Welcome to HMS GATE!  I'm Jackie Hall, the Gifted Specialist at Holtville Middle School!  You'll find information about me, the class, field trips, and more here.  I hope you find this page helpful and informative!

FACTS about Gifted

Students in the program qualified because they showed that they needed more than just regular education skills to keep them motivated and learning inside and outside the classroom. Gifted Education is a state funded program that requires a teacher with a degree in Gifted Education.  This degree is a master's level degree.   As a Gifted Specialist, I am an advocate for your child's academic and affective learning. 

Because Gifted Education is considered Special Education Services and is funded by the state, participation week to week is not optional. Your students is required to come to GATE class.  Students can stop receiving GATE services at the request of their legal guardian.  

GATE Class!

Starting about the third week of school, GATE students come to GATE class one day a week for three hours.   This way, students and schedules get time to settle down, and I can see where all my students "land."  Students will have time to get used to their new schedule and teachers.   Students will come to GATE one day a week, alternating mornings and afternoons.

My schedule includes eight classes, two a day on  Monday - Thursday to serve my 75 students. Fridays are reserved for mandatory duties including county gifted specialist meetings, second grade screener and referrals, consultative services, collaboration with teachers, and lesson planning. 

Grades, Attendance,  and Behavior

Although GATE class does not have official grades that go on report cards, the expectation in class is that students participate in all planned activities in class and have passing grades in core classes.  They are rewarded each week for coming to class,  being respectful all around, and doing their BEST work.  GATE activities may be assessed by observation or activity rubrics.  If your child isn't participating in activities,  guardians will be notified, and I will begin a disciplinary documentation process. 

Classroom Grades: I will monitor students grades in their core classes.  I help students create a shortcut to their grades in PowerSchool, and we go over quarterly averages and any worries they have about their grades.  If students have a "D" or lower, I check with teachers and contact parents if necessary. 

Behavior: The expectation for student behavior is to be respectful of teachers, each other, and other students not in the GATE program.  If student behavior is a problem in any class, teachers will let me know.  If students receive corporal punishment or In School Suspension, I will discuss with administration how they may be able to participate in field trips: without a chaperone, with a chaperone, or not at all.  If students receive ECAP, they will not participate in any GATE activity off of HMS campus.  

Annual Field Trip!

Mrs. Hall's Calendar