May 2023 Barnstable Public Schools Community Newsletter

In this new section, BPS will highlight the positive contributions from among members of our community. This is brought to you by the Community Connections Committee and will be an addition to the faculty/staff and community newsletters.

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GATEWAY: Gifted and Talented Enrichment with ALL Youth

The GATEWAY program was originally designed to enrich the curriculum of academically above- average students. However, GATEWAY has evolved. Today it is reaching far beyond and is now making a difference in the lives of an ever-growing number of Barnstable Public Schools (BPS) students.

In 2015, GATEWAY stepped out of the box by creating a model in grades K-7 that offers enrichment opportunities for all students. The GATEWAY of the past was pull-out advanced instruction targeted to develop a growth mindset through critical and creative thinking. This continues today, although it is now only one aspect of the program. Students participate in a variety of classes that include Math, English Language Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and FPS (Future Problem Solving). Barnstable Intermediate School Grade 7 students, Hunter Malcolm and Lauren Souza, highlighted that it is the advanced learning challenge they love. “Gateway feels engaging. It’s less listening and more trying to do things ourselves,” Lauren explained. For Hunter, he finds the challenges fun and recognized, “The advanced learning will help me with my future.”

Makayla Tripp and Pietro Ramos both participate in GATEWAY at Barnstable United Elementary School. In this facet of the program, students extend their learning by engaging in academic enrichment within their general classroom. Both students enthusiastically described GATEWAY as giving them more room to research and explore independently – taking their learning to the next level. Topics connect back to the grade level curriculum and can range from the American Revolution to fungus and mold, or may involve math skills. Mikayla noted, “It exercises my brain and I get to express myself more.” Pietro perfectly captured the positive influence of the program’s open-minded learning style, and shared, “I like to try to figure out every detail. It makes me feel intrigued and curious.”

At Hyannis West, GATEWAY teacher Lynn Tabor’s day includes meeting with students who have an opportunity to participate in enrichment based on what they identify as their greatest interests. The topic possibilities are limitless. Learning has no boundaries when instruction is built around content that inspires a student’s passion to discover more. Kindergartners Ava Aurel and Ruan Godinho have a special interest in math. “She does great math with us,” Ava shared. Ruan added, “I love numbers!” Mrs. Tabor emphasized, “It’s really all about critical and creative thinking.”

The students’ message is clear. By focusing on individual strengths and natural curiosity, GATEWAY is providing a meaningful place for students to deepen their thinking, allowing individual learning to soar. The more broadened approach has opened the door to all students. It is one more reason why every student can echo, “I belong in Barnstable.”

For more information about GATEWAY, you can visit the district webpage (https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/Domain/50) and watch the May 3 School Committee meeting, where Kari Morse, Director of Teaching and Learning PK-5 presented more about GATEWAY.