If you would like your student screened to see if they can be identified as Gifted, the Gifted referral window is now open for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Per HCPS policy, referrals must be in writing and sent to me between October 10-October 28, 2016. You can refer a student by emailing me, using the “contact” link above (which sends me an email), or sending a note in to me through your child’s teacher. After we receive a Gifted referral, the Gifted Identification Committee gathers data from you, the student’s teacher, and the student’s cumulative file. In most cases, the student does not need to take any additional tests to go through the screening process. A student can be identified as gifted in Math (“Specific Aptitude”), English/Reading (“Specific Aptitude”), or both (“General Aptitude”).
What does being identified as Gifted do for your student? Students identified as Gifted in HCPS receive clustered enrichment and differentiated instruction from their regular classroom teacher in elementary school, but they also receive weekly instruction from our Gifted Resource Teacher (Ms. Burriesci). In 5th grade, they may also have the option of Early Bird (5/6) math. In middle and high school, being identified as Gifted might expand elective options and of course looks great on specialty center and college applications! Questions? Ask the experts! HCPS Gifted Services is hosting a parent info session for schools in the Fairfield District (that’s us!) on October 27th from 6:30-8:00 pm at Harvie Elementary.
*Please note that we are not allowed to accept any referrals outside of the referral windows set by HCPS. If you would like to refer a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade student, please do so by October 28, 2016. If you have a Kindergartner, 1st grader, or 2nd grader, that referral window will be January 2-20, 2017. Please reach out if you have any questions!