Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined. …Thoreau

Gifted Ed Program Design: Student Directed at High School Gifted Ed Program Design: Student Directed at High School Gifted Ed Facilitator, Counselor & YOU!! Customized Schedules College & Career Preparation Extra- Curricular Activities Challenge Courses Contests & Competitions 357 GT students = 17% of D38 high school pop.

GT Students: Very Diverse A range of “areas of Gift” (gifted in one area is not gifted across the board) D38 identifies 3 areas of gift: 1. verbal (language arts) 2. quantitative (math) 3. Other (non-verbal) Difficult to stereotype the GT student; although those stereotypes exist – sometimes it feels as if you are “Gifted and Cursed” rather than “Gifted and Talented”

Some of the “Curses” of being Gifted: Procrastination—it’s worked well thus far, so why not? Pressure to perform which can lead to: – Perfectionism (not “good enough”…) – Stress, Anxiety and Depression – Rebellion/Defiance and Underachieving (not even trying in case might “fail”)

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students Demonstrate extraordinary abilities in one or more areas and mild to severe disabilities  Have been identified GT and also have 504 or IEP  2e Support through collaboration of GT with other case managers and interventionists

GT Survival Guide for High School Develop your areas of passion/interest: discover your “stand-out factor”; what makes you uniquely YOU! Take advantage of D38 offerings in academics, enrichment and extracurricular activities. Get to know your teachers, counselors, and support staff. We all want to support you! Advocate/communicate what you need…your parents become “coaches.” Find your Voice !

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND… Gifted Ed programming focuses on post- graduate planning starting with you, the freshman class, NOT to take away from enjoying the present reality as a new high school student, but to ensure that you can accomplish your goals that can lead to realizing your dreams.

ACADEMIC PLANNING Your High School transcript matters! Your High School transcript matters! Course Selection and GPA are important all four years of high school: BEWARE OF TAKING COURSES ONLY TO KEEP CLASS RANKING! Course Selection and GPA are important all four years of high school: BEWARE OF TAKING COURSES ONLY TO KEEP CLASS RANKING! As a Junior, ACT and SAT scores will also be critical for college admissions As a Junior, ACT and SAT scores will also be critical for college admissions

Minimum College Entrance Academic Requirements for the Class of 2018 As per CCHE to be admitted to Public College or University: 4 years of English 4 years of Math – Algebra I or higher 3 years of Natural Science – 2 must be laboratory courses 3 years of Social Studies – 1 must be US History or World Civilization 1 year of Foreign language 2 years of Academic Electives **Check with prospective colleges. Requirements vary depending on the institution and intended major.

Differentiation – key to success when building your resume FOUR MAIN AREAS ASSESSED for Selective College Admissions*: Academic Excellence: Area of interest a focus Leadership: Demonstrate examples of leadership Community Service/Volunteerism: Civic responsibility; reach beyond themselves Passion/Vision: Demonstrate passion about something; true joyfulness (For Military Academies: Excellence in Academics, Athletics, Leadership, Character) *PLEASE REFERENCE Ivy/Selective College Preparation checklist; it is also posted on the Gifted Ed and Counseling websites

Selective or “Ivy” College Academic Requirements: --rigor demonstrated in all core subjects with electives supporting student interests… Did the student challenge themselves? This is even more important than straight A’s! (--Mrs. Chambers, MIT Educational Consultant)  Honors Classes (non-weighted but highly recommended)  AP Classes (weighted)  Gifted Ed Classes: Independent Studies (student-directed learning)—Mind Works is a prerequisite class  Internships : Self-directed, or through programs such as Memorial Link, Educational Field Exerience etc.  Concurrent Enrollment at PPCC or UCCS (due to acceleration)  Specific Coursework required by the College you are applying to (reference the college’s website even now!)

Enrichment Opportunities! Find something you’re passionate about and get involved! Service to Community is very important. Many projects/activities can be completed during the summer in order to keep your life less stressful Summer Enrichment Programs: -- Please visit the Gifted Ed website for some options…. --Application/registration deadlines often begin in March Costa Rica/Panama Outward Bound Leadership Course: May 27-June 6; See Ms. Breazzano if interested Note: Not sponsored by D38!

Contests and Competitions A variety of events available throughout the year such as:  Knowledge Bowl  Science Olympiad  History Day  Math Competitions  Local, State and National Academic Contests …. Refer to high school websites and announcements throughout the year!

Extracurricular Activities Band and Choir Sports A variety of Clubs and Community Organizations: –Student Council –Art and Drama Clubs –Key Club –DECA –National Honor Society etc. You can create your own Club with a teacher sponsor!

Design your 4 year academic plan Now! * Reference the course guide and look at what courses are offered; note prerequisites Consider your enrichment and extracurricular activities to maintain balance Each year this Plan will be revised * Note: Example of 4 year plan for Selective College Program track…

Regardless of what college you attend, this formula works for any life endeavor “…hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard…”

Scholarships and Financial Awards Available even for freshmen Reference Gifted Ed and Counseling websites for links –A spreadsheet organized by a D38 student during her freshman year is available with more than 50 links and notes for your convenience

PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS The Boettcher Scholarship as the “Bar”: 40 are awarded each year covering full tuition, fees, living expenses and books at any Colorado University Must be from Colorado and rank in top 5% with outstanding SAT/ACT scores as a minimum criteria Eligible applicants are assessed based on: Evidence of leadership and involvement Service to community and school Superior scholastic ability Outstanding character –Let us know if you want to be considered. Your freshman year counts!

Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) required for all GT students: A written individualized STUDENT-DIRECTED educational plan required by Colorado Dept. of Education for gifted students wishing to continue services : Goals and options for student success and optimal learning outlined College and career plans addressed Strategies designed to work through academic and personal/social challenge Complete your ALP on Naviance. Print out a copy, have your parent sign it and return it to the front office by Monday, September 21. Freshman Student Consultations will be scheduled during the school day: September- November.

Gifted Ed Facilitator as YOUR RESOURCE! PLEASE contact Ms. Breazzano with any questions or concerns: LPHS Office: #116 in Social Studies Pod Phone: (719) PRHS Office: First level, near front office Phone: (719)

THANK YOU FOR COMING Please refer to Gifted Ed webpage at or for events, activities and announcements throughout the year! THANK YOU FOR COMING Please refer to Gifted Ed webpage at or for events, activities and announcements throughout the year! Please remember to drop off your ALP report by Tuesday, September 16!!