School Information
Principal Message
Dear Middle Gate Families,
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” ~ John Dewey
Middle Gate School is a special place where we come to grow academically, emotionally, and socially each day. We work hard to create an environment that will support each child’s academic and social growth, and to ensure their safety and well-being. We focus on the C.A.R.E.S. attributes (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control) and character traits such as demonstrating citizenship, respect, and trustworthiness. In addition, we are expanding our understanding of the growth mindset stances (empathy, flexibility, optimism, resilience, and persistence) and connecting these with our approach to character development.
Our dedicated staff works collaboratively with one another and regularly participates in professional growth activities. They create caring, respectful learning environments and provide engaging lessons each day. Staff also works in partnership with families who are equally invested in education as well as the social-emotional welfare safety and well-being of each child. Our generous PTA makes meaningful contributions to beautification efforts, climate goals, technological upgrades, and enrichment programming. The home-school commitment and contributions are evident to our children and models the investment necessary for successful growth. I am impressed by the Middle Gate community and excited for our continued work together.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support.
~Mr. Geissler
Lead Teacher
This is my nineteenth year teaching at Middle Gate School. In 1995, I graduated from Fairfield University. Then I completed both my Masters and 6th year Degree at Southern Connecticut State University. When I am away from school I enjoy watching and being involved in most sports. Please feel free to contact me by email. I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
John Sullivan, Lead Teacher
e: sullivanj@newtown.k12.ct.us
Middle Gate History
The Middle Gate District and its one room schoolhouse developed when Newtown adopted a district management system and created a central Board of School Visitors. The original district had been called Bear Hills and it was formed around 1798. Shortly after 1803, when the Bridgeport-Newtown Turnpike was opened to traffic along what is today Route #25, the name was changed to Middle Gate, reflecting the presence of the Middle tollgate located on the nearby Monroe-Newtown border.
It is uncertain where the original schoolhouse for this new Middle Gate district was located. On the 1854 School District map and the 1867 Beers Atlas map it can be located on the north slope of Route #25’s Tollgate Hill as it begins its rise toward the Monroe border. It was on the east side of the road, almost directly across from the Botsford Post Office.
In 1966, Gould Realty Company gifted the schoolhouse to the Newtown Historical Society and it was relocated to the front lawn of the new Middle Gate Elementary School, which was in the process of being built on Cold Spring Road.
Taken from The Old Middle Gate One Room School House by Daniel Cruson
