Message From The Principal

Hello, and welcome to the 2025 school year!

We are thrilled to be fully settled into our new building and proud to have an amazing team of EduGators returning to serve our Gators. At GATES, we are committed to excellence and working together to ensure every student thrives.

Our district continues to focus on three key areas: Social Justice and Equity, Improving Instruction, and Family and Community Partnerships. These priorities are deeply woven into the fabric of our school. We believe that by embracing these focus areas, we can foster meaningful opportunities for all students and their families within our learning community.

At GATES, restorative practices are a cornerstone of how we maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Instead of punitive discipline, we prioritize building and preserving relationships. Restorative practices allow students and staff to communicate, reflect, grow, and learn together while ensuring physical and emotional safety for everyone.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated Family Partnership Coordinator who works closely with parents and community members to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, we provide resources to support families in need, including access to food, clothing, and shelter, recognizing that meeting these basic needs helps students come to school ready to learn.

Our school is committed to creating a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that honors and celebrates the diversity of our students and their communities. To achieve this, we value genuine partnerships with families and welcome your voice. Your feedback and engagement are essential to our shared success.

Thank you for trusting GATES with your child’s education. We take this responsibility seriously and are dedicated to providing every student with equitable access to an excellent education. Regular attendance is key to student success, and we ask for your partnership in ensuring every student is present and engaged. Together, we can prepare our students to graduate ready to succeed.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and achievement for all!

Val Jones
Principal, GATES High School
vjones@fpschools.org
(253) 298-4000