- 7th grade program: Gilbert Public Schools is looking at the viability of offering two 7th grade gifted classes this fall at Highland Jr. The district has posted an update on their website: the application deadline for this second class has been extended to April 29th, 2016.
- 6th grade program: There may be space, email amber.macrobbie@gilbertschools.net with questions.
- 5th grade program: FULL
- 4th grade program: There may be space, email amber.macrobbie@gilbertschools.net with questions.
The district website with
information on the 7th grade program includes a video and slide show of student work
and projects. Highland Jr is the only
junior high in the district with a comprehensive gifted program, in that their
teachers have received extensive training to work with gifted students and
therefore teachers and students collaborate in depth across subjects.
This has been our experience in the 7th
grade gifted program in 2016-17 ...
This current year the gifted 7th
graders are grouped together in their core classes of English, Social Studies
and Science. For math they are grouped
according to their ability and so many of them are together for math as
well. The teachers for 7th grade gifted honors
science and 7th grade gifted honors math involve their students in projects
that cross both subjects, providing an opportunity for depth not usually seen
in the typical honors classes (student
video is on the district website).
The 7th grade gifted English and gifted Social Studies teachers also
work together to integrate learning across their two subjects, providing their
students with a similar opportunity for depth.
(After their study and role play of Hamlet, SCG students are currently
building a scale model of the Globe Theatre - this integrates multiple subjects. You can see a slide show of their
work on Hamlet and the Globe Theatre on the district website.)
The English teacher has a weekly class
discussion on social/emotional skills. I
requested to observe class on this particular day during first semester and
enjoyed listening to a productive discussion on effort and growth vs. grades
along with a teacher led story on growth and advocating for yourself. The students shared their own insights about
the value of learning from mistakes and experiencing growth. (This supports the GPS Gifted Vision Statement of supporting the needs of the whole child.)
The core teachers of the gifted students
have received extensive training in giftedness and gifted education strategies,
some having their Gifted Endorsement or Masters in Gifted Education.
We have found that the daily homework load
is comparable to what we had in 6th grade, in that because subjects are integrated, students aren't given a mountain of
English homework, a mountain of Social Studies homework, etc. each night. This provides an opportunity to be involved
in extra-curricular activities.
The district policy for comprehensive
junior high schools for students who are unprepared for class is after school
detention, which is called 9th hour.
However, for those gifted students who live outside of the school
boundaries, there is no 9th hour bus to bring them home, so their "9th
hour" is detention during lunch.
This allows them to take their regular bus home. (GCA does it differently. A few years ago when another son attended GCA
their 9th hour adaptation was Saturday School.
If still in practice at GCA, then families provide their own
transportation to and from Saturday school.)
Class size for the core classes is about
28.
Gifted students take electives with other
Highland Jr students - PE, Band, Orchestra, etc. - and my son has enjoyed these
classes and making new friends. The
music program at Highland Jr. is top notch.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Newitt
President, Gilbert Supporters of the Gifted
gilbertgifted@gmail.com
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