GATEWAY – BHS
ABOUT
GATEWAY supports all students through talent development and to identify, challenge, and encourage academically advanced and creative learners.
All Barnstable Public School students will experience joyful and inclusive learning environments that pave the way to continuous learning, curiosity, change-making and meaningful engagement with the world around them. We aspire to create a learning community with students and educators engaging in challenging, authentic, adventurous, meaningful, and affirming experiences so that learning, independence, and achievement may flourish for all.
Learning in GATEWAY will provide opportunities for students to:
- develop talents based on interests
- engage in enrichment and extension, through thought-provoking topics, which reflect their own experiences and those of others
- engage in advanced, rigorous learning beyond the grade level standards
- think critically and creatively about their learning and communicate effectively with others
- build growth mindset and perseverance for task commitment
- develop civic mindedness that prepares them to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond
- experience connections in multiple content areas which align to instruction in various educational settings within a student’s day
Our goal is to create learning environments where educators and students achieve more than they imagined possible.
FAQ's
- Who participates in GATEWAY?
- What are the supports provided to students through GATEWAY?
- How are students recommended for GATEWAY support?
- Which multiple measures are used to determine student need for tier 2 and tier 3 support in GATEWAY?
Who participates in GATEWAY?
What are the supports provided to students through GATEWAY?
Tier 1 Universal Support: All students will have the opportunity to take an interest survey. Enrichment may be designed to match the student's interests. All students in the elementary grades will have the opportunity to receive enrichment based on their individual interests. Students can reach out to teachers and visit the GATEWAY Student website for links. Students, families, and/or staff members can submit an Action Information Message or reach out to the GATEWAY teacher for additional resources.
Tier 2 Supplemental Support: Tier 2 GATEWAY is a support to provide additional in-class resources to enrich student learning. The students in Tier 2 have been recommended and have access to extension opportunities. All extensions have been aligned to the standards. Please see the online form under the GATEWAY teacher webpage. This is in addition to any Tier 1 support. At any time a student may be recommended by a teacher.
Tier 3 Intensive Support: Students who are in need of advanced, targeted instruction will receive advanced classes. Students are recommended by the teacher and multiple measures are used to determine this level of support. This is in addition to Tier 2 support and Tier 1 support.
How are students recommended for GATEWAY support?
Recommendations can be submitted at any time throughout the school year.
- Staff may submit the recommendation form.
- Families may submit the GATEWAY Family Survey and/or Action Information Message.
- Students may submit the Action Information Message or contact their teacher or the GATEWAY Specialist personally.
Which multiple measures are used to determine student need for tier 2 and tier 3 support in GATEWAY?
Staff recommendation form, Local benchmark data (for example: common assessments, STAR ELA and Math, Report Cards), Student interest, and GATEWAY Family Survey .
CONTACTS
Barnstable High School GATEWAY Staff Grades 8-12:
- Deb Contrino: contrino_debra@mybps.us
- Jennifer Holland: holland_jennifer@mybps.us
To Learn More About the GATEWAY Program Visit:
District GATEWAY Department
FAQ's
- Who participates in GATEWAY?
- What are the supports provided to students through GATEWAY?
- How are students recommended for GATEWAY support?
- Which multiple measures are used to determine student need for tier 2 and tier 3 support in GATEWAY?
Who participates in GATEWAY?
What are the supports provided to students through GATEWAY?
Tier 1 Universal Support: All students will have the opportunity to take an interest survey. Enrichment may be designed to match the student's interests. All students in the elementary grades will have the opportunity to receive enrichment based on their individual interests. Students can reach out to teachers and visit the GATEWAY Student website for links. Students, families, and/or staff members can submit an Action Information Message or reach out to the GATEWAY teacher for additional resources.
Tier 2 Supplemental Support: Tier 2 GATEWAY is a support to provide additional in-class resources to enrich student learning. The students in Tier 2 have been recommended and have access to extension opportunities. All extensions have been aligned to the standards. Please see the online form under the GATEWAY teacher webpage. This is in addition to any Tier 1 support. At any time a student may be recommended by a teacher.
Tier 3 Intensive Support: Students who are in need of advanced, targeted instruction will receive advanced classes. Students are recommended by the teacher and multiple measures are used to determine this level of support. This is in addition to Tier 2 support and Tier 1 support.
How are students recommended for GATEWAY support?
Recommendations can be submitted at any time throughout the school year.
- Staff may submit the recommendation form.
- Families may submit the GATEWAY Family Survey and/or Action Information Message.
- Students may submit the Action Information Message or contact their teacher or the GATEWAY Specialist personally.
Which multiple measures are used to determine student need for tier 2 and tier 3 support in GATEWAY?
Staff recommendation form, Local benchmark data (for example: common assessments, STAR ELA and Math, Report Cards), Student interest, and GATEWAY Family Survey .
GATEWAY PROGRAM MANUAL K-12
Competitive Programs
Future Problem Solving
Future Problem Solving is our most competitive all-around academic program. Students begin in grades 4-5 investigating community problem-solving opportunities, begin training for competition in grade six, and teams of four compete in grades 7 - 12. Students must use advanced research skills, teamwork, critical and creative thinking and apply a six step problem solving model to solve global, futuristic problems.
More Information
- Email: Deb Contrino
- MassFPS
- FPS International
Mock Trial
The Mock Trial team at BHS is a GATEWAY program that participates in interscholastic competition. Students in grades 8-12 may participate in rehearsals, but only students in grades 9-12 may participate in competitions. The Mock Trial program is run by the Massachusetts Bar Association, and provides high school students with the opportunity to “test their skills as lawyers and witnesses in a simulated courtroom competition.” Through the program, students learn about the American judicial system and practice the skills used by attorneys in the courtroom. In addition to the two BHS coaches, students work with an attorney from the community to prepare for competition.
More Information
-
Email: Ms. Holland
- MassBar Mock Trial
Advanced Studies & Leadership Program (ASLP)

A dynamic summer learning experience delivered by Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Cape Cod Collaborative designed for rising 8th and 9th grade students from Cape Cod Collaborative member and Affiliate districts.
More Information
ASLP Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who may participate in the Advanced Studies and Leadership Program (ASLP)?
A. Incoming 8th and 9th grade students who are in the top 20% of their 7th or 8th grade class, based on multiple measures, are notified via a formal letter and invited to apply for participation in the summer program.
Q. How and when will students be notified?
A. The formal letter is sent via email to students and families. The letter notifies students of their opportunity to apply for the seats available to Barnstable Public Schools. The number of seats will be determined by ASLP each year. In addition, students and families are invited to an informational meeting to learn about the program and receive application materials. If students are unable to attend the meeting, please contact the Teaching and Learning Office (508-420-2272 x1329) to request information.
Q. If a student attends during the summer of grade 7, are they still eligible to attend in grade 8?
A. Students who are accepted and attend during the summer between their 7th and 8th grade year are able to attend the following year. Up to 20% of the accepted students can be returning participants.
