"Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning"
The Challenge Program
The Challenge Program provides services that match a student's identified area(s) of strength and/or talent. Many of these services are provided in the classroom on a regular basis by teachers trained in identifying students' strengths and differentiating instruction accordingly. Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered at the high school level. Additional service options available and determined by need include cluster grouping, independent study, small group activities, mentorships, and/or extra-curricular activities.
Challenge teachers at the elementary and middle school levels work as consultants and collaborators with classroom teachers to plan and implement lessons that challenge students through differentiation of the curricula. Particular attention is paid to extending the depth and complexity of the learning outcomes in developing and adapting units and lessons. As advocates for the academic and affective needs of gifted and talented students, Challenge teachers
* meet with them individually or in small groups to monitor their progress,
* communicate with teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, and parents, and
* assist teachers in arranging the best match of services to stretch students' strengths.
A G/T Task Force, consisting of parents, teachers and administrators, meets several times each year to provide input relevant to the continuous improvement of the Challenge Program.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Challenge program is to identify students with exceptional creative talents and intellectual abilities and to nurture their unique potential, through the collaboration of all stakeholders.