in bilingual special education at Columbia University in NYC, and moved to Louisiana after meeting her husband, David. They have two children Chloe and Lucas and they love trying new restaurants in New Orleans—it's a hobby! Yanting speaks Mandarin Chinese, and she is a big fan of Netflix documentaries. She is very excited to work with First Graders to watch them grow and blossom.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #newfacultyspotlight #columbiauniversity
Aqua Elephants have leaned into mixed media process art! Their class collage has been built in many layers (paint, glue, glitter, loose collage parts, more paint, and modge podge). This lengthy process happens over weeks and and shows the class how a piece can change and evolve over time. Many materials and layers give a piece depth and the Aquas watched their work come alive together as a class! Now where should we hang it? 🩵🐘
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #mixedmedia #kidscollage #processart #loosepartsart
Several Little Gate faculty members had an amazing time at the 25th anniversary of CHAIRish the Children gala thanks to Board Chair Hannah Dietsch who brought them along to celebrate the partnership Little Gate established with LCM over the last several years. Co-chaired by McGehee parents Senator Royce and Krystal Duplessis, it was an evening filled with laughter, fun, and much celebration. The McGehee/Little Gate group also enjoyed a visit from Lauren Doussan, McGehee/Little Gate parent and new trustee who is also a longtime LCM trustee and current Vice-Chair.
#ChairishtheChildren #LCM #mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #mcglittegate
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩❤️📚
Originally from New Orleans, Kristin Tassin attended Georgetown University and then the University of Texas at Austin, ultimately receiving a PhD in History, with a concentration on the modern Middle East. In the course of her studies and research, she lived abroad for extended periods in Cairo, Istanbul, London, and Sydney. Now in her 13th year of teaching high school history, Kristin is very happy to be doing it back in New Orleans. She loves reading, especially mystery novels, playing with her three rescue dogs, and trying to keep up with her languages, which include Arabic and Turkish, also included in her studies. She is very excited to get to know and be a part of the McGehee community and culture.
#mcgheeschool #leadingwomen #georgetown #universityoftexas
The Blue Gators have been busy exploring buckles in their classroom. They started by fastening and unfastening their chairs during meals. Ms. Patty and Ms. Tadiwa introduced whale buckle toys, a big hit! The kids enjoy matching and connecting the buckles, enhancing their fine motor skills.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhoodevelopment #finemotorskills #earlychildhoodeducation
New Faculty Spotlight! ❤️🤩🏐
We are fortunate to have another McGehee alumna on campus and she is at Little Gate. Amber Labat was born and raised in New Orleans, and is a proud member of the 14+ Year Club here at McGehee. As Amber describes it, "I started my journey here at Little Gate and now I am a Little Gate teacher! When Hurricane Katrina hit, I spent one year away from this special place and came right back. Through the years at McGehee, so many magical moments have happened. McGehee has been a place I called home for the majority of my life. One of the best memories I have from here is winning the Division IV Volleyball Championship in 2015 and of course graduating in 2016." Amber matriculated to Xavier University of Louisiana and graduated with a BA in Mass Communications and Marketing. She is currently a student at LSU Shreveport working on receiving her MBA in marketing in 2024. She commented, "I am not a parent yet but I do have a baby niece named Luna, who I am obsessed with! I am ecstatic to be back!" Amber's fun fact is that she and her mother have looked like twins since she was a little girl and now her niece looks exactly like the two of them.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #mcgeheealumna #xavieruniversity
Little Gate students and parents came together last Saturday for the annual Little Gate Playdate. Between chalk, balls, bikes, art, and face painting, little ones had a blast and parents enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle with other families. 🤩❤️
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩📚❤️
Elyria Grote is a McGehee alumna, graduating in the Class of 2009 who describes herself as a proud New Orleanian who loves to travel. She remarked, "I am most excited to be in an environment which allows personal growth. I look forward to learning deeper teaching skills and what it means to work in single-sex education. I am excited to support the middle school students while they gain a broader understanding of science and further develop their scientific skills." She received her BFA from Loyola University and her MA in Social Anthropology from The University of Kent, in Canterbury, England. Elyria's hobbies include reading, collecting vinyls, and outdoor adventures of any kind. Her fun facts are that she loves to dance, she's dabbled in archery and she has been bitten by a snake.
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #mcgeheealumnae #loyolauniversity #universityofkent
Yesterday, Little Gate was honored to welcome a special guest for a Rosh Hashanah celebration. Rabbi Yochanan graced us with the sounds of the shofar, each unique pattern carrying profound meaning. The beauty of control and intention filled the air, creating a sensory experience unlike any other.
Following this memorable moment, our Little Gaters came together to enjoy apples and honey, symbolizing our heartfelt wishes for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. Shana Tovah! 🍏🍯✨
Leading Women Wednesday ❤️
Meet Elizabeth Kukla, McGehee '12, a trailblazing engineer and entrepreneur. With both bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from The University of Virginia, she launched her career in Germany with Trivago, then returned to the U.S. to gain valuable experience at a digital product development firm. At 27, she founded her own company in Alexandria, Virginia, demonstrating adaptability and a strong commitment to the Honor Code's principles of integrity. Elizabeth's inspiring journey serves as a beacon for those ready to make their mark in the world. Is your daughter ready to transform the world?
Read more about this McGehee Leading Woman online at bit.ly/elizabethkukla
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #universityofvirginia #mcgeheealumna
Little Gate co-curriculars started after Labor Day to give our youngest students time to adjust to new spaces and faces and bond with their new teachers. Now that all are feeling a bit more settled, it is TINKER TIME! 🤩
Every spilled cup of water is an investigation. Every mixture and mess is the scientific process unfolding. A student handed teacher Sarah Noland a tray with a cup filled with purple water and a handful of colorful wooden pieces and said, "It's a great day for tea and beignets!" So well said. Our Little Gaters are now having a blast in the Tinker Studio and Garden!
#imagination #earlychildhoodeducation #mcglittlegate #tinkering
Our Purple Butterflies (older infants) are working hard on their oral motor skills and coordination by practicing drinking from an open cup. Check out their progress!
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #infants
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩🏝️❤️📚
Originally from South Carolina, Bess Mills has called Louisiana home for the last 17 years. She and her husband have three children and their daughter, Emma '36 is in Kindergarten this year. Bess has fond memories of her days at the Asheville School in North Carolina. She wrote, "It is where I met my husband, won a state championship and learned the value of hard work!" As for hobbies, she loves to read and also loves singing and dancing with her children. She treasures an occasional beach trip for relaxation. This school year marks Bess' 17th year in education. She stated, "I love working with kids, teachers and parents to ensure an awesome school experience filled with love, laughter and learning. I am most excited to continue building relationships with all of those in the community."
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #newfacultyspotlight #community
New Faculty Spotlight! 🤩📚❤️✨
Anna Howley was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and moved to Kansas City after graduating from Missouri State with a BS in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching toddlers ever since her graduation! She and her husband moved to New Orleans in 2018 and love NOLA. Their daughter started Little Gate this fall. Anna loves reading, dancing and all things glitter. In fact she is a mermaid in The Sirens dancing crew. We are thrilled to welcome Anna to the Little Gate family where she is excited about building connections and gaining inspiration from everyone around her.
#mcgeheeschool #mcglittlegate #leadingwomen #earlychildhoodteacher #newfaculty
The Indigo Pelicans' enchantment with light began when they noticed reflections from a disco ball and CDs in their classroom window. They explored this world further with colored cellophane, prism stickers, and flashlights. These playful experiments taught them about light and shadow, spatial awareness, shapes, colors, and cause and effect.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #reggioemilia #reggioapproach #reggioinspiredteachers
We are thrilled to formally introduce our new Board Chair, Hannah Dietsch as well as introduce our new members of McGehee's Board of Trustees! Please join us in welcoming Lauren Doussan, Annie Thibodeaux, Anne Kock '09, Miggy Monroe '73, Melanie Sheen '02, and Cres Gardner as new trustees. We appreciate all they do for our school.
The Ruby Elephants have been busy with tray activities that foster independence, build focus and attention, encourage fine motor skills, grow and develop cognitive abilities, and help develop grit and perseverance while completing challenging tasks. They've been building with magnetic blocks, piecing together puzzles, and strengthening their color recognition by sorting colored objects.
#mcglittlegate #earlychildhooddevelopment #reggioemiliaapproach #trayactivities #reggioinspiredteachers
Leading Women Wednesday ❤️
Meet Caroll Gelderman, McGehee '11. McGehee allowed Carroll to develop a real sense of duty and a strong work ethic. Carroll's interest in film led her to work in independent film sales in New York City until New Orleans called her back home where she became co-owner of The Garden District Book Shop and The Chicory House. From her studies at Columbia University to her entrepreneurial ventures in New Orleans, Caroll's story will inspire you. Is your daughter ready to transform the world?
Read more about this McGehee Leading Woman online at bit.ly/carrollgelderman
#mcgeheeschool #leadingwomen #columbiauniversity
Back to school has been a blast at Little Gate! ❤️
#McGLittleGate #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #BackToSchool