Christmas Tree Lighting

One of the many traditions we have at Gateway Academy is our Christmas tree lighting. Each year every class makes ornaments to adorn the tree that stands in our school's entrance by the main office. A few hours before this year's lighting, some of the staff and parent volunteers set up the tree and hung up every single ornament on its branches.

Then during 8th period, all the staff members and students gathered around the tree for our own Christmas celebration.

Here are two of the Knightly News staff members commenting about the lighting.

Christmas Tree Lighting
By Frankie Pizzolato

On Thursday, November 29th during 8th period, the Gateway Academy Christmas tree was lit. All of the teachers and students attended this happy event along with Mrs. Cancilla. Mrs. Stagno helped lead the students in singing Christmas songs. Counting down from ten, the tree was finally lit. Each class contributed to the tree's decorations by making sets of ornaments to represent each grade. The ornaments made by the students of our school showed our individuality and creative abilities. This holiday season we will celebrate and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Take a look at some of the ornaments.  Click each picture to enlarge.

Light of the World

By Teagan Ka

Excitement grew as the whole school sat around the unlit Christmas tree. It was decorated with hand-made ornaments of balls (Pre-K), gingerbread (1st grade), stockings (4th), and Christmas trees (7th). We worshipped God by singing songs that reminded us of that first Christmas when Jesus was born. We sang “Joy to the World,” “O Holy Night,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”  Our principal Mrs. Cancilla prayed about giving glory to God in all that we do. Mrs. Stagno led the entire school in a dramatic countdown, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” In a sudden flash, the lights on the tree went on, reminding us that Jesus, the Light of the world, was born on Christmas Day. Hurray and hallelujah!

Christmas Show Preview

If you were at one of the services this morning at Church of the Gateway, you were able to get a sneak peek of part of the Christmas show that will take place this upcoming Tuesday night. The Performing Arts Club sang two songs that are part of this year's Christmas show for the Academy.


Don't forget to get your tickets for Tuesday's show! Although it was not done during today's performance, Mrs. Stagno planned out an extremely touching scene for the students to act out during the song "Walk of Love for Jesus." It's definitely a must see; you really don't want to miss it! Hope to see you all there!

Harvest Buffet Luncheon

On November 19, 2012, the teachers and students of Gateway Academy saw Mrs. Laura Vonfrolio come to the school unloading food and setting up the cart with all the Thanksgiving fixings.  We couldn't help but get excited in anticipation of the Harvest Buffet lunch that would be served the next day!  All the Thanksgiving favorites were there along with festive plates and napkins.  It was such a celebration for everyone at Gateway as it reminded us that we too are our own family.  Thank you to Mrs. Vonfrolio and all the volunteers - Mrs. Karen, Mrs. Dabas, Mrs. Mareno, Mrs. Rivera, and Ms. Yarusinsky - for giving us a wonderful meal along with the memories!

Here are two of the Knightly News staff members reporting about this special occasion.

Harvest Buffet Lunch
By Jonathan Weaver

On Tuesday, November 20th, a team from Gateway Academy served a buffet lunch to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Mrs. Vonfrolio, Mrs. Dabas, and other hot lunch volunteers prepared the meal and served it to the students.  The meal included turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn muffins, stuffing, and corn.  The meals were $4.00 apiece, if you wished to purchase one.  All of the money collected was to benefit the school.

All of the students thought it was really, really scrumptious!  I thought the gravy made the turkey and the mashed potatoes divine!  Our school is thankful for the volunteers who helped with the buffet.  Give thanks to God, and glorify Him!

Our Harvest Lunch Buffet
By Christopher Brogna

The Gateway Academy lunchroom was in high spirits for the Harvest Lunch Buffet on Tuesday, November 20th.  The traditional harvest meal was served like the Pilgrims did on the first Thanksgiving in 1621.  Once again Dr. Vonfrolio helped our school raise money by generously donating the meal.  Mrs. Karen, Mrs. Dabas, Mrs. Mareno, Mrs. Rivera, and Ms. Yarusinsky also helped her in all of the hard work.

The menu included turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn bread, gravy, green beans, cranberries, and salad.  Apple cider was also there to wash it all down.

Dr. Vonfrolio said that it took five hours to prepare the meal.  When I asked her if it was hard preparing such a hard meal, she said, "It was fun!"  I then asked her if she was able to enjoy the meal after all the hard work, she said, "It was very fulfilling."

Samm Dabas said, "The meal was great!  The mashed potatoes and gravy were my favorites."  All of the students seemed to enjoy the meal.  The lunchroom was filled with smiles and laughter.  A great meal, a fun afternoon, and $352 raised for Gateway Academy.  Thank you, Dr. Vonfrolio!