GATE Program Information
BYMS GATE Program
Bernardo Yorba Middle School has an exceptional history of offering a rigorous academic program and as a result attracts outstanding students.This year we have 54 GATE-identified students who participate in a wide variety of school programs built around the fundamental core academics of Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These course offerings include an award-winning performing and marching band, a highly competitive and award-winning jazz band, orchestra and choral music programs, advanced speech and drama, digital journalism, hands-on exploratory technology lab for applied science, a personalized PE program called “Stay Fit”, yearbook, and a digital media course. Our goal is to offer every student the opportunity to learn the knowledge needed to be successful as they go into high school and at the same time have the wisdom to use that knowledge for good.
GATE students are typically clustered in the honors sections of Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. In these sections GATE students are challenged with a curriculum that focuses on depth and complexity. Teachers of these sections have years of experience and training in differentiating instruction appropriately for gifted students. GATE students in these sections have the opportunity to work with other gifted students as well as with a segment of Bernardo Yorba’s diverse student body. In the Math Dept., GATE students are placed in classes based on their level of competence in math which is determined by their test scores and academic grades.
At Bernardo Yorba all students are exposed to AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) methodologies. These include the use of Cornell Interactive Notes and a focus on WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). Students regularly use CLOSE Reading strategies to analyze text, Write in response to prompts based on text, and Collaborate with other students in the process of Inquiry. All students leave BYMS at the end of their eighth grade year fully prepared to meet the challenges of high school both academically and socially.
Recognition of student success is a key component of Bernardo Yorba’s wide range of programs. Every quarter students are recognized in a Spirit Rally for their academic success. BYMS recognizes 300-350 students quarterly who attain the Gold level which is maintaining a 3.5 - 4.0 GPA. Our highest achieving students can further be recognized by joining the Honor Society. This year there are 60 members of BYHS (Bernardo Yorba Honor Society) who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.57 and earn only O’s and S’s in citizenship. 7th grade students are invited to join in April each year and to serve their school and community from the time of their acceptance to the end of their eighth grade year.
Bernardo Yorba prides itself on being a place where every student is welcome and has the opportunity to grow both academically and socially. GATE students at BYMS find the right level of academic rigor while enjoying a socially enriching experience.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact BYMS’s GATE Coordinator
Phil Seitz, at [email protected]