Gifted and Talented Program
Buffett Middle School
GATE Facilitator
Welcome to Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School – home of the Buffett Bobcats. My name is Rachel Howe and I am the Gifted Facilitator at Buffett. I look forward to working with you during the school year.
Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School has maintained an outstanding record of academic excellence. Students who attend Buffett are well prepared to meet the academic rigors of high school. Our mission is to provide a rigorous academic experience that is based on research and best practices and enables all students to achieve their highest potential.
Goals of the Program
The goal of the Gifted and Talented program is to offer a differentiated rigorous curriculum by providing curricular and instructional adaptations that address the unique needs of high ability learners. At Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School, the program is organized to address these needs through a combination of the following methods:
o Differentiation
o Advanced Classes
o Contest/Competitions
o Enrichment Activities and Clubs
How We Communicate
Changes Due to COVID
Book Blasters
Book Blasters students read 10 books throughout the school year. They read these awesome novels at their own pace! We have hard copies you can come pick up or we have access to some Sora copies! Mrs. Tunning and Mrs. Packard are running this activity. You will meet one a month after school virtually to discuss the novels and more! Meetings started at last week of September, but students are always welcome to join in at any time.
Poetry Slam
Think Tank
National Junior Honor Society
As students begin the early stages of greater independence and responsibility at the middle level, they may discover that they excel in their studies, have an interest in leadership and service, and have a thirst for challenge … and accomplishment.
Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) may be an ideal fit! They can become a member through a selection process that concludes with induction into the school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter. Interested 7th and 8th graders can apply during the open application time. Membership in Buffett's chapter is an honor bestowed upon deserving students. Selection for membership is made by the Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship.
Student Council
Being an elected member of StuCo empowers students to make positive changes in our school. Student leaders have a responsibility to be positive role models. They play a vital role in preserving knowledge of and practice in the democratic process. We strive to help each member achieve their full leadership potential.
FERMI Math League
Fermi Math League is open to all students grades 5-8. Three coaches help run the league since over 50 students applied to participate! Additional students are always welcome to join.
Geography Bee
Even though the National Geography Bee was canceled this year, we are still working to have one in house! All students will take a qualifying test in their Social Studies classes in the 1st semester. The questions cover both World and U.S. Geography. Ms. Moyer, the coach, recommends students look at this link from the "Study Corner" on the National Geographic Bee's website. There are links to other study resources. Find these resources at the bottom of the page.
Destination Imagination
Teams of GATE students will work together to solve challenges! Challenges include: technical challenge-complete tasks by using engineering, research, strategic planning and other skills, scientific challenge-students will use scientific research with the creative expression of performance art, fine arts challenge-develop acting and creative skills through artistic media, theater arts, script writing, and prop design, service learning challenge-students will address real-life community issues, and much more! Check out Destination Imagination's website for more information. DI starts in November. There is still time to sign-up!
National History Day
Would you rather work independently? Do you love history? Well, this opportunity is meant for you! Each year, National History Day® frames students’ research within a historical theme. The theme is chosen for broad application to world, national, or state history and its relevance to ancient history or to the more recent past. The 2020-2021 theme is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. Check out National History Day's website for more information. Mr. Becker coaches National History Day. He has lots of experience as a judge in past years! Meetings for NHD have not started yet, so there is time to sign-up still!
5th Grade Boing Math
5th Grade ELA Projects
6th-8th Grade Science Fair
How to Sign Up for these Opportunities
Additional Supports
Gifted and Talented Identification Process
About Us
Email: Rachel.howe@ops.org
Website: www.buffett.ops.org
Location: 14101 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 5312997564
Facebook: facebook.com/alicebuffettmagnetmiddle
Twitter: @Howe2Teach