You Belong in Barnstable! 

Registration and K Registration

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is underway. We encourage students to register early so that we can be sure that we are planning staffing appropriately. More information can be found on our Registration webpage: https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/domain/331

 

We’re Hiring for 2023-2024

BPS Hiring Booth at Bridgewater State’s Job Fair May 3, 2023

We’re hiring!  Please see our open positions on our employment website. https://barnstable.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

 

A BPS Spotlight

 

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.

 

Have a future spotlight to recommend to the Community Connections Committee?  Fill out this form.

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.

 

Vision of a Graduate Update

The District and BHS Vision of a Graduate team is working with stakeholders across the District to develop the Vision of a Graduate. The Vision of a Graduate identifies the communities’ consensus of the essential skills all graduates from Barnstable Public Schools will be developing from PreK to graduation. It will be our District’s unique blueprint for teaching and learning.

 

We are currently hosting 2 meetings for families to meet with us, learn about the Vision, and contribute to the outcome of the process.

  • Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Barnstable High School – Junior/Senior Cafeteria
  • Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 6:30 – 8:00 PM over Zoom (Link to be sent to those who register)

Refreshments will be provided. Childcare will be available. Portuguese and Spanish translators will be present.  Families: please help us plan by letting us know if you can attend by completing this brief form.

We initiated this shared visioning process with faculty and staff at the February professional development day. School Committee members participated in a workshop on April 12 and provided input. Students across all schools will be providing input in the month of May and we will be reaching out to community partners for participation as well.

 

Exciting conversations are shaping up as we come together around a consensus view of the essential skills our students need to succeed in their futures and how we can shape learning experiences aligned to those dreams!

 

FY24 Budget Update

On April 5, 2023, the School Committee approved an FY 24 budget of $82,761,867, or an increase of $5,981,956 (7.79%). This budget reflects investments in supporting students across the District, with a priority on evidenced-based programs aligned with the spirit of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). The SOA increased the amount of funding expected to educate students in Barnstable (the foundation budget) and also increased Chapter 70 funding (state aid) significantly. The SOA implements additional funding for education in the areas of English learners, special education, guidance and psychological services, economically disadvantaged students, and health insurance/fixed costs.

 

The Budget will proceed to the Town Council for approval in June.

 

The Budget presentation can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0jIbtqoDRC8

 

The Budget slide show is posted to the finance webpage of our website: https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/Page/5732