GATE Appeals Process at BES

A BES parent may appeal the process of the Gifted and Talented (GATE) program. Parents have 30 days from the start date to appeal. 

1. To appeal the process the student should have a report card that has 75% or more of the standards marked as Exceeding Standards (ES). Email the district’s Gifted and Talented (GATE) teacher, Clorymar Holyoak, to set up a meeting (phone or in person) to review your child’s Eligibility. Her email address is holyoak@blairstownelem.net. 

2. After completing the first step of the Appeals Process, if you would like the opportunity to present additional materials to the Gifted and Talented Committee, your child will need to prepare a portfolio to present that consists of materials that demonstrate: 

• One page essay on why the student feels they should be accepted into the program 

• Academic skills above current grade level 

• Creativity 

• Task commitment/ Self-Motivation 

• Other supporting documents The Gifted and Talented Committee will meet with your child and review the presented materials. You will be notified of the committee’s decision.

The Gifted and Talented Committee, which is made up of educators and the principal, will meet to review the information provided by parents.  The information provided to the Committee will be redacted prior to the meeting, so all identifiable information is removed from the materials.  The Gifted and Talented Committee will review the materials and make the determination if the appeal is granted, based on the materials provided by the parent.