SCPS High School Gifted Education
Welcome Back to School Edition
We are Your HS Gifted Resource Teachers
Welcome to SCPS’s gifted program. There are so many programs, it can make one’s head spin-it can make one crazy! But fear not, there is help to maneuver the crazy, hectic path that is high school. We are your Gifted Resource teachers. Although our students’ education will take various forms and pathways while in SCPS, we are here to help, counsel, and guide you and your students.
We hope your child’s time in SCPS will be exciting and academically challenging. Hopefully, you will take advantage of the many opportunities our schools have to offer. As high school Gifted Resource teachers, we are available to answer any questions you may have about the gifted services and programs that are available to our students.
Unlike the elementary and middle school programs, the gifted program in high school is not a pull-out program. Hopefully, students will be participating in programs like the Commonwealth Governor’s School, the College Board’s AP Capstone Program in which you are enrolled in honors and AP courses, or the International Baccalaureate program to ensure there is rigor in coursework.
We encourage students to take challenging courses that offer higher level thinking skills and that address individual needs, interests, and strengths--courses that will prepare students for university studies. If you have any questions or concerns about classes, please do not hesitate to contact your Gifted Resource teacher. Our role is to be an advocate for you in your search for learning opportunities whether those are classes, activities, or summer programs.
We are available as a resource to all students in SCPS who are interested in pursuing enriching learning opportunities. Our hope is that each of you finds your time at school full of rich experiences that will inspire your love of learning—both inside and outside the classroom.
Contact Information
Kevin Bouffard (BPHS) bouffardkj@staffordschools.net
Feli Cardenas (NSHS) cardenasfh@staffordschools.net
Susan Easter (CFHS) eastersl@staffordschools.net
Kali Hamill (MVHS) hamillkm@staffordschools.net
Helga Purnell (SHS) purnellhj@staffordschools.net
Stephenie Fellinger (SCPS Gifted Facilitator) fellingersl@staffordschools.net
Strategies For A Year of Success
Welcome back to a new school year! It is time to trade in our beach bags and flip flops for backpacks and laptops, time to change from looking to see what Netflix shows dropped to what just dropped on Canvas. As we soaked up the last rays of summer and thought about the good times we shared with family and friends, August was also a great time to reflect on the past year: what worked in the classroom and what didn’t; what changes should be made to ensure success in the upcoming school year? Today is a great time to set yourself up for success. Try these three strategies to begin the school year:
Decide how to allocate your time in the classroom and outside of school. Brain dump using Post It notes. Chunk your time and put all similar Post Its together. Put it all on a pie chart (homework, TV, work,...). Attach a percentage of time to each area of the pie chart. Step back and now you have a snapshot of your day. Ask yourself if this benefits you. Do changes need to be made?
Evaluate the effectiveness of your learning style. Break down step by step how you study. Goal set and break down your big goals down into meaningful and intentional steps.
Create a culture of trust for your learning/schoolwork. Make a T-Chart. On the left, write down what gets in the way of you accomplishing tasks. On the right, adopt a mindset on how to tackle what gets in your way.
It is time to reflect, change, and find that childlike curiosity that keeps us all learning. Let's make this year a year of success!
This past summer, I ... by Shannon Harrel (NSHS)
This past summer, I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Summer Residential Governor's School at Radford University where I was a part of their Theatre program. I auditioned both my sophomore and junior year and finally made it on my second try. I had an absolutely extraordinary time. I learned new techniques to help me be a better and more confident actor. In addition to learning new things, it was cool to be around so many like-minded people both in the theatre program and the entire Governor School population. I made many friends who I became closer to in a month than with people that I’ve known for years. I know the people I met at SRGS will remain close to me for a very long time. The entire Governor School experience brings together people who may have not have met or talked to each other in a normal school setting. I am so grateful that I was able to attend the summer program, and I would highly recommend that others take the chance and apply!
It Was Life-Changing...by Katherine Nguyen (CFHS)
Senior To-Do List
The year that you have been waiting for has finally arrived-SENIOR YEAR! At first glance, you may see a year full of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime and of course the infamous Senioritis. But do not be fooled. The year starts off fast and does not slow down. Many important decisions will be made that will influence your trajectory in life. Not only do you have to review your current course load to make sure you have a challenging schedule, but you need to determine what colleges you will be applying to. Senior year means you need to put your game plan into action. Below is an August/September To-Do List to help keep your plans on course:
- Narrow down your college wish list. You may want to add a Rolling Admissions College just so you have a college admittance in your back pocket “just in case…” Make sure you have reach, target, and likely colleges to round out your list of schools which also include a possible Early Decision or Early Actions.
- Register for any last remaining standardized tests. Be sure to look at dates if you are applying Early Decision or Early Action.
- Begin sending emails to counselors or teachers who you will be asking to write letters of recommendations for you. Remember some teachers are asked to write letters by many students, so you want to be at the top of the list.
- Begin filling out the Common Application or whichever major application you will be using.
- Request a transcript from your counselor to double-check everything is as it should be. Look at your GPA, your class rank, your grades, your past classes,…
- Put the finishing touch on your main college essay.
- Review which colleges on your list require supplemental essays.
Senior year may be fun and spirited, but it can also be overwhelming, especially the first few months. With careful planning, however, seniors can enjoy the year that has been twelve years in the making.
Students, Naviance Can Be Your New Best Friend!
Students have access to a wonderful free tool called Naviance through their Google login. Naviance is a career and college readiness platform for high school students. Using Naviance students can: complete interest, skill and career surveys, set goals and create to-do lists, search for scholarships, create a resume, and conduct college searches. Additionally, Naviance provides links to the common application for college and AP College Board. Students can add files and test scores as well as request transcripts from their high school through Naviance. Take a look at Naviance today! Feel free to reach out to your Gifted Education Resource teacher for more information about Naviance.
Making Connections this year … (from Parenting for High Potential)
- Find a tutor or a mentor for academic and social and emotional support for your child.
- Engage in family fun to build soft skills. Board games, hiking, and similar activities on weekends help your child build confidence and relational skills.
- Help your child develop speaking skills to cultivate leadership and self-advocacy skills such as public speaking and debate.
- Connect with coaches, club leaders, teachers, or other adults who your children can identify with and see themselves.
- Maintain multi-lingual heritage for the children’s collective identity and career readiness.
- Ask your gifted children how they want to be understood. Listen and wait for their response. They will tell you!
Good Read
Upcoming Dates
- September 3: Oct. 2 SAT Registration Deadline
- September 3-6: Labor Day Break
- September 9: GAC Meeting 6:00 School Board Chambers
Quote of the Month
What is "Giftedness?"
Students who are gifted possess the potential to achieve high levels of accomplishment that need to be recognized and addressed. They demonstrate extraordinary intellectual performance capability in general or specific aptitudes which qualifies them to receive special services in order to meet their educational needs.