Transition 101 January 2017-2018
6th Grade Timelines for Transition Activities
It's the Last Semester of Elementary School!
Pre- Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Parent Information Evening
How do you know if Pre-AP is best for your student? Consider interest, past performance in their subject area, future goals, and other commitments. These factors help to determine appropriate course load. Students can take as many of as few Pre-AP courses as desired.
All 6th grade parents are encouraged to attend the district level Pre-AP Parent Meeting on Tuesday, February 13, beginning at 5:30 pm, in the Berkner High School Auditorium located at 1600 East Spring Valley Road. The meeting includes content-specific concurrent sessions. Attend sessions in any sequence or time slot that best meets your needs. This is a come and go event and Spanish interpreters will be available.
Secondary Gifted and Talented Services
Secondary GT Services
Junior high students who qualify through testing are eligible to take part in a number of services for gifted and talented students. At the secondary level, gifted students are served through their core classes as well as an elective offering.
The goals of Secondary GT Services is to provide learning opportunities that serve the whole gifted child, academically as well as socially and emotionally. Each GT teacher receives specialized training in the unique need and nature of gifted students as well as professional development in gifted curriculum design.
How are GT courses different from Pre-AP courses?
GT courses are Pre-AP courses and cover the same content and standards as non-GT Pre-AP courses. The difference is in how the content is delivered. Research shows that, when GT students are intentionally placed together, their learning outcomes and mental health improve. Because GT students are often able to accelerate and because they
think in different ways from their peers, teachers are able adjust the curriculum in a way that both broadens and deepens student learning through specialized experiences, projects, debates and discussions and the use of gifted curriculum supplements.
What is GT “Humanities”?
GT Humanities is a course that integrates English, Language Arts and Reading with your student’s social studies course. The course adhere to state standards but are planned and taught in such a way that students can understand how literature and history connect to one another. In addition to gaining knowledge and skills about reading, writing, and social studies, student are also able to make inquiries into the realms of art, music, religion, ethics and other areas of the liberal arts. Course materials are selected to be at a level which meets the needs of advanced learners.
What is GT Investigations?
Investigations is an elective offered exclusively to GT students at the junior high level. Students engage in research and projects that are of interest with teacher guidance while also taking time to reflect on their passions, goals, and areas of talent they would
like to develop.
My child was identified as gifted but doesn’t like to read/isn’t motivated/struggles in school, should they take gifted classes?
Our teachers understand that not all gifted children are high achievers. Teachers are willing and able to meet your child where they are in order to unlock their full potential and to teach them the skills they need to be successful in GT classes.
My child was identified as gifted but also wants to be in AVID, is this allowed?
The transition to junior high from elementary school can be a difficult shift, especially for gifted students. Just like their peers, gifted children can struggle with study skills, organization, motivation, and establishing a sense of belonging. For this reason, Secondary GT Services encourages interested parents of gifted students, especially those recently identified, or those who will be the first in their family to attend college, to explore AVID as an elective option. AVID can provide valuable supports for gifted students in the areas of academic skill-building, positive self-image, dealing with stress created by new environments and high secondary expectations, as well as providing a safe space where students feel at home in addition to their gifted classes. Both AVID and Secondary GT have as their main goal the creation of a rigorous learning environment where student are empowered to meet their full potential. If you have any questions about the AVID referral process, contact your junior high campus’ counseling office or
the campus AVID coordinator. If you have questions about how AVID can complement your child’s gifted education, please contact the Secondary GT Specialist at 469.593.0784.
Liberty Junior High GT
Apollo Junior High GT
West Junior High GT and AVID
Junior High Welcome Meetings
Apollo Panther Den Night, February 15, 6:00 pm
Forest Meadow Celebrate FMJH, February 5, 7:00 pm
Lake Highlands Lights on Lake Highlands, February 6, 6:00 pm
Liberty Junior High Jitters, February 13, 6:45 pm
Parkhill Course Registration Night Information available after Winter Break
North Course Registration Night Information available after Winter Break
West Magnet Howdy Night, February 15, 6:30 pm
Westwood Magnet Future Warrior Night, Tentative February 6, 6:30 pm
400 S Greenville Ave.
Richardson, Texas 75081
469-593-0248