Message from the Principal

Welcome to Gateway Alternative Program. My name is Brent Harrell, and I am honored to serve as your principal. I believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future, regardless of the challenges they have faced in the past.

At Gateway, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to write a new chapter. We focus on where you are going, not where you have been. Every day is an opportunity to make better choices, build positive relationships, and take another step toward achieving your goals. Our responsibility is to provide a safe, supportive, and structured environment where students can succeed both academically and personally.

We have high expectations because we believe every student is capable of meeting them. We expect students to be respectful, responsible, engaged, and committed to their own success. In return, our staff is committed to treating every student with dignity, building meaningful relationships, and providing the support necessary for growth.

Education is about much more than earning credits. It is about developing the skills needed to be successful in school, in the workplace, and in life. Throughout the year, our staff will work alongside students to strengthen communication, responsibility, perseverance, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while helping them achieve academic success because we believe this will prove beneficial in the next chapter of their life, after school.

Parents and guardians are an essential part of this partnership. We encourage open communication and value the trust you place in us each day. By working together, we can help every student overcome obstacles, celebrate successes, and prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey.

We have created a handbook to aid parents/guardians and students to understand the procedures, policies and regulations at Gateway. You can see the handbook here. While Gateway has a specific process designed to meet the needs of the students assigned, the program is still regulated by USD 259 Board of Education Policies. Therefore, the handbook is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of rules and regulations. Items that fall outside those listed in the handbook will be handled at the discretion of the administration based upon BOE policies and what’s best for our building. 

My goal as the building leader is to help create an environment where every student understands that growth is a process. We are not defined by our struggles, our challenges, or the moments when we have fallen short. What matters is our willingness to learn from those experiences and make the choices necessary to become better than we were yesterday. At Gateway, we believe success begins with personal growth. Our staff is committed to helping students develop confidence, responsibility, perseverance, and the skills needed to be successful in school, in their careers, and in life. We want every student to leave Gateway knowing they are capable of more and that their future is shaped by the decisions they make moving forward.

We are committed to building relationships, supporting one another, and working together to help each student reach their potential. My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. Please feel free to call or email me throughout your student’s time at Gateway. I look forward to partnering with you and helping your child find more success as a student and as an individual.

Regards,

Brent Harrell
Principal Gateway Alternative Program