Every year we begin gathering additional student data for the year.  This information is shared with this  year’s teachers for planning instruction and learning extensions. This process will be seeking students who require advanced learning opportunities and will be coordinated with the district Gifted and Talented Office. 

A student profile which includes teacher and parent input, characteristic scales, and achievement data is being compiled on individual students. Additionally, an assessment will be used to assess general ability and potential for academic school work. These abilities, which start at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences both in and out of school.

Planning for high potential students individually matches their outstanding strengths and interests to the requirements of advanced materials, extended enrichment opportunities, different methods of learning, and independent study.  In collecting information on our students, we are seeking students who possess outstanding traits compared to age-mates. Some common characteristics of students with exceptional potential include:

•  Leaderships skills
•  Unique creativity or talent
•  Potential to achieve scholastically
•  Advanced vocabulary
•  Exceptional ability in building structures and puzzles
•  Extreme memory skills
•  Sophisticated sense of humor
•  Original approaches to problem solving
•  High motivation to learn and pursue interests
•  Complexity in thinking and connecting ideas

The assessment will be administered to second and seventh grade students the week of September 14, 2008.

You can help your child do his/her best on tests by:

• Being supportive
• Fostering a positive attitude
• Helping your child stay calm
• Going to bed early to ensure a good night’s sleep
• Make sure he/she eats a good breakfast
• Arrive at school on time